Magica [Import]

Magica [Import]

Magica [Import]

Track Listings
 
1. Discovery
2. Magica Theme
3. Lord Of The Last Day
4. Fever Dreams
5. Turn To Stone
6. Feed My Head
7. Eriel
8. Challis
9. As Long As It's Not About Love
10. Losing My Insanity
11. Annica
12. Otherworld
13. Magica (Reprise)
14. Lord Of The Last Day (Reprise)
15. Magica Story
16. Annica

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Already heralded as the best album from Dio since 'Holy Diver' this Japanese edition is out a week earlier than the domestic & features 1 exclusive bonus track 'Magica Story'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Magica,Dio,Universal/Polygram,Heavy Metal
Caverna Magica
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • If only one...this is the one to have.
  • who scratched my album?
  • All titles!
  • Where's "La Paix Verde"?
  • Wonderful music
 Caverna Magica
Andreas Vollenweider
Manufacturer: Kin Kou
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Down to the Moon
  2. Behind the Gardens-Behind the Wall-Under the Tree
  3. White Winds
  4. Magic Harp
  5. Dancing with the Lion

ASIN: B0009VBTA0
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

  1. Cavergna Magica
  2. Mandragora
  3. Lunar Pond
  4. Schajah Saretosh
  5. Sena Stanjena
  6. Belladonna
  7. Angoh!
  8. Huiziopochtli-Con Chiglia
  9. Geastrum Coronatum
  10. Pace Verde (Bonus Audio Track)
  11. Rilaex (Bonus Audio Track)
  12. Hey You! Yes, You... (Bonus Audio Track)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars If only one...this is the one to have........2007-05-17

This one flows. It is intricate and the transitions from cut to cut are seamless. Really enjoyable and doesn't get old or tired. Down To the Moon and White Winds are good but this is a 5 star to their 4's.

3 out of 5 stars who scratched my album?.......2007-03-06

Still love the music, but this disc is not true to the original. Between tracks you will hear sounds Andreas never intended. Maybe I just got a bad copy, but it is a lot like getting a much loved album back from a friend and finding little pops where there had been none. Good music, bad transfer to the digital world.

5 out of 5 stars All titles!.......2007-01-19

I'm a huge fan of Andreas Vollenweider, in fact I purchased "Caverna Magica" when it was first released on vinyl. I have several of his albums which I've recently purchased on cd. The sound of his harp is truly mesmerizing!

4 out of 5 stars Where's "La Paix Verde"?.......2005-12-03

My original version of Caverna Magica from 1983 on Columbia Records has after "Geastrum Coronatum" a 0:45 track called "La Paix Verde." It began with the sound of something heavy being dropped in a large tank of water, followed by the sound of whales. Why did they leave that off? This is not to be confused with "Pace Verde." Also, "Huiziopotchli" and "Con Chiglia" as one track?! What were they thinking? It's two separate tracks on my CD. One more thing--why is "Hey You, Yes You" on virtually every Andreas CD as a bonus track? It's already the starting track for "Vox." Why the overkill?

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful music.......2005-09-25

If you like electronic music and a great feeling of a concert given within the cave then this is a must have.

Listen to the samples for a very understated example of how wonderful the album is.

Andreas at his best.
Magica
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Dio's Masterwork
  • 4 and 1/2 stars-a very important release!
  • Dio's best album? Yes.
  • A step back in the right direction!
  • finally
 Magica
Dio
Manufacturer: Spitfire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Killing the Dragon
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ASIN: B00004RJ1C
Release Date: 2000-03-21

Tracks:

  1. Discovery
  2. Magica Theme
  3. Lord Of The Last Day
  4. Fever Dreams
  5. Turn To Stone
  6. Feed My Head
  7. Eriel
  8. Challis
  9. As Long As It's Not About Love
  10. Losing My Insanity
  11. Otherworld
  12. Magica (Reprise)
  13. Lord Of The Last Day (Reprise)
  14. Magica Story

Amazon.com

With the emergence of a new generation of heavy bands spearhead by Korn, Slipknot, and that lot in the 1990s, few expected to ever hear again from Ronnie James Dio. Yet he and his band have soldiered on defiantly. Magica is all big hair, big guitars, old-school metal. A concept album inspired by the Book of Magica, this is good-and-evil, swords-and-sorcery stuff, the musical equivalent of a game of Dungeons & Dragons--and likely to share the same fans. With its guitar solos, stadium anthems, and lyrics about wizards and demons, Magica feels dated, but promises a good time for a certain segment of heavy-music fans. --Robert Burrow

Album Description

Domestic edition of the album already being heralded as the best album from Dio since 'Holy Diver'. 14 tracks including 'Discovery', 'Magica Theme' & 'Lord Of The Last Day'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Dio's Masterwork.......2007-01-18

After all these years and several mediocre albums Ronnie James Dio pulls out all the stops to produce what is in my opinion the best album of his career. "Magica" is a concept album that tells a story from beginning to end. Although the songs are broken down into individual tracks the album is really one long story. I have always thought the Dio would be great at it if he ever tried to move in this direction and I am not disappointed. Being a fan of progressive rock, this album for me is the culmination of the potential Dio has shown over the years. The album is not a pure prog-metal album, but certainly leans in that direction with expanded use of keyboards and several tunes that stretch out musically in a more complicated direction. The storyline of the album concerns a fantasy world in which would rival many of our modern fantasy novel writers. The story is included in written form with the album and Ronnie also reads the whole thing as a spoken word piece as a bonus at the end of the album. In all it is just over 18 minutes long. I am not going to go into the particulars of the story here, but suffice to say it is complicated and well thought out. The music on the album is also very good with Craig Goldie putting in by far his best studio effort on a Dio album. Jimmy Bain is back in the fold on bass and Simon Wright is allowed a much more expansive roll on drums that we ever heard in his AC/DC days. Scott Warren completes the lineup on keys. Dio's voice is as strong as ever and the album contains his best vocal work since "Lock Up The Wolves" a decade earlier. I caught Dio on this tour and he had the guts enough to do this entire album live from start to finish. Some of the fans, just there to hear the hits, seemed disappointed, but for those of us who are a bit more musically adventurous it was an incredible musical journey. Fans looking for the more straight ahead metal Dio might be disappointed in this release, but given a few spins you realize just how strong an album this is. Along with "Lock Up The Wolves" this album is essential listening to my ears.

4 out of 5 stars 4 and 1/2 stars-a very important release!.......2006-12-29

First off, I want to stress again the four "and a half" rating I am giving to Magica, as I gave to Lock Up The Wolves; both are "near classics" that IMO just barely miss the classic/five star rating I granted to Dio's first four solo albums (Holy Diver, Last in Line, Sacred Heart and Dream Evil). After two dissapointing releases in the 90s (Strange Highways, Angry Machines), Ronnie James again shook up his band line up and not only managed to produce a highly original and successful CONCEPT album (a first for Dio), but possibly his band's best effort since Dream Evil. However, a warning to old school Dio loyalists: if you have read all the rave reviews and are expecting another Holy Diver or Last In Line, beware, you will be dissapointed, as I was at first. Put aside your preconceptions as to what Dio should be, give Magica at least a few spins before you judge it, and you will most certainly walk away happy after experiencing this very impressive release.

5 out of 5 stars Dio's best album? Yes........2006-08-07

This is the best album Dio has ever recorded. After two lesser albums, Dio comes back with Magica. I know it isn't another Holy Diver or Last In Line, it's totaly different, but also better, if you ask me. It's a concept album, which makes the music interesting. The soundquality is very high, much better then the older Dio albums. Ronnie James Dio sings as good as on Holy Diver, maybe even better. Simon Wright does a very good job here, I like him a lot better then Vinni Appice. The keyboardplay is also a lot more on this album then on other Dio-albums. it's great. You can really feel the magic when you're listening to this masterpiece. Every song is great, no metal fan should be without this album.
The band is:
Ronnie James Dio - Vocals
Craig Goldy - Guitars
Simon Wright - Drums
Jimmy Bain - Bass
Scot Warren - Keyboard

If you don't have it yet, then buy it today! Like I said before, no metal fan should be without this masterpiece.

4 out of 5 stars A step back in the right direction!.......2006-05-05

A lot of people will tell you that MAGICA was a glorious comeback for Dio after several lackluster albums in the 1990s. Personally, I think this album was more the BEGINNING of a comeback which continued with KILLING THE DRAGON and culminated with the awe-inspiring MASTER OF THE MOON.

MAGICA is a great album that is in some ways very similar to classic '80s Dio, but very different in other ways. The vocals, lyrics and the lead guitar style are very much in the classic Dio vein. Gone are the industrial/modern metal tendencies from the Tracy G era. Dio has also toned down his use (overuse) of dissonance from the last two albums, opting for a more pleasingly melodic vocal approach. The songwriting is very different, much more dramatic and complicated than the straight-forward Dio albums of old. The songs are very good but not quite as easy to rock out to as some of the simpler, older material. Also, the use of synthesizers tends to add atmosphere at the expense of heaviness at times.

The guitar riffs and solos are back to the classic style thanks to Craig Goldie's return. Goldie's solos are melodic and tasteful without sacrificing speed and energy. Overall he puts in a masterful performance. My only complaint is that his guitar tone seems overly processed at times: I would have preferred a more classic and natural tube tone, but that may have hindered the whole sci-fi/fantasy atmosphere Dio was going for with this album.

The songs "Lord of the Last Day" and "Fever Dreams" are my two favorites from this album. Both are absolute 5-star Dio classics in my opinion. "Fever Dreams" in particular reminds one of classic '80s Dio, yet is still fresh and original. The lyrics, vocals, riffs, solo, bass, and drums are all absolutely perfect. In fact, "Fever Dreams" is probably my choice for the best Dio song of all time. Every other song on the album is good in my opinion, but none of them are really "greatest hits" material. If there were just one or two more truly great songs, this would have been a five star album. Still, MAGICA is a classic on the album level, with the lyrics, musical interludes, and brief narrations between tracks bringing the individual songs together into a very pleasing whole. The only caveat to my rating is Ronnie's 14+ minute narration of the story of Magica. The story is interesting enough within the context of the songs, but seems a bit silly on its own. Also, unfortunately and unexpectedly, Ronnie is not a very good narrator. We all know he can sing lyrics in a song just the right way to bring home the point and the emotional content, but this ability just doesn't cross over to his narrating skills. Sorry Ronnie!

MAGICA stands alone in Dio's catalog as a unique album stylistically speaking. Yet it has enough in common with classic Dio, and its experimental aspects are carried out well enough, that any Dio fan should thoroughly enjoy MAGICA!

A final addendum: the bonus track "Annica" found on the Japanese edition of MAGICA, while only an instrumental, is absolutely fantastic, and features some of my favorite guitar work ever by Craig Goldie!

5 out of 5 stars finally.......2006-02-02

After Lock Up the Wolves DIO went on a different musical direction. That could be very good, but I could not follow him into the direction went. Strange Highways and Angry Machines are both very bad. But this album is a step into the right direction. Although this album is very slow, the music is very good. After this album it even gets better with Killing The Dragon!! But okay. This album has a very interesting concept, and the music is of high quality. Sometimes a little bit plodding, but still very good. I was so happy with this album, DIO IS BACK AGAIN!
Magica/Killing the Dragon
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Magica/Killing the Dragon
    Dio
    Manufacturer: Recall Records UK
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000NA2PR8
    Release Date: 2007-07-03

    Tracks:

    1. Discovery
    2. Magica Theme
    3. Lord Of the Last Day
    4. Fever Dreams
    5. Turn To Stone
    6. Feed My Head
    7. Eriel
    8. Challis
    9. As Long As It's Not About Love
    10. Losing My Insanity
    11. Otherworld
    12. Magica - Reprise
    13. Lord Of the Last Day - Reprise
    14. Magica Story

    Tracks:

    1. Killing the Dragon
    2. Along Comes a Spider
    3. Scream
    4. Better In the Dark
    5. Rock & Roll
    6. Push
    7. Guilty
    8. Throw Away Children
    9. Before the Fall
    10. Cold Feet
    Terra Magica: Planet of Light
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Deuter: Planet of Light (Terra Magica)
    • DEUTER'S BEST
    		 Terra Magica: Planet of Light
    Deuter
    Manufacturer: Higher Octave
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000003Z16
    Release Date: 1995-04-18

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    1. Flowers Of The Amazon
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    5. Chi
    6. Night In Ubud
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    9. Shen
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    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Deuter: Planet of Light (Terra Magica).......2002-02-19

    Very great CD by Deuter!
    The style of this CD is a new musical Style (direction) of Deuter!
    The music is more like the musical style of Richard Burmer !
    Very Rythmic with much flutes and beautiful Keyboard-Spheres!

    5 out of 5 stars DEUTER'S BEST.......2001-11-06

    I discovered Deuter's music through a digital cable music channel a little over two years ago, and this was the first CD of his that I purchased. It's a terrific collection of New Age music that shows off most of the numerous moods and instrumental talents that he has shown over the last thirty years. I have since added nearly all of his CD's to my collection, and Terra Magica is, in my opinion, his best effort. In the ten tracks on this tribute to "The Planet of Light", Deuter has leaned heavily toward his "celebration" side as opposed to his "meditative" side. This is a must buy for all New Age music fans. So far the only recording he has done for the Higher Octave label, it plays like a "best of" album, but is all new music. Deuter is one of the fathers of the New Age genre, and this is definitely a choice offspring not to be missed.
    Respighi: La Boutique fantasque; Arrangement of Bach's Prelude & Fugue in D major; La pentola magica
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Respighi: La Boutique fantasque; Arrangement of Bach's Prelude & Fugue in D major; La pentola magica

      Manufacturer: Chandos
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B00009V903
      Release Date: 2003-07-22

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      2. Tarantella. Allegro Con Brio-Vivo-
      3. Mazurka-Vivo-Lento-Moserato-Piu Vivo-Poco Meno-Vivacissimo-
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      7. Nocturne. Andantino-Allegretto-
      8. Galop. Vivacissimo-Allegro Brillante-Prestissimo-Tempo I
      9. 1 Prelude (Grechaninov). Andante Con Moto-
      10. 2. Armenian Song. Andante Lento-
      11. 2bis Dance. Moderato-Piu Animato-
      12. 3. Entry Of The Tsar With The Bridegrooms
      13. 4. Scene Of The Tsarevich. Andante-Allegro
      14. 5. Dance Of The Tartar Archers-Allegro Non Troppo
      15. 6. Introduction. Allegro Vivacissimo-Khorovod Dance. Tempo Di Gavotta-
      16. 7. Cossack Dance. Allegretto Vivace-Piu Vivace E Sempre Animando-In Uno-Presto-
      17. 8. Dance Of Seduction By The Tsarevna And Her Retinue. Allegretto-
      18. 9. Scene Of The Kisses And Arrival Of The Tsar. Allegro-Moserato-Allegro Vivo-Allegretto-
      19. 10. Finale. Lento-Piu Mosso-Piu-Mosso-Lo Stesso Tempo/Allegretto-Tempo I
      20. [Prelude.] Allegro-Meno Mosso-Alla Breve (Allegro)-Adagio-
      21. [Fuge.] Allegro
      Masters of the Voice: Soprano
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Wild Variations of Quality
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      		 Masters of the Voice: Soprano

      Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B0002IQAR2
      Release Date: 2004-07-13

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars Wild Variations of Quality.......2006-12-15

      While many selections on this disc are enjoyable, some are absolutely execrable. Leontyne Price's performance of "He shall feed his flock/Come unto him" from "Messiah" is almost unbearably embarrassing to listen to, as is Mirella Freni's horrible "O Mio Babbino Caro." Equally baffling is the choice of Renata Tebaldi's "Un bel di", when there are far better performances of it available. A late recording of Birgit Nilsson's "Komm, o Hoffnung" does not do justice either to her or to Beethoven. One wonders why there are multiple tracks of Joan Sutherland, Cheryl Studer, and Montserrat Caballe, yet equally fine singers such as Margaret Price, Luciana Serra, and Hildegard Behrens are unrepresented. Get a pair of earplugs before listening to June Anderson's off-pitch, shrill quacking, hooting, and shrieking rendition of "Glitter and Be Gay," surely a lowlight of the album.

      5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2006-07-31

      I picked up this cd at the library and it just blew me away! What a great collection! I highly recommend it.

      5 out of 5 stars A real winner with plenty of talent........2004-10-06

      This 2-CD selection from Deutsche Grammophon, "Masters of the Voce, Soprano" follows a review we did earlier on the "Masters" series for tenors in which we rated the tenor package a success. This offering succeeds on multiple levels as well and proves to be an equally enjoyable listen. DG has put together 30 popular and diverse arias that not only give us a good sampling of some of the finest opera music being performed, but provides a sampling of some of the greatest operatic talent to sing those arias. We state at the outset that when reviewing a CD selection such as this, we don't set out to review the talent; the performers are first in their class and need only be acknowledged. Their work is neither new nor novel here. Rather, it is in the way the package is put together that earns either praise or criticisms - and no other. And that's what we offer here. First, with regard to the technical aspects of the recording: it is as you would expect from a digital transfer - smooth, clear and even throughout. This is a major plus when you consider that the performances were all recorded under differing circumstances, with different orchestras and choruses. Next, there is the selection of music. This can be tricky if not done well, but it was done well here and as a result gives us a pleasurable listening experience that offers continuity - meaning you don't have to sit with a clicker in hand waiting for that one cut that just seems out of place. There's none of that here; it's an enjoyable listen throughout. Lastly, but certainly not least, and what elevates this selection is the diversity of truly superstar singers. Joan Sutherland's lyric beauty truly shines when singing Rossini's "Bel raggio lusinghier" from "Semiramide" and "Ah, je veux vivre" from Gounod's "Romeo & Juliet", and the "Bell Song" from Delibes "Lakme". And it isn't just Sutherland's delivery that gets our attention. Brigit Nilsson's dramatic power in "Battle Cry" from Wagner's "Die Walkure" raises the hair on the back of ones neck. They're all here: Cheryl Studer, Kathleen Battle, Leontyne Price, Renee Fleming, Mirella Freni, Renata Tabaldi, Angela Gheorghu and more. Throughout, "Masters of the Voice: Soprano" offers a nice cross section from the lyric coloratura to the dramatic soprano, and a solid display of technical expertise in the way that the music is blended such that this 2 CD set can be added to anyone's collection with assurance that it will be enjoyed and listed to for years to come - and why not, it's some of the best.
      Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • This is a beautiful voice
      • My dream woman
      • This will get me crucified
      • Amazing!
      • Breathing Beautiful Life into Characters Commonly Dismissed
      		 Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias
      Vincenzo Bellini , Gioachino Rossini , Gaetano Donizetti , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Bruno Campanella , Kathleen Battle , Richard Croft , John Constable , Pal Christian Moe , Randi Stene , Mark S. Doss , and Ambrosian Opera Chorus
      Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Battle, KathleenBattle, Kathleen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Battle, KathleenBattle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Deutsche Grammophon: MusicDeutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
      2. The Bach Album
      3. Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
      4. Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
      5. Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall

      ASIN: B000001GH1
      Release Date: 1993-10-12

      Tracks:

      1. I Capuleti Ed I Montecchi: Recitativo E Romanza (Atto I): 'Eccomi In Lieta Vesta...Oh! Quante Volte'
      2. Tancredi: Recitativo Ed Aria (Atto II): 'Gran Dio! Deh, Tu Proteggi...Giusto Dio Che Umile Adoro'
      3. Don Pasquale: Cavatina (Atto I): 'Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere'...So Ancho'io La Virtu Magica'
      4. Linda Di Chamounix: Recitativo E Cavatina (Atto I): 'Ah! Tardai Troppo...O Luce Di Quest'anima'
      5. La Sonnambula: Scena Ed Aria Finale (Atto II): 'Oh! Se Una Volta Sola...Ah! Non Credea Mirarti'
      6. Il Viaggio A Reims: Aria (Atto I): 'Partir, O Ciel! Desio'

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars This is a beautiful voice.......2007-07-15

      Kathleen Battle has been the best soprano in her repertoire. She is always exquisite singing opera arias, lieder, chansons, spirituals or jazz.

      5 out of 5 stars My dream woman.......2007-01-10

      Another great recital by my dream woman. Battle's voice and style is not to everyone's taste, but that's why we can compare and choose which singers we love and adore! This CD has provided me with endless listening pleasure and I love every minute of it.

      2 out of 5 stars This will get me crucified.......2007-01-05

      She drops instead of leaping to the last note in arias, like Caballe does. When she doesn't drop, she slides to the last note in arias, like Gruberova does. Never (at least on this disc) does she make a clean break and leap like Jo, Sills, Sutherland, Pons and Callas do. To name the few I'm familiar with. It's a drag. She sings like a dream. She has a warm facility during the song. I've had her Mozart album for years and loved it. Not anymore. I got this CD ("Bel Canto") a couple days ago, ripped the wrapping off eagerly, listened hopefully for the 56 minutes or whatever it was (twice to be sure I hadn't missed something), then said to hell with it. There are lots of beautiful voices out there (Studer, Ricciarelli, Tebaldi, Gheorghiu, - it's endless). And I love them all up to a point. But when it comes to someone who calls herself bel canto, which she is, just a coloratura cop-out, and has an attitude like I've heard that she does to boot, I say why bother. Both her CDs are in my sack of classical rejects that one of these days I'm going to try to sell on eBay. Phooey! What a rip!

      5 out of 5 stars Amazing!.......2006-05-22

      This is my first Bel Canto album and Kathleen Battle has a new fan. Her voice is so powerful and clear. Now I have to upgrade my stereo system to listen to her nusic 8-).

      5 out of 5 stars Breathing Beautiful Life into Characters Commonly Dismissed.......2001-06-13

      At last! This is the disc I have waited my whole life for: famed soprano Kathleen Battle showing her awesome talents in the bel canto repertoire. After glimpsing her coloratura abilities as Donizetti's Adina (L'ELISIR D'AMORE) and her ability to soar over ensembles as Mozart's Pamina (DIE ZAUBERFLOTE), we all knew that Ms. Battle was tailor-made for these arias and extended scenes. Miraculously, she never strains, her voice is creamy throughout its two and half octave range (listen to those high E's melt in her Amina's mouth), and her diction is remarkably intelligible. The above-mentioned gifts do not even hint at her ability for expression and gift for improvisation. One thing I have always loved about Kathleen Battle is the fact that she DOES improvise, breathing her own unique life into a characterization (listen to her Semele or Rosina for proof of this). This 56 minute CD has her tackle 2 apiece from Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini. Once again she shows her affinity for Rossini but, like the previous reviewer, I have to express my surprise and delight at how beautifully SONNAMBULA sits in her throat. In fact, in my own humble opinion, her version is even more impressive than Dame Joan's and Sumi Jo's for its sheer vocalism! In this 15 minute scene, she is lent admirable support from Richard Croft, Randi Stene, and Mark S. Doss but make no mistake: this is Ms. Battle's show. Consider me converted... then again, who am I kidding? I'm one of her biggest fans and supporters! Enjoy this gem of a disc--sit back and be astounded.
      Songs for the Good Life
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Beautiful...
      		 Songs for the Good Life
      Ruth McGinnis
      Manufacturer: Ruth McGinnis Productions
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. The Music Of Life
      2. Breathing Freely

      ASIN: B000CAFG7A
      Release Date: 2005-06-14

      Tracks:

      1. Flower Of Scotland
      2. Canon In D
      3. Amazing Grace
      4. Of Foreign Lands and Peoples
      5. Neil Gow's Lament
      6. Pennington Bend
      7. Ashokan Farewell
      8. The Good Life (JoJo's Dream)
      9. Celebrated Air
      10. Be Thou My Vision
      11. Midnight On The Water
      12. As The Deer

      Album Description

      A richly textured, beautifully produced album of instrumental classics featuring the elegant, reflective, golden toned violin artistry of Ruth McGinnis; an orchestral mix of Celtic, Folk, Sacred and Classical melodies.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Beautiful..........2006-08-14

      Ruth McGinnis is a very talented musician, and Songs for the Good Life is chock full of serene, beautiful, calm & lovely instrumental music. Songs include "Flower of Scotland" (the Scottish national anthem), the traditional song "Amazing Grace", "Be Tough My Vision" (an Irish folk melody), and more. Amy Grant and Vince Gill both make special appearances.

      This is lovely music for creating art - I listen to it while painting or making jewelry - or doing yoga. My sister, a massage practitioner, uses it when giving her clients a massage.

      Truly lovely. And don't miss the companion book, "Living the Good Life."
      Magica Melodia
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Baroque music at it's best
      • Stunning new twist on classical music....
      		 Magica Melodia
      Rondó Veneziano
      Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
      Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
      Orchestral PopOrchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
      InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
      New AgeNew Age | Imports | Stores | Music
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      1. Fantasia d'Estate
      2. Misteriosa Venezia
      3. Fantasia di Primavera
      4. The Very Best of
      5. Concerto Per Vivaldi

      ASIN: B0000073EX
      Release Date: 1991-10-21

      Tracks:

      1. Magica Melodia
      2. Rever Venise
      3. Venezia Lunare
      4. Gentil Tenzone
      5. Larmes de Pluie
      6. Estasi Veneziana
      7. Barocco
      8. Damsels
      9. Controcanto
      10. In Fuga
      11. Orion
      12. Canto d' Addio
      13. Incontro

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Baroque music at it's best.......2001-11-14

      I just love this cd. I heard them perform in Epcot in January of '91 and I just had to have the cd. My husband & I, along with our 9 year old son, would listen to it every sunday morning while we made breakfast. It brought me great delight. However, I say brought because somehow I've lost or misplaced the cd & I am longing to hear it again. Fortunately, I was able to find it here on Amazon.com & I am going to place an order right now and if I do happen to find the original one, that'll be fine because I can keep one in my car!

      4 out of 5 stars Stunning new twist on classical music...........1999-05-09

      While sitting in an outdoor cafe in Bermuda having sushi (!), the Bose system was playing this CD. My husband and I were mesmerized enough to stop eating in order to ask the maitre d' about this music. This music is lovely, enchanting, passionate and calming all at once. If you've never listened to Rondo Veneziano, you've missed something special.
      Dallapiccola: Tartiniana; Due Pezzi; Variazioni per Orchestra; Piccola Musica Notturna; Frammenti Sinfonici dal Balle
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Dallapiccola: Tartiniana; Due Pezzi; Variazioni per Orchestra; Piccola Musica Notturna; Frammenti Sinfonici dal Balle

        Manufacturer: Chandos
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        EtudesEtudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. Dallapiccola: Canti Diprigonia, Cinque Frammenti Di Saffo, Due Liriche De Anacre
        2. Luigi Dallapiccola: Sonatina canonica; Tartiniana seconda; Due Studi; Quaderno musicale di Annalibera
        3. Dallapiccola: Ulisse
        4. Luigi Dallapiccola - Orchestral Music
        5. Feldman: String Quartet (1979)

        ASIN: B000632POU
        Release Date: 2004-11-23

        Tracks:

        1. 1. Larghetto; Molto Espressivo, Ma Semplice - - James Ehnes
        2. 2. Allegro Misurato - James Ehnes
        3. 3. Molto Sostenuto (Tempo I) - Piu Mosso E Scorrevole, Ma Sempre Serioso (Tempo II) - Tempo I, Molto Sereno 'Qui Post Me Venturus Est, Ante Me Factus Est' - Tempo II - Tempo I (Funebre) - - James Ehnes
        4. 4. Allegro Assai, Ma Non Precipitato - (A La Musette) - James Ehnes
        5. A. Sarabanda. Lento; Flessibile - Appena Piu Mosso (Sempre Flessible) -Tempo I -
        6. B. Fanfara E Fuga. Mosso, Ma Non Tanto (Deciso) - Un Poco Meno (Allegro Marcato) - Moto Ritmato
        7. Piccola Musica Notturna
        8. Danza Magica. Calmo, Molto Flessibile - Rubato; Con Molta Fantasia - Pochissimo Piu Mosso E Sempre Flessibile - Calmo, Molto Flessible (Tempo I) -
        9. Ostinato. Presto - Poco Moderato - Presto (Tempo I) - Calmo, Molto Flessibile
        10. Sostenuto, Ma Deciso (Recitando) - Danza Di Apollo. Allegro Molto Sostenuto E Pomposo - Molto Flessibile - Come Prima -
        11. Ultima Danza Di Marsia. Andante Lento - Mosso, Ma Non Tanto - Andante Lento - Rapidissimo (Quazi Cadenza Ma In Tempo) - Andante Lento (Piu Stanco) - Mosso, Ma Non Tanto - Andante Lento -
        12. La Morte Di Marsia. Non Troppo Lento - Lo Stesso Movimento; Con Violenza - Flessibile - Con Violenza - Flessible
        13. Variazione I. Quasi Lento, Misterioso - Appena Piu Scorrevole - Tempo I - (Tempo II) - Tempo I -
        14. Variazione II. Allegro; Con Fuoco -
        15. Variazione III. Mosso; Scorrevole -
        16. Variazione IV. Tranquillamente Mosso -
        17. Variazione V. Poco Allegretto; 'Alla Serenata' -
        18. Variazione VI. Molto Lento; Con Espressione Parlante -
        19. Variazione VII. Andantino Amoroso -
        20. Variazione VIII. Allegro; Con Violenza -
        21. Variazione IX. Affettuoso; Cullante -
        22. Variazione X. Grave - Ancora Piu Lento; Misterioso - Grave (Come Prima) -
        23. Variazione XI. Molto Lento; Fantastico

        Music Track:

        1. Maniac Dance [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
        2. Manic Frustration
        3. Middle Earth [Import]
        4. Mousetrap
        5. Move Me [Import]
        6. MS 2000: Dreams & Expressions
        7. My Kingdom Come [Import]
        8. Nasty, Nasty [Original recording remastered] [Import]
        9. Night Ranger - Rock in Japan: Greatest Hits Live [Live]
        10. Obsession

        Music Track

        music track

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