49th Parallel

About the Artist
Northern Light is David Sandler, Spence Peterson, Gary Lopac and Nick Raths. Sandler handles much of the writing, arranging and production with help from group members. Spence Peterson co-wrote cut# 8, "Minnesota" which hit the national charts and sings lead on the title cut, "49th Parallel". Gary is the versatile vocalist in the group with an angelic voice that covers three octave range. Nick is a virtuoso guitarist who brings a classical awareness and keen music sense to the group.

Northern Light looks forward to sharing their music with the growing of fans who love their music.

Product Description
This album is best described as symphonic pop in the tradition of Brian Wilson, Phil Spector and others. Vocals may recall the California Sound of the 60's and the scope of the backing or instrumental tracks that of Spector. These musical currents combine with new ideas of the album's producer and present a unique modern synthesis which asserts the validity of serious pop expression as legitimate and worthy.

In much the same way the Beach Boys represented the image of West Coast life so Northern Light pursues the pristine and varied face of the Northland- from cozy winter romance to checking out teen ballrooms located on a lake. The idea is to give the listener a journey to a new and exciting place that is sincere and indigenous to the artist.

We seek to soar: 5-4-3-2-1. Do we have lift-off?

49th Parallel,Northern Light,Glacier,Pop

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Average customer rating: She did it again ! A Place To Go Pure gold Stark Beauty kd lang at her best

Hymns of the 49th Parallel k.d. lang Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Heroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Wonderful World Ingénue Shadowland Reintarnation Absolute Torch and Twang ASIN: B000267J10 Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. After the Gold Rush (Young)
2. Simple (lang/Piltch)
3. Helpless (Young)
4. A Case of You (Mitchell)
5. The Valley (Siberry)
6. Hallelujah (Cohen)
7. One Day I Walk (Cockburn)
8. Fallen (Sexsmith)
9. Jericho (Mitchell)
10. Bird on a Wire (Cohen)
11. Love Is Everything (Siberry)

Amazon.com

Was it homesickness that compelled longtime Los Angeles resident k.d. lang to fashion her one-woman campaign for north-of-the-border nationalism, or just plain good sense? All Canadian content has long been a mainstay of the Canadian Broadcasting System, but few have selected their material with such a fine hand and a high aesthetic. The expatriate singer has taken great pains to create a sophisticated homage to her Canadian roots, elegantly reinterpreting 11 songs penned by some of her more illustrious countrymen (and women) such as Jane Siberry, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen. The idiosyncratic chanteuse turns Cohen's "Bird on a Wire" into an aching monochromatic lament, exploring new tributaries of pain that didn't exist in the original, while recasting Neil Young's "Helpless" into a haunting anthem of memory and comfort, all the while sounding anything but helpless. A gorgeous love letter to her brethren, complete with an intelligent and understated orchestration. --Jaan Uhelszki

Album Description

Hymns of the 49th Parallel fulfills k.d. lang's longstanding desire to create a Canadian songbook. On the album, her first for Nonesuch Records, she pays homage to fellow Canadian artists including Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Jane Siberry, Ron Sexsmith, and Bruce Cockburn.

Customer Reviews:

She did it again !.......2007-06-19

I love this ! Absolutely wonderful.

A Place To Go.......2007-03-27

K.D. Lang's "Hymns of the 49th Parallel" is a good disc that celebrates her fellow Canadian artists. Often softened by strings, as on Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," Lang's voice is an amazingly expressive instrument. Ron Sexsmith's "Fallen" is a lovely melody that Lang polishes as she jumps into the upper register, "Love is always on the go." From Joni Mitchell's "Don Juan's Restless Daughter" set, Lang covers "Jericho" and shines Mitchell's idiosyncratic melody with its jazz inflections and unmasks the beauty in the piece, "I'll try to keep myself open up to you; It gets easier & easier to do, just like Jericho, let these walls come tumbling down now." Neil Young's "Helpless" is my favorite track on the set. It is such classic pop material that Lang nails with her vocal commitment, "There is a town in north Ontario, with dream comfort memory to spare, And in my mind I still need a place to go." It's exquisite. This 2004 set peaked @ #55 on the Billboard charts and at #2 on the Canadian charts. It is well worth dusting off this classic covers set that has timelessness as it spans songs from 1969 to 2001. Enjoy!

Pure gold.......2007-03-08

This set of covers sung by kd is truly intoxicating!

Having been a longtime kd fan, I was surprised that I never heard of the CD until a friend played it for me. This is mood music for romance and/or reflection.

The piano production is particularly outstanding, but kd's vocals are simply, well, unparalleled.

Stark Beauty .......2007-02-20

An amazing set of songs sung by an amazing singer. The beauty of lang's voice is a tonic to the senses. She makes all these songs her own. The best being "Love Is Everything" - - one of the saddest songs I have ever heard. kd has never sounded better. This is her at her best.

kd lang at her best.......2007-02-11

I have always loved kd lang, but I like this cd the best. Her singing is smooth as always, and the song choice is great. The 49th parallel (in case you didn't know) is the Canadian/US border, and the title refers to her homage to some of the greatest Canadian singer songwriters; Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Jane Siberry. An interesting side note: When Johnny Carson died, lang made a special appearance on the Tonight Show at Jay Leno's request. Apparently she was Carson's favorite. If you caught the performance, it was beautiful and very moving. The song she sang was from this cd. If you want a cd to lift your spirits give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Film Music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Vol. 2 Ralph Vaughan Williams and his Film Music

Film Music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Film Music of Vaughan Williams 1 The Film Music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Vol. 3 The Film Music of Clifton Parker Film Music of Sir Malcolm Arnold, Vol. 1 The Film Music of Sir Arthur Bliss ASIN: B0002MPQM8 Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. Prologue
3. Control Room Alert
4. Hudson Bay Post
5. Looting The Store
6. Death Of Kuhnecke
7. Hutterite Settlement (A) Anna's Volkslied
8. Hutterite Settlement (B) The Wheat Harvest
9. Winnipeg I
10. Winnipeg II
11. Nazi March
12. Indian Music I
13. Indian Music II
14. Indian Music III
15. Nazis On The Run & The Lake In The Mountains
16. Prelude
17. Moderato - Allegro Moderato - Lento - Adagio
18. I. Title. Allegro Maestoso - Street Scene - Countryside...
19. II. Books. Andante Con Moto - Seamen. Allegero Animato Dance. Allegro Moderato -
20. III. Stratfor. Andante Tranquillo - Maps - Red Indians - River Avon - Charlcote...
21. IV. Treasures. Allegretto (Tempo Da Gavotte) - New Houses. Allegro Maestoso..
22. V. King's College. Largo - River Avon. Andante - Finale Scenes. Allegro Maestoso

Customer Reviews:

Film Music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Vol. 2.......2007-01-06

This CD features the score Vaughan Williams wrote for the 1941 British film 49th Parallel. The music is a series of musical portraits of various parts of the film. The film itself was an effort to bring to the United States the story of how Canada was helping the British war effort. The hope was that the United States would soon become an ally of Great Britain in its war against the Nazi's. While the music for the film has been preserved, there is no current DVD copy of the film for region 1. Turner Classic Movies shows the film from time to time.

Ralph Vaughan Williams and his Film Music.......2006-10-31

Ralph Vaughan Williams' film scores are outstanding. What images he created when you listen to CD. I found this CD in a used bin. I was really surprised. I no longer have to wait to hear them on public radio!

Average customer rating: Vaughan Williams --- off the beaten path Hickox Conducts Vaughan Williams

Hickox Conducts Vaughan Williams Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ralph Vaughan Williams: A Cotswold Romance / Death of Tintagiles - London Philharmonic Choir / London Symphony Orchestra / Richard Hickox Vaughan Williams: Complete Concertos Vaughan Williams: Over hill, over dale Hodie / Fantasia on Christmas Carols Holst: Orchestral Works ASIN: B00004TQQ6 Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

1. Ser To Music (Orch Version) - Bradley Creswick
2. The Poisoned Kiss - Ov - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
3. Old King Cole - A Ballet For Orch: (Allegro Moderato) - Bradley Creswick/Stephen Roberts
4. Old King Cole - A Ballet For Orch: Pipe Dance - Bradley Creswick/Stephen Roberts
5. Old King Cole - A Ballet For Orch: Bowl Dance - Bradley Creswick/Stephen Roberts
6. Old King Cole - A Ballet For Orch: Morris Jig: ' Go And List For A Sailor' - Bradley Creswick/Stephen Roberts
7. Old King Cole - A Ballet For Orch: Folk Sing: 'A Bold Young Farmer' - Bradley Creswick/Stephen Roberts
8. Old King Cole - A Ballet For Orch: The Jolly Thresherman - Bradley Creswick/Stephen Roberts
9. Old King Cole - A Ballet For Orch: Solo Jig - Bradley Creswick/Stephen Roberts
10. Five Mystical Songs: Easter - Sinf Chor/Alan Fearon/Stephen Roberts
11. Five Mystical Songs: I Got Me Flowers - Sinf Chor/Alan Fearon/Stephen Roberts
12. Five Mystical Songs: Love Bade Me Welcome - Sinf Chor/Alan Fearon/Stephen Roberts
13. Five Mystical Songs: The Call - Sinf Chor/Alan Fearon/Stephen Roberts
14. Five Mystical Songs: Antiphon - Sinf Chor/Alan Fearon/Stephen Roberts
15. Prld On An Old Carol Tune - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
16. The Running Set - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
17. Prld: 49th Parallel - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
18. Sea Songs - March - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox

Tracks:

1. The Lark Ascending - Bradley Creswick
2. Two Hymn - Tune Prlds: 1. Eventide - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
3. Two Hymn - Tune Prlds: 2. Dominus Regit Me - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
4. Ob Con in a: I. Rondo Pastorale (Allegro Moderato) - Roger Winfield
5. Ob Con in a: II. Minuet And Musette (Allegro Moderato) - Roger Winfield
6. Ob Con in a: III. Finale: Scherzo (Presto - Lento - Presto) - Roger Winfield
7. Fant on 'Greensleeves' - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
8. Three Prlds Founded On Welsh Hymn Tunes: 2. Rhosymedre - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
9. Three Prlds Founded On Welsh Hymn Tunes: 3. Hyfrydal - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
10. Con Accademico (Con For Vn And Strs in d): I. Allegro Pesante - Bradley Creswick
11. Con Accademico (Con For Vn And Strs in d): II. Adagio - Bradley Creswick
12. Con Accademico (Con For Vn And Strs in d): III. Presto - Bradley Creswick
13. Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus': Adagio - Bradley Creswick
14. Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus': I. 1/4nt = 1/4nt - - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
15. Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus': II. Allegro Moderato - - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
16. Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus': III. 1/4nt = 150 - - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
17. Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus': IV. L'Istesso Tempo - - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox
18. Five Variants Of 'Dives And Lazarus': V. Adagio - Northern Sinf Of England/Richard Hickox

Customer Reviews:

Vaughan Williams --- off the beaten path.......2006-05-16

This ample collection demonstrates that Richard Hickox has to be considered one the leading Vaughan Williams interpreters in the post-Boult world, as he puts forth sparkling performances of many little-known works, including the Concerto accademico and the film music "49th Parallel," among others. Quite a number of these compositions are rarely recorded, if ever; it is quite nice to see them in a very affordable collection such as this.

Like another reviewer, I find the affected style of Stephen Roberts to be distracting & annoying. Also, the orchestral version of the Serenade to Music is a pale imitation of the original version...if you have heard Boult's recording, you will understand that the original version is far superior. It is a shame that it wasn't included here.

These are mere quibbles, however. For a dirt-cheap price, you have the opportunity to fill in the gaps of your Vaughan Williams collection. There is no good reason to pass on this. If you stumble across these CDs (I found mine at BestBuy of all places), grab it.

Hickox Conducts Vaughan Williams.......2000-09-05

This is a most-welcome CD release, especially since it contains a number of pieces not available on CD until now. It's also excellent value--two discs for the price of one.

Of particular interest is the curious ballet Old King Cole, written for an outdoor performance at Trinity College, Cambridge. Essentially a light-hearted piece, the music is not of the highest level of inspiration overall, but there are moments of real beauty that make up for any shortcomings in the score. For the convinced Vaughan Williams admirer, this is a must-have (RVW himself recorded some of this music; this early mono recording has been released on CD by Pearl records.)

Other items of similar interest include the Prelude On An Old Carol Tune, written for a BBC radio play, and a pair of hard-to-find marches. The instrumental version of the Serenade to Music is a gorgeous novelty, but no substitute for the original version for 16 vocalists and orchestra.

Also included are two important concertos; one for oboe and one for violin, both with string accompaniment. The violin concerto receives the better performance. The rendering of the oboe concerto suffers from too-slow tempi, particularly in the final movement. Neither are major works, but are nonetheless full of interest and deserve to be better known.

Some well-known RVW works are included, among them The Lark Ascending and Five Mystical Songs. The latter is marred by the soloist's excessive tendency to roll his r's--an almost comical sound sometimes. RVW was known to have disliked this sort of affectation.

Overall a valuable collection for anyone interested in this composer. The recordings were made in the 1980s.

Average customer rating:

Red Shoes: Music From the Films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, 1941-1951 Manufacturer: Cd41 (UK) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Red Shoes - Criterion Collection Snakes & Arrows ASIN: B000068PVB Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Archers Ident
2. 49th Parallel: Prelude
3. 49th Parallel: Epilogue
4. Matter of Life and Death: Prelude/This Is the Universe
5. Matter of Life and Death: The Waiting Room/Washed Ashore
6. Matter of Life and Death: Prelude/Stairway to Heaven
7. Airman's Letter to His Mother: Narrative by Sir John Gielgud
8. Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: Prelude
9. Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: War Starts at Midnight
10. Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: Commando Patrol
11. Canterbury Tales: Prelude
12. Canterbury Tales: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
13. Red Shoes: Prelude
14. Red Shoes: Ballet Music
15. Black Narcissus: Prologue
16. Black Narcissus: Composed Sequence
17. Gone to Earth: Prelude
18. Gone to Earth: The Tryst
19. Gone to Earth: The Hunt
20. Small Back Room: Composed Sequence
21. Small Back Room: Epilogue
22. Tales of Hoffman: Orchestral Tuning

Album Description

22 tracks. THE RED SHOES is a 74 minute collection of rare original soundtrack recordings from the classic films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (The Archers), made between 1941 and 1951. Those featured include: 49th Parallel (1941) Ralph Vaughn Williams (aka The Invaders) Stairway to Heaven (1946) Allan Gray (aka A Matter of Life & Death) The Life & Death of Col Blimp (1943) Allan Gray A Canterbury Tale (1944) Allan Gray / JS Bach Black Narcissus (1947) Brian Easdale The Red Shoes (1948) Brian Easdale Gone to Earth (1950) Brian Easdale (aka The Wild Heart) The Small Back Room (1949) Brian Easdale Tales of Hoffman (1951) Jacques Offenbach. As well as digitally restored original soundtrack music by the undervalued Gray and Easdale, this carefully researched CD also features a number of rare associated recordings, including John Gielgud's reading of An Airman's Letter to his Mother (1941), the lively quickstep Commando Patrol from Col. Blimp and A Canterbury Tale, and a superlative rendering of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, recorded by Albert Schweitzer in London in 1935, also featured in A Canterbury Tale. The booklet features detailed notes on the films and their accompanying scores, and well as biographies of Allan Gray and Brian Easdale. The CD is a must for all with an interest in vintage film soundtracks and British light/orchestral music, as well as the dazzling vision of Michael Powell and his musical collaborators.

Average customer rating: Great forgotten scores! Rare music, worth every penny, awesomely played.

Great British Film Music Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000004291 Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

1. Richard III: Prelude
2. Anna Karenina - Suite: Overture
3. Anna Karenina - Suite: Forlane
4. Anna Karenina - Suite: Love Scene
5. Anna Karenina - Suite: Finale
6. Oliver Twist - 2 Lyrical Pieces: Fagin's Romp
7. Oliver Twist - 2 Lyrical Pieces: Finale
8. An Ideal Husband: Waltz
9. An Ideal Husband: Galop
10. Escape Me Never
11. The Invaders: 49th Parallel
12. Things To Come - Suite: Prologue
13. Things To Come - Suite: March
14. Things To Come - Suite: Building of the New World
15. Things To Come - Suite: Attack on the Moon Gun
16. Things To Come - Suite: Epilogue

Customer Reviews:

Great forgotten scores!.......1999-07-24

The Hermann recordings on this disc are invaluable as a source for some of the forgotten contributors to film music, the British. Walton's overture to "Richard III" is rendered with with superb color and rumbustiousness. Lambert's "Anna Karenina" comes off hauntingly beautiful, as is Vaughn Williams' "49th Parallel." The scant two selections from Sir Arnold Bax's wonderful (and only) score to the 1948 David Lean adaptation of "Oliver Twist" is rendered a bit deliberately by Herrmann; but all of the wit, rich texture, and glorious animation of Bax's masterful composition is done justice. [Silva America has made a fuller recording of Bax's score--over 14 min. worth--on their recent "Great British Film Music Album," (taken from Kenneth Alwyn's sadly out-of-print complete recording) but unfortunately--as with Herrmann's recording--excludes "Oliver and the Artful Dodger," one of the score's most stirrng highlights.] Herrmann's rendition of Arthur Bliss' "Things to Come," however, is absolutely magnificent, perfect. Bliss' awesome score is inspiringly evocative, from it's ominous opening strains to it's wonderfully melodramatic Finale. Unlike most of today's film music, these are no mere "backgrounds," but dramatic utterances that stand up as classic compositions on their own! Other recordings along these lines also recommended, Rhino's Korngold compilation "Music From the Golden Age;" Koch International's recording of Herrmann's much underrated "Devil and Daniel Webster;" and Marco Polo's "Historical Romances - Korngold, Newman, Steiner."

Rare music, worth every penny, awesomely played........1998-11-05

I admit that it was Bernard Herrmann's name conducting the National PO that got me interested in this disc. I knew Bennie had a thing for French impressionists (and conducted a few of their works), but where else did his interest lie? Why, the British impressionists, of course, so the inclusion of Bax's music from Oliver Twist is no surprise. But the star is Constant Lambert's music from Anna Karenina, music so achingly beautiful that it will haunt you for days (would you expect less from the composer of, no I'm not kidding, Mr. Bear Squash-you-all-flat). Less in the impressionistic mode are the usual suspects of British cinema/concert hall fame: Walton, Benjamin, and Vaughan Williams. Don't think you'll be listening to "background" music here. These men were not slumming and each piece stands perfectly alone without any visuals. This is exemplified by Arthur Bliss' Things to Come Suite, a score which cries out to get a full recording, but until then, Herrmann's reading is good to have. Sound quality is excellent from London circa 1975. Highly recommended. s

Average customer rating: Beauty of the Heartland

49th Parallel Northern Light Manufacturer: Glacier ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0008GHW2U Release Date: 2005-04-01

Tracks:

1. Beauty (Is in the Eyes)
2. Lakeshore Ballroom
3. American Fantasy
4. Think Snow
5. Lake Harriet Chorale
6. Neighborhoods
7. 49th Parallel
8. Minnesota
9. Runnin'
10. Foosball Man
11. Mystical Reunion
12. Snow Prayer

Product Description

This album is best described as symphonic pop in the tradition of Brian Wilson, Phil Spector and others. Vocals may recall the California Sound of the 60's and the scope of the backing or instrumental tracks that of Spector. These musical currents combine with new ideas of the album's producer and present a unique modern synthesis which asserts the validity of serious pop expression as legitimate and worthy. In much the same way the Beach Boys represented the image of West Coast life so Northern Light pursues the pristine and varied face of the Northland- from cozy winter romance to checking out teen ballrooms located on a lake. The idea is to give the listener a journey to a new and ezciting place that is sincere and indigenous to the artist. We seek to soar: 5-4-3-2-1. Do we have lift-off?

Customer Reviews:

Beauty of the Heartland.......2005-04-01

Northern Light has done it again, 12 tracks that will put anyone in a great mood. The harmonies and themes are remindful of Brian Wilson's work during his Beach Boys Today period. The beat is perfect for driving down a curving highway or skiing a giant slalom effortlessly. The songs are fast but not out of control.

I particularly liked Eye of the Beholder: it's been stuck in my head for a week and it just plain makes me feel that the world is full of youthful exuberance.

The song "Minnesota" gives me goosebumps. There's something about the heartland that is very comforting and Northern Light captures the feeling of returning home after escaping to a California that turns out not to have been the right one to dream about.

Songwriters have always been drawn to the ocean or big city streets for their themes. It's about time that someone fully developed a musical picture of the land of lakes. This song, as do other tracks from this album, glorifies the natural elements that make up the heartland of America. It's about time.

Appropriately the song American Fantasy references the great 1980 gold medal hockey miracle in this the 25th anniversary of that event. That song makes winter look pretty good.

The title song, 49th Parallel, adds to the total vision of this album: the beauty of the northland and the desirability of the life that goes along with it.

All in all this 49th Parallel album makes me want to dance; it makes me want to drive; it makes me want to sing in the shower; it makes me want to run through a pine forest and dive into a shimmering lake.

Average customer rating: Includes two of Vaughan Williams' chamber works

Vaughan Williams: Violin Sonata; String Quartet No. 2, etc. Vaughan Williams , and Nash Ensemble Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00006644H Release Date: 2002-06-11

Customer Reviews:

Includes two of Vaughan Williams' chamber works.......2004-05-14

Vaughan Williams' mature chamber works amount to a handful and they are still neglected compared to his orchestral works. Yet they reflect his output as a whole, ranging from the lyrical 1st string quartet of his early maturity to the more edgy, tense late works like the 2nd string quartet and violin sonata, though even these last two have plenty of VW's unique lyricism to quiet the troubled mind.

This Hyperion disc contains five works, all played by members of the Nash Ensemble. The first is a short piano piece, The Lake in the Mountains (1941). This beautiful miniature, containing some delicious harmonies and bell sounds, must have been unexpected from a composer who did not seem to get on with the piano. It reminds me of John Ireland's music in some respects, though there is a strong Gallic influence. The influence of his old teacher, Ravel, is sometimes underestimated.

Six Studies in English Folks song (1926) for cello and piano are based on English folk songs. VW always treated these tunes with great respect and preserved their beauty without adding too much of himself. Like Bartok, Vaughan Williams found in national folk song the key to his true individuality.

The Phantasy Quintet (1912) is the composer's first truly great chamber work and dates from the time of A London Symphony. The Prelude is one of those movements that brings me out in goose bumps. It is full of those soaring violin lines and modal harmonies which go to make his lyricism. It is a lyricism which connects the listener to the sky and the landscape and not, as with Mahler, to the interior life. Next there is a delightful scherzo, followed by a tender Alla sarabanda, in which the cello is absent and the other instruments are muted. VW has a bit of fun in the final Burlesca. It is based on a clod-hopping little tune, which might be a slow peasant dance.

The Violin Sonata (1952) is his last major chamber work and his most neglected one. In three movements, it lasts nearly half an hour. The opening Fantasia is full of nervous energy and virtuosic violin writing. Calm alternates with passages of faster, more disonant music. There is something ironic about the scherzo, like the clown with a grim secret, and it is this which makes it so powerful. The theme of the final movement (Thema con Variazioni) is taken from the piano quintet of fifty years earlier (now available on CD). It a gentle, memorable tune on which VW composes variations. This is a fine work and should be much better known.

The Second String Quartet (1943) is arguably his greatest chamber work. A satellite of the great Six Symphony, it has the same turbulence and angst in the 1st and 3rd movements. It was composed for a young violist friend of the composer for her birthday and he gave her a lot of work to do. The Prelude begins on the viola with a grim rhythmic figure which pervades the whole movement. The writing is masterly. The Romance brings emotional relief with a gentle and quiet melody, though tension threatens once more. The viola again instroduces the Scherzo with a harsh descending scalic motto. Like the Prelude, this is worked out with great intensity. The viola is given extra prominence as it is the only unmuted instrument. The short Epilogue is lyrical and valedictory. This quartet is a marvellous piece.

The performances and recordings are first rate. Andrew Burn's insert notes are informative.

Average customer rating: Fine orchestral music for wartime movies

Vaughan Williams: Film Music Manufacturer: Marco Polo ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00000462L Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

1. 49th Parallel: Prelude
2. Story Of A Flemish Farm - Suite: The Flag Flutters In The Wind
3. Story Of A Flemish Farm - Suite: Night By The Sea - Farewell To The Flag
4. Story Of A Flemish Farm - Suite: Dawn In The Barn - The Parting Of The Lovers
5. Story Of A Flemish Farm - Suite: In A Belgian Cafe
6. Story Of A Flemish Farm - Suite: The Major Goes To Face His Fate
7. Story Of A Flemish Farm - Suite: The Dead Man's Kit
8. Story Of A Flemish Farm - Suite: The Wanderings Of The Flag
9. Coastal Command - Suite: Prelude
10. Coastal Command - Suite: The Hebrides
11. Coastal Command - Suite: U-Boat Alert
12. Coastal Command - Suite: Taking Off At Night
13. Coastal Command - Suite: The Hudsons Take Off From Iceland
14. Coastal Command - Suite: Dawn Patrol ('Quiet Determination')
15. Coastal Command - Suite: Battle Of The Beauforts
16. Coastal Command - Suite: Finale
17. Three Portraits From The England Of Elizabeth: Explorer
18. Three Portraits From The England Of Elizabeth: Poet
19. Three Portraits From The England Of Elizabeth: Queen

Customer Reviews:

Fine orchestral music for wartime movies.......2002-04-06

We know Vaughan Williams for his film score to "Scott of the Antarctic" which became his 7th symphony. In Vaughan Williams, we had a great maker of film music. He scored 11 films - sometimes with the helping hand of Muir Mathieson, among others. I wonder how some classic sci-fi movies from the 1960's to present-day would have sounded like under his gifted musical direction . . .

An interesting thing to mention is the admiration Bernard Herrmann, "one of the most influential film composers of all time," had for British composers like Elgar and Vaughan Williams, among others. In regards to film music, i don't know if one had an influence on the other, but it is quite significant that Herrmann enjoyed the music of Vaughan Williams : As he declared in an article for the Musical Times, "in reading the warm and affectionate tributes paid to the late Vaughan Williams by his many friends, I began to think about the personal enrichment that his great art had brought to my musical life [...]." In the United States, Herrmann conducted some works by the eminent Englishman - notably the London Symphony (Symphony No.2) and the Oboe Concerto.

Most of the tracks here were composed in the 1940's and early 50's. The record includes the fascinating Prelude to "49th Parallel", as well as solemn and atmospheric music from "The Story of a Flemish Farm". In the same vein, "Coastal Command", a wartime epic, reveals some of the best aspects of the British composer : Tension and disquietude are sustained, along with very enjoyable music ("Dawn Patrol" and "U-boats" are highlights here). In the "Three Portraits" - also finely recorded by Previn on RCA - we recognize a typical "mood" that belongs to this most amazing composer. I enjoyed "Poet", in particular, for its sheer beauty.

The numbers are appropriately well-rendered by conductor Andrew Penny and RTE ; they reproduce faithfully the Vaughan Williams "signature" sound. It's undeniable that we have here a most interesting soundtrack music disc. The dark and, sometimes, heavy atmosphere of those vintage films is really what you hear on this cd (of course, the dominant theme is war). Though Rumon Gamba (Chandos) provides excellent renditions, i still favor Andrew Penny for his fine delineation in "Coastal Command". V W was convincing in his film music writing and certainly proves a delightful illustration of the fusion of two art forms. *****

Average customer rating:

Complete 49th Parallel Manufacturer: Pacemaker ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000089TB Release Date: 1997-09-28

Album Details

Complete History of Hits from a Great Canadian Rock Band that Originally Started in 1966 (As Shades of Blonde) and Along with their Greatest Hit 'twilight Woman' was Eventually Known as 49th Parallel.

Average customer rating: Immediately Attractive And All But Unknown

British Film Music, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Pearl ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: British Film Music, Vol. 3 ASIN: B00004UAIS Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

1. Things To Come: Prologue - London Symphony Orchestra/Arthur Bliss
2. Things To Come: Ballet For Children - London Symphony Orchestra/Arthur Bliss
3. Things To Come: March - London Symphony Orchestra/Arthur Bliss
4. Things To Come: World In Ruin - London Symphony Orchestra/Arthur Bliss
5. Things To Come: Melodrama - Pestilence - London Symphony Orchestra/Arthur Bliss
6. Things To Come: Melodrama - Attack - London Symphony Orchestra/Arthur Bliss
7. Things To Come: Epilogue - London Symphony Orchestra/Arthur Bliss
8. Coastal Command: Prelude - BBC Northern Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
9. Coastal Command: The Sunderland Goes In Close - BBC Northern Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
10. 49th Parallel: Epilogue - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
11. Malta G.C: Opening Fanfare - Old Valetta - Air Raid - BBC Symphony Orchestra/London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
12. Malta G.C: Gay March - BBC Symphony Orchestra/London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
13. Malta G.C: Intermezzo - BBC Symphony Orchestra/London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
14. Malta G.C: Work And Play - BBC Symphony Orchestra/London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
15. Malta G.C: March - BBC Symphony Orchestra/London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
16. Dangerous Moonlight: The Warsaw Concerto - Louis Kentner/London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
17. Theirs Is The Glory: Men Of Arnhem - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
18. Western Approaches: Seascape - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison
19. Love Story: Cornish Rhapsody - Harriet Cohen/London Symphony Orchestra/Hubert Bath
20. The Story Of A Flemish Farm: Dawn Scene - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Matheison

Customer Reviews:

Immediately Attractive And All But Unknown.......2000-11-02

One of the college courses that I have frequently taught bears the catalogue-title "The Literary Dimensions of Film." I like to think of it more broadly as an introduction to the artistic dimensions of film, and I put considerable emphasis on the musical aspect of cinema. Once, after a lecture, with musical illustrations, on the development of the concept of the film-score, a student challenged me to name the single most important film-score. Without hesitation I said: "Sir Arthur Bliss's score to the Wells-Korda film `Things to Come.'" I had scheduled "Things to Come" and after the students had watched it, I went back and explained in as much detail as I could muster (with the help of a number of CDs and a boom-box) just how brilliantly this score shone all by itself and just how much it added to the film. The discussion of film-music usually centers on the Austro-German expatriates in Hollywood, but this is to forget the Russians and the British, who arrived independently of Hollywood at their own distinct notions of musical accompaniment for cinematic action. (This was in the mid-1930s.) The full extent of Bliss's remarkable score has never really been documented on a recording; I know of no recorded appearance, for example, of the remarkable machine-ballet that accompanies the visual sequence called "The Building of a New World." The most complete suite is on a John Mauceri CD of film-music for sci-fi flicks, and this is marred by extraneous sonic "special effects." The salient attraction, then, of this new issue from Pearl, "British Film Music, Volume II," is the inclusion of nearly ten minutes of Bliss's "Things to Come" score that have never been heard before. Most significantly, we hear the extended version of the "Epilogue," a glorious Elgarian study which adds a chorus in the last eight bars. This CD gives us, in addition to the Bliss score, Sir Arnold Bax's stirring music for a wartime documentary about British resistance to fierce German air-raids on Valetta harbor in Malta; a couple of main-titles from Vaughan Williams; and excerpts from other wartime motion pictures by unfamiliar, but thoroughly competent, studio-composers. Muir Mathieson conducts in many of these. He seems to have been an early "expert" in the art of recording the film's musical track. In all, a fascinating and welcome release.

Meditation Music:

1. A Different Corner
2. All Rise [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
3. Amor
4. An Angel's Touch
5. Anticipating [CD-single] [Import]
6. Best of Friends
7. Bringin' Me Hope
8. Christmas With Donald And Debbie
9. Deceptive Bends
10. Don't Stop Movin' [CD-single]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Jubilee

Kodaly: Works For Cello And Piano

Grieg: Piano Concerto; Liszt: Piano Sonata

Music: Where the Rivers Flow North [Soundtrack]

Like Oooh

In the Mix [CD-single] [Import]

Karinto Koujouno Entotsuno Ueni [Import]

New England

Knock Me Down Ep [CD-single] [Import]

Heinichen: Dresden Concerti

Kool Waters

La Guerra Continua

Exitos Y Recuerdos

Rachmaninov: Vespers

Bug