Cold Heaven [Import]

Cold Heaven [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
New album on the Music For Nations for this heavy metal act.Nine tracks, including 'Deviltry', 'Omega Therion' and 'Cold Heaven'.

Tracks:

Gymnopedie No.1
Gymnopedie No.2
Gymnopedie No.3
Gnossienne No.1
Gnossienne No.2
Gnossienne No.3
Gnossienne No.4
Gnossienne No.5
Gnossienne No.6
Nocturne I
Nocturne II
Nocturne III
Nocturne IV
Nocturne V
Avant-Dernieres Pens: I. Idylle, A Debussy/II. Aubade, A Paul Dukas/III. Meditation, A Albert...
Pieces Froides-Trois Airs A Fuir
Pieces Froides-Trois Danses De Travers
Deux Reveries Nocturnes
Prde De la Porte He Du Ciel - Pascal Roge P

Customer Reviews:

sparse.......2007-03-11

If you enjoy simple accoustic piano arrangements played simply and beautifully you will enjoy this music.Satie has a moody and haunting way with his compositions

After the Rain...The Soft Sounds of Erik Satie.......2007-02-15

Excellent rendition of intimate Satie. Very evocative of Paris. Cool and quiet.

Such beautiful music.......2007-01-12

Eric Satie has composed some of the most beautiful music in the world. One of the few musical pieces that bring out real emotion in me.

nice.......2007-01-05

a good introduction to satie's music. Well played, excellent recording.
Nuff said!

Meditative Satie.......2006-12-24

As with any composer there are many ways to competently interpret their work. If you like Satie's music played to bring out its meditative, dreamy qualities, this is the recording for you.

Average customer rating:

I waited for this for five years
Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Broadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

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

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)
Sunset Boulevard (1993 Original London Cast)

ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

Oh What A Circus - David Essex
Memory - Betty Buckley
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
With One Look - Petula Clark
You Must Love Me - Madonna
The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
No Matter What - Boyzone
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
Try It And See - Rita Pavone
Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
Disillusion Me - Gary Band
The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
Magdalena - Tony Christie
Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.

Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Average customer rating:

Listen for hours
Hauntingly beautiful

Satie: Piano Music

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Music Of Satie: Orchestra, Piano, Voice
After the Rain...The Soft Sounds of Erik Satie
Satie: Piano Works
Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music
Satie: Gymnopédies No1-3; Gnossiennes No1-6

ASIN: B000001K23
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

3 Gymnopedies
Sonatine bureaucratique
Prelude en tapisserie
Passcaille
Croquis et agaceries d'un gros bonhomme en bois
Embryons desseches
2 Pieces froides: No.1-Airs a faire fuir
2 Pieces froides: No.2-Danses de travers
Descriptions automatiques
3 Sarabandes
Heures seculaires et instantanees
Menus propos enfantins
Enfantillages pittoresques
Peccadilles importunes
Les Pantins dansent
4 Ogives

Tracks:

3 Gnossiennes
Vieux Sequins et vielles cuirasses
Reverie de l'enfance de Pantagruel
Avant-dernieres pensees
Premier menuet
Trios valses du precieux degoute
Veritables preludes flasques
Sports et divertissements
5 Noctures
Chapitres tournes en tous sens
Prelude de la Parte heroique du ciel
4 Preludes
Danses gothiques

Customer Reviews:

Listen for hours.......2006-01-25

I don't listen to a *whole* lot of classical music, and pretty much no other solo piano than this. I bought this album years ago, and it is that rare music, where everything is good. As the other review notes, it's fine in the background. But whenever, and wherever, you tune in to it, pay attention to it, something good is going on. And: you can listen to it again next week, or next month, or next year, and find things you didn't find before. It's good piano music that doesn't have to be dazzlingly fast or difficult. And, Glazer touches the notes just right: more gently than you might have thought a piano note could be.

Hauntingly beautiful.......2002-10-30

I first became acquainted with Satie when I found a transcription of Gymnopedie I in a guitar magazine. After years of playing it on classical guitar, I finally got a recording on piano, and was delighted to discover that, though few of the pieces match the haunting tone of Gymnopedie I, the rest of the music on the CD is of the same caliber. Great music to have going in the bckground, or to relax and listen to.

Average customer rating:

complete but lacking
good for completists, but...
Yes, its worth five discs

Satie: The Complete Solo Piano Music

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Debussy · images, études ~ complete works for piano, vol. 2
Satie: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano
Jean-Yves Thibaudet ~ Debussy - complete piano works, vol. 1
Maurice Ravel: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano Seul
The Magic of Satie

ASIN: B00008RWRB
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Customer Reviews:

complete but lacking.......2005-06-14

While I am a fan of Thibaudet in general, he just seems lost here. Satie is deceptively difficult to judge as a performer, the music is at times mercurial or static, profound or frivolous, or all of the above. Yet one hardly needs to underline the oddness, it's perfectly revealed if you play it straight.
While some misread notes suggest he may not really know these pieces, Thibaudet manages to project something less than a competent sight reading. In such an endeavor he would certainly get the right feel occasionally by accident. Instead, he regularly puts the wrong foot forward, with odd accents and effects getting in the way, perhaps trying too hard to add spin to music whose mysteries refuse to unfold under such duress.
I would recommend collecting a number of different performers: Reinbert DeLeeuw, Pascal Roge, Anne Queffelec, JoAnna MacGregor and Michel Legrand have all made worthy contributions to the recent discography and their combined recordings would make a pretty-near complete survey.

good for completists, but..........2004-05-18

I jumped at the chance to buy this set; a new digital recording of Satie's complete solo piano music. I had admired Jean-Yves Thibaudet in the past and had seen him perform Messiaen's "Turangalila Symphony"; a great performance. However, after listening to this set for three straight months, I'm rather frustrated with it, mostly on aesthetic grounds, since I can't deny Thibaudet's talents; I just disagree with some of his interpretations.

To start, most of the shorter, "lite" pieces are performed very well on disc 4. Even the most popular, (Gymnopedies, Gnossiennes) are excellent. I am also thankful I now have performances of "Uspud" and many of Satie's conservatory assignments, played expertly and with good humor. For these, the set is worth having.

But now, the bad news. As I have complained about in the past with Thibaudet's Ravel discs, I'm frankly rather put-off by his inexplicable, pointless staccato in many of the pieces. "Petite Overture a la Danser" is one of my favorite Satie miniatures, and here Thibaudet botches it by playing it way too fast with no pedal. It sounds like a joke, and I think he totally misses the point of the piece. In the "Nazareen" preludes, he adds his own extreme dynamics which are not indicated in the original scores, and the effect seems like a cheap attempt to add "spice" to what are supposed to be meditative sound constructions, based on poetry forms rather than classical forms.

"Prelude to the Heroic Gate of Heaven" is taken far too slow, and Thibaudet completely cuts out the "Curtain" coda in the original Salabert edition for no apparent reason; he seems determined to give the piece a more "proper" ending, and for this listener, it's a terrible, narcissistic, and disrespectful miscalculation.

I will keep this set since it is a complete document, flawed though it may be. But I still must insist that the best living interpreter of Satie's piano music is the ever-underrated Reinbert DeLeeuw, who is completely in-tune with Satie's sly magic. His tempos may be slow, his dynamics few, but that's the whole point; this is highly personal music, and DeLeeuw has an aesthetic I can personally agree with. For an audible explanation of what I'm talking about, compare the performances of "Petite Overture a la Danser" by DeLeeuw and Thibaudet, and you'll see what I mean.

Yes, its worth five discs.......2003-12-17

Each disc averages about 75 minutes of music. Over six hours of Satie? Definitely yes. If you have an affinity for Satie's classic pieces you should not pass up this set. There are so many standout pieces in so many wonderful styles you can only leave this set with wonder. And Thibaudet seems made for this music. The best interpreter of Satie that I've heard. His technique is amazing with such a range of subtle fingering tempo and dynamics. Its as though I've heard some of these for the first time with new shocks of emotion I hadn't experienced before. Not to be missed.

Average customer rating:

Ciccolini Knows Satie

Satie: Piano Works

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Strauss: Orchestral Works
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Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Mozart: Chamber Music

ASIN: B0000BWTKN
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Allegro
Valse-Ballet 'Op.62'
Fantaise-Valse
1. (Lent) (A Monsieur Conrad Satie)
2. (Lent) (A Maurice Ravel)
3. (Lent)
1. Lent Et Douloureux (A Mademoiselle Jeanne De Bret)
2. Lent Et Triste (A Conrad Satie)
3. Lent Et Grave (A Charles Levade)
Fete Donnee Par Des Chevaliers Normands En l'Honneur D'Une Jeune Demoiselle
Maniere De Commencement
Prolongation Du Meme
Morceau I: Lentement
Morceau II: Enleve
Moreceau III: Brutal
En Plus
Redite
Premier Nocturne (A Madame Marcelle Meyer)
Deuxieme Nocturne (A Andre Salomon)
Troisieme Nocturne (A Madame Jean Hugo)
Quatrieme Nocturne (A Madame La Comtesse Etienne De Beaumont)
Cinquieme Nocturne (A Madame Georges Cocteau)
De L'Enfance De Pantagruel (Reverie)
Marche De Cocagne
Jeux De Gargantua (Coin De Polka)
Premier Menuet (A Claude Dubosq)
Idlle (A Debussy)
Aubade (A Paul Dukas)
Meditation (A Albert Roussel)

Tracks:

Premiere Ogive (A J.P. Contamine De Latour)
Deuxieme Ogive (A Charles Levade)
Troisieme Ogive (A Madame Clement Le Breton)
Quatrieme Ogive (A Conrad Satie)
Premiere Pensee Rose + Croix
Air De L'Ordre
Air Du Grand Maitre (Le Sar Josephin Peladan)
Air Du Grand Prieur (Le Comte Antoine De La Rochefoucauld)
Prelude Du 1 Acte: La Vocation. Theme Decoratif: La Nuit De Kaldee
Prelude Du 2 Acte: L'Initiation. Theme Decoratif: La Salle Basse Du Grand Temple
Prelude Du 3 Acte: L'Incantation. Theme Decoratif: La Terrasse Du Palais Du Patesi Goudea
Prelude Du Nazareen
Prelude Du Nazareen
Prelude
A L'Occasion D'Une Grande Peine
Dans Laquelle Les Peres De La Tres Veritable Et Tres Sainte Eglise Sont Invoques
En Faveur D'Un Malheureux
A Propos De Saint Bernard Et De Sainte Lucie
Pour Les Pauvres Trepasses
Ou Il Est Question De Pardon Des Injures Recues
Par Pitie Pour Les Ivrognes, Honteux, Debauches, Imparfaits, Desagreables, Et Faussaires En Tous Genres
En Le Haut Honneur Du Venere Saint Michel, Le Gracieux Archange
Apres Avoir Obtenu La Remise De Sis Fautes
Prelude
Priere
Vexations
Reverie Du Pauvre
Verset Laique & Somptuex

Tracks:

Caresse
Danse De Travers No.2 (Version 1)
Petite Musique De Clown Triste
The Dreamy Fish
Air
Essais
( - )
Notes
Notes
Le Prisonnier Maussade
Le Grand Singe
Exercices
Notes
Harmonies
Songerie Vers 'Jack'
Bribes
Choral
Exercices
Exercices
Exercices
Exercices
Esquisses & Sketch Montmartrois No.1. Petit Prelude De La 'Mort De Monsieur Mouche'
Esquisses & Sketch Montmartrois No.2 Un Peu Vif
Essais (Arriere-Propos)
Petite Danse
Desespoir Agreable
No.1 Effronterie
No.2 Poesie
Preludes Pour Un Chien: No.2 (Prelude Canin)
Profondeur
Songe-Creux
Passacaille
Prelude En Tapisserie
Nostalgie
Froide Songerie
Facheux Exemple
No.1
No.2
No.3
No.4
No.5
No.6a
No.6b
No.7
No.8
No.9
No.10
No.11
No.12 (1908-9)
Pas Vite
Tres Moderement
Pastorale (1912)
Choral (1908)
Fugue (1908)
Choral
Fugue Litanique
Autre Choral
Fugue De Papier

Tracks:

Sur Un Mur
Sur Un Arbre
Sur Un Pont
Voix D'Interieur
Idylle Cynique
Chanson Canine
Avec Camaraderie
Severe Reprimande
Seul A La Maison
On Joue
Sur Un Vaisseau (A Madame Fernand Dreyfus)
Sur Une Lanterne (A Madame Joseph Ravel)
Sur Un Casque (A Madame Paulette Darty)
D'Holothurie (A Mademoiselle Suzanne Roux)
D'Edriophthalma (A Monsieur Edouard Dreyfus)
De Podophthalma (A Madame Jane Mortier)
Tyrolienne Turque (A Mademoiselle Elvira Vines Soto)
Danse Maigre (A La Maniere De Ces Messieurs) (A Monsieur Fernando Vines Soto)
Espanana (A Mademoiselle Claude Emma Debussy)
Celle Qui Parle Trop
Le Porteur De Grosses Pierres
Regrets Des Enfermes (Jonas Et Latude)
Chez Le Marchand D'Or
Danse Cuirassee
La Defaite Des Cimbres
Allegro - Andante - Vivache
Chant Guerrier Du Roi Des Haricots
Ce Qui Dit La Petite Princesse Des Tulipes
Valse Du Chocolat Aux Amandes
Petite Prelude A La Journee
Berceuse
Marche Du Grand Escalier
Etre Jaloux De Son Camarade Qui A Une Grosse Tete
Lui Manger Sa Tartine
Profiter De Ce Qu'il A Des Cors Aux Pieds Pour Lui Prendre Son Cerceau
Le Vilain Petit Vaurien
Berceuse
La Gentille Toute Petite Fille
Choral Inappetissant (Grave)
La Balancoire (Lent)
La Chasse (Vif)
La Comedie Italienne (A La Napolitaine)
Le Reveil De La Mariee (Vif, Sans Trop)
Colin-Maillard (Petitement)
La Peche (Calme)
Le Yachting (Modere)
Le Bain De Mer (Mouvemente)
Le Carnaval (Leger)
Le Golf (Exalte)
La Pieuvre (Assez Vif)
Les Courses (Un Peu Vif)
Les Quatre-Coins (Joie Moderee)
Le Pique-nique (Dansant)
Le Water-Chute (Gracieusement)
Le Tango Perpetuel (Modere Et Tres Ennuye)
Le Traineau (Courez)
Le Flirt (Agite)
Le Feu D'Artifice (Rapide)
Le Tennis (Avec Ceremonie)
Obstacles Venimeux (Noiratre)
Crepuscule Matinal (De Midi) (Sans Grandeur)
Affolements Granitiques (Vivement)
Sa Taille (A Roland-Manuel)
Son Binocle (A Mademoiselle Linette Chalupt)
Ses Jambes (A Rene Chalupt)

Tracks:

Gnossienne No.5
Gnossienne No.1
Gnossienne No.3
Gnossienne No.4
Gnossienne No.2
Gnossienne No.6
D'une Maniere Particuliere
Modestement
S'Inviter
En Y Regardant A Deux Fois
Passer (Version 2)
Encore
Prelude
Entracte
Final
Petit Ouverture A Danser
Je Te Veux
Poudre D'or
Le Piccadilly (La Transatlantique). Marche
Quadrille
Valse
Pas Vite
Mazurka
Un Peu Vif
Polka
Quadrille
Les Pantins Dansent
Marche Franco-Lunaire
Grande Ritournelle
Valse Du Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'oeil'
Grande Ritournelle
Cancan Grand-Mondain

Customer Reviews:

Ciccolini Knows Satie.......2004-06-02

Aldo Ciccolini is arguably the greatest interpreter of Erik Satie, and he can also be credited with rescuing the minimalist from certain obscurity with the recordings he made of the composer's music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. For years I have enjoyed selections of those performances and I figured it was time to upgrade to a more complete set. As a result, I recently got this title. Unfortunately, this 5CD box set from EMI Classics collects Ciccolini's digital remakes of Satie's Piano Works, and not the original recordings of which I had grown so fond. (I have since discovered that a French Import of the complete original recordings is available.) The overall difference is minimal (yes, pun intended!) but I have to give the nod to the analog performances because of a slightly warmer, brighter sound. Also with a first time recording, there is an intangible element in the charting of new territory that I feel is never quite recaptured when revisited. With that being said, for the pieces requiring two pianists, the digital accounts are superior. While Ciccolini overdubbed himself originally, here he partners with Gabriel Tacchino to greater effect. In all, this is an excellent set by an unparalled master of Satie's music, but if I had to it over again I would have chosen the first incarnation.

Ravel & Satie: Piano Works - Anne Queffelec (4 CD's)

Average customer rating:

Ravel & Satie: Piano Works - Anne Queffelec (4 CD's)
Anne Queffelec , Maurice Ravel , and Erik Satie
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Debussy: Piano Works

ASIN: B00030FJIU
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. Tyrolienne Torque
2. Danse Maigre/A La Maniere De Ces Messieurs
3. Espanana
1. Sur Un Vaisseau
2. Sur Une Lanterne
3. Sur Casque
1. Sa Taille
2. Son Binocle
3. Ses Jambes
Petite Ouverture A Danser
A. Valse/Ballet
B. Fantaisie/Valse
Les Pantins Dansent
Caresse
Danse De Travers
1. D'Une Maniere Tres Particuliere
2. Modestement
3. S'Inviter
1. En Y Regardant A Deux Fois
2. Passer
3. Encore
Premiere Pensee Rose+Croix
Prelude De La Port Heroique
Passacaille
Prelude En Tapisserie
Poudre D'Or
Maniere De Commencement
Prolongation Du Meme
Morceau 1/Lentement
Morceau 2/Enleve
Morceau 3/Brutal
En Plus (Calme)
Redite (Dans Le Lent)
Grande Ritournelle
1. Marche (Franco Lunaire)
2. Valse Du (Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'Oeil)
3. Cancan (Grand-Mondain)

Tracks:

No. 1 Lent
No. 2 Avec Etonnement
No. 3 Lent
No. 4 Lent
No. 5 Modere
No. 6 Avec Conviction Et Avec Une Tristesse Rigoureuse
Severe Reprimande
Seul A La Maison
On Joue
Chez Le Marchand D'Or
Danse Cuirassee (Periode Grecque)
La Defaite Des Cimbres (Cauchemar)
Celle Qui Parle Trop
Le Porteur De Grosses Pierres
Regrets Des Enfermes (Jonas Et Latude)
No. 1 Lent Et Douloureux
No. 2 Lent Et Triste
No. 3 Lent Et Grave
1. D'Holothurie
2. D'Edriophthalma
3. De Podophthalma
Je Te Veux
1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Vivace
1. Obstacles Venimeux
2. Crepuscule Matinal (De Midi)
3. Affolements Granitiques
Le Piccadilly-Marche
1. Idylle, A Debussy
2. Aubade, A Paul Dukas
Meditation, A Albert Roussel
Choral Inappetissant
La Balancoire
La Chasse
La Comedie Italienne (A La Napolitaine)
Le Reveil De La Mariee
Colin-Maillard
La Peche
Le Yachting
Le Bain De Mer
Le Carnaval
Le Golf
La Pieuvre
Les Courses
Les Quatre-Coins
Le Pique-Nique
Le Water-Chute
Le Tango
Le Traineau
Le Flirt
Le Feu D'Artifice
Le Tennis

Tracks:

Prelude
Fugue
Forlane
Riguadon
Menuet
Toccata
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Menuet Antique
Noctuelles
Oiseaux Tristes
Une Barque Sur L'Ocean
Alborada Del Gracioso
La Vallee Des Cloches

Tracks:

Jeux D'Eau
1. Modere
Mouvement De Menuet
3. Anime
Prelude
Serenade Grotesque
Modere
Assez Lent
Modere
Assez Anime
Presque Lent
Vif
Moins Vif
Epilogue: Lent
Menuet Sur Le Nom De Haydn
A La Maniere De Chabrier
A La Maniere De Borodine
Ondine
Le Gibet
Scarbo

Average customer rating:

The Great Voices of the Century, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Rajon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0007KUIU0
Release Date: 2005-02-14

Tracks:

Stars Were Brightly Shining (From "Tosca")
Come In The Gondola (From "Night In Venice")
Because
Open Road (From "The Gypsy Baron")
Merry Widow Waltz
Count Your Blessings
All Through The Night
Maidens Of Cadiz
Tristesse
If You Were The Only Girl In The World
Silver Threads Among The Gold
Deep In My Heart, Dear (From "The Student Prince")
Songs My Mother Taught Me
Torna A Surriento
Over The Rainbow (From "The Wizard Of Oz")
Parted
Bachelor Gay (From "Maid Of The Mountains")
Trottin To The Fair
White Wings
Lost Chord
Creed
Drinking Song (From "Merry Wives Of Windsor"
De Glory Road
Ol Man River (From "Showboat")
Changing Of The Guard
Blue Danube
Huguette (From "Vagabond King")
If I Were A Blackbird
ILl Sing A Song Of Love To You
Intermezzo
Panis Angelicus
Berceuse De "Jocelyn"
WeLl Gather Lilacs (From "Perchance To Dream")
Holy City
O For The Wings Of A Dove
Goodnight (From "Cousin From Nowhere")
Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes
ChElla Mi Creda Libero ( From "Girl Of The Golden West")
Loves Old Sweet Song
Last Rose Of Summer
River Stay Way From My Door
OSilver Moon (From "Russalka")
La Marseillaise
Nessun Dorma (From "Turandot")
Who Tied The Knot (From "Gypsy Baron")
They Call Me Mimi (From "La Boheme")
Rosary
Song Of India (From "Sadko")
Serenade
My Heart & I (From "Old Chelsea")
Smilin Through
Sanctuary Of The Heart
Vilia (From "Merry Widow")
ILl Take You Home Again, Kathleen
I Love You Truly
Road To The Isles
Eriskay Love Lilt
Vivere
Old Father Thames
Tales From The Vienna Woods
Oriental Prayer (From "Lakme")
My Song Goes Round The World
I Love Thee
On The Road To Mandalay
Wiegenlied (Cradle Song)

Album Description

3 CD set from the Rajon 'Great Series'. 66 tracks. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Precursor of "Muzak"

Satie for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Debussy for Relaxation
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Piano for Relaxation

ASIN: B00004L8HP
Release Date: 2000-04-14

Tracks:

3 Gymnopedies: No.1
3 Gymnopedies: No.2
3 Gymnopedies: No.3
The Sting Of The Medusa
Caress - John White
Gold Dust
The Poor Man's Reverie - John White
Gymnopdie No.1 - Richard Stoltzman/Nancy Allen
3 Gnossiennes: No.1 - Ikuyo Kamiya
3 Gnossiennes: No.2 - Ikuyo Kamiya
3 Gnossiennes: No.3 - Ikuyo Kamiya
Topics Thoroughly Covered: The Carrier Of Big Stones
Prld In Tapestry
I Want You
Gymnopedie No.2 - Michala Petri/Lars Hannibal
Cold Pieces (Tunes To Chase Away): II: Modestement
Prld Of The Heroic Gate Of Heaven - John White
Nocturne No.2 - Ikuyo Kamiya

Customer Reviews:

Precursor of "Muzak".......2006-03-11

Erik Satie cultivated his fame as an obscure pianist within the smokey cabernet-cafes high on the hill of Montmartre - a trendy, artist haunt in the shadow of Sacre Coere cathdrel overlooking 19th-century Paris. His novel music, isolated lifestyle and unusual fashion (always a dark velvet suit and derby) were eccentric yet endeared him to - not only to the poets, writers and artists of Montmartre - but to the Parisian musical elite. Another oddity of Satie was his contentment - and sometimes insistance - that his music be relegated to the background as to not interfere with patron's festivities. Where Beethoven or Wagner would have cringed to have their compositions played as "musical wallpaper" (or featured on a "Relaxation" recording like this), Erik Satie would likely have been pleased. In this respect, his music was perhaps the precursor of modern "Muzak" heard by many an elevator user.

Over three-forths of Satie's compositions are for solo piano. Often he gave these pieces strange titles and programmic references - such as his most famous work, Gymnopedies, which is related to some ancient festival honoring Apollo. In fact, this gentle, melodic piece so charmed Debussy that he composed an orchestral version of it, emphasising its dreamy qualities. However, on this CD, this famous piece is heard four times in different variations, which presents a great risk of trivialization and weariness. That is one downfall of this collection.

Satie's music indeed does fit well with the "Relaxation" theme with its simple, slower-paced, child-like innocent melodies bathed in rich, yet austere harmonies. In this respect Satie's music is often downgraded by music critics as "lightweight compositions from a French eccentric." They have their point. But, the weary looking for some "nice music" will often find Satie's works a balm - free of pretention, complication and attitude. Yet, it was this simplicity and minimalistic approach that earned Satie the title, "The Precursor" as his textures and forms foreshadowed the minimalist music of John Cage and the Surrealism/Dada movements in art.

Like any, Satie's music is not for everyone. At times the repeated-note simplicity can be downright boring; other pieces can remind one of a player piano at the cabernet. Yet, many pieces have great charm and appeal once you get past their simplicity. So, overall, this CD is a decent sampling of Satie's music for piano - solo or with one or two other instruments - recorded in good sound quality. Also, there are few if any loud outbursts for those wanting to nod off in their relaxation. But, the overplayed Gymnopedies pieces are unfortunate - typical when the public gets hold of a popular piece and plays it to death.