Bard Song

Bard Song

Track Listings

1. Bard Song

2. Where Have You Gone

3. King of the Fairies

4. You'll Never Be the Sun

5. This Irish Land

6. Banish Misfortune

7. The Queen

8. Women of Ireland

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Rhianon “Name taken from a Celtic Goddess, and this lady sounds like one!” (Thomas Simms) Rhianon's musical career began at a very early age with musical influences ranging from Country to Classical, to musical theater and opera. Rhianon's formal musical training began at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma where classical music and opera were the main focus of her voice performance major. Rhianon had the unique opportunity to perform with the Tampa Bay Opera Company shortly after graduating from University, however, her opera career was short lived as |Rhianon relocated to Virginia in 1996 and became involved with the Virginia Renaissance Faire. It was Rhianon's work with the Faire that she developed a lasting love for traditional Celtic music. The multi-talented Rhianon is virtually a one “man” band where she not only sings, but is accomplished on the flute, tin whistle, bodhran, and piano. Known for her soulful ballads, Rhianon's repertoire contains lively jigs and reels, haunting airs on the flute and whistle, and classical selections with added original songs to accent the more traditional tunes.

Notable Performances have included:  Virginia Renaissance Faire, Frederiscksburg, VA.  B105's Winter Wonderland, also in Fredericksburg, VA.  Clifftop Knights Festival, Clifftop, W.VA.  Border's Café, Fredericksburg; and Sterling Fest, Sterling, VA.  Luna Park Grille, Arlington, VA.  Fogg Dogg, NW Washington, DC  Just Plain Folks East Coast Tour Showcases:  The Great House Tavern, Avondale, PA  Melodee Music Studio, Sterling, VA  Celtic Crossings, Chicago, Ill with Sheila O'Donnell “Out of the Woodwork Productions” is an ensemble that Rhianon is a proud member of. The ensemble is a travelling group that teaches school children about the Renaissance Period, through acting and music.

Performances included:  Beckley High School, Beckley W. Virginia  Lake Anne Elemetary School, Reston, Virginia Rhianon is a member of BMI,WAMA and Songwriters Association of Washington.

Product Description
Bard Song is a mix of traditional celtic tunes and original songs written by Rene Zabel, aka., Rhianon.

Bard Song

Tracks:

I: Andante, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico
II: Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)
III: Scherzo: Allegro
IV: Finale (Quasi Una Fantasia): Andante - Allegro Molto
I: Allegretto
II: Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
III: Vivacissimo - Lento E Suave - Tempo Primo - Largamente -
IV: Finale: Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
III: Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)
I: Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagio
II: Allegro Molto Vivace - Doppio Piu Lento
III: Il Tempo Largo
IV: Allegro

Tracks:

I: Tempo Molto Moderato - Largamente - Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
III: Allegretto Molto - Un Pochettino Largamente
I: Allegro Molto Moderato
II: Allegretto Moderato - Poco Con Moto
III: Poco Vivace
IV: Allegro Molto - Allegro Assai - Doppio Piu Lento

Tracks:

Adagio -
Un Pochettino Meno Adagio - Vivacissimo -
Poco Rallentando Al Adagio - Allegro Molto Moderato - Allegro Moderato - Vivace -
Presto - Adagio - Largamente Molto - Affettuoso
Cantata: Oma Maa, Op.92: 'Our Own Land'
Tulen Synty, Op.32: The Origin Of Fire

Tracks:

I: Introductione: Allegro Moderato
II: Kullervo's Youth: Grave
III: Kullervo And His Sister: Allegro Vivace
IV: Kullervo Goes To Battle: Alla Marcia
V: Kullervo's Death: Andante

Tracks:

The Oceanides, Op.73
I: Intermezzo
III: Alla Marcia
I: All'overtura: Grave - Allegro/II: Scena: Tempo Di Menuetto - Allegro Moderato/III: Festivo: Tempo Di Bolero
Tapiola, Op.112
Finlandia, Op.26
Serenade No.1 in D, Op.69a
Serenade No.2 in g, Op.69b (Lento Assai)

Tracks:

Luonnotar, Op.70
Pohjola's Daughter, Op.49
En Saga, Op.9
I. Nocturne
II. Elegie
III. Musette
IV. Serenade
V. Ballade
The Bard, Op.64

Tracks:

Spring Song, Op.16
III. The Swan Of Tuonela
IV. Lemminkainen's Return
I. At The Castle Gate
II. Melisande
IIa. By The Seashore
III. A Spring In The Park
IV. The Three Blind Sisters
V. Pastorale
VI. Melisande At The Spinning-wheel
VII. Entr'acte
VIII. The Death Of Of Melisande
Valse Triste
Scene With Cranes
II. The Harp
III. The Maidens With Roses
IV. Listen, The Robin Sings
VI. Swanwhite And The Prince

Customer Reviews:

5 stars for the syms.......2006-03-18

with the Helsinki
3 Stars for the Bourgemouth on the poems.
But truth be told, no matter how EMPHATIC statements that his syms are not programmatic, that is fall into a logical step by step order, they are just that, very predictible.
I've given these syms 30 yrs, and lately I've lost interest.
While Schonberg, Berg, Webern, Varese were scoring creative new atonal/poloytonal works of new genius, here was Sibelius struggling with old forms, that fail to deliver anything really new. And he knew it, and bothered him to no end.
I feel there is way too much Beethoven/Bruckner(I like neither) influence in the syms for me to become a fan of the syms. I like the 1st sym "somewhat" that is I never listen to it, and small parts of the 4-7 syms. But I'm afraid I only like Sibelius pre 1905, the Kullervo, VC, tone poems. Here is where the genius of Sibelius truly lies.
The syms long ago held some interest, but lately i've moved on to Schnittke and Pettersson.
I also much prefer Vaughan Wialliams syms to all of Sibelius.
Sibelius was a genius in his element, that of representing the folk ideas of his land. His syms are like a string of ideas that lack the connective passages. IOW the whole is less than the few interesting parts.

Beautiful and comprehensive compilation of Sibelius works.......2005-09-29

For me, this has been the year of Sibelius. Previously, I had listened to (and enjoyed) Finlandia. I also had a couple of the symphonies but hadn't listened too them but once or twice. After listening to Finlandia again, I decided to seek out more SIbelius to sample. After some searching through reviews, I settled upon this compilation of works because it offered a large variety of Sibelius and seemed to be well-received. I have been very happy with this purchase! Not only have I spent countless hours listening to each of the 8 disks in this set, the enjoyment of the music has led me to many other wonderful performances of Sibelius by other worthy conductors such as Ashkenazy and Vanska. Still, this boxed set will always be fondly remembered as the one that introduced me to the wonders of so many of these pieces.

I was immediately captured by the haunting clarinet solo that begins the first symphony. All of the symphonies, performed by the Helsinki Orchestra, are recorded in very clear digital sound -- so the solo and the pecussion accompanyment were perfectly captured. I was hooked by the first symphony, but all of the symphonies are presented clearly and with outstanding interpretations. The Helsinki Philharmonic has always had a strong affiliation with Sibelius's music, and Paavo Berglund is a renowned Sibelius conductor who has recorded three separate symphony cycles (once with the Bournemouth Symphony orchestra, the 2nd time with these recordings, and a third time with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe). The commitment felt by the conductor and orchestra comes through in these performances.

In addition to the complete symphony cycle, there are a number of other treasures. A fine version of Finlandia is accompanied by a number of truly delightful tone poems such as Tapiola, the haunting Swan of Tuonela and Lemminkainen's Return (from the Lemminkainen Suite). These tone poems were inspired by the Finnish Kalevala. Other tone poems such as the Oceanides and Spring Song were inspired by Sibelius's love of nature. All receive strong performances by Berglund conducting the Bournemouth Symphony (in analog sound that is still quite good). The violin serenades (especially no. 2) were unexpected delights. The version of Kullervo is magnificent, as is the singing in Luonnotar and Oma maa. This set is a treasure trove of Sibelius treats!

excellent collection.......2004-06-28

This box set includes Sibelius' all symphonies, with Kullervo and his almost complete tone poems. The Symphonies are performed by Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Kullervo and tone poems with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. All of them conducted by Paavo Berglund, who always a champion on performer of Sibelius.

Even so there are his incidental musics: Pelleas et Melisande, Swanwhite, Kuolema and King Christian II.
Especially Pelleas and Kuolema (which includes ever famous Valse triste) are the most beautifuls. Pelleas et Melisande is a very impressive music, and the best "Pelleas" music with Debussy's Pelleas (opera).

Kullervo is symphony-cantata for two soloists, men-chorus and orchestra, which be constitued in 5 movements, comparable in artistically with Mahler's 2nd Symphony "Resurrection". Especially the last movement "Kullervo's Death" is very effective, pathetique.

And one more a vocal work, a tone poem for soprano and orchestra: Lounnutar. This is based on Kalevala again, and Luonnotar is creator of nature in this poem. It is a very radical work, like his darkful 4th Symphony and The Bard. I think, The Bard is one of the best works of the composer, with it's harmonis, dark colours, contemplative mood. Still, this was written in tragic E-flat minor. It is based on a mythologic creature which plays an harp, like lyre in Greek mythology. And in the last minutes there is a dramatic climax and then music slowly fades out.

And there is the best Tapiola recording, I've ever heard (with Petri Sakari's version at Naxos). This is based on Kalevala, again. Tapio is the name of the forest god, according story. There are very impressive contrasts between hypnotic, a little hesitated, light colours and dramatic darkful colours. The orchestration is marvellous again. Especially, in last minutes there is a terrific storm scene and it's very spine chilling. Climaxes (which played by brass) are very powerful...

This is a very good addition to collectors of Sibelius fans and any classical music lovers. Highly recommended.

A must for Sibelius lovers.......2003-01-07

Jean Sibelius is one of those composers who I feel that even on his off days he did well. While I certainly can't say I enjoy all of his music enough to buy (Sacaramouche for instance), most of his music is highly pleasureful. All of the pieces on this set, conducted by Paavo Berglund, save maybe one or two, are part of the later catagory.

This set consists of most of Sibelius's major orchestral music, with the notible exceptions of Night Ride and Subrise, the first two sections of the Lemmenkainen Suite, and the Violin Concerto. It also contains such rarities as Origin of Fire, Our Own Land, and excepts from Swan White.

Berglund, I believe, was the first to fully record a complete cycle of Sibelius symphonies. The recordings here are not from his first set (which I have not heard), but the second cycle recorded in the mid-80s. The symphonies and two canatas mentioned above are recorded in digital, while the rest is analog. It's all in very good sound, though not perfect. That they wanted to keep the D and A recodings on seperate discs is the only possible reason I can see for why they left out the Violin Concerto (there's plenty of room on disc 4).

Now of course, contents are one thing, but what really matters is performance. And suffice it to say, they for the most part shine. This has easily the finest Symphony 1 I've heard, and the finale of Symphony 5 (truly one of the greatest works of the 20th century) shines with brillance. Symphony 3 makes its mark nicely, and Symphony 2, while perhaps a bit on the fast side, is certainly up to par. The only disappointment is Symphony 7, which falls totally flat compared to Davis/BSO.

The two cantatas are wonderful rarities, but its disc 5 where the choral aspect is full played out -- Kullervo. If you've never heard this piece, it's a 75 minute long programatic symphony (to use to term losely) with many ups and downs. This was the first ever recording, and most say it hasn't been topped.

The final three discs contain shorter works. Especially noteable are the absolutely beautiful Serenade #2 for Violin and Orchestra, the hauntingly lovely Luonnotar, a very rousing version of Lemminkainen's Return, and a passionate Pelleas and Mellsande.

Of course, it's almost impossible to have this big a set without some disapointments. Beyond the aformentioned Symphony 7, there's also not overly convincing Finlandia, and a WAY too slow Karelia Intermezzo. Thankfully, the rest of the set makes up for it. It's a great deal at only about $7 a disc retail, and if you're like me, on you'll keep coming back to.

A terrific and near-perfect set.......2002-04-05

This release couples Berglund's classic Bournemouth recordings of the Kullervo Symphony and a host of tone poems with his most recent cycle of the Symphonies.

The Bournemouth recordings are legendary, especially the Kullervo, which belongs in every classical music library. There is a real warmth to these readings, which charms me into letting the minor flaws in playing pass. The sound is pretty good, though slightly muddy at times (particularly in Tapiola), and the selections have been excellently remastered.

The Symphonies, recorded with the Helsinki Philharmonic in superb digital sound, are a real peak in the discography. Berglund doesn't play his Sibelius lukewarm; his readings are sharp, neo-classical and very powerful. You won't confuse these recordings with those of Colin Davis to be sure. Very comparable to Maazel's earlier readings with the Vienna Philharmonic, but with less over-dramatization. His First, Second, Third, Sixth and Seventh are as good as any, and his reading of the Fourth, while rather bleak for my taste (I like the idea of some kind of softening at the end) is a coherent vision, almost harsh in it's execution.

I really like Maazel's Pittsburgh Fifth, and Berglund's recording in no way comes close to Maazel's splendor or power as a total conception. But, Berglund's middle movement is the best I've heard by far; the obsessively repeated melody seems to weave in and out of the orchestral fabric very seductively. Berglund's knack for architecture is spot on here.

Tracks:

I. Intermezzo. Moderato
II. Ballade. Tempo Di Menuetto-Un Poco Piu Lento
III. Alla Marcia. Moderato
Tempo Moderato - Soile Isokoski
Andante Festivo For String Orchestra
Sostenuto Assai
Nocturne. Molto Moderato
I. Elegie. Andante Sostenuto
II. Musette. Allegretto
Serenade. Moderato Assai (Quasi Menuetto)
Ballade. Allegro Molto-Vivace
Andante Sostenuto-Allegro Moderato-Allegro

Tracks:

Largo-Allegro
Allegro-Tempo Del Commincio-Moderato Assai-Largamente-Largo
Allegro Molto Moderato
Andante Molto Sostenuto
Il Tempo Largamente
Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Moderato Assai-Allegro
Tempo Moderato E Sostenuto
Lento
Scene With Cranes Op.44 No.2
Andantino
Commodo
Lento Assai
Largamente-Allegro Moderato

Customer Reviews:

More Great Sibelius from GSO/Jarvi.......2006-06-02

I recently purchased this 3-disc set new for about 18 bucks, including shipping and handling. Each disc has over 70 mins of music. More importantly, the performances are evocative and highly emotional. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (of Sweden, for those of you who might not know this) and Neeme Jarvi did a terrific job on the Sibelius Symphonies for the BIS label in the 80s. I have 'em all, and they are my favorite cycle.

These are more recent recordings done by Deutche Grammaphon, with somewhat different engineering, but equally satisfying sound (to me, at least). Purchasing this "Trio" was almost a no-brainer, given the price. Now that I have the set in hand (and in CD-player), I know that it was a good decision.

Whether you know nothing about Sibelius but want to hear terrific classical music-making, or you have some Sibelius and would like to hear some arguably definitive performance of the tone poems, this set is for you.

Enjoy, Adam.

Tons of Great Sibelius, All Very Well Done.......2006-05-23

I may be in a minority, but I think Sibelius is a far more successful composer of program music than of so-called absolute music. In fact, his most successful symphony, No. 2, has a definite program, and his most successful symphonic movement, the marvelous finale of Symphony No. 5, is also pictorial, supposedly inspired by a flight of geese and the bell-like music that their calls made as they passed overhead. So I believe these generously filled discs in the Trio Series present some of the best of orchestral Sibelius, including "Pohjola's Daughter," "En Saga," "The Oceanides," and "Tapiola." There are other favorites as well, of course, including "Finlandia," "Valse Triste," and "The Swan of Tuonela" (part of the spacious "Four Legends"), as well as some lesser-known (to non-Sibelians, anyway) masterworks such as "Luonnotar" and "Night Ride and Sunrise," a quirky, more interesting incarnation of the binary form that Sibelius tried out in the finale of his Third Symphony.

There's still more and more, including some music (such as "King Christian" and "The Bard") that is rarely heard but well worth hearing. In fact, if there are any clunkers here, I don't know of them. Sibelius emerges as a composer who rarely failed when inspired by literature, especially his beloved Kalevala, or the purely pictorial. Neemi Jarvi, whose baton is sometimes too fleet and whose interpretations sometimes skate along the surface of the music, is here inspired to give some of his finest interpretations (and there are many, many on CD). The Goteborg Orchestra has this music in its blood and proves the perfect medium for the dark vision of "The Four Legends," for the shimmer and sheen of "The Oceanides," or for the easy folksiness of "Karelia" and "King Christian." Fine, wide-ranging sound from DG as well. It's up-front but not oppressive, allowing woodwind and percussion detail to emerge with real clarity. Try "Night Ride and Sunrise" as an example; it's rarely sounded this alive in recording.

a perfect introduction to sibelius.......2006-02-18

this is a great set of Sibelius's work. There are some of unknown as as well known pieces. I recommend this work to introduce people to Sibelius and Sibelian's as well. neeme jarvi is a master interpreter of Sibelius work and the orchestra is brillent.

Shakespeare in Song: Songs & Sonnets Celebrating The Bard

Average customer rating:

John Denver does Shakespeare
Take a Bow, Will!
SIMPLY THE BEST CD OF ITS KIND!
A Must for Shakespeare Buffs!
A Wonderul Voice!

Shakespeare in Song: Songs & Sonnets Celebrating The Bard
William Clark
Manufacturer: Â© 2000 BCI Music, All rights reserved.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Poetry | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Songs and Dances from Shakespeare
Shakespeare Songs

ASIN: B00004W575
Release Date: 2002-01-01

Tracks:

When I Consider Everything That Grows [Sonnet 15]
Now, O Now [John Dowland]
Why Is My Verse So Barren [Sonnet 76]
Venus and Adonis
How Oft, When Thou, My Music, Music Play'st [Sonnet 128]
Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day? [Sonnet 18]
When My Love Swears [Sonnet 138]
O Mistress Mine [Twefth Night]
What Is Your Substance? [Sonnet 53]
What Is Love?
O Never Say That I Was False (Sonnet 109)
How Silver-Sweet Sound [From Romeo and Juliet]
Weary With Toil [Sonnet 72]
When That I Was [Twefth Night]

Customer Reviews:

John Denver does Shakespeare.......2007-08-03

I was disappointed in this CD. Unable to preview the tracks, I ordered it thinking it would be Elizabethan music. It isn't. Clark has a pleasant voice but the music is kind of '70's easy listening. In fact, the music and Clark's mellow voice seemed very much like John Denver's blander work.
I'd rather listen to the sonnets read than sung in this fashion. If I'd have been able to preview the tracks, I wouldn't have bought this CD.

Take a Bow, Will!.......2001-05-02

For beauty of vocal quality, phrasing, and meloldic line, this CD ranks at the top. Bill Clark has captured the nuanced essense of a Shakespeare sonnet with a a gracious air blown from Shakespeare's own time. I'm anxiously awaiting another CD from Mr. Clark.

SIMPLY THE BEST CD OF ITS KIND!.......2001-03-07

WONDERFUL MUSIC WITH ADDICTIVE MELODIES. BILL CLARK HAS A REAL TALENT FOR PLEASING THE LISTENER. ONCE YOU LISTEN, IT IS HARD TO STOP. PROBABLY THE BEST MUSICAL RENDITION OF SHAKESPEARE'S SONNETS THAT IS AVAILABLE TODAY.

A Must for Shakespeare Buffs!.......2001-03-06

This unique little gem of a CD is a must for the Shakespeare fan--be it teacher or simply aficionado. If you enjoy the sonnets, if you enjoy the guitar, if you enjoy folk singing, you'll love this. William Clark pours out emotion, humor, and talent in this novel undertaking. Make the Bard's words come alive in the classroom. Enjoy listening in your car. It's a winner!

A Wonderul Voice!.......2001-03-06

Bill has obviously mastered the nuances of Shakespeare, as evidenced by this innovative collection. He breathes fresh life into those pieces which we've all studied at one time or another, giving literary history a unique vision and unbridled passion.

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Tone Poems

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies [Box Set]
Sibelius: Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B0006AZQ0I
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

En Sag, Op. 9
Luonnotar, Op. 70 - Phyllis Bryn-Julson
Finlandia, Op. 70
Spring Song, Op. 16
The Bard, Op. 64
The Dryad, Op. 45 No. 1

Tracks:

Pohjola's Daughter, Op. 49
Night Ride And Sunrise, Op. 55
The Oceanides, Op. 73
Tapiola, Op. 112

The Last Rose of Summer: Best-Loved Songs of Ireland

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The Last Rose of Summer: Best-Loved Songs of Ireland

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009K9P8E
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Bax: The Bard of the Dimbovitza; In Memoriam; Concertante for Piano and Orchestra

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A polished Bax residuum

Bax: The Bard of the Dimbovitza; In Memoriam; Concertante for Piano and Orchestra

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

In Memoriam: In Memoriam - Slow And Restrained In Expression
Concertante For Piano (Left Hand) And Orchestra: I. Allegro moderato
Concertante For Piano (Left Hand) And Orchestra: II. Moderato tranquillo
Concertante For Piano (Left Hand) And Orchestra: III. Rondo: Allegro moderato
The Bard of Dimbovitza: 1. Gypsy Song
The Bard of Dimbovitza: 2. The Well of Tears
The Bard of Dimbovitza: 3. Misconception
The Bard of Dimbovitza: 4. My Girdle I Hung On A Tree-top Tall
The Bard of Dimbovitza: 5. Spinning Song

Amazon.com

Presently Chandos of England is the only label giving Sir Arnold Bax any currency. It has recorded nearly all of Bax's music, nearly all of it well done. Credit goes to conductors such as the late Bryden Thomson as well as Vernon Handley, who helms the present collection. This disc contains the premiere recordings of a tone poem, a work for piano and orchestra, and a work for mezzo-soprano and orchestra--Bax in three wonderful dimensions. Handley brings a tad more warmth to Bax's music than Thomson (who deftly captured Bax's darker aspects, especially in the symphonies); but the greatest credit must go to Chandos and its state-of-the-art recording technology. Bax enthusiasts will want this disc; newcomers won't find a better introduction. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

A polished Bax residuum.......2000-03-17

This is a first class CD in every way. It has 76+ minutes of premiere recordings of this composer whose name is becoming more and more mainstream. A friend tells me that 'Spring Fire' is now appearing on US concert programs and for that fact alone I am delighted. The only negative thing about this CD is that the three items are unconnected in every way and on the titles alone this may give the CD a certain 'motley' feel. I felt this as a negative gut reaction when considering purchasing the CD and I am so glad I overcame it. The opening work 'In Memorium' is not aptly named in my opinion. It will be recalled that Bax had similar problems with his Northern Ballad Number 3. 'In Memoriam' was written in the period of his life when he had just finished 'The Garden of Fand' and at the height of his powers in terms of pure inspiration. The music amd melody just gushed out of him at this time, this formidable skill as a phenomenon was a need to compose, not as later on when he was scatching his head in a Sussex pub trying to do a something for Royalty in his capacity of 'Master of the King's Musik'. This is total irony, the idea of Bax, the ultimate 'unashamed romantic' as a composer putting together Hanoverian processionals under peine dure et forte. The youthful passion of the 'Fand' years is depicted throughout this 15 minute work with one of those memorable Bax tunes that he later used as the Mr Brownlow theme in his musical score to David Lean's 'Oliver Twist'. Like the 'Fand' or the 'Coastal Command: Dawn Patrol' themes it is bitter sweet, reaching up slowly and the harmonies become more twisted as the theme attempts to over reach itself and falls back into a gentle sunset ending. The second work on the CD is a late work composed for his ancienne girl friend Harriet Cohen in 1948 (he had been with Mary Gleaves for about 20 years already)when she had damaged her right hand. It is well written and skilfully crafted, you would never guess ot was for one hand only. It is another stab at the British love affair with the piano and orchestra in the 1930-1940s. With the movoe scores like Addinsell's 'Warsaw Concerto' and Hubert Bath to the more serious John Ireland and Dyson, the romantic piano concerto exercised a fascination for the British public and this was an attempt, to my mind at least, for Bax to throw his hat into the ring of the flavor of that period. The work lacks the fire of his youth but his musicianship sees him through and this work, whilst not of his first calibre, is still pure Bax and worth an ocassional performance. The Bard of the Dimbovitza is a setting of five songs for mezzo soprano and orchestra to Romanian Folk Poetry. Bax does not imitate Romanian music any more than he grafts the reel or the jig into his symphonies. He sublimates the source of inspiration and produces a work of art that is personal and unique to him. The songs are all water colors of little dramas like Shostakovich's 'from Jewish Folk Poetry'. These songs are splendid and as character pieces they will delight with their folk color assisted by Bax's orchestration. The work has been unjustly ignored until the centenary in 1983 and then again until this recording. I hope many will hear its quality and enjoy its fresh vitality from Bax's prolific early 1920's period. Brilliantly played and recorded thoughout.

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Sibelius: Tone Poems; Songs

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bridge: String Quartets Nos. 1 and 3
Balakirev: Symphony No. 1; Islamey; Tamara

ASIN: B0001RVRH2
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Luonnotar, Op.70 - Dame Gwyneth Jones
En Saga, Op9 - London Symphony Orchestra
Night-Ride And Sunrise, Op.55 - London Symphony Orchestra
The Oceanides, Op.73 - London Symphony Orchestra
I: Nocturne - Sir Alexander Gibson
II: Elegie - Sir Alexander Gibson
III: Musette - Sir Alexander Gibson
IV: Serenade - Sir Alexander Gibson
V: Ballade - Sir Alexander Gibson

Tracks:

Karelia Overture, Op.10 - Sir Alexander Gibson
I: Intermezzo - Wiener Philharmoniker
II: Ballade - Wiener Philharmoniker
III: Alla Marcia - Wiener Philharmoniker
Swan Of Tuonela, Op.22 No.2 - Wiener Philharmoniker
Finlandia, Op.26 - Wiener Philharmoniker
Pohjola's Daughter, Op.49 - BBC Symphony Orchestra
The Bard, Op.74 - Sir Alexander Gibson
Festivo, Op.25 No.3 - Sir Alexander Gibson
The First Kiss, Op.37 No.1 - Geoffrey Parsons
Spring Is Flying, Op.13 No.4 - Geoffrey Parsons
The Tryst, Op.37 No.5 - Geoffrey Parsons
Black Roses, Op.36 No.1 - Geoffrey Parsons

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A Wee Bit O'Heaven
Legendary selections by a legendary voice

Legendary Irish Tenor

Manufacturer: Goldies
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Great Voices of the 20th Century
The Voice of Ireland: 25 Popular Songs and Ballads

ASIN: B00005RVT2
Release Date: 2001-11-26

Tracks:

Mother Machree
Kathleen Mavourneen
Killarney
Dear Little Shamrock
Ave Maria
Little Love, A Little Kiss
Macushla
Wearing of the Green
Where the River Shannon Flows
Eileen Alannah
Molly Brannigan
Low Back'd Car
I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby
Angels Guard Thee

Tracks:

My Wild Irish Rose
Serenata
Come into the Garden, Maud
Turn Ye to Me
Somewhere a Voice Is Calling
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Barcarolle
Sunshine of Your Smile
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Rose of Tralee
Ireland, Mother Ireland
Mother O' Mine
Bard of Armagh
Irish Emigrant

Tracks:

I Hear You Calling Me
Star of the County Down
Londonderry Air
She Moved Thro' the Fair
Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Kerry Dance
South Winds
By the Shortcut to the Rosses
Fairy Tree
Harp That Once Thro' Tara's Halls
Garden Where the Praties Grow
I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Bantry Bay
Dawning of the Day

Customer Reviews:

A Wee Bit O'Heaven.......2007-07-26

I have been looking for John McCormack on CD for years. I was thrilled when I found this and other CDs on Amazon. I have an LP that I bought decades ago and I have almost worn it out. The CD quality music is so much better!

Legendary selections by a legendary voice.......2004-03-24

With special emphasis on the variety presented in this collection, this album has a broadness of scope that will appeal to anyone who appreciates the magic of the human voice.
McCormack was perhaps the most popular entertainer in the world during his career, comparable with the superstars of today, only richer in the currency of his day.
Though purists may have criticized his shift to the popular venue as opportunism, and perhaps desertion of his training in the classical tradtions, he was simply presenting what people wanted to hear. Whether he set a pattern of career management followed by modern entertainers or was simply happiest when the accolades flowed over him matters not. The talent and richness are his legacy to us.
His range and vocal dexterity are well illustrated and represented by this larger than usual collection, and anyone with a particular favorite tune in his rather loose genre will likely find it here.
After a journey through this collection, listeners may well gain another special melody or two for addition to their personal list of "best ever" songs and singers.
Although it may be considered a bit foolish, some will choose this album for only one or two tracks. Some call that trait wasteful, but when a jewel of performance is played again and again, the teardrop may fall once more, and the heart will thrill yet again.
This album will please many musical palates, even those who claim no special fondness for "Irish Tenors."

Ena Freeman sings Shakespeariana - A Musical Journey Inspired by the Bard

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Ena Freeman sings Shakespeariana - A Musical Journey Inspired by the Bard

Manufacturer: Ena Freeman
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD