The Way I Should

The Way I Should

Track Listings

1. When NY Mornin' Comes Around

2. There's a Wall in Washington

3. Wasteland of the Free

4. I'll Take My Sorrow Straight

5. This Kind of Happy

6. Way I Should

7. Letter to Mom

8. Keep Me God

9. Quality Time

10. Walkin' Home

11. Trouble - Iris DeMent, Delbert McClinton

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Iris DeMent's 1994 My Life is the best country album released in the 1990s. Yet with its gorgeous string-band arrangements and its heartbreaking tales of home and family, it's so timeless it could just as easily have been released in the '30s as the '90s. By contrast, there's no mistaking which decade DeMent's album, The Way I Should, comes from, with its crossover-country sound and its references to Calvin Klein, MTV, child abuse, "quality time," and Beavis and Butt-head. Nonetheless DeMent's twangy Arkansas soprano and detail-filled lyrics are as sharply original as ever. DeMent's voice seems to glow on "This Kind of Happy," a love song co-written with her outspoken admirer, Merle Haggard, and on the prayer-like "Keep Me God." --Geoffrey Himes

Tracks:

When My Mornin' Comes Around
There's A Wall In Washington
Wasteland Of The Free
I'll Take My Sorrow Straight
This Kind Of Happy
The Way I Should
Letter To Mom
Keep Me God
Quality Time
Walkin' Home
Trouble

Amazon.com

Iris DeMent's 1994 My Life is the best country album released in the 1990s. Yet with its gorgeous string-band arrangements and its heartbreaking tales of home and family, it's so timeless it could just as easily have been released in the '30s as the '90s. By contrast, there's no mistaking which decade DeMent's album, The Way I Should, comes from, with its crossover-country sound and its references to Calvin Klein, MTV, child abuse, "quality time," and Beavis and Butt-head. Nonetheless DeMent's twangy Arkansas soprano and detail-filled lyrics are as sharply original as ever. DeMent's voice seems to glow on "This Kind of Happy," a love song co-written with her outspoken admirer, Merle Haggard, and on the prayer-like "Keep Me God." --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Iris at the pulpit.......2007-04-30

Iris has made some terrific CD's in the past and I would easily recommend "Infamous Angel" to anyone who asks. On the other hand, while I enjoy "The Way I Should," I find it to be preachy in the not-a-good way. Let's start with the good.

Right out of the gate, "When My Morning Comes Around" is a strong song. emphasizing the beautiful purity of Iris's voice. Same goes for "This Kind of Happy," written with Merle Haggard and sounding timeless. I kind of wish he'd have sung on it with her as a duet. Instead, dueting honors got to the venerable Delbert McClinton, who does a heck of a job infusing "Trouble" with a jolly good time.

But Iris has decided to climb on a soapbox on "The Way I Should," and it puts a date stamp on the album. I can still listen to "Wall In Washington," which merits comparisons to the best of Joan Baez or Woody Guthrie, but "Quality Time" is dumb. Snarky songs about self-absorbed yuppies just don't suit DeMent's style. "Wasteland Of The Free" isn't quite as bad, but lyrically it's just a rant without any kind of deftness. Don't get me wrong; I really like a good political song. (See my reviews for the likes of Bright Eyes, Jackson Browne, Steve Earle and the Dixie Chicks if you don't believe me...I'm a big old lefty.) The emphasis here is on a GOOD political song, and DeMent is just not yet up to the challenge.

"The Way I Should" is an emotional and personal statement from Iris Dement. As she points out in the liner notes, she was ready for the reality that being personal and political made "The Way I Should" potentially polarizing, and she was right. It's still a good CD, and given her sporadic schedule of releases (four albums since 1992 and the last new CD - Lifeline - was issued in 2004), I am thankful for what I can get. Just know that both "My Life" and "Infamous Angel" are better CD's.

A SINGING SOCIAL COMMENTATOR FOR OUR TIMES.......2007-02-20

I first heard Iris DeMent doing a cover of a Greg Brown tribute to Jimmy Rodgers the Texas yodeller on Brown's tribute album, "Driftless". I then looked for this album and for the most part was blown away by the power of DeMent's voice, her piano accompanyment and her lyrics (which are contained in the liner notes, read them, please). It is hard to type her style. Is it folk? Is it Country Pop? Is it semi-torch songstress? Well, whatever it may be you are in for a listening treat, especially if you are in a sentimental mood. Stand outs here include- "There is a Wall in Washington" about the Vietnam Memorial probably one of the best ant-war songs you will ever hear. It is fairly easy to write a "Give Peace a Chance" or "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" type of ant-war song. It is another to capture the pathos of what happened to too many families when we were unable to stop that war. "When My Morning Comes" hits home with all the baggage working class kids have about their inferiority when they screw up in this world. Lastly- "Walking Home Alone" evokes all the humor, bathos, pathos and sheer exhilaration of saying one was able to survive, and not badly, after growing up poor amid the riches of America. Listen on.

one of the best releases of the 90's........2007-02-17

the title track to this cd is one of my favorite songs of all-time, by anyone; and taken as a whole this is one of best releases of the 1990's. the voice of iris dement is stunning, and her songwriting on this recording is more gutsy and less melancholy than on her other albums. folk, country, and even a shade or two of country-rock co-exist on this masterpiece. just a great piece of work. iris has not been exactly prolific and a live album is long overdue, especially since, in concert, she now sings some of her earliest material in a more relaxed way, giving the songs space, like she's settled into the songs over time and found how her voice best expresses their emotions. buy everything you can by this incredible artist.

Iris Dement - The way I should.......2007-01-17

I have only recently discovered the music of Iris Dement - heard a duet she did with John Prine and also a track on the Horse Whisperer soundtrack. I just had hear more so I purchased all of her albums. I have been completely blown away by her voice and her versatility. This woman can sing anything. The duet on this album with Delbert McClinton is pure magic.Ms Dement has the voice of mountain honey - sweet, strong, earthy and pure. She can play down home on the porch with just a guitar or rock it with a full band. Her lyrics are prolific and reflective - she truly is a woman who has got something important to say

Iris Dement Draws Her Line BRAVELY and POWERFULLY.......2006-07-05

An uncompromising and brilliant Iris Dement CD, rolling and rollicking, which, if FM radio programmers were not the weasely, fearful prostitutes they are, could have yielded at least a couple nation-spanning hits.

Filled out with a top-notich, razor-sharp band, the range of songs on this landmark recording spans folk, country and rock, with themes of romance, child abuse, politics and personal vision. Each song is wrapped in the complex, heart-felt, stunning lyrics and voice that underlines Dement's uniquely compelling music career.

The title track is a bouncy, propulsive, lyrically complex and beautiful personal anthem about individuality, integrity and finding the nerve to shake off debilitating shackles of society's --or a loved one's--expectations and be on the way to grounding oneself in personal integrity and power. The lyric about a ghostly vision and autumn leaves like angels in the gutter finding their way to the sea--or not-- "without the help of you or me" is brilliant as is every other twist and turn of this wonderful and fiercely poetic song. Quite simply, it is Dement's graceful way of asserting herself and telling holier-than-thou critics to bug-off.

"Wasteland of the Free" is absolutley one of the most powerful, rockin' protest anthems ever recorded, ringing as straight-forward and true with every line as anything ever written. It is Iris urging people--literally shaking them to their core--to wake up and admit the obvious horrid morality and mindless, base materialism, and violence that spreads farther and deeper throughout the United States--and beyond--as our Founding Fathers roll in their graves. This song is as All-American as The Fourth Of July and as spectacular as a rocket's red glare. It deserves--and needs--to be covered by American musicians from sea to shining sea.

The Dement-ed gems on this CD just keep coming as Dement refuses to be pushed into the corner and confined as an old-timey, easy-listening country wallflower. But the yin-yang of Dement's fiercely romantic melancholy and flat-out, stunning personal artistry is fully accounted for. The significance of this recording will not fade away and will only grow in reputation as more kindred spirits discover it. The truth will prevail and Dement carries it by the bucketful. Praise the Lord.

Average customer rating:

Gosford Park Sound Track
Better than the movie
I don't mind the repeating themes, but the CD is too short!
Excellent Mix
One the best soundtracks out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gosford Park (2001 film)
Patrick Doyle
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gosford Park
We'll Gather Lilacs: The Songs of Ivor Novello
A Little Princess: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Much Ado About Nothing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Sense and Sensibility: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1995 Film)

ASIN: B00005UNCB
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

Waltz Of My Heart
Mr. Parks
Gosford Park
Bored To Sobs
The Shirt
And Her Mother Came Too
Walking To Shoot
No Smoke Without Fire
Scherzo In G
I Can Give You The Starlight
What A Duke Should Be
Inspector Thompson
Pull Yourself Together
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Only For A While
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Amazon.com

Thematically, director Robert Altman's career sometimes seems an endless series of left turns into the unexpected; the one constant has been a rich and rewarding attention to the intricacies of character development and interaction. Composer Patrick Doyle underscores Gosford Park's Merchant-Ivory/Agatha Christie/Altman-wit fusion and '30s British upper-class setting with a score that's period spot-on, character-rich, and often sadly evocative. Doyle's restraint is masterful, often leaning on piano, accordion, and small string arrangements that emphasize the characters' intimacies and the film's drawing room settings. Key to the story are a handful of prewar songs by Ivor Novello (who's also a character in the film), ranging from the sprightly humor of "And Her Mother Came Too" and "What a Duke Should Be" to the romantic schmaltz of "I Can Give You the Starlight" and "Why Isn't It You?" The latter is performed here at the piano (and, remarkably, live before the cameras) by Jeremy Northam. Leavened by a small jazz ensemble and a few darkly ominous cues, Doyle's score is an understated gem. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Gosford Park Sound Track.......2007-03-30

The original music is creative and very listenable. It is typical of popular music of the 1930s. This CD is highly recommended to those people who enjoy music from the 1920s and 1930s.

Better than the movie.......2004-12-08

Many people, I believe, buy a soundtrack because they are mesmerized by the movie and want to extend the experience by listening to something that reminds them of it. But "Gosford Park" is hardly that kind of movie. It is brilliant and atmospheric as it analyzes the British class system, but that's hardly the kind of thing that wins the heart. The soundtrack of this movie was my favorite CD from last year, and the reasons I liked it had nothing to do with the movie.

Why is this music so compelling and winning?

First, it is fun to discover the marvellous talent of Ivor Norvello. His music is half of the charm of the soundtrack. Some songs are funny ("Her mother came too"), some beautiful ("I can give you the starlight") and some poignant ("The land of might have been"). I had not encountered Norvello before this film. Jeremy Northam's perfect delivery of Norvello's songs would not leave me after I'd seen the film. Days later, I found the songs had taken up residence in the back of my head, insisting that I go back to the soundtrack to make them a permanent part of my musical life.

Second, there is the charm of the orchestral music composed by Patrick Doyle. Sometimes people wonder "why aren't they writing beautiful classical music any more?" Well, they are. It goes into soundtracks, however, rather than being commissioned by orchestras. The test for the quality of Doyle's compositions is that you don't need to refer to the film to appreciate this music. It simply charms and intrigues us with its own merits.

My third reason for loving this CD is too personal to mention here.

I give this CD my highest personal recommendation.

I don't mind the repeating themes, but the CD is too short!.......2004-06-08

Unlike many reviewers here, I didn't buy the CD to hear the Ivor Novello songs or Jeremy Northam's voice. I actually liked the instrumental tracks, and never actually thought I'd like to listen to something played on an accordion.

However, Mr. Doyle's music portrays the lethargy of the snobby Upstairs very well to the contrast of the relative energy of Novello's songs, which the Downstairs servants enjoy, but the Upstairs people can't stand.

My dislikes about the CD include the female singer who can't really sing and the length of the CD. Some of these cues are only about a minute long. WHY pay so much money for such a short CD??? Why not add more music??

Overall though, if you liked either Doyle's music or Novello's songs (hopefully the listener will like both), it's a CD worth getting.

Excellent Mix.......2003-04-23

I fell in love with this soundtrack when I watched Gosford Park in the cinemas.

Sometimes period music, sometimes mystery music, sometime personal music. Jeremy Northam's songs are simply delicious and I love hearing them.

I liken the style (not type) of mix to You've Got Mail.

Heaps of fun and lovely to listen to.

One the best soundtracks out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-03-06

When I saw the movie at the theater I kept thinking I've got to have the soundtrack to this movie because it is so beautiful. I also really enjoyed the sung songs 6.And Her Mother Came Too, 10.I Can Give You The Starlight, 11.What A Duke Should Be, 16. Only For A While, 20. The Way It's Meant To Be, 24. The Land That Might-Have-Been!! I think that Patrick Doyle did a wonderful job of scoring this movie the just fits right in with it all, I only wish there was more to listen to!! I highly recommend this album to everyone who liked the movie and people who love great soundtracks, you will not be sorry if you buy this!!!!

Magical Musicals / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Not impressed
Inexorable wonder!

Magical Musicals / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Magical Music of Disney
Ragtime at the Magical Kingdoms
The Big Picture

ASIN: B00001QGKF
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

Hercules: Introduction
Hercules: The Gospel Truth
Hercules: One Last Hope
Hercules: I Won't Say
Hercules: Zero To Hero
Hercules: A Star Is Born
Hercules: Go The Distance
Aladdin And the King Of Thieves: Party In Agrabah
Pocahontas: Just Around The River Bend
The Return Of Jafar: You're Only Second Rate
The Return Of Jafar: Forget About Love
The Return Of Jafar: I'm Looking Out For Me
The Return Of Jafar: Nothing In The World
Toy Story: You've Got A Friend In Me
101 Dalmations: Cruella De Vil
Pocahontas: Colors Of The Wind
Oliver And Company: Once Upon A Time In New York City
Oliver And Company: Why Should I Worry?
The Nightmare Before Christmas: What's This?
James And The Giant Peach: Good News
Mulan: Orchestral Suite
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: The Bells Of Notre Dame
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Someday
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: God Help The Outcasts
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Topsy Turvy
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Court Of Miracles
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: A Guy Like You
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Heaven's Light

Customer Reviews:

Not impressed.......2003-11-25

I was not terribly impressed with this CD. Fortunately, I decided to get it from the library to see if it was good before deciding whether or not to buy it.

Although the orchestration of the songs is well done, most of them simply were not meant to be performed by a chorus; and they sound terrible in that form. If you want some of the songs on this CD, I suggest you look at one of Disney's compilation CDs in the Classic Disney Vol. 1-5 series or the actual soundtracks of the movies.

Inexorable wonder!.......2001-06-23

Where to start?! Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra have had a track record for recording some of the most stupendous movie music ever. Magical Musicals is just another example of how audaciously bold, yet beautiful Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops have taken the original scores, molded them into the same pieces, yet at the same time, creating life of their own in each and every note. If you are looking for ANY soundtrack containing Disney music, this should be the first CD you listen to. There are others out there, and yes, they may sound beautiful and enchanting, but you won't find such a unique and compelling score anywhere else other than this CD. Check it out!!

Brownstone the Musical (2003 Studio Cast)

Average customer rating:

Pleasant Enough
Pure joy
A Different Type of Musical

Brownstone the Musical (2003 Studio Cast)
Liz Callaway , Brian D'Arcy James , and Rebecca Luker
Manufacturer: Original Cast Record
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000AYL3S
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

Someone's Moving In
Cellphone Song
Fiction Writer
There She Goes
We Should Talk
Camouflage
Thanks a Lot/Neighbors Above, Neighbors Below
Pretty City
What Do People Do?
Not Today
You Still Don't Know
Not Today Trio
Babies on the Brain
Almost There [Act I Finale]
Don't Tell Me Everything
One of Them
Fiction Writer (Reprise)
He Didn't Leave It Here
It Isn't the End of the World
Since You Stayed Here
We Came Along Too Late
Books
It's a Funny Thing
It Isn't the End of the World (Reprise)
If It's Time to Go
Almost There (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Pleasant Enough.......2007-02-19

A pleasant score. Fine singing, especially the wonderful Liz Callaway. The score, however, doesn't have those one or two numbers that stand out and stop you in your tracks. I haven't seen the show, and perhaps when integrated with the text.....

Pure joy.......2005-03-08

I have bought this CD with Wild party and each of them was amazing. Fist I have heard Wild party and after that I haven't thought that I would enjoy the second one but Brownstone was simply so amazing. I didn't skip songs, because all of them are beautiful sung by actors who's singing voice are pure, strong and wonderful.
As you can see, I'm a true Brian D'arcy James fan but each singer amazed me, really.
Buy this Cd if you want to hear a fantastic musical.

A Different Type of Musical.......2004-03-09

I bought BROWNSTONE at the recommendation of a friend and have mixed feelings. I know this show has quite a history as far as transfer from off-Broadway to Broadway and the controversy surrounding its revamping for its journey to the Great White Way. I think the songs are catchy and clever, I just am sort of turned off by the orchestrations. The instruments sound like they are coming from a computer built in 1990. They sound too fake and I think there could be better orchestration, though the melodies are nice. Some songs are just corny like The Cell Phone Song, added only recently. Certain songs are great like The opening, Fiction Writer, Camouflage, and Babies on the Brain.

I would say that if you are looking for a musical CD to add to your collection that is a little different from what you're used to, BROWNSTONE is for you. And also, it features an amazing cast of seasoned veterans and new comers as well.

Tracks:

Dream Dancing [From You'll Never Get Rich] - Fred Astaire, Harry Sosnik
Since I Kissed My Baby Goodbye [From You'll Never Get Rich] - Fred Astaire, The Delta Rhythm Boys, Harry Sosnik
Wedding Cake Walk [From You'll Never Get Rich] - Gordon Jenkins, Martha Tilton
So Near and Yet So Far [From You'll Never Get Rich] - Fred Astaire, Harry Sosnik
Wedding Cake Walk [From You'll Never Get Rich] - Fred Astaire, The Delta Rhythm Boys, Harry Sosnik
Something for the Boys [From Something for the Boys] - Ethel Merman
Could It Be You? [From Something for the Boys] - Bill Johnson
Hey! Good Lookin' [From Something for the Boys] - Bill Johnson, Ethel Merman
He's a Right Guy [From Something for the Boys] - Ethel Merman
I'm in Love With a Soldier Boy [From Something for the Boys] - Ethel Merman
My the Mississinewah [From Something for the Boys] - Betty Bruce, Ethel Merman
There's a Happy Land in the Sky [From Something for the Boys] - Betty Bruce, Allen Jenkins, Bill Johnson, Ethel Merman
When My Baby Goes to Town [From Something for the Boys] - Bill Johnson
Something for the Boys [From Something for the Boys] - Leonard Joy, Paula Laurence
By the Mississinewah [From Something for the Boys] - Betty Garrett, Leonard Joy, Paula Laurence
Hey! Good Lookin' [From Something for the Boys] - Evelyn Dall,
Something for the Boys [From Something for the Boys] - Evelyn Dall,
Only Another Boy and Girl [From Seven Lively Arts] - Jane Harvey
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye [From Seven Lively Arts] - Maxine Sullivan, Teddy Wilson
Don't Fence Me In [From Hollywood Canteen] - Roy Rogers
Just One of Those Things [From Night and Day] - Ginny Simms
Begin the Beguine [From Night and Day] - Roberto Valdes Arnau, Carlos Ramirez
Should I Tell You I Love You? [From Around the World in Eighty Days] - Ray Carter,
Look What I Found [From Around the World in Eighty Days] - Ray Carter,
If You Smile at Me [From Around the World in Eighty Days] - Ray Carter,
Pipe Dreaming - Ray Carter,

Average customer rating:

The Water Gipsies (Original London Cast) with Bonus Tracks

Manufacturer: Sepia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000CNDXH2
Release Date: 2005-12-26

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Why Did You Call Me Lily? - Dora Bryan
Clip-Clop - Laurie Payne
I Should Worry - Dora Bryan
When I'm Washing Up - Pamela Charles
Jane's Prayer - Pamela Charles
Lily's Tale - Dora Bryan
He Doesn't Care - Peter Graves
Castles And Hearts And Roses - Laurie Payne
Peace And Quiet/Little Boat - Laurie Payne
Why Should Spring Have All The Flowers? - Doris Hare
This Is Our Secret - Peter Graves
It Would Cramp My Style - Dora Bryan
You Never Know With Men - Dora Bryan
Here's Mud In Your Eye - Chorus
I'm Not A Jealous Woman - Joan Sims
Finale - Chorus
I'm So Terribly In Love With You - Robert English
I Never Dreamt (You'd Fall In Love With Me) - Lido Dance Orchestra
My Heart Is Saying - Billy Milton
Selections From 'Little Tommy Tucker' - The Million-Airs
You Looked At Me - Olive Groves
My Heart's A Compass - Olive Groves
You Have That Extra Something - Phyllis Stanley
Three Songs From 'Big Ben' - Vivian Ellis
Three Waltzes From 'Big Ben' - Vivian Ellis
Selections From 'Tough At The Top' Part One - Vivian Ellis
Selections From 'Tough At The Top' Part Two - Vivian Ellis
The Music From 'And So To Bed' Part One - Vivian Ellis
The Music From 'And So To Bed' Part Two - Vivian Ellis

Album Description

English composer Vivian Ellis had a prolific career spanning five decades, during which she wrote nearly 70 West End shows. The Water Gipsies was a 1955 collaboration between Ellis and A.P. Herbert. Contains the cast recording of The Water Gipsies plus bonus tracks including early Ellis compositions, many appearing on CD for the first time!

Average customer rating:

Bits of the Bard you have probably missed!!
Excellent variety of choices!

Shakespeare on Broadway
Various Artists - Soundtracks , Leonard Bernstein , Hal Hester , Rupert Holmes , Cliff Jones , Bruce Kimmel , Frank Loesser , Jeffrey Lunden , Cole Porter , Richard Rodgers , Stephen Sondheim , Michael Valenti , James ( , Crista Moore , David Engel , Debbie Gravitte , Glory Crampton , Guy Haines , Harry Groener , Jason Graae , Jonathan Freeman , Karen Ziemba , Larry Raben , Lee Wilkof , Liz Larsen , Lynnette Perry , Marcia Mitzman , Melba Joyce , Michelle Nicastro , Rod Raines , Sal Viviano , and Sean McDermott
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000014WX
Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

Brush Up Your Shakespeare From Kiss Me, Kate - Jonathan Freeman/Harry Groener/Guy Haines
I To The World From Oh, Brother! - Jason Graae
Should I Speak Of Loving You? From Music Is - Marcia Mitzman
Sing For Your Supper From The Boys From Syracuse - Lynette Perry
Fear No More From The Frogs - Ron Raines
Dear Old Syracuse From The Boys From Syracuse - Timothy Jerome & Lee Wilkof
It's Love...I Think From Another Midsummer Night - Crista Moore
Brush Up Your Shakespeare-Part Two - Jonathan Freeman/Harry Groener/Guy Haines
What Do I Know? From Your Own Thing - James Matthew Campbell/Leo Daignault/David Engel/Larry Raben
Too Darn Hot From Kiss Me, Kate - Liz Larsen
If My Morning Begins From Rockabye Hamlet - Sean McDermott
The Last Blues From Rockabye Hamlet - Melba Joyce
Two Songs From Twelfth Night - Rupert Holmes
Brush Up Your Shakespeare-Finale Ultimo - Jonathan Freeman/Harry Groener/Guy Haines
Darn That Dream from Swingin' The Dream - Karen Ziemba
What Do I Do Now? From The Comedy Errors - Michelle Nicastro
Tonight From West Side Story - Glory Crampton/Sal Viviano
Hamlet From The Film Red, Hot, And Blue - Debbie Shapiro Gravitte

Customer Reviews:

Bits of the Bard you have probably missed!!.......1999-10-02

This CD is a treat loaded with surprises. Program notes are well written and entertaining (by a Shakespearean expert?). Hear "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" in it's entirety, enjoy Hamlet retold in a jazzy piece that even features a little scat singing, and revel in the creative arrangement of "Tonight" (it features a bit of dialogue, some musical borrowings from Prokofiev, and more to create a multi-dimensional experience of this piece.) I highly recommend this diverse, interesting, stimulating and intriguing CD. I really liked it, in case you haven't guessed.

PS: The singing is good, too.

Excellent variety of choices!.......1998-09-10

This CD gives you an educational background on just how many different musical adaptations of Shakespearean works have been produced! The songs range from familiar tunes of Cole Porter like "Too Darn Hot" to obscure performances in Yale's swimming pool for "Fear No More." The notes by Bert Fink are hilarious and move along with the songs smoothly.

Doo Wop Coast to Coast and Everything in Between, Vol. 3

Average customer rating:

Doo Wop Coast to Coast and Everything in Between, Vol. 3
Various Doo Wop Artists
Manufacturer: Wheels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000UH8GSQ

Product Description

Song list: 1. Home Under My Hat - The Five Wings, 2. I miss You Darling - The Falcons, 3. How - The Medallions (previously unreleased -their 1st demo), 4. I Want To Be Your Guy - The Heartbreakers, 5. If You See Tears In My Eyes - The Beavers, 6. You'll Never Be Mine Again - Bill Perry & The Belaires, 7. Hard Workin' Woman - The Imperials, 8. Out Of This World - The Earls, 9. Here Goes A Fool Maggie Hathaway & Her Bluesman, 10. If You Should Need Me - The Colemans, 11. Monday Morning Blues - Lil Greenwood & The Four Jacks, 12. Part Time Sweetheart - The Victorians, 13. I Gotta Do It - The Beavers, 14. Heartbreak - Gaynel Hodge & The Turks, 15. Out Of My Mind - Ann Laurie & Group, 16. Keep Your Business To Yourself - The Royal Kings, 17. I Ain't Got Nobody - The Colemans, 18. Meet Me Tonight - The Medallions, 19. Hey Baby - The Heartbreakers, 20. Never Doubt My Love - The Sky Boys, 21. Big Mouth Mama - The Beavers, 22. Wish It Could Be Me - Johnny Saber & Group, 23. Tell Me Why - Falcons, 24. Maybe You'll Be There - Rudy West & The Five Keys, 25. Soldier Boy - Ella Fitzgerald & Group, 26. Your Way - Herb Johnson & The Zipcodes, and 27. Glowing Moon - The Tads (Unreleased From 1957)

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A Rose By Any Other Name...
"Thus I salute the stronghold, safe from dread and dismay!
Free at last!
I Love This Recording
The Goodall Ring - 1975 - Restored and Remastered

Wagner: The Rhinegold
English National Opera
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
Wagner: The Valkyrie

ASIN: B00005B550
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Customer Reviews:

A Rose By Any Other Name..........2007-07-02

The figure of speach may not be completely correct in this instance, but, well, I hope you get the point. In any case, for a Dutch speaking person, like I, to hear 'The Ring' in a language other than the original German feels - almost shockingly(?) - natural. Certainly, this modern English translation, to me, is as least immediate, and probably even more immediate, than the original (archaic) German text. And in music drama, immediacy is essential. Maybe it is also the wonderfully natural translation, I don't know, but it works for me, the Ring in English.
But most of the credit has to go to the music, the singers, and the recording as such. I believe that this (originally analogue) remastered recording has one of the best recorded sounds and acoustics of any Ring, studio or 'live'. It is wonderfully clear but warm, kind of velvety (very unlike Solti), with beautifully natural balaces between voices and orchestra. Audience noises can be heard (including a delightful little ripple of laughter) but never really obtrusively so, thankfully. And I love the thunderclap-sound effect when Donner strikes his hammer against the rocks - very tastefully done, and lending extra power to the scene.
All the time one reads in reviews everywhere of the very slow speads at which the music is conducted by Sir Reginald Goodall. Well, that may be so, but I, for one, am certainly endeared to Sir Reginald Goodalls 'caressing' of the music, as a result of which wich the Leitmotifs come out more clearly than ever. The slow - but nonetheless very concentrated, and always involved - playing has, to me, an almost mesmerizing effect. Certainly, compared to many other recordings, the music may sound stretched almost beyond breaking point. But in the end, I think it is really just that: a matter of speed, no more. The concentration never falters and the dramatic arc never saggs. There is live 'music magic' going on here, I feel, even if the English National Opera Orchestra may not be (as precise or as diciplined as) a Wiener Philharmoniker or a Bayreuther Festspielorchester. Certainly, Sir Reginald Goodall must have loved this music and these opera's: one feels a slowly beating but constant loving pulse that energizes the drama and the music.
But we also have the singers. And what a great singers! While the best may be yet to come (with Alberto Remedios as Siegmund and Siegfried, and Rita Hunter as Brunnhilde), we here, in The Rhinegold, already have one of the most commanding of Wotans (Norman Bailey, with wonderful burnished timbre). Also, Emile Belcourt stands out as a wonderfully sleek but full-voiced Loge. Derek Hammond-Stroud's Alberich may not be as black as Gunther von Kannen's (for Barenboim), for example, but there is enough anguish, frustration and anger to lend his character a convincing reality and depth. And the giants too, are a winning pair. Especially Fafner (Clifford Grant) is as imposing and powerful as one may ever wish.
With all the rave reviews, here and elsewhere I can't wait to hear The Valkyrie, (especially) Siegfried and Twilight of the Gods. This certainly is a winning 'Ring', to be kept alongside any other 'great' recorded 'Ring' out there, IMHO. To me, it can hold its own alongside any other favorite recordings.
Please, sample this Ring (try for example the Chandos website for fragments of all of the music) and decide for yourself. Highly recommended.

"Thus I salute the stronghold, safe from dread and dismay!.......2007-06-12

Okay, so we have the Solti, Bohm, Karajan, Goodall, Boulez, Janowski, Levine, Haitink, and Sawallisch Rings on the market (I haven't listened to the other Ring recordings yet, sorry to say). And all of these leave me to one conclusion: the many differences lead me to believe that all of these ring sets have their own authenticities and setbacks. And here they are:

TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Boulez's Ring: 13 hours, 40 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Haitink's Ring: 14 hours, 10 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes

CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.

Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.

Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.

Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: nothing is faster than andante. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.

Boulez: Here it is, folks - the controversial Centennial Ring. To fit the Ring Cycle in the industrial age, Boulez gives it a very Schoenbergian, Bartokian atmosphere. Much of his tempi are very quick, very Bohm-like, though they're still not as fast as Bohm. Keep in mind, though, this live Ring works only if you hear AND see it (the DVD's work best).

Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".

Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.

Haitink: This might be seen as a disappointment. If you want great conducting, then this is for you. If you want a persuasive array of singers, look somewhere else. Haitink's conducting saves this work from being a total flop. There is nothing quite like his Rheingold & Gotterdammerung ("Siegfried's Rhine Journey" is a bit forced, but magnificent nonetheless).

Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.

ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.

Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.

Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.

Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act Two Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.

Boulez's Bayreuth Festival: While it doesn't really pack the same punches as Bohm's Bayreuth, it still delivers a stunning performance. Orchestral interaction between characters (Ex. Siegfried's motifs mixed in with Mime's motifs) fares better than Berlin's and English National's. Rhine maiden motifs are given more wit, while the Dragon motifs are played with less eeriness. Beauty makes up for the irritatingly quick "Wotan's Farewell".

Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Boulez's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are heard clear in this Ring. The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.

Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.

Haitink's Bavarian Radio Symphony: This may very well be like Metropolitan, only this sounds much more poignant. The strings sound better and the percussion sound clearer. The leitmotivs are almost never screwed up. First scene of Rheingold will take one's breath away.

Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.

SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).

Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.

Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".

Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.

Boulez: If you watch Donald McIntyre on the Centennial Ring production, then you can tell that he's a fine "industrial" Wotan. If you just hear him on CD, then you'll be disappointed. His diction is weak, his emotions are forced, and his voice sounds robotic. The DVD's will do.

Levine and Haitink: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's and Haitink's Ring.

Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.

-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.

Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).

Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."

Boulez: How can anyone not be impressed by the Brunnhilde of Gwyneth Jones? One can almost feel her excitement during Siegfried Act Three, and her fear in Walkure Act Three. Her weakest point is probably during her Gotterdammerung Prologue (a bit too stressed).

Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.

Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).

Haitink: Hmph. I was hoping that Eva Marton would do well here. I was seriously let down by her strained singing. She does okay in "Annunciation of Death", but she is at her worst in "Immolation".

-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm, Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Peter Hoffman for Boulez, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, Reiner Goldberg for Haitink, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jeanine Altmeyer for Boulez, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, Cheryl Studer for Haitink, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Three exceptions, though: Goldberg and Schunk don't sound heroic enough, and Norman for Levine doesn't sound young and innocent enough.

-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.

Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.

Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.

Boulez: Is Manfred Jung a good tenor? Yes. Is he a good Heldentenor? NO. He doesn't have that heroic voice like Windgassen and Remedios. Again, the DVD's are your safest bet.

Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.

Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. Levine should've chose Kollo or Jerusalem when he recorded his studio Ring.

Haitink: Have you ever seen Siegfried Jerusalem on the Levine/Metropolitan DVD? Well, here he is again, and this time, he sings with more valor and enthusiasm. Bravo!

-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").

Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.

Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.

Boulez: What we have here is the weak Alberich of Hermann Becht. When he's in Nibelheim, the authority isn't there. When he's in the Neid-Hohle forest, the creepiness isn't there. And when he's near the Gibich house, the misery isn't there. Even on DVD he's unsatisfactory.

Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.

Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.

Haitink: No offense, but Theo Adam as Alberich? Come on . . .

-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.

Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.

Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.

Boulez and Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent Mime, VERY fun to listen to. There is much humor and eccentricity in his voice, and that's what makes his dwarf much more compelling than Dempsey's dwarf. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. He is equal to Zednik when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.

Haitink: Peter Haage sounds like he's entertaining young kids. His version of Mime is a bit childish, and the dark humor that the dwarf brings out sounds-over-the-top here. Nonetheless, he is still entertaining to listen to ("Wer halfe mir?" has never sounded better).

Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.

-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on during the Trilogy.

Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Again, another Loge that's marred by lack of cunning.

Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. He has the wit, the craftiness, and the untrustworthiness that the character deserves. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.

Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.

Boulez and Haitink: I can summon Heinz Zednik's performance in just three words: Brilliant Beyond Belief!

Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt and Zednik depend only on vengeance and deviousness, Stolze only imagination and deviousness, Windgassen and Svanholm only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.

Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.

Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Zednik. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.

-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings. Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). Anja Silja is the most memorable Freia (Bohm), while Kurt Moll makes the most fabulous Hunding yet (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm, Goodall, and Boulez. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.

CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation, Neuhold's Badische version, and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss, etc.), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the industrialized Boulez, the truthful Janowski, the unhurried Levine, the abnormal Haitink, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.

The Box Set: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Valkyrie (Part 2): Wagner: The Valkyrie
-Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)

Free at last!.......2004-09-18

I've enjoyed listening to the Ring cycles by Solti, Bohm, and Furtwangler, but my pleasure has always been dampened by the necessity to follow the dramas with a German/English libretto. This performance freed me from that burden and allowed me to listen to the Ring with my ears alone for the first time. And what a delightful experience it was! I found I could understand about half the words the first time through. but that was enough for me to understand what the characters were saying and concentrate on Wagner's great music. Some of the characters (Loge and Alberich, for example) are almost perfectly comprehensible, while others (Fricka in particular) might as well be singing in German. The sound itself is superb, with perfect balances between orchestra and voices. Goodall's conducting is famously slow (about half an hour longer than usual), but he is never slack and he reveals a wealth of detail in the orchestration. The singers are a mixed lot, with Loge, Alberich, and Mime particularly effective. Bailey is hardly the grandest of Wotans, but he is solid and convincing. In any event, for us non-German listeners, this recording is a real treat. I would not recommend it as a first Ring (Bohm is a good choice, though some of his tempi are rather hectic), but as a supplement to a recoding in the original language, it is hard to beat. Give it a try! As for me, I'm ready to go on to "Die Walkure" (pardon me, "The Valkyrie").

I Love This Recording.......2002-04-05

I was a little suspicious when approaching this English-language version of Das Rhinegold. I was considering assembling this as my third RING set (behind Solti and Levine) and had listened to THE VALKYRIE (Die Walkure) with a little initial disappointment. Although the live sound quality was very interesting, the tempo was much slower than I was used to and thus a little disconcerting, and the English words were harder to understand than I had hoped. Nevertheless, I persevered and listended to THE RHINEGOLD (probably my favorite of the four RING operas, although I know this puts me in a minority) and was amazed. Best of all, after listening to this album I revisited the Goodall VALKYRIE and discovered a new appreciation! Now the Goodall set ranks as one of the best I've heard. It just needed to get under my skin a bit.

What's so good about it? Three things stand out for me: First, the slow tempi that were a litle rough at first actually allow, upon repeated listenings, a new discovery and understanding of Wagner's unfathomable genius. Every nuance is slowed down just enough to be fully accessible. Second, the modern English translation really does make this a different experience...my initial mistake was thinking that English lyrics could allow me to listen to this as background music, and that's not the case. However, if one devotes the same attention to this as a German recording, the time wil be richly rewarded. Finally, the smaller orchestra creates an almost chamber music-esque setting, which compliments the music in an undefinable way. Despite being in English, this is almost more Germanic than original-language recordings.

I still probably wouldn't get this as the first foray into Wagner's RING (I still think Solti or Levine are the choices for that). But for someone who already has some familiarity with the work, this will provide a lifetime's enjoyment. Cudos to Chandos for resurrecting these recordings!

The Goodall Ring - 1975 - Restored and Remastered.......2001-06-08

I have been curious about this for years. When I saw the packaging, I wondered whether this was the same Ring that has been kicking around for a couple of decades from the Sadler's Wells performances of the mid-70s. News flash: It's the same. However, the box says that it's been re-mastered with something called 24-bit digital mastering. Since I never heard the old records, I have no idea if this is better. Judged on its own, the sound is terrific. This live recording really places the listener in the theater with clarity and authentic spaciousness. So often, a live recording will capture the audience up close, then the orchestra, then the singers, cataloguing every throat being cleared and every bow being tapped. Somewhere in the distance, the singers voices follow their heavy tread over the stage. Not here. There is an intimacy to the sound here that approximates sitting in about the tenth row back in a large hall. It doesn't sound like the opera's being played in your room; it sounds as though your room has been transformed into a medium sized theater. I found it uncanny.

As to the experience of the drama in English, that too is remarkable, at least for someone like me whose home-tongue is English. The drama takes on an immediacy that I have never experienced before. This factor alone is why you should explore this Ring. I can't overemphasize the impact on me that this recording had on me because it was in English and because it was well-acted. Surely this is what Wagner meant, at least dramaturgically (obviously allowing that you can't actually see the action).

Overall, the singing is competent, and in some places, it's excellent. None of the cast really stands out musically. Norman Bailey's wobbly Wotan could have certainly benefitted from a deeper, richer tone. Still, and perhaps more importantly, he creates a god who is clearly unsure of where the moral highground is, even when he's standing on "an open space on a mountain summit." Everyone, for that matter, is dramatically convincing, especially Emile Belcourt (Loge) and Derek Hammond-Stroud (Alberich) and Robert Lloyd (Fasolt), all of whom, by the way, have excellent diction. And speaking of diction, I almost could have done without the libretto when the men were singing. Not so with the women, whose diction was uniformly wanting.

Goodall's pace is notoriously glacial. Still, it's interesting to hear it parsed in this way, and I never had the feeling that I was going to fall off the world. Which is to say that the tempos were deliberate, not affected. This was definitely a labor of love for RG and the English National Opera. The orchestra is a little thin sounding, and perhaps, not entirely up to the score. Occasionally a horn mis-blew and a cello creaked. This is unavoidable in live performances, I suppose. Still, there is a surprising sense of smallness to the ensemble, even though there's never a moment when the balance between singers and players is lost. As a result, the overall effect is a balance of clarity and urgency that is clearly the upside of Goodall's idiosyncratic "vision" of the score. Not a huge or "erotic" sound, but always committed, intelligent, and sometimes impassioned.