Twentieth Century [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Twentieth Century [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Build This Love

2. Twentieth Century

3. Ghost Town

4. Saturday Night

5. Painted Doll

6. No Sense

7. Flame Trees

8. Only One

9. Hold Me Tight

10. Sing to Me

11. Game

12. Janelle

13. Temptation

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Digitally Remastered and Repackaged, featuring Bonus Tracks, Multimedia and Deluxe Booklets.

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner
Imperial Attack
The Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler
The Moisture Farm
The Hologram/Binary Sunset
Landspeeder Search/Attack Of The Sand People
Tales of a Jedi Knight/Learn About the Force
Burning Homestead
Mos Eisley Spaceport
Cantina Band
Cantina Band
Archival Bonus Track: Binary Sunset (Alternate)

Tracks:

Princess Leia's Theme
The Millennium Falcon/Imperial Cruiser Pursuit
Destruction of Alderaan
The Death Star/The Stormtroopers
Wookie Prisoner/Detention Block Ambush
Shootout in the Cell Bay/Dianoga
The Trash Compactor
The Tractor Beam/Chasm Crossfire
Ben Kenobi's Death/Tie Fighter Attack
The Battle of Yavin
The Throne Room/End Title

Customer Reviews:

The Best Soundtrack Ever Composed.......2007-04-07

This is not only the best of all six Star Wars soundtracks but is the very best soundtrack ever written. No joke, it was even voted "Best Sountrack Ever Written" by the American Film Institute. It is truely a masterpiece.

A masterpiece for XX Century........2006-06-25

STAR WARS ARE THE BEST SCORE of the Maestro John Williams,
this not only music Score,this a symphony of the stars

Will outlast the movies, no question........2006-06-18

I have listened to John Williams score for this film from start to finish more times than I've watched the film!

This music captures the essence of the story extremely well - maybe even better than the film itself. While the first disc moves extremely slowly, the music begins to pick up speed as things actually begin to happen in the film ("Tales of a Jedi Knight", track 8, is the start of the really engaging music). At the end of the first disc, you get the special treat of hearing the different takes of the original Star Wars scores (16-20). The first two takes were discarded, and the one we hear on disc and in the movies is a blend of takes 18, 19, and 20. Very nice touch, and interesting in terms of knowing the evolution of the music.

Disc two starts with a concert suite of Princess Leia's theme which is extremely touching, lots of strings/French horn. Then the rest of the disc, after "The Destruction of Alderaan" and "The Death Star/The Stormtroopers", is mostly action music, besides the music for Ben Kenobi's sneaking around.

The last several tracks are what many consider the crown jewel here, beginning with "Ben Kenobi's Death/TIE Fighter Attack" - a great piece of bombastic action music, accelerating into "The Battle of Yavin IV" (the pronouncement of the 'Force Theme' when Ben tells Luke to use the Force is still the most touching moment)and finishing with one of Williams's crowning achievements - that of course being the "Throne Room/End Credits" sequence, five and a half minutes of pure magic, and probably my most played track from this set. A reprise of this music could actually be heard in the 13-minute long end credits to Revenge of the Sith - it's a pity that Williams's didn't reference themes from other movies there, but the fact that he chose this one should tell you something...)

This soundtrack - with its myriad themes, cues, variations and all - this introduced me to film score music, and I honestly would not have had it any other way. It is dear to my heart.
-------------------------------
In 1977, Lucas thought that this was the only thing about Star Wars that he was happy with. This happens to be the only part of the movie that he DIDN'T change in 1997, so that should also clue you in. Get this now.

One note - if you have the spare change, get the scores for all three movies separately; not the 2004 Sony versions that are remastered, but the 1997 RCA/Victor versions. The tracklists are identical, however; the Sony packaging is much cheaper and DO NOT come with what I consider ESSENTIAL liner notes, which explains Williams's music, the way he uses various instruments and themes throughout, etc.

An Inspired & Intense Soundtrack for an Epic Film.......2005-10-06

I still remember the first time that I ever saw the original "Star Wars" film back in 1977 in a local theater. In silence, the classic line, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...," appeared against a black screen. Suddenly, a blaze of John William's main title for "Star Wars" filled the theater and began to capture the minds and hearts of the audience for an adventure of epic proportions. Rich with percussion, brass instruments and a string orchestra, the main title for "Star Wars" is probably one of the most recognized pieces of music in the world today.

Following the power of the main title, the music momentarily softens to a flute solo only to quickly crescendo once again as a rebel passenger ship is under attack from a powerful Imperial Starcruiser. With a blaze of laser blasts, the rebel theme is squashed by the power of the Imperial Attack music with the eventual entry of Stormtroopers and Darth Vader into the captured rebel ship. It is here that two robotic characters, R2-D2 and C-3PO, take center stage as they escape to the desert planet of Tatooine. The music that accompanies their long journeys across its arid surface is quite appropriate, followed by the Jawa mechanical-sounding march.

The music that accompanies the introduction of Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill) at his uncle's moisture farm/home becomes his personal theme music throughout the film, but I prefer the more emotional theme music written for Princess Leia (played by Carrie Fisher). One of the most dramatic musical scores in the film is the theme that accompanies the destruction of the peaceful planet of Alderan, which was Princess Leia's home. This is similar to the theme used towards the end of the film during the final destruction of the Death Star, but some of the music in "Star Wars" was rather comical, such as the two cantina band songs on the planet of Tatooine.

Shortly after seeing the film in 1977, I purchased the complete "Star Wars" soundtrack when it was first made available on a dual LP album and loved to listen to it. Even years after the film was released many friends and acquaintances of mine also owned the film's soundtrack in one form or another. The film and its music captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people and continues to do so to this day. The film would never have been as good without an impressive soundtrack, but thanks to George Lucas' selection of John Williams as the primary composer, both the film and its soundtrack will no doubt capture hearts and imaginations for decades to come. Therefore, I rate the dual CD soundtrack for "Star Wars: Episode IV--A New Hope" with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it. Listening to the intensity and emotion of the music without simultaneously watching the film can be wonderful experience.

The first the best!.......2005-08-28

I purshased this item because of the melodies still in my head after 28 years. I love it , enjoy it as Iam.

Average customer rating:

Hooray for Hollywood!
Eh, It's Okay
We really enjoyed hearing all of the old movie themes
Outstanding Film Music
An Interesting and Gratifying Volume 1

Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Simply the Best Movie Themes
Great Movie Love Themes: Five Star Collection
Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores
Beautiful Hollywood

ASIN: B000003CUW
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Overture From Captain Blood
Tara's Theme From Gone With the Wind
Parade Of The Charioteers From Ben Hur
Theme From Exodus
Lara's Theme From Doctor Zhivago
Theme From Lawrence Of Arabia
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet
Theme From Goldfinger
Theme From Love Story
Theme From A Summer Place
Theme From Jaws
Theme From The Summer Of '42
Theme From Rocky
Theme From Terms Of Endearment
Main Theme From Out Of Africa
Theme From Chariots Of Fire

Customer Reviews:

Hooray for Hollywood!.......2007-07-22

I bought this CD to go with an Academy Awards/Hollywood Walk-of-Fame theme party that I did for work. It really lent that dramatic mood that I was looking for to usher in the theme as people entered that room on the first day after it was decorated.

Please also see my review for the CD Beautiful Hollywood.

Eh, It's Okay.......2007-04-24

For those that purchase soundtrack collages to have a variety of songs and themes, then this is good for you. Unfortunately, these tracks didn't have the signature Erich Kunzel version of the songs as he had on other soundtrack mix CDs. It was more like just that, a mix CD of different soundtracks and scores. However, it was a good buy in the fact that the tracks chosen had excellent sound quality and a sense of harmony.

We really enjoyed hearing all of the old movie themes.......2005-09-30

we put this CD in on a long road trip. We played a guessing game as to which one knew the movie. The music was excellent.

Outstanding Film Music.......2005-09-10

This is an outstanding collection of film music. The sound is qulity is very good. The selections cover a good range from various film genres and time periods. I like this CD.

An Interesting and Gratifying Volume 1.......2005-08-22

Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops' interpretation of film scores on this first tribute to Hollywood is somewhat a mixed bag. A SUMMER PLACE was beautifully executed and true to the nature of this sensitive film that was made during a time of innocence. The BEN HUR, CAPTAIN BLOOD and OUT OF AFRICA selections were good. The interpretation of GOLDFINGER was a rather bizarre and blatantly bombastic exercise in overkill. This is a good CD for me because of the A SUMMER PLACE selection.

Average customer rating:

Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material!
Beginner or Expert
Very Informative and Enjoyable
Frank's view
Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra

Instruments of the Orchestra
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Op34; Simple Symphony Op4
The Mahler Symphonies: An Owner's Manual (includes 1 CD)
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Book & CD)
Study of Orchestration, Third Edition
What to Listen for in Music

ASIN: B00006O0NT
Release Date: 2002-12-03

Tracks:

Overture To 'Tannhauser'
Domna, Pos Vos Ay Chausida
We Don't Merely Use Instruments, We Play On Them. And They Play On Us.
Hungarian Dance No.7
The Violin Is One Of The Most Tender And Beautiful Instruments Ever Invented.
Violin Concerto In D Major (Adagio)
But For A Long Time It Was Seen As The Instrument Of The Devil.
The Soldier's Tale: Triumphal March Of The Devil
The Manipulative Seductiveness Of The Gypsy Violin.
Csardas Music
The Violin And The Initiation Of Nature
The Four Seasons (Spring, Mvt 1)
Birds Are Again Evoked In The Second Concerto, Especially Music's Natural Favourite.
The Four Seasons (Summer, Mvt 1)
Like The Devil, The Violin Is A Master Of Disguise.
Old Viennese Dance No.3 'Schon Rosmarin'
The Menacing Sensuality Of Ravel's Tzigane: A Very Different Side Of The Violin:
Tzigane
Do We Now Have The True Measure Of This Instrument? Not Just Yet.
Caprice No.24
The Many Effects Of The String Tremolando: Brandenburg Concerto No.4 (Last Mvt)/From Joy To Fright/Quartettsatz In C Minor/The String Tremolo Practically Spells The World Agitato.
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No.7)
Prokofiev's Tremolo In Romeo And Juliet Should Not Be Heard Just Before Bedtime.
Romeo And Juliet: Act IV
Vivaldi Use It To Illustrate The Shivering Of Travellers Crossing The Ice.
The Four Seasons (Winter, Mvt 1)
The Violin Muted
Clair De Lune
The Gentleness Of Muted Strings Persists Even When A Whole Orchestra Plays.
Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major, K.467 (Slow Mvt)
The Pizzicato Violin
Pizzicato Polka
In Prokofiev's Second Violin Concerto, The Accompaniment Is Pizzicato.
Violin Concerto No.2 In G Minor (Slow Mvt)
Varieties Of Pizzicato: Colas Breugnon (The People's Feast)/Now A Drier, Leaner, Hungrier Pizzicato. There's Not A Lot Of Comfort Here./Capriol Suite (Tordion)/The Use Of Pizzicato As 'Percussion'/Romeo And Juliet (Act I)/Mahler Used Pizzicato...
The Planets (Mars - The Bringer Of War)
The Technique Of Double-Stopping Enables The Violin To Play Duets With Itself./Sonata No.3 In C Major For Unaccompanied Violin (Fugue)/Now A Later Example Of The Same Technique
Hungarian Dance No.4
Double-Stopping Is A Standard Feature Of A Lot Of Folk Music.
The Four Seasons (Autumn, Mvt 1)
Now The Same Technique, But The Sound Might Have Come From Another World.
Bolero
Double-Stopping Can Only Approximate The Sound Of A Real Violin Duet.
Cadenza To The Violin Concerto By Brahms
Now Compare That With A Real Violin Duet.
Forty-Four Duos (No. 1: Teasing Song)
Another Duo By Bartok, Demonstrating The Violin's Rich Lower Register
Forty-Four Duos (No.2: Maypole Dance)
And Now What May Be The Most Beautiful Accompanied Violin Duet In History
Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
The Soul Of The Violin Is In Song; But What About This Weird Passage?
Violin Concerto No.1 In D Major (Mvt 2)
The Use Of Harmonies In The Orchestra Can Be Both Magical And Unsettling.
Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 1, Opening)
Tchaikovsky's Use Of Harmonics In The Sleeping Beauty Is Both Strange And Darling.
The Sleeping Beauty (Act II, No.15: Entr'Acte)
Ravel's Harmonics In Mother Goose Effect A Magical Transformation.
Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
Stravinsky's Harmonics In The Firebird Transport Us Almost Into Another World./The Firebird (Introduction)
The Natural Upper Notes Of The Violins Have A Unique Emotional 'Grab'.
Also Sprach Zarathustra (Of The Afterworldsmen)
Still In Their Upper Register, The Violins Unleash The Energy Of A Young Colt.
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No. 4)
Elsewhere, Britten Uses The Same High Register To Create A Very Different Mood.
Four Sea Interludes (Dawn) From 'Peter Grimes'
To End This Outing With The Violins, A Charming Little Elfin Dance
Elfenreigen

Tracks:

Introduction To The Viola
Viola Concerto (Mvt 1)
Khatchaturian Gets A Very Different Sound From It: Fuller, Fruitier, More Exotic.
Gayane Suite No.1 (Armen's Solo)
Very Nearly The Whole Of The Violin's Upper Register Is Also Available To The Viola.
Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'
The Viola Can Bring A Special, Rich Twanginess To Pizzicato That The Violins Lack./Don Quixote/Berlioz Drew Sounds From It That Retain Their Metallic Strangeness Even Today.
Harold In Italy (Mvt 4)
The Muted Viola: Intimate, Gentle, Poignant In Dvork
Cypresses (No.9)
The Massed Violas Of The Modern Symphony Orchestra In Mahler
Symphony No.4 (Mvt 3)
The 'Period' Viola In Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No.6 (Last Mvt)
The Cello: A Voice Of Unique Nobility
Suite No.1 For Unaccompanied Cello (Prelude)
Brahms And The 'Soul' Of The Cello
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat Major (Mvt 3)
Most Orchestral Composers Tend To Emphasize The Cello's Lower Register.
Cantata 'Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben', BWV 147 (Soprana Aria: Bereite Dir, Jesu)
In The Time Of Beethoven The Cello Remained As Fundamental As Ever.
Symphony No.3 'Eroica' (Finale)
But The Cello Is Not Condemned To Spend Its Life In The Basement.
Elfentanz, Op.39
Not Only In Recital Showpieces Like That Is The Cello Is Used In Its Highest Register.
The Protecting Veil (Opening)
A Cello With An Identity-Crisis: The Pizzicato Flamencan
Flamenco
Double-Stopping In The Lower Reaches Of The Cello's Range
Solo Suiet For Cello And Piano (Sardana)
It's In The Middle Register That The Cello Really Comes Into Its Own.
Oriental Dance, Op.2 No.2
It Was To The Cellos That Beethoven Gave Two Of His Most Famous Themes./Symphony No.5 (Mvt 2)/Still More Famous Than That Theme Is This One From The Ninth Symphony.
Symphony No.9 (Finale)
Introduction To The Double-Bass
The Carnival Of The Animals (The Elephant)
But The Double-Bass Can Be Intensely Expressive And Graceful.
Elegy No.1 In D Major
The Range Of The Double-Bass Is The Greatest Of All The String Instruments/Allegro Di Concerto, 'Alla Mendelssohn'/And It's Also Capable Of Very Considerable Virtuosity.
Capriccio Di Bravura
Double-Bass Solos In Orchestral Scores Are Rare But Often Memorable./Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 3)/In His Third Symphony Mahler Makes A Very Different Use Of The Instrument./Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1)
The Double-Bass Muted In Prokofiev/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Kije's Wedding)/In Another Work Prokofiev Uses The Double-Bass To Enhance The Winds./Romeo And Juliet (Act III)/And He Combines The Bass Clarinet With A Shivering Tremolo From The Double-Basses....
Symphony No.5 (Mvt 3)/So Much For The Strings/On Now To The Winds

Tracks:

The Antiquity And Magic Of The Flute
Prelude A L'Apres-Midi D'Un Faune
The Versatility And Agility Of The Flute
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor (Badinerie)
The Flute In Fifteenth-Century Spain
Sa'Dawi
Other Flutes: The Bass And Alto
Chamber Music No.II
The Piccolo - Aptly Named
La Naissance D'Osiris (Mvt 6)
From A Piccolo Of The Eighteenth Century To One Of Its Descendants In The Twentieth
Suite No.1 For Small Orchestra (Valse)
A Variety Of Techniques
Chamber Music No.II
Flutter-Tonguing. But Tchaikovsky Got There Eighty Years Before.
The Nutcracker (Act II, No.2: Scene)
From The Transverse To The Vertical: The Baroque Recorder
Recorded Suite In A Minor (Menuet II)
An Unfamiliar, Early Vision Of The Instrument
Naelden, Naelden
The Bachian Oboe
Cantata 'Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott', BWV 80 (No.7: Duetto)
Introduction To The Cor Anglais Or 'English Born'
Symphony No.9 'From The New World' (Mvt 2)
The Loneliness Of The Cor Anglais
The Swan Of Tuonela
The Cor Anglais Joins The French Horn In Haydn.
Symphony No.22 'The Philosopher' (Opening)
Introduction To The Oboe D'Amore, Beloved Of Bach - But Also Of Ravel
Bolero
The Clarinet Family: Boxing The Compass, From The Depths Of The Bass Clarinet.../The Egyptian (Violence)/...To The Raucous And Squealy.../Taras Bulba (The Death Of Ostap)/...To The Shrill And Complaining...
Petrushka (No.8: Peasant With Bear)/...To The High Sprits Of A Playful Puppy./Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)/And To The Downright Jazzy/Romeo And Juliet (Act II)
As The High Clarinets Tend To Be Loud, So The Bass Tends To Be Soft:
Gayane Suite No. 1 (Mvt 5)
The Bass Clarinet Is Used By Most Composers Mainly As A Colouring Agent.../Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/...But It Does Occasionally Get A Whole Tune To Itself./Iberia (Almeria).
The Range Of The Normal Clarinet Parts Goes Quite High...
The Snow Maiden (Scene 5: Melodrama)
...And Quite Low.
Peter And The Wolf (The Cat)
The Clarinet As Concerto Soloist
Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
But That's Not The Instrument Mozart Wrote It For; This Is:
Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
Introduction To The Saxophone
Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 4)
The Soprano Saxophone Has Quite A Different Feel To It.
L'Arlesienne Suite No.1 (Minuet)
The Little Sopranino Sax Goes Even Higher.
Bolero
The Most Famous Use Of The Saxophone Is In An Orchestration By Ravel.
Pictures At An Exhibition (The Old Castle)
The Saxophone Can Be Quite Contagiously Good-Humoured.
Sax-O-Phun
The Puffa-Puffa Image Of The Bassoon
Peter And The Wolf (Grandfather)
The Bachian Bassoon, In Accompanimental Mode
Cantata 'Weichet Nur, Betrubte Schatten' ('Wedding Cantata'), BWV 202 (Aria No.1)
Bizet Leaves The Puffa-Puffa Image Out, Allowing The Bassoon To Sing./Carmen Suite No.1 (Les Dragons D'Alcala)
And Ravel, Also In Spanish Mode, Does Likewise.
Bolero
The Bassoon As A Voice Of High Seriousness, Indeed Desolate Loneliness
Symphony No.3 (Opening)
The Eerie Bassoon In Its Highest Register
The Rite Of Spring (Opening)
Stravinsky Now Draws On Its Lowest Register, Lonely And Melancholy.
The Firebird Suite (1919, Berceuse)
The Bassoon As Concerto Soloist, Avoiding All Exaggeration
Bassoon Concerto In G Minor (Finale)
The Deep-Voiced Contra-Bassoon, As A Fairy-Tale Beast
Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
The French Horn Under Its Woodwind Hat
Wind Quintet, Op.43 (Last Mvt)
Now A More Prominent Role, In A Woodwind Quintet From An Earlier Era
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Mvt 2)
The Horn In Harmonious Blend With Strings In Another Quintet
Horn Quintet, K.407 (Finale)

Tracks:

The Trumpet As Virtuoso Soloist
Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Last Mvt)
The Special Brillance Of Paired Trumpets
Concerto In C For Two Trumpets, RV537 (Mvt 1)
The Ceremonial Trumpet
Fanfare For The Common Man
Trumpets And Drums - An Incomparable Alliance
Messiah (The Trumpet Shall Sound)
The Versatility Of The Trumpet, From The Most Public To The Most Lonely
Piano Concerto In F (Slow Mvt)
The Trumpet As The Voice Of The City/An American In Paris/The Trumpet As Recruitment Officer/The Soldier's Tale (The March)/The Trumpet As Swaggerer
Carmen Suite No.2 (Habanera)
The Trumpet As The Voice Of Strength And Courage
Carmet Suite No.2 (Toreador's Song)
The Trumpet Muted/Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Opening)/The Trumpet As The Voice Of Weariness
Billy The Kid
The Trumpet As Character Actor
Pictures At An Exhibition (No.6)
The Trumpet As The Voice Of God
Mass In B Minor ('Et Exspecto')
The Birth Of The Trombone
Aenmerckt Nu Hier
The Birth Of The Brass As A Family
Canzon 12 In Double Echo
The Trombone In The Eighteenth Century
Trombone Concerto In B Flat Major (Finale)
The Tone Of The Tenor Trombone/Romance For Trombone And Organ/The Memorable Voice Of The Bass Trombone/Requiem (Mvt 2)/But The Bass Trombone Is More Than An Instrumental Bullfrog.
Hosannah
The Trombones Become Part Of The Orchestra.
Symphony No.5 (Finale)
The Wagnerian Trombone:/Overture To 'Tannhauser'
The Trombone As Caricaturist
Pulcinella (No.19: Vivo)
The Trombone As Raspberry/Concerto For Orchestra (Intermezzo)
The Horn And The Hunt
Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495 (Finale)
The Challenging Horn Of The Baroque
Abaris Ou Les Boreades (Menuet)
The Scarcity Of First-Rate Players In Handel's Time
Walter Music (Minuet 1)
The Horn As Magician/The Firebird Suite (1919, Finale)
Horns And The Sound Of Nobility
Overture To 'Tannhauser' (Opening)
The Special Sound Of The Horn In Its Higher Register
Mass In B Minor ('Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus')
The Trumpet-Like Sound Of Massed Horns
Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1, Opening)
The Tuba - Unfairly Maligned?
Symphony No.6 (Mvt 3)
The Tuba Perfectly Cast By Ravel
Pictures At An Exhibition (Bydlo)

Tracks:

Introduction. And We Begin With A Bang.
Fanfare For The Common Man/The Bass Drum On The Battlefields/Wellington's Victory, Op.91 (Opening)
At The Opposite Extreme Is The Triangle.
Piano Concerto No.1 In E Flat (Scherzo)
Categories Of Percussion: Tuned And Untuned. The Side Drum
Overture To 'La Gazza Ladra' - The Thieving Magpie (Opening)
The Side Drum In An Effective But Unexpected Role/Clarinet Concerto (Mvt 1)
The Tambourine. One Of The Oldest Instruments In The World
Den Hoboecken Dans
Even Older Is The Originally Oriental Gong.
Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
No Single Instrument Can Match The Gong In Evoking The Breaking Of Waves./Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'/But Gongs Don't Have To Be Struck To Be Effective.
Gymnopedie No.2
The Cymbals Are Generally Discovered Early In Life./The Sanguine Fan/And They Do More Than Clash Together Loudly. They Can Be Clashed Together Softly./Studio Example: But They Needn't Be Clashed Together At All/Studio Example: They Can Be Lightly...
Other Untuned Percussion Instruments Include The Whip.: Piano Concerto In G Major (Opening)/And Here Are No Fewer Than Twenty, Cracked By Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Act I, Scene 5)
More Versatile Than The Whip Are The Wood Blocks.../Studio Example/...Which Crop Up All Over The Place In Twentieth-Century American Music.
Rodeo (Hoe-Down)
Related To The Wood Blocks, By Sound, Are The Castanets./Jota Aragonesa/But The Castanets Were Also Used By Monteverdi Back In The Seventeenth Century.
Scherzi Musicali (Damigella Tutta Belle)
A Still Earlier Example From Fifteenth-Century Spain
Yo M'Enamori D'Un Aire
The Birth Of The Bongo
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story'
From The Streets Of New York To The Blacksmith's Shop/Il Trovatore ('Anvil Chorus')
Desert-Island Decibels: Grand Canyon Suite (On The Trail)/Arcana
From One Vegetable To Another: The Humble Squash, Or Marrow/Huapango
Onwards To The Tuned Percussion. First, The Timpani
Also Sprach Zarathustra (Introduction)
But The Drum Roll Can Be More Effectively Frightening Than The Big Bang.: Symphony No.2 'Resurrection' (Mvt 3)
Not One Drum Roll, But Many/Grand Canyon Suite (Sunrise)/Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)
Taking Advantage Of Tunability
Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Mvt 2)
The Russian Composer Rodion Shchedrin Takes A Downward Turn./Carmen Suite (Changing Of The Guard)/Tuned, Yes; But For The Truly Melodic We Must Look Elsewhere.
Introducing The Glockenspiel/Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
Saint-Saens And The Xylophone
The Carnival Of The Animals (Fossils)
Ravel And The Xylophone
Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
Introducing The Marimba/Carmen Suite (First Intermezzo)
Introducing The Vibraphone
The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Narange Dolce)
The Vibraphone Goes Russian.../Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)/...And Is Joined By The Marimba./Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
Introducing The Hungarian Cimbalom
Folk Dances
The Cimbalom And The Symphony Orchestra
Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 3)
Introducing The Tubular Bells
Hary Janos Suite (Viennese Musical Clock)
A More 'Up-Front' Approach From Rodion Shchedrin
Carmen Suite (Introduction)
But The Bells Can Also Make The Sinister Even More Sinister./Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
Introducing The Celeste
The Nutcracker (Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy)
Magic, In The Use Of Collective Percussion
Miroirs (La Vallee Des Cloches)
Plucked Instruments: The 'Undercover Percussion'/Carmen Suite (Scene)
A Prime Case In Point Is The Harp, Irresistible To The Romantics./The Nutcracker (Act II, No.1: Scene)/The Non-Solo Harp As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Hungarian Rhapsody No.1
The Traditionally Subservient Role Of The Harpsichord In The Baroque Orchestra
Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Slow Mvt)
The Piano: King Of The Tuned Percussion/Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Mvt 3)/And A Quarter Of A Century After That:
Petrushka (Russian Dance)
The Anti-Romantic Piano As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra
Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Last Mvt)

Tracks:

Keyboard Instruments In The Orchestra - The Most Powerful Of Them All:
Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Finale)
But Things In Handel's Day Were Very Different.
Organ Concerto In B Flat, Op.4 No.3 (Last Mvt)
The Organ Is Difficult To Classify.
An Unexpected, Organ-related Guest
Concerto Pour Zampogna (Last Mvt)
Peasant-Fancying... And A Touch Of The Roaming Cowboy
Les Miserables (Drink With Me)
Outside Artefacts And The Power Of Association
Mahler's Sleighbells
Symphony No.4 (Opening)
A Roll-Call Of Some Unusual Guests/The Typewriter/Parade
Chains, And More/Integrales/An American In Paris/Sandpaper Ballet
Purpose-Built Oddities: Wind Machines/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Opening)
Don Quixote (Variation VIII)
National Calling Cards: The Guitar For Spain/Concierto De Aranjuez (Finale)
And The Guitar's Poor American Relative, The Banjo/Washington Breakdown
And Poorer Still, The Mouth Organ/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Packing Up)
The Balalaika For Russia/Romeo And Juliet (Act II: No.14)
The Maracas For Mexico/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (El Desayuno)
The Bongos And Congas And A Whole Wealth Of Other Drums For Africa And Central America/Studio Example
The Sitar Of India/Evening Raga: Bhapoli
The Accordion For France (Especially Paris)/Paris Canaille
The Zither For Vienna/The Third Man (Theme)
The Cimbalom For Hungary/Folk Dances
The Guitar As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Rondena
There Are Whole Orchestras Of Balalaikas./Sveit Mesiats
The Effect Of The Wordless Human Voice, Used Purely As An Instrument/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
Nocturnes
Instruments And the Imitation Of Nature. The Clarinet As Cuckoo
The Carnival Of The Animals (The Cuckoo)
The Flute As An All-purpose Aviary
The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aviary)
The Oboe As Duck
Peter And The Wolf (The Duck)
The Recording Of Reality. Does It Work As Well?
The Pines Of Rome (The Pines Of The Janiculum)
The Recording Of Reality Electronically Reborn In New Guises
Cantus Articus - Concerto For Birds And Orchesra (Mvt 2)
Beethoven Turns Avian: Cuckoo, Nightingale, And Quail
Symphony No.6 'Pastoral' (Andante Molto Mosso)
Some Improbable Casting: The Violin As Braying Donkey
The Carnival Of The Animals (Persons With Long Ears)
A Truly Orchestral Hee-haw To Be Reckoned With
Overture To 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
A Thunderstorm In A Million
Symphony No.6 'Pastoral (Allegro-Allegretto)
the Instrumental Depiction Of A Silent World
The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aquarium)
Saint-Saens' Menagerie Takes A Curtain Call.
The Carnival Of The Animals (Finale)

Tracks:

The Grouping Of Instrumental Families. An Additive Approach. First, Two Violins
Forty-Four Duos (No.4)
A Great Contrast, Of Both Pitch And Character: Violin And Viola
Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat Major, K.424 (Finale, Vars 1 & 2)/Studio Example
Arrival Of The Standard String Trio: Violin, Viola, And Cello
String Trio In B Flat (Menuetto)
The String Quartet: Two Violins, Viola, And Cello
String Quartet In F, Op.18 No.1 (Mvt 3)
The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Viola
String Quartet No.5 In D, K.593 (Adagio)
The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Cello
String Quintet In C (Mvt 3)
The String Sextet: Two Violins, Two Violas, And Two Cellos
String Sextet In B Flat (Mvt 2)
The String Octet: The Standard String Quaret Times Two
Octet In E Flat, Op.20 (Mvt 1)
Double The String Octet: A Fully Fledged String Orchestra
String Symphony No.2 (Finale)
The Massed Strings Of A Symphony Orchestra
Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis
Contrasts Of Pitch And Instrumental 'Colour' In The Woodwind Section
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Theme)
In The First Variation It's The Horn That Gets The Lion's Share.
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 1
In Variation Two The Torch Is Handed To The Bassoon.
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 2
In Variation Three The Oboe Leads.
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 3
Variation Four: Conversation Before Returning To A Solo-dominated Texture
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 4
And Variation Five is Dominated By The Clarinet.
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 5
The Next To Be Featured Is The Virtuoso Flute.
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 6
Individual Farewells And A Closing Chorus
Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 7
A Mixed Group: Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, String Quartet, And Double-Bass
Octet In F (Mvt 3)
The Early Classical Symphony Orchestra Of Haydn And Mozart
Symphony No.29 In A, K.201 (Finale)
Strings, Wind, But No Brass. What Haydn And Mozart Never Knew
Canzon 28
Beethoven's Fifth: Two Horns, Two Trumpets, And Three Trombones Join The Team.
Symphony No.5 (Finale)
From Beethoven To The Massive Orchestras Of Berlioz, Wagner, And Mahler
Beethoven Changed The Face Of The Symphony And The Orchestra Forever
Symphoy No.6 'Tragic' (Mvt 1)
The Cult Of Orchestral Elephantiasis Reaches Its Peak.
Symphony No.1 'Gothic' (VI: Te Ergo Quaesumus)
When Large Doesn't Necessarily Mean Loud: Debussy
Images (Gigues)
A Crisis Of Confidence; The Orchestra's Survival Hangs In The Balance, But It Still Develops. The Ondes Martenot:
Turangalila Symphony (Chant D'amour 1)
The Advent Of The 'Early Music' Movement Brings A New Vitality And Freshness.
Balle De Xerxes (Gavotte En Rondeau)
Computer And Synthesiser: Friends Or Foes?
Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
A Speculative Look Ahead/Mass In B Minor ('Dona Nobis Pacem')

Customer Reviews:

Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material!.......2007-04-04

This set lends itself to greatly enhancing one's knowledge of the orchestra, instruments in it, and their usage. I am a huge music buff, and I still picked up a great deal I previously did not know. I highly recommend this for all who wish to understand the origin of music, as well as the processes that are employed to create music!

Beginner or Expert.......2007-03-12

This CD is excellent for the beginner or expert! To be able to haear the instrumets separately and then together really provides a good education. and/or refresher. The book thaty comes with the CD is alomost worth the price by itself!

Very Informative and Enjoyable.......2006-11-20

Whether you're a music novice or pro, "The instruments of the Orchestra" is a very worthwhile purchase. The 7 CDs, with a total of 8 hours, are expertly narrated by Jeremy Siepmann. He's a great speaker, very much like the late Leonard Bernstein was. Mr. Siepmann takes you on an unforgetable musical journey covering the origins and use of the various orchestral instruments throughout musical history. The balance between his narration and a wealth of musical examples, which range from snippets to entire movements, is superb. The comprehensive enclosed booklet is excellent and faithfully follows the 7 CDs in content. Even with my 40+ years of music training I still learned new things from this wonderful collection. Considering the excellence of the content, and a cost that translates to about $5 per disc, this collection is a great value. Grab it, you won't regret that you did. Five solid stars!

Frank's view.......2006-08-19

This boxed set of CD's with booklet achieved all I had hoped that it would. There are good samples of individual instruments and well done commentary on each. The only drawback was that some of the samples were too brief and could have been longer, hoiwever I guess this fits in with time constraints of the medium. It has given me a lot of clues as to future purchases of CD's for listening to individual instruments. Altogeth a satisfactory purchase and a welcome addition to my collection.

Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra.......2003-11-08

I've listened to classical music for years and am interested in composition. I bought this CD set to learn how an orchestra and its instruments work. I thought the CDs would be a nice but boring lecture. They aren't! Not only are they FUN but they are informative as well. I learned a huge amount from each CD and couldn't wait to listen to the next one.

The narrator and writer is a great speaker and holds your attention well. He is definitely knowledgeable. He provides musical examples for each point he makes, so you get to "hear" what he just talked about. I'd say the CDs are about 65% music and 35% narration. You'll learn about the range of instruments, some history, different ways to play them, how they sound, and how they are used in the orchestra. This CD set was a great learning experience and is sold at such a low price!

I recommend this CD for those who want to learn about classical music and those who know about it but are interested in learning more about the inner workings of an orchestra. You'll learn much useful information. For instance, the Rite of Spring (with that eerie start) is written for bassoon! I never knew a bassoon could sound like that but now I do.

The one complaint I have is the last CD. This deals with the orchestra. I wanted more of a tour of how the orchestra has been used through history up to the present. Instead, it was a tour of how different groups of instruments sound. I thought it could have been better. The other 6 CDs are excellent.

Star Wars Trilogy
Average customer rating:

Wonderfull Collection to have but no Orignal Art Work.

A fountain of youth for a Star Wars geek

This is more of a description of the music than a review for this particular set, really . . .

You can feel the Force around you.

Quality could be better

Star Wars Trilogy
John Williams
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (The Ultimate Star Wars Recording)(1999 Film)

The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy Soundtrack (3CD & 18 Trading Cards)

ASIN: B0002YCVLU
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner
Imperial Attack
Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler
Moisture Farm
Hologram/Binary Sunset
Landspeeder Searck/Attack of the Sand People
Tales of a Jedi Knight/Learn About the Force
Burning Homestead
Mos Eisley Spaceport
Cantina Band
Cantina Band #2
Binary Sunset [Alternate Take][*]

Tracks:

Princess Leia's Theme
Millennium Falcon/Imperial Cruiser Pursuit
Destruction of Alderaan
Death Star/The Stormtroopers
Wookiee Prisoner/Detention Block Ambush
Shootout in the Cell Bay/Dianoga
Trash Compactor
Tractor Beam/Chasm Crossfire
Ben Kenobi's Death/Tie Fighter Attack
Batte of Yavin: Launch from the Fourth Moon/X-Wings Draw Fire/Use ...
Throne Roon/End Title

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth
Wampa's Lair/Vision of Obi-Wan/Snowspeeders Take Flight
Imperial Probe/Aboard the Executor
Battle of Hoth: Ion Cannon/Imperial Walkers/Beneath the ...
Asteroid Field
Arrival on Dagobah
Luke's Nocturnal Visitor
Han Solo and the Princess
Jedi Master Revealed/Mynock Cave
Training of a Jedi Knight/The Magic Tree

Tracks:

Yoda's Theme
Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)
Yoda's Theme
Attacking a Star Destroyer
Yoda and the Force
Imperial Starfleet Deployed/City in the Clouds
Lando's Palace
Betrayal at Bespin
Deal With the Dark Lord
Carbon Freeze/Darth Vader's Trap/Departure of Boba Fett
Clash of Lightsabers
Rescue from Cloud City/Hyperspace
Rebel Fleet/End Title

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title: Approaching the Death Star/Tatooine Rendezvous
Droids Are Captured
Bounty for a Wookiee
Han Solo Returns
Luke Confronts Jabba/Den of the Rancor/Sarlocc Sentence
Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault
Emperor Arrives/The Death of Yoda/Obi-Wan's Revelation
Alliance Assembly
Shuttle Tydirium Approaches Endor
Speeder Bike Chase/Land of the Ewoks
Levitation/Threepio's Bedtime Story
Jabba's Baroque Recital
Jedi Rocks
Sail Barge Assault [Alternate Take][*]

Tracks:

Parade of the Ewoks
Luke and Leia
Brother and Sister/Father and Son/Fleet Enters Hyperspace/Heroic Ewok
Emperor's Throne Room
Battle of Endor: Into the Trap/Forest Ambush/Scout Walker Scramble
Lightsaber/The Ewok Battle
Battle of Endor 2: Leia Is Wounded - The Duel Begins/Overtaking ...
Endor 3: Superstructure Chase/Darth Vader's Death/The Main Reactor
Leia's News/Light of the Force
Victory Celebration/End Title
Ewok Feast/Part of the Tribe
Forest Battle (Concert Suite) [*]

Amazon.com

Given that it's largely credited with reinventing Hollywood--or at least fostering its overweening box office expectations--it's hard to imagine that the genesis of George Lucas' sprawling, multi-billion dollar Star Wars franchise was once considered a risky studio proposition at best. But Lucas himself has wisely singled out the robust, retro-romantic music of composer John Williams as the unlikely artistic linchpin that holds all of the saga's disparate dramatic, thematic and technical elements firmly together. Boxed together here then are three of the most successful and influential film scores of modern Hollywood, work that draws as much on Williams' masterful sense of classical music history as it does his own well-studied melodic and arranging instincts. Each of the three double-disc collections here contains all of the music written for Star Wars: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (and even Alfred Newman's intyroductory "Fox Fanfare"), newly upgraded via Direct Stream Digital remastering that adds stunning new presence and clarity to Williams' rousing, epochal scores. Each chapter also features a lenticular 3-D cover and newly designed fold-out film poster, as well as encoded disc features allowing online access to elaborate new Star Wars screen savers; the ultimate musical compendium of the original Star Wars triptych. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfull Collection to have but no Orignal Art Work........2007-06-21

This is without any doubt the best musical presentation for STAR WARS trilogy with excellent remastering. Also, wonderfull music to listen.

It was arranged in same order as the movie and i think it has all the music from the films and more. Also it contain the original 20th Century Fox Fanfare recording for each movie which is rare to listen. In this way you can listen and enjoy the way was the music is recorded for each movie at that time without any enhancement, and that for Star Wars truly music lovers.

The only drawback i found that is lacking the orignal art work for each movie which are the finest and best ever. There are wonderful posters from different type, style A, B, C, and advanced, which i was expecting to see them again here or somewere els.

I was hoping and wishing from ( A Long Time Ago ... ) that they release again same original recording for Star Wars and Empire strikes back when they released first time in 1977 and 1980. I don't know why it has been decline ever since. At that time each movie released its sound track in two album with different and excellent arrangement. I believe this is a perfect arrangement and better in term of music listening. Im just hoping releasing them again with finest remastering.

A fountain of youth for a Star Wars geek.......2007-02-13

It has been a long time since I last dared to take out my old Star Wars LP, with its well remembered skips and pops. Now, thanks to the Boxed set of the Star Wars Trilogy, I can listen to it again as it was intended to sound, and as often as I like. It is like revisiting an old friend, but there are differences: for one, there is more music, and it has been restored to its actual running order, unlike the LP which cut and spliced a bit to create rounder, perhaps more balanced listening. But for a true fan of the films, it is deeply satisfying to hear the score in its proper order and entirety, even if at times it can ramble on or shift more suddenly than a typical symphonic work. That being said, John Williams is a master at composing for film, so that even taken out of context it is beautifully listenable.
The major drawback to the boxed set is the complete lack of liner notes or any kind of commentary--one of my favorite features of the old LP were the inserted notes. So much thought went into the score that it demands commentary. Admittedly, I haven't yet been able to access the "unlock and go" feature on the internet, so perhaps the lack of liner notes on the box is rectified there. Another surprise, given the fact that there is room on the CD's to include more music, alternate takes (and even an extended secret "inner groove" on the first disc), is that in the case of episode 6, music that was added for the new edition of the film is included but not the music it replaced. Admittedly this was the least interesting music in the soundtracks, namely the "pop" music in Jabba's palace and the Ewok's chant at the end, but for the sake of completion, it should also have been included. A minor quibble, and more than made up for by the inclusion of the 20th century fanfare and the second Cantina track.
All-in-all, this boxed set is a must for anyone for whom the original trilogy was a special part of their youth. It will instantly bring you back to that state of wonder when you first saw the films, and on repeated listens it will continue to reveal the genius of John Williams.

This is more of a description of the music than a review for this particular set, really . . ........2006-12-30

A New Hope:

What to say about Star Wars? It's all too known to say very much. But let me just point out a few things, instead. The Main Title track, after the fanfare calms, is quoting 'Mars' from Holst's 'The Planets'. "The Dune Sea of Tatooine" is a tribute to Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring'. The bonus track contains several different takes on the Main Title if you sit around and wait--there is a LOT of silence 'til it starts, but it's fascinating to hear the subtle differences from take to take. With "May the Force Be With You" and "Princess Leia's Theme", we have the beginning of the lovely, melodic leitmotifs we have come to associate with Star Wars music.

The Empire Strikes Back:

Both the best movie and the best soundtrack of the original trilogy, in my opinion. Whether or not you agree about the movie, the music here really is the best, from a professional standpoint and not just an "it's pretty!' one. Three huge things happen in this movie, musically: "Han Solo and the Princess", the love theme which is based on "Princess Leia's Theme"; "Yoda's Theme"; and, last but certainly not least, "The Imperial March". I believe the two biggest, most recognisable themes of the saga are the Main Title theme and "The Imperial March", which was constructed from half-developed "evil" cues from 'A New Hope', and also Chopin's "March funèbre, Lento" from 'Piano Sonata No.2 in B flat minor' (trust me, you know it).

The Return of the Jedi:

The only new themes (there are plentiful delectable motifs) to come out of this movie are "Parade of the Ewoks", which nearly succeeds in making the Ewoks themselves cute, and the extremely luscious "Luke and Leia". "The Emperor's Theme", introduced in 'Empire Strikes Back', is emphasised, and voices lace over the epic duel between father and son (not nearly as stimulating as the music or the fight scenes of the prequel trilogy). It is true, there are some slightly embarrassing tracks ("Threepio's Bedtime Story", "Jedi Rocks"), but somehow all is set right by the power of "Victory Celebration" (which evokes much the same in its feeling of somewhat tragic triumph that "Now We Are Free" does in 'Gladiator'). It closes the saga perfectly (and we won't be mentioning the Yub Nub song, thank you very much).

I might also mention that Star Wars themes do wonders for hearing intervals. And that knowing the intervals make relationships between themes throughout the saga that much more interesting.

You can feel the Force around you........2006-08-31

I have never owned these before and I bought them for a SW Themed Party but constantly play them, if you are a fan these are a must own, especially since they include both end tracks for EP.6 the Ewok OE and the new Calypso one from the SE. Finally all of these Disc's are CD Text Capabile.

Quality could be better.......2006-02-14

This is the best way to get the soundtrack collection of the three original films. With some minor exceptions, the tracks are in the same sequence of the films so you can follow the story unfold the same as watching the movies.
The sound quality does leave a bit to be desired overall. Granted there is only so much that can be done from the original recordings, but it seems as though they tried to over-remaster most of the tracks and did not do enough with others. This has left many of the scores sounding thin, bright and shallow. For the price of this boxed set, I would have expected a little bit more time put into making this collection sound better. Ideally, having the entire saga re-performed would have likely offered the best solution for audio purists, though likely not capatured exactly the same feel as the original performance.
Essentially, this boxed set is a trade off between having the original scores of Episodes 4 through 6 and sacrificing the overall sound quality that a John Williams performance deserves.
For a point of reference, my sound system is a B&W and McIntosh combination with the speakers being the same model as what was used in nearly all recording studios at the time of the later half of these films.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Average customer rating:

The best Star Wars soundtrack
Not 100% Complete!
A Final and Astounding Work of Art from John Williams
John Williams knows music
Is it the best?

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B0002YCVK6
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/Approaching The Death Star/Tatooine Rendezvous
The Droids Are Captured
Bounty for A Wookiee
Han Solo Returns
Luke Confronts Jabba/Den Of The Rancor/Sarlacc Sentence
The Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault
The Emperor Arrives/The Death of Yoda/Obi-Wan's Revelation
Alliance Assembly
Shuttle Tydirium Approaches Endor
Speeder Bike Chase/Land Of The Ewoks
The Levitation/Threepio's Bedtime Story
Sourc Music: Jabba's Baroque Recital
Jedi Rocks
Archival Bonus Track: Sail Barge Assault (Alternate)

Tracks:

Parade Of The Ewoks
Luke and Leia
Brother and Sister/Father and Son/The Fleet Enters Hyperspace
Emperor's Throne Room
The Battle Of Endor
The Lightsaber/The Ewok Battle
THE BATTLE OF ENDOR II
THE BATTLE OF ENDOR III
Leia's News/Light of the Force
Victory Celebration/End Title
Source Music: Ewok Feast/Part Of The Tribe
Archival Bonus Track: The Forest Battle (Concert Suite)

Customer Reviews:

The best Star Wars soundtrack.......2007-03-02

While all the Star Wars films have extraordinary soundtracks, Return of the Jedi stands slightly above it's peers in terms of music. John Williams really went all out for the finale! The attack on the Death Star, Luke's final duel with Darth Vader, the battle on the Endor moon, Vader's funeral and celebration make this one incredible CD.

Not 100% Complete!.......2006-12-24

I love this soundtrack but - This release does not contain the "jam" that the Max Reebo Band plays while Chewbacca is being led to his jail cell......I wonder why?

A Final and Astounding Work of Art from John Williams.......2005-09-23

As always, John williams brings masterful composing to the Star Wars movie screen. The sweeping and spine-tingling score will leave you breathless and stick with you for years.

It starts out a little slow, but of course all the classic themes are present. The action picks up at track 7 (Dsic 1) The Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault. The moving track 8 will announce the arrival of the infamous emperor with deep male voices and dark themes, then we are swept back to Degobah for Luke's final meeting with Yoda in slow trumpets proclaiming Yoda's news and final announcement to Luke, finally we meet Obi Wan once again, whose conversation with Luke reveals stunning news with the trumpet theme of Skywalker and the warm, comforting violins. Comical additions such as Jabba's baroque recital and Jedi Rocks close the first disc with a slower pace, almost as if it were intermission.

Disc 2 opens with the playful Parade of Ewoks, a new theme created to portray the cute but deadly inhabitants of Endor, played on flutes, trumpets, and a variety of other instruments. Next we are introduced to the change in Luke and Leia's relationship with a slow flute and violin piece showing how strong their bond has become.

Track 3, Brother and Sister, Father and Son, finds the Skywalker theme as Luke tells Leia a wonderful secret, which transitions into their new theme. The Emperor's throne room conveys the serious danger of our heros in deep male voices and sweeping music. The three battle pieces are, of course, wonderful, but by far the best part is the piece matching when the rebels prepare to charge the Death Star in a great instrumental piece.

Last is the calm after the storm, the two tracks that are by far my favorite from this soundtrack. First is track 9, Leia's News/Light of the Force, in which we begin with a sweet, grand piece with Leia's theme and Luke & Leia's theme mingling in.
Next comes possibly the most moving piece of music created by John Williams as a lone trumpet breaks from the silence, playing the Skywalker theme, and it culminates in a tremendous and shattering climax, which settles back into the trumpet skywalker theme, as if in final send of, as Luke watches the man he had feared, redeemed, finally at peace.

Lastly, except for the extra tracks, we finish with the Ewoke celebration on endor, an amazing and wonderful piece of pure joy and revelation as we close upon our heros, all having found what they were looking for in the end, and see the final gathering of old friends.

Without a doubt, this is a must-have for soundtrack afficionados!

John Williams knows music.......2005-09-09

Okay, so this isn't my favorite star wars CD but it's good. I'm still hooked on Ep III soundtrack so that's why I haven't broken this one with repeated use. Still, ROTJ was an awesome movie and the soundtrack is responsible for much of the moodsetting. Happy or sad, the tune tells all.

Is it the best?.......2005-06-25

This soundtrack CD is probably one of the best John Williams has ever had and the best among all the star wars CD soundtracks of the classic ones. The songs are much more fun and lively. John Williams knows how to translate the music so well that it can blend in perfectly with the movie.

The compositions are really magnificent and the dynamics are really great. These are really among the unique ones. Very special indeed.

Some of the great songs are Jedi rocks (The part in the movie where Jabba The Hut is entertained by the new cantina band. The song is very lively and can really make your mood a lot better. Another one is the Victory Celebration (The last part where the death star was destroyed and they went to Endor to Celebrate.) The song really captured the mood of celebration. I loved it.

Kirstie Mabitad

On The Twentieth Century (1978 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

A delightful musical comedy romp!
Boy do I miss Madeline Kahn!
One of the greatest musicals I ever saw.
Yay!
I'm Dying to see a revival!

On The Twentieth Century (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
Cy Coleman , John Cullum , Imogene Coca , Original Broadway Cast , Betty Comden , and Adolph Green
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000025D2
Release Date: 1991-11-19

Tracks:

Act I: Overture - Orchestra
Act I: Stranded Again/Saddle Up The Horse/On The Twentieth Century - Charles Rule/Hal Norman/Ensemble/George Coe/Dean Dittman/Tom Batten...
Act I: I Rise Again - John Cullum/George Coe/Dean Dittman
Act I: Veronique - Madeline Kahn/John Cullum/Ensemble
Act I: I Have Written A Play - Tom Batten
Act I: Together - Ensemble/John Cullum
Act I: Never - Madeline Kahn/George Coe/Dean Dittman
Act I: Our Private World - John Cullum/Madeline Kahn
Act I: Repent - Imagene Coca
Act I: Mine - John Cullum/Kevin Kline
Act I: I've Got It All - Madeline Kahn/John Cullum
Act I: On The Twentieth Century (Reprise) - Company
Act II: Entr' Acte: Life Is Like A Train - Keith Davis/Quitman Fludd III/Joseph Wise/Ray Stephens
Act II: Five Zeros - George Coe/Dean Dittman/ Imogene Coca/John Cullum
Act II: Sextet - George Coe/Dean Dittman/John Cullum/Imogene Coca/Madeline Kahn/Kevin Kline
Act II: She's A Nut - John Cullum/Madeline Kahn/Imogene Coca/George Coe/Dean Dittman/Kevin Kline...
Act II: Babbette - MADELINE KAHN
Act II: The Legacy - John Cullum
Act II: Lily, Oscar - Madeline Kahn/John Cullum/George Coe/Dean Dittman/Ensemble
Act II: On The Twentieth Century (Reprise) - John Cullum/Madeline Kahn/Imogene Coca/George Coe/Dean Dittman/Kevin Kline...

Customer Reviews:

A delightful musical comedy romp! .......2007-07-23

What a hysterical show! When you take the zany zing of Betty Comden and Adolph Green, the wonderful music of Cy Coleman and the antics of John Cullum, Kevin Kline, Madelaine Kahn and Immogene Coca, you're bound to have a delightfully funny romp, and indeed On the Twentieth Century is just that.
From the Overture to the last bar, it's non stop laughs, espeically from the self indulgent, hammy Oscar Jaffee character played by John Cullum. He is matched to perfection by Kevin Kline as a movie actor, Immogene Coca as a religious zealot and Madelaine Kahn as a movie starlett that once had an affair with Jaffee.
Comden and Green supply their usual witty lyrics and Coleman's music, written in the operetta style, is always great. Highly recommended!

Boy do I miss Madeline Kahn!.......2007-06-28

I saw Madeline do it in 1978, and thank God they recorded her. There are a lot of good performances, but there will never be anyone else quite like Madeline. Imogine Coca is also a thrill. Who knew Kevin Kline was in it; I don't even remember him being in the show - of course he was nobody then.

One of the greatest musicals I ever saw........2007-01-29

I was lucky enough to see "On the Twentieth Century" when I was in high school in 1978. I was blown away by the music and bought the album as soon as I got home. I wore out my original vinyl version, but this CD is fantastic! Extra songs not included on vinyl, and all the big bamboozle of the originals come out better than ever. This is Broadway at it's best, songs with swing and humor, show-stopping numbers and tunes you want to hum all the time. I can't tell you how much fun it has been introducing this show to my wife who had never heard of it. A stellar cast and performances that still shine. It's a shame that the "old- fashioned" feel of it didn't translate well at the time but it greased the skids for another old-fashioned show that opened about 2 years later - "42nd Street". I think "On the Twentieth Century" actually outshines the latter and this cast recording will prove it. I can still see the porters singing on stage: "Wasn't it Isaac Newton who said 'Life is like a train'? No, it wasn't..."

Yay!.......2007-01-03

Thanks for the extra tracks not found on the original vinyl! I still think this is the best overture ever written for a musical. The CD is good enough to buy based upon that track alone -- but "Babette" crowns them all.

Favorite lines: "The gin is never strong enough!" and "My cigarette is saved!"

I'm Dying to see a revival!.......2006-04-09

Ok, I'd never seen this before or even heard of it. I wanted a song that I thought was on it (it wasn't) and was greeted with some of the most Broadway sounding stuff ever heard by me. There is no doubt in my mind that those Tony Awards that it got was well worth it. REPENT with Mrs. Coca is one of the funniest songs on the CD and is surrounded by equally entertaining songs. Buy it! It's great. Not only will you be laughing at the lyrics, but you'll have some new non-annoying tunes stuck in your head.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (The Ultimate Star Wars Recording)(1999 Film)

Average customer rating:

Least Favorite Movie had some of the Best Saga Music
A low selled soundtrack.
good soundtrack or best one
A Complex Masterpiece
John Williams does it again

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (The Ultimate Star Wars Recording)(1999 Film)
John Williams , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Trilogy
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

ASIN: B000051VYS
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Fox Fanfare
Star Wars Main Title
Boarding The Federation Battleship
Death Warrant For Qui-Gon And Obi-Wan
Fighting The Destroyer Droids
Queen Amidala Warns The Federation
The Droid Invasion
Swimming To Otoh Gunga
Inside The Bubble City
Attack Of The Giant Fish
Darth Sidious
The Giant Squid And The Attack On Theed
Qui-Gon And Obi-Wan Rescue The Queen
Fighting The Guards
Escape From Naboo
Enter Darth Maul
The Arrival Of Tatooine
Street Band Of Mos Espa
Padme Meets Anakin
Desert Winds (Bonus Track Not Included In Motion Picture)
Jar Jar's Run-In With Sebulba
Anakin's Home And The Introduction To Threepio
Darth Sidious And Darth Maul
Talk Of Podracing
Watto's Deal/Shmi And Qui-Gon Talk
Anakin, Podracer Mechanic
The Racer Roars To Life/Anakin's Midi-Chlorian Count
Darth Maul And The Sith Spacecraft
Mos Espa Arena Band
Watto's Roll Of The Die
The Flag Parade
Sebulba's Dirty Hand/Qui-Gon's Pep Talk
Anakin Defeats Sebulba
Hail To The Winner, Anakin Skywalker
The Street Singer

Tracks:

Anakin Is Free
Qui-Gon And Darth Maul Meet
Anakin And Group To Coruscant
The Queen And Palpatine
High Council Meeting
The Senate
Anakin's Test
Qui-Gon's Mission/Obi-Wan's Warning
Nute And Rune Confer With Darth Sidious
The Queen And Her Group Land On Naboo
Jar Jar Leads Group To The Gungans
War Plans
Darth Sidious Receives News Of The Gungan Army
The Gungans March
The Queen And Her Group Sneak Back To The Palace
The Battle Begins
The Republic Pilots Take Off Into Space
Activate The Droids
The Gungans Fight Back
The Duel Begins
Anakin Takes Off In Spaceship
The Duel Continues
The Battle Rages On
Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan And Darth Maul Continue Battle
Qui-Gon, Darth Maul, And The Invisible Wall
The Gungans Retreat And The Queen Surrenders
The Death Of Qui-Gon And The Surrender Of The Gungans
The Tide Turns/The Death Of Darth Maul
The Queen Confronts Nute And Rune
The Funeral Of Qui-Gon
The Parade
End Credits
Duel Of The Fates (Dialogue Version)

Amazon.com

Obscured by the familiar grandeur of John Williams's score for Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace was the sheer volume of the composer's prodigious musical efforts. Not only did Williams expand on the original Star Wars trilogy's musical language with a whole new range of modern classical inspirations, but his efforts also produced more than two hours of seamless symphonic foundation for the galactic epic, enough wall-to-wall music to power three less ambitious films. This impressively packaged double-disc set offers Williams's complete Episode 1 score for the first time. It's a worthy tribute to the scoring legend's mastery of tone, dynamics, and nuance--a virtual musical tone poem that imparts much of the film's dramaturgy. Divorced from the bombastic visual assault of state-of-the-art digital effects, one is struck by the composition's emotional resonance. It's the small, quiet moments that give the story its subtle, crucial humanity; it's hard to imagine a film conceit so outlandish functioning without it. The Ultimate Edition includes a bonus track of the stirring choral centerpiece, "Duel of the Fates," with an overlaid dialogue montage, as well as a photo-rich booklet that illustrates each of the film's key scenes and musical cues. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Least Favorite Movie had some of the Best Saga Music.......2007-03-09

Most people will say that Episode One is their least favorite of all the Star Wars films. But John Williams composure for this one is second only to the Empire Strikes Back for the entire Star Wars trilogy. This extended version is a must have, it contains all the music from the movie. The entire fight scene at the end of the movie is included and its wonderful to listen to. I wish somoone would do the rest of the prequel trilogy like this CD. A must have.

A low selled soundtrack........2006-07-20

I'm a very fan of Star Wars music, but this time, John Williams dissapointed me. i'ts not the music, but the order in which the tracks were labeled. just as it is in the movie.
most tracks are broken up, The Dwell of the fates is broken a hundred of times. and Anakin's theme is not in a separated track. There's no comparations to the first trilogy soundtracks, they're exaclty as soundtracks gotta be.
i owe the one disc version, though it has only 75 minutes of music, it's much more complete.
that's why this soundtrack was a low selled one.
they gotta do something if they want us to get the next ones. (or if they're planning to release them)

good soundtrack or best one .......2006-01-14

good soundtrack or the best one

A Complex Masterpiece .......2005-08-17

Williams is the king of film composers. He has a brilliant thematic mind, and he uses it to stunning effect.

This two-hour score lovers heaven is one of his most brilliant scores ever, "i own about twenty of his." It combines Williams's thematic mind, with his obvious mathematic brilliance for writing.

The result is a leangthy work of art, earth shattering by it's themes, and haunting in it's complexity.

Buy this, and surrender to it's power.

John Williams does it again.......2005-06-14

Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace (1999.) The soundtrack to the film, composed by John Williams.

In 1977, George Lucas took the world by storm with A New Hope, the first film in the Star Wars series. The film became known as a science fiction masterpiece in a relatively short period of time, and his spawned numerous sequels and prequels alike. One of the driving forces behind the films, in addition to excellent acting and (what were then) state-of-the-art special effects, the films featured an excellent musical score, composed by John Williams. When John Williams does the score for a movie, he very rarely fails to please with his compositions. And when George Lucas decided to do a second (prequel) trilogy, he once again enlisted Williams to do the score. Many a year and many films later, does Williams still have what it takes to make awesome film scores? Read on for my review of the soundtrack to Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

To put it in the simplest terms possible, if you like Star Wars, it's well worth buying the soundtracks. Admittingly, Episode I as a film disappointed me, but the soundtrack proved one thing beautifully - John Williams had not lost his ability compose excellent film scores. While the score from the prequel trilogy does, like the films themselves, pale in comparsion to the original trilogy, this is still excellent music. Admittingly though, some pieces do stand out more than others - and there aren't as many stand-out tracks on here as there any one of the three classic trilogy. Still, where this soundtrack succeeds, it succeeds beautifully - Duel Of The Fates, for instance, is an orchestral masterpiece only a man like Williams could create. In the end, this soundtrack is excellent. Not John's best work, but still solid.

The soundtrack was originally released in 1999, a few weeks prior to the film. Unfortunately, the version available has several small issues - for one thing, some tracks that should have been divided up into separate tracks weren't. This means that the opening theme fades directly into the first unique piece of music, and the ending celebration music fades directly into the end credit music - this means you CAN NOT skip directly to the end credit music! Likewise, the soundtrack lacks the Twentieth Century Fox Fanfare intro to the film (the classic trilogy soundtracks had it), and some songs are out of order. Another problem is that some tracks are mislabeled. Not a big problem, but still an issue. Also, some of the song titles are spoilers for those that haven't seen the films. Despite these issues, it's still good. If possible, get the two-disc edition - it's MUCH more complete.

If you like the Star Wars series (and honestly, who doesn't?), the soundtracks are well worth adding to your CD collection - that includes the prequel ones. Whenever John Williams does the music for a film, his score NEVER fails to please - and his abilities aren't limited to just the Star Wars series. I also strongly recommend the soundtracks to any other films he has scored. For all you Star Wars fans - the soundtracks are essential purchases.

Average customer rating:

Classical
extremely overrated
Some nice moments, but...
excellent twentieth century repertoire
Great Job, Mr. Marsalis

On the Twentieth Century

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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David Hickman, Trumpet
Tomasi: Concerto For Trumpet & Orchestra/Jolivet: Concertino For Trumpet, String Orchestra & Piano/Concerto No.2 For
Trumpet Concertos
Thomas Stevens Trumpet Sonatas
Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet

ASIN: B0000027IU
Release Date: 1993-09-21

Tracks:

Piece en forme de Habenera
Intrada
Triptyque: I. Scherzo
Triptyque: II. Largo
Triptyque: III. Saltarelle
Sonata For Trumpet And Piano: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata For Trumpet And Piano: II. Adagio tenero
Sonata For Trumpet And Piano: III. Allegro
Eiffel Tower Polka
Legende
Rondo for Lifey
Rustiques
Sonate fur Tromete und Klavier: I. Mit Kraft
Sonate fur Tromete und Klavier: II. Massig bewegt - Lebhaft
Sonate fur Tromete und Klavier: III. Trauermusik - Sehr langsam; Ruhig bewegt - AlleMenschen mussen sterben - Sehr ruhig

Customer Reviews:

Classical .......2007-07-26

This is a good cd. The blend of the horn and the piano is heavily weighted on the horn. I would have preferred a more equal blend

extremely overrated.......2004-08-01

For reasons that I do not understand, Wynton is considered a player of the highest caliber. While his technique would have to seem impressive to most of his fans, in comparison to players such as Phil Smith, Charlie Schleuter, Matthias Hofs, and many other top symphony players, Wynton is completely out of his league. Wynton's interpretations of some of these pieces are laughable in their complete lacking of any sense of direction. Compare his recordings of the Enesco and Hindemith with ones put out by Phil Smith and Charlie Schleuter,amd it is like listening to a student play a piece for his teacher, and then the teacher playing it the way it ought to go. The only valid reason to buy this recording is the great programming. It's just a shame that it is not another trumpet player playing the same pieces.

Some nice moments, but..........2004-06-30

Wynton's playing on this album is, unquestionably, very accomplished and there are some really shining moments -- especially in the Halsey Stevens' Sonata and the Honegger.

As a classically trained trumpet player I must disagree with the other reviewers and point out a number of weaknesses in the playing in this disc. The Poulenc and the Bernstein, the easiest pieces are also the sloppiest. Througout the entire album, save the Chorale at the end of the Hindemith, Wynton uses, in my opinion, excessive and unmusical vibrato -- I feel it especially breaks the mood of the end of the Enesco.

The playing throughout doesn't do much musically interesting and there are better recordings of all the works here. I feel the Hindemith was just rushed through, first and last movements especially. See Charlie Schlueter's "Trumpet Works" on Kleos Classics for a much more musical Hindemith and Philip Smith's self-titled album on Cala Records for better renditions of the Enesco and Tomasi.

Overall, I really liked the program choice and some of the really good moments, but I think you won't find much here that isn't done better elsewhere.

excellent twentieth century repertoire.......2001-01-09

Another recording of Wynton's in which he displays desirable command over his trumpet. Although I wouldn't consider it perfection, he is truly a master of his instrument, and attaining perfection is no mean feat. He starts off with the Ravel, Piece en forme de Habanera, which is an exquisite work, originally written for solo piano, but Mr. Marsalis captures the expression and lyricism of Ravel's composition beatifully.

There is some very difficult music on this album, and Wynton makes it sound natural. The Honegger Intrada is definitely within this category. Mr. Marsalis made it sound so easy that I didn't realize the endurance it takes to play the opening lines until I looked at the music myself. Henri Tomasi is better known to trumpet players for his spectacular trumpet concerto, and he is represented in this list of works with his short and fun Tryptique. The Halsey-Stevens Sonata has become one of my favorite pieces of music with its wonderful thematic material, strong melodies and interesting rhythms. Marsalis is so good that he gets right out of the way and lets the strength of the composition shine, a task well done. Wynton displays strong performances of the Bozza and the Enesco as well, using the Bernstein and the Poulenc as short, fun pieces to provide comic relief from the heavier works found on this disc.

He ends it off with the famous Hindemith Sonata for Trumpet and Piano, a spectacular composition, which Mr. Marsalis plays with command. Wynton displays the intensity involved in this piece more than adequately. Although I somewhat disagree with some of his interpretation of the first movement, the second and third movements are wonderful. The album ends with the segment, Alle Menschen mussen sterben, or, "all men must die". An incredibly slow, incredibly difficult section to play, especially at the end of the entire piece. He pulls it off with control, not so much as even a waver in tone, and his is brilliant. Well done Mr. Marsalis! Aside from picky stylistic disagreements, an excellent collection, definitely recommended.

Great Job, Mr. Marsalis.......2000-05-30

Overall, this CD was excellent. Marsalis displays the art of contemporary music on a good note, playing such works as the Hindemith Sonata for trumpet. Also, from this cd, i learned of the Halsey Stevens Sonata for trumpet, now my favorite piece. Lastly, Wynton plays the Honneger Intrada, which had a section so fast i couldn't roll my toung and keep up...

A Brief History of the Twentieth Century

Average customer rating:

i think i'd rather have entertainment
Avoid this release...
One of the Best "Forgotten" Bands
....
Humanity is relevant as is the music of G4

A Brief History of the Twentieth Century
Gang of Four
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hard / Solid Gold
Entertainment!
Entertainment
Solid Gold
Unknown Pleasures

ASIN: B000005JB6
Release Date: 1990-12-08

Tracks:

At Home He's A Tourist
Damaged Goods
Naturals's Not In It
Not Great Men
Anthrax
Return The Gift
It's Her Factory
What We All Want (Live)
Paralysed
A Hole In The Wallet
Cheeseburger
To Hell With Poverty!
Capital (It Fails Us Now)
Call Me Up
I Will Be A Good Boy
The History Of The World
I Love A Man In A Uniform
Is It Love
Womantown
We Live As We Dream, Alone

Customer Reviews:

i think i'd rather have entertainment.......2004-08-04

gang of four were THE definitive politico-funk-punk group (was there even another one?!). this music truly sounds like none other created before or since, that i've ever heard, at least. a lot of post-punk bands can be traced back to them, and mission of burma were obviously fans, but nobody *sounds* like gang of four...syncopated minimalism, screamed lyrics, a friggin' tight-ass rhythm section...this is communism you can dance to! this particular cd is a best-of...comprised mostly of their near-flawless first two recordings, with a smattering of highlights from their unfortunate descent into new wave.

Avoid this release..........2003-07-12

Avoid this release. Purchase their seminal release "Entertainment!" instead. The last half of the disc focuses on their misguided 80's pap, complete with cheesy synth sound effects and female backing vocals. Pathetic.

One of the Best "Forgotten" Bands.......2003-07-07

The Gang of Four are one of those wonderful bands that somehow managed to fall betwen the cracks nad not be recognized during their original lifespan for their genius. Their influence is far reaching, and the quality of their own work is impeccable. "We Live As We Dream, Alone" is the band's most important work, combining thems of alienation with a condemnation of consumer culture, fascism and sex. These themes resonane throughout the album in different ways, be it the dissatisfaction of "What We All Want" or the desperate paranoia of "Damaged Goods." As far as compliations go, ABH is superb and offers most of the band's best in a smooth listen (unlike the other G4 compliation, which is a mess). A great introduction to the band.

...........2002-02-16

This is a terrible introduction to Gang of Four. The main reason being that Go4 only has two worthwhile albums, unless you're interested in hearing what they can do with drum machines & female background vocals. The first half is good, but save yourself the pain and get Entertainment!. If you like that(which if you're interested in the first place you will)then track down a copy of Solid Gold. People who would buy this in the first place aren't going to be interested in crappy "let's try to get a #1 hit" synth pop fodder like "Is It Love" & "I Love A Man In Uniform". BUY ENTERTAINMENT! DO NOT BUY THIS.

Humanity is relevant as is the music of G4.......2001-12-25

Simply put, Gang of Four hits the cords that make up our lives. In that, I mean that if we all look within ourselves there hide ironies and bits of gloom. And what this CD/album brings out is a sort of desperation that lies dormant in us and is all too bitter sweet. I don't know about you but I love it when my demons are released and memories that are not usually pleasant sit next to me as I listen to the lyrics. I love this stuff. It's great therapy.

Average customer rating:

Classic Avant-Garde...Electronic artists collide, for this release...!!!

Warp Works & Twentieth Century Masters

Manufacturer: Warp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000GIWRUW
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

Prepared Piano Piece 1/Aphex Twin
Prepared Piano Piece 2/Aphex Twin
Study No. 7/Conlon Nancarrow arr. Yvar Mikhashoff
Sonatas 1 & 2/John Cage
Violin Phase/Steve Reich
First Construction in Metal/John Cage
The Tide/Squarepusher arr. David Horne
Spiral/Karlheinz Stockhausen

Tracks:

Sonata 12/John Cage
Ionization/Edgard Varese
Six Marimbas/Steve Reich
Conc 2 Symmetriac/Squarepusher arr. Fraser Trainer
Sonatas 5 & 6/John Cage
AFX237 V7/Aphex Twin arr. David Horne
Corrente (Chamber Concerto)/Gyorgy Ligeti
Calmo, Sostenuto/Gyorgy Ligeti
Movimento Preciso e Meccanico/Gyorgy Ligeti
Presto/Gyorgy Ligeti
Polygon Window/Aphex Twin arr. K Hesketh

Album Description

Born at the Royal Festival Hall on 10 March 2003, the London Sinfonietta / Warp concerts grew out of a shared desire to explore the connection between the electronic experimenters on the Warp label and the avant-garde 20th century pioneers who were their sonic grandfathers, at least on one side. New instrumental versions of Squarepusher and Aphex Twin tracks sit side by side with avant-garde classics.

Customer Reviews:

Classic Avant-Garde...Electronic artists collide, for this release...!!!.......2007-05-03

A strange one this....what transpires is a 2-CD disk of re-compostion's and arrangements, which are designed to: "explore the connection between electronic experimenters on the Warp label and their sonic grandfathers". What this amounts to, is a reinterpretation of pieces by: John Cage, Steve Reich, Aphex Twin, and Squarepusher, given to proper musicians (in this case, The London Sinfonietta), and the connections between the classical avant-garde and more popular forms of experimental music, have been amalgamated and interwoven, to bring more classically composed arrangements for the tracks by Aphex Twin & Squarepusher (as well as a "Boards of Canada" track), and modern re-imagining of the classic /avant-garde compositions by John Cage, Steve Reich & Karlheinz Stockhausen .

This is all handled and performed with the usual commitment and precision, that you'd expect from The London Sinfonietta, with what seems like a orchestra, that brings to these arrangements to life, by the use of beautiful soft strings, and a studied melancholic atmosphere, and this unique experiment is accentuated by graceful rhythmic and simmering electronic touches that hover above the orchestra, and would by and large...prove too complex for existing instrumental ensembles to fully interpret , and using mechanical processes replicating the loops and repetitions of computerized music, these composers/performers fascinated by untempered, non-orchestral sounds, were skilfully able to shadow the textural variety usually associated with electronica.

It's a heady experiment for sure....and it's sounds a million miles away from the difficult, fractured and freewheeling sounds and beats of Squarepusher & Aphex Twins work. (although certain segments of the performances do recall the textured, cerebral and sophisticated moods of their more ambient / downtempo tracks). And it'll take a remarkably committed fan of Squarepusher/Aphex Twin, to immediately recognise these re-compositions, such is the wildly different sound & arrangements. Where electronic sounds and computer arrangement have given way to actual instrumentation (with electronic effects assisting) thereby what you mostly find is that if a track was originally a frantic, volatile dance track, that shifted and accelerated around a high BPM, that it has largely been transformed it into something like manic, skewed Stravinsky. It's a radically different sound..for sure!!, that loosely resembles the originals, and are indeed far closer to Steve Reich and John Cage's, Stockhausen's experimental avant-garde work...which works a great deal with repetition, which if you not familiar with Cage, Rei