Navidad

1. Santa Claus Llegara

2. Blanca Navidad (White Christmas)

3. Arre Borriquito

4. Campana Sobre Campana

5. Reyes Magos

6. Peces en el Rio

7. Feliz and Nuevo, Feliz Navidad

8. Rudolfo el Reno

9. Ven a Mi Casa Esta Navidad

10. Niño del Tambor

11. Llego la Navidad [Remix]

Navidad,Tatiana,Fonovisa Inc.,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Latin,Mexico,Zouk

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo
This is really the best.
If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD.
Rare And Great Domingo Classics
A real Bobby Dazzler

Very Best of
Placido Domingo
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time
Bravo Domingo
Perhaps Love
The Domingo Songbook
The Best of the Three Tenors

ASIN: B000083GOJ
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Ill Mio Tesoro
Un'aura Amorosa
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
La Ci Darem La Mano
Vani Sono I Lamenti...Svegliatevi Nel Core
Pays Merveilleux...O Paradis
Quel Trouble Inconnu Me Penetre...Salut ! Demeure Chaste Et Pure (Faust, Act III)
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere (Le Cid, Act III)
None But The Lonley Heart
Lensky's Aria
Donna, Non Vidi Mai (Manon Lescauy Act, II)
Ah, Manon, Mi Tradisce
Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle (Tosca, Act III)
Ch'ella Mi Creda (La Fanciulla Del West, Act III)
Dai Campi, Dai Prati (Mefistofele, Act I)
Virgini Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito
O Sink Hernieder, Nacht Der Liebe
Was Am Besten Er Kann...Hoho! Hohei!

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
Su, Profetessa...Di Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
Su, Cacciator...Fontainebleau!...
Niun Mi Tema
Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n
Sckenkt Man Sich Rosen In Tirol
Gern Hab'ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
O Vaterland...Da Geh'ich Zu Maxim
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz
Mi Aldea
Cancion Del Sembrador
No Puede Ser
Serenata
Copillas De Belen
Coplas Del Pastor Enamorado
En Aranjues Con Tu Amor
Jealousy Tango
La Golondina

Amazon.com

Placido Domingo is a phenomenon, and every aspect of his artistry is on display in this 2-CD compilation, which includes arias from his signature roles in Italian, French, German, and Russian operas, and songs from Viennese and Spanish operettas. The original recordings range from the early 1970s to the present and show that though over the years his bright golden voice has taken on a darker, more burnished glow, it has retained the melting lyricism, the heroic ring, the thrilling top notes, and the focused intensity that make it instantly recognizable. (Comparing the Verdi arias included here with their counterparts of later vintage in the all-Verdi set The Tenor Arias bears this out.) The program demonstrates his stylistic and expressive versatility and his ability to instantly establish character and mood, from Lenski's sorrow (in Eugene Onegin), Cavaradossi's heart-rending despair (in Tosca), Otello's shattering agony, to Tristan's passion, Siegfried's exuberance, Faust's ardor (first in French by Gounod, then in Italian by Boito). In three Mozart arias, Domingo spins endless, perfectly shaped phrases with incredible breath control, then adds an oddity: the famous duet between Zerlina and Don Giovanni, a role he has not performed. Five Viennese operetta songs, one of which he also conducts, are delightful; there is a smile of pleasure in his voice, but not a hint of kitsch. By contrast, Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart" is spoiled by an orchestration that is pure Hollywood. In the final Spanish group, he is on home ground and incomparable. This is a glorious record, a must for all lovers of great singing. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo.......2007-07-04

Placido Domingo, of course, is one of the finest tenors of the latter part of the 20th century. This 2 CD set well captures his talent, showing the range of his singing. We hear cuts from Puccini and Verdi to Tchaikovsky and Wagner to Strauss and Handel. And even a traditional Spanish sung and some operetta thrown in for good measure!

This is a wonderful introduction to his artistry, and shows that he can sing well across a variety of styles and eras. Let's sample some cuts:

"Il mio Tesoro" (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) is a difficult aria to sing well. And Domingo is up to the challenge. He displays a smooth and rich voice. His is one of those distinctive tenor voices, like Tucker's or Pavarotti's, that is quickly recognizable. This is, as noted, a challenging piece and Domingo handles it well, showing off considerable vocal agility in the process.

From the same opera, "La ci darem la mano," a sweet duet with, in this instance, soprano Susan Graham. This seductive work is sung well by both parties and is a ravishing version.

From Puccini's "Tosca," "Recondita armonia." At the close, his voice rises above orchestra and chorus. Overall, well and richly sung.

And now for something very different. . . The "Forging Scene" from Siegfried. One may not think of Domingo as a heldentenor, but he does a serviceable job here. His voice sometimes appears a bit light, but, overall, he does estimable work. He catches Siegfried's spirit as he forges the shattered remains of his father's sword, "Nothung." When he sings the name of his sword at the close, with the leitmotif ringing out from the orchestra, it is an affecting moment.

Then, "Celeste Aida" (from Verdi's opera). A stentorian voice well deployed to meet the challenges of this wonderful aria. Some tenors scoop as they move from those lower to the higher notes; Domingo's voice is well controlled here. The final high note is well hit.

Strauss (Junior's) "Ach, wie so herrlich zu schau'n" is a romp! A fun piece and well sung by Domingo. He demonstrates, as before, excellent vocal agility.

Lehar's "O Vaterland" is also fun. It is a sprightly tune sprightly sung.

Finally, he ends the second CD with a traditional Spanish tune--"La Golondrina." He does not overpower this work with operatic technique. He sings it well and affectingly.

So, all in all, if one wants a good introduction to Placido Domingo's vocal oeuvre, this is a very strong starting point.

This is really the best........2007-05-16

I have many of Mr. Domingo's recordings but I really love this one. He seems to get better with age. Some of the songs are on some of my other recordings but they seem new and fresh on this CD. I really think this is the best of Placido Domingo.

If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD........2005-04-06

Placido Domingo has been around for so long, it is easy to take this great artist for granted. I totally agree with the previous reviews of this album; I can also say that I had the opportunity to hear him live in concert on April 2, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and his voice is still stunning. His opening aria that night was the prayer from El Cid, "O Souverain," which he dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II. This piece is the 8th selection on CD 1, and is from a 1997 live recording. His thrilling finish blew me away when I listened to it the first time, and and the crowd on the recording reacts the same way the Mississippi audience did when we heard him. That aria alone is worth the price of this CD set.

Rare And Great Domingo Classics.......2005-03-08

EMI's "The Very Best Of" series is a wonderful way for the opera lover/novice or even connoisseur in training to get acquainted with the great singers of opera in the 20th century. It is possible that in a few years, the great singers of today (from the 90's up to now and further into the future) will grace the album covers of The Very Best Of...The Very Best Of Renee Fleming, The Very Best Of Salvatore Licitra, etc. This is not exactly the best of Domingo. It is more of a collection of rare and wonderfully expressive arias from operas that range all over the map- Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Meyerbeer, Gounod, Massenet. Now, here's the reason why so many people adore Domingo, myself included - Domingo is a Renaissance Opera Tenor. He has sung almost every tenor role in the opera universe. Even if he is, to some, the "tenor who sang with Pavoratti in the three tenors" he proves he's the strongest of the bunch, the most dedicated, the most prolific and most artistic. Domingo has a beautiful voice, with secure high register and dark, masculine middle chest voice and exciting dramatic electricity! He's sung more than 50 operas, in addition operetta and Spanish Zarzuela (the Spanish equivalent to musicals or operetta which is where he got started and his parents sung in Zarzuela) and he has also recorded Spanish mainstream love songs for Latin audiences. A winner of Grammies, an actor in movies about operas that he starred in (Tosca, La Traviata, Otello) and the most active tenor on tv broadcasts, he is just incredible and powerful.
He is a great force in opera.

Even in his old age, he does'nt seem to be slowing down or call it quits. Recent performances (2000-2005) include Eugene Onegin, the lead in Queen of Spades, Rasputin in Debra Dratell's Nicolas and Alexandra, Idomeneo and his next role Parsifal. He is the singular tenor who mastered every repertoire- Mozart (Don Ottavio, Tamino...unfortunately Domingo as Don Giovanni is a miscast because he is too noble and romantic and GOOD to be a bad guy)..to Puccini heros (Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, Dick Johnson in Fanciualla Del West, Rodolfo in Boheme, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Calaf in Turandot) Verdi heroes (Radames in Aida, Don Carlos, Stiffelio, etc) to the French repertoire...Gounod (Faust, Romeo) Meyerbeer heroes, Massenet hero (Des Grieux, Le Cid) and Saint Saens (Samson) the list goes on and on. When this man dies, an era will die with him. His legend will live on because he will leave behind dozens of albums, movies and memories......

A real Bobby Dazzler.......2004-02-19

Fans of Mr. Domingo would be lucky to find a selection of music that more profoundly explores and exhibits the diversity of his vocal ability and interpretation than is offered on these two discs. Delicious displays of Mozart, ringing renditions of the most challenging high Italian roles, powerfully rounded accounts of some of the heavy German/Russian repetoir, and some noticably nostalgic songs from the light Spannish tradition provide an impressive catalogue of the great man's rich, focussed, technically impecable and singularly beguiling vocal talent. Those who are yet to form an opinion on any particular genre of the operatic spectrum would do well to start here, so eclectic is this album. Also, you might be reassured to know that, should you become an admirer of P.D.'s talent as a result of listening to this compilation, (it is difficult to resist), you will have no trouble finding other recordings by him. A record-breaker with more than 110 roles to his repetoir (40 is a respected total for an opera singer), he is the most recorded tenor in history, leaving more than 80 complete accounts to date of operas in the Italian, French, German and Russian traditions.

The Great Paraguayan: Guitar Music of Barrios

Average customer rating:

Guitar Music of Barrios

The Great Paraguayan: Guitar Music of Barrios

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Agustín Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 2
Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 1
Music of Barrios
El Diablo Suelto - Guitar Music of Venezuela
Lauro: Venezuelan Waltzes for Guitar

ASIN: B00077F948
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Customer Reviews:

Guitar Music of Barrios.......2007-06-03

Some of the greatest classical guitar music ever written and played by the master John Williams. I play the classical guitar and have many CDs of guitar music. This is one of the best.

Average customer rating:

Very nice and soothing
Barrios Defined
Good Introduction to Barrios
Highly recommended
Absoultely the Best Barrios

Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 1
Antigoni Goni
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | 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
Similar Items:

Agustín Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 2
Villa-Lobos: Complete Music for Solo Guitar
Lauro: Venezuelan Waltzes for Guitar
Leo Brouwer: Guitar Music, Vol. 1
Brouwer: Guitar Music, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00005A7JY
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Tracks:

Maxixe
U Sueno En La Floresta
Vals, Op.8, No.4
Humoresque
Sarita (Mazurka)
Madrigal - Gavota
Vidalita Con Vars
Junto A Tu Corazon - Vals
Mabelita
Tu Y Yo (Gavota Romantica)
Villancido De Navidad
Pepita
Ste Andina: Aconquija
Ste Andina: Aire
Ste Andina: Cordoba
Ste Andina: Cueca

Customer Reviews:

Very nice and soothing.......2007-02-01

We play this CD when we're feeling mellow, or when we're trying to put our 2-year-old daughter to bed. I could swear the third track is part of the soundtrack to "The Third Man."

Barrios Defined.......2006-07-07

I should have written this years ago when I first got this recording. I host a half-hour program of music for guitar called Silver Moonbeams on WHRO FM 90.3 in Norfolk VA. I have all the Barrios recordings, and this is simply the best. Antigoni Goni knows and loves this music. Her timing and phrasing are superb. Her touch on the instrument is light and just right. In short, in my opinion, this is the very finest Barrios recording available. Many guitarists are competent, a few are brilliant and just a handful play music for the Gods. Antigoni Goni is definitely in the latter category.

Good Introduction to Barrios.......2005-03-30

I got this and David Russell's Barrios CD about the same time. The Penguin Guide to CDs gives this CD a three star - outstanding - rating; they also rate John Williams' Barrios recordings highly, but don't mention the David Russell Barrios recording.

This is Volume 1 of a projected series of Barrios' guitar music. It is my first time hearing Antigoni Goni who is excellent, leading me to want to hear her other recordings as well as live in recital.

There isn't too much overlap between her and Russell in Barrios, making getting both CDs worth it if you like Barrios.

Excellent recording quality.

Highly recommended.......2003-07-25

Playing Barrios requires more than just excellent technique. The performer has to capture the darkness in the light passages, like a yearning in moments of gaiety..Also, capture the light in the dark passages, as a ray of optimissim in moments of sorrow. Ms Goni captures all these emotions profoundly in this highly recommended CD.

The programme features rarely heard gems like Humouresque, Pepita, and the magical Tu y Yo. Her expressive phrasing often breathes new life into the often played works such as Maxixe, Junto a Tu Corazon, Vals no4.

Romantic guitar music, with Latin American folkloric influence

Absoultely the Best Barrios.......2002-03-27

This is one of my favorite CDs. You've never heard Barrios like this!

Average customer rating:

Perfect Performances
Mucho me pesa la cabeza
Just Get it!
This is such a great recording
ýCreoleý Songs and Dances from Old Spain to the New World

Villancicos y Danzas Criollas

Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

La Folia, 1490-1701
Altre Follie, 1500-1750
Isabel I: Reina de Castilla
Harmonie Universelle
Orient - Occident

ASIN: B0000E64U4
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Chacona: A La Vida Bona
Danza Del Hacha - Hesperion XXI
Moresca: Di Perra Mora
Negrilla A 4: San Sabeya Gugurumbe
Ritual Formulario: Hanacpachap Cussicuinin
Joto
Tono Humano: Ay Que Me Rio De Amor
Mestizo E Indio: Tleycantimo Choquiliya
Negra A 5: Antonya Flaciquia Gasipa
Cachua - Hesperion XXI
Rorro: Desvelado Dueno Mio
Negrilla: A Siolo Flasiquiyo
Juguete: Un Juguetico De Fuego
Juguete A 4: Convidando Esta La Noche
Guaracha: Ay Que Me Abraso
Villancico A 8: Serafin Que Con Dulce

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Performances.......2007-07-11

Villancicos y Danzas Criollas is a homage to the cultural traditions of Iberia and Ibero-America, showing the influence of European traditions in the Americas. The Villancico (also called Chanzoneta) is a form of poetry that was adopted for use in secular songs and, in the 17th century, for Christmas carols (the modern usage of the word denotes a carol). The secular songs were gradually replaced by the Romance while the Christmas carol form became more popular. The typical lyrics of villancicos have two or three stanzas followed by a refrain. The most religious-oriented villancico of this collection is Hanacpachap Cussicuinin (from Lima) where the author asks for their prayer to be answered.

The transmission of musical culture is a favorite (and fascinating) subject for Jordi Savall and this CD includes some beautiful and rousing music. The CD begins with four selections reflecting Iberian music that sets the stage of presenting a song (usually) followed by a dance. Following this introduction we are off the Americas and music from Peru, Guatemala and Mexico.

As pointed out in the booklet, the colonial expansion that took place during the 15th and 16th centuries widen cultural connections to include Africa, Asia and the Americas, which is reflected in this collection of music. One will discover a mixing of African dance rhythms and percussion with European polyphony. This is nicely demonstrated by the first selection with its strong use of drums and bold brass playing combined with a fast-paced dance melody and mixed voices. The second work, by an anonymous composer, is quite a contrast with its more restrained and courtly rhythms played by string instruments without the percussion or brass. The Hanacpachap Cussicuinin is scored for percussion, brass and voices sounding like a solemn funeral procession and is followed by a beautifully played piece for harp and percussion from Mexico. The incomparable Montserrat Figueras sings with peerless passion and beauty, particularly in the short Tono Hidalgo of Juan Hidalgo. One could go on and on extolling the wonderful music of this CD, suffice it to say that among my collection of early music discs this one is at the top.

As with all of Jordi Savall's recordings the performance is excellent and beautifully balanced with voices and instruments receiving equal emphasis. If you do not have this disc and love early music get it without hesitation.

Mucho me pesa la cabeza.......2007-07-02

Again and again we hear "Mucho me pesa la cabeza"..... "Much it pains my head."

This music is so ephemeral... so unique.... so mind massaging..... I love reading while it softly plays in the background in the room!

The massage is quite expansive!

Not a painful massage at all, but it does get inside your head!

Just Get it!.......2006-08-20

It's hard to pick out anything special on this disk... everything is top-notch. The opening 'La Chacona' is a delight and it just gets better and better and better. The second piece definitely is having some fun setting the listener up for 'something.' The ritual piece is majestic while the tone changes again with the harp solo... Hesprion XX/XXI are treasures in the ocean of music.
Gracias, Senores!

This is such a great recording.......2006-01-10

This recording is so great and so
breath taking that leaves me with
only this to say: since the day it
arrived to my doorstep back in mid
December, I have listen to it daily,
not just few tracks, but the whole
CD several times a day.....One
of the best works of Savall and
Hesperion XXI.....

ýCreoleý Songs and Dances from Old Spain to the New World.......2004-05-16

An astonishing collection of vocal polyphony and dance music, largely from Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico. Performed with flair and feeling by the preeminent Spanish early-music ensemble of our time. Not to be missed!

My translation of the album title, given above, is not exact. "Criolla" can refer to anything Latin American, and a "villancico" is first and foremost a Spanish poetic genre from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Norton/Grove Concise Encyclopedia tells us that it was "originally derived from a medieval dance lyric and associated with rustic or popular themes." Certainly the rustic and popular loom large in this lively selection of Renaissance music. Hesperion XXI and its director Jordi Savall have often sampled folk styles in their imaginative reconstitutions of early performance tradition. So most of these selections get percussion accompaniment accentuating the dance element, while strumming guitars, castanets, maracas, and more are employed discreetly but effectively. Lusty and characterful vocal contributions come courtesy of La Capella Reial de Catalunya and soprano Montserrat Figueras, who takes a couple of fine solo turns. It's all recorded in a warm, resonant church acoustic.

In his liner notes, Prof. Rui Vieira Neri introduces the Spanish part of this collection by noting a long tradition of mixing high and low culture, not to mention Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultural elements in the art and music of the Iberian peninsula. And right away we get to hear a vocal chaconne (a dance imported from the Indies "by mail" according to Lope de Vega) and a Moresca "Di Perra Mora," with strong Arabic flavor and hints of 5/2 meter.

Of the New World selections, some of the most engaging combine indigenous languages with Netherlands musical style. The solemn processional hymn "Hancpachap cussicuinin," written by a native composer in the Quechua language of Peru, was also the first example of polyphony printed in the Americas. Gaspar Fernandes (1570-1629), chapel master at the Puebla cathedral, wrote a number of villancicos that mix Castilian with Nahuatl, the Aztec tongue, including "Tleycantimo choquiliua" on this recording. It is based on a local Indian dance, as is another Christmas villancico included here, "Ay que me abraso," which moves to the beat of the Mexican guaracha.

Bantu and Yoruba phrases crop up frequently in the refrains of the African-influenced numbers, so numerous in their day that they were customarily referred to in the old manuscripts as Negro, Negrilla, or Guineo. Savall includes three such pieces on this recording; they abound in the sort of rhythmic intricacies and call-and-response effects that Europeans already associated with Africa. Among the most infectious is "Antonya, Flasiquiya, Gasipá," in which the song's characters wake up after a long night of drinking and dancing in order to go to Bethlehem to pay homage to baby Jesus, where more carousing will be called for. Each refrain ends with the words "Mucho me pesa la cabeza": "Oh, my aching head."

Tracks:

Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)
Adeste Fideles
Ave Maria, Dolce Maria
Wiegenlied
Oh Tannenbaum
Tu Scendi dalle Stelle
Amazing Grace
White Christmas
Dormi O Bambino
Silent Night
Pregarla (El Can de L'Anima a La Verge)
Susani
Happy Christmas/War is Over
Wiegenlied
Carol of the Drum (The Little Drummer Boy)
La Virgen Lava Paqales
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Sleigh Ride
Winter Wonderland
Un Nuevo Siglo
Feliz Navidad

Amazon.com

Resplendent in voice and manner, José Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti deliver 21 songs of traditional sacred music and secular numbers in a remarkable 1999 live recording from the opulent Viennese concert hall (Konzerthaus), with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and a renowned choir. The Three Tenors are practically as famous as the faces of Mount Rushmore and inspire perhaps even more awe and adulation around the world than the four presidents. The performances--whether alone, in tandem, or simply as the threesome that has made them collectively famous--are generally impeccable for their passion, nuance, and sheer tour de force vocal artistry. Reaching often into the classical realm for such works as the traditional German carol "Susani," Strauss's and Brahms's "Wiegenlied," plus traditional Polish and Spanish pieces, the trio also visits Pavarotti's "Ave Maria, dolce Maria" (cowritten with Vittoriano Benvenuti), and "Un nuevo siglo," written by Domingo's son. Only John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas/War Is Over" doesn't quite work in this grand setting. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

First Christmas Album I bought for myself.......2007-01-16

Album is great. For any other holiday music, just listen to your local radio station that plays it during December.

wonderful.......2007-01-15

they are wonderful singers a delight to the ears and doing Christmas music made Christ mas even better

Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO!.......2005-08-23

First, let me state I don't listen to opera singers that much; thus, don't expect a hypercritical review here. (Really, is there ANY field of music that has more hypercritics than opera?) I got this CD simply because Columbia House had it on sale for $2.99, and I wanted some new Christmas CDs.

I found the CD delightful beyond words. It has some beautiful versions of well-known Christmas songs, as well as songs I've never heard before. "Carol of the Drum" and "War Is Over" are my two favorites, with "Sleigh Ride" a close third.

Sure, there is some tripping over of words by these three great opera stars...but that makes it even more enhancing in my opinion. Pavarotti was particularly amusing when he was singing: "And all our friends are calling 'HOO-HOO'!" (Watch the DVD for Carreras' reaction to that one!) And let's not forget Pavarotti singing: "I'll be home for Christmas. You can PLAY on me."

The children's chorus is great, the Vienna Symphony is great...and, once again, buy or rent the DVD so you can get the full affect of this astounding Christmas concert...the music, the lights, the colors, and the marvelous Steven Mercurio conducting it all.

Wonderful and funny compilation.......2005-03-09

The Three Tenors are, of course, wonderful to listen to. This is also a funny CD. When they sing the more modern songs (Happy Christmas by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, for example) they have trouble keeping up with the pace of the song. They almost sound like they're tripping over the syllables, because as opera singers they are more accustomed to long, drawn out vowels, not fast ones. This doesn't hurt the song at all, it makes it more interesting to listen to. It's a great CD. I would recommend this as an addition to any collection of Christmas music.

A historical meeting..........2004-11-28

Although several labels already had Christmas albums of the three tenors in their catalogue, the three maestros never actually trioed on these releases. When Plácido Domingo and the "Christmas in Vienna" team started preparing the eighth concert in the series (six predecessors were captured by Sony, and one, titled "Celebration of Christmas" issued by Erato-Warner), they made a monumental decision: Re-uniting three of the greatest voices of the current music business.
For one and a half hour, Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti performed the greatest Christmas songs and carols from around the world. Nearly 65 minutes of this monumental concert are captured on this disk. The opening version of "O Holy Night" (aka "Cantique De Noel", "Minuit, Chrétien") by Domingo and Pavarotti would be reason enough to get this one. But wait, there is far more on the way, than selections from the classical genre. The real enjoyment starts, when the three tenors do one of the most romantic arrangements of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" ever heard and fade from a rousing "La Virgen Lava Pa`nales" into one of the finest treatments of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ever heard. Also of great interest is the trio arrangement of "Let It Snow!", which is included on some of the import versions and on the DVD.
If you are a hopeless completist like me, you may be asking, what happened to the 25 minutes cut from the CD release. Well, first let me say, that none of the currently available releases has the order of the songs as they were performed in the concert. Although this is a live recording, handclaps and other characteristics of a live recording are hardly audible on the CD version. Two tracks, "Jingle Bells" and "Let It Snow", which had clearly audible handclaps at the beginning and at the end of the performance (and therefore couldn't be faded out) can be found on the mentioned import disk and on the DVD's PCM soundtrack. "Children of Christmas" (a Plácido Domingo Jr. composition originally introduced in "Christmas In Vienna IV" by Plácido Domingo and Michael Bolton) and "Ay" Para Navidad" can be found exclusively on the DVD. Currently unavailable on any official release is the "Overture" (which can be found on the DVD, but abridged with sound effects). So here's the actual running order: "Overture", 20, 2, 1, 11, 3, 4, "Children of Christmas", 16, 17, 6, 15, 8, "Let it snow", 5, "Ay! Para Navidad", 9, 19, 14, 18, 12, 13, "Jingle Bells", 7, 21, 10;
If you still doubt about the quality of this performance, let me say one for sure: As other volumes in the series will slowly disappear (as some of them have already in the US), this one is a matter of decades and when you buy this one, you will have joyful Christmas hours for many, many Christmases to come.

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez & Fantasia para un Gentilhombre; Manuel Barrueco

Average customer rating:

Brilliant Conducting and Essential Interpretation
Spanish Soul Concerto
"Adagio" is very authentic !!!!!
Big Disappoinment !

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez & Fantasia para un Gentilhombre; Manuel Barrueco
Manuel Barrueco , Joaquin Rodrigo , Placido Domingo , and Philharmonia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Manuel Barrueco Plays Albéniz & Turina
Cuba! / Manuel Barrueco
Manuel Barrueco ~ Bach & de Visae
Manuel Barrueco ~ Cantos y Danzas / Hendricks · Pahud
Manuel Barrueco ~ Brouwer, Villa-Lobos & Orbon

ASIN: B000002RWY
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Concierto de Aranjuez: I Allegro con spirito
Concierto de Aranjuez: II Adagio
Concierto de Aranjuez: III Allegro gentile
Coplillas de Belen (Villancicos, III)
Pastorcito Santo (Villancicos, I)
Un tiempo fue Italica famosa
Adela (3 Canciones espa olas)
Coplas del Pastor enamorado
Zarabanda lejana
Fantasia para un gentilhombre: I Villano y Ricercare
Fantasia para un gentilhombre: II Espanoleta y Fanfare de la Caballeria de Napoles
Fantasia para un gentilhombre: III Danza de las Hachas
Fantasia para un gentilhombre: IV Canario

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant Conducting and Essential Interpretation.......2006-05-07

Shame, shame, shame on the reviewer who says Domingo is not a conductor. This is the most moving, soul satisfying performance I have ever heard of the Rodrigo Concerto. I originally heard this on my local classical musical station, and I nearly caused a traffic accident when THAT passage played: I am sure you know what passage I am talking about. I am not exaggerating, this piece makes love to you. Most recordings are too fast and sterile. This one sent me orbiting.

Spanish Soul Concerto.......2005-11-25

Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez has never sounded more Spanish than on this EMI recording conducted by Spanish tenor Placido Domingo. Aside from his career as a tenor, Domingo has for a few years since the 90's developed as a conductor as well. This natively Spanish album of guitar and orchestral music is wholly suited to his talents. I love the opening movement, allegro con spirito, with its brisk, jovial rhythms and it is a sharp contrast from the sensually slow adagio. The rest of the album contains Spanish orchestral pieces and songs, almost the equivalent of Lieder. Especially when sung by Domingo, "Capilllas De Belen" "Un Tiemp Fue Italica Famosa" and "Coplas del Pastor" are romantic Spanish Lieder. The "Fantasy for a Knight" - Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre" is admirably executed. EMI has done a lot of great albums that prominently feature Domingo and this is one that speaks to his authentically Spanish soul...and to the Spanish audience.

"Adagio" is very authentic !!!!!.......1999-08-13

The second movement of this great composition is indeed the most authentic version I have ever heard since I first listened to this masterpiece 25 years ago .Andre Previn's version is also excellent. I have heard John Williams's version and respectfully submit that Manuel Barrueco truly captures the soul and spirit of Joaquin Rodrigo in a Concierto clearly composed for the Gods!!!!!!

Big Disappoinment !.......1999-04-29

We were expecting that this recording of the Concierto D' Aranjuez came out to be the best, but it shows one more time that only John Williams's recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra bring to the audience the authentic message from the composer. On Manuel's recording is very difficult to hear the guitar and the sound sometime is very weak. Manuel decided to take a lot of notes out on technical challenge parts, maybe he did not know how to practice those parts or he did not have enough time to prepare the piece. I would like to say that Placido Domigo is not a conductor, a good musician can tell the diference between this reocording conducted by Placido and a recording conducted by a real and professional conductor. I will buy twenty times John Williams's recording then this CD.

Ariel Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad en Verano; Navidad Nuestra

Average customer rating:

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS CLASSICALLY BASED RENDITION TRY MERCEDES SOSA
Misa Criolla
Dismayed and disappointed
Obras y arreglos como ningunos otros
Soulful singing from José

Ariel Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad en Verano; Navidad Nuestra

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Misa Criolla
Misa Criolla/Misa Luba/Misa Flamenca
Misa Criolla
Misa Criolla/Missa Luba/Misa Flamenca
Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad Nuestra

ASIN: B000009IAZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Misa Criolla: Kyrie (vidala-babuala)
Misa Criolla: Gloria (carnavalito - yaravi)
Misa Criolla: Credo (chacarera trunca)
Misa Criolla: Sanctus (carnaval cochabambino)
Misa Criolla: Agnus Dei (estilo pampeano)
Navidad en Verano
Navidad Nuestra: La Anunciacion (chamame)
Navidad Nuestra: La Peregrinacion (huella pampeana)
Navidad Nuestra: El Nacimiento (vidala catamarquena)
Navidad Nuestra: Los Pastores (chaya riojana)
Navidad Nuestra: Los Reyes Magos (takirari)
Navidad Nuestra: La Huida (vidala tucumana)

Customer Reviews:

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS CLASSICALLY BASED RENDITION TRY MERCEDES SOSA.......2006-09-11

even if the original all-out version is no longer available, perhaps you will find the Mercedes Sosa version a little moree to your earthy and real liking than the finely tempered but dying Carreras. Indeed this version is tuned more to the silent solitary halls than the living streets and barrios of mi pueblo.

Misa Criolla.......2006-02-23

Having heard snatches of this music on Classic FM, I was keen to hear the whole album. I was not disappointed - the beautiful voice of Jose Carreras was more than adequately supported by the Sociedad Choral de Bilbao.

Top marks for this composition from Ariel Ramirez - altogether a spiritually uplifting experience.

Dismayed and disappointed.......2005-11-11

This version of the Misa Criolla is elegant, restrained and polished, three adjectives that have nothing to do with the raw and rousing folk original. It's about as close to its roots as a gilded church crucifix is to the piece of lumber Christ was crucified on... I'll stick with my raspy 70s recording and relish it!

Obras y arreglos como ningunos otros.......2005-10-31

Muy pocas veces se combinan
el arte popular y el arte clasico
y cuando se combinan escasas son
las ocacciones en que ofrecen un
buen resultado. En el caso de la
Misa Criolla de Ariel Ramirez, es
unos de esos pocos casos. Esta
grabaccion es un arreglo de la
version original del compositor,
rara la vez en que un arreglo
se hace de tal manera que mantiene
la idea principal del compositor
y el espiritu de la obra. La grabaccion
de esta obra ha siido una cuestion
de esas que se dan muy pocas veces
en la vida. Aqui se reunen interpretes;
musicos y cantantes de la mas alta calidad
la grabaccion es hermosa, como
ninguna otra de esta obra.
Jose Carreras canta con
claridad y sentimiento. Coral
Salve de Laredo y la sociedad
coral de Bilbao hacen un trabajo
genial, las partes de cantantes
y de instrumentos bien arregladas.
Una grabaccion que vale la pena
tener...

Soulful singing from José.......2005-06-20

It seems that this cd is a matter of whether you have heard the "original" or not. I haven't, so obviously I belong to the group of people that appreciate this cd. The cd was recorded just a few days (7 days I think) before he was diagnosed with leukaemia and I was amazed when I found out, because one should think that a disease that severe would affect his singing somewhat. But that's absolutely not the case. His singing is as wonderful as ever.

Jose is giving it all in every song on this album. His rendition of "Kyrie" is stupendous, as is his "Agnus Dei". Not to mention "Navidad en Verano". It's absolutely divine. Navidad Nuestra "El Nacimiento" also qualifies in the same category. Don't be surprised if the soulfullness of the songs together with Jose's soft notes brings you to tears. When it comes to stirring emotions with his voice and his heartfelt singing Josep is unsurpassed. When singing the soft notes he sounds so vulnerable; his voice goes straight to my heart. And I'm totally helpless. In my opinion his voice and his way of singing also lends a sort of elegance to the songs that I find very attractive. This is a wonderful cd that will no doubt stir your emotions. Lie down; put on your headphones and turn the volume up. I'm not suggesting that you will have an "out-of-the-body-experience" but it's pretty close. You will at least restore your inner peace. There are also some great tracks like "Los Reyes Magos" that will probably make you dance around the house. (Or at least start toe-tapping....) The chorus sounds wonderful throughout the album, but I especially love their participation in this song. They are playing a large part in the toe-tapping effect of this song......

The cost of this album is a small price to pay to restore your inner peace. If you need a "refuel" buy it asap!

Average customer rating:

Feliz Navidad
Hector Lavoe , Yomo Toro , and Daniel Santos
Manufacturer: Fania / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

Mexico | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Asalto Navideño, Vol. 2
Asalto Navideño
Asi Es Nuestra Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Strikes Back

ASIN: B000ICLSPQ
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Introduction Feliz Navidad
Montserrate
Mr. Brownie
Parranda Fania
Joven Contra Viejo
En La Navidad
Leche Cachete
Una Pena en Navidad
Dame un Chance

Average customer rating:

Great Christmas Album!

Objetivo Fama: Una Navidad Con Todos
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Univision Music Grp
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Compilations | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B00066FAPS
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

Trulla de la Gata - Cani, Janina, Yaddeliz, Zanian
Medley Alfonso Vz: Ek Fuepa, Wepa, Wepa (El Jolgorio)/A Quien No - Gatay, ,
Candela - Ektor, Janayra, Janina, ,
Cardenalito - Ektor
Medley Manuel "Canario" Jimz: Cortaron a Elena/Santa ... - Cani, Jancelamary, Janina, Lizzette, Natalia, Yaddeliz, Zanian
Gallinita - Janina, Lunna, Luis "Perico" Ort
Jardinero de Cari Gatay,
Bomba en Navidad - Ektor,
Cuando Llega Navidad - Gatay
Pegaito - Grupo Odjetivo Fama
Pegaito [DVD] - Grupo Obetivo Fama

Customer Reviews:

Great Christmas Album!.......2004-12-12

This is a great xmas album, with a lot famous christmas classics. 17 out of the 18 kids partipated (bitchy Sheila was letf out...no surprise there!). Best songs are definetly Ektor's "El Cardenalito" and Janina's "La Gallinita". I gave it 4 stars because I was expecting to hear Janina in more songs, but besides that this is a must have.

Average customer rating:

Mandolin and flamenco xmas
Very nice
Great instrumental album for the Christmas season
A Perfect Christmas CD
duo's flare of Latin & Bluegrass will brighten the Holidays

Navidad
Lara and Reyes
Manufacturer: Higher Octave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Brazilian & Latin Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

International Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

World Jazz
Riverwalk
Exotico
Urban Gypsy
Guitarras Hermanas

ASIN: B00004WFOC
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Winter Wonderland
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Away In A Manger
White Christmas
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Silent Night
The Christmas Song
Feliz Navidad
Frosty The Snowman
Silver Bells
What Child Is This?
O Come All Ye Faithful
Angels We Have Heard On High
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Let It Snow
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Auld Lang Syne

Amazon.com

Sergio Lara and Joe Reyes specialize in flamenco-style guitar, and fans that know the San Antonio-based players will immediately enjoy these standard hymns and carols, all played with spirited hands and convincing emotion. Lara and Reyes offer 18 tracks of holiday fare perfect for putting you in the mood or for entertaining friends and family. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" hints at a tango, while "Let It Snow," like many of the cuts here, finds the duo improvising and engaging listeners with little side trips and some additional Christmas whimsy and reverence. As for their playing, their fluid figures dip occasionally into what almost sounds like bluegrass, crossed at times with Latin phrasing and accents. Closing with "Auld Lang Syne," Navidad lives up to its billing as a colorful and contemplative holiday album. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Mandolin and flamenco xmas.......2003-12-07

Beginning with the opening track "Winter Wonderland, " you immediately know that the usual xmas songs will be anything but. These two San Antonio, Texas musicians lend their collective talents to create a memorabe xmas album that stiches Latin rhythms, jazz and a sort of Tex-Mex bluegrass for a nice Americana xmas quilt. The musicians improvise at the right times, only after you have recognized the melody's then taking you to new dimensions and back. Other songs are straight ahead true to the original melodies never straying . The mandolin playing on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas" is right on track with the original melody and sounds perfect. Although the guitar playing is compelling work I found the mandolin to give a different texture that creates a uniquesound. The Irving Berlin penned xmas classic "White Christmas" is pretty much straight ahead jazz and while it is a modern interpretation it could easily pass for one from a deifferent bygone decade. When the arrangements are by Lara & Reyes, like on "God Rest Ye Merrry Gentlemen," the results are nothing less than superb. The integration of mandolin and flamenco guitar is an absolute knockout. The lingering extended notes by the mandolin on "Silent Night" are a thing of beauty that touches you with the spirit of the season; it is very ,very beautiful. There are plenty of songs here for the duo to show their skills ,variety of styles and technique. Many composers and musicians have recored trhese songs so you tend hear these other versions simultaneosly through the accostic versions. One such song is the Mel Torme tune, probably made most famous by Nat King Cole, "The Christmas Song." There are a few "contemporary " xmas songs like Jose Feliciano's bright and cheerful "Feliz Navidad" that keeps true to the original for the most part. If you have a multiple disc player this is good disc to throw in the musical rotation. Put your player on random, catch a few tunes in no particular order and mix it up a bit for a little variety while you enjoy your fireplace and a nip of eggnog. This disc has a little of everything but the most traditional of songs like "O come All Ye Faithful" seem to sound the best. If you want something a little different yet traditonal than this disc may be for you. I cannot overemphasize the beauty of the mandolin blending in harmony with the flamenco guitar for a most unusual yet complimentary sound. This is an album of music that will bring joy to your soul and a smile to your face.

Very nice.......2003-09-18

Great record.
Creates the best atmosphere for the holiday season.

Great instrumental album for the Christmas season.......2002-05-29

While I had never heard of this album or the artists, I happened upon it on a jazz search at amazon. I am always looking for high-quality guitar albums, and something about playing the standards for the Holidays seems to shed light on whether a "musician" can or can't play or understand how to keep the sound of the original without dousing it with their own playing.
Lara & Reyes' interpretation of the tracks is astounding, and you feel like they are in your living room playing near the Christmas tree.
Pop this CD in and let it run throughout the house; everyone will enjoy it, from your young daughter who only knows the words to the chorus to your teenager who is dabbling with guitar who will appreciate the technical aspects, to mom and dad who can dig the fact that everyone enjoys it for their own reasons.

A Perfect Christmas CD.......2001-12-12

This is everything a Christmas album should be - pure, simple, beautiful music. Lots of great renditions of holiday classics - and they all positively shimmer with great guitar playing. Don't let the Editor's Review fool you - this isn't just for Spanish/Flamenco music lovers.

duo's flare of Latin & Bluegrass will brighten the Holidays.......2001-11-03

Before I go into this review, just want to go on record..."these two young musicians are outstanding, awesome, simply superb"...words can't describe the feeling you have while listening to this album...covering the "Holiday Season" with 18 selections...from Christmas Carols directly to your favorite popular Christmas song.

Sergio Lara & Joe Reyes give of themselves, for the Holiday spirit shines brightly from their hearts...Lara with his flamenco guitar & mandolin as Reyes plays the flamenco & acoustic guitar, spotlighting some sparkling arrangements, giving us that warm glow that comes around every year at this time.

Hats off to Higher Octave for releasing a CD that will make your "Holiday Season" a memorable one, invite your family and friends as you listen to "Navidad" this year, featuring LARA & REYES...plug in the Christmas tree, turn the lights down, sit back and ENJOY!

Total Time: 43:42 on 18 Tracks ~ Higher Octave HOMCD-49488 ~ (2000)

Mexican Music: