Abigail

Abigail

Track Listings

1. Funeral

2. Arrival

3. Mansion in Darkness

4. Family Ghost

5. 7th Day of July 1777

6. Omens

7. Possession

8. Abigail

9. Black Horsemen

Tracks:

Story Continues
Frank Dies
Quidditch World Cup
Dark Mark
Foreign Visitors Arrive
Goblet of Fire
Rita Skeeter
Sirius Fire
Harry Sees Dragons
Golden Egg
Neville's Waltz
Harry in Winter
Potter Waltz
Underwater Secrets
Black Lake
Hogwarts' March
Maze
Voldemort
Death of Cedric
Another Year Ends
Hogwarts Hymn
Do the Hippogriff
This Is The Night
Magic Works

Amazon.com

Big news on the Harry Potter musical front: After scoring the first three installments in the series, John Williams has been replaced by Patrick Doyle. Still, Williams never feels far away. His main theme pops up here and there, and a track like "Voldemort," which eloquently illustrates the soul of a blacker-than-black wizard with thunderous cymbal crashes, shrieking horns, tumultuous strings, and a stately finish, firmly belongs in the Williams mode. Overall, Doyle acquits himself well. He can do light when needed ("The Quidditch World Cup," which starts out like some kind of jig), but mostly he's required to be ominous ("The Quidditch World Cup," which ends in martial war chants). Among the highlights are the aforementioned "Voldemort," but also the frantic, overpowering "The Dark Mark." Note that the CD concludes on a jarringly different note with three songs by the Weird Sisters, the group that performs at Hogwarts' Yule Ball. Led by Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, the ad hoc band also includes members of Radiohead and Cocker's side project Relaxed Muscle. "Do the Hippogriff" is a fast-paced rocker that somehow comes across like a grungy hybrid of Billy Idol's "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself." The other two songs--"This Is the Night" and "Magic Works"--are less obvious, and much better. Still, the contrast between these tracks and the instrumental score that precedes them may not be to everybody's taste. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth film (and soundtrack album) in the massively successful Harry Potter franchise-nearly $1 billion in U.S. box office alone-features a score by Academy Award-nominated composer Patrick Doyle and three songs written by modern rocker Jarvis Cocker, and performed by Cocker, Jonny Greenwood, Phil Selway, Steve Claydon and Jason Buckle-with all these musicians also appearing in the movie.

Customer Reviews:

A must have..........2007-07-30

This is a must have for any REAL HP fan.....had to have it! Along w/ the other ones available :)

Harry Potter moves on.. and so does the music.......2007-05-23

As a collector of movie soundtracks, it was unthinkable not to get this fourth album of the Harry Potter series. After reading the mixed reviews, I was apprehensive as to whether it would sit on my shelf collecting dust or get a good workout in the CD player.

I own all four albums, and as avid a fan as I am of John Williams, I would have to say "The Goblet of Fire" rates up there with "The Philosopher's Stone" (which really did set the standard for the rest of the following albums). In fact, I would have to say that "The Goblet of Fire" is my favourite. The music is quite simply beautiful and atmospheric. Standouts are "Harry In Winter" (this particular track I can't help but have on repeat mode in the car), "Death of Cedric" and "Foreign Visitors Arrive". "The Quidditch Cup" makes me want to catch the next plane to Ireland! And call me old-fashioned, but "Neville's Waltz" and "Potter Waltz" are pleasant and lovely to the ear.

As for the rock songs at the end, I usually bypass them. Some complain about the jarring disconnect between the orchestral aspect of the soundtrack and the loud rock of the end - well, at least they're at the end and not in the middle! And let's face it. How many people would have grumbled that those songs that featured at the Winter Ball were left out?

I've always loved the work of Patrick Doyle (e.g. "Sense and Sensibility" and "Much Ado About Nothing"), and this soundtrack is no exception. He didn't 'fill' John Williams' shoes on this score. He pretty much created a new pair. Harry's story and personality have shifted on. It would be remiss of us to think the music wouldn't evolve as well.

So has this soundtrack lost that feeling of magic? I would have to say a resounding 'no'. It's certainly a lot more listener-friendly than "Chamber of Secrets"!

The Magic is Gone.......2007-05-10

John Williams is not simply a hard act to follow...he's THE hard act to follow. Nonetheless this score falls far short. There was once magic in the land of Hogwarts.. themes were stated boldly and elevated the story, flurries of woodwinds nurtured scenes of flight. Doyle's score does dare to quote William's melodies at 3 points in this score. They are harmonized poorly and treated even worse. The rest of the score just goes downhill from here. He does introduce his own new "themes." These are presented as boring quarter note string lines that you can't seem to remember 10 seconds after you hear them. The rest of the scoreat it's best is a prime example of dated cliches. The dialogue scenes are overly sappy and the action scenes become hokey in an almost silent film music stlye. Watch the graveyard scene again and laugh, check out the dance scene where characters get lifted in the air as simple scales comically mirror their moves. The most common reaction to the music after viewing the film is "I don't really remember it as being good or bad." If you go back and watch it again I think you story will change. The magic is gone.

Atmospheric...But That's About All.......2007-03-31

One of the joys for me of the John Williams "Harry Potter" scores are the lush, melodic leitmotifs. On "The Chamber of Secrets" album alone there are wonderful themes for Fawkes, Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart, not to mention Colin, Hedwig and The Flying Car. They're charming, evocative pieces that stand alone apart from the moodier, more percussive tracks composed to accompany the actual movie. Unfortunately, there's nothing that even comes close to these in Doyle's "Goblet of Fire" score. There's certainly drama ("The Maze") and pathos ("Death of Cedric"), but nothing thematic that you'd want to hear over and over again. And what themes there are ("Neville's Waltz" for instance) I find woefully banal. (And don't get me started on the acid rock songs that close the album.) So this is a true movie score in the sense that it's pretty much all background music; it certainly creates atmosphere and serves as a reminder of the film's superlative visuals. But what works well in the theater doesn't translate very well for the home audio listener.

Musically Spellbinding.......2007-01-09

This album is a must for an Harry Potter fan, both young and old, from the mild to the extreme. I also recommend the entire collection of soundtracks to the movies. Each one is full of calm, soothing melodies we have come to enjoy from Harry Potter.

Average customer rating:

Bela Fleck's favorite Banjo Player
Tibet or West Virginia - Sensational
Deserves more than 5 stars
Incredible New Folk Music
Phenomenal

Song of the Traveling Daughter
Abigail Washburn
Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0009X7704
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Tracks:

Sometimes
Rockabye Dixie
Coffee's Cold
Red & Blazing
Single Drop of Honey
Eve Stole the Apple
Who's Gonna Shoe
Backstep Cindy/Purple Bamboo
The Lost Lamb (Chinese)
Nobody's Fault
Halo
Song of the Traveling Daughter (Chinese)
Deep in the Night
Momma

Album Description

On Song of the Traveling Daughter, Abigail Washburn sings simple haunting songs and plays the banjo. Musically, the album is one of the most bare-bones debuts in recent memory. Washburn and fellow producers Reid Scelza and Bela Fleck keep the focus where it belongs: on the singer and the song. The arrangements were built around Washburn's evocative vocals and clawhammer banjo style, and Ben Sollee's cello, an instrument that brings a dark, primeval feel to songs that sound like they're hundreds of years old. The sparse instrumental work of guitarist Jordan McConnell (of the Duhks), upright bass player Amanda Kowalski, fiddler Casey Driessen, percussionist Ryan Hoyle (of Collective Soul), keyboard and accordion player Tim Lauer, along with Fleck's national steel guitar and banjo, add subtle grace notes to Washburn's timeless tales.

Song of the Traveling Daughter is an old-fashioned album with a simple, textured beauty that unfolds with repeated listening. There's a flow to the music that draws you in and immerses you in Washburn's unique worldview. While the album is studded with gems, several tracks stand out. "Rockabye Dixie" is a brokenhearted lullaby full of loss and longing, co-written by Beau Stapleton of Blue Merle. "Coffee's Cold" is a jaunty ragtime blues, with a bouncy bass line and exuberant vocal delivery. "Eve Stole the Apple" is the most atypical tune on the album, full of odd rhythmic accents. Part field hollar, part old English folk song; the tune is marked by an impressionist lyric that blends Biblical and folkloric images. "Deep in the Night" is a poetic exploration of darkness that features one of Washburn's most stirring vocals and the accents of Tim Lauer's accordion. "Song of the Traveling Daughter," one of Washburn's Chinese songs, and another album highlight, was inspired by the classical Chinese poem "Song of the Traveling Son." "It's actually harder to put English words to music than Chinese," Washburn explained. "Chinese is all one- or two-syllable words and most have open vowels at the end of the word, so the language almost sings by itself. If it has a closed sound it's usually something soft like 'teng' or 'mang.' If you listen closely to 'Song of the Traveling Daughter,' you can hear how easy it is to put them to music."

Customer Reviews:

Bela Fleck's favorite Banjo Player.......2007-05-09

I've read through these reviews, and so many of them are from people who were blown away at one or another folk festival, and my story is no different. i went to Merlefest, planning to see and be impressed by some of the great olds and maybe some newgrass types as well, but was MOSTLY knocked out, and repeatedly so, by ms. Washburn and her collaborators in Uncle Earl. There were other awesome groups there, like the Redstick Ramblers, Toubab Krewe, oh, lot's of them, but what I still hear in my head weeks later is all Abigail Washburn, and that's a good thing.

Tibet or West Virginia - Sensational.......2007-01-28

I heard Abigail and the Sparrow Quartet in Tibet and then on Mountain Stage.
She is an incredibly talented musician and she has things to say which are worth listening to - musically and lyrically. She plays a mean banjo and has the voice of an angel. Don't miss her - she'll by at Wesleyan University - the Crowell Auditorium - on March 31, 2007. Pu it on you calendar if you're in that corner of the world.

Deserves more than 5 stars.......2006-09-16

My husband and I are singers, and he dragged me to a bluegrass concert in New York City, where I had the great good fortune of hearing Abigail Washburn as the opening act. I had never heard of her. Her music and performance touched me so deeply. She is a consummate artist who sings from the heart without affectation or ego (a rare find in the performing arts). And what a beautiful heart! I excitedly bought her CD that evening. It is great, to be sure, but nothing can compare to this woman in concert. It would be worth a drive of hundreds of miles to hear her.
I've now had the additional great good fortune of meeting Abigail (we share the same first name!), and she is a warm and sincere woman. I haven't been this excited by a musician in at least 15 years.

Incredible New Folk Music .......2006-07-19

Let me start by saying I am not a big fan of folk music. I play bluegrass banjo. But recently I've been experimenting with clawhammer banjo on a little openback I use as a travel banjo. I figured I'd try out this CD to get some clawhammer ideas. Wow. It blew me away. Earthy tones that are simple yet very powerful. The songs range from upbeat to haunting to spiritual to Chinese. Washburn has a rare combination of talent and creativity that really sparkles in this project. It's definitely not your grandfather's folk music.

Phenomenal.......2006-07-16

Anyone who attended the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival knows that Abigail Washburn stole the show - a show featuring Ricky Skaggs, Del McCourey, Steve Earl, etc. She took the stage at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, accompanied by Bela Fleck and others, and made history. She was the only performer who received a standing ovation.

This CD is what's right about music these days. More soulful and genuine than Old Crow Medicine show and more accesible than Gillian Welch, Abigail may be the best thing to happen to roots music in a long time. The song she sings in Chinese works so well. It doesn't even matter what the words really mean, because the melody and the singing are so beautiful the message comes across anyway. Each song oozes sincerity and life, from a singer a banjo player who knows her craft.

This is a great CD, and if she's ever in your area, got see and hear a wonderful musician.

Average customer rating:

Artistry at its best
Pure Beauty...
Good, but imitated.
Captivating
Excellent

Selling Insincerity
Abigail's Ghost
Manufacturer: Aesperus Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000OA25I6
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

) Mazurka
) Close
) Waiting Room
) Love Sounds
) Sellout
) Dead People's Review
) Monochrome
) Windows
) Cerulean Blue
) Seeping
) Mother May I?

Product Description

The first full length release by the progressive rock band Abigail's Ghost. The LP consists of 11 original tracks including "Waiting Room," "Close," and "Mother May I?." With haunting artwork by Polish mastermind Konrad Krol and an inherently dark subject matter, the record is as visually stunning as it sounds.

Customer Reviews:

Artistry at its best.......2007-05-13

This album is everything I expected and more. The songs are smart, thought-provoking, and well-executed, and the lyrics are haunting. This album draws you in, and you won't be able to turn it off - at least I wasn't able to! All it took was one listen through "Monochrome," and I was hooked.

Talent this great is hard to find, and first albums are never this mature and original. All in all, "Selling Insincerity" is an incredible piece of artistry. Great work guys!

Pure Beauty..........2007-04-12

Abigail's Ghost hits home with their first album "Selling Insincerity" with intricate beautiful music. There is obvious Porcupine Tree influence throughout the whole album, and naturally I loved it seeing as Porcupine Tree is one of my favorite bands. Anyways, going right into it, the instrumental prowess each musician presents is brilliant.

Guitar playing is definitely cutting edge, proving to be both speedy and turbulent at times when it is needed, but then immediately switching to heart-felt emotional guitar parts; especially at solos, very mellow and cool! The heavy riffing, ambient clean guitar and entrancing accoustic guitar all compliment each other perfectly throughout the album. Great examples of this are in songs like "Close," "Dead Peoples Review," and "Seeping" just to name a few. It's obvious that guitarist, Josh Theriot knows a lot about the instrument and how to get exactly what he wants out of it, simply great.

The vocals and lyrical content are very free-flowing, great melodies and the harmonization is just fantastic. I also really like the voice the lead singer has, comparable to Steven Wilson, which is in no way a bad thing. Overall Theriot delivers again with bass player Kenneth Wilson and keyboardist Brett Guillory adding to their list of talents with this tremendous and emotional display vocals.

The drumming is absolutely magnificent, one of the first things I noticed about the song "Close" was how addictive and smooth the drum beats were. Another great song with really technical and perfectly controlled drumming is "Sellout." Great control on the snare and extremely powerful drum fills using the double kick. The whole album has great drumming, very talented guy here!

I was also a really big fan of the bass in this album. In most bands, the bass simply follows the guitar, not adding its own layer to the music. Thankfully this is not the case with Abigail's Ghost. The bass always adds its own element to the song as well as carries the song throughout the whole album. I find myself humming these addictive and catchy rhythms all the time, really good stuff.

Finally, although in some songs not as impactive, the keyboard adds another facet to Abigail's Ghost melodic songwriting. It is great because it doesn't go over the top. Exactly the opposite in fact, the lovely piano parts give many songs such as "Sellout" and "Monochrome" the perfect accent of ambience that send the listener to another place. In a word, beautiful.

Overall, the band is awesome and right now I bet you're wondering "if they're so great, what's with the four star rating?" I really enjoy their music, but at some points I often felt like they sounded very similar to Porcupine Tree. This is not exactly a bad thing, and since it is their first album, it's understandable that they may not have found their sound yet, but the vocalist seems to be nearly parallel with Steven Wilson with his approach on vocals. This doesn't kill the band though, and there is no doubt in my mind that Abigail's Ghost will eventually find their sound. I am anxious to see how great this band could get, they are already so awesome!

If Amazon allowed me, I would give this album a 4.5 it is a GREAT album and I would reccomend it to any fan of Porcupine Tree or just great music in general!

Good, but imitated........2007-04-10

Let me say that I agree that these musicians are definitely a talented bunch and create some great music ambience. However, I also must say that this is the most blatant imitation/copy of Porcupine Tree I've ever heard(In Absentia, Deadwing anyways, hence the 3 star review). As one reviewer said his g/f thought it was a S.W. project. That's because it sounds exactly like PT from the vocal style/timing to the bass & guitar interaction. If you dont believe me listen to Mother May I on A.G'g album then listen to So Called Friend by PT and try to tell me I don't have a point. After all that, we can hope these guys will be able to find their own voice on their next effort. If you just can't get enough PT buy this album and pretend it's them, =P

Peace

Captivating.......2007-04-08

A well done musical compilation. The songs are complex and involved, yet amazingly easy to just listen to and enjoy. Waiting Room & Monochrome are great! Their commitment to excellence shows with this album.

Excellent.......2007-04-05

I may be biased with this review, but I'll try and keep it simple. If you in any way like Porcupine Tree, Post-rock, Ambient-rock, Anathema etc etc, then please do yourself a favour and buy this CD. The guitar work, as mentioned elsewhere, is outstanding. My girlfriend actually thought she was listening to a Steven Wilson project; the playing, song-writing and production is that good. Go get it folks.

Average customer rating:

king diamond delivers again
Uninspired music from the King
While Not As Good As The Original, Abigail 2 Deserves Attention.
He Is Still the King!
A FANTASTIC ALBUM!! A FANTASTIC GHOST STORY!!!!!!

Abigail II: The Revenge
King Diamond
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005UQFD
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Spare This Life
The Storm
Mansion In Sorrow
Miriam
Little One
Slippery Stairs
The Crypt
Broken Glass
More Than Pain
The Wheelchair
Spirits
Mommy
Sorry Dear

Amazon.com

King Diamond's 1987 concept album, Abigail, is generally considered to be King Diamond's most significant release. Though 15 years have lapsed between its release and its sequel's appearance, it appears not that much has changed. Abigail II: The Revenge, features the kind of heavy yet catchy melodies, intriguing tempo changes, and grinding riffs that mark much of the band's catalog, with creepy mood music and Diamond's notorious shrieks added to the mix to fit the horror theme. The driving "Miriam" twists from chugging riffs into a sweeping melody. The keyboard-driven "Broken Glass" boasts nice goth touches, while "Slippery Stairs" borders on speed metal. At times, gestures toward advancing the plot undermine the music, and Diamond's demonic-growl-to-falsetto range remains an acquired taste, but musically the band has never sounded stronger. --Gail Flug

Album Description

The story continues with the doomed saga of the family La Fey, a cold-blooded tale of revenge from the master storyteller. Metal Blade Records. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

king diamond delivers again.......2007-03-31

well the king delivers again on abaigal 2, not being quiet as good as the first abaigal, then again why make part 2 sound the same as part 1 that wouldn't have made no sense, so i say the king did an excellent job on this album with the lyrics and music, theres only one disappointment with the cd and thats kings high notes, hes not singing much on the high notes like he did on the first abaigal. other than that it's a great album. take no chance just listen to it.

Uninspired music from the King.......2006-11-15

Wow, I cannot believe that so many people have called this a great KD album.....believe me when I say it is not! I am a big KD fan, and love most of his work, except this album. King focuses too much on the lyrics and the story, leaving the music in the background, with no memorable hooks or riffs, throughout the album I feel as if king is reading a book with music supporting him....this is what distinguishes his albums, the music. Abigail and Conspiracy where great because the story supported the music, not the other way around.

Buy this cd at your own risk...I did, and it was a big dissapointment.

While Not As Good As The Original, Abigail 2 Deserves Attention........2006-04-18

There is only one reason why I gave this 4 stars. THe album as a whole is great, but the last 2 or so songs are a bit pointless in some ways.

Ok, this album is a sequel to the amazing Abigail, one of the best albums in metal history. Musically, it's different than the original. If you're expecting the same thing as the first release, then you'll be surprised. This is nothing like Abigail other than the characters in it. You have to take into consideration that the main reason this was release was because so many fans requested it from King, so I think it's only respectful to give it a try. While not a bad album by any means, it is dragged down by a few 'weaker' tracks. This time around, the story is much more detailed than the original. Abigal is back, and it is time to exact her revenge on the person that tried to kill her insider of her mother years ago. The plot constantly unravels before you, showing Abigail as she drifts deeper and deeper into madness from her obsessions of vengeance. A big let down on this album is how 'uninspired some of the lyrics can be. There are a few songs that would better off not being on the album. Musically, there is no disappointment. It's a different approach, lot's of sound effects, keyboards, haunting cries and wicked female laughter in the background. The best song on the album in my opinion is "Slippery Stairs", with amazing solos by both Mike Wead and Andy LaRocque, some of which from Mike Wead sound so fast it's a wonder his strings didn't catch fire as he was recording them. All in all, this album is pretty damn good despite a few 'weak' tracks at the end. Though it could certainly have been better, it could just as easily been worse. Still, it's one of the few solid metal albums to be released in the 2000's that doesn't involve any 'nu-metal' qualities to it. If you're a fan of King Diamond, or just a fan of good metal in general, do yourself a favor and pick this title up.

He Is Still the King! .......2005-07-26

I'll begin with a brief rundown of where I stand. I share the common opinion that 'Abigail,' 'Them,' and 'Conspiracy' are the best. I think the healthy runnerups were 'Spiders' Lullabye' and 'The Graveyard.' For those of you who gave this record low ratings, I'm guessing you were expecting the same magic of 'Abigail.' I'll go so far as to say the 1st 'Abigail' was probably one of the closest things Mr. Diamond did to a perfect record. (Where story and music are concerned) We have to remember though that Mr. Diamond DID NOT originally plan to make this record. (Else it would have been made a lot sooner after the first 'Abigail.') Rather, he did it because so many of his fans wanted it. So, being that Mr. Diamond did it mostly in response to us, we do owe the record a chance. All of that said, onto the subject at hand. Andy La Rocque and Mike Wead may not get the attention that Jim Hendrix, Steve Vai, or Eddie Van Halen get. In my opinion, this is proof that being popular doesn't mean you're better than someone who is more obscure. The return of Hal Patino on bass is most welcome. While one will probably notice a musical difference between this new record and the original 'Abigail,' there is still a notable effort to hold on to the fine qualities of the 80s. (A trait sadly given up by Metallica and others.) King's vocals are top notch as almost always. If his impact of horror was slipping on 'Voodoo,' it more than recovered with this album. Without ruining the story, I will say 'Spare This Life' is a great opening with King's famous growls; the music and sound effects on 'Storm' are well done; the wording on 'Mansion In Sorrow' is captivating; 'Slippery Stairs' has some nice riffs; 'Broken Glass' could have been written by Edgar Allen Poe; (The keyboards are the perfect touch.) If I say much more, I will probably ruin the story, and I'd rather not do that to you. But it will suffice to say that in the spirit of King Diamond, revenge DOES NOT LEAD to a happy ending. (I think Hollywood still needs to figure this out, but we won't go there.) I know some people complained about 'recycled riffs,' but let's be fair. No matter how good a writer is, there will come a point in his career where it's either bring back some old ideas or risk having nothing at all. (Look at how the animated Batman series brought back some ideas from the 60s Adam West series.) All in all, if you are expecting the same magic of the 1st 'Abigail,' then you are probably setting yourself up for a disappointment. IF, on the other hand, you are willing to accept that King Diamond made this record in response to our request for it, that King's vocals are in tip top shape, that Andy La Rocque and Mike Wead may have been in better shape, but are still in great shape, that the great bass work of Hal Patino is back, and that King Diamond NEVER, REPEAT NEVER abandoned his style when Metallica and several others DID, then BY ALL MEANS, pick this record up. King Diamond may not get the applause that Metallica, Jim Hendrix, Britney Spears, Eddie Van Halen, and several others get. BUT, ask yourself: 'Who consistently made record after record that DID NOT drop in quality?' 'Who held onto his style while others looked for quick hits?' 'Who stayed true to himself and never sold out?' If your answer is King Diamond, then get this record.

A FANTASTIC ALBUM!! A FANTASTIC GHOST STORY!!!!!!.......2005-02-09

King Diamond has managed to once again put a a really TERRIFIC album!!! The songwriting and the guitar work are AMAZING!!(they ALWAYS are though!!)A GREAT follow-up to the original 1987 release(which is MY Personal favorite!!) This album is BEST heard with headphones(there are alot sound effects to add to the SPOOKY atmosphere of the album)This is one of those albums that gets BETTER each time you listen to it!! The production on this CD is great!! If your a BIG King Diamond fan,I don't think you'll be dissapointed in this purchase. To NEW listeners I recommend that you should listen to the first "Abigail" before listening to this album( so you can experience the FULL story).Be sure to check out King Diamond's entire catalog of music for other Fantastic Stories and Music!! This is a great album to listen to in THE DARK!! LONG LIVE THE KING!!AND LONG LIVE METAL!!! (PS):GREAT COVER ART TOO!!

Full Metal Jacket: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

Full Metal Jacket CD
BORING
Only One Good Track..
Not for everyone
Boot Camp scenes are hauntingly realistic

Full Metal Jacket: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Full Metal Jacket - Abigail Mead/Nigel Goulding
Hello Vietnam - Johnny Wright
Chapel Of Love - The Dixie Cups
Wooley Bully - Sam The Sham And The Pharoahs
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Parris Island - Abigail Mead
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Leonard - Abigail Mead
Attack - Abigail Mead
Time Suspended - Abigail Mead
Sniper - Abigail Mead

Customer Reviews:

Full Metal Jacket CD.......2007-07-25

My husband wanted music that was popular while he was in Vietnam and asked me to order this. I have not listened to it, but he seems pleased.

BORING.......2006-02-15

I am yet to understand why this movie is compared to the likes of Platoon. There is no question which of the two is the better one. I was bored out of my mind after an hour. I turned it off and then when I had time to waste, I finished it. I am sorry I did. 2 Hours I will never get back. I know that evertone is different, but if you have not seen this movie and are thinking about viewing it, do so on a Sunday when you have NOTHING else to do. The only highlight was the Drill Instructor. He managed to crack a smile out me on occasion.

Only One Good Track.........2002-10-14

The first one... The rest of the CD is movie instrumentals that are excellent for falling asleep to, but that's about it.

Not for everyone.......2002-02-21

Abigail Mead, the composer of eight songs of this soundtrack, is actually Vivian Kubrick, daughter of Stanley Kubrick.
The disc has 15 tracks:

The first song is a hip-hop/techno mix of the cadences sung by Sgt Hartman in the first part of the movie, it is not a beautiful or good and I don't think it was necessary to include it.

The songs 2 to 7 are songs from the sixties and hear them during the movie creates a "mood" for the movie, for example, the song These Boots Are Made For Walking, by Nancy Sinatra and the scene in Vietnam which a prostitute is walking fits just perfectly and watch the movie without this song would have much less effect. Although they are not complex songs and most of the lyrics are foolish it's worth to have them in the score because they made a good part in the movie.

Song number 8 is the Marine's Hymn, a nice inclusion even thought it's not likely that someone would play this song very often at home.

The rest of the score are the instrumental themes composed by Abigail Mead, some of them are quiet and peaceful like Leonard, and others are more aggressive like Parris Island, with some nice stereo effects.

This is not the best score for a Stanley Kubrick movie and I suggest you to listen to it before you buy or you can have some bad surprises like not listening to Paint it Black, because it was not included or odd songs like Time Suspended. Actually I would suggest this soundtrack for Collectors, Kubrick fans or people with eclectic musical taste.

Boot Camp scenes are hauntingly realistic.......2000-08-04

The best part of this movie is the beginning, when they show what a raw recruit goes through at Boot Camp. It brings back a lot of memories because it was so well done. Lee Ermey just is exactly what a DI is at Paris Island. All the nuances, the lingo, the discipline. The acting is all first rate. Also, the combat portrayals in Hue City showed the type of frustration that vets faced in Vietnam. Snipers were nightmares to deal with. By the time you snuffed 'em out, you lost three or four men. The other movie that, in my opinion is the best war movie ever made, is Hamburger Hill. That movie showed what real grunt life was like in the bush.

Average customer rating:

This is a must for any trombone player
this is my FAVOURITE trombone cd...
Umm, WOW!
way cool
Like trombones?

The London Trombone Sound

Manufacturer: Cala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

Trombonastics
Four of a Kind, Music for Trombone Quartet
Cream of the Crop
The Virtuoso Trombone
The London Horn Sound

ASIN: B00000FDDB
Release Date: 2006-11-20

Tracks:

Fanfare For CALA
Theme From 'The Pink Panther'
Someone To Watch Over Me
Domine Ad Adinuandum From Vespers
Intermezzo
Galop From Eight Aphorisms
Sonata Pian e Forte
Adagio
Layla
76 Trombones

Product Description

Cala once again brings you some of the finest orchestral musicians in London; this time the focus is on the trombone section. With outstanding arrangements by Eric Crees, principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra, this disc represents the ultimate showcase for this versatile instrument. In a blistering finale featuring 76 trombones -- yes 76! - playing Meredith Wilson's classic 76 Trombones this has got to be the most trombone players ever assembled for a recording, and the sound has to be heard to be believed. From the cheeky jazz treatment of the Pink Panther theme tune, via recognised classics, to a roof-raising interpretation of Eric Clapton's Layla this disc is great fun...indulge yourself!

Customer Reviews:

This is a must for any trombone player.......2005-06-24

I listened to just a couple of the clips that were presented on this page and...wow...these guys are hard-core-bad-to-the-bone. I am an avid trombone player and I love this CD. To me it shows off just how capable and versatile the instrument that we all love is.

this is my FAVOURITE trombone cd..........2004-04-14

...and I've got 'em all!

you just can't beat those smooth solos in 'the pink panther' and 'someone to watch over me' and you'll be humming the bass trombone lines from 'layla' for a long while to come.

fantastic.

Umm, WOW!.......2004-01-10

Wow is the only way to describe this CD. 76 trombones playing 76 trombones in a big cathedral, doesn't get any better than that. It also has a ton of really great arrangements of great songs. Trombones doing Claptons Layla, oh yeah!

way cool.......2003-10-03

This is one of the most exciting, most musical brass recordings you will find. These bone players obviously had a terrific time making the recording - just wait until you hear their version of Clapton's Layla!

Like trombones?.......2002-04-08

If the sound of trombones stirs your heart, here is just the CD for you. 16 trombonists from various British orchestras ban together in this compilation. The result? Wow! That's all I can say!

The music chosen is a great mix of classical / chorale pieces as well as some more jazzy tunes. Composers such as Gershwin, Brahms, Mancini and Monteverdi are all represented. My favorite track is Gabrieli's SONATA PIAN e FORTE. Performed by a trombone ensemble, the effect is truly captivating.

One of the most innovative pieces is an arrangement of Barber's Adagio for Strings. Yup, that's right: it's performed by trombonists & the results are very impressive. Something I would have never thought of, but the gracefull & brassy sounds of the trombone add a dimension to the brooding Adagio that most people would not have imagined possible.

For diversity, the album also contains the theme from the PINK PANTHER as well as an Eric Clapton tune (LAYLA) jazzed up for maximum entertainment. Then, to top off the album, an additonal 60 trombones are brought in to perform (of course) 76 TROMBONES.

I would highly recommend this CD to all persons who can't help but smile @ the sound of a well played trombone. I would even surmise the people who have never thought much of the instrument would get hours & hours of enjoyment from listening to this album. It's that good. Trust me.

Abigail
Average customer rating:

Packing List for Eternity

"THIS MUST BE IT!!!"

Diamond Album

One of the best concept albums of all time...

Its King Diamond!

Abigail
King Diamond
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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"Them"

Melissa

The Puppet Master

Abigail II: The Revenge

Don't Break the Oath

ASIN: B000AOF9JI
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Funeral
Arrival
Mansion in Darkness
Family Ghost
7th Day of July 1777
Omens
Possession
Abigail
Black Horsemen
Shrine [*]
Mansion in Darkness [Rough Mix][*]
Family Ghost [Rough Mix][*]
Possession [Rough Mix][*]

Tracks:

Funeral [DVD][*]
Arrival [DVD][*]
Come to the Sabbath [DVD][*]
Portrait [DVD][*]
Family Ghost [DVD][*]
7th Day of 1777 [DVD][*]
Halloween [DVD][*]
Family Ghost [DVD][*]
Welcome Home [DVD][*]
Sleepless Nights [DVD][*]

Customer Reviews:

Packing List for Eternity.......2007-07-15

Friends, when I die, at an absolute minimum, please pack among my provisions for the journey, the following tracks from this album: [ALL OF THEM.]

"THIS MUST BE IT!!!".......2006-09-29

of the four concept albums that I own (pink floyd's the wall, queensryche's operation mindcrime, dream theater's Scenes from a Memory and this one)wich they all include a story that keeps you listening to the album, I have to say that this one and queensryche's operation mindcrime are the greatest ones I've listen to, I heard this album before, and I loved it, but it wasnt till I actually bought it that I got to understand the story behind "Abigail" and it is great and I wont tell you anything about it cause I dont want to spoil it for you, musically it is amazing, and this remastered version will make it more of an experience since it sounds amazing, king diamond's voice it's pretty haunting sometimes and it matches perfectly with the story's setting.
this is a must have if you like concept albums or if you are a king diamond fan and with the addition of bonus tracks, videos and a live concert (not great sound or picture quality but it is interesting to watch and not painful like some revier said, it is just a bootleg but you still can see and hear what's going on even though it is not perfect), why not to get it?, oh yeah and did I say it was remastered and sounds amazing?

Diamond Album.......2006-06-04

I only own 2 King Diamond albums - Abigail and Them. I love them both the same. I just love concept albums with a story - it grabs my attention and makes me listen carefully to find out what is going on! King Diamond's stories are his own original and this guy knows how to make concept albums! I love his voice too! It can be very haunting at times!!

One of the best concept albums of all time..........2006-04-09

Granted, King Diamond is an acquired taste. His falsetto histrionics are a love it or hate it proposition; I am firmly in the love it camp. Of course, that means that my review should be taken with a grain of salt, since King Diamond and Mercyful Fate are two of my favorite bands. Now, back to this album. "Abigail" marks the first, full horror concept piece from King Diamond, and is arguably the best (the two part "Them" and Conspiracy" are also great, and so is "The Eye"...oh, they're all great). "Abigail" meets the requirement for a great concept album: great, chilling story; strong songwriting; and awesome songs that can stand alone like "Mansion in Darkness", "The Family Ghost", "The 7th Day of July, 1777", and "Black Horsemen". Guitar players have much to enjoy with the work of Michael Denner and Andy LaRocque here. 5 star classic.

Its King Diamond!.......2006-03-12

Man, say no more, it's King Diamond. I started listening to him with "THEM",by the way "THEM" is the greatest KD album, and I got a really good impression of the artist. If you are a drummer, you are not worthy of Mikkey Dee;If you play guitar you are not worthy of Andy Laroque;and if you sing...well...Don't expect much of the DVD, it's...a Bootleg recorded mor than 15 years ago and I don't think they ever thought of making a video of it, so yeah it's resolution and sound quality is very bad, although fun to see if you've never seen KD live before as I.
King Diamond Rules!!!

Average customer rating:

This EP is awesome
Excellent American Death Metal
Blackened Death Metal
Good, But It Could Be Better

Legend
Abigail Williams
Manufacturer: Candlelight
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Hard Rock & Metal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Doom
Wolves
God Was Created
Count Your Blessings
Killing with a Smile

ASIN: B000INAXAQ
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

From the Buried Heart
Like Carrion Birds
Conqueror Wyrm
Watchtower
Procession of the Aeons [Exclusive Demo]

Customer Reviews:

This EP is awesome.......2007-05-29

Legend is a symphonic black metal album that is full of sick riffs, sick drumming, sick keys, and awesome vocals for the most part. The only reason i didnt rate it five stars is due to the few "singing" parts which really aggravate me and take away from the brutality, but the screaming/death vocals are amazing and really bring life to each song. About the keys, they are awesome and are chilling at times and very atmospheric at others, 3:07 seconds into Conqueror Worm and you will know what i am talking about, plus Abigail Williams is a symphonic black metal band so keys are necessary. also Zach Gibson (The Black Dahlia Murder) and Bjorn (Vehemence) play Drums and Gutiar respectively which equals total awesomeness. I would buy this EP just for Watchtower, but all the songs rules and you are cheating yourself if you don't buy it because it is cheap and awesome. if this band ever releases a full length it is going to be amazing.

Excellent American Death Metal.......2007-02-16

I'd like to start by saying that this band sounds absolutely nothing like Enslaved or Darkthrone as other people were comparing them to. Those two bands have an 80's punk sound, terrible production, and quite honestly I don't think they have any talent whatsoever. One thing about black metal is that you don't have to be a good musician to make black metal.

Having said that, this Abigail Williams EP has alot of good things going for it. For instance, some of the musicians in this band were in excellent death metal bands like the drummer, Zach Gibson from Miasma-era Black Dahlia Murder and ex-Vehemence guitarist Bjorn. The drumming is just absolutely incredible. Very fast and precise, which is to be expected from Zach. The guitar riffs are solid and go great with their style of death metal. The only way I could see anybody even comparing this band to black metal would be the vocals which are very high-pitched and screechy. They could be compared to Cradle of Filth's or Enslaved.

The only things I don't like about this EP, are the keys and the singing. Ellylon's keys tend to come on very powerful and wash out the rest of what's going on. They're good though, and not like any other keyboardist. She actually has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition with concentration on Piano. Another thing that just doesn't settle with me is the singing. There is singing on some songs, but there are effects on it that actually blend in very well and make it sound good. These are the reasons I'm giving this 4 stars. Its great music, composed very well with excellent musicians, but with mediocre production.

Drop a couple bucks on this EP, its worth it. Catch them on tour as well.

[...]

Blackened Death Metal.......2007-02-14

Before I start my description of this album, it seems to me to be necessary to clear up a few things. First, this isn't Melodic Death metal. While "Death metal" certainly, the influence of Black metal on the band is such that the cord sequences and cords themselves make a categorization of this as "Melodic" impossible. Those who think that worshipping Satan is all there is to Black metal should pay attention to the music. Second, this band, as far as I am aware, has made no claims to being "Black" either. After all, evil sounding cords don't make a band Black metal.

The Review: I have one problem with this EP, musically. I can't seem to figure out where this band wants to go. The first three songs sound all little too much like Black Dahlia, while the last two songs are so close to Black metal, that they almost don't work with the other three -- almost. If you aren't a snob, which means you like Death and Black metal, you should really enjoy this band. While the production isn't excellent (it sounds like the audio tracks have had a little too much compression), the guitar work is solid and the drumming is insane. The keyboards keep things fresh, which is nice since the singing gets a little old by the third song "The Conqueror Wyrm" (which is just a crappy melody to boot).

The lyrics, while fitting right in with the whole "Epic" feel of this album, are a tad too epic for their own good: it sounds like the lyricist was trying WAY too hard to be taken seriously, which ironically means that I can't take him seriously.

Why then the four stars? The music IS epic, which I really like. "Watchtower," by far the best track, is almost too much to take in on the first listen. It also happens to be the most Black metal song on the EP. (What keeps it from being that is some of the guitar work in the middle section.)

I eagerly look forward to this band's future releases. I agree that you shouldn't expect Enslaved or Darkthrone when buying this, just like you shouldn't expect to taste an orange when you bite into an apple (which, indecently, never claimed to be an orange). I apologize to any Kvlt Black kids out there who read this as they undoubtedly couldn't grasp that simile.

Good, But It Could Be Better.......2007-01-26

First off, I'd like to address that Abigail Williams is a standard American melodic metal band, NOT a black metal band in any way. As much as I hate pigeonholing music into genres, I just thought that I'd let people know when they know of this band.

Overall, this EP is good. This has some good melodic parts thrown in by former Vehemence guitarist Bjorn. Vocals are okay, but the singing vocals can get kind of annoying at times ("From A Buried Heart" is an example). The keyboards blend in well with their music.

If you enjoy music in vein to the Black Dahlia Murder, The Funeral Pyre, Light This City, and Darkest Hour, you may enjoy this. Don't expect this to be the next Enslaved or Darkthrone, though.

2001: Music From the Films of Stanley Kubrick

Average customer rating:

Not Original Recordings
"Dr. Strangelove, The Shining & Spartacus ~ Kubrick"

2001: Music From the Films of Stanley Kubrick

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

2001: A Space Odyssey - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1996 Reissue)
Rediscovering Lost Scores, Vol. 2
Rediscovering Lost Scores, Vol. 1
Eyes Wide Shut: Music from Stanley Kubrick Movies
Stanley Kubrick's Clockwork Orange (1971 Film)

ASIN: B0007KTBCG
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

2001: A Space Odyssey: Also Sprach Zarathustra
Spartacus: Main Title
Spartacus: Love Theme
Barry Lyndon: Sarabande
Barry Lyndon: Women Of Ireland
A Clockwork Orange: Ode To Joy
Full Metal Jacket: Themes
The Shining: Main Theme
Eyes Wide Shut: Waltz From Jazz Suite No.2
The Killing: Main Title/The Robbery
Killer's Kiss: Murder 'Mongst The Mannikins
Fear And Desire: A Meditation On War
Fear And Desire: Madness
Paths Of Glory: The Patrol
Day Of The Fight: March Of The Gloved Gladiators
Lolita: Love Theme
Dr. Strangelove: The Bomb Run
2001: A Space Odyssey: On The Beautiful Blue Danube

Customer Reviews:

Not Original Recordings.......2006-06-13

Listen to the samples, these are poorly reproduced copies. Electronic music especially is extremely hard to reproduce exact "voices" for the notes.

"Dr. Strangelove, The Shining & Spartacus ~ Kubrick".......2005-03-11

One can only thank Silva Screen for releasing a Tribute album "2001: Music from the Films of Stanley Kubrick", featuring just a handful of films and scores from writer/director Stanley Kubrick......but what an impact they have made on audiences everywhere over the years...his shoes are not easy to fill in the world of film making.

Did I mention Peter Sellers manifesting his talent enough for three roles, which included a U.S. President in "DR. STRANGELOVE, OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING ABOUT AND LOVE THE BOMB"(1964), besides Sellers we have Sterling Hayden(crazed General) and George C. Scott(gum chewing insanity), but Slim Pickens steals the show with his wild ride on the "bomb"..."THE KILLING" (1956), "PATHS OF GLORY" (1957) and "SPARTACUS" (1960), an original true story of a gladitor(Kirk Douglas) who leads other slaves into rebellion against a powerful Rome in 73 B.C...actor and executive producer Douglas was magnificent in the film, with brilliant Kubrick directing...outstanding score by Alex North..."LOLITA" (1962), "2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY" (1968), "A CLOCKWORK ORANGE" (1971), master film maker Kubrick pulled out all the stops on this one, Malcolm McDowell(sadistic punk is funny fierce psychopath) a cult following with memorable scenes..."BARRY LYNDON" (1975), adventures of an Irish gambler whose transition from innocence into the pit of aristocracy in the 18th Century...Ryan O'Neal stars, never better in a role..."THE SHINING" (1980), we know Jack Nicholson can go off the deep end, but in this film(he's completely off the charts), can think of no other actor that can pull this off..."FULL METAL JACKET" (1987)...quite a line up from one of the industries leaders in film making, and the scores that pulled them off.

Hats off to The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Paul Bateman, Nic Raine and Mark Ayres...Crouch End Festival Chorus, conducted by Bateman...James Fitzpatrick (producer), Reynold da Silva (executive producer)...and the many soloist Tomas Lerst on fiddle, Vaclay Skyora on tin whistle, Zbynka Solcova on celtic harp, Gareth Williams on harpsichord and Jaraslava Eliasova on piano...and a big thank you to Silva Screen for keeping all of us "film-score-buffs" in a happy mood...gotta love it!

Total Time: 75:00 on 18 Tracks ~ Silva America 1176 ~ (3/08/2005)

Average customer rating:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company
Soaring majesty!
a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance

Robert Ward: The Crucible

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Floyd: Of Mice and Men
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Notturno: Music by Donald Martino

ASIN: B0000049L5
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

Act l: Beginning - Gloria Wynder/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks/Naomi Farr/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern
Act l: 'Gently, Sirs, Gently' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Spiro Malas/Joyce Ebert
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks
Act l: 'For Much In the World' - Joyce Ebert.John Macurdy/Naomi Farr/Eunice Alberts/Patricia Brooks/Gloria Wynder/Spiro Malas...
Act l: 'Oh, How Many Times Mr. Parris' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy/Patricia Brooks
Act II: Beginning - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin
Act II: 'I've Forgotten Abigail' - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible
Act II: 'But, Oh, The Dreams' - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster
Act II: 'For Sarah Good Confessed' - Nancy Foster/Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Richard Krause
Act II: 'You Will Go To That Court' - Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster

Tracks:

Act III: Beginning - Patricia Brooks/Chester Ludgin
Act III: In The Courtroom - Richard Krause
Act III: 'Open Thou, My Lips, O Lord' - Jack DeLon/Richard Krause/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert
Act III: 'These Girls Never Saw A Spirit' - Chester Ludgin/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Nancy Foster/Patricia Brooks/Jack DeLon/New York City Opr...
Act III: 'No, No, It Is A Natural Lie To Tell' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Patricia Brooks/Nancy Foster
Act IV: Beginning - Gloria Wynder//Richard Krause/Patricia Brooks
Act IV: 'But Sir, You Stir Rebellion' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/Frances Bible
Act IV: 'What Word Of The Children - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Jack DeLon/Eunice Alberts
Act IV: 'God Does Not Need My Name' - Chester Ludgin/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/John MacurdyEurnice Alberts/Frances Bible.

Customer Reviews:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company.......2003-10-04

I became familiar with this recording of the "The Crucible" back in the 60's when it was available on the old CRI label. It was an exciting piece then and it remains one now. It has been a puzzle to me why such an opera has not been taken up and presented regularly by major companies. The music is appealing--and frequently more than that; the drama is potent and never fails to captivate; it offers wonderful opportunites to a cast of singing actors. So what's the problem?! Granted some of the liberties taken with the Arthur Miller text render certain moments dramatically unclear and the Gershwinesque strains that accompany the slave Tituba's character are certainly a mistake. Still, the work as a whole is an exciting one. Hightlights abound, with the whole of the last act being especially moving.

This is still the only recording available and, overall, it is excellent. The leads perfectly embody the roles of John and Elizabeth Proctor, while the balance of the cast, a few vocal duds notwithstanding, competently fill in the many character roles.

The CD sound is very good and far superior to my old vinyl disks.

If you've never heard "The Crucible," give this recording a chance. It is well worth your time.

Soaring majesty!.......2001-12-19

This performance is a gem. Just the soaring majesty of Frances Bible is well worth the experience. What a sadly underrated artist. The final duet with Bible and Ludgin is a lesson in passionate, searing drama and full-out singing.

a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance.......1999-03-23

I had the privilege of being part of a cast of this opera at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the late 70's, directed by the avuncular Herbert Wildeboor (since deceased). I've always loved the 7/8 hymn at the end of the first act. However, this performance is very uneven, including generally unfortunate singing by female leads, and bad acting (at least) by the person singing Reverend Parris. Reverend Hale and John Proctor are consistently good. And the orchestra parts, very demanding, are well handled. It astounds me that there is no new recording in all these years. I've since seen it done in Pittsburgh and know it's being done somewhere on the West Coast. While Mr. Ward's music is considered cliche by some, I prefer it much to, for example, Moore's Ballad of Baby Doe. Perhaps my affection for it is due to having the opportunity to perform it.

Music Track:

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Getting There

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A Celebration [includes bonus DVD]

James Vargas