Volume 8 [Import]

Volume 8 [Import]

Track Listings

1. Crush

2. Catharsis

3. Inside Out

4. P & V

5. 604

6. Toast to the Extras

7. Born Again Idiot

8. Killing Box

9. Harms Way

10. Hog Tied

11. Big Fat

12. Cupajoe

13. Alpha Male

14. Stealing from a Thief

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Japanese edition of their 1998 album with 'Giving The Horns'added as a hidden bonus track. 15 tracks total. The initialpressing also contains a 5' x 5' logo sticker sheet with twostickers, one in white & one in black. A Victor release. Thefull title is 'Volume 8 - The Threat Is Real'.

Volume 8,Anthrax,Import [Generic],Heavy Metal,Pop,Rap-Metal,Rock,Speed Metal,Thrash

Hard to Find 45s on CD, Volume 8: 70's Pop Classics
Average customer rating:

Great 70s Music CD

Delightful

Real Music

Some of the Best 70s Songs

Awesome collection

Hard to Find 45s on CD, Volume 8: 70's Pop Classics
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Eric Collection
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music
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One Hit Wonders

Hard To Find 45s On CD, Volume 2: 1961-1964

ASIN: B000066AOK
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Kiss You All Over - Exile
Stumblin' In - Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
Which Way You Goin' Billy? - Poppy Family
Last Song - Edward Bear
Oh, Babe What Would You Say? - Hurricane Smith
Love Really Hurts Without You - Billy Ocean
Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas
Right Back Where We Started From - Maxine Nightingale
You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show) - Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
My Angel Baby - Toby Beau
Fool (If You Think It's Over) - Chris Rea (Single Version)
Emotion - Samantha Sang
Right Time Of The Night - Jennifer Warnes
After The Goldrush - Prelude
Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M
Beautiful Sunday - Daniel Boone
Magic - Pilot
Ebony Eyes - Bob Welch
Driver's Seat - Sniff 'N' The Tears
Love Is In The Air - John Paul Young

Album Description

Here's another ultra-high quality collection from Eric, the first to venture into the SEVENTIES. Seventeen of these songs made the Billboard Top 20! As usual all recordings have been digitally re-mastered from the best available sources in true stereo. Includes detailed 8-page booklet with notes on each song by Paul Grein (who wrote the notes for Rhino's "Have A Nice Day" series).

Album Description

Another superb, ultra high quality collection in the best selling 'Hard To Find 45s' series. This time Eric presents it's first volume of Seventies hits, 17 of the 20 made the top 20! This collection has been digitally remastered. Artists include Exile, Suzi Quatro, Billy Ocean, Boney M, Bob Welch, Pilot and more. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Great 70s Music CD.......2007-08-01

I love 70 and 80s music and I was searching for a particular song and found that it, and several other songs I like, were on this CD. Amazon.com is the place to go when you want to purchase music.

Delightful.......2007-07-11

This excellent compilation offers something for everyone: great ballads like Kiss You All Over, Fool If You Think It's Over and Emotion, catchy pop in the form of Stumblin' In, Which Way You Goin' Billy, Kung Fu Fighting, Rivers Of Babylon (not really hard to find), Beautiful Sunday and Love Is In The Air, plus some soulful moments with Right Back Where We Started From and Love Really Hurts Without You. The two most eccentric tracks are the vocal masterpiece After The Goldrush by Prelude and the gravel voiced UK singer Hurricane Smith's Oh Babe What Would You Say? His other hit, Don't Let It Die is also something to get hold of. In its quality and variety these songs prove that the decade of 1970s was the golden age of pop. The CD is beautifully packaged with an informative booklet providing information on each of the songs.

Real Music.......2007-07-09

These songs are refreshing to listen to because they are not remastered with the high tech, bumped up, synthesized overkill decibel/ frequency levels of newer CDs. It's just the same, normal music we listened to in the '70s. The songs are in their original format. You can actually hear xylophones in Chris Rhea's "Fooled if You Think it's Over." There were some songs I'd never heard of, but the ones I recognized were worth the price.

Some of the Best 70s Songs.......2007-06-19

If you didn't live in a cave or a commune in the '70s, hopefully you'll listen to this CD and find yourself occasionally saying, "I remember that song!" This CD is a great value and with hits such as "Right Back Where I Started From," "Magic," and "My Angel Baby," you can't go wrong.

Awesome collection.......2007-06-10

I have purchased several compilation cd's over the past few years but this one had many of the songs that I loved in the 70's but could never find, the title of the disc says it all! Everyone will find music they enjoy and remember on this one!

Average customer rating:

Another Best of Mehdi
Delightful, Relaxing, Wonderful !
Nice, but not the best I've ever heard.
Musical Nirvana - Where sound quality, artistry and composition come together.
Gorgeous sound !

Instrumental Paradise Volume 8
Mehdi
Manufacturer: SoothingMusic.Com
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music
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Instrumental Heaven Volume 7
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ASIN: B000PGQEIG
Release Date: 2007-04-30

Tracks:

Steps To Paradise
Eternal Bliss
Guiding Light
Heavens Rain
Utopian Dance
Sacred Gathering
Blossoming Flowers
Connecting Prayer
Trees In The Breeze
Prayers Answered

Product Description

Have you ever heard music so beautiful that it captivated you, lifted you up and opened your heart and mind? As comfortable as a relaxing day on the beach or as fresh as a warm spring breeze, these rich multicultural soundscapes are the soundtrack to your dreams. It's the feeling of bliss that you wish would never end. This is the music of Mehdi. We call it, "Music that sounds the way life should feel".>>> Contemporary Instrumental: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Cello, Flute, Live Orchestral Strings, Electric Guitar, Persian Oud, Sitar, Santoor, Hammered Dulcimer with Rhythmic Hand Percussion, Drum Kit all Placed in Lush Orchestral Arrangements.

Customer Reviews:

Another Best of Mehdi .......2007-07-06

"Every album should be called Best of Mehdi," another reviewer once said.
Amen. It's everything everyone says it is. And it was absolutely worth the wait.
Yes, good cover choice; love the white horse.

Where's our DVD, Concertmaster?

Delightful, Relaxing, Wonderful !.......2007-06-29

I also purchased this CD based on the reviews and I'm truly glad that I did. This is Mehdi at his best. I've only listened to it a a few times since I received it, but I know I'll be playing it often. It's especially nice in the car, because it brings the surrounding natural scenery to life. Recommended !

Nice, but not the best I've ever heard........2007-06-29

I bought this based on other review I read on Amazon cold-turkey. It's nice, but not up to the calibur of other albums I have in the same genra.

I wouldn't not recommend it, but I wouldn' rave over it either.

Musical Nirvana - Where sound quality, artistry and composition come together........2007-06-25

Power up the stereo. Turn the lights down low. Don the headphones and energize the CD player. Relax. It's time to enter a world of virtuoso musicianship, of soundscapes that take you to another world. Close your eyes and listen. You're no longer alone but surrounded by beauty and floating into Paradise. You move seamlessly between this world and the next, the music weaving a tapestry that transcends the distance and the times.

Mehdi's Instrumental Paradise is a special recording in that it captures the soul and essence of one of the great musical visionaries in our time.

Mehdi has been playing the piano since he could reach the keys and has composed music for many feature films prior to embarking on his Instrumental musical journey in the mid-90's. Mehdi's music (a mixture of Middle Eastern, Celtic, Greek, Southern European and Spanish or at times Moorish set to neo classical and more modern influences) defies the current practice of cataloging each artist into a standard category. Above all else, this is music for the adventurer in each of us.

Mehdi is the feature artist showcasing his wide-ranging Piano and mesmerizing original compositions. But this is by no means a one-person show. Flutist Dan Jenks, Violinist Tony Ragetti, Percussionist Yoshi Masayuki,Cellist Jesse Von Unwerth,Persian Oudist John Bilezikjian,Guitarist Michael Barbieri,Sitarist Daniel J Gupta are just a few of the virtuoso musicians on this master piece.
They add their tremendous musical talents to a recording that truly is more than the sum of its individual parts. Each of these musicians are talented masters in their own right and have recorded with Mehdi as well as other respected and diverse musicians ranging from Loreena Mckinnett to Yanni.

The sound quality of this recording is beyond reproach. The dynamics and spatial imaging of the recording deserve special mention. This truly is a recording without fault: Over 59 minutes of timeless excellence in sound.

Mehdi's spirituality seems to be as little understood as his music. He is a musical and spiritual adventurer. Each recording contains compositions that deal with a wide range of influences ranging from Christianity to Mysticism to Islam and other faiths. One should be careful in not labeling his beliefs as well as his music. Just listen, learn and enjoy.

If you enjoy artists such as Secret Garden, Loreena Mckinnett,Enya, David Lanz, Phil Coulter, Yanni, classical, Celtic and other world music, or if you are intrigued by a musical adventure, Mehdi's extraordinary Instrumentals should be on your short list of future musical purchases.

Gorgeous sound !.......2007-06-25

A DJ here in Austin insists on calling Mehdi, "The Jewel of public television." While many of his fans are probably jealous that there's actually a station here that gives him airtime (KGSR, 107.1 -- a near identical twin of KBCO Boulder, 97.3), I've patiently combed public TV listings for months, and never seen his name once. Woe is me!

Ever since some cognoscenti used a snippet of his "Wedding Song" as background on an episode of "Northern Exposure," I've been hooked on Mehdi's compelling blend of inspiring melodies and middle eastern rhythms. The California Native and his bandmates are wizards with their instruments. Volume 8 Instrumental Paradise is a must for any fan of Mehdi's music; and I can think of no better way for someone unfamiliar with his sound to become acquainted.

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II

Average customer rating:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II
Great music listein to while you read in bed
A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan.
A bliss of spirit.
Boring

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
Gabriel Faure , Frederic Chopin , Antonio Vivaldi , Gustav Mahler , Claude Debussy , Sir Neville Marriner , Maris Jansons , Lorin Maazel , Sir Adrian Boult , Miklos Rozsa , Riccardo Muti , Stephen Cleobury , Sir John Barbirolli , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus , Academy of St. Martin in the Fields , and Berlin Philharmonic
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
Mozart for Relaxation
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B00002439O
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

Sheep May Safely Graze - Sir Neville Marriner
Serenade In G 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Sir Neville Marriner
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor, Op.26 - II. Adagio - Yedudi Menuhin
Nocturne No.2 In E Flat Op.9 No.2 - John Ogdon
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Schindler's List - Tasmin Little
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
Dance Of The Sylphs - Sir Neville Marriner
Water Music - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No.9: II. Largo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Jean De Florette - Toots Thielemans
Concerto For Lute And Two Violins - II. Largo - Anthony Bailes
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op.85 - III. Adagio - Jacqueline De Pre
Waltz No.15 In A Flat - Dame Moura Lympany
Romance - Piers Lane
Pavane - Maurice Handford
Woodbrook - Micheal O Suilleabhain
Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra

Tracks:

The Four Seasons - Concerto No.1 In E 'Spring' - Yehundi Menuhin
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Double Violin Concerto In D Minor - II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin
Prelude No.7 In A Op.28 No.7 - Tzimon Barto
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
The Lark Ascending - Hugh Bean
'Pathetique Sonata Op.13 - II. Adagio Cantabile - Leonard Pennario
Pie Jesu - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Salut D'Amour - Richard Hickox
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (The Girl With Flaxen Hair) - Dame Moura Lympany
The Coventry Carol - Medeval Babes
Pavane For A Dead Princess - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Liebestraum No.3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Op.102 - II. Andante - Dmitri Alexeev
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor - IV. Adagietto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II.......2006-08-28

Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged. Good album for a tag sale. Same comment applies for Volume I.

Great music listein to while you read in bed.......2005-08-21

I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night. I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan........2004-10-22

I bought Vol. 1 of this series and was quite satisfied, but I have to say I'm more than satisfied with this one. If you can just mellow out and enjoy some great pieces, you'll love this CD. #15 on Disc 2 is almost worth the price alone!

A bliss of spirit........2004-09-18

That's disc will open You a wonderful, beautiful world of sounds, their harmony & emotion : you'll feel your heart full of
Joy, Tears, Love.
Good LUCK!

Boring.......2004-05-11

Yes this CD will put you to sleep in minutes. Its the most boring uninspiring classical music. The first CD was very good but this Vol. 2 is like most movie sequels....AWFUL !

Average customer rating:

Desert Sessions: Vol 7 & 8 (Southern Lord/Rekords Rekords)
Good times.
yep this is real nice.

Desert Sessions Volume 7 & 8
Desert Sessions
Manufacturer: Southern Lord
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005NW5T
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

Don't Drink Poison
Hanging Tree
Winners
Polly Wants A Crack Rock
Up In Hell
Nenada
The idiots Guide
Interpretive Reading
Covousier
Cold Sore Superstars
Making A Cross
Ending
Piano Bench Breaks

Customer Reviews:

Desert Sessions: Vol 7 & 8 (Southern Lord/Rekords Rekords).......2005-10-31

THe CD I bought just to find out what they really sounded like. I heard Josh Homme was on this, so I bought it only to find out this album wasan art project not to be expected of anything. The pieces are all planning to make you say "What the..." or "Oh my..."

1. Don't Drink Poison: Josh Homme over a weird riff known to make you say, "What The..." lists some of the most known precautions.

2. Hanging Tree: Mark Lanegan's introduction to the second verse. The song is all about the essemce of dying around a noose on a hanging tree. Later, ressurected for a Jam session on Songs For The Deaf.

3. Winners: Heh. They don't foo me. I could hear the names of the winners in there. I originally enjoyed the scary riff of the interlude, when I thought, who were the winners. The piece was just saying "We are all winners. WHy do you care who they are?" but it wouldn't be much fun if it were half-mystery, half-solution.

4. Polly Wants a Crack Rock: Stoner Rock, lyrics and all. wonderful take. A song about wanted to just relax and inhale a fat one.

5. Up in Hell: An arena stomper you would be proud to listen to and take part of. THis song is a main reason you should buy the album.

6. Nenada: Have you ever read a Super Furry Animals review and heard that some of the songs aren't in Emglish, but they are still enjoyable? "Nenada" is just like that. The song is in Russian, but you can still enoy it just the same.

7. The Idiots Guide:

8. Interpretive Reading: Reading over craziness. Just like "Winners", the piece is just as interesting if you strain hard enough to hear the story. Even if you didn't, the music is no different from interpretive dance. YOu'd be focusing on the dancing the whole time.

9. Covousier: Pretty cheesy and unenjoyable, I'd say.

10. Cold Sore Superstars: Eh...Maybe. I end up skipping this song a lot for...

11. Making A Cross: The vocals are kind of mixed. The out-loud vocals are supposed to be last, but nonetheless, the song is ust wonderful in a melancholy manner.

12.Ending: The old Axl Rose impersonation trick and pretend to rock out live on stage. Brilliante.

13. Piano Bench Breaks: A twisted session with piano and just messing around with instruments to only to find out that karma is at the end of every mess-around. A brilliant ending to a wonderful record.

You guys know the effect. Tracing back on a good record feel good, because you finally have the feeling the music gets better and better on the compilation as you go along with the volumes.

Good times........2003-12-25

Had some laughs, this album grew on me. It's good. There's a rocking little song in Russian, some gypsy type music, and a hillarious 3 minute long '80s hair rock style goodbye. Remember that clip on 'The man Show' where Adam Carolla does a joke-commercial for classic rock, where every song is about a "whiskey-drinkin'-devil woman-cajun-rambler-gypsy queen" and was a "Ten on the ROCKTER scale'? You do? This is an 8.

yep this is real nice........2003-02-18

Included in this installment of d.s. is some good circus music some nice N. Olivari style hard core and some other interesting experimentation. Josh Homme, Mark Langhlen and Nick Olivari's vocals are all in their proper places. I would have given this 5 stars but I sometimes have trouble getting it into my cd player. That usually means it lacks consistency or I need to listen to it more.

Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 4, Focus & Clarity

Average customer rating:

Mozart effective
Mozart is #1!
must have for ADHD

Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 4, Focus & Clarity

Manufacturer: Spring Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tune Your Brain with Mozart

ASIN: B000050GA3
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

Focus & Activate The Mind: Vc Con No.3 in G, K 216: Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
Focus & Activate The Mind: Sym No.13 in F, K 112: Andante - Nicholas Ward
Focus & Activate The Mind: Son in F, K 376: Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
Focus & Activate The Mind: Sym No.8 in D, K 48: Andante - Nicholas Ward
Focus & Activate The Mind: Son No.11 in G, K 379: Andantino Cantabile - Takako Nishizaki
Focus & Activate The Mind: Son in B flat, K 379: Andantino Sostenuto E Cantabile - Takako Nishizaki
Focus & Activate The Mind: Sym No.4 in D, K 19: Andante - Nicholas Ward
Focus & Activate The Mind: Vn Con No.5 in A, K 219: Tempo Di Menuetto - Takako Nishizaki
Focus & Activate The Mind: Son in D, K 448: Allegro Con Spirito - Nadine Palmier

Tracks:

Clarity & Restful Attention: Cassination in B flat, K 99: Andante - Harald Nerat
Clarity & Restful Attention: Sym No.27 in G, K 199/161b: Andante Grazioso - Capella Istropolitana
Clarity & Restful Attention: Ser in D, K 250: Andante - Capella Istropolitana
Clarity & Restful Attention: Qt No.23 in F, K 590: Andante (Allegretto) - Eder Quartet
Clarity & Restful Attention: Ser in D, K 250: Andante - Takako Nishizaki/Capella Istropolitana/Johannes Wildner
Clarity & Restful Attention: Con No.20 in d, K 466: Romance - Jeno Jando/Concentus Hungaricus/Andras Ligeti
Clarity & Restful Attention: Divert in D, K 131: Allgretto - Capella Istropolitana/Harald Nerat
Clarity & Restful Attention: Vn Son No.2 in E flat, K 302: Rondeau: Andante Grazioso - Takako Nishizaki/Jeno Jando

Customer Reviews:

Mozart effective.......2007-04-07

I love classical music, bought this for my child who has attention difficulties, he enjoys hearing it in the background as he completes his homework assignments.

Mozart is #1!.......2007-02-20

I tried this cd when I studied for math and physics to improve my grades and it sounds kind of crazy but the very first time I listened to this about a week before my trigonometry exam, I made the highest grade on it than ever before. There is something truley amazing with these volumes of the mozart effect, im going to get volumes 1-5 because it really helps me with math. I actually look forward to doing my math homework now..its brilliant! One of my favorite songs out all the albums is on this one..its song #3 on the focus cd,its awesome! Preview it and you will see what I mean.

must have for ADHD.......2006-03-09

I ordered this cd set for both my son and husband who have ADHD. It absolutely has a calming effect on both. My husband has the cd on his IPOD and sleeps through the night. My son listens to the cds while doing homework and to fall asleep.
If you have a child w/ADD/ADHD, this cd set is worth a try.

Average customer rating:

Not Up To Standards
Scandalously dismal
unique downtemp grooves
Getting worse
NIce cover, disjointed content, not more than its parts

Cafe Del Mar - Volume 8
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Fontana Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cafe Del Mar - Volume 7
Café del Mar, Vol. 5
Cafe Del Mar: Volume 6
Café del Mar, Vol. 9
Café del Mar, Vol. 10

ASIN: B00005LNH3
Release Date: 2001-07-17

Tracks:

Utopia (New Ears Mix) - Goldfrapp
Any Other Name - Thomas Newman
Sunrise (DJ Thunda & The K-20 Allstars Remix) - Afterlife
Worthless - Dido
Gula Gula (Chilluminati Mix) - Mari Boine
100 Billion Stars - Lux
Day By Day (DJ Spinna Remix) - Mark de Clive-Lowe
Tatouage Bay (Avec Chet) - Ben Onono
Cookie Raver - Illumination
Will You Catch Me (Twin Tunes Mix) - Tiny Tunes
Pina Colada (Jazz Mix) - Digby Jones
Apache - Scripture
Gabirel - Lamb

Amazon.com

This latest installment in the Café del Mar series, designed to defray the effects of Ibizan-type madness (or usher some in), sees the del Mar folks weaving together their most mature, confident, and well-placed aural massage yet. Sometimes it rolls across the ears like a slow, steamy, romantic rubdown, as on Digby Jones's "Piña Colada (Jazz Mix)," and at other times it evokes deep sunrise spiritualism, as on Mari Boine's superb "Gula Gula (Chillumanti Mix)." There are even some poignant and melancholic pressure points, such as Hollywood fave Thomas Newman's haunting "Any Other Name" (last heard on the American Beauty soundtrack). Also seemingly bound for soundtrack inclusion is Dido's "Worthless," which overflows with piano-tinged, jazzy trip-hop flavor. Whether used as a chill-out album, a warm-up collection, a record to dine with, or a romantic backdrop, Café del Mar, Vol. 8 will find good use in most contemporary lifestyles. --Steffan Chirazi

Customer Reviews:

Not Up To Standards.......2005-09-25

I found this CD to be disjointed and confusing in it's "feel". Not the type of Cafe Del Mar I enjoy.

Scandalously dismal.......2004-12-25

Annoyingly, the lowest rating I can offer is ONE STAR. Way too much. How on earth is it possible to produce such complete drivel. From the first tedious 30 seconds of track one (I can't be bothered to turn the CD box over to see what the 'track' is called ... it simply doesnt matter), one's heart drops as you simply know you have been sold a total dog. Make no mistake this is a totally uninspired depressing groove-free load of tosh. The price they charge for these things is also incredible. For the cost I expect something really decent ... I have the receipt, and its going back. Generally CD's of this type are a bit of a lottery, I sense this is one CD in this series that never should have made it out of the re-cycling bin. Surely its a mistake! In a word, R U B B I S H .

unique downtemp grooves.......2004-02-09

A year after buying Vol. 7 and Vol. 8, I still find myself spinning these grooves up. Timeless downtemp joy.

Getting worse.......2003-05-01

It seems the Cafe Del Mar series just gets worse. Aside from Goldfrapp's introductory track (mesmerizing), and a funky Digby Jones track, this CD does not impress. It has a nice variety of musical styles, which I can appreciate, but get the first few Cafe Del Mar CDs before this one.

NIce cover, disjointed content, not more than its parts.......2002-10-26

For some reason everyone has heard of the "Cafe Del Mar" series, and I'm convinced its as much the catchy series title as the quality of the work. It tends to be the love of public radio music shows also (see KCRW, Santa Monica, CA). Probably the label had a lucky ride on the early 1990s sudden penchant for lounge/ambient/chill etc. and the series was initially quite novel, but has since been overtaken.

The main problem is the jarring styles jammed on to this and the other disc, you have reggae, samba/latin, jazz, R&B, soul, trip hop, new age for goodness sake, the obligatory French female vocal (beloved of all chill) vying for your ear. The sum is not more than the parts here, if someone made you this compilation out of their music collection you might think it was Ok, but not to shell out serious bucks for. This particular compilation delves dangerously close to some new age soundtrack for meditation. For example, the famous Thomas Newman piano piece is a bad choice. The bane of a thousand movie soundtracks its very sad, and will make you weep into your pine colada. Then this is followed by a jolly summer day "Girl from Ipanema" style samba-acoustic guitar piece. Yikes.

Compare the genius of Thievery Corporation or Kruder and Dorfmeister for making something thematically unified, which just "sounds right", out of other people's songs. Here, however, you are painfully aware that, "now its time for the cool "French" vocal, now its time for the reggae one, etc."

Look, if it works for you fine ambient, pleasant enough for the beach, but its just not the transcendent experience all many reviews [make] it up to be. But I think the Cafe Del Mar series has worn out its welcome after the departure of uber chill meister Padilla.

There are much better choices out there, see anything by Thievery Corporation, K&D, Air etc. Oh and for summer beach listening, the more obscure "Cafe Ibiza," or anything by Costes. And it terms of value, see the Budda Bar series or Verve Remixed or any other two disc collections that give a lot of more value, and arguably a lot more of a consistent feel.

Volume 8: The Threat Is Real
Average customer rating:

Another Monster Anthrax Album

IMO the best Anthrax disc

Anthrax's *real* best album

Anthrax continue to stretch out

Everybody fails to mention that Dimebag Darrel contributes on this album.

Volume 8: The Threat Is Real
Anthrax
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sound of White Noise

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ASIN: B0000C52FX
Release Date: 2003-09-23

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CRUSH
CATHARSIS
INSIDE OUT
P&V
604 TOAST TO THE EXTRAS
TOAST TO THE EXTRAS
BORN AGAIN IDIOT
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HARMS WAY
HOG TIED
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Customer Reviews:

Another Monster Anthrax Album.......2007-04-14

Originally released in 1998, Volume 8: the Threat Is Real was the third album of "the Bush era". I was always aware of Anthrax growing up, but aside from their goofball "I'm the Man" single, the band never really made much of an impact on me until they replaced vocalist Joey Belladonna with Armored Saint's John Bush. Bush's energetic and intense yet still melodic vocal style just seemed like such a better fit for Anthrax's brand of thrash, and I still view that lineup's debut - 1993's Sound of White Noise - as the best Anthrax album ever.

Volume 8 is the band's first album since being unceremoniously dumped by their record company. Some have argued that the previous two Anthrax albums (1993's Sound of White Noise and 1995's Stomp 442) were mediocre efforts, causing the label to kick the band loose. Anyone can listen to either of those albums and come away unimpressed needs to have their heads examined! Volume 8 is another high-octane performance by the new and improved Anthrax, and picks up right where Stomp 442 left off. It is undeniably a metal album, albeit a more diverse one than previous efforts. You certainly wouldn't have found a country-esque song like "Toast to the Extras" on Among the Living! Guest appearances by Pantera's Phil Anselmo and Dimebag Darrell reinforce Volume 8's metal credentials

Anthrax is a band that gets smarter and more creative with each release, yet still manages to maintain their "metal thrashing mad" aggression. Volume 8 may seem a bit uneven at times, but with so many tracks there are bound to be a few "off" moments. Still, the fact remains that an average Anthrax song is still going to be better than many other bands' best efforts.

The 2003 reissue of Volume 8 features three bonus tracks, four if you count the fact that the previously hidden (and incredibly powerful) song "Pieces" is now a separate track. In addition to a new studio track called "Giving the Horns", the band gives us another pair of diverse covers - Radiohead's "the Bends" and DRI's "Snap/I'd Rather Be Sleeping". When it comes to cover songs, Anthrax never ceases to amaze me with their unorthodox choices. How many other metal bands will cover both Iron Maiden and Radiohead? If you're one of the faithful who bought Volume 8 the first time around, you may want to consider replacing your old version.

IMO the best Anthrax disc.......2007-02-20

Aside from the original stuff, this CD is by far the best Anthrax CD with the new singer.

Anthrax's *real* best album.......2006-04-15

If it hadn't been for poor marketing, this probably would have been one of the biggest hits of 98. After Stomp 442, which suffered from many songs that pretty much sounded alike, Anthrax increased their range for Volume 8 and came up with a collection of songs that are heavy, funny, and dynamic.

The only thing that stops it from being a 5-star winner is the fact that it's not all that groundbreaking. Still, it's far better than anything from the Belladonna years.

Anthrax continue to stretch out.......2005-11-10

Another reviewer noted that Dimebag Darrel played on this recording, and he did indeed assist on an album that saw a few different things going.

Anthrax still delivered heavyweight riffs, powerful vocals from Jon Bush and some incisive, biting tracks. "Born Again Idiot," that title pretty much says it all, and other killers were "Catharsis" and "Hog Tied."

There were a number of tracks were you heard some very different sounds from the band, with members taking up some different instruments and trying out some new stuff. Hardly filler.

The comedic side of the guys is still there. "Cupajoe" is hilarious (and is on my answering machine--keeps the telemarketers away!).

Doesn't matter what purists think--this album rocked, and I enjoyed it highly.

Everybody fails to mention that Dimebag Darrel contributes on this album........2005-08-13

This was the first Anthrax album I bought, I thought it was awesome. Not too much to say, other than it rocks most of the time. Oh yeah, Dimebag throws in licks on a couple of songs which is reason enough to buy it.

Average customer rating:

Dissapointing!
Marc-Andre Hamelin Hyperion CD
This is it
this recording is very great
Fantastic

Marc-André Hamelin Live at Wigmore Hall

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes
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Marc-André Hamelin plays Liszt

ASIN: B000002ZVE
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

First movement from Piano Concerto No.3
Romanza for Piano Concerto No.1- Romanza; Larghetto
Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76: Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76 for the hands separately and reunited- Fantasie in A flat major (left hand)
Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76: Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76 - Introduction, Variation and finale in D major (right hand)
Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76: Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76 - Moument semblable et perpetuel [Rondo-Toccata in C minor] (hands reunited)
Sonatina No. 6: Sonatina No. 6; Kammer-Fantasie uber Carmen, BV284 , after Bizet
Danza festiva , Op. 38, No.3: Danza festiva , Op. 38, No.3( Forgotten Melodies, Vol.1)

Amazon.com

The Canadian pianist Marc-André Hamelin is quickly becoming a favorite with piano connoisseurs, particularly in late Romantic music. In this live recital, Hamelin concentrates mainly on unusual arrangements: a Beethoven movement as recomposed by Alkan, a Balakirev reduction of a Chopin concertos movement for solo piano, Busoni's Sonatina which uses themes from Bizet's Carmen. You have to be pretty far involved in the late Romantic ethos to appreciate these obscure tidbits, but if you are, Hamelin's virtuosic and colorful performances will prove extremely attractive. The live performance atmosphere comes across vividly in this recording, as does Hamelin's tone. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Dissapointing!.......2007-07-12

I have listened this recital, because of praises which written in this page. Very dissapointing. Actually Hamelin will stand among secondary rank in great pianists ad infinitum. He always shows that he "can play" this instrument. But nothing exciting or meditative or lyric...Just pure, superficial technic. My only favorite Hameline is the third part of the second concerto of Shostakovich. That was not bad. I think he is good as concert performer for one enjoyable night. But I can't believe that he can play Bach or late Beethoven or Brahms, adequately. He can only plays his eccentricities. Ofcourse one should also praise him for his "Alkan or Busoni effort"
You may want to hear just for Alkan's interesting transcription.

Marc-Andre Hamelin Hyperion CD.......2007-04-10

This is a wonderful CD full of out of the way pieces most of us do not know exsist. I loved the Chopin/Balakirev transcription of the Piano Concerto #1. Also try two other Hyperion CD's of Nikoli Kapustin, One played by Hamelin and the other by Steve Osborne. This is jazz in a classical format and it will wow your shirt off.

This is it.......2007-02-26

Hamelin is probably one of the greatest pianists ever, and his courage in championing such unusual and technically demanding material as Godowsky's Études turns him into one of the most interesting musicians today. As for this particular recording, it's needless to say that his playing is superb, as usual, and his technique is unassailable and immaculate. His choice of material is bold, to say the least. He starts off with a wonderful reading of Beethoven's third piano concerto and then goes on to overwhelm the listener with effortless and sublime renditions of works by Chopin, Medtner, Busoni and - oh my! - Alkan. I never thought I would ever come to like Alkan's works, but Hamelin's rendition of the Études are so effective and engaging that I began to take some interest in it. It's by far the best live recording I've ever heard and it certainly helped me redefine my ideas about what's possible for a human being to do on the piano.

this recording is very great.......2007-01-29

This recording was for me entree Marc Andre Hamelin. I think then he must is most amazing of technic since Liszt. No I did ever to hear Liszt, but I am pupil of Kremova, and she tell all pupil word of Mme Ida Nagy "et bene audet" of maestro. Of this recording not only is there all notes (Kremova required us learn Alkan op 76 naught if ever we may dare of playing recital!) but Mr Hamelin his of playing so confident and of "fun" and of warm! This recording is the very great. Did M Hamelin in real there play Alkan Beethoven No 3 cadenza! I would fainted were I present real there Wigmore Hall! Here it is on this recording! I would fainted! Is true.
I say here so will not so wounding, M Hamelin not is good play our Rachmaninov and Scriabin. So will not so harsh be Rachmaninov and Scriabin of his other recording difficult for artist such as M Hamelin are not the technic but the music sensiblite. M Hamelin a youth.
So! A great youth artist! Let he perform now youth accord a his greatness!

Fantastic.......2004-09-18

Hyperion recorded this CD from a series of live recitals given in June 1994, at Wigmore Hall. It is one of my favorite live albums. Hamelin performs Alkan's transcription of Beethoven's 3rd concerto, the Trois Grandes Etudes Op. 76, as well as Medtner, Busoni and a Balakirev transcription of Chopin.

Hamelin's performance of Alkan's Beethoven 3rd is a remarkable feat of the recording age. Most pianists would never even touch the work with it's brilliant 6 minute cadenza that echoes the finale of Beethoven's 5th symphony. To perform it live is quite another matter. It is uncertain whether the great Busoni played the work himself in a recital he gave in Berlin in 1906. Hamelin's is the only recording of Alkan's transcription I'm aware of, but it's probably the only one needed.

Balakirev's transcription of the Romanza of Chopin's first piano concerto is a loyal one. However, this is probably my least favorite track on the album. While pretty and thoughtful, it seems out of place in this energetic collection. Hamelin's interpretation is a bit too clean and cold for my liking. His technique is suitable to play tranquil pieces wonderfully, but here it just doesn't seem to work.

Alkan's Trois Grandes Etudes op 76. are some of the most technically challenging compositions in the entire piano repertoire. In Hamelin, Alkan has a faithful performer that is able to create the effects of a full-scale orchestra on the piano using a mere five fingers. Not only does Hamelin perform this work live, he does so flawlessly. The first is the 'Fantasie' for left hand alone, the second 'Introduction, Variations and Finale' for right hand alone. The final 'Rondo Toccata' is a dizzying piece, reminiscent of the final movement of Chopin's Funeral Sonata. The 30-minute performance of this work leads one to admire both Hamelin's pianism, as well as his physical endurance!

The Carmen Fantasy by Busoni is essentially a whirlwind tour of Bizet with the flair of Busoni. Hamelin could have let loose with this piece, but instead decides to let the work speak for itself. The result is a reflective piece that is filled more with the contrast of emotions than excitement. Hamelin's performance is good, but it would also be great to hear this piece played with more energy.

The final piece on this album is Medtner's Danza festiva No. 3. It's whimsical that brings the album to a joyful close. This time, Hamelin's dynamics are perfect and bring out the color and energy in the piece.

All in all, 'Live at Wigmore Hall' is a remarkable achievement that is well worth adding to your collection. Hyperion has done remarkably well in putting together this album. The sound quality is crystal clear, and the audience's rapturous applause really adds to the enjoyment.

Orff-Schulwerk, Volume Three: Piano Music

Average customer rating:

Orff-Schulwerk, Volume Three: Piano Music

Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Carl Orff: Orpheus (Carl Orff's Original Authorized Recording)

ASIN: B0000007Y9
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Klavier-Ubung Teil I: Nr.1, 2, 5, 3, 4, 6, 7
Klavier-Ubung Teil I: Nr.8, 9, 14, 11, 15, 16, 13, 10, 12
Klavier-Ubung Teil I: Nr.17-21
Klavier-Ubung Teil II: Nr.22-29
Klavier-Ubung Teil II: Nr.30-40
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft I: Nr.1
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft I: Nr.2
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft I: Nr.3
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft I: Nr.4
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft I: Nr.5
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft I: Nr.6
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft II: Nr.1
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft II: Nr.2
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft II: Nr.3
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft II: Nr.4
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft II: Nr.5
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft II: Nr.6
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft III: Nr.1
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft III: Nr.2
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft III: Nr.3
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft III: Nr.4
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft III: Nr.5
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft III: Nr.6
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft IV: Nr.1
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft IV: Nr.2
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft IV: Nr.3
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft IV: Nr.4
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft IV: Nr.5
Kleine Klavierstucke Heft IV: Nr.6
Bordunubungen: Nr.1 (Vierhandig)
Bordunubungen: Nr.4 (Vierhandig)
Bordunubungen: Nr.5
Bordunubungen: Nr.6
Bordunubungen: Nr.7 (Vierhandig)
Bordunubungen: Nr.9-8-9 (Vierhandig)
Bordunubungen: Nr.11 (Vierhandig)
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Bordunubungen: Nr.14

Medtner: Complete Piano Sonatas, Forgotten Melodies / Hamelin

Average customer rating:

Wow!
Medtner's piano music is a strong, major addition to the piano standard repertoire, for both listener and performer. Beautiful.
but it IS unjust;
the war is Iraq is unjust
contra drollere

Medtner: Complete Piano Sonatas, Forgotten Melodies / Hamelin
Marc-Andre Hamelin
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Catoire: Piano Music

ASIN: B00000DG21
Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Allegro
Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Intermezzo: Allegro
Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Largo divoto
Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Finale: Allegro risoluto
Zwei Marchen Op. 8: Andantino
Zwei Marchen Op. 8: Allegro
Sonaten-Triade Op. 11: No. 1 In A Flat Major
Sonaten-Triade Op. 11: No. 2 In D Minor (Sonata-Elegy)
Sonaten-Triade Op. 11: No. 3 In C Major

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor Op. 22: Tenebroso, sempre affrettando - Allegro assai - Interludium (Andante lugubre) - Allegro assai
Sonata-Skazka In C Minor Op. 25 No. 1: Allegro abbandonamente
Sonata-Skazka In C Minor Op. 25 No. 1: Andantino con moto
Sonata-Skazka In C Minor Op. 25 No. 1: Allegro con spirito
Sonata In E Minor 'Night Wind' Op. 25 No. 2: Introduzione: Andante - Allegro
Sonata In E Minor 'Night Wind' Op. 25 No. 2: poco e poco Allegro molto sfrenatamente, presto

Tracks:

Sonata-Ballada In F Sharp Major Op. 27: Allegretto
Sonata-Ballada In F Sharp Major Op. 27: Introduzione: Mesto
Sonata-Ballada In F Sharp Major Op. 27: Finale: Allegro
Sonata In A Minor Op. 30: Allegro risoluto - Allegro molto
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 1 Sonata-Reminiscenza: Allegretto tranquillo
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 2 Danza graziosa: Con moto leggiero
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 3 Danza festiva: Presto
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 4 Canzona fluviala: Allegretto con moto
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 5 Danza rustica: Allegro commodo
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 6 Canzona serenata: Moderato
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 7 Danza silvestra
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 8 Alla Reminiscenza: Quasi coda

Tracks:

No. 1 Meditazione: Introduzione, quasi Cadenza - Meno mosso - Meditamente
No. 2 Romanza: Meditamente
No. 3 Primavera: Vivace
No. 4 Canzona matinata: Allegretto cantando, ma sempre con moto
No. 5 Sonata tragica: Allegro non troppo
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Romanza: Andantino con moto, ma sempre espressivo
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Meditazione: Andante con moto
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Finale: Allegro non troppo
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Minacciosa' Op. 53 No. 2: Allegro sostenuto
Sonate-Idylle In G Major Op. 56: Pastorale: Allegretto cantabile
Sonate-Idylle In G Major Op. 56: Allegro moderato e cantabile

Amazon.com

Nikolai Medtner's chums at the Moscow Conservatory included Scriabin and Rachmaninoff. Like them, he was a brilliant pianist. Also like them, he composed an extensive body of distinguished piano music, most of which is relatively unknown. Its style resembles that of Rachmaninoff (who greatly admired it), although it lacks the latter's memorable melodies. Technically, it is just as difficult, requiring not only great fluency and endurance but also a wide range of colors. Marc-André Hamelin's prodigious technique makes him an ideal interpreter of Medtner's strong, clearly chiseled structures. His ability to play even the most complex and difficult passages at an even pace helps delineate and clarify them. Excellent recorded sound. --Paul Turok

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2007-07-14

Excellent (if you like Medtner's music). the piano is clear and wonderful.

Martin

Medtner's piano music is a strong, major addition to the piano standard repertoire, for both listener and performer. Beautiful........2007-05-02

When this 4CDs-album came out in 1998 I was one of the first in the states to purchase a copy, and even without knowing whether Medtner is my taste or not. I loved Hamelin's Scriabin-sonatas album so I didnt care about the high price of this Medtner-sonatas album. And I was right. With the first scanning of each disc I fell more and more in love with this gorgeous, rich, imaginative, romantic, melodic&rhythmic, intense, serious, profound, passionate...simply *beautiful* music. Medtner does not seem to strive for creating something extraordinary, innovative, modern, interesting per se but for pure musical intent. What you hear is pure (and absolute?) music by a genuine musician (Medtner) as natural and pianistic as one could imagine, with nothing else intended or presumed.
For comparative listeners, Geoffrey Tozer's boxed Medtner-sonatas set includes the complete Forgotten Melodies (I-III), not only I and II (Hamelin), but in the sonatas Hamelin plays with much more verve, drive, energy and speed. However, in the past years I tend to listen more of TozerPlayingMedtner...simply because he has been recording the complete Medtner solo music (prospected 9 volumes on Chandos) and I really enjoy the wealth of non-sonata music by Medtner which is less complex, of lighter content and much easier to understand. Many pianophiles whom I borrowed the Hamelin album thought that these sonatas were way too dense and heavy, yet in the end they fell in love with Medtner, too, when listening to his non-sonata pieces (Fairy Tales, etc.). They have become Medtner fans, yes!
As for my part, after having listened to Medtner sonatas for almost ten consecutive years, I somehow obtain the feeling that his other solo piano music is more enjoyable on a long-term basis. I cant listen to the sonatas nearly any more but I experience still lots of pleasure, fun and enjoyment listening to his other pieces. So thanks Hamelin for the convincing introduction to Medtner's world, and even more thanks to Tozer on Chandos (and Hamish Milne on CRD) for making this world my new home.

but it IS unjust;.......2006-10-03

that such beautiful music should be ignored! i never understood why rachmaninoff enjoyed more popularity than his more ingenious colleague, scriabin. i similarly don't understand why rach is deemed greater than medtner. perhaps it was sergei's larger-than-life presence as a pianist and conductor? i deem rachmaninoff one of the greatest pianist-conductors in history, but as a composer he ranks below both scriabin and medtner.
listen to medtner's music and be blown away by the intricacy and intimacy of his music. the density, the poignant lyricism. counterpoint unfolds and reveals music that is ten times more dense than rachmaninoff's (possibly excluding rach's 2nd and 3rd piano concerto).
you hear explosive genius, innovations, and emotions. a different trajectory from scriabin's music - not apocalpytic, but more rustic. more pastoral and fairy-like, if not as charged with pathos.
if you are a fan of piano music, or just keyboard music as a whole, if you're looking for something sexy, medtner's sonatas are the answer.
and hamelin's playing, i presume, does not need my vouching.

the war is Iraq is unjust.......2004-09-08

Medtner is a trult great composer and Hamelin is a truly great pianist, not just a technician.

contra drollere.......2004-06-23

Just a few words for those of you who are considering this set but have been given pause by the dissenting opinion in drollere's review, below.

I can understand that on first listen this music (like a great deal of classical music) may be difficult to parse -- to break into meaningful paragraphs and sentences, so to speak. And I know first-hand that when one can't yet hear the phrase structure in a piece of music, it tends to sounds like, yes, a long drum solo; it sounds like the music is attempting to express itself solely through superficial, local effects. drollere's review is actually a lovely, well-written description of the experience of listening to music without knowing how to parse it. One hears only "chords," "scales," "arpeggios," "melodies," and is aware that things seem to "change...every 20 seconds or so." In fact, listening to music this way - a bit like listening to the rise and fall of an actor's voice without being able to make out the words - often tends to give one an exaggerated impression of the surface effects, which I think must account for drollere's belief that this music is best characterized as "virtuosity for its own sake." Assessments like "the kinetic equivalent of serialism" and "a musical rubik's cube" really have nothing to do with Medtner - they just describe the general phenomenon of a piece of music being meaningless to a listener, in the truly musical sense of the word "meaning."

I was struck by these things, reading drollere's review, because they were so familiar to me: I am often frustrated by how long it takes me to come to terms with the form (and through it, substance) of a new musical work; sometimes it seems like I can listen to a piece 20 times and not yet know how to parse it. Frustrating indeed, because I, unlike drollere, know that at that point I'm still not qualified to form an opinion of the music. In a very real sense, I still haven't heard it. I might form an opinion about the fact that the music is still opaque to me (e.g. "I'm putting in an attentive, good faith effort to make sense of this music, so I declare that if I still don't know what's up after 20 listens, the composer isn't doing his/her job") but I'm simply not in a position to say anything about the composer's musical or aesthetic intentions or accomplishments. The composer didn't write the "drum solo" that I hear - it's just the raw data stream, not yet decoded by my brain, and as such isn't a work to be reviewed.

The irony of drollere's review is that the most outstanding aspect of this music, in exact opposition to what drollere says, is its "emotionally or imaginatively involving musical structure." Medtner's handling of sonata form is astounding - if you don't believe me or can't hear it, get a copy of the score and give yourself the assignment of breaking down the structure of one of the longer movements - the first piece I encountered was Op. 22, which is a good warm-up for the really sprawling ones, Op. 25/2 and Op. 53/2. I promise you that by the time you've gone through the purportedly tedious task of actually identifying the different themes and their recapitulations, noting thematic relationships, etc. etc., you'll realize how strong these pieces are, how exquisitely they fuse profound, heartfelt emotion with ingenious development - and then you'll be ready to listen again and hear it all. Or at least more of it. "What are the rewards of repeated listening?" indeed. Perhaps since July 28, 2003, drollere has found out the answer to that question, in which case I hope s/he will return and clean up around here. I just hate to think that anyone will be turned off to Medtner by a well-written but utterly rash review. Trust me: this is the real thing. The music is, if anything, better than the hype. Do not be dissuaded.

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Music Info

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Norman Dello Joio: Homage to Haydn / The Triumph of St. Joan Symphony

Jazz Music jazz-music-08