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,Sweden,Swedish Pop/Rock
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005QZWI Release Date: 2001-11-20 |
Tracks:
- The Prophecy
- Concerning Hobbits
- The Shadow Of The Past
- The Treason Of Isengard
- The Black Rider
- At The Sign Of The Prancing Pony
- A Knife In The Dark
- Flight To The Ford
- Many Meetings
- The Council Of Elrond [featuring the song "Aniron (Theme For Aragorn And Arwen)" composed & performed by Enya]
- The Ring Goes South
- A Journey In The Dark
- The Bridge Of Khazad Dum
- Lothlorien
- The Great River
- Amon Hen
- The Breaking Of The Fellowship
- 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 McCulleyCustomer Reviews:
The music is good but the movie is better.......2007-04-10
A grand sountrack..........2007-01-10
Lord of the Rings Original Soundtracks, films 1 and 3.......2006-11-08
Awe inspiring!.......2006-10-02
It is the best of the three CDs!!!.......2006-09-10
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...
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The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - The Complete Recordings
Howard Shore Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000BNI90O Release Date: 2005-12-13 |
Tracks:
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Prologue: One Ring ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Shire
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Bag End (Featuring ...)
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Very Old Friends
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Flaming Red Hair
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Farewell Dear Bilbo
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Keep It Secret, Keep ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Conspiracy Unmasked
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Three Is Company
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Passing of the Elves
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Saruman the White
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Shortcut to Mushrooms
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Strider
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Nazgul ...
Tracks:
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Weathertop
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Caverns of Isengard
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Give Up the Halfling
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Orthanc
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Rivendell
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Sword That Was ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Council of ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Great Eye
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gilraen's Memorial
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Pass of Caradhras
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Doors of Durin
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Moria
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gollum
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Balin's Tomb
Tracks:
- Khazad-Dum
- Caras Galadhon (featuring Lament for Gandalf, performed by Elizabeth Fraser)
- The Mirror of Galadriel
- The Fighting Uruk-hai
- Parth Galen
- The Departure of Boromir
- The Road Goes Ever On (part 1)
- May It Be (composed and performed by Enya)
- The Road Goes Ever On (part 2. featuring In Dreams, perfomed by Edward Ross)
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Khazad-D
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Caras Galadhon ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Mirror of Galadriel
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Fighting Uruk-Hai
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Parth Galen
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Departure of Boromir
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Road Goes Ever ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/May It Be
- 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 VincentelliAlbum 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
Awesome.......2007-06-12
Excellent Music tracks from Movie.......2007-05-03
Complete?.......2007-04-07
Great Collection, Poor Packaging.......2007-04-03
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*
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Odyssey
Hayley Westenra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000AXWHPI Release Date: 2005-10-18 |
Tracks:
- Prayer
- Both Sides Now
- Never Saw Blue
- Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
- What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)
- May It Be
- Quanta Qualia
- You Are Water
- She Moves Through the Fair
- My Heart Belongs To You - Hayley Westenra
- Ave Maria
- 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
Hayley Westenra - Odyssey.......2007-06-08
Very soothing.......2007-05-14
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
Voice & level head deserve high marks .......2007-04-20
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Let the Praises Ring: The Best Worship Songs of Lincoln Brewster
Lincoln Brewster Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000IONL8G Release Date: 2006-11-07 |
Tracks:
- Everlasting God [New!]
- All to You [Radio Mix]
- Love the Lord [Radio Mix]
- Let the Praises Ring
- Everybody Praise the Lord
- Lord I Lift Your Name on High
- All I Really Want
- All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises
- Majestic [Radio Mix]
- Power of Your Love
- Shout to the Lord
- He's All I Need
- Everyday [Radio Mix]
- Take Me Higher (PS. 73:25)
- What Kind of Man
- You Are Good
- Here I Am to Worship [New!][Instrumental]
Customer Reviews:
Worship CD.......2007-07-05
Excellent!.......2007-06-27
Lincoln's best...SO FAR!! :D.......2007-06-14
Powerful Praise and Worship.......2007-05-29
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
Since our move from Northern California, we definitely miss worshipping along with Lincoln and our former church; but, this CD helps A LOT!
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The Anna Russell Album
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000027JD Release Date: 1991-07-26 |
Tracks:
- Introduction To The Concert (By the Women's Club President)
- How to Write Your Own Gilbert And Sullivan Opera
- Coloratura Aria 'Canto Dolciamente Pipo'
- British - Pure But Dull: 'I Love The Spring'
- Russian Folk Song: 'Da, Nyet, Da, Nyet'
- For Loud Singers With No Brains: 'Ah, Lover!'
- For Singers With Tremendous Artistry But No Voice: 'Schlumph; Je N'ai Pas La Plume De Ma Tante'
- For The Dramatic Soprano: 'Schreechenrauf'
- 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 DavisCustomer Reviews:
Intelligent and musical fun.-.......2007-01-13
The Genius of Anna Russell.......2006-03-15
If you enjoy laughing.........2006-02-23
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
Anna Russell is a SCREAM!.......2005-08-05
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Vivaldi's Ring Of Mystery
Manufacturer: Children's Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000212N Release Date: 1991-09-24 |
Tracks:
- Spring, I, RV.269
- Piccolo Concerto, II, RV.443
- Medley: Arriving At the Pieta/Autum, I, RV.293/Guitar/Flute Sonata, I, RV.52
- Violin Concerto In A Minor, I, RV 356
- Winter, II, RV 297
- Medley: Guitar Concerto, II, RV.93/Alma Del Core
- 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
- Medley: Sonata For Two Violins, II, RV.50/'Farnace', RV.711
- Violin Concerto in A Minor, II, RV.356
- Medley: Island Of The Dead/Autumn, II, RV.293/Summer, III, RV.315
- Medley: Island Of the Dead/Autumn, II, RV.293/Summer, III, RV.315
- Medley: Il Gardellino, RV.90/Beatus Vir, RV.597/Alma Del Core/Violin Sonata In F Major, I, RV.20
- Medley: Concert Preparations/Piccolo Concerto, I, RV 443/Guitar Concerto, III, RV 93/Double Trumpet Concerto, I, RV.537
- 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
the very best.......2006-05-01
Katerina- an inspiration for the last 11 years.......2005-12-29
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
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.
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Songs For Ice Cream Trucks
Michael Hearst Manufacturer: Bar/None Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000R3486C Release Date: 2007-06-12 |
Tracks:
- Ice Cream!
- Where Do Ice Cream Trucks Go In the Winter?
- The Popsicle parade
- Before I Drive Away (Redux)
- Five Up
- Tones For Cones
- One For Doran
- Ice Cream Yo!
- What¹s Your Favorite Flavor?
- Chocolate, Vanilla or Swirl?
- The Moose Track Shake
- The Sprinkle Twinkle
- 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.
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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 Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000424H Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
- Of All Great Musical Compositions... (Examples 1-4)
- The Fundamental Symbol... (Examples 5-11)
- Returning Now To The Nature Motive... (Examples 6, 12-16)
- A Number Of Further Motives... (Examples 5, 17-21)
- A Second, Much Smaller Family... (Examples 22-25)
- So Much For Nature. (Examples 26-38)
- The Cause Of The Deterioration... (Examples 39-44)
- The Other Transformation... (Examples 45-48)
- Several Other Motives... (Examples 49-52)
- Two Further Motives... (Examples 41, 53-61)
- The Basic Motive Associated With The Spear... (Examples 62-68)
- Along Another, More Complex Line... (Examples 69-72)
- In Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 69, 73-75)
- Returning Now To Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 76-79)
- Love Is Another Of The Central Symbols... (Examples 80-83)
- Later In The Same Scene... (Examples 84-87)
- Freia's Motive Has Two Independent Segments... (Examples 88-91)
- The Label 'Flight'... (Example 92)
- When Fasolt, In Scene Two Of Rhinegold... (Examples 93-98)
- A Little Later In The Interlude... (Examples 99-103)
Tracks:
- The Other New Motive... (Examples 104-109)
- There Are Several Independent Love-Motives... (Examples 110-114)
- The Characters In Whose Lives... (Examples 115-120)
- One Further Motive Belongs... (Example 121)
- The Sword Motive Recurs... (Examples 122-130)
- Ironically, This Phrase... (Examples 131-135)
- Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive... (Examples 136-140)
- Here We Come To The End... (Examples 141-146)
- Complemtary To This Symbol... (Examples 147-149)
- One Last Central Symbol... (Examples 150-157)
- One Further Motive Connected... (Examples 158-161)
- There Are One Or Two Motives... (Examples 162-168)
- These Motives Of Alberich And Mime... (Examples 169-171)
- Quite A Number Of The Subsidiary Motives... (Examples 172-176)
- Besides This Family Of Motives... (Examples 177-180)
- Our Final Example... (Examples 10, 181, 182)
- In The Final Scene Of Gotterdammerung... (Examples 181-183)
- Even More Masterly... (Examples 184-188)
- Now If We Return... (Examples 189-191)
- 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. RixCustomer Reviews:
Ring introduction critique.......2006-11-04
FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE.......2006-08-16
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
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
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
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With This Ring... Forever I Do
Various Artists Manufacturer: Harborwood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000060OO1 Release Date: 2002-03-19 |
Tracks:
- Lost In You - Howard Hewett
- Forever I Do - Image
- The One He Kept For Me - Maurette Brown-Clark
- Still In Love With You - Chris Willis
- Finally I - Daryl Coley
- Overjoyed - Ben Tankard
- You're The One - Lisa Shipman
- Everything - Duawne Starling
- Can't Stop Thinking About You - Kloud 9
- Come Take My Hand - Marcus Cole
- Lost In You - Howard Hewett
- Forever I Do - Image
- Still In Love With You - Chris Willis
- You're The One - Lisa Shipman
- The One He Kept For Me - Maurette Brown-Clark
- Wedding March-Processional - R. Wagner
- Wedding March-Recessional - F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
Customer Reviews:
Loved It.......2007-06-27
A Could Be Soundtrack 4 Your "Special Day".......2007-06-18
Excellent!.......2006-12-02
Excellent Gospel Wedding CD.......2006-10-02
All that I hoped for.......2006-06-23
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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 Similar Items:
ASIN: B000002SK7 Release Date: 1992-10-20 |
Tracks:
- Opening Solo Violin
- Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
- Hard Times Come Again No More
- The Voice Of Bygone Days
- Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
- Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
- Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
- That's What's The Matter
- Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
- Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
- Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
- Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
- Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
- My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
- Gentle Annie (1856)
- Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
- Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)
Customer Reviews:
It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10
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
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
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
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
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:
- Sanctuary
- Schizophonic Box Set: full length CD, collectable key chain, special poster,"Look at Me" video and never seen before footage
- Sing The Hits Of Jennifer Lopez (Karaoke)
- Sings
- Sitting Down Here [CD-single] [Import]
- Slow Down
- Slowjam Sessions Volume 1
- Small World/Sports
- Snap Classical Pop
- So Help Me God
Meditation Music
N.R.P.S. / Powerglide [Original recording remastered]
Music: Skunkworks [Original recording remastered]