End of the Summer

End of the Summer

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Dar Williams's End of the Summer finds her following in the techno-folkie footsteps of Suzanne Vega and Rickie Lee Jones. Most of the tracks feature muscular rhythms provided by Sammy Merendino's programmed drum loops, and thickened textures provided by layers of electric and acoustic guitars. This new approach pays dividends for a singer/songwriter whose thin soprano and coffeehouse lyrics have often proven underwhelming in the past. Here she is encouraged by producer Steven Miller to cram as many words as possible into the herky-jerky verses and then release the tension with a chorus of simple statements and catchy melody. This allows her to run verbal riffs on slackers in "Party Generation," on therapy in "What Do You Hear in These Sounds," and on middle age in "Teenagers, Kick Our Butts." Some of these riffs are witty and some aren't, but they pay off in satisfying refrains where Williams's wispy voice is surrounded by belt-it-out harmony singers. While the title tune is Williams at her dreary, maudlin worst, another ballad, "If I Wrote You" (with harmonies by Shindell), proves the techno-folkie formula can work even at slow tempos. --Geoffrey Himes

Tracks:

The Hallejuah Trail-Overture
The Alamo-The Green Leaves Of Summer
The Alamo-Davy Crocket
The Big Country-The Welcoming/Finale
The Big Valley-Main Theme
Blazing Saddles-Blazing Saddles
Bonaza-Main Theme
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid-raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
The Comancheros-McBain/Main Title
Duel In The Sun-Main Title/The Legend/Orizaba
A Fistfull Of Dynamite-Duck You Sucker
For A Few Dollars More-Main Theme
Friendly Persuasion-Thee I Love
Giant-Main Theme
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-Main Theme
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-The Ecstasy Of Gold
Gunfight At The O.K. Corral-Suite
Hang 'Em High-Main Theme
The Hanging Tree-Main Title

Tracks:

High Caparral-Main Theme
How The West Was Won-Prelude/The Land
High Noon-Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin'
The Jayhawkers-The Lynching/Two Brothers/The Hayhawkers
The Lone Ranger-William Tell Overture: Finale
Nevada Smith-Main Title
Old Gringo-Main Themes
Once Upon A Time In The West-Man With The Harmonica
One Eyed Jacks-Main Title
The Proud Rebel-Main Titles
The Quick And The Dead-End Titles
Quigley Down Under-End Titles
Rio Bravo-Rio Bravo/De Guella
The Scalphunters-Main Title
Shane-Main Theme: The Call Of The Farwaway Hills
The Shootist-Main Title
The Unforgiven-The Need For Love
Viva Zapata-Gathering Forces
The Virginian-Main Theme

Customer Reviews:

Not My Style.......2007-05-11

This CD has a lot of good songs on it, but it just too bland for our taste. We prefer Western music to sound as though genuine cowboys are singing it - not a fancy chorus!

Rockin' Western Collection.......2006-08-28

For anyone who likes movie/tv music from westerns should purchase this CD. What a wonderful collection of both film and tv with great renditions of each piece. I'm about to purchase Vol. 1 to complete my collection.

Hard to Find Great Western Themes .......2006-03-16

This CD has a number of great western themes that are not in some of the standard lists. For example it includes "The Hallejuah Trail", "Blazing Saddles", and "Giant". This CD also has what I consider the true theme of "The Comancheros". I have been disappointed with some other CDs I have purchased listing "The Comancheros" which had a song rather than this theme. Many of the tracks on this two disk CD go beyond the main theme music and are actually suites. The "Big Country" and "How the West Was Won" are just a couple of examples. It may be a little more expense than some CDs, but not bad for a two disk set. I am really happy with my purchase.

Western Music.......2005-07-29

I enjoy this CD. It has many familiar melodies. Good background for reading, nice to listen while driving. It is also the only CD I've ever found that has the great theme from the movie "Giant."

A great follow-up.......2003-08-29

This is the second collection by SilvaScreen, who are also responsible for "The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection" (see my review). And it's just as good as the first. There are themes in here that everyone will recognize ("Bonanza," "A Fistful of Dollars"), themes that may not be so familiar ("Duel in the Sun," "The Hanging Tree," the lively "Blazing Saddles"), and even themes you may not associate with Westerns at all ("The Friendly Persuasion"). And no duplication either: when this disc includes a piece from one of the same sources covered in its predecessor, it's a different piece. One great treat: the full lyrics to "Gunfight at OK Corral," which I've never heard outside the soundtrack of the movie itself. The arrangement from "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" includes not only the familiar song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" but an overview of the music--seguing almost seamlessly into Bernstein's magnificent "The Comancheros," a rare find indeed. An expensive item, but if you love Western film music, well worth it.

Average customer rating:

Relive you movie experiences

The Ultimate Movie Music Collection
Erich Kunzel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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The Incredible Film Music Box
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores
Simply the Best Movie Themes
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000BFH26Y
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

The Imperial March: The Empire Strikes Back
Main Theme: Jurassic Park
Main Title: Shakespeare In Love
Themes: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Main Title: The Last Of The Mohicans
Theme: The Godfather
Unchained Melody: Ghost
Theme: Goldfinger
We're Losing Him: Somewhere In Time
Space Camp
Opening And Closing Titles: Henry V
Theme: The Thorn Birds
Suite: Moonwalker
The Time Of Your Life: A Bugs Life

Tracks:

Batman Theme: Batman
Bicycle Chase: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
Suite: Independance Day
Love Theme: Romeo & Juliet
Theme: Back To The Future
End Credits: Contact
Theme: Breakfast At Tiffany's
Main Theme: Star Trek
May It Be And Themes: Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Ring
Love Theme: Cousins
Sean's Theme: Minority Report
I Will Wait From You: The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg
Theme: Rocky
The Sand Volcano: The Mummy
The Raider's March: Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Tracks:

Theme: Mission Impossible
Casablanca Suite
Book Of Days: Far And Away
Love Theme: Superman
Tara's Theme: Gone With The Wind
Don't Mess With: Z
Main Title: The Mask Of Zorro
Finale: Victor / Victoria
Carol Ann's Theme: Poltergeist
Love Theme: Star Wars: Episode ll: Attack Of The Clones
Main Theme: Willow
Main Title: Star Trek ll: The Wrath Of Kahn
MAin Theme: On Golden Pond
Theme: A Summer Place
Theme: Chariots Of Fire

Tracks:

Iceberg!
Back To Titanic
Main Themes: Hook
Theme: Pink Panther
Lara's: Doctor Zhivago
Theme: Love Story
Right Stuff
Theme: Jaws
When You Believe: The Prince Of Egypt
Smile: Modern Times
The Apollo 13 Mission
Re-Entry And Splashdown: Apollo 13
Main Title: Beetlejuice
War: Pearl Harbor
Cavatina: The Deer Hunter
Throne Room And End Title: Star Wars: Episode lV: A New Hope

Customer Reviews:

Relive you movie experiences.......2006-01-24

This collection of movie themes, will allow you to relive the chilling experiences from practically all (4 CDs)of the great movies. Great movies would not be great without great music. The Cincinnati Pop with Eric Kunzel are unbeatable recordings. Every minute is more beautiful and inspiring to the next. If you love Pops music, this is the begin all, end all.

Average customer rating:

End of the Summer is the Beginning of Dar
Dar Rocks!
One of Dar's finest...
My favorite Dar album
What a treasure!

End of the Summer
Dar Williams
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Mortal City
The Honesty Room
The Green World
The Beauty of the Rain
My Better Self

ASIN: B000002ZCQ
Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

Are You Out There
Party Generation
If I Wrote You
What Do You Hear In These Sounds
The End Of The Summer
Teenagers, Kick Our Butts
My Friends
Bought And Sold
Road Buddy
It's A War In There
Better Things

Amazon.com

Dar Williams's End of the Summer finds her following in the techno-folkie footsteps of Suzanne Vega and Rickie Lee Jones. Most of the tracks feature muscular rhythms provided by Sammy Merendino's programmed drum loops, and thickened textures provided by layers of electric and acoustic guitars. This new approach pays dividends for a singer/songwriter whose thin soprano and coffeehouse lyrics have often proven underwhelming in the past. Here she is encouraged by producer Steven Miller to cram as many words as possible into the herky-jerky verses and then release the tension with a chorus of simple statements and catchy melody. This allows her to run verbal riffs on slackers in "Party Generation," on therapy in "What Do You Hear in These Sounds," and on middle age in "Teenagers, Kick Our Butts." Some of these riffs are witty and some aren't, but they pay off in satisfying refrains where Williams's wispy voice is surrounded by belt-it-out harmony singers. While the title tune is Williams at her dreary, maudlin worst, another ballad, "If I Wrote You" (with harmonies by Shindell), proves the techno-folkie formula can work even at slow tempos. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

End of the Summer is the Beginning of Dar.......2007-06-13

First, Dar Williams is amazing! If you're looking for a place to start your Dar collection, I'd say End of the Summer is the best place to begin (only slightly edging out Mortal City). For me, this is just a more cohesive album, which is odd considering the variety of the music. The upbeat "Party Generation" blends perfectly into the soft and beautiful pain of "If I Wrote You." The rocking "Teenagers, Kick Our Butts" falls gracefully into the quiet and alarmingly beautiful "My Friends." Dar never misses a step! She somehow holds everything wonderfully together. The album opens with "Are You Out There?" questioning whether we can find ourselves, even when we feel most awkward and alone, in music that speaks so clearly to us - just like an old friend. With End of the Summer, Dar Williams answers that question with an affirmative yes! This will become a dear friend that will leave you longing to visit the Mortal City to discover more.

Dar Rocks!.......2007-01-14

"End of the Summer" is Dar's most upbeat CD. The songs have a much faster tempo than previous CDs. The best song on the album is "Are You Out There" about listening to the radio and feeling connected to the DJ. "Party Generation" is a funny song about being in your 30s and partying with college students. "What Do You Hear in these Sounds" is a great song about being in therapy. "Teenagers Kick Our Butts" is about the generation behind you taking over. "If I Wrote You" is a slow, sad song.

One of Dar's finest..........2006-06-28

Actually, END OF THE SUMMER was my introduction to Dar Williams, and I remember thinking "Wow" the first time after I heard the entire album. The soft drums and synthetic beats actually accentuate and increase the appreciation of the beautiful guitars, not to mention Williams' raw, emotional, yet poignant lyrics saturate neary (if not every) all the songs on this immensely gratifying CD.

I believe one of the things that makes it accessible is its very diverse content. On here you will not find trite love ballads or meaningless pop tunes. Every song, or every songs' content, is completely different from the next. From riffs about slackers to an ode to friendship to songs dedicated to late-night TV watching to an unusual but intriguing soft acoustic about what its title (and the CD's title) implicates. The album even deals with (in a very mature song pumped by whispy drums and twangy guitars) anti-consumerism. The whole thing ends with an optimistic note, "Better Things", which almost serves as a reprise to "What Do You Hear In These Sounds?"

Bottom line: I recommend this song both to newcomers of Dar and Dar devotees. It might be different from her usual stuff, but the whole album works and is totally listenable. I actually find myself listening to this album more than any other I own. Listening to it is like witnessing a whole world busily at work with its inhabitants. If you're an acoustic/folk fan (or just love great music) I highly recommend this complex, richly gratifying album.

My favorite Dar album.......2006-02-03

I realize this one won't please the folk purists but I think this is probably Dar's most interesting piece of work.

"Are you out there?" is my favorite Dar Williams composition. My mind is racing and my spirits soars everything I hear those opening beats. It's really an incredible piece of work. Not traditional folk but then again Dar is really an artist who transcends genre.

Highly recommended to all fans.

What a treasure!.......2005-08-17

How did I spend all these years not listening to Dar? She has an amazing voice! I am so thankful to Al Franken and Katherine Lanpher on Air America for introducing me to her. Now I will be looking into purchasing her other CDs.

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

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Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
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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!

Rorem: The End of Summer, Book of Hours, Bright Music

Average customer rating:

Ned Rorem's Chamber Music
Fascinating chamber music from Ned Rorem

Rorem: The End of Summer, Book of Hours, Bright Music
Ned Rorem , and The Fibonacci Sequence
Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Rorem: Three Symphonies
Rorem: Flute Concerto; Violin Concerto
Ned Rorem: Selected Songs
Amy Beach: "Gaelic" Symphony; Piano Concerto
Rorem: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello; After Reading Shakespeare

ASIN: B000088DUH
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

End of Summer - Capriccio
End of Summer - Fantasy
End of Summer - Mazurka
Book of Hours - Matins (Nocturne)
Book of Hours - Lauds (Sunrise)
Book of Hours - Prime (6am)
Book of Hours - Terce (Mid-morning)
Book of Hours - Sext (Noon)
Book of Hours - None (Mid-afternooon)
Book of Hours - Vespers (Evensong)
Book of Hours - Compline (Nightfall)
Bright Music - Fandango
Bright Music - Pierrot
Bright Music - Dance-Song-Dance
Bright Music - Another Dream
Bright Music - Chopin

Customer Reviews:

Ned Rorem's Chamber Music.......2003-04-08

Many people know too little about the cultural achievements of Americans. This is particularly the case in the area of art ("classical")music, perhaps because American popular music in its many varieties has captured the imagination of much of the world. The Naxos Company, which specializes in inexpensive, innovative recordings of classical music has been producing a series titled "American Classics" with the aim of making American music available to the public at a low price. This is an altogether commendable aim. It is valuable both because it encourages the exploration of classical music and also because it encourages an appreciation of American creativity.

This disc of chamber music by Ned Rorem (b. 1923) is an outstanding addition to the series. Rorem is both a composer and a writer, best known for his art songs. (A collection of Rorem's songs is available on another Naxos disc in this series.) The performers are a group of seven young British musicians who call themselves the "Fibonacci sequence".

There are three pieces on the CD dating from 1975 through 1987. The first piece, "The End of Summer" consists of three movements and was written in 1985. It is scored for clarinet, violin, and piano. The most striking aspects of this music are the long declamatory passage for solo violin which opens the piece, and the lyrical secondary themes that appear in the first and third movement. The music does indeed have a yearning, autumnal quality.

The second piece on the disc, the "Book of Hours" was written in 1975 and is scored for flute and harp. It consists of 8 short movements. This music reminded me of Rorem's songs. In general, I found the flute taking the lead (as the vocalist in one or Rorem's songs) and presenting a declamatory line in the music with the harp punctuating and commenting on the flute through chords, runs around the theme, and otherwise. (As the piano seems to me to do in many of Rorem's songs.)

The third piece, "Bright Music" (1987) consists of five movements and is scored for flute, two violins, cello, and piano. The two outer movements are modernist in tone, yet both of them are based upon the final, mad movement of Chopin's "Funeral March" piano sonata. (The final movement is titled "Chopin") The third and fourth movement contain beautiful dream and dance sequences.

Rorem's music is in a distinctly modern idiom which yet will be accessible to the listener. The program notes to this CD are unusually thorough and will help the listener approach this music. This is an excellent recording. Naxos is to be commended for its efforts in bringing to the public American attainments in classical music.

Fascinating chamber music from Ned Rorem.......2003-03-21

Ned Rorem (b. 1923) is one of our most distinguished composers, perhaps best known for his songs; certainly he is one of the finest composers we have when it comes to word-setting. But this disc is given over to chamber works, and a fine disc it is; it features the British chamber group Fibonacci Series, which consists of seven instrumentalists (led by violinist Jonathan Carney, brother of the American String Quartet's second violinist, Laurie Carney).

"End of Summer" (for clarinet, violin and piano (1985), in three movements: Capriccio, Fantasy, Mazurka) starts with a declamatory cadenza for unaccompanied violin that seems to be notifying us that an important announcement is about to be made. But shortly after the clarinet and piano enter we are taken to a world of pastiche (and of memory) that includes old hymns, children's songs, snippets of faux-Satie. In the 'Fantasy' we enter an autumnal mood, with some late Brahmsian use of the clarinet, in which there seems to be rueful recollection of times past. 'Mazurka' is a lively old-fashioned folk-dance, alternately contrasted with an elegant waltz. Toward the end two dances jostle for primacy and finally disappear into thin air. "End of Summer" is a delightful suite that deserves some real popularity.

"Book of Hours" (flute and harp, 1975) is a collection of eight pieces reflecting each of the canonical hours designated for daily prayer. 'Matins' opens quietly and at mid-way reverses itself (a palindrome) to end as it began; it is echoed in the final 'Compline.' 'Lauds' is a vigorous eye-opener (Lauds comes at sunrise). 'Prime' (6am) is a dreamlike meditation of harp glissandi with flute wheeling above. 'Terce' (Mid-Morning) is for mostly unaccompanied flute that begins meditatively but then soars into the stratosphere, ending with coruscating glints of sunlight. 'Sext' (Noon) has note-bending swoons on the flute with reassuring chords from the harp - a crisis of faith with support coming from an older member of the monastic community? 'Nones' (Mid-afternoon) has spashes of discordant flute and harp chords alternating with calming common chords and simple melodies. 'Vesper' (Evening) is a reversal of the process in 'Lauds.' And finally 'Compline' ends as 'Matins' began. This is a superbly atmospheric suite superbly realized by flutist Anna Noakes and harpist Gillian Tingay.

"Bright Music" (for flute, two violins, cello and piano, 1987) has five movements whose titles are descriptive of the music they contain: Fandango, Pierrot, Dance-Song-Dance, Another Dream, and Chopin. Rorem has said 'Fandango' was inspired by the image of 'rat inside a can'! Certainly it runs and scrabbles in fandango rhythm. 'Pierrot' is a melancholy clown reportedly inspired by images from Picasso's early 'blue period.' 'Dance-Song-Dance,' is just what it says - a frenetic dance (with whirling piano, plucked strings and screaming flute) - followed by a simple, pensive song which the dance interrupts for a frantic finish. 'Another Dream', the longest section at eight minutes, opens with an yearning cello solo eventually joined by distant chiming on the piano. One by one the other instruments enter, all singing trancelike songs. There is a modest climax before the music again recedes into its initial dream. The brief finale, 'Chopin,' is a virtuosic gloss on the 'wind in the graveyard' finale of Chopin's B-flat minor piano
sonata.

This is a terrific issue with potent and engaging music played superbly. The sound is clear, truthful and rich.

Langgaard: Music Of The Spheres/Four Tone Pictures
Average customer rating:

A work of awesome proportions and intimate emotion

One of the most extraordinary works ever written

Music to Amaze Your Ears

Langgaard: Music Of The Spheres/Four Tone Pictures

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Rued Langaard: Antikrist [Hybrid SACD]

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Per Nørgard: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

ASIN: B000000B0N
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Tracks:

Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Like Sunbeams On A Coffin Decorated With Sweet Smelling Flowers -
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Like The Twinklying Of Stars In The Blue Sky At Sunset -
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Like Light And The Depths
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Like The Refraction Of Sunbeams In The Waves
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Like The Twinkling Of A Pearl Of Dew In The Sun On A Beautiful Summer's Morning
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Longing - Despair - Ecstasy
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Soul Of The World - Abyss - All Soul's Day
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): I Wish...!
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Chaos - Ruin - Far And Near -
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Flowers Wither
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Glimpse Of The Sun Through Tears -
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): Bells Pealing: Look Here He Comes!
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): The Gospel Of Flowers - From The Far Distance -
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): The New Day -
Sfaerernes Musik (Music Of The Spheres): The End: Antichrist - Christ
Tonebilleder (Four Tone Pictures): I. Like Words For A Summer's Day Saga
Tonebilleder (Four Tone Pictures): II. A Scent Of Mull And Mud
Tonebilleder (Four Tone Pictures): III. A Golden Flake Hovers Above
Tonebilleder (Four Tone Pictures): IV. The Flowering Summer Was Linked To The Harvest

Amazon.com

Rued Langgaard (1893-1952) was the odd duck of Danish music. He remained doggedly Romantic at a time when Romanticism was out, and he had his own funny little experiments with music that noboby particularly liked. We owe a debt to Chandos and Danacord for keeping Langgaard's music current. Music of the Spheres (1916-18) predates Gyorgy Ligeti by 50 years with its bright, pointillistic assertions and groups of ideas that evolve to their own inner logic. As demonstrated in Tonebilleder (Four Tone Pictures), Langgaard's music has an openness that allows his tone clusters to expand, contract, or simply repeat (as Ligeti would do much later). Discover Langgaard. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

A work of awesome proportions and intimate emotion.......2006-12-11

This Chandos disc containing two pieces by Danish composer Rued Langgaard is one of the most pleasant surprises this fan of modern-classical music has come across. Langgaard (1893-1952) was an outsider and eccentric in Danish music life, a virtuoso organist who succeeded only in his late forties at getting a position, and a composer of wild tales of the Antichrist coming into the world who found it almost impossible to get his music played. In the late 1960s, his music was rediscovered by scholars and his importance in Danish musical history is now certain, but he is still little-known in the modern-classical scene. We should be grateful to the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra & Choir and Gennady Rozhdestvensky for their performance and to Chandos for releasing the recording.

"Music of the Spheres" for soprano, chorus, orchestra, and distant orchestra (1916-1918) is stunning. The innovations here are considerable: exploiting the performance space in the use of two orchestras, writing for an "open" piano where glissandi are produced directly on the strings, and of course the clusters and polyphonic webs, massive and seemingly motionless blocks of sound reminiscent of Gyorgy Ligeti. Indeed, the Hungarian composer exclaimed that he was a Langaard imitator when Per Norgard showed him a copy of the score in 1968. But the purity of the string writing reminds me of Alexander Knaifel, and the massive proportions of the orchestral writing at its loudest is somewhat like Sandstroem's "The High Mass".

But, as is often said, it wouldn't matter how much Langgaard were ahead of his time in "Music of the Spheres" if the music wasn't great. And it is, one of the most moving half-hours of orchestral music I'm acquainted with. Langgaard was a Romantic in a time when Romanticism was out of fashion, and the proportions of what the listener may recognize as struggle, momentary defeat, and victory are just as powerful as in Mahler.

"Music of the Spheres" is an exceptional piece in Langgaard's total output. The "Four Tone Pictures" for soprano and orchestra are somewhat more typical of his art. Written on poems by J. Blicher-Clausen, Ivan Turgeniev, and Holger Drachmann, they are fairly tame lieder. These suggest that the modern-classical fan can pass on most of Langgaard's music, but "Music of the Spheres" is so good that at least this disc should be in your collection.

One of the most extraordinary works ever written.......2003-11-21

Music of the Spheres, by the eccentric Danish composer Rued Langgaard, really is the work that has everything. Written between 1916 and 1918, it uses a multitude of techniques that would not be rediscovered until after the wars. Multifarious tone clusters, floating micropolyphony, a piano played directly on the strings, an entire offstage orchestra, blurred choral singing, prefigurations of minimalism: you name it, this work has it. Yet it also has Scriabinesque ecstasy, Straussian opulence and a wacked-out religious subtext in which Christ and Antichrist clash in the violent climax to the whole work.

None of this would matter, though, if the music weren't any good. But it is good--probably the best thing Langgaard ever wrote (so far I've heard about 30 of his works, and none of them matches this one). The various short episodes flow one into another with perfect clarity and logic, the orchestration is superlative, and the dramatic writing at the climax is sonically overwhelming. Fortunately, Chandos match this work with a tremendous performance by the Danish National Radio Symphony and Choir, conducted by that indefatigable servant of underperformed music, Gennady Rozhdestvensky. This recording should be considered the best currently available, and it outstrips the rivals with ease.

Any other work isn't likely to fare so well in comparison to this, but the Four Tone Pictures are by no means eclipsed. Opulent songs in a Straussian harmonic language--though lacking the German composer's gift for melody--they are the perfect way to come down from the musical high of Music of the Spheres.

Music to Amaze Your Ears.......2003-07-23

Rued Langgaard was the man that time forgot. Completely neglected in his native Denmark because he did not fall within the prevailing neo-classic aesthetic set by Nielsen, Langgaard was rediscovered in the 60s when Per Norgard gave a score of Music of the Spheres to Gyorg Ligeti at a competition and after a minute Ligeti announced, "it seems as though I am a Langgaard imitator." Though Langgaard was essentially a conservative late romantic composer, he was capable of some real moments of innovation. He not only presaged Ligeti's color style, but also elements of minimalism, most especially in his string quartets.

Music of the Spheres is Langgaard at his most original. This work is a stunning series of small tone pictures. From the very beginning of the work, with the shimmering cluster of string harmonies over ominous timpani, through out the work, experiment reigns. Langgaard is always tonal, but in this work shows a fascination with orchestral sound and tonal clusters that was probably about 50 years ahead of the times. And yet, in the middle of the work there are sections that could come directly from Schonberg's early Gurrelieder or even the symphonies of Gade. It is a truly astonishing aural sound feast and should be a staple of the repertoire.

The accompanying Tone Pictures, four tone poems on nature themes, are also quite beautiful, though much more conventional as music. Here is Langgaard the Romantic and he is quite a good Romantic actually. The orchestrations are lush, the harmony sensuous and there is just enough oddness to mark the work as Langgaard's and no one else's.

Tracks:

Warsaw Concerto
Prologue: Sea Devils
Tea - Time Music ('Palms And Fountains'): The Day Will Dawn
Waltz Theme: Blithe Spirit
Theme: Highly Dangerous
Greengage Summer - Suite: Main Titles, Joss, Zizi's Tango
Greengage Summer - Suite: In The French Countryside
Greengage Summer - Suite: Carpet Dance
Greengage Summer - Suite: Slow Waltz
Greengage Summer - Suite: Eliot's Escape
Greengage Summer - Suite: End Titles
Invocation
Cavalry Of The Clouds: March: The Lion Has Wings
Lovers' Moon: The Passionate Friends
Suite: Under Capricorn
Theme: Out Of The Clouds
March Of The United Nations

Customer Reviews:

Just wonderful music.......2000-04-26

Addinsell was unknown to me until I heard the Warsaw Concerto on the radio. I was hooked. There are hints of Rachmaninov in the Concerto, and the lyricism is quite moving. I bought the cd for the Concerto, but I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of the rest of the music on this disc. All of it is melodic, sometimes wistful, sometimes melancholy, sometimes joyful. "Blithe Spirit" is wonderful, as is "The day will dawn" and "The Passionate Friends". The Royal Ballet Sinfonia play as if they truly love this music, and they are captured well by the ASV engineers. It is a delight from beginning to end.

British movie music at its best.......1999-04-17

I have been listening to classical and movie music for more years than I'll ever admit to, and I must say that Addinesll's music on this particular CD is all the usual adjectives and more...romantic, moving, at times even spiritual. It will probably appeal most to Anglophiles who also happen to love wonderful music. Grab a top notch gin, an easy chair, dream and enjoy.

Average customer rating:

"themes & cues savor the romantic that dwells in all of us"

Reel Love: The Cinematic Romance Album

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

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Ultimate Movie Album
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ASIN: B0007R8ESQ
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Gone With The Wind: Tara's Theme
Theme From A Summer Place
Doctor Zhivago: Main Title & Lara's Theme
El Cid: Love Theme
It's A Wonderful Life
Vertigo: Scene D'Amour
Ryan's Daughter: Rosy's Theme
Somewhere In Time: Main Theme
The Young And The Restless: Nadia's Theme
Play Misty For Me: Misty - Tony Lee
Casablanca: As Time Goes By
Love Story: Where Do I Begin?
Emma: Main Theme
Sense And Sensibility: Throw The Coins
Pride And Prejudice: Main Theme

Tracks:

A Man And A Woman: Un Homme Et Une Femme - Mary Carewe
Il Postino: Main Themes
Jean De Florette: Main Title
The Summer Of '42: The Summer Knows
Emanuelle
Last Tango In Paris
Romeo And Juliet: Love Theme
Cinema Paradiso: Love Theme
Braveheart: End Titles
Indecent Proposal: Main Theme
Ghost: Unchained Melody
Titanic: My Heart Will Go On
Edward Scissorhands: Main Title/Ice Dance
The English Patient: As Far As Florence
Finding Neverland: Impossible Opening

Customer Reviews:

"themes & cues savor the romantic that dwells in all of us".......2005-04-12

What a crowning achievement to bring "Reel Love: The Cinematic Romance Album", released by Silva America and featuring The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus ~ conductors are Kenneth Alwyn, Paul Bateman, James Fitzpatrick, Nic Raine and David Temple director of the chorus ~ one can only expect the highest quality of performances and quench the thirst of all "film-score-buffs".

Sit back and unleash the first disc with composers taking each film score cue in alphabeltical order:

"CASABLANCA (AS TIME GOES BY)" (Herman Hupfeld)
"DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (MAIN TITLE & LARA'S THEME)" (Maurice Jarre)
"EL CID (LOVE THEME)" (Miklos Rozsa)
"EMMA (MAIN THEME) (Rachel Portman)
"GONE WITH THE WIND (TARA'S THEME)" (Max Steiner)
"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" (Dimitri Tiomkin)
"LOVE STORY (WHERE DO I BEGIN)" (Francis Lai)
"PLAY MISTY FOR ME (MISTY)" (Errol Garner)
"PRIDE & PREJUDICE (MAIN THEME)" (Carl Davis)
"RYAN'S DAUGHTER (ROSY'S THEME)" (Maurice Jarre)
"SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (THROW THE COINS)" (Patrick Doyle)
"SOMEWHERE IN TIME (MAIN THEME)" (John Barry)
"THEME FROM A SUMMER PLACE" (Max Steiner)
"VERTIGO (SCENE D'AMOUR)" (Bernard Herrmann)
"YOUNG & THE RESTLESS (NADIA'S THEME)" (Barry DeVorzon/Perry Botkin Jr)

Arrangements that soar and then simmer into pure meditation of grandeur ~ classic film music prevails, as orchestration comes to the surface with pure originality ~ one masterpiece after another is long last presented as it should have been, is cause for celebration ~ each cue is a distinctive gift for striking modernism, touching on the transition of the period in this planets history.

Second disc is waiting in the wings are the composers and selections also in alphabeltical order:

"A MAN AND A WOMAN (UN HOMME ET UNE FEMME)" (Francis Lai)
"BRAVEHEART (END TITLES)" (James Horner)
"CINEMA PARADISO (LOVE THEME)" (Ennio Morricone)
"EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (MAIN TITLE/ICE DANCE)" (Danny Elfman)
"EMMANUELLE" (Pierre Bachelet/Herve Roy)
"ENGLISH PATIENT (AS FAR AS FLORENCE)" (Gabriel Yared)
"FINDING NEVERLAND (IMPOSSIBLE OPENING)" (Jan A. P. Kaczmarek)
"GHOST (UNCHAINED MELODY)" (Alex North)
"IL POSTINO (MAIN THEME)" (Luis Bacalov)
"INDECENT PROPOSAL (MAIN THEME)" (John Barry)
"JEAN DE FLORETTE (MAIN TITLE)" (Jean Claude Petit)
"LAST TANGO IN PARIS" (Gato Barbier)
"ROMEO AND JULIET (LOVE THEME)" (Nino Rota)
"SUMMER OF '42 (THE SUMMER KNOWS)" (Michael Legrand)
"TITANIC (MY HEART WILL GO ON)" (James Horner)

Each composer has the passion and skill for exploring human emotions, coupled with a unique gift for striking exotic orchestral colors, make this with all it's splendor unforgettable ~ themes that ring with familiarity as each film comes to mind through music.
Silva America gives the collector a treasure of thirty film cues that any "film-score-buff" would die for ~ in the past James Fitzpatrick (producer), Reynold da Silva (executive producer), mastered by Rick Clark and David Stoner (release co-ordinator) have given us compilation with such expertise and this one is no exception ~ keep up the outstanding limited editions and deluxe package releases, with your signature tidbits for all film music fans that's in all of us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1177 ~ (4/12/2005)

Average customer rating:

summer's loss is the world's gain
Absolutely Brutal
Effing Awesome
METALICIOUS
Good album

Summer's End
Summer's End
Manufacturer: Hand of Hope
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0006SSP1W
Release Date: 2005-01-18

Tracks:

Buried Near The Living Dead
Haunting Hollowed Graves
Walking The Night
Victim
Long Time Dead
Headwound (Feat Michael Graves - MISFITS)
Through My Blood
Flawless Seasons [live]
Final Goodbye [live]

Album Description

SUMMER'S END are ready to take the metal-hardcore scene by force with their 1st-ever full length CD for HAND OF HOPE records. SUMMER'S END will floor you with their guitar-driven sound and over the top rhythm section. SUMMER'S END rose from the ashes of previous bands ABYSMAL GATES and BLOOD RUNS COLD. Guitarist John Letzkus and vocalist Josh Hansen have finally put together a band that will leave you breathless. SUMMER'S END are going to make you realize what horror-core is all about.

Customer Reviews:

summer's loss is the world's gain.......2006-12-26

im not a kid, just dont have an amazon account.
this ep is immense. brutal drumming, slick guitar work, awesome melodies mixed with intense brutality. one of the few standout records of last year from a new band in my opinion.

Absolutely Brutal.......2006-01-27

Despite its short length, this album is definitely worth having if you are a metal fan, hardcore fan, or anything inbetween. The drumming is phenomenal, the guitars are tighter than a 14 year old girl, and the vocals are amazing. I bought this CD the day it came out and I still listen to it over and over again...it never seems to get old.

Sadly, Ben and Josh have recently left the band are being replace by James Moorcroft (ex-Blackheart Eulogy) on vocals and Grant (ex-Nightmare Incarnate) on guitar.

Effing Awesome.......2005-06-18

Do you like Metal/Hardcore/Whatevercore?

Then buy this CD.

Good bye.

METALICIOUS.......2005-05-27

Straight up this is a pureley metal album, only with hardcore vox. Pretty much no breakdowns or anything that would relate it to metalcore except the vocals. The guitars are incredible, dual solos and riffs everywhere. The drums keep a high pace and dual bass is thrown in at all the right times.

The only real problem i have with this album is that theres only 6 studio songs and 3 live songs. It looks to me like an EP and they just threw some live songs in there so they could charge another 6 bucks and call it an LP.

Besides that though, its a terrific album if you are a fan of driving metal and brutal vox.

Good album.......2005-03-02

I liked this album but these guys certainly aren't doing anything new. I like Bleeding Through and Avenged Sevenfold and these guys were recommended to me by a friend. Thw whole album is really easy to listen to, but it still leaves something to be desired. I can imagine that the guys were ready to rip some heads off while they recorded this album, but it doesn't seem to come across all that well on record. I'm looking forward to seeing a live show and I hope that they will blow me away and I'll have to kick myself in the butt for giving them such a mediocre review!