Ring Ring [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com
ABBA was originally called Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha & Frida--the name with which the title track of this, their 1973 debut album, was entered into the Swedish heat of the Eurovision Song Contest. The tune didn't get picked, but the resultant public outcry was such that ABBA's future was assured. Both Bjorn and Benny had already been Swedish rock icons in the '60s--Benny, most notably, in the Hep Stars, better known as "the Swedish Beatles," while Bjorn sang in a folk-rock combo. Anni-Frid, meanwhile, had won several national talent contests and Agnetha had topped the Swedish singles chart by the age of 18. Ring Ring, although lightweight, does contain some poignant rumblings of albums to come. Mostly, though, it is along the lines of the winsome "She's My Kind of Girl" and fun-time "Me and Bobby and Bobby's Brother"--music that reflected the group's past, not its future. --Everett True

Product Description
24 bit digitally remastered reissue of the Swed- ish group's 1973 debut. 12 tracks: 'Ring Ring', 'Another Town, Another Train', 'Disillusion', 'People Need Love', 'I Saw It In The Mirror', 'Nina, Pretty Ballerina', 'Love Isn'tEasy', 'Me And Bobby And Bobby's Brother', 'He Is Your Brother', 'She's My Kind Of Girl', 'I Am Just A Girl' and 'Rock 'N' Roll Band'. NOTE: Jon Astley, who did the recent remastered reissues for the bulk of The Who's back catalog, did these as well.

Ring Ring,ABBA,Polygram Records,Euro-Dance,Euro-Pop,Pop,Pop Vocals,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock/Pop,Sweden,Swedish Pop/Rock

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Average customer rating: The music is good but the movie is better A grand sountrack... Lord of the Rings Original Soundtracks, films 1 and 3 Awe inspiring! It is the best of the three CDs!!!

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | 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 Similar Items: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B00005QZWI Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. The Prophecy
2. Concerning Hobbits
3. The Shadow Of The Past
4. The Treason Of Isengard
5. The Black Rider
6. At The Sign Of The Prancing Pony
7. A Knife In The Dark
8. Flight To The Ford
9. Many Meetings
10. The Council Of Elrond [featuring the song "Aniron (Theme For Aragorn And Arwen)" composed & performed by Enya]
11. The Ring Goes South
12. A Journey In The Dark
13. The Bridge Of Khazad Dum
14. Lothlorien
15. The Great River
16. Amon Hen
17. The Breaking Of The Fellowship
18. May It Be [composed & performed by Enya]

Amazon.com

Score composer Howard Shore has informed this first installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy with his distinctly modern sensibilities. Revolving loosely around a brief, heroic brass theme, this epic is infused with a powerful rhythmic thrust and a musical range that encompasses centuries (from the Renaissance pastoralism of "Concerning Hobbits" to the fiery, Prokofiev-influenced drama of "A Knife in the Dark"). Key to the score's sense of mystery and magical place are the rich choral passages that are interspersed throughout, some so ominously gothic they make The Phantom Menace's "Duel of the Fates" sound almost sunny by comparison. Enya's contributions ("The Council of Elrond" and the song "May It Be") add a sense of organic tranquility, but it's Shore's Wagnerian-scaled orchestral score that should long be cherished by admirers of film music and hobbits alike. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

The music is good but the movie is better.......2007-04-10

I really enjoyed the 3 series of The Lord of the Rings movie so I wanted the music. The soundtracks are good but if you like the movie the soundtracks watch the movie. They remind you of certain parts in the movie like the song Concerning Hobbits. The song is whimsical. Enyna has a great voice, very haunting. The Ring Goes South is another favorite of mine. I can enjoy these soundtracks as classical or dramatic music. I bought them because I loved the Lord of the Rings which has many similarities to Braveheart. Bravery, courage, strength, honesty, selflessness, love and other good human qualities people try to attain and admire them in the people and movies they view.

A grand sountrack..........2007-01-10

One of Howard Shore's best soundtracks around. The music is strong enough to tell its own separate story apart from FOTR. You will never tire of the heart-pounding excitement from The Bridge of Kazaad-Dum track.

Lord of the Rings Original Soundtracks, films 1 and 3.......2006-11-08

Having made an earlier mistake of buying 2 C.D.'s which were not original soundtrack, I can truthfully say these are the best. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, look no further - no one does it better than The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the composer Howard Shore. You will be back in Middle Earth reliving all those wonderful scenes. I bought only The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King from Amazon.com because I already had the Two Towers from Amazon.co.uk and I would recommend all three - magical.

Awe inspiring!.......2006-10-02

What can I say that hasn't already been said about Howard Shore's magnificent score for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy? A soundtrack can define the whole atmosphere of a film, and this fully orchestrated work certainly does that with sweep, splendor and wonder, alternately humanizing (hobbit-izing?) the characters, imbuing the landscape with magic and capturing the world-shaking impact of events of mythic proportions. And this was no easy task considering the iconoclastic status of the story and the superb quality of Peter Jackson's filmmaking. This is a truly a soundtrack for the ages--a fitting accompaniment to a film for the ages! Every aspect of life, from the extreme to the mundane, is captured in this music. Listening to it can make every remembered moment of the movie come alive again in your mind, from the most horrific battle to the smallest moment of humor or kindness. I think this first one is my favorite of the three "Lord of the Rings" soundtracks. I enjoy the juxtaposition of the lighter moments, like the sweet, simple hobbit theme, with the grander and more menacing sections of the music. (That despite the fact that said hobbit theme begins exactly like the first phrase of the Protestant hymn "This Is My Father's World," which prompts me to think of the hobbits trouping off to Sunday school every time I hear it. But now when I hear the hymn, I think of Lord of the Rings, so I suppose all's fair!) What impressed me most as I watched "The Fellowship of the Ring" was how scary the music was when the hobbits were being pursued. Those relentless drums and eerily screaming drums made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, even though I knew the story like the back of my hand and knew for a fact that the poor little heroes would manage to escape. But the music truly made me wonder otherwise ... Now that's good composition! And the fact that the filmmakers chose to include background music in so many of the scenes, almost continuously ... well, that's just good filmmaking! The other impressive thing about Howard Shore's score is how the voicing and repeating motifs tie the whole thing together, like the finest of symphonies. The total effect is utterly convincing and utterly transporting. Peter Jackson chose well when he picked Shore as his score writer. Very, very well! Be sure to get the scores from the other two movies in the trilogy as well - "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King." They seem to be available in no end of different packagings, including ones with bonus DVDs about the creation of the score. Also, make sure to get the extended edition DVDs of the movie itself, with hours and hours of fascinating commentaries and behind-the-scenes documentaries about the making of the films. Truly a bargain at any price! And for more seminal soundtracks, try John Williams' defining scores for the "Star Wars" series and Basil Poledouris's spectacular score for the original "Conan the Barbarian."

It is the best of the three CDs!!!.......2006-09-10

For me, the music of the first sequel is my favourite since this is also the sequel that I prefer in the trilogy (I remember being blown away by the quality of this movie, the actors, the setting, the action scenes, the special effects, the moving relationships between all the characters and of coourse the music)
I think that the other CDs are a bit repetitive once you've got this one, even if I still like the music of the second soundtrack 'The Two Towers'. As for the 3rd sequel, I seldom listen to it as there is only one track that I like, 'The Return of the King'.
Now, this first CD of the trilogy is actually very good. Thanks to Enya, it is haunting and the songs are beautiful. There are a few eery but melodious songs like 'The Council of Elrond', 'Lothlorien', 'May it Be'. I love the change of tempo, the balance between fast and slow movements in 'A Knife in the Dark', 'Flight to the ford', and 'Amon Hen' which is my favourite piece (the Death of Boromir) with the oboe sound mixed with the beat of the drums and finaly the haunting voice of the singer. Track 17 is also worth listening. I like this CD because you've got different tempos and melodies and Anya is a great singer to me. But I also enjoy listening to Emiliana Torrini's song 'Gollum's Song'in the second soundtrack...

Average customer rating: Beautiful Awesome Excellent Music tracks from Movie Complete? Great Collection, Poor Packaging

The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - The Complete Recordings Howard Shore Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Complete Recordings The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Ringers - Lord of the Fans The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ASIN: B000BNI90O Release Date: 2005-12-13

Tracks:

1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Prologue: One Ring ...
2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Shire
3. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Bag End (Featuring ...)
4. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Very Old Friends
5. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Flaming Red Hair
6. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Farewell Dear Bilbo
7. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Keep It Secret, Keep ...
8. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Conspiracy Unmasked
9. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Three Is Company
10. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Passing of the Elves
11. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Saruman the White
12. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Shortcut to Mushrooms
13. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Strider
14. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Nazgul ...

Tracks:

1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Weathertop
2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Caverns of Isengard
3. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Give Up the Halfling
4. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Orthanc
5. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Rivendell
6. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Sword That Was ...
7. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Council of ...
8. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Great Eye
9. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gilraen's Memorial
10. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Pass of Caradhras
11. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Doors of Durin
12. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Moria
13. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gollum
14. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Balin's Tomb

Tracks:

1. Khazad-Dum
2. Caras Galadhon (featuring Lament for Gandalf, performed by Elizabeth Fraser)
3. The Mirror of Galadriel
4. The Fighting Uruk-hai
5. Parth Galen
6. The Departure of Boromir
7. The Road Goes Ever On (part 1)
8. May It Be (composed and performed by Enya)
9. The Road Goes Ever On (part 2. featuring In Dreams, perfomed by Edward Ross)
10. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Khazad-D
11. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Caras Galadhon ...
12. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Mirror of Galadriel
13. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Fighting Uruk-Hai
14. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Parth Galen
15. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Departure of Boromir
16. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Road Goes Ever ...
17. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/May It Be
18. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Road Goes Ever ...

Amazon.com

As fans of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy know, each film exists in two versions: the theatrical one and the extended one that appeared on DVD. This luxurious box set--which also comes with a detailed essay on the movie's musical themes--features the full extended score, so many cues not on the CDs of the individual movies are included. Granted, the majority of listeners will be perfectly happy with the shorter versions of the scores--it's a safe bet that most people can live without hearing, say, Ian McKellen's 35-second-long ditty "The Road Goes Ever On" at the beginning of "Bag End," or Viggo Mortensen's performance of his own composition, "The Song of Lúthien," within the track "The Nazgûl." But if you're a completist and/or a devotee of Howard Shore's pounding tympani and overwhelming choral compositions (featured particularly prominently on disc 3, a large chunk of which is devoted to a battle scene), then this set is a dream come true. Audiophiles should note that the fourth disc, a DVD, offers the score in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Fire up those speakers so the whole shire can hear. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

An epic film score receives epic treatment with The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring/Complete Recordings. Released for the first time on CD, the complete score for the first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy contains more than 180 minutes of music on three CDs plus a DVD-Audio disc of the entire score in Surround Sound. Breathtaking and majestic, the 2001 Oscar and Grammy winning score compsted by Howard Shore also includes Enya's Oscar nominated "May It Be." For fans of any of The Lord of the Rings films, the Fellowship of the Ring/Complete Recordings is an essential experience.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-06-15

I picked up this set because I am both a LOTR fan, movies and books and I need music to help me work. There are some tracks that I skipped over, like the short little ditties in the bar, but many of the songs, such as the Elvish chants are easy to get lost in - its just too bad they don't last longer. The packaging really is well done, though the DVD disc was loose when I received it in the mail, but unharmed. I will have to wait until the price on the second set comes down a little more, but I can't wait for ROTK.

Awesome.......2007-06-12

This is by far the editon to get if you loved the lord of the rings soundtrack. It has every song on it from the extended edition. and the DVD-A version is very nice.

Excellent Music tracks from Movie.......2007-05-03

Brings the movie back as you listen to the full version of the track.

Complete?.......2007-04-07

This CD collection is wonderful; it has much of the material from the movie that was only included in the extended edition DVD, but it is far from complete. While it does have the complete version of "The Passing of the Elves" and two versions of "The Road Goes Ever On", many of the songs are highly incomplete and inferior to the originals. "Aniron," the theme for Aragorn and Arwen performed by Enya, is incomplete and the lyrics are hard to match to what is being sung. The sound quality for this song is even worse on the accompanying DVD, which is supposed to have all of the music in "superior sound". The song "Prophecy" is reduced to two barely-audible lines and "May It Be" is shortened and different than the original. $60 for this when there are more complete songs on the original soundtrack is ridiculous.

Great Collection, Poor Packaging.......2007-04-03

I realy can't add to what others have said about this set, the music is simply the best LOTR soundtrack collection out there! It is all here, and the contents of this set will make any LOTR fan happy and the music DVD is a great one disc addition if you want to hear the entire score in one sitting (to which I have done a number of times already).
My only complaint is the somewhat flimsy cardboard box that houses the contents of this musical treasure. Mine came damaged, and considering the price, I expected better packaging. This is a minor quabble on my part and NO, I havent returned it due to the fact that the music itself Is what I truly treasure, It just would have been nicer to have recieved it undamaged.

Music-5
Packaging-3

*for the record I had rated this Item 5 stars not the 3 stars that is showing at the top of my review*

Average customer rating: Wonderful melodies Hayley Westenra - Odyssey Very soothing very good pop singer voice Voice & level head deserve high marks

Odyssey Hayley Westenra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Celtic Treasure Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand Lisa Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, Ireland Walking in the Air ASIN: B000AXWHPI Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

1. Prayer
2. Both Sides Now
3. Never Saw Blue
4. Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
5. What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)
6. May It Be
7. Quanta Qualia
8. You Are Water
9. She Moves Through the Fair
10. My Heart Belongs To You - Hayley Westenra
11. Ave Maria
12. I Say Grace

Album Description

Hayley Westenra's new album Odyssey was always going to be a different proposition to Pure, the record-breaking 2003 collection which marked her international debut. A lot has happened to the young New Zealander over the past two or three years--and those changes are clearly reflected by a record which encapsulates her growth from a budding teenage prodigy into a mature young woman.

Now, at 18, Hayley is ready to show the world how much she has grown up, both as an artist and as an individual. Fans of Pure will be pleasantly surprised by her new album. Her wonderful voice retains its crystal-clear purity, but Westenra's singing is now richer and more rounded than before. Touring the world and singing in some of its greatest concert venues, such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and Carnegie Hall, has worked wonders for her confidence. Suitably emboldened, she has embraced an even wider range of musical styles including classical, hymns, folk and pop.

"I was happy with Pure at the time, but I've moved on so much," says Hayley. "It's really exciting to have something new out there for people to listen to. I wanted to make a record that represented me as a person. And I think I've improved as a vocalist."

Variety is certainly one of the keywords with Hayley's new album. When she first entered a recording studio in New Zealand as a 12-year-old, Westenra restricted herself to classical pieces and show tunes. Now, in addition to impressive takes on classical works, Hayley uses her new album to perform an inspired cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and has arranged and written much of the material. "I like to push myself, and I'm now confident enough to try different things. I have been much more involved behind the scenes with this album--I wanted to put my individual stamp on each song."

With her career stretching out promisingly before her, Hayley is also keen to continue experimenting. She is still primarily a classical crossover artist but she also wants to keep broadening those musical horizons. Three years after her international debut CD, Hayley Westenra is still pure: she exudes pure quality and she remains pure class--but her musical journey continues with her new album Odyssey.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful melodies.......2007-06-08

This is a wonderful CD with beautiful melodies. Hayley Westenra has a very pure voice and sings right on key. The melodies are very relaxing and the musical settings are well arranged.

Hayley Westenra - Odyssey.......2007-06-08

Pure, crystalline, angelic voice. Gorgeously produced. "Prayer" is stunning. "Both Sides Now" wonderful. The rest is good but not her best song selection. When I first heard this girl on the "Celtic Woman" tour I was totally blown away. None of her CDs will disappoint!

Very soothing.......2007-05-14

Hayley Westenra's Odyssey is a very beautiful CD. If you switch on your walkman and listen to the CD's tracks non-stop, you'll soon feel like you're flying in Heaven. It's very soothing and heavenly. It calms you down, without causing you to feel lonely or sad because you're listening to it in solitary, like other vocal or classical songs do sometimes.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. Quanta Qualia and Ave Maria are my most favourite tracks. Quanta Qualia is pure magic! I really feel as if I'm flying in Heaven when I listen to it.

very good pop singer voice.......2007-05-13

the selections were tasteful and varied. the singer has a very good pop singer voice. i would have liked some voice variation between songs. all were sung in exactly the same style. good singing but without tonal variation the disk tends to be bland. i hope that as she gets more exposure she will vary her voice to make the songs stand out individually instead of letting them blend into one song on the disc. i would rate this 5 stars except for that major fault.

Voice & level head deserve high marks .......2007-04-20

Not only has Hayley Westenra's voice remained "pure", but her good sense and sensibilty has stayed intact when so many similar young performers have gone over the deep end with extreme behavior and disreputable remarks. On this CD Miss Westernra covers a number of songs in her own special style, such as excellent versions of "Prayer", "May It Be" and "Both Sides Now". I hope to hear her renditions of more such tunes, old and new. I would like to hear her sing songs like "Yesterday", "I Still Believe in Love" and All I Know. She has a way with her soaring vocals that never lets the listener down.

Average customer rating: Worship CD Excellent! Lincoln's best...SO FAR!! :D Powerful Praise and Worship Awesome!

Let the Praises Ring: The Best Worship Songs of Lincoln Brewster Lincoln Brewster Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: All to You... Live See the Morning Every Time I Breathe Beautiful News Beyond Measure ASIN: B000IONL8G Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

1. Everlasting God [New!]
2. All to You [Radio Mix]
3. Love the Lord [Radio Mix]
4. Let the Praises Ring
5. Everybody Praise the Lord
6. Lord I Lift Your Name on High
7. All I Really Want
8. All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises
9. Majestic [Radio Mix]
10. Power of Your Love
11. Shout to the Lord
12. He's All I Need
13. Everyday [Radio Mix]
14. Take Me Higher (PS. 73:25)
15. What Kind of Man
16. You Are Good
17. Here I Am to Worship [New!][Instrumental]

Customer Reviews:

Worship CD.......2007-07-05

A fantastic worship cd with a difference - it will take me a log time to get sick of this one. While I already knew most of the songs, it was good to hear them again differently.

Excellent!.......2007-06-27

I'm a little biased. When I heard his music on the radio I "liked" it, but not "loved" it. However, on a whim, I recently saw him in concert and had a great time. Seeing Lincoln live offered me the opportunity to see the man behind the music. He's a worship leader that loves the Lord and is genuine about who he is and his calling right here, right now.

Lincoln's best...SO FAR!! :D.......2007-06-14

This is a much recommended album from one of the most inspiring artists I have had the pleasure of meeting, and also, working with when at our common church personally...he is truly a class act in person as well...I can remember when he recorded some of the songs on this album, I was totally moved to tears (literally)...

Powerful Praise and Worship.......2007-05-29

Lincoln Brewster is among the best when it comes to praise and worship music. This CD is a great demonstration of that.

From start to finish, this is packed full of very good tracks. At least one is absolutely outstanding: 'Everlasting God'. That tune is amazing. The ending with the child reading from Isaiah 40 is one that may make the hair stand up on the back of one's neck. It is powerful and unforgettable. That song is at least a six on a 1-5 scale.

I highly recommend this CD.

Awesome!.......2007-05-13

Lincoln's "Let the Praises Ring" CD is just awesome from track 1 throughout the entire CD. His guitar playing, band, & vocals uplift you so one cannot help but sing along. What a wonderful voice and musical talent he has been blessed with! You can feel his energy in each song.

Since our move from Northern California, we definitely miss worshipping along with Lincoln and our former church; but, this CD helps A LOT!

Average customer rating: Intelligent and musical fun.- The Genius of Anna Russell If you enjoy laughing.. Anna Russell strikes again! Anna Russell is a SCREAM!

The Anna Russell Album Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: Encore? Anna Russell Again? Anna Russell Takes On... Nabucco & The Magic Flute Anna Russell - The (First) Farewell Concert Anna Russell - Crown Princess of Musical Parody: Her Television Appearances 1964, 1976, 1977 ASIN: B0000027JD Release Date: 1991-07-26

Tracks:

1. Introduction To The Concert (By the Women's Club President)
2. How to Write Your Own Gilbert And Sullivan Opera
3. Coloratura Aria 'Canto Dolciamente Pipo'
4. British - Pure But Dull: 'I Love The Spring'
5. Russian Folk Song: 'Da, Nyet, Da, Nyet'
6. For Loud Singers With No Brains: 'Ah, Lover!'
7. For Singers With Tremendous Artistry But No Voice: 'Schlumph; Je N'ai Pas La Plume De Ma Tante'
8. For The Dramatic Soprano: 'Schreechenrauf'
9. The Ring Of The Nibellungs (An Analysis)

Amazon.com

This set of Anna Russell's inspired satirical monologues should be labeled with a warning notice. Why? Because after listening to her whirlwind explication of Wagner's Ring Cycle, even the most confirmed Wagnerite will be unable to listen to the Ring for weeks to come. Just listening to Russell declare in an incredulous voice: "I'm not making this up, y'know" is enough to induce you to shed bucketloads of laughter-induced tears. Gilbert and Sullivan fans will find their heroes savaged in her concoction of a typical G&S product, complete with a soprano lead who "loves below her station." Other targets include "the nymphs and shepherds" style of quavery English singing, complete with "hey-nonny-nonny's," coloratura mad scenes, and much else, including Russian folk songs, like her "Da, nyet, da, nyet." This disc is packed with laughs, chuckles, smiles, and everything. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Intelligent and musical fun.-.......2007-01-13

Due to the recent passing away of the legenday Anna Russell I bought this record and certainly did not regret it.- Inspite of having been originally recorded in 1952 and 1953 the sound is very good.- Ms. Russell combines a great sense of humour with profound musical knowledge, a wonderful timing of her jokes, and the talent of a gifted and very musical singer.- She captures the essence of the German lied, the French mélodie, the efforts of a dramatic soprano to make herself heard over the huge Wagnerian orchestra, culminating in her famous, already classic, 22 minutes long analysis of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelungs.- I listened to this recording three times in a row and had great fun.- Only Victor Borge can be compared to her with respect to this rare combination of deep musicianship with a real gift for comedy.- If you don't know yet these numbers, don't hesitate - buy the record, you will not be sorry.-

The Genius of Anna Russell.......2006-03-15

If you love music, but are happy to see the funny side of even the great composers, then this album is for you. Anna Russell is a singer of note but a comedian of greatness. She finds the pivotal styles of composers and caricatures them to great effect. The explanations she gives of the basics of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas and the way she dissects Wagners Ring Cycle bring tears to the eyes with laughter. I recommend this album to all music lovers with a twinkle in their eyes. Truly a great comic experience.

If you enjoy laughing.........2006-02-23

I love opera, but I also enjoy spoofs of opera. Anna Russell was a classic "spoofer" of operatic stories and conventions. Nobody does it better. My favorite on this album is her take-off on Wagner's "Ring."

This CD can probably also be enjoyed by those who have only a nodding acquaintance with opera, but may not be enjoyed by those who take opera with 100% seriousness.

Anna Russell strikes again!.......2005-10-14

I have heard all of these Anna Russell selections at one time or another, but having them all together in one place, and on a CD, is a real plus. She is absolutely riotously funny. I teach a course in "Introduction to opera" and use her segments on Gilbert and Sullivan and on the Ring Cycle in class, just to lighten things up a bit for the students.

Anna Russell is a SCREAM!.......2005-08-05

I've had the vinyl of this album for over 20 years; the CD purchase was to update my system. For anyone who loves classical vocal music, and in particular the Wagner Ring Cycle and Gilbert and Sullivan, this album is a MUST. You will split your sides laughing; Ms. Russell is so very accurate in her comedy. Also, truth to tell, her Ring synopsis gave me, a newcomer to Wagner (years ago) a solid understanding of the musical plot and story line.

Average customer rating: fanatastic! the very best Katerina- an inspiration for the last 11 years WONDERFUL!! Very well done

Vivaldi's Ring Of Mystery Manufacturer: Children's Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven Lives Upstairs Mr. Bach Comes To Call Tchaikovsky Discovers America Mozart's Magnificent Voyage Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute' ASIN: B00000212N Release Date: 1991-09-24

Tracks:

1. Spring, I, RV.269
2. Piccolo Concerto, II, RV.443
3. Medley: Arriving At the Pieta/Autum, I, RV.293/Guitar/Flute Sonata, I, RV.52
4. Violin Concerto In A Minor, I, RV 356
5. Winter, II, RV 297
6. Medley: Guitar Concerto, II, RV.93/Alma Del Core
7. Medley: Venice By Day/Guitar Concerto, III, RV.93/Autumn, III, RV.293/Il Gardellino, RV.90/Double Trumpet Concerto, III, RV.537/Piccolo Concerto, III, RV.443/Concerto For Two Oboes, Two Clarinets, III, RV.559
8. Medley: Sonata For Two Violins, II, RV.50/'Farnace', RV.711
9. Violin Concerto in A Minor, II, RV.356
10. Medley: Island Of The Dead/Autumn, II, RV.293/Summer, III, RV.315
11. Medley: Island Of the Dead/Autumn, II, RV.293/Summer, III, RV.315
12. Medley: Il Gardellino, RV.90/Beatus Vir, RV.597/Alma Del Core/Violin Sonata In F Major, I, RV.20
13. Medley: Concert Preparations/Piccolo Concerto, I, RV 443/Guitar Concerto, III, RV 93/Double Trumpet Concerto, I, RV.537
14. Medley: Conclusion: Double Orchestra Concerto, II, RV.585/Guitar Concerto, II, RV.93

Product Description

THE STORY: A young violinist, Katarina, arrives at the orphanage where Vivaldi was music director. Aided by Giovanni the gondolier, she searches throughout Venice for clues to her mysterious past. THE MUSIC: Over two dozen excerpts, including Vivaldi's well-loved Four Seasons (with real sound effects), and guitar, piccolo, and trumpet concertos. Also featured are many of the violin pieces played by young violinists today.

Customer Reviews:

fanatastic!.......2006-06-17

This story is great! I'm a Suzuki violin player and this tape has great recordings of many of the songs. Not only are there wonderful recordings, but the story is full of suspense and is very enjoyable to listen to. Ever since i was a toddler, I listened to it and now that I am in my early teens i still find it a really good story. I find myself listening over and over to it. After listening to it dozens of times it still is just as good and never gets tiring to listen to. If you are thinking of buying a story on cd this is definatly the one to get! Both you and your child will love it! I know that my mom and I do!

the very best.......2006-05-01

I started listening to this story since before I can remember, when it was just a tape. I am 20 years old, and Vivaldi's Four Seasons is still my favorite classical work. I had other classical tapes as a kid, but this is the one I remember most and remember well. The story is just amazing of Katerina, and it is an easy way for young kids to sit and listen to classical works, while still being entertained by an audio book. I recommend this to all parents out there for their children.

Katerina- an inspiration for the last 11 years.......2005-12-29

My daughter first listened to this tape at age 3. We listened to this tape (and when it wore out, a CD) constantly. As a young Suzuki violin student, the character Katarina inspired my daughter's desire to be able to play the A Minor Concerto that Katarina plays upon her introduction to the girls in the orchestra of the School of the Pieta. When she was five, she arranged all of her Barbies into an Orchestra, and put a red-headed stuffed animal as the conductor, Vivaldi. Similar to children mentioned in other reviews, by the time she was six, having listened to this series (and other classical music) frequently, she could identify the orchestral work of most of the major composers, and place the work of obscure composers in the appropriate time period.

We never tired of this CD, and I will now puchase it for a young niece. If you want to purchase something you and your family will treasure, this is the one.

WONDERFUL!!.......2005-10-27

I am now 17 years old and listened to this when it wasn't even a CD it was a tape. Yet the music on this CD still haunts me. Vivaldi is one of my favorite composers and I think this is the CD that started it all. The story is enchanting (though perhaps a little cliche at times) and I must admit that I have listened to it again and again. In fact the last time I listened to it was driving around last sunday. I would reccomend this to anyone and unlike barney I think the parents can really enjoy it too.

Nora via. her fathers account

Very well done.......2004-08-30

My daughter is 3 and loves this CD. She goes to sleep many nights listening to it and love the characters in the story. I think it is a great way to humanize the composers, by letting them listen to wonderful music and a very entertaining story as well.

In our home, we don't place much value on television, computer games etc..., but we LOVE books and stories. If I can't be there reading to my child, this is DEFINITELY the next best thing.

Average customer rating: Snow Cones for Pavlov's Puppies

Songs For Ice Cream Trucks Michael Hearst Manufacturer: Bar/None Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Betcha Bottom Dollar Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power Hey Eugene! Into White The Reminder ASIN: B000R3486C Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Ice Cream!
2. Where Do Ice Cream Trucks Go In the Winter?
3. The Popsicle parade
4. Before I Drive Away (Redux)
5. Five Up
6. Tones For Cones
7. One For Doran
8. Ice Cream Yo!
9. What¹s Your Favorite Flavor?
10. Chocolate, Vanilla or Swirl?
11. The Moose Track Shake
12. The Sprinkle Twinkle
13. Before I Drive Away

Customer Reviews:

Snow Cones for Pavlov's Puppies.......2007-07-13

Yeah, why not?

With all this technology around us, with music coming at us from all angles, why are ice cream trucks still driving around emitting the same twenty second loop of a glockenspiel playing "Turkey in a Straw"? Why not some new music?

Forget the parents, forget the kids, think of the poor ice cream truck dudes. I bet some new tunes would do wonders for their spirits. I don't know how it is in other regions, but out here we have an epidemic of grumpy ice cream men, which can be a bit of a bummer.

Despite the potential, this is not a boring album. Mike Hearst has undertaken an exercise, which is to write music in the spirit of traditional circus music or ice cream truck music, but make it new and refreshing. Listen for yourself, but I think he pulled it off. It's got calliopes, glockenspiels, the occasional choir, in nice little waltzes and foxtrots, and with enough repetition to approximate the simplicity and feel of the more traditional tunes. But he adds enough variation to keep it palatable. Plus, there are some tasty, sinister undercurrents in these compositions, warbling forays into minor modes, to remind us that the ice cream truck is a parasitic capitalist appendage intruding into the naïve serenity of our playgrounds to extort parents and condition the palates of our children.

Average customer rating: Ring introduction critique FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE Welcome back to a classic analysis Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle Very Functional

An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen Deryck Cooke , Georg Solti , Wiener Philharmoniker , Anita Valkki , Berit Lindholm , Birgit Nilsson , Brigitte Fassbaender , Christa Ludwig , Claire Watson , Claudia Hellmann , Dame Gwyneth Jones , Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau , Eberhard Wächter , George London , Gerhard Stolze , Gottlob Frick , Grace Hoffmann , Gustav Neidlinger , Hans Hotter , Helen Watts , Helga Dernesch , Hetty Plumacher , Ira Malaniuk , James King , Jean Madeira , Joan Sutherland , Kirsten Flagstad , Kurt Böhme , Lucia Popp , Marga Höffgen , Marilyn Tyler , Maureen Guy , Oda Balsborg , Paul Kuen , Régine Crespin , Set Svanholm , Vera Little , Vera Schlosser , Waldemar Kmentt , Walter Kreppel , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baritones | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wagner's Ring: Turning the Sky Round Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti Decoding Wagner: An Invitation to His World of Music Drama (includes 2 CDs) Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen / Levine, Metropolitan Opera (Complete Ring Cycle) Ring of the Nibelung ASIN: B00000424H Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Of All Great Musical Compositions... (Examples 1-4)
2. The Fundamental Symbol... (Examples 5-11)
3. Returning Now To The Nature Motive... (Examples 6, 12-16)
4. A Number Of Further Motives... (Examples 5, 17-21)
5. A Second, Much Smaller Family... (Examples 22-25)
6. So Much For Nature. (Examples 26-38)
7. The Cause Of The Deterioration... (Examples 39-44)
8. The Other Transformation... (Examples 45-48)
9. Several Other Motives... (Examples 49-52)
10. Two Further Motives... (Examples 41, 53-61)
11. The Basic Motive Associated With The Spear... (Examples 62-68)
12. Along Another, More Complex Line... (Examples 69-72)
13. In Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 69, 73-75)
14. Returning Now To Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 76-79)
15. Love Is Another Of The Central Symbols... (Examples 80-83)
16. Later In The Same Scene... (Examples 84-87)
17. Freia's Motive Has Two Independent Segments... (Examples 88-91)
18. The Label 'Flight'... (Example 92)
19. When Fasolt, In Scene Two Of Rhinegold... (Examples 93-98)
20. A Little Later In The Interlude... (Examples 99-103)

Tracks:

1. The Other New Motive... (Examples 104-109)
2. There Are Several Independent Love-Motives... (Examples 110-114)
3. The Characters In Whose Lives... (Examples 115-120)
4. One Further Motive Belongs... (Example 121)
5. The Sword Motive Recurs... (Examples 122-130)
6. Ironically, This Phrase... (Examples 131-135)
7. Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive... (Examples 136-140)
8. Here We Come To The End... (Examples 141-146)
9. Complemtary To This Symbol... (Examples 147-149)
10. One Last Central Symbol... (Examples 150-157)
11. One Further Motive Connected... (Examples 158-161)
12. There Are One Or Two Motives... (Examples 162-168)
13. These Motives Of Alberich And Mime... (Examples 169-171)
14. Quite A Number Of The Subsidiary Motives... (Examples 172-176)
15. Besides This Family Of Motives... (Examples 177-180)
16. Our Final Example... (Examples 10, 181, 182)
17. In The Final Scene Of Gotterdammerung... (Examples 181-183)
18. Even More Masterly... (Examples 184-188)
19. Now If We Return... (Examples 189-191)
20. This Masterly Way... (Examples 192, 193)

Amazon.com

When Wagner set the Ring to music, he intended the orchestra to act in the fashion of a chorus from a classic Greek tragedy--setting the mood and commenting on the action. In order to allow a nonverbal musical line to reflect on the plot, Wagner developed a psychologically and musically complex symbology to communicate his thoughts to the listener. From the beginning the Ring has spawned numerous written commentaries on the relationships of the motif structure, but by using examples from the Decca Ring recording, Deryck Cooke's thoughtful spoken commentary is by far the most accessible guide for either the fledgling Ring enthusiast or the seasoned veteran. --Christian C. Rix

Customer Reviews:

Ring introduction critique.......2006-11-04

This is very worthwhile, at the same time it requires time, patience and attention, but it does provide some keys to better enjoyment of a sensational piece of music.

FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE.......2006-08-16

This may look an intimidating, daunting and dull prospect - a 2+ hour lecture on the motifs in the Ring. Don't be put off. Whether you're a relative novice to the Ring and want to find out what it's all about, more experienced with a desire to understand the composer's methods better or an afficionado who thinks he knows it all inside out, there is great pleasure as well as elucidation to be had from this set. Originally made to accompany the Decca Solti Ring, it contains a multitude of musical illustrations taken from those recordings as well as some specially recorded by Solti just for this Introduction.

It wasn't the first time this has been tried. The famous HMV sets from the late 20's also included recorded examples of over 100 motifs. (These, by the way, are available as part of the Pearl reissue of those wonderful HMV recordings). What that set lacked was the wonderful insights as well as the approachability of the talk by Deryck Cooke. Cooke was a great and much missed musicologist - a Mahler expert responsible for the performing edition of the Tenth Symphony still most played today, a fascinating explorer into the nature of music's basic building-blocks in his excellent book, The Language of Music, and an inspiring and elucidating critic of Wagner's work as shown by the fascinating book he left unfinished at his death, I Saw the World End.

On these CDs he does much more than list the leitmotifs and identify them as calling-cards. He shows the amazingly integrated and organic growth of the musical material that Wagner uses throughout his vast work. He demonstrates how motifs can change their sense and meaning as they evolve through the drama. And he shows how the complex combinations of motifs can radically advance both the musical and the dramatic narrative of the piece. There are even places where he corrects the misinterpretation of some of the motifs that had become ingrained from early commentators' false labels.

This set should engage and enlighten anyone with an interest in Wagner's huge and inexhaustible tetralogy. Do give it a try - no matter how far down the road to Wagnerianism you are.

Welcome back to a classic analysis.......2006-05-28

Deryck Cooke's lecture series upon THE RING is almost as much a classic by now as the Solti RING cycle, with which it was originally issued on LP, and from which it derives its musical examples. The difference is that whereas the Solti RING has been continuously in print ever since it was completed, and was among the first opera sets to benefit from the CD revolution, the Cooke analysis was for long almost totally unobtainable. Now we have it back. It should be welcomed: it is a classic. Cooke's mellow, deep voice with the hint of a Celtic burr - which made him ideal on BBC radio - patiently explains Wagner's melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic metamorphoses to such good effect that if you own this recording, you really require no other RING analysis. (A pity about the abrupt beginnings and endings of too many vocal and orchestral illustrations, though.) Musicology lost a fine, sensitive thinker with Cooke's premature death in 1976.

If all you want is dilettantish baby food, there are plenty of dumbed-down Wagner commentaries on the market, stretching from Anna Russell's famous monologue (which doesn't pretend to be anything other than a parody aimed at morons) to the latest standard-issue "Wagner-was-a-Nazi-boo-hiss" feuilleton (which, unfortunately, does). Without reasonable score-reading skill you will find Cooke useless, however diligently you have ploughed through Marx, Jung, Freud, or other gurus purportedly relevant to THE RING. Cooke expects you to use your brains and your musical sense. Quelle horreur. At today's BBC his "elitism" would render him unemployable.

Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle.......2006-05-15

I originally bought this set on vinyl in the early 70s when I discovered the Ring in college. I studied the records and booklet assiduously, and after about three run-throughs I finally started getting it. Wow! Thirty-five years later, I still remember Mr. Cooke's analyses of various motive families, and I don't know how I could have mastered and loved the Ring without him. I now own this set on CD and listen again on the rare occasion of attending a Ring performance. My wife calls me a "Ring nut," but of course I'm nuts about many other things as well.

Bottom line, buy this set and study it if the Ring has captivated you as it has countless others. The presentation is dry, but sticking with it brings measureless and longlasting rewards.

Very Functional.......2006-03-19

This CD set is excellent for what it sets out to do: present the leitmotives of the Ring according to their relationship to one another and their role in developing both characters and plotlines. Deryck Cooke's lectures on each motive are very insightful, very helpful at cueing the listener into the semantic aspect of Wagner's orchestral writing. The one drawback is that the musical examples are a bit jarring. Without fade-ins or -outs, the engineering is quite barbaric. And though the orchestra was, I believe, conducted by Solti, and is beautifully done, the vocal performances can be quite unpleasant. Point being: this is not background music, but in accomplishing what it sets out to do, it is very successful, and I don't know of anything else like it.

Average customer rating: Loved It A Could Be Soundtrack 4 Your "Special Day" Excellent! Excellent Gospel Wedding CD All that I hoped for

With This Ring... Forever I Do Various Artists Manufacturer: Harborwood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: With This Ring Song of Solomon Wedding Songs I Will Be Here: 25 of Today's Best Wedding & Love Songs Heart Beats: Now & Forever - Timeless Wedding Songs ASIN: B000060OO1 Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

1. Lost In You - Howard Hewett
2. Forever I Do - Image
3. The One He Kept For Me - Maurette Brown-Clark
4. Still In Love With You - Chris Willis
5. Finally I - Daryl Coley
6. Overjoyed - Ben Tankard
7. You're The One - Lisa Shipman
8. Everything - Duawne Starling
9. Can't Stop Thinking About You - Kloud 9
10. Come Take My Hand - Marcus Cole
11. Lost In You - Howard Hewett
12. Forever I Do - Image
13. Still In Love With You - Chris Willis
14. You're The One - Lisa Shipman
15. The One He Kept For Me - Maurette Brown-Clark
16. Wedding March-Processional - R. Wagner
17. Wedding March-Recessional - F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy

Customer Reviews:

Loved It.......2007-06-27

We ordered both CD's titled With This Ring and this is the better of the two by far. This is better than most wedding CD's we've heard. The lyrics, the music, and the fact that the end of the CD has performance tracks (music only) for a few of the songs is great! Loved it! Two of the songs were sang at our wedding and everyone loved them! It's a great item to have, especially if you're getting married or already married, or if you ever want to get married! Ths songs are beautiful!

A Could Be Soundtrack 4 Your "Special Day".......2007-06-18

This is by and far one of the most beautiful Wedding CD's i've ever heard. From your first listen you will understand that this is no normal Wedding CD. It is a spiritual gift from a varience of artists. Stand outs for me are as follows: "Lost In You" by Howard Hewett, yes thee Howard Hewett from the 80's group "Shalamar"..."Forever I Do" by Image is strong on lyrics... I love these two but track 3 is really special..."The One He Kept For Me" by Marette Brown-Clark will speak to your soul, if you listen!"Everything" is also a song that can be played no matter the crowd at your wedding and these are all great selections for your first dance as man and wife... This CD definately has a more Gospel-"sh"& soulful sound with a good amount of harmonining on it. Tracks 11-15 are specifically for your wedding ceremony...(instrumental versions of the above songs)Perfect for your guests as they arrive for your ceremony, bridal party march, Seating of the parents etc... Tracks 16&17 have a lil' too much "English " on them if you will...i prefer and reccomend the more traditional for these two moments...i have done hundreds of weddings and i strongly reccomend this one to both DJ's And "Couples to be" trying to find the appropriate music to help out on that "special day".

Excellent!.......2006-12-02

This is the most wonderful romance CD I have ever heard. I bought this about 4 years ago while I was engaged and I listened to it almost daily. Unfortunately, it got lost after I sent it to my videogprapher to be inserted into our wedding video. I could not remember the name of the CD, and thank God I have found it after searcing the web. I highly recommend this. Any or all of the songs could be used at your wedding and/or on your wedding video. It's great to listen to after you're married, maybe on anniversaries, and it will remind you of what's most important- that marriage consists of you, your spouse and God!

Excellent Gospel Wedding CD.......2006-10-02

My husband had this CD and the previous one that came out in 2001 (entitled just "With This Ring") before we got married. When we were engaged we knew right where to look for our songs. We had "Finally I" sung in the wedding and "Come Take My Hand" was our first dance song at the reception. Since then, I've recommended both CDs to two friends who've gotten married or known someone who has in the last year and they all used one or more songs from it. I'm actually singing You're the One with my brother-in-law for a friend's wedding this weekend! As someone else said, these are just beautiful, God-centered songs that anyone will love - Gospel and non-Gospel fans alike.

All that I hoped for.......2006-06-23

I heard this song on the radio late one night and it brought tears to my eyes. I had to find it and importantly I wanted it sung at my vow renewal ceremony. I will soon be celebrating my 25-year anniversary and am planning the ceremony I've always dreamt about. After 25 years of marriage we've experienced the "good times" and the "bad times" that are purposely stated in the marriage vows. It is abundantly clear that my husband is the one for me--the Lord told me so the first day I met him, and he still is today! In addition to "You're the One", we're using 3 other songs from the CD in the wedding. The entire CD is inspirational, heartfelt, and absolutely beautiful.

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.

Meditation Music:

1. Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Vol. 2 [Live]
2. Senorita [CD-single] [Import]
3. Sing The Hits of AIDA (karaoke)
4. Someday Man [Import]
5. Sometimes [CD-single] [Import]
6. Sounds of the Circus - Volume 21
7. Stop & Smell the Roses
8. Synthetic Broadway
9. Tearin' Up My Heart [Import] [CD-single]
10. That'll Be The Day

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Moving on [Import]

Concerto for Organ, String Orchestra & Percussion

Buxtehude: Complete Organ Works

Music: Blaze Of Glory: Songs Written And Performed By Jon Bo

Discozone [Import]

Diamonds: Her Greatest Hits [Import]

Easier With a Sampler [Import]

Bring on the Night [Enhanced] [Live]

Better Sights Were Set

Cieli Di Toscana [Import]

Coke

Camela Oro (La Colleccion) [Enhanced] [Import]

Canciones de Vacile

Delibes - Lakmé / Mesplé, Burles, Soyer, Millet, Opéra-Comique, Lombard [highlights]

The Lexicon Of Love