Songs of Love and Parting [Original recording remastered]

Songs of Love and Parting [Original recording remastered]

Track Listings

1. Verses In Stewart Street

2. For Mr. Thomas

3. Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally

4. Return No More

5. Tarry Wool

6. For Three Of Us

7. Sigil

8. Flower Of The Briar

9. Forming Of Blodeuwedd

10. Gwydion'S Dream

11. Verses At Balwearie Tower

12. Night At Ardpatrick

13. Parting Glass

14. Song Of Mabon

15. Fair

16. Fair Dance

17. Edinburgh

18. Lammas

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Released in 1981, this was Robin's first solo album after the amicable demise of the Merry Band. It was also the realization of a dream to write contemporary songs in a traditional manner. All the songs were written by Robin (with a few traditional tunes thrown in for good measure) and are now regarded by many as his finest compositions. The album (originally released on the Irish Claddagh label) contained the classics 'For Mr. Thomas' (a tribute to the Welsh Bard), which was later covered by Van Morrison, 'Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally' and 'Flower Of The Briar'. At this point in Robin's career he released a cassette of songs and poetry titled 'Selected Writings' which was only ever sold at concerts. The material on the cassette is closely linked with the 'SL&P' album as material from both collections made up a substantial part of Robin's 'Tree of Leaf & Flame' stage show. This material is added to the CD as a bonus. Together the two albums place a firm spotlight on Robin Williamson's most successful work during his long career in the Incredible String Band, the Merry Band and as a solo artist. Gott. 2005.

Tracks:

Verses In Stewart Street
For Mr Thomas
Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally
Return No More
Tarry Wool
For Three Of Us
Sigil
Flower Of The Briar
The Forming Of Blodeuwedd
Gwydion's Dream
Verses At Balwearie Tower
A Night At Ardpatrick
The Parting Glass
Song Of Mabon
The Fair
The Fair Dance
Edinburgh
Lammas

Product Description

1. Verses in Stewart Street
2. For Mr. Thomas
3. Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally
4. Return No More
5. Tarry Wool
6. For Three of Us
7. Sigil
8. Flower of the Briar
9. The Forming of Blodeuwedd
10. Gwydion's Dream
11. Verses at Balwearie Tower
12. A Night at Ardpatrick
13. The Parting Glass
14. Song of Mabon
15. The Fair
16. The Fair Dance
17. Edinburgh
18. Lammas

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Timeless.......2006-07-14

This album has been a favorite since I found it in my university's library on LP. The sounds are very touching to the soul. It reminds me of the feeling you get after a long journey through the mountains, or the feeling of losing a dear friend and the being reunited again in the future. The songs have great lyrics and composure. I also own Myrrh by Robin but to me this album is much better.

Williamson's best work on a single CD.......2005-10-05

Is there anything more frustrating than being a Robin Williamson fan?

At his best he is a lyrical, magical poet seeming to overflow with creativity. At his worst he is a screeching, howling madman producing music that is truly unlistenable.

For the newcomer, this collection contains some of his best work and many of my favorites. The "Songs of Love and Parting" LP was worn out on my turntable when it first came out. From the nostalgic romance of "Verses in Stewart Street" to the truly magical Celtic mystery of "Flower of the Briar" and the unusually slow and pensive "Parting Glass."

If you have never heard of Williamson, this is where to start. If you are an old friend, it's great to have this music back on CD.
The special bonus here is his poetry set to music that was originally available only on cassette at his concerts and was later available as part of a different CD compliation.

This includes one of the most haunting bits of Celticism ever produced, the "Song of Mabon," which always sounded to me like an ancient Druidic rite that had been captured thousands of years ago and somehow channeled by Robin.

Robin has many personnas and is full of contradictions. He is a Celtic bard, but also a Scientologist! He has a stunningly lyrical voice that he can suddenly shatter into passionate dissonance. He is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. He is a wonderful poet who isn't above writing a bit of doggeral now and then.

My wife hates his voice and runs from the room when I put him on, as do many of my friends. So I put on the headphones or enjoy this music alone in my car. If you have any love of Celticism, poetry or folk music, this is the CD to try. If you hate it, you can always sell it on Ebay.

Magdalena Kozená - Love Songs (Dvorak, Janacek, Martinu)

Average customer rating:

On the Subject of Intelligent and Sensitive Recitals
Lovely
A Beautiful Disc
A stunning burst onto the world stage
Wonderful songs, and a singer with great potential

Magdalena Kozená - Love Songs (Dvorak, Janacek, Martinu)
Antonin Dvorak , Bohuslav Martinu , Leos Janacek , Magdalena Kozená , and Graham Johnson
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004SDO1
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

Love Songs: Oh, Our Love Does Not Bloom
Love Songs: Death Dwells In So Many A Heart
Love Songs: Now I Stumble Past The House
Love Songs: I Know That In Sweet Hope
Love Songs: Gentle Slumber Reigns Over The Countryside
Love Songs: Here In The Forest By A Brook
Love Songs: In The Sweet Power Of Your Eyes
Love Songs: Oh, Dear Matchless Soul
New Miniatures: The Rich Sweetheart
New Miniatures: The Forsaken Lover
New Miniatures: Lounging
New Miniatures: The Inquisitive Girl
New Miniatures: The Cheerful Girl
New Miniatures: The Unhappy Lover
New Miniatures: The Request
New Miniatures: The Tall Tower
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: Ponies On The Fallow Land
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: The Lost Little Slipper
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: A Religious Song
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: An Invitation
Four Songs: You Heartfelt Songs
Four Songs: Oh, That Was A Beautiful, Golden Dream
Four Songs: In Pain, My Heart Often Broods
Four Songs: Silence On The Mountains
Lullaby
Songs For One Page: Dew
Songs For One Page: Unlocking With A Single Word
Songs For One Page: Journey To The Beloved
Songs For One Page: The Footpath
Songs For One Page: At Mother's
Songs For One Page: The Virgin Mary's Dream
Songs For One Page: Rosemary
New Slovak Songs: So Tell Me
New Slovak Songs: I Had A Blouse
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Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: A Lover's Picture
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Little Posy
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Constancy
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Love
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Parting
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: My Lover's Horses
Good Night, My Darling

Amazon.com

The composers Antonín Dvorák, Leos Janácek, and Bohuslav Martinu might not be the names that first spring to mind when love songs are mentioned, yet this fascinating collection gives us a taste of what delights we have been missing. They range from seven Moravian folk songs, collected by Janácek at the turn of the century, to songs written by Martinu in the U.S. in 1942. There's also early Martinu--including songs he collected in Slovakia in 1920--plus the world-premiere recording of Songs for a Friend of My Country, a cycle he wrote in France in 1940 on his way to America. All of these songs are of interest in giving us another aspect of each composer's work; most have much more to offer. Many are achingly lovely, especially those by Dvorák--including his Op. 2, a reworking of four songs from a cycle he had written almost 20 years earlier, and Love Songs, a revision of eight songs from the same cycle. "Good night, my darling," from his 1886 cycle In Folk Tone, is worth the price of this CD alone. Czech mezzo Magdalena Kozená, who put together the program, sings with pure, attractive tone. Graham Johnson is her excellent accompanist. --Richard Fawkes

Customer Reviews:

On the Subject of Intelligent and Sensitive Recitals.......2005-05-19

Combing the recorded literature to find CDs that showcase singers who not only own brilliant vocal gifts but who also possess the intelligence to program recordings of lesser known works in a sequence that makes for intelligent recitals, it is becoming more obvious that there are many singers who opt for purity of purpose rather than 'salesmanship' of careers in the PR arena. Magdalena Kozená is one of these gifted singers whose intelligence and sensitivity match her physical and vocal beauty.

LOVE SONGS is a tastefully selected panorama of lesser-known songs by Kozená's fellow countrymen (Czech) Antonín Dvorák, Leos Janácek, and Bohuslav Martinu. And while many of the Dvorák and Janácek songs have been occasionally heard in recitals, the Martinu "Songs for a Friend of My Country", an exquisitely beautiful work written in 1940, here receives its World Premiere recording. Kozená's voice is in prime condition for these songs and she is ably accompanied by pianist Graham Johnson. The special flavor of these Slavic emotions and songs has rarely been so well captured.

But over and above the beauty of Kozená's performance of these neglected masterpieces shines the glow of her sensitive programming. Recordings such as these are rare and should be included in the libraries of those who appreciate the lieder genre. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 05

Lovely.......2004-03-25

This is a beautifully performed selection of Czech lieder. Kozena has a lovely voice and sings with precision and nicely modulated emotion. The accompanying pianist, Graham Johnston, is excellent. Despite the title, not all these songs are love or romantic songs but all are well worth hearing. The selection of songs is excellent. Different listeners will prefer different songs. For me, the highlight of this recording are the rarely heard Martinu songs, many of which exhibit the lyrical aspect of his compositional style. Recommended strongly.

A Beautiful Disc.......2002-01-06

This is simply a magnificent recording. I like it better every time I put it on. The voice is fresh, supple, and expressive. I even find myself trying to learn some of the Czech words (from the translation in the booklet) they sound so nice. Both Kozena and the brilliant piano contributions by Graham Johnson are faithfully caught on the recording. There is enough variety and contrast that one doesn't tire in the least (over the generous 67 minutes of playing time) of hearing these playful, sometimes poignant, songs. One of the best discs, in terms of programming, performance, and sound quality, of the past couple of years.

A stunning burst onto the world stage.......2001-12-17

Magdalena Kozena is suddenly known around the world, thanks to this stunning disc of 42 lieder from her Czech homeland. Most of the songs are short - some come in under a minute, the longest 3-4 minutes. Each is a little gem and many have never been recorded before.

Kozena's voice is sheer delight. She does have resonances in her voice which are reminiscent of her compatriot, Lucia Popp, but is certainly a mezzo - although she has chosen her repertoire well so we hear no strain at the top. Her low resonances are delightful and consistent with her head voice. To compare Kozena's voice to that of the late diva (Popp), it is more pure, more consistent in tone from top to bottom, and doesn't have so much of the `squeezey' quality which Popp used to great effect in evincing the passion of her characters. Kozena can empty her voice of vibrato or let it out rich and full, and uses all her vocal resources to great effect in contrasting the individual songs. She has astoundingly mature lieder-singer's technique for such a young singer.

This recording rightly won a Gramophone award this year. Kozena deserves all the accolades she receives for this - doubtless all listeners will develop their own favourites from these delightful miniatures.

Wonderful songs, and a singer with great potential.......2000-10-08

What a wonderful, carefully thought out CD! Kozena obviously revels in these rarely performed songs by Dvorak, Martinu, and Janacek, and Johnson accompanies with his usual ease and sensitivity. What a pity the piano is balanced distantly -- we hear little of Johnson's variety of touch and dynamics. As for Kozena, she is obviously an intelligent musician with a voice of great potential. It is qutie beautiful as it is, yet the colour is still rather pale. Yes, there is something of the late Lucia Popp's timbre, yet it has little of Popp's depth and range of colour. BBC Legends released a CD of Popp a year ago which includes three Dvorak songs also sung by Kozena. The differences are quite marked -- while Kozena's timbre and interpretation suggests a dreamy yet earnest youth, Popp brings out an autumnal glow and a sharp pain that pierces at least this listener's heart. Kozena has started a wonderful career. Only time will tell how her voice will develop. I do hope it goes in the direction of Popp's unique lyric timbre. No one could ever equal Popp (perhaps it's obvious by now that Popp is my favorite singer of all time), but perhaps Kozena will become something of Popp's heir, while still being her own person. I hope so. But her musicality is not in question. Let's keep our ears open!

Average customer rating:

Grieg: Peer Gynt; Piano Concerto; Songs

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bartok: Violin Concertos, Viola Concerto, 6 Duo for 2 Violins, Violin Rhapsodies; Yehudi Menuhin

ASIN: B0002XV2XY
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Prelude: In The Wedding Garden - Joachim Ulbricht
The Bridal Procession Passes - Staatskapelle Dresden
Prelude: Abduction, Ingrid's Lament - Leipzig Radio Chorus
In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Leipzig Radio Chorus
Dance Of The Mountain King's Daughter - Staatskapelle Dresden
Aase's Death - Staatskapelle Dresden
Introduction: Morning - Leipzig Radio Chorus
Arabian Dance - Leipzig Radio Chorus
Anitras Dance - Taru Valijakka
Solveig's Song - Taru Valijakka
Prelude: Peer Gynt's Journey Home - Taru Valijakka
Solveig's Cradle Song - Taru Valijakka
I. Allegro Molto Moderato - John Ogdon
II. Adagio - John Ogdon
III. Allegro Moderato Molto E Marcato - John Ogdon

Tracks:

Enticement - Geoffrey Parsons
Mountain Girl - Geoffrey Parsons
Bilberry Slopes - Geoffrey Parsons
Tryst - Geoffrey Parsons
Love - Geoffrey Parsons
Kids' Dance - Geoffrey Parsons
Evil Day - Geoffrey Parsons
At The Mountain Stream - Geoffrey Parsons
Hor' Ich Das Liedchen Klingen Op.39 No.6
Der Fichtenbaum Op.59 No.2
Wo Sind Sie Hin? Op.4 No.6
Das Alte Lied Op.4 No.5
Gruss Op.48 No.1
Ich Stand In Dunklen Traumen Op.2 No.3
Abschied Op.4 No.3
Eingehullt In Graue Wolken Op.2 No.2
Mein Sinn Ist Wie Der Macht'ge Fels Op.5 No.4
Des Dichters Letztes Lied Op.18 No.3
Des Dichters Herz Op.5 No.2
Sie Ist So Weiss Op.18 No.2
Morgenthau Op.4 No.2
Jagerlied Op.4 No.4
Lauf Der Welt Op.48 No.3
Zur Rosenzeit Op.48 No.5
Ein Traum Op.48 No.6
Dereinst, Gedanke Mein Op.48 No.2
Dein Rat Ist Wohl Gut Op.21 No.4
Herbststimmung Op.26 No.5
An Sie II Op.59 No.4
An Sie I Op.59 No.3
Der Jager (1905)

Biggs: Songs of laughter, Love, and Tears; Gold: Songs of Love and Parting; Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Coplas

Average customer rating:

Biggs: Songs of laughter, Love, and Tears; Gold: Songs of Love and Parting; Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Coplas

Manufacturer: Crystal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003J4S
Release Date: 1995-11-21

Tracks:

Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: Prologue
Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: When Thou Sigh'st
Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: Patter Of The Animals
Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: Interlude
Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: Annabel Lee
Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: The Curious Affection
Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: I Shall Have A Sweetheart
Songs Of Laughter, Love, And Tears: Epilogue
Songs Of Love And Parting: Gifts
Songs Of Love And Parting: Shall I Compare Thee
Songs Of Love And Parting: A Red, Red Rose
Songs Of Love And Parting: Peace
Songs Of Love And Parting: Parting
Songs Of Love And Parting: Time Does Not Bring Relief
Songs Of Love And Parting: Music, When Soft Voices Die
Coplas: Senor Alcalde Mayor
Coplas: Manojito de alfiteres
Coplas: Gitano, porque vas preso?
Coplas: En medio de la mar hay
Coplas: Un estudiante tunante
Coplas: Hermosa blanca azucena
Coplas: Cuando el juez me demando
Coplas: Un rosal hace una rosa
Coplas: La mujer qu' engana un hombre
Coplas: Te pintare un cantar
Coplas: Dentro de mi pecho hay

Average customer rating:

Moravian songs, via Janacek, Godar, Bittova and Skampa
Skampa Quartet is great - the singer... yikes

Janácek: Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs
Leos Janacek , Iva Bittová , ¿kampa Quartet , Vladimír Godár , and Skampa Quartet
Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00061X9YC
Release Date: 2005-03-01

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Tuzba (Desire)
Stst'/Steadiness
Lavecka (Bench)
Stesk (Woe) - Skampa Quartet
Obrk Mileho (Lover's Likeness)
Svatba Kom (Gnats Wedding)
Kouzlo (Charm)
Slib (Promise)
Orisek Lovy (Hazel Nut) - Skampa Quartet
La (Love)
Jablunka (Apple Tree)
Jabucko (Sweet Apple)
Co Je to Za Nebe (What Sky)
Safva C (Alderman's Daughter)
Cervenab(Little Red Apples)
Dobr(Good Hunt)
He Warden)
Kony Mil [My Lover's Horses]
Kv MilodejnLove Herbs)
Pcko (Posy)
LoucenMilou
Jindy a NynThen and Now)
T (Uneasy)
VzknMessage)
Belegrade (Belgrade) - Skampa Quartet
Milenec Vrah (Lover Killer)
Pomluva (Calumny)
LoucenParting)
Sirota (Lonely Soul)
Osamel Alone)
Komu Kytka (For Whom the Posy)
Z Od Mil (Love Shining)
Polajka (Thyme)
Kol(KolTown)
Psano (Love Letter)
Karafi(Carnation)
Rozmarsemary)
Pamy (Mementos)
Zpevulenka (Tender Little Tune)
Nejistota (Uncertainty)
Kukacka (Cuckoo)
Zahrcka (Fence)
Muzikanti (Musicians)
Vernost' (Faithfulness)
Bolavlava (Headache)
Osud (Fate)
Daleko ProvdanWedded Far Away)
Budk (Wakening)
Dobrada (Sound Advice)
Slzy echou (Tears of Comfort)
Koukol (Corncockle)
Kalina (Guelder Rose)
Pohreb Zbojnv

Customer Reviews:

Moravian songs, via Janacek, Godar, Bittova and Skampa.......2006-05-09

This is a unique recording of Janacek's transcriptions of Moravian folk songs. Originally for piano and voice, they have been transcribed by Slovak composer Vladimir Godar for string quartet and (occasionally) three-voice male chorus. Here they are performed by renowned Czech singer and violinist Iva Bittova, accompanied by the Skampa Quartet and chorus. The effect is not so much of classical liede, but of authentic eastern European "popular" songs - the sonority of the string quartet adds to this in no small part. Janacek would be proud.

Skampa Quartet is great - the singer... yikes.......2005-07-28

I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into when I bought this CD. I love Janacek, I love folk songs... how could I go wrong? Iva Bittova! I was concerned that she would have a 50yr old woobly voice, but instead what exists is a thin VERY nasal tone... perhaps she should be singing traditional Bulgarian music! The voice is expressive, just ugly.
The recording quality is not very good, either. On many of the tracks, Iva seems to be muffled and in the background of the recording.
Really - dont waste your time and money, unless you really would just like to have a recording of over 50 Janacek songs.

From the Heart: Turtle Creek Chorale Live

Average customer rating:

From the Heart: Turtle Creek Chorale Live
Turtle Creek Chorale
Manufacturer: Turtle Creek Chorale
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Power of Harmony
Peace
Celebrate

ASIN: B00005Y8AX
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

When I Have Sung My Songs
Not While I'm Around
Deep River
Visions
My Eternal King
To Love and to Be Loved
Esperanto
Pie Jesu
Alleluia
Psyche
Silent Noon
I Shall Miss Loving You
Bring Him Home
Majesty and Glory of Your Name
Parting Blessing

Average customer rating:

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
a voice teacher and early music fan

George Frideric Handel: Esther

Manufacturer: CORO
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Samson
Handel: Alexander's Feast
Handel: Joseph and his Brethren / Robert King

ASIN: B0001B0A94
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

Overture Andante - Larghetito - Allegro
Recitative Habdonah/Haman: " 'Tis greater far to spare"
Aria Haman: " Pluck root and branch from out the land"
Recitative Persian Officer: "Our souls with ardour glow"
Chorus: "Shall we the God of Israel fear?"
Recitative First Israelite: " Now persecution shall lay by her iron rod"
Aria: " Tune your harps to cheerfull strains"
Chorus: " Shall we of servitude complain"
Aria Israelite Woman: " Praise the Lord with cheerful noise"
Recitative Israelite Woman: " 0 God, who from the suckling's mouth"
Aria Second Israelite: " Sing songs of praise, bow down the knee"
Chorus: " Shall we of servitude complain"
Recitative Priest of the Israelites: " How have our sins provoked the Lord!"
Chorus: "Ye sons of Israel mourn"
Aria Priest ofc The Israelites: "0 Jordan, Jordan, sacred tide"
Chorus: "Ye sons of Israel mourn"
Andante
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro

Tracks:

Recitative Esther/Mordecai: " Why sits that sorrow on thy brow?"
Aria Mordecai: " Dread not, righteous Queen, the danger"
Recitative Esther: "I go before the King to stand"
Aria Esther: " Tears assist me, pity moving"
Chorus: " Save us, O Lord"
Recitative Ahasuerus/Esther: "Who dares intrude into our presence"
Duet Esther/Ahasuerus: " Who calls my parting soul from death?"
Aria Ahasuerus: "0 beauteous Queen, unclose those eyes!"
Recitative Esther: " If I find favour in thy sight"
Aria Ahasuerus: " How can I stay when love invites?"
Recitative Third Israelite/Fourth Israelite: " With inward joy his visage glows"
Chorus: " Virtue, truth and innocence"
Arioso Priest of the Israelites: " Jehovah, Crown'd with glory bright"
Chorus: " He comes, he comes to end our woes"
Recitative Ahasuerus/Esther: " Now, a Queen, thy suit declare"
Arioso Haman: " Turn not, a Queen, thy face away"
Aria Esther: " Flatt' ring tongue, no more I hear thee!"
Recitative Ahasuerus: "Guards, seize the traitor, bear him hence!"
Aria Haman: " How art thou fall'n from thy height!"
Chorus: "The Lord Our enemy has slain"

Album Description

Handel's oratorios vary greatly in their presentation. In many ways, Esther is a rarity;it is by far the most intimate, not surprisingly as it was composed for the Duke of Chandos. The Duke's Palladian palace near the village ofEdgware had not been completed in time for the first performance so this may have taken place (as did Acis and Galatea) in the intimate surroundings of a small church, St Lawrence, Whitchurch.

We decided, therefore, that we should attempt to convey that intimacy of performance on disc; so we performed in the round with microphones in the middle, the orchestra in front of me, the choir behind and the soloists alongside. The result is everything that chamber music should be where players and singers can enjoy every aspect of Handel's masterpiece.

"The 'sound' of Esther, superbly communicated in the recorded performance here, is pure enchantment... The choral singing has an exceptional grandure, and the instrumental playing a shimmering beauty. Among the soloists, none of whom is less than accomplished, Nancy Argenta and Michael Chance dominate... Both singers affirm a new golden age of Handel interpretation".

Customer Reviews:

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME.......2007-01-26

Esther is the first of Handel's oratorios by a good many years, written when he was 33 and enjoying the patronage of the Duke of Chandos. When he later became his own impresario and was running into trouble as a composer and producer of Italian operas he turned to oratorio as a strategic alternative, but at this early date his concern was to deliver staged entertainments for the Duke, and Esther, contemporary with the work that later gained the title Acis and Galatea, seems to have been just an unusually serious specimen of its type.

As often with Handel, there is no fully official version of the score, and this particular score may not even be fully complete from any point of view. The libretto seems to have been the work of someone in the frivolously named association of big literary figures called the Scriblerus Club, perhaps Dr John Arbuthnot, dedicatee of Pope's great poetic Epistle, but Pope himself may have had a hand in it too. As we have it here, the work breaks into two very asymmetrical parts. Scenes 1 and 2 start with a recitative lasting only seconds from Habdonah followed by a longer one in which Haman announces his onslaught on the Israelites, and from there on feature only anonymous participants. Esther herself and the other named characters make their appearance first in scene 4, but the change of tone occurs in scene 3. At this point the music gains gravity first in the chorus Ye sons of Israel with its extraordinary modulations and then in the striking aria O Jordan, Jordan. I myself feel that this weightier tone is maintained to the end, whether or not the writer of the liner note is correct in saying that the long final chorus with solos is out of proportion to its context.

Throughout - in the first part as well as in scenes 3-6 - the instrumental writing is vivid and varied, with an extraordinary pizzicato accompaniment to Tune your harps and then an even more extraordinary obbligato from the harp itself at Praise the Lord. The harpist is no less than Jan Walters, but sometime I would like to see the score and check out what seem some odd rhythmic interactions here between her and the soloist Nancy Argenta. There are no fewer than ten vocal soloists in a work lasting a little over an hour and a quarter, and a very distinguished bunch they are. I was particularly pleased to find Michael Chance in the countertenor role of the Priest of the Israelites as I admire the strength of his tone, but there is no real weakness among them, unless Lynda Russell as Esther has a couple of very slightly awkward high notes in Flatt'ring tongue, which must be a little nerve-wracking to sing as she has to find her note for herself unaccompanied at the start and later at the reprise. You will see some big names among the instrumentalists too, with Crispian Steele-Perkins on the trumpet making a predictably fine contribution towards the end, and of course with Jan Walters in that marvellous harp part early on. The chorus gets some wonderful work to do, and rises to it fully. I really am unable to worry about the proportionateness of the final chorus when I hear that incomparable Handelian build of tone, sung by 18 singers and sounding as if there were 100.

There is a good liner note by Graydon Beeks Jr, not perhaps the last word in lucidity (neither is the plot of the libretto come to that) but worth re-reading. Harry Christophers himself contributes a short foreword largely concerned with the recording process and highlighting the contributions of Mark Brown and Mike Hatch, his long-time technical collaborators. I was interested to see also the name of Geoff Miles in a role described as `editor'. What responsibilities this involved is not stated and perhaps I ought to know without being told, but I know the work of Geoff Miles as recording engineer from elsewhere and it gave me confidence just to see that he is involved in the proceedings, and the technical work is predictably excellent.

My collection of Handel oratorios is now almost complete, and what a wonderful musical experience they are. Each is unique in its own way, but Esther is unique in some very special ways, and I suggest that you do not wait until you are my age to get to know it.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-04-04

Handel began composing the oratorio 'Esther' in 1718. There is some confusion as to who actually worte the libretto for it, but the story follows very closely the biblical story of Esther in the Book of Esther in the old testament. The story tells of a plot of Haman, the Agagite (Michael George-bass) jealous and powerful vizier of King Xerses (Ahasuerus-Tom Randle-tenor) of Persia(485-464), to destroy in a single day all the Jews living in the Roman Empire. He is moved to this out of hatred for the Jewish servant Mordecai (Mark Padmore-tenor),who for religious motives refuses to render him homage. The day of the proposed massacre is determined by lot. Meanwhile, Esther,niece and adopted daughter of Mordecai, is chosen Queen by King Xerses. She averts the pogrom planned against her people and has the royal decree of extermination reversed against Haman and the enemies of the Jews. Mordecai replaces Haman, and together with Esther, works for the welfare of their people. As you can see this makes for an interesting Oratorio, which it truly is!
This is a "small" contribution compared to many of Handel's other works. However, it is not "small" in a musical sense. There is much creativity on the part of Handel as to orchestral scoring; he exploits his small orchestra and chorus in surprising ways, introducing new vocal and instrumental colours throughout the score, adding and subtracting instruments and voices in many and varied ways. This is a listening surprise as it moves along. And what a great performance on the part of the Christophers as well as some outstanding vocal soloists. Mark Padmore's (Mordecai) aria "Tune Your Harps to Cheerful Strains" was superb as was the Duet between Lynda Russell (Esther) and Tom Randle (Ahasuerus).But the aria that really drew me into the entire drama was sung by Michael Chance (Priest) "O Jordan, Jordan, sacred Tide." It was perfection itself!!!!The Chorus was extremely good and dictionally perfect. It is a great listening experience.

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Chaliapin, the great Russian singer actor.
A Chaliapin feast

Chaliapin: A Vocal Portrait

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | 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

General | Folk | Styles | Music
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Prima Voce: Chaliapin

ASIN: B00006RHPA
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Customer Reviews:

Chaliapin, the great Russian singer actor. .......2004-08-23

Born in the same year as Caruso and attracting the wild acclaim that used to be accorded to opera singers, Feodor Chaliapin is now featured in the Naxos "Great Singers" series. A selection of his acoustic recordings (1902-1924) occupy the first CD and a selection of his electric recordings (1926-1936), and in charge of restoration is Ward Marston.

Like Caruso, Chaliapin had a huge voice that nevertheless proved eminently compatible with acoustic recording processes. Indeed, collectors need not be deterred by the age of many of these recordings. Some of the very best items, whether opera or song, fall into the acoustic group. The 1911 recordings of Rubinstein's "Demon" excerpts, which I heard a few times many years ago and have never forgotten, are amongst the best of all in this entire selection.

Also like Caruso, Chaliapin's recording career owed much to producer Fred Gaisberg who, in his autobiography, allotted a whole chapter to this great singer. In recent times, eminent critic John Steane has named Chaliapin as one of the two or three great singer actors of the C20th. Gaisberg was responsible for recording the Prayer and Death of Boris during an actual performance of "Boris Godunov" at Covent Garden in 1928. Perhaps this best indicates Chaliapin's work as singer and actor. Another successful item here is the `Le veau d'or' from "Faust", which one critic has judged ideal for showing Chaliapin's special magnetism.

The notes provide an informative survey of Chaliapin's recording output. One error is the attributing some of the orchestral support in the recordings from the 1920s to the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and orchestra which was founded by Beecham in 1932.

A Chaliapin feast.......2003-02-14

It's nice of Naxos to collect in one place some of the most representative recordings of the great Russian basso, Fyodor Chaliapin. This is a 2CD set; the first CD is from the acoustic era of recording, the second from the electrical era. Not only are the expected arias and songs from the Russian literature represented, but also there are more than a few Italian/French/German selections.

There are two scenes from 'Boris Godunov': Varlaam's Song and the Farewell and Death of Boris. Three versions of Mussorgsky's 'Song of the Flea', from 1907, 1929 and 1936 (the latter his last recording) are included, all of them marvelous. Other highlights, made all the more effective by Chaliapin's amazing ability to act with the voice, are 'La calunnia' from 'The Barber of Seville' and 'Le veau d'or' from Gounod's 'Faust.' I also liked 'Chanson Bachique' by Glazunov, which I'd never heard before.

The sound is fantastic, the wizardry of Ward Marston who, along with Mark Obert-Thorn, is involved with Naxos's extensive re-issue of treasures from the history of the recorded voice.

Tracks:

The Star-Spangled Banner (J.S. Smith Arr. Elnar Ralf)
O Come, Let Us Sing Unto the Lord (Emma Lou Diemer)
O Magnum Mysterium (Morten Louridson)
Song of Peace (Vincent Persichetti)
Sing Me to Heaven (Daniel Gawthrop)
Lifted in Song (Daniel Gawthrop)
If Music be the Food of Love (David Dickau. Ron Bemrich conductor)
Soon Ah Will be Done (William Dawson)
Deep River (Harry T. Burleigh)
Heaven (Andre Thomas)
Hush (Arr. Brazeal Dennard. Brent O'Banion soloist)
Witness (Jack Halloran)
He Never Failed Me Yet (Robert Ray. John Birchler, Dan Guberinich, Berni Moner soloist)
Ol' Man River (Irving Berlin. Arr. Russell Robinson. Larry Henkel soloist)
Old Dan Tucker (Douglas L. Ipson. Jan Riccinto Duo-pianist)
Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor (Irving Berlin/Ringwald)
Patriotic Medley:The God Who Gave Us Life (Randall Thompson)We are Not Enemies (William G. Harbinson)America, The Beautiful (Samual A. Ward/Riccinto)Battle Hymn of the Republic (Peter Willhousky)
A Parting Blessing (J. Jerome Williams)

Album Description

Measure for Measure released "A Measure of American Songs" to celebrate the music of our country. The selections range from sacred to heart pumping patriotic. Each selection was chosen to highlight the great musical traditions of the United States.

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Beethoven: Songs from the British Isles

Beethoven: Songs from the British Isles

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven: Songs from the British Isles.......2007-04-10

Beethoven was commissioned to compose music for British songs, but he was given free rein as to the music, not being constrained by the words. What he composed is marvelous, melodic, memorable, captivating, and haunting, to use just a few adjectives to describe this music. I have a 33-1/3 record (yes-vinyl) of other songs that he wrote for the Brits, and this CD is complementary to that - equally well performed. A person that likes OLD folksongs will be humming the tunes forthwith.

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