Ecstasy & Vendetta Over New York [Live]

Ecstasy & Vendetta Over New York [Live]

Track Listings

1. German Nun

2. Dead Metal

3. Ecstasy & Vendetta

4. Deiche

5. Draconian Dream

6. Mauritia Mayer

7. Cannibal Queen

8. Amants d'Un Jour

9. Immigrant

10. Oh Funny Man

11. Sebastiane

12. Children's Prayer

13. Song and Legend

Tracks:

Possession
Wait
Plenty
Good Enough
Mary
Elsewhere
Circle
Ice
Hold On
Ice Cream
Fear
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Amazon.com essential recording

Pre-Lilith Fair, McLachlan had critical acclaim and a cult following but was otherwise just another hard-working female singer/songwriter--one who wasn't blasting down doors with overt sexuality or popping along in front of a male Svengali. Similar in their emotional urgency to her more recent work but delightfully less polished, these folk-rock songs are surprising gems. If not for McLachlan's poignant vocals, lyrics like "Your love is better than ice cream" (on "Ice Cream") would sound childishly absurd (especially alongside deeper material like "Hold On"), but here they're given just as much respect as the weightier issues she explores. A great album to accompany your moments of introspection. --Rebecca Wallwork

Customer Reviews:

Must have Sarah McLachlan CD.......2007-07-08

For a rainy day, or a somber mood~ This cd will help you achieve a stress free listening experience

Awesome.......2007-06-16

It is because of THIS ALBUM that I am a true fan of Sarah McLachlan. Her voice is angeling and her lyrics are awe-inspiring. The only grievance I have is the fact that I knew nothing about her until a few years ago. Damned radio!

I'm 21 and I've never been to a Lilith Fair....I really wish Sarah, Alanis, Sheryl, and all the rest would just get together and say "Hey, we're overdue for another Fair!" God knows I'd be the first to buy a front row ticket!

This album is seriously AMAZING and it opened the door to many more amazing albums by McLachlan. At least it did for me. This album gives me the feeling equivalent of that of a kid being showered in the best candy.
Better than Ice Cream, I tell ya!

Good acoustic rock.......2007-04-16

'Fumbling towards ecstasy' is considered to be one of McLachlan's most popular pieces of work and along with 'Surfacing' one of her two best-selling albums.

It is a beautiful collection of rock ballads. The lyrics are good, the music is good, Sarah's voice is beautiful, in short it is a very good item to have in a collection. This is mainly material for people that are into rock/soft rock/ folk and enjoy the tunes of Leonard Cohen and/or Sheryl Crowe, although I can't say that any of the two are identical to her.

Next to his CD I would recommend Elisa's "Then Comes the Sun" (which in fact I favour a bit more).

And a small warning: this is exclusively good, relaxing acoustic material. It is not the type of music that will wake you up before storming for an endless night out. It definitely has quality but is not dance material, so don't buy it and then diss it...

An all-time favorite.......2007-02-15

If I were going to be on a deserted island for five years and could choose to have 50 of my favorite CDs with me, I would definitely take this one along. I haven't listened to it in a while, but I am reviewing it because I want amazon to recommend more music like this to me. Sarah is a great talent, which we all know by now, and this was my first exposure to her. I wore this CD out when I first got it quite a few years ago.

love it love it love it.......2006-12-21

need i say more? ok ..... every song could be a hit.

Average customer rating:

Is it bad to say I like this better than the original soundtrack?
Absolutely Exquisite
Yo Yo Ma and the Maestro Marvelous!!!
Better Every Time
Fabulous CD

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

The Mission: Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture
The Essential Yo-Yo Ma
Obrigado Brazil
Appassionato
Vivaldi's Cello

ASIN: B0002YCVXI
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe
The Mission: The Falls
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Playing Love from The Legend of 1900
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Nostalgia from Cinema Paradiso
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Looking for You (Love Theme) from Cinema Paradiso
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Malena (Main theme)
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Remembering (Ricordare)*
Sergio Leone Suite: Deborah's Theme from Once Upon A Time In America
Sergio Leone Suite: Cockeye's Song from Once Upon a Time in America
Sergio Leone Suite: Main Theme from Once Upon a Time in America
Sergio Leone Suite: Main Theme from Once Upon a Time in the West
Sergio Leone Suite: Ecstasy of Gold from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Brian DePalma Suite: Main Theme from Casualities of War
Brian DePalma Suite: Death Theme from The Untouchables
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Journey from Moses
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Theme from Moses
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Main Theme from Marco Polo
The Lady Caliph: Dinner
The Lady Caliph: Nocturne

Amazon.com

Ennio Morricone is well-known to moviegoers. His soundtracks for The Mission, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time in America, Cinema Paradiso, and others are invariably warmly melodic and superbly suited to the films they grace. They not only add atmosphere; they help tell the story. For this CD Morricone has created new orchestrations for many of his scores, adding a solo cello part for the indefatigable Yo-Yo Ma, whose musical curiosity seems to be endless. Outside the films, these pieces tend to be lovely melodies, mostly pretty sentimental stuff, and, in the best way, gorgeous aural wallpaper. The most moving are the two selections from The Mission, but fans of Morricone's music will find plenty to enjoy here. Ma's playing, as always, is exquisite---warm, deeply felt (given the circumstances), and entirely idiomatic within the context. Perhaps not quite for the classical music lover, but an affectionate reworking of music by an important film composer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Is it bad to say I like this better than the original soundtrack?.......2007-06-02

I never thought Yo-Yo Ma would do Gabriel's Oboe (Track 1) from THE MISSION justice, but I was wrong. There's a pureness to this version that makes it easier casual listening than the version(s) on the soundtrack CD itself. So no matter how much I love the theatrical "largeness" of the Original Soundtrack (not to mention the full choir), this is the version I grab for the CD player/iPod/whatever.

My two other recommendations are Main Theme from ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (Track 11) and Ecstasy of Gold from THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (Track 12). I suggest playing these consecutively as a single medley. Track 11 *WILL* bring tears to the manliest among us --particularly if you remember in the movie where Sergio Leone pulls the camera up to reveal the town rising.

I get the feeling "hardcore" classical fans would dismiss movie scores as commercial work. I truly believe Ennio Morricone transcends that. Even moreso than, say, John Williams, and on a different plane than a Danny Elfman. And I can't say more about the emotion Yo-Yo Ma brings to the table than what's already been discussed.

Absolutely Exquisite.......2007-05-15

The combination of Morricone and Ma is pure perfection. This CD fills my heart with so much joy that I could just cry. I listen to it almost daily and have given it away as a gift to my loved ones. I am captivated by their incredible talents, and I know you will be too.

Yo Yo Ma and the Maestro Marvelous!!!.......2007-05-13

Having recently succumbed to Yo Yo Ma after a longtime love of Ennio Marricone I was excited to get this CD from Amazon. It is superb! All of the songs had to be recrafted by Morricone to suit Yo Yo Ma but it is a great listen as you sonically travel down memory lane through some of Maestro Moricone's musical marvels. "Gabriel's Oboe" from "The Mission" now becomes "Gabriel's Cello." I laugh as Yo Yo Ma bows his brains out on the "Ecstacy of Gold' from "The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly." I recommend this to all Yo Yo Ma and Morricone fans...a great listen. Soothing after a hard day!

Better Every Time.......2007-05-09

This CD gets better with every listening. It was a great purchase.

Fabulous CD.......2007-05-07

I love Morricone and this CD has some of the best versions of my favorite pieces. I have ordered several as gifts for friends.

Average customer rating:

Your Introduction to Steely Dan...
my 2nd favorite steely dan album.
Ecstasy!
Still the Best!
For those with ears, a brilliant album

Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Pretzel Logic
Katy Lied
Can't Buy A Thrill
The Royal Scam
Gaucho

ASIN: B00000DI0J
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

Bodhisattva
Razor Boy
The Boston Rag
Your Gold Teeth
Show Biz Kids
My Old School
Pearl Of The Quarter
King Of The World

Amazon.com essential recording

The only element of sophomore slump in Steely Dan's second album was the disappointing sales response upon its initial release in 1974. Musically, Countdown to Ecstasy is even stronger than the Dan's terrific debut, pushing the musical envelope with more complex jazz harmonies and intricate time signatures, and carrying their lyrics into even more shadowy realms peppered with sci-fi imagery and street-level slang. The songs are stunning, from the opening blast of "Boddhisattva," a Zen boogie fueled by Denny Dias's and Jeff Baxter's angular, bopping guitars, to the postnuclear apocalypse of "King of the World." In between, they deliver the one-two punch of "Show Biz Kids," with its perfect snapshot of affluent decadence, and "My Old School," in which college daze is remembered through a collision of staccato guitar and blazing horns. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Your Introduction to Steely Dan..........2007-06-12

...should be with this album. My dad gave me this album as one of my first tapes when I was younger. The music is so brilliant, one can throw the tape in and just let it continuously play. This is exactly what an album should be like. I only got the cd because the tape eventually burnt out.

my 2nd favorite steely dan album........2007-03-26

spent most of my teen years in the 70's, and always enjoyed hearing steely dan on the radio, but, for some reason, i neglected their albums. that changed when my favorite magazine, "mojo," ran a feature in their august 1995 issue, listing the 100 greatest albums ever made. steely dan's "countdown to ecstasy" was listed at number 13! i had no idea that they were so highly regarded. promptly I went out and bought a bunch of steely dan albums. "can't buy a thrill" is my favorite, but "countdown to ecstasy," is hot on its heels. the sheer craft with which this band puts together albums is a cause for admiration. they construct albums like jane austen constructs novels, with consummate expertise. "my old school," is the standout track for me on this recording, but everything here is fresh and inventive, with jazz shadings and plenty of guitar wizardry on display. a classic album for sure.

Ecstasy!.......2007-03-01

Finally got this album recently, and was knocked out by it. I already knew the famous tunes (Bodhisattva, My Old School, Show Biz Kids), but was unprepared for the excellence of "King of the World", "Boston Rag" or "Your Gold Teeth." Great production: clean and crisp, but never fussy. For someone who was originally so unsure of his vocal abilities that he brought in another singer for the first album, Fagen finally comes alive as a great soul vocalist on "Countdown."

Still the Best!.......2007-02-23

This album is not only the best Steely Dan album ever, but one of the best albums by anybody ever. One of my all-time favorites, particularly "Bodhisattva" which had me ROFL in a Zen-like way back in 1973 and still knocks me out. Love it, love it, love it.

For those with ears, a brilliant album.......2006-09-02

Becker and Fagan state in the liner notes that this music was written specifically with these personnel in mind, and to me, this makes a huge difference-- Steely Dan was still a BAND at this point, and there is an organic sense of unity to this album that all the hot-licks- spewing studio A-list hotshots could never re-create. Also, there is a much more varied stylistic palette. I just bought this on cd having not owned it since getting rid of all my vinyl 15 years ago. I mostly listen to Jazz these days, and was astonished when I first unwrapped the cd and played it. What a feast of musical riches! By comparison, I find the suceeding albums progressively increasing in blandness (except for Royal Scam, which somehow managed to temporarily buck the trend) as Fagan and Becker embraced a sort of homogenized yuppie cocktail music with quirky lyrics, faultlessly executed, but totally lacking in humanity or heart. Yes, the chord changes are "jazz-y", but Aja ain't Jazz-- it's way too processed and overly groomed. There's no spontaneity-- it's dead on arrival and there's a distinct hollowness underlying the chops that for me, makes it ultimately very empty. "Countdown" predated this cynical descent into the pop-fusion-lite vortex. It's a terrific album that still sounds fresh and richly musical. Check it out!

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy

Average customer rating:

Simply awe inspiring and amazing
Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed.
canticles of Ecstay
Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy
Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Feather on the Breath of God
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations
Luminous Spirit

ASIN: B000001TYF
Release Date: 1994-12-13

Tracks:

O vis aeternitatis - Sequentia
Nunc aperuit nobis
Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit
Cum processit factura digiti Dei
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Ave Maria, O auctrix vite
Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite
O ignis spiritus Paracliti
Caritas habundat in omnia
O virgia mediatrix
O virdissima virga, Ave
Instrumental
O Pastor Animarum
O tu suavissima virga
O choruscans stellarum
O nobilissima viriditas

Amazon.com

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of her music for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is right for the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumes released by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendary visions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religious community of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes an unobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmonies of the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple, direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerily accompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Simply awe inspiring and amazing.......2007-05-20

One would have to listen to this music to understand the power it will hold over you. Ethereal and almost eery, yet full of power, grace and triumph, this will be a mainstay in your collection. The only thing resembling it that the mass public would be aware of is Gregorian Chant, although this is it's own beast and so much more. It's not expensive, buy it and see for yourself.

Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed........2007-05-13

I had first heard this performance of St. Hildegard of Bingen's "Canticles of Ecstasy" on sound cassette and loved it.

The music is sublime. The female voices are heavenly, without a hint of sentimentality.

When you listen to "Canticles of Ecstasy" you will know how this medieval nun and composer felt about things.

Caution. They could make a believer of you.

canticles of Ecstay.......2007-03-23

This is a very good CD I highly recomend it if you love chant. I am glad to have it in my collection.

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy.......2006-07-25

This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts.......2006-02-23

I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

Not My Style
Rockin' Western Collection
Hard to Find Great Western Themes
Western Music
A great follow-up

Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection
Songs Of The West, Vol. 4: Movie & Television Themes
From Alamo to El Dorado, Vol. 2
The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection
The Greatest Western Movie Themes

ASIN: B000060PBU
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

The Hallejuah Trail-Overture
The Alamo-The Green Leaves Of Summer
The Alamo-Davy Crocket
The Big Country-The Welcoming/Finale
The Big Valley-Main Theme
Blazing Saddles-Blazing Saddles
Bonaza-Main Theme
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid-raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
The Comancheros-McBain/Main Title
Duel In The Sun-Main Title/The Legend/Orizaba
A Fistfull Of Dynamite-Duck You Sucker
For A Few Dollars More-Main Theme
Friendly Persuasion-Thee I Love
Giant-Main Theme
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-Main Theme
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-The Ecstasy Of Gold
Gunfight At The O.K. Corral-Suite
Hang 'Em High-Main Theme
The Hanging Tree-Main Title

Tracks:

High Caparral-Main Theme
How The West Was Won-Prelude/The Land
High Noon-Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin'
The Jayhawkers-The Lynching/Two Brothers/The Hayhawkers
The Lone Ranger-William Tell Overture: Finale
Nevada Smith-Main Title
Old Gringo-Main Themes
Once Upon A Time In The West-Man With The Harmonica
One Eyed Jacks-Main Title
The Proud Rebel-Main Titles
The Quick And The Dead-End Titles
Quigley Down Under-End Titles
Rio Bravo-Rio Bravo/De Guella
The Scalphunters-Main Title
Shane-Main Theme: The Call Of The Farwaway Hills
The Shootist-Main Title
The Unforgiven-The Need For Love
Viva Zapata-Gathering Forces
The Virginian-Main Theme

Customer Reviews:

Not My Style.......2007-05-11

This CD has a lot of good songs on it, but it just too bland for our taste. We prefer Western music to sound as though genuine cowboys are singing it - not a fancy chorus!

Rockin' Western Collection.......2006-08-28

For anyone who likes movie/tv music from westerns should purchase this CD. What a wonderful collection of both film and tv with great renditions of each piece. I'm about to purchase Vol. 1 to complete my collection.

Hard to Find Great Western Themes .......2006-03-16

This CD has a number of great western themes that are not in some of the standard lists. For example it includes "The Hallejuah Trail", "Blazing Saddles", and "Giant". This CD also has what I consider the true theme of "The Comancheros". I have been disappointed with some other CDs I have purchased listing "The Comancheros" which had a song rather than this theme. Many of the tracks on this two disk CD go beyond the main theme music and are actually suites. The "Big Country" and "How the West Was Won" are just a couple of examples. It may be a little more expense than some CDs, but not bad for a two disk set. I am really happy with my purchase.

Western Music.......2005-07-29

I enjoy this CD. It has many familiar melodies. Good background for reading, nice to listen while driving. It is also the only CD I've ever found that has the great theme from the movie "Giant."

A great follow-up.......2003-08-29

This is the second collection by SilvaScreen, who are also responsible for "The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection" (see my review). And it's just as good as the first. There are themes in here that everyone will recognize ("Bonanza," "A Fistful of Dollars"), themes that may not be so familiar ("Duel in the Sun," "The Hanging Tree," the lively "Blazing Saddles"), and even themes you may not associate with Westerns at all ("The Friendly Persuasion"). And no duplication either: when this disc includes a piece from one of the same sources covered in its predecessor, it's a different piece. One great treat: the full lyrics to "Gunfight at OK Corral," which I've never heard outside the soundtrack of the movie itself. The arrangement from "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" includes not only the familiar song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" but an overview of the music--seguing almost seamlessly into Bernstein's magnificent "The Comancheros," a rare find indeed. An expensive item, but if you love Western film music, well worth it.

Average customer rating:

Not a patch on its predecessor
Sensuous Celebration of Rabindranath Tagore's Poetry
Exotic, sensual, fabulous poetry, even better than No. 1
Wonderful and soothing
Absolute Sensuality

A Gift of Love II: Oceans of Ecstasy
Deepak Chopra M.D.
Manufacturer: Rasa Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Healing | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Love Poems of Rumi
The Magic of Healing Music 2-pak
Grow Younger, Live Longer
When Days Have No Nights (The Songs of Rumi Music by Mischa)
Breeze at Dawn: The Poems of Rumi in Song

ASIN: B00006IZPE
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Oceans of Ecstasy: Deepak Chopra
The Storm - Gotham Chopra
Nothing Lasts Forever: Lisa Bonet
Former Lover: Milla Jovovich
My Gift to You: Deepak Chopra
Flight to Freedom: Gina Gershon
Time is Short: Liev Schreiber
This is True: Marisa Tomei
When I Kiss: Jared Harris
Essence of Love: Sinead O'Connor
Lady of Silence: Shekar Kapur
In Love With You: Adriana Castelazo
Sea of Love: Antonio Banderas
My Song: Sonja Sohn
Soul Mate: Melanie Griffith
I Will Come to You: Angelica Houston
Be: Christy Turlington
Oceans of Ecstasy: Deepak Chopra
I Am Your Poem: Kei Arita
Transendance: Claude Challe
Free Me: Deepak Chopra
Woman of Sorrow: Deepak Chopra
Nothing Lasts Forever Instrumental: Adam Plack

Customer Reviews:

Not a patch on its predecessor.......2007-02-19

The first Gift of Love album is inspiring, insightful and leads the listener on a series of adventures through inspired words and music, creating a deep connnection with something profoundly mystical.

This second album is almost devoid of this depth and sadly, creates no connection. It seems like Deepak Chopra doesn't get that. There are a couple of very nice pieces but the album is mainly formulaic rather than insightful and I am dismayed to say leaves me feeling like I just listened to some music and nothing else.

If you like nice unhurried music that creates a relaxed atmosphere, you can't go past Cafe Del Mar. If you're looking to experience a sense of something spiritual, stick to the first Gift of Love album.

Sensuous Celebration of Rabindranath Tagore's Poetry.......2007-02-07

"Those who met Tagore described him as one of the great souls of our age; Einstein considered him a sage. From what we learn in these poems, he certainly lived his own words. He kissed the infinite; he was not afraid to lose everything for love. In these poems he allows us to experience love with words and music that wash our souls." ~ Deepak Chopra

Poetry weaves itself through Adam Plack's sensual music in passionate whispers and fantasy worlds of past lives and future invitations. Unrequited love becomes rain with pattering feet and smiles of autumn. The lover, while mortal, becomes the world in her absence.

Visions of beauty, romance and passion create an world of mystery and exotic moods. Poetry escapes from pages and breathes through sweet vocal interpretations. Ancient echoes, jazzy escapes and electronic tribal fusion awakens a soul intoxication in "When I Kiss."

Deepak read many translations of Rabindranath Tagore's poems and then translated the poetry for our generation. The results are stunning in beauty. Deepak Chopra, Sinead O'Connor, Angelica Houston, Antonio Banderas, Marisa Tomei, Lisa Bonet, Milla Jovovich, Shekhar Kapur, Gina Gershon, Melanie Griffith, Jared Harris and Claued Challe mingle their voices with music.

If you have read Rabindranath Tagore's poems I think you will be impressed with these new translations. I remember the first time I read one of his poems and the experience was an awakening to poetic wonder.

Within these poems, you may find yourself wandering in India, Africa or Spain. You may become lost walking across clouds or seduced into the pleasures of the invisible.

"...we are drifting in different streams of the world
our lives would be carried apart
and our love forgotten
but I'm not so foolish that I would hope
to buy your heart with gifts"
~My Gift to You

If you are a hopeless romantic, this musical journey with poetry will make you heady. If you love creating moods, this is perfect while taking a bath by candlelight. I'd highly recommend something like "Dream On" from Lush and perhaps the Flying Fox shower gel and an application of Flying Fox Jasmine temple balm. This CD whispers: "Play me in the dark with the flicker of at least 4 beautifully scented champaca candles." I can recommend the Ergo Champa candle or the Ergo Passion Rose de Mai.

The poems presented here seduce with soul longings and entangle you in magical stories of love. The entire CD is breathlessly beautiful and a true gift of love to anyone willing to spend the time diving deep into this mystery. I can also highly recommend Deepak's book: "The Soul In Love."

"Say your last words in silence..."
~Flight to Freedom

~The Rebecca Review

Exotic, sensual, fabulous poetry, even better than No. 1.......2006-12-14

Fabulous production, with groovy, sexy music and poetry that elevates your mind and opens your heart.
Consistently good throughout, even better than " A Gift of Love 1 " in that respect ( No offense to Rumi, whose poetry I adore also.)
All in all a masterpiece!
What a wonderful time we live in when precious ancient mystical poetry like this reaches out to so many fresh minds in such entrancing and enticing ways.

Wonderful and soothing.......2004-02-01

This CD is for anyone who is love or wishes to be. I found the content of this music very sexy, although quite clean in delivery. It evokes the feeling of romance in it's purest form.

Absolute Sensuality.......2003-11-19

I heard this once and then played it 100 times. Doubtlessly the most sensuous album ever. With incredible lyrics, the unmistakable deep and sensual voice of Deepak, and stunning music by Mr. Plack, you can't go wrong. If you are not in love now...you will be.

Average customer rating:

Sabbath's "Presence" Album . . .
Getting Technical!
you won't change me or my opinion
Only my opinion; put it in the pot and stir it around...
I dont know why,but..............................

Technical Ecstasy
Black Sabbath
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Never Say Die!
Sabotage
Black Sabbath, Vol.4
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Master of Reality

ASIN: B000002KGG
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Back Street Kids
You Won't Change Me
It's Allright
Gypsy
All Moving Parts (Stand Still)
Rock'n'Roll Doctor
She's Gone
Dirty Women

Customer Reviews:

Sabbath's "Presence" Album . . ........2007-04-22

After Sabotage, Black Sabbath found themselves in the unenviable position of having to top that as well as previous efforts. With their status as doom metal kings (and who could compete?), they had also painted themselves into a corner. This may have suited Ozzy well enough, but Tony Iommi clearly felt the need to grow beyond such restrictions as evidenced by the increasing presence of keyboards and a general move away from their earlier sludge fests. Consequently the overall tone of the album is one of struggle and contradiction with the compromises between these two driving forces creating chaos rather than order. Butler and Ward sound like they're trying to do their best to keep things together, but inspiration is noticeably lacking throughout the album and one is left with little more than wonder that the band didn't fold at that point. All of that said, Technical Ecstasy isn't quite the disaster I may be implying, but like Led Zeppelin's Presence album (and you may feel differently about that album as well), it falls short of the greatness that led up to it and shows a band struggling with itself and the pressure of staying at the top of their game. Unlike Zeppelin, though, who bounced back with a tremendous follow up effort, Sabbath took the problems with Technical Ecstasy to their logical and painful end with Never Say Die, an ironic album on every level you can imagine.

Getting Technical!.......2007-04-15

The sheer success that was Sabotage was the final turning point for Black Sabbath. Technical Ecstasy was just that. Technical. Here we find the Sabs continuing to explore their sound and the new technology of the day with synthisizers. Not an entirely bad album, it's just that Technical Ecstasy tries too hard to be good. This is Sabbath trying not to be Sabbath. This is Sabbath trying to prove how good they really are. Also, we have a pair of bizare robots on the cover sexing each other up on a pair of escalators. Hipgnosis (Houses Of The Holy). Weird.

Back Street Kids - Nobody I know will ever take my rock'n'roll away from me. The chorus to this song speaks for itself. Ozzy's vocals are strained and muddled on this outing and the lyrics take step back from the grand-scale that was Sabotage. Cool Iommi riffs still abound, but these songs feel like all the parts were written seperately then fused together for good or bad. We know that the Sabs by his point were not getting along with each other very well and it shows. Not very memorable.

You Won't Change Me - The intro sonds like the soundtrack to a John Carpenter flick. Then we get the ultra-heavy riff followed by the fluffy synth montage. Ozzy's vocals are almost drowned out. Garbled. If you can't hear the lyics very well, how is a fan supposed to remember the song? That was Technical's biggest flaw.

It's Alright - Bill Ward's vocal debut. This sonds like latter Beatles or early Wings. What is this doing on a Black Sabbath album? Exactly. When the drummer starts to sing, there's a problem. Bottom line. Not a bad song, just not very Black Sabbath. Reminiscent of Peter Criss' solo album. Smooth. Cheerful. Very un-Sabbath.

Gypsy - One of the better tunes on Ecstasy. Still, the production value took such a dive from Sabotage. Ozzy has been put in the background for Iommi to take center stage, much like their live show. The lyrics sound forced and cheesy. Still a rocker.

All Moving Parts (Stand Still) - Probably the best songs on the album, this is simple and rocking. The lyrics are memorable for a change and so the song remains in your head. Got the signature Ozzy yeaaaah! going on. A personal favorite. The only one on this album.

Rock'N'Roll Doctor - Some people actually quote this as a Sabbath classic but it ain't. The production is horrible. Keyboards aplenty. Ozzy's vocals sound like they're coming from another planet. Is this Sabbath or The Who? I can't tell. Juvenile and bland.

She's Gone - The over-use of keboards on Technical Ecstasy does nothing to ensure it's success, in fact it does the opposite. You wanna hear Geezer and Tony ripping, not Gerald Woodruffe playing keyboards. This song is a dreary, dragging bummer. Oh, my baby!

Dirty Women - A good, rocking tune. Long. Could have been great, but the production kills it.

All in all, Technical Ecstasy finds Black Sabbath trying to reinvent themselves without the full co-operation of the band as a single entity. You can feel the tension. You can feel coke-head Tony Iommi in the driver's seat, cracking the whip and burying Ozzy's vocals. A very mixed, overblown album with horrible production.

Deal with it!

you won't change me or my opinion.......2007-04-15

Oh my God! Black Sabbath sold out! AHHHH!!!

Just kidding. Even though "Sabbath went soft" is the majority opinion of Technical Ecstasy, I can't agree entirely with it. It's true that the music here is a bit weaker overall compared to the other Sabbath albums, but what they lack in major guitar riffs, they make up for in really good guitar soloing.

I once read that the entire band really enjoyed themselves while making this album. I believe that to be true. How can you not enjoy yourself while playing "rock and roll doctor"? Even though it's a lot like a Kiss song, you can tell the band liked this creation, and though a weakpoint, not the worst thing Sabbath could have done. It's catchy, and the intro is wonderful.

"back street kids" has a fuzzy fast-paced guitar riff that makes me shiver it's so good! The chorus is good, too. The entire album has a robotic futuristic feel to it, just like the album cover indicates. "you won't change me" is a great example why we should love Ozzy's lyrics. Okay, that's not true, but we should respect Ozzy for not being afraid to speak his mind. Just listen to the line "still I wonder what it's liked to be loved, instead of hiding in myself". How many grown men would be able to just blurt out such a personal feeling? Not many. Ozzy shares his emotions because he wants you to be able to relate to him.

"it's alright" doesn't sound like the Beatles to me (I don't know HOW that comparison came up) but it does sound like a perfectly harmless acoustic ballad, that's really pretty with Bill Ward on vocals. If you've never heard Bill Ward's voice before, trust me when I say it's pretty good. Some people might even wish HE was the lead singer for the band instead of Ozzy. The only problem there is that there's only one Ozzy, and no one else has that kind of voice. No one.

"gypsy" is an interesting piece with tempo changes and musical directions dominating the thing. I love all the parts. Another example of Sabbath telling a story with their musical ideas, and having it work just fine.

"all moving parts (stand still)" is a nice groove-type rocker. The lyrics are a mystery to me because I have NO idea what they're about. "she's gone" is the worst on the album, and reminds me of Paul McCartney's "carrying". Listen to the two songs. Do they sound the same to you? Say yes! Same tempo anyway.

"dirty women" is the brightest spot on the entire album. It's main vocal melody is kind of stolen from "a national acrobat", and the soloing at the end was supposedly ripped from Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" but, come on, do you really think Black Sabbath was listening to Chicago at the time? Both bands were WAY too busy being famous back in the 70's to ever consider steeling musical ideas from each other.

Anyway, Technical Ecstasy is a pretty good album with commercial production and a much lighter sound, but if you like Sabbath because of their songwriting, or the guitar soloing, I have a feeling this is the album for you.

Only my opinion; put it in the pot and stir it around..........2007-02-03

I think of myself as a pretty big Sabbath fan, but not HUGE. I dig this album and although it may not be as "classic" as the other albums, it's a good departure. I'm the Sabbath fan that loves the songs Changes and Laguna Sunrise. So if you're an open minded Sabbath fan, I think this is a good album to add to the collection. Then again, it's 2007 and I am writing a review on an album that is probably 20 years old, so you may already own it!!

I dont know why,but.....................................2007-01-23

I have been a Sabbath fan for a long time ,Im 48 years old so I have heard them all,and I wont begin to tell you that this album is as good as Master of Reality,or Sabbath Bloody Sabbath which I consider their best,however when Im in the mood for some Sabbath to throw in the cd player especially the car,I seem to pick this cd more than any other ,there is something that I just really love about this cd and it is definately one of my favorites and I dont skip any songs its good from beginning to end,and just to add YOU WONT CHANGE ME is probably my favorite Sabbath tune ever.............

Average customer rating:

Avant Album
Medicore Sophmore Slump
love jones
good cd
Amazing

Ecstasy
Avant
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Private Room
My Thoughts
Director
Life Goes On
Better Days

ASIN: B0000639BC
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

Call On Me
What Do You Want
Don't Say No, Just Say Yes
Makin' Good Love
Sorry
No Limit
Thinkin' About You
Six in Da Morning
You Ain't Right
One Way Street
Love School
Jack & Jill
Suicide

Amazon.com

Avant, who hails from Cleveland, has something in common with Midwestern new jack R&B artists such as Dave Hollister and Donell Jones; he seems stuck in an upbeat and bouncy yet self-consciously thuggish and undistinguished groove. He and Chicago-based producer Steve Huff have put together a collection of middle-of-the-road songs touching upon all the traditional concerns of a would-be urban superstar. The singer/songwriter's light alto floats pleasantly over Huff's dance-oriented numbers and midtempo grooves, but the overall package lacks substance. A few slow jams, notably "Sorry" and "One Way Street" (a duet with the Gap Band's Charlie Wilson) stand out from the rest of his tracks, but Avant will have to dig deeper to avoid blending in with the crowd. --Rebecca Levine

Customer Reviews:

Avant Album.......2007-03-12

The cd was delievered very fast and it was of the highest quality. I have no complaints what so ever, i will shop again. Excellent condition and excellent service.

Medicore Sophmore Slump.......2006-02-23

After his amazing My Thoughts debut, Avant returned with his medicore Ectasy CD. Avant comes off like a weak R.Kelly clone in many of the songs, and in all honesty Avant is a much stronger singer than Kells. The only songs where Avant showed the promise that we saw in his first album are the songs Thinkin About You, Don't Say No Just Say Yes and Makin Good Love.

love jones.......2004-03-26

im really feelin this cd n avant "extasy" is da bomb. n he knows all bout love n i love his new 1 dats out n i cant stop playen da whole album n i just LOVEit!!

good cd.......2004-03-08

i happened to notice this cd had a lower rating than i would have expected, i havnt listened to it in a while, so i had to get it back out to refresh myself, and as soon as i put it in it all came back:) i think this is a quality cd worth my money and if i remember right it went platinum so i guess im not the only one who liked it.I also must clear up some wrong information avant is not from chicago he owns an apartment there but he is from cleveland ohio. this is where he calls home. I would recommend this cd it is a good cd. but you have to like his style of music. i personally cant stand the song seperated. i was not an immediate avant fan because of that song but my boyfriend told me to get it so i did and i liked 'my thoughts' as a whole. i have liked all of avants cds. like every other artists out there, i skip a couple of his songs, but the cd is worth my money. but i will agree with the other reviewers in saying if you want avants cds because of the song seperated you may be disappointed because most of his music is not like this song. my favorites on ecstasy are makin good love, thinking about you, sorry,one way street and suicide. i know this stayed in my car a long time. i only carry 12 cds in the car at once and this one had a long run.

Amazing.......2003-12-06

The moron who wrote the review "AVANT-Keith Sweat's Retarded, Pretty Boy Reincarnation" is an idiot cause he cant even get his s**t straight... Its KEKE Wyatt Not Ketra... what is wrong with you. Shut up... the cd is hot... MAKE LOVE TO THIS!!! Avant would make any girl melt. I love it!

Once Upon a Time: The Essential Ennio Morricone

Average customer rating:

Excellence!
"his domain of film scoring is legendary ~ Ennio Morricone"

Once Upon a Time: The Essential Ennio Morricone

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Untouchables (1987 Film)
Film Music, Vol. 2
Very Best of Ennio Morricone
Ennio Morricone - Film Music, Vol.1
We All Love Ennio Morricone

ASIN: B0002V4YTU
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

Once Upon A Time In The West: Man With The Harmonica
A Fistful Of Dollars
For A Few Dollars More
Days Of Heaven: The Harvest
The Five Man Army
Once Upon A Time In The West: Jill's Theme
The Men From Shiloh
Guns For San Sebastian: Overture
Two Mules For Sister Sara
A Fistful Of Dynamite: Duck, You Sucker
My Name Is Nobody
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: Main Theme
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: The Ecstasy Of Gold
Cinema Paradiso
Once Upon A Time In America: Deborah's Theme

Tracks:

The Untouchables: Main Theme
The Red Tent
The Sicilian Clan
Exorcist & The Heretic: Regan's Theme
Moses The Lawgiver
In The Line Of Fire
The Thing
Le Professionnel: Chi Mai
Hamlet
1900: Romanza
Casualties Of War: Elegy For Brown
Marco Polo
The Mission
Gabriel's Oboe
Ave Maria (Guarini)
On Earth As It Is In Heaven
Epilogue: The Falls

Customer Reviews:

Excellence!.......2007-04-22

These recordings range back to 1994, with a number of tracks being from Silva Screen's "Music from the Films of Clint Eatwood" compilation, with Derek Wadsworth conducting the City of Prague Philharmonic.

Those tracks are: "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", "A Fistful of DOllars", "For a Few Dollars More", and "Two Mules for Sister Sara". "In The Line Of Fire' also appeared on that CD, performed electronically by Mark Ayres.

The next bunch of tracks is from Silva Screen's 1996 compilation, "Cinema Paradise: The Classic Film Music of Ennio Morricone", which included the majority of tracks here such as the extensive The Mission Suite, The Untouchables, Casulaties of War, Once Upon a Time In America, 1900, Chi Mai, Marco Polo, Once Upon a Time In The West (two tracks), Cinema Paradise, and The Good the Bad and the Ugly - Ecstacy of Gold, mostly being conducted by Paul Bateman, with Nic Raine doing some of the conducting duties as well.

Hamlet is from Silva's 1997 "Cinema's Classic Romances" compilation, while "The Thing" is from Silva's 2001 "Essential John Carpenter".

A Fistful of Dynamite - Duck You Sucker is from 2002's Way Out West: Essential Western Film Music Collection Volume Two.

The remaing tracks were newly recorded in 2004 for this release:
Days of Heaven, Exorcist II, Guns for San Sebastian, Moses the Lawgiver, My Name is Nobody, The Five Man Army, The Red Tent, The Men From Shiloh and The Sicilian Clan.

Highly recommended.

"his domain of film scoring is legendary ~ Ennio Morricone".......2004-10-07

Silva America once again has outdone themselves with "Once Upon A Time:The Essential Ennio Morricone Film Music Collection", a double disc collection worth their weight in GOLD! ~ Morricone creates visual moods for each film he scores...action, adventure, mystery, romance, sentimental and suspense...the list could go on.

Ennio Morricone was born in Rome on October 11, 1928...attended the Santa Cecilia Conservatory...worked in various jazz bands, later a staff arranger and composer...an orchestrator in the '50s...scored films in the early '60s, then the WESTERNS and his name became a household word in the film industry ~ a new kind of western was on the horizon and Morricone was commissioned to score "A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS" [1964] for Sergio Leone featuring Clint Eastwood, spaghetti westerns were born ~ next "FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE" [1965] ~ and a bigger budget film "THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY" [1966], again featuring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and a third Eli Wallach whose performance was magical to watch on the big screen ~ violence and revenge gives Morricone an opportunity to feature electric guitars, flutes and jew's harp blending with a non lyrical chorus mixed with brass, strings, percussion with full orchestration that simply took your breath away...example is "ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST" [1968], featuring Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards and our hero Charles Bronson the mysterious harmonica player, director Sergio Leone's tribute to the American Western, pulled out all the stops ~ the Western was just a small part of Maestro Morricone's career, in the next paragraph take a gander of just what our icon of film music accomplished.

Our composer didn't stop there as "ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA" [1984], featuring Robert De Niro, James Woods and Elizabeth McGovern, another Sergio Leone film..."THE MISSION" [1986], featuring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons and Aldan Quinn, is probably one of Morricone's crowning scores receiving an Academy Award nomination, very haunting and classical genre in substance..."THE UNTOUCHABLES" [1987], featuring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert De Niro during the Al Capone '30s crime organization, Morricone conjures a powerful and dynamic arrangement of his unmistakable theme..."CINEMA PARADISO" [1988], featuring Phillippe Noiret, Antonella Attili and Pupella Maggio from director Giuseppe Tomatore as he recalls his early childhood, the score immediately captures your heart, so tender and compelling as Morricone can only deliver.

City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra featuring conductors Kenneth Alwyn, Paul Bateman, James Fitzpatrick, Nic Raine, Derek Wadsworth ~ Crouch End Festival Chorus featuring Choir Master David Temple ~ vocals performed by Charlotte Kinder, Marie Kopecka and Jill Washington ~ guitar, percussion and keyboards performed by Gareth Williams ~ all in all did a magnicent job in bringing the music of a composer who wrote for over 250 films, receiving recognition from the industry and fans which was long over-due ~ his work is in constant demand, scoring as many as over a half dozen films as year.

This collection contains an overlay of each cue in Morricone's distinctive style of legendary scoring ~ the man who made this possible, a tremendous asset to every project he undertakes is James Fitzpatrick [producer of the album] ~ symphonic suites with full orchestra fullfilling the "film-score-buffs" cravings for more of the same, just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1165 ~ (10/05/2004)

Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring / Alexander Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra

Average customer rating:

A major boo boo in the Scriabin
The Pinnacle
A wild ride, and a sonic spectacular
Exiting, but flawed.
Hold me back!

Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring / Alexander Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra
Alexander Scriabin , Igor Stravinsky , Valery Gergiev , and Kirov Orchestra
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet, 1910) / Alexander Scriabin: Prometheus - The Poem of Fire - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra, St. Petersburg / Alexander Toradze
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies 4,5 & 6
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 "Pathetique"
Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 6, 17 & 21 / Géza Anda

ASIN: B00005NIF6
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Intro
The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Augurs Of Spring - Dances Of The Young...
The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of Abduction
The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Spring Rounds
The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of The Rival Tribes
The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Procession Of The Sage
The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: The Sage
The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Dance Of The Earth
The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Intro
The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Mystic Circles Of The Young Girls
The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Glorification Of The Chosen One
The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Evocation Of The Ancestors
The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Ritual Action Of The Ancestors
The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Sacrificial Dance: The Chosen One
The Poem Of Ecstasy, Op.54

Amazon.com

Gergiev's is a Rite of Spring with a difference. He stresses the primitive barbarism of Stravinsky's groundbreaking score--the strange wheezings of the winds, the wild yawps of the tubas, and the deep rumblings of the bass drum. It's a Rite that stands out at a time when so many internationalized western orchestras give the piece an overlay of sophisticated polish that can rob it of the shock factor that drove the audience at the Paris premiere to riot. There are also numerous personal touches that can be controversial, such as the pause before the final chord, which may bother some but which work in the context of the interpretation. Gergiev's Rite faces strong competition from recorded versions by Markevitch, Dorati, Monteux, and Stravinsky himself, but it's definitely among the top choices. The Scriabin's less compelling, though still fascinating. Gergiev's approach tends to sound sectional, as the overall line is subordinated to momentary thrills. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A major boo boo in the Scriabin.......2007-01-30

I have been visiting the review page for this CD for some time waiting to see if someone noticed the same mistake I did. Gowdie's review has got it right. The error immediately ruined the experience of the entire Poem Of Ecstacy for me. The lilting strings (E to D#)which cry amongst the harp is to me one of those magic moments in all of classical music. What an awesome following to the build up and it also sets up the big finale.

Sorry, the Stavinsky may be great but, a mistake such as this warrants a three star deduction.

The Pinnacle .......2006-12-14

This is it -- if you are looking for a "perfect" 'The Rite of Spring', you owe it to yourself to buy this cd -- especially if you have a reference audio system. It will blow your socks off.

Deserves a "10" star rating.

A wild ride, and a sonic spectacular.......2006-09-21

Gergiev clearly aims to bring back the visceral impact of Le Sacre, and he is aided by extremely clear, detailed sonics that pull us directly into the texture of the orchestration. Sheerly in terms of the noises coming out of one's loudspeakers, this performance rivets the listener's attention. The impact of the bass drum, tam tam, and tuba, for example, is unprecedented. Gergiev has other cards up his sleeve. He re-invents Stravinsky's cross-rhtyhms, ever so slightly throwing off one's expectations. Sometimes this happens through minute pauses and underlinings, sometimes by raising and lowering the temperature unexpectedly. The softer passages sound nuanced and sophisticated, the barbaric ones deafeningly loud and assaultive.

The overall effect is intriguing, so I must agree with every reviewer who praises Gergiev for finding his own way. At the same time, however, there's an air of too much study, of mannered phrasing for its own sake. Every listener will have to decide for themselves, but personally, this sonic spectacular doesn't propel me forward the way Bernstein and Markevitch do in their classic recordings.

Exiting, but flawed........2006-07-19

Valery Gergiev is indeed one of the best conductors around now. He has a charisma that makes any orchestra soar. That being said, despite the power and exitment involved in this performance of "The Rite of Spring" I'm afraid there are major flaws that have to be mentioned.
In the "Dance of the Earth" section, the percussionist is lost as his entrances with the Tam-tam are out of place with the rest of the orchestra. This is no small mistake, since the Tam-tam is supposed to be unison with the rest of the orchestra. How this error was not discovered before release is something I wont fully understand. I don't fully agree with Gergiev's general concept of having the quieter parts louder than normal. It takes a lot away from the building of tension in a section. But overall, it's an exiting performance.
Alexander Scriabin's "The Poem of Ecstasy" fares well here. Passionate playing from the strings of the Kirov. But even here there's a major editing flaw. During the quiet last pages of the work, for some reason, a measure of the longing violins playing E into D# was accidentaly omited from this performance. This mistake is not too hard to make since it is a repitition of two other measures around it. I've made simular mistakes myself as a recording producer, but I've always corrected it by listening to the whole thing with a score prior to doing a final mix. It appears that this has not been done here.
Despite these major flaws that clearly get in the way (at least for me), this is a distinctive version of these two great works.
Valery Gergiev certanly makes his mark.

Hold me back!.......2006-05-08

Some [unintelligeble] years after my classical music lessons, and the vague promises to teachers and friends to keep literate thereafter, I find myself here writing a review for this mesmerizing Ossetian I've been chasing around on search engines since accidentally finding myself at a performance of his (a delightful experience, if ever there was one). What to say? First of all, I did grow up with the Dorati Rite (after all, I'm a Motown girl), which is much less jarring, but jarring appears to be the point, here. There's a good long range from ppp to fff and it sometimes come where you least expect it. Also, Valery Abisallivitch is no slave to time. Not only is the pause before the final slash during the "sacrifice" legendary, but there are several places during that last dance and in the Dance of Young Girls in the beginning when I could swear the beat comes just a hair close to syncopation. On the other hand, the opening movements of Gergiev's Rite appear so fresh, so clear, one can see and smell the trees, brooks, foliage....the live recording no doubt helps convey this.

As I, a layperson who does love classical music, try to understand what Gergiev does differently, I think it's this... he has an exuberant passion for the music, and especially for the Kirov, the family with whom he grew up, he is able to coax his musicians' passion for it in some kind of extraordinary way. Maybe especially with this Russian composer who has created something so close to the land they all call home.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

Recommended Music:

9: 40 P.M.

Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No. 1; Borodin: String Quartet No. 2

Three August Nights Live [Live]

Music: Tony Joe [Import]

Wooden Horse of Troy

Wax Trax! Mastermix, Vol. 1

Zegarmistrz Swiatla [Import]

Whatever: The '90s Pop and Culture Box [Box set] [Original recording remastered]

Tribute to the Beatles

Verdi: Requiem & Operatic Choruses

Total Madness: The Very Best of Madness

Village Voice [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Todo por el Todo

Vivaldi, Marcello, Platti: Concertos for Winds

Hits!