Simple Songs

Simple Songs

Track Listings

1. God Our Protector

2. Home

3. High Above The Fray

4. Fox Glove

5. All The Diamonds

6. Down The Way

7. Done Made My Vow

8. What Kind Of Love Is This

9. Unto The Least Of These

10. Fresh And Green

11. Peace Prayer

12. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus - Be Thou My Vision - Great Is Thy Faithulness

13. We Come

14. For The Journey

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Easily the best-known of Christian Canadian artists (having won Juno awards, the Canadian version of the Grammy), Steve Bell's latest offering, Simple Songs, is his most intimate and worshipful. Playing most of these beautiful folk songs himself, Steve radiates the peace and love of Christ through his flawless voice and inspired music.

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Jesu bleibet meine Freude
Dank sei dir, Herr
Ave Maria, D839
Laudamus te
Panis Angelicus
Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
Simple Song
Pie Jesu
Domine Deus
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
Abends will ich schlafen gehn
L'Adieu des bergers
Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating:

Best of the the popular Copland...
A Great American Album
Must have this one...

Ultimate Copland Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
Copland: Music for Films
Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man
Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris

ASIN: B00002S5EW
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Fanfare For The Common Man
From Four Dance Episodes From 'Rodeo': Saturday Night Waltz
From Four Dance Episodes From 'Rodeo': Hoe-Down
From Old American Songs: Simple Gifts
Appalachian Spring: Variations On A Shaker Hymn
From Music For Movies: Grovers Corners (From Our Town)
From Billy The Kid: Introduction - The Open Prairie
From Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
From Billy The Kid: Mexican Dance
From Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
From Billy The Kid: Celebration (After Billy's Capture)
From Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
From Billy The Kid: El Salon Mexico
Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
Appalachian Spring: Allegro
Appalachian Spring: Moderato: The Bride And Her Intended
Appalachian Spring: Fast: The Revivalist And His Flock
Appalachian Spring: Allegro: Solo Dance Of The Bride
Appalachian Spring: Meno Mosso
Appalachian Spring: Doppio Movimento: Variations On A Shaker Hymn
Appalachian Spring: Moderato: Coda

Customer Reviews:

Best of the the popular Copland..........2004-12-26

Here's a great introduction to the popular music of Aaron Copland. When "Fanfare for the Common Man" begins, sparks of recognition will fly for most listeners. This song has been everywhere: presidential inaugurations, the olympics, commercials, movies, etc. Some flatten it as hopelessly clichéd, while others find it moving and inspiring. Copland also reprised it in the finale of his Third Symphony. Arguably Copland's most famous piece, "Appalachian Spring" closes the CD. In between, more great Copland: excerpts from 'Rodeo' (apparently the beef lobby has appropriated "Hoe-Down" as one of their themes); a great vocal rendition of "Simple Gifts" and a large chunk of another of Copland's best known works: "Billy the Kid". The only confusing piece is the "Variations on a Shaker Hymn" from Appalachian Spring when the entire Appalachian Spring is already included. Seems slightly redundant.

Though most of the pieces on this CD were written in the 1930s and 1940s, they tend to evoke the old west. With titles such as "Rodeo" and "Billy the Kid" this shouldn't surprise too many people.

Copland went on to compose more dissonant and twelve tone compositions later on in his career. These obviously weren't as popular with the public in general as the pieces on this CD. Nonetheless, if this disc whets the appetite, a foray into Copland's less popular works will yield much. It will help to expose the totality of Copland's output. This disc only represents a small portion of his work. Regardless, this disc is a great starting point for getting to know one of the United States' best known composers of the twentieth century.

A Great American Album.......2004-02-13

This is a great album representing true patriotic American music. Songs like "Hoe-Down" are lively and energetic and give rememberance to what one can imagine as the true American spirit.

Must have this one..........2002-09-17

I like all types of music, I wanted this album because I liked the song "RODEO" that is used on the beef commercials. This CD has made me into a Copland fan. It has many great songs. If you want a CD that says "I am an American." This is it. I am sending copies to a friend in Bombay and Tel Aviv. This is who I am put to music.

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording
Highly Recommended!
Amazing
A gentleman musical agreement!
Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Christopher Parkening plays Bach
Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique
Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

ASIN: B000002RTR
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
Estudio brillante
Etude No. 1 In E Minor
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Leyenda
Romance
Rumores de la Caleta
Capricho Arabe
Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Les Barricades mysterieuses
Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
Passacaglia
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Gymnopedie No. 1
Empress Of The Pagodas
Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
Fairest Lord Jesus
Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
Simple Gifts
Hymn Of Christian Joy
Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
Cantata 156: Arioso
Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
Canon
Dolly Suite: Berceuse
La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Terezinha De Jesus
Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
Goyescas: Intermezzo
Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
Evening Dance
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Canarlos
La Maja de Goya
El Noi de la Mare
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises (Bobby Susser Songs For Children)

Average customer rating:

The Most Simple Exercise Songs For Young Children From Bobby Susser
THIS CD IS OLD TRIED AND TRUE
The Benchmark Exercise Album For Young Children
The Finest Kid Songs For Kid Exercises From Bobby Susser
Bobby Susser's Songs And Exercises Are #1 On My Kids' List

Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises (Bobby Susser Songs For Children)
Bobby Susser
Manufacturer: New Hope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

So Big - Activity Songs For Little Ones
Kids in Motion
Kids In Action
Physical Ed
Preschool Aerobic Fun

ASIN: B00004DS1H
Release Date: 1998-01-01

Tracks:

Wiggle Wiggle
March Around In A Circle
Shake It And You'll Be Happy
Simple Exercise
Let's Pretend
Stretch Your Arms Way Out
The Jumping Exercise
We Exercise
Hello Hello Goodbye Goodbye
Rest Awhile

Album Description

Songs for children ages 2-8 that teach them how to exercise, the benefits, the fun, and purpose. This Award Winning collection has a rest song as a final track after all the exercises from these original instructive songs of Bobby Susser.

Customer Reviews:

The Most Simple Exercise Songs For Young Children From Bobby Susser.......2006-05-22

I have three day care centers in Florida where music and exercise are favorites in the curriculum for my little children. This collection of very simple songs and exercises is just that. It shows, through the repetition of catchy lines, that Bobby Susser is very aware of children's needs. Susser knows that when he hits upon something catchy for the kids and through his repetition of lyrical and musical phrases, not to let up, giving the kids just what they want. He doesn't give them too much, but enough so they are thoroughly interested, satisfied, and enthusiastic. He knows when to keep going, and when to let up. For those of you who work with kids, you know the importance of repetition. Bobby Susser has mastered repetition of very catchy sections of songs he's created and in doing so, holds children's interest, gives them a heck of a good time, and teaches them all at the same time. I majored in preschool education and music, and believe me, Bobby Susser is a subtle master at teaching through his simple, catchy, songs with repetetive phrases written especially for little ones.

THIS CD IS OLD TRIED AND TRUE.......2006-05-04

I AM A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AND HAVE USED THIS ALBUM IN CASSETTE FIRST. THEN I BOUGHT THE CD WHEN MY TAPE WORE OUT. I JUST GOT ANOTHER CD BECAUSE I GAVE A TEACHER FRIEND THE CD TO BORROW. SHE LOVED IT SO MUCH FOR HER KINDERGARTEN CLASS THAT SHE ASKED IF SHE COULD KEEP IT. I GAVE IT TO HER AS A GIFT, AND I AM ENJOYING WORKING WITH MY NEW CD, AND WATCHING MY CLASS ENJOY THEMSELVES WHILE THEY EXERCISE AND LEARN OTHER GOOD HEALTH HABITS TO THESE CATCHY SONGS."WIGGLE WIGGLE AND OTHER EXERCISES" IS ONE EARLY CHILDHOOD ALBUM YOU CAN SURELY LABEL AS 'OLD TRIED AND TRUE.' IT NEVER FAILS TO WORK WITH THE KIDS.

The Benchmark Exercise Album For Young Children.......2005-10-24

While B.B. King is the benchmark guitarist for playing the blues, Ray Charles, the benchmark singer for combining soul and gospel music, Barbra Streisand the benchmark vocalist for her range and clarity, Paul Simon, the benchmark singer/songwriter for telling his stories in song format, and Bob Dylan, the benchmark singer/songwriter for using unique phrases and the delivery of them, Bobby Susser's album "Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises" is undoubtedly the benchmark album for original songs for young children to exercise to. I am a kindergarten teacher, and I specialize in teaching music, and subjects through music. I have used virtually every collection of songs available for young children to sing along with and exercise to. Some are OK, and some are somewhat good. However, if you want the real thing, Bobby Susser gives it to you in every exercise song in this collection. The repetition of his catchy phrases and melodies is not boring, but rather very successful in teaching the kids the songs and exercises, and in keeping the children always interested. He's a master at using repetition in a positive way for children. It is very obvious, after seeing the children respond immediately to the simple rhythms, friendly vocal deliveries, and all the fun and easy to learn songs that convey the importance of exercise, good health habits, having fun, and incorporating these ideas into your daily routine at an early age, Bobby Susser knows how to make the very most of a song, and a simple 'Wiggle' for young children like noone else I've heard in the nineteen years I've taught little children.
When you listen to the songs "Wiggle Wiggle", "March Around In A Circle", "Let's Pretend", "Hello Hello Goodbye Goodbye", and "Rest Awhile", it is apparent that Bobby Susser is no accident and creates collections for young children that makes children's music history the first time any of his titles are heard. Anyone can easily tell that he cares and is dedicated to the children.

The Finest Kid Songs For Kid Exercises From Bobby Susser.......2005-05-05

This album has everything you possibly want and need for an exercise album for young kids. My preschool class never tires of "Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises." Every song is so catchy and exciting for my class. Every song states a purpose, and has printed lyrics and suggested activities in the teacher/parent notes booklet. Subjects covered are developing gross and fine motor skills, coordination, right/left discrimination, listening skills, rhythm, counting, and good health habits, while exercising, and singing. Bobby Susser ends this great collection with a soothing rest song for the kids. This album has it all.

Bobby Susser's Songs And Exercises Are #1 On My Kids' List.......2005-04-04

I'm a first grade teacher who has worked with exercises, and movement songs with my kids. From day to day and year to year this Bobby Susser album "Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises" is #1 on my kids' list. The songs are very catchy, but also simple enough for young kids to easily learn. The beats and rhythms are excellent for my young class. They quickly learn the songs and exercises, and have loads of fun doing and learning important health and exercise habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Average customer rating:

Great Collection; Beautiful Piano

Fernando Ortega - Beginnings
Fernando Ortega
Manufacturer: Randolf Productions, Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs
Storm
Hymns of Worship
Fernando Ortega
Hymns & Meditations

ASIN: B0002E34DY
Release Date: 2004-08-02

Tracks:

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
Nothing But The Blood
Praise To The Lord The Almighty
As For Us
Con Que Pagaremos
Softly And Tenderly
What Wondrous Love Is This
Teach Me Thy Way
Mi Abuelito
Morningstar
Chimayo
I Love To Praise Your Name
Night Of Your Return
Living Water
I Need Thee Every Hour * Just As I Am * Come Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy (Medley)
Nearer My God To Thee
Here Is Love
God Made Them All
My Song Is Love Unknown
I Remember Well
Road Song
Family
Now That Youre Gone
Creation Sings
Green Pastures
Near The Cross
Jesus Lover Of My Soul
Sacrifice Of Praise
Its Your Love
Stricken, Smitten And Afflicted
Brethren, We Have Met To Worship
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Tossed On The Wind
This Is My Fathers World

Album Description

BEGINNINGS - the premiere collector's edition of early Fernando Ortega recordings (1993 - 1996). Included in this comprehensive compilation are selections from Fernando's first four albums produced by Randolf Productions, Inc. (RPI),

Meditations Of The Heart (1993)

Meditations Of The Heart - Encore (1994)

Hymns & Meditations (1994)

Night Of Your Return (1996)

Customer Reviews:

Great Collection; Beautiful Piano.......2005-09-09

BEGINNINGS by Fernando Ortega is a 2 cd set featuring selections of some of the "early" recordings of this great pianist primarily drawn from four albums: Meditations of the Heart, Meditations of the Heart Encore, Hymns and Meditations, and Night of Your Return. While many of these cds are available for purchase online, it is nearly impossible to find them in your typical Christian music store.

Of the thirty-four songs on the album, seventeen are instrumental.

Songs from Meditations of the Heart include: Sacrifice of Praise, Living Water, Morning Star, Family, I Love To Praise Your Name, and As For Us. (Six of the ten songs on the album)

Songs from Meditations of the Heart Encore include: I Remember Well, It's Your Love, Tossed On The Wind, Teach Me Thy Way, and Creation Sings. (Five of the eleven songs on the album).

Hymns and Meditations: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Near The Cross, Softly and Tenderly, Nothing But The Blood, and I Need Thee Every Hour/Just As I Am/ Come Ye Sinners Medley, What Wondrous Love Is This, Con Que Pagaremos, Brethren We Have Met To Worship, Sacred Head Now Wounded, and Nearer My God To Thee. (Which appears to be the entire album of Hymns and Meditations)

It also seems to include all the songs on Night Of Your Return as well. (My Song Is Love Unknown, Praise To The Lord, The Almighty, Night Of Your Return, Mi Abuelito, Chimayo, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, Here Is Love, Road Song, Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted, This is My Father's World, and Green Pastures.)

With two complete albums and two partial albums, BEGINNINGS is well worth the price and is a great addition for any Fernando Ortega fan's collection.

This piano music is wonderful. His style simple but beautiful.

Average customer rating:

a wonderful surprise
What!? How is this possible?
Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all
A perfect marriage of music and lyrics
The Maury Yeston Songbook

The Maury Yeston Songbook
Maury Yeston , Christine Andreas , Brent Barrett , Betty Buckley , Liz Callaway , Alice Ripley , Sutton Foster , Brian d'Arcy James , and Philip Chaffin
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Maury Yeston Songbook
December Songs
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Jule Styne in Hollywood
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00008H2LJ
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Please Let's Not Even Say Hello - Alice Ripley
Only with You - Brent Barrett
I Want to Go to Hollywood - Sutton Foster
Danglin' - Johnny Rodgers
I Had a Dream About You - Betty Buckley
My True Love - Philip Chaffin
A Call from the Vatican - Alice Ripley
Now and Then - Laura Benanti
You're There Too - Christopher Fitzgerald
Is Someone Out There? - Eden Espinosa
New Words - Brent Barrett
My Grandmother's Love Letters - Christine Ebersole
By the River - Christine Andreas
I Am Longing - Philip Chaffin
Home - Laura Benanti & Robert Cuccioli
Another Day in the Modern World - Michael Holland
Simple - Liz Callaway
Unusual Way - Brian d'Arcy James
Be On Your Own - Betty Buckley
No Moon - Howard McGillin

Amazon.com

Despite racking up Tony nominations and/or box-office success with Nine, Grand Hotel, and Titanic, Maury Yeston remains a relatively unknown Broadway auteur. And yet, what a fabulous songwriter he is. Listen to "Home," for instance: This excerpt from Phantom (the other adaptation of Phantom of the Opera) has great melodic hooks, along with natural sweep and unrestrained emotion. Like every song on this CD, it also has such dramatic drive that it easily stands on its own outside of its regular narrative frame. This collection of new recordings provides an excellent overview of Yeston's talent, juxtaposing numbers from his three best-known scores (though there's only one from Titanic) with rarities and a generous selection from his 1991 song cycle December Songs. Christine Ebersole, Liz Callaway, and Betty Buckley turn in expectedly strong performances, but watch also for Laura Benanti (the star of the 2003 revival of Nine), Christine Andreas, and Foster Sutton, who completely make the material theirs. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Description

The Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist -- who's given us the smash hit musicals Titanic, Phantom and Grand Hotel, and whose first stage show, Nine, is currently being revived in New York with Antonio Banderas -- is celebrated in song by the best stars o

Customer Reviews:

a wonderful surprise.......2007-07-22

Like others, I bought this CD primarily for Sutton Foster's rendition of "I Want to Go to Hollywood." And while that's wonderful, the real surprises here are the songs from Yeston's song cycle "December Songs." Christine Ebersole and Christine Andreas give absolutely lovely, technically proficient, completely heartfelt renditions of "My Grandmother's Love Letters" and "By the River", respectively. I'd heard Andrea Marcovicci's recording of "December Songs" and was seriously underwhelmed. These two tracks just prove that Yeston might have over-estimated Marcovicci's range and technical ability. "By the River" is a revelation in the right hands, and Ms. Andreas's rendition is just four minutes of wonderful. I also want to mention Howard McGillin's "No Moon". This little song from "Titanic" is just so moving. Pulled out of context, it becomes a little jewel of metaphor.

The CD as a whole is beautifully recorded, with an intimacy and clarity that makes you feel like you're in the first row of a very small theatre. If you come across this and you're on the fence, take a chance. I bet that you'll be as pleasantly surprised and deeply moved as I've been.

What!? How is this possible?.......2007-01-20

How could one put together a Maury Yeston Songbook cd without a track from Andrea Marcovicci? He wrote a song cycle for her. Granted there are some great singers here but a grave oversight to not include Ms Marcovicci.

Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all.......2006-11-14

Maury Yeston may be musical theatre's unsung genius to the public at large, but I've heard his praises sung many times. A friend convinced me to buy the original Broadway cast of "Nine", and while there were some fantastic songs and an undeniable melodic gift throughout, it left me lukewarm. The same with "Grand Hotel". And I couldn't stand "Titanic" - too big, too self-important, too reliant on booming low brass and bombastic orchestral swells.

"Phantom" was the only one of his scores that touched something other than distanced admiration in me. It was everything Sir Lloyd Webber's popera travesty could never quite aspire to - epic yet human, beautiful and touching, with songs that showed actual details and emotions. So it was with that in mind that I purchased this, figuring that maybe Maury could prove me wrong, shorn from the restrictions of a book musical format.

And by God, did he prove me right and then some.

Maybe it's the singers. Maybe it's the perfect orchestrations. Maybe it's just the absence of a plot to follow. More than likely, it's all three, but this is one of the most gorgeous, enjoyable, heartbreaking albums I've ever purchased. Yeston has assembled an impressive cast to give voice to his music - such heavy Broadway hitters as Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole and Howard McGillin mix with up-and-comers like Eden Espinosa, Sutton Foster, and Brian d'Arcy James. But the most impressive turns are given by people I'd never heard of before - Johnny Rodgers (who?) has a voice spun from gold, and he's absolutely perfect in "Danglin'", a simple and powerful song despite some odd lyric choices by Yeston. Likewise Philip Chaffin in "My True Love" and "I Am Longing", and Michael Holland displays a warm and untrained performance of "Another Day in the Modern World". These three men, who I'd never heard of before, absolutely stole the show. It doesn't hurt that they're given some of the best songs from the album.

Of course, the rest of the ensemble uniformly turns in worthwhile performances. The professionalism of Broadway is gloriously evident here, each singer making their song uniquely theirs. Brent Barrett made me hear "Only With You" as if for the first time. Betty Buckley is surprisingly vulnerable in "I Had A Dream About You". Alice Ripley is her usual bundle of raw emotion in "Please Let's Not Even Say Hello", and turns in a rare comic performance in "Call From The Vatican" to great effect (listen to that surprise high note near the end! Wow, Alice!). Christine Ebersole is heartbroken, elated, vulnerable, and tough all in the course of "Grandmother's Love Letters"' 4 minutes.

There are some weak spots - Eden Espinosa is mostly one-note during her song, and while it's certainly a high note, it's nothing you haven't heard her do better elsewhere. Laura Benanti's "Now and Then" goes by without much notice, which is a shame for this talented actress. And Betty Buckley goes back to her usual high-volume stridence in "Be On Your Own", which despite its chilling music deserves a more nuanced performance than Buckley gives here. But these songs would be standouts on any other album, and it's only the company they keep that prevent them from being excellent.

Oh, and "Unusual Way", possibly Yeston's best-known song, is so beautifully performed here by Brian d'Arcy James and a three-piece band that I nearly cried hearing it. And that's quite a feat for a song that I swore never to listen to again after the seventeenth girl in a day auditioned with it (badly). But the gender swap works perfectly, and d'Arcy James' golden Irish tenor swings through the music effortlessly.

As for the band - there are no missteps here. Each song is given exactly what it needs, from the Romantic-with-a-capital-R string section on "Home", to the jazzy saxophone on "Letter From the Vatican", to "Be On Your Own", which is given a Herrmann-esque string section. Some particular touches stand out - that lovely acoustic guitar on "Danglin'", the simple piano line on "Modern World", and the sublime cello/piano outro in "Unusual Way" really stuck with me after the album stopped playing. And the recording is without fault - crisp, encompassing, personable and expansive as the mood requires. The whole album sounds fantastic.

There is such a wide range of style and substance here that each song would deserve purchasing individually. As a collection? It's bliss. If you're a fan of theater music, appreciate great vocals, or just need something to keep you company on long nights, this is required purchase.

A perfect marriage of music and lyrics.......2006-09-07

I think Yeston must be the most underrated talent in music theatre. And not just music theatre ... for as far as I know, "Danglin'" is not from a show - a jewel of a song ... and a disarmingly honest rendition from Johnny Rogers (what a beautiful voice! Why hasn't he made more CD's?) Some other favourites are "New Words" (not enough parent-child love songs out there ... and I can't imagine it could be sung any better than this), "You're there too" (with a charming and unexpected twist), "Simple" (Callaway is superb), "Only With You" (loveable rogue!) ... to name but a few. Inspired music theatre writing. A must for any musical buff, composer or singer seeking repertoire that will help them stand out from the crowd.

The Maury Yeston Songbook.......2006-08-30

A good album sung by good singers. I have been an admirer of Maury Yeston for a number of years . I am a great fan of "Nine"
which I consider his best work.(If possible try to listen to the
Australian Cast Recording with John Diedrich) I enjoy listening to artists like Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Sutton Foster,and my very favourite singer Liz Callaway. All in all a great CD to just sit back ,relax and enjoy Les Breen

Average customer rating:

"Harvest Home" Serves Up a Feast
Amazing
Exquisite
Exquisite
Emotional and poignant

Harvest Home

Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers
Blue Wheat
December Stillness
Christmas Echoes, Vol. 1
Cathedral Classics

ASIN: B000B8QFBY
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

Beautiful River (Shall We Gather At The River)
Simple Gifts
She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain
Peace
McKay
A La Claire Fontaine
Deep River
We Gather Together
Not One Sparrow Is Forgotten
Cindy
Gentle Annie
We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace
The Water Is Wide
By And By
The Old Church
Lay Me Low
The Road Home

Album Description

This CD is the second of the final CDs to be issued by The Dale Warland Singers, who disbanded in 2004. The program is a "harvest" of popular songs, hymns and spirituals, including "Simple Gifts," "Deep River," and "We Gather Together". The Grammy-nominated Dale Warland Singers were specialists in performing American works. Includes 16-page booklet with full texts and notes on the works! The Dale Warland Singers CDs are among the best selling American choral CDs in recent history. This CD is a "volume 2" of their best seller, Blue Wheat, issued previously on ACC. Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the Dale Warland Singers were recognized as one of the world's foremost a cappella choral ensembles. This 40-voice professional choir recently celebrated its 31st and final season of concerts, tours, radio broadcasts, and critically acclaimed recordings, following the retirement of founder and director Dale Warland.

Customer Reviews:

"Harvest Home" Serves Up a Feast.......2006-03-10

Most CD recordings of choral music do not attract the attention of the population at large, and "Harvest Home" is clearly an exception. Word came to me about this remarkable album through a fellow faculty member at the Boston Conservatory. He was rightly proud of having written two of the arrangements, but prouder still of the fact that it had become a red-hot bestseller through the word-of-mouth network of choristers all over the country. Needless to say, I was curious but a bit skeptical. Generally, things that become that popular have an aesthetic downside. I ordered my copy from Amazon and got it just before I left to go to a concert with a couple of musician friends. We were frankly thrilled with the quality of the singing, the beautifully shaped nuances, and the richness of the several of the arrangements. It is clear that its popularity among choral singers has to do with the musical material, as with its execution. The arrangements are based on mostly religious American folk songs and show off the delicate intonational skills of Dale Warland's legendary group. It's just the kind of thing that church choir members can really appreciate, but unfortunately cannot stand up to repeated listing -- it has to be the work of great composers for me to hear recordings over and over again. Nevertheless, I played it for my choral group, and they jumped all over it. That's the market audience. Bravo, Mr. Warland.

Amazing.......2005-12-26

I've been a fan of the Dale Warland Singers for a long time, and attended many of their concerts. This recording displays perfectly what the choir was capable of. I listen to it constantly. Many of these arrangements are the best I've heard of these songs. "Deep River" is better than that of Chanticleer or Cantus. "She'll be Comin Round the Mountain" is really fun. I got the chance to sing it a few years ago and will never forget it. You NEED to buy this CD. It's well worth the money.

Exquisite.......2005-12-18

Buy this album! This is the finest recording I have purchased this year. The exquisite tonality and the arrangements have kept me listening every day. The audio quality is outstanding - balanced, finely nuanced, lovely soundstage. If you enjoy choral music, purchase this album - NOW.

Exquisite.......2005-11-16

I purchased this on a whim and it is been in my 5-disc player ever since. I have always loved choral settings of folk songs and hymns (with one exception - "The Water is Wide" should never ever ever be sung by a chorus - it doesn't work, but it is the only track I skip on this disc). The selections are all old favorites in often harmonically lush arrangements. Hawley's arrangement of "Not One Sparrow" is transcendent and has become my morning prayer, "Lay Me Low" my evening meditation. The singing is as near perfect as can be, musicality is stunning, and technical merits are high. I cannot recommend this disc enough.

Emotional and poignant.......2005-11-07

On Harvest Home, the Dale Warland Singers delve into the rich legacy of mostly American sacred and folk music. With the lush vocal orchestrations and thoughtful arrangements, many of these familiar songs take on new life and emotional depth.

As a boy, I grew up in the Mennonite church tradition and one of the distinctive things about our church services was the a cappella 4-part harmony. As I got older, I thought this was a bit odd and wished we used instruments in church like most people. In looking back now, I am thankful for that tradition and what it taught me about music and harmony.

Throughout high school I was involved with choral groups, doing several programs each year. The first year after high school I spent a few months at a religious school that had a long-standing tradition of chorale music. I well remember the hours of rehearsal to get the song just right, practicing enunciation and dynamics and expression.

So when I hear a group like the Dale Warland Singers, I have a small insight into the dedication it takes to do choral music at the level of this recording. These are singers and a director at the top of their game, with attention to detail everywhere, creativity in the arrangements and technical brilliance. And what a vocal range, with "how low can they go" bass and sopranos that my normal laptop headphones have trouble reproducing without distortion.

I've long been a fan of spirituals; they are at times moving to hear, at times playful and fun (and can be even more fun to sing). This album features a couple of my favorites: "Shall We Gather At The River" and "Deep River". Upon first hearing this rendition of the latter, I was nearly moved to tears by the stark beauty and emotional depth of this arrangement. It's a prime example of the power of music to take us places emotionally and connect us with the deeper feelings and longings of the soul.

In addition to several spirituals, there is a unique variety of other religious pieces pulled from the traditions of Quakers and Baptists among others. The album also mines some rich treasures from the Shaker tradition, including the comforting "Not One Sparrow Is Forgotten" and the poignant tenderness of "Lay Me Low', with the simple text of

Lay me low where the Lord can find me, where the Lord can own me, where the Lord can bless me

Not everything leans towards the serious or sacred though. A fun, light-hearted arrangement of "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain" (arr. by Emma Lou Diemer) features bouncing bass lines and lots of syncopation and sibilance to keep things interesting. And the traditional Dixie folk song "Cindy" tells the story of a heartsick man with tongue-in-cheek lyrics that playfully bounce from part to part.

The liner notes are exceptional, with lots of helpful historic and musical notes on the various selections. This is one of the final albums from The Dale Warland Singers after 31 years. The group disbanded in May 2004 so that the founder Dale Warland could focus more on teaching, consulting and guest conducting. He certainly has left his mark on the choral landscape and this recording is no exception. Highly recommended if you appreciate choral music, especially traditional folk and sacred selections.

Average customer rating:

LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE
A serene peaceful album of children's songs and lullabies

Love Is Spoken Here

Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Peace Like a River
Consider the Lilies
Sing, Choirs of Angels!
Showtime! Music of Broadway and Hollywood
Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns

ASIN: B000AE8G5M
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Love is Spoken Here
For the Beauty of the Earth
I Feel My Savior's Love
Our Savior's Love
All through the Night
Homeward Bound
Home Is a Special Kind of Feeling
I Am a Child of God
A Child's Prayer
Suo-gan
Oh, What Songs of the Heart
I Often Go Walking
Simple Gifts
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus
My Heavenly Father Loves Me
Turn Around
Where Love Is
Love at Home
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You

Product Description

Songs of heart and home set the tone for the newest album by the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The album features beloved Primary songs such as "I Feel My Savior's Love," "I Am a Child of God," "Where Love Is," and "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." Favorite hymns such as "Love at Home," "Our Savior's Love," and "O What Songs of the Heart" are also included, along with familiar classics such as "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" and "Turn Around (Where Are You Going, My Little One?)" With many new arrangements by associate director Mack Wilberg, Love Is Spoken Here is destined to become another bestseller.

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE.......2006-12-26

I bought this CD for the song "Love Is Spoken Here" which was sung at my father's funeral, to celebrate his life and love of music, especially Church music. Our soloist was a friend whose voice warmed our breaking hearts. But when I saw that I could also get the Mormon Tabernacle Choir version along with many other beautiful American songs, I ordered this. I highly recommend MTC if you are seeking choir music to lift your spirit.

A serene peaceful album of children's songs and lullabies.......2005-09-13

"Love is Spoken Here" is the newest released by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Featuring children's primary songs, well-known lullabies, and popular favorites, this is a unique entry in the Choir's repetoire, and the albums breathes serenity and peace. The track listing is as follows:

1 Love is Spoken Here
Music: Janice Kapp Perry, 1938-
Text: Janice Kapp Perry, 1938-
Arrangement: Sam Cardon 3:25

2 For the Beauty of the Earth
Music: Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872
Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg 3:03

3 I Feel My Savior's Love
Music: K. Newell Dayley, 1939-
Text: Ralph Rodgers Jr, K. Newell Dayley, Laurie Huffman
Arrangement: Sam Cardon 3:30

4 Our Savior's Love
Music: Crawford Gates, 1921-
Text: Edward L. Hart, 1916-
Pacific Publications 4:37

5 All through the Night
Music: Welsh Folk Song
Text: Welsh Traditional
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg 4:57

6 Homeward Bound
Music: Marta Keen Thompson
Text: Marta Keen Thompson
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg 5:46

7 Home Is a Special Kind of Feeling
Music: John Rutter
Text: David Grant
Arrangement: From "The Wind in the Willows"
Hinshaw Music (ASCAP) 3:11

8 I Am a Child of God
Music: Mildred Tanner Pettit, 1895-1977
Text: Naomi Ward Randall, 1908-
Arrangement: Nathan Hofheins 3:36

9 A Child's Prayer
Music: Janice Kapp Perry, 1938-
Text: Janice Kapp Perry, 1938-
Arrangement: Barlow Bradford 3:46

10 Suo-Gân
Music: Welsh lullaby
Text: David Warner
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg 5:07

11 Oh, What Songs of the Heart
Music: William Clayson, 1840-1887
Text: Joseph L. Townsend, 1849-1942
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
Jackman Music Corporation 4:45

12 I Often Go Walking
Music: Jeanne P. Lawler, 1924-
Text: Phyllis Luch, 1937-
Arrangement: Nathan Hofheins 2:58

13 Simple Gifts
Music: Shaker song
Text: Traditional Shaker, additional text: David Warne
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
Oxford University Press (ASCAP) 3:04

14 I'm Trying to be Like Jesus
Music: Janice Kapp Perry, 1938-
Text: Janice Kapp Perry, 1938-
Arrangement: Barlow Bradford
Nature Sings Publishing 4:38

15 My Heavenly Father Loves Me
Music: Clara W. McMaster, 1904-
Text: Clara W. McMaster, 1904-
Arrangement: Nathan Hofheins 2:48

16 Turn Around
Music: Harry Belafonte, Malvina Reynolds, Alan Greene
Text: Harry Belafonte, Malvina Reynolds, Alan Greene
Arrangement: Michael Davis 3:24

17 Where Love Is
Music: Joanne Bushman Doxey and Marjorie Castleton Kjar
Text: Joanne Bushman Doxey and Norma B. Smith
Arrangement: Sam Cardon 4:23

18 Love at Home
Music: John Hugh McNaughton, 1829-1891
Text: John Hugh McNaughton, 1829-1891
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg 3:36

19 May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You
Music: Meredith Willson, 1902-1984
Text: Meredith Willson, 1902-1984
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg 5:59

This album follows on the heels of the #1 charting album "Choose Something Like A Star" and shows the choir hewing closely to their signature sound and style, while adding a new dimension to their repetoire. This album is perfect for families and is especially suited for young children.

Average customer rating:

Perfect

For Book Lovers

Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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For Your Dreams (Dig)
For When You're Alone (Dig)
For a Quiet Evening
For a Beautiful Day (Dig)
For an Autumn Afternoon (Dig)

ASIN: B00009PJQZ
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

Vocalise - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Reverie - Claude Debussy
Menuet - George Frideric Handel
Tempo Di Valse - Antonin Dvorak
Humming Chorus - Giacomo Puccini
The Banks Of Green Willow - George Butterworth
My Bonny Boy - Ralph Vaughan Williams
Touch Her Soft Lips, And Part - Sir William Walton
Lento Ma Non Troppo - Frederick Delius
Gaily But Not Quick - Frederick Delius
Corral Nocturne - Aaron Copland
Lullaby - George Gershwin
Shenandoah - Traditional
To A Wild Rose - Edward MacDowell
Sarabande: For Katharine In April - Ron Nelson
Simple Gifts - Aaron Copland

Customer Reviews:

Perfect.......2004-08-13

This entire series of discs is really great...centered around a theme ("Book Lovers," "Lazy Afternoons," "When You're Alone,")each CD is full of beautifully done instrumentals that, interestingly enough, really do catch the spirit of the title. I particularly like this one--"for Book Lovers"--and read with it playing in the background. Could you find "better" performances or recordings of the selections? Sure. But for the convenience, quality, seclections and price, why should you? These are a terrific value, and a great way to start a classical music collection. Enjoy.

Average customer rating:

"Come with me, under my coat"
Exceptional tone and quality
Exceptional tone and quality
Exceptional tone and quality

Voices 1900/2000

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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Make His Praise Glorious
Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works
Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001
Blue Wheat
Morten Lauridsen: Nocturnes

ASIN: B00005B16W
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

Song For Athene (Alleluia)
Reggel (Morning)
Dieu! Qu'il La Fait Bon Regarder
La Nuit En Mer
Bois Meurtri...
Ite Missa Est
Alleluia
Simple Gifts
How The Soul Speaks To God
Winds Of May
O Love, Be Fed With Apples While You May
The Coolin (The Fair Haired One)
Earth Seen From Above
Other Worlds Revealed
Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal
Shenandoah - Steven Rogino
All The Things You Are
Make Our Garden Grow

Customer Reviews:

"Come with me, under my coat".......2002-12-31

"And we will drink our fill..."

These are the first two strophes of Samuel Barber's "The Coolin," one of the three songs in his choral song cycle "Reincarnations." A friend recommended that I listen to this song, someone who had fond memories of singing it but who had yet to hear a satisfactory recording of the work. Given the enthusiasm, even exuberence, that she displayed regarding the singing, I thought it important enough - and only fair - that I seek out the best possible performance of the work. So I ended up acquiring three CD's, all containing "The Coolin" (and two containing the full set of "Reincarnations" songs). Having listened now to all three, it is easy for me to state that this CD contains the hands-down winner. And to further add that the other two Barber songs in the cycle really don't measure up to this one, so the absence of them on this release is no great loss to me.

Set to a love poem by the early-20th century Irish poet James Stephens, "coolin" is a lock of hair (or "curleen") that grows on a young girl's neck, an expression seemingly equivalent to "sweetheart." Stephens goes on to say, "I sought to represent that state which is almost entirely a condition of dream wherein the passion of love has almost overreached itself and is sinking to a motionless languor." Barber's beautiful setting of the poem reflects that aim totally, and the singing of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra Chorus captures the passionate languor perfectly.

The album - billed as "a choral journey through the twentieth century" and meant to spotlight the excellence of the chorus - is interesting both in terms of what it includes and what it overlooks, in terms of choral classics. The opening track contains a truly fine performance of John Tavener's "Song for Athene" (made famous as the recessional at Princess Diana's funeral although written some years earlier upon the death of a friend of Tavener). If you want a fine performance of this particular Tavener work but are not sure whether you want an album full of his works, look no further.

There are three songs in French (by Debussy, Badings - actually a Dutchman - and Poulenc). For me, the Badings song ("La nuit en Mer," from his "Three Breton Songs" of 1948) is one of the true "sleepers" in this album, a work I'd hardly expect to run across under normal circumstances and a beautful one at that.

Needless to say, there is a lot of "Americana" here as well, including an arrangement of Aaron Copland's harmonization of the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts" for chorus and piano, an Alice Parker setting of "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" and a simply drop-dead-gorgeous setting of "Shenandoah" by J. Erb (no first name provided in the notes). Two fine inclusions are a wonderful setting of Jerome Kern's "All the Things You Are" (breathtaking in its harmonic daring) and the evergreen "Make Our Garden Grow" from Bernstein's "Candide" (the album "closer").

In addition to the Tavener work, the century's end is well-represented by Allen Jay Kernis ("How the Soul Speaks to God"), Morten Lauridsen ("O Love, Be Fed With Apples While You May" from his "Mid-Winter Songs") and Conrad Susa ("Winds of May" from his "Six Joyce Songs").

This is an eclectic collection, as individual for what it does NOT include as for what it does. For example, there is not a single song by Charles Ives (who wrote well over 150 of them, many of them beautiful), or by William Schuman (another prolific songwriter). England is represented only by Tavener, and therefore there are none of the fine songs written by John Rutter and Benjamin Britten. And there is nothing to represent 20th-century Scandanavia. (For example, though Einojuhani Rautavaara is mentioned in the booklet notes and has written many fine songs, none are included here.) Nevertheless, I hardly think that choral fans will be disappointed with the selection provided (chosen, I would guess, by both the chorus itself and by its conductor, Vance George).

Vance George certainly has the proper bona fides (mentoring under both Robert Shaw and Margaret Hillis, herself a Shaw acolyte), and he has developed the San Francisco Symphony Chorus to an enviable level (as can be demonstrated by the fine support they provide for a number of orchestral/choral works conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas). Clearly, this chorus must number among the top half-dozen currently supporting major orchestras in the U.S.

The recorded sound quality is mostly excellent, although a few of the tracks don't seem to be representative of the usual Delos mastery of capturing sound in difficult acoustical environments. But, then, Davies Hall (the home of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) is quite well-known for its tricky acoustics.

The booklet notes - by Laura Stanfield Prichard - are good for what they are. The organization of the notes follows neither the strict chronology of the works nor the actual playing order. But the notes do a reasonable job of describing the works themselves, save for any mention whatsoever of Jerome Kern or of the arranger who provided the drop-dead-gorgeous setting of "All the Things You Are."

But, despite these nitpicking minor criticisms of mine, if you are - like me - a choral junkie, you'll want this album in your collecction. For all the good reasons I've highlighted above. And most especially for Sam Barber's "The Coolin."

Bob Zeidler

Exceptional tone and quality.......2001-06-05

Symphony choruses don't often get to shine outside the spotlight of the orchestras they're associated with, but this collection shows off the high level of quality that the SF Symphony Chorus brings to all their performances. I've never heard a better recording of the Alleluia, which many choruses attempt -- but few can pull off.

Exceptional tone and quality.......2001-06-05

Music Review: