Gaudi

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Inspired by the unorthodox, surreal architecture of renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (who was reportedly once called the "Dante of architecture"), this album finds Rich exploring appropriately abstract and stimulating sonic terrain. Keep in mind that the natural harmonics of just intonation come into play, and the mesmerizing results are appealingly otherworldly. The first four tracks engage your ears with continually interweaving tapestries of synths, winds, and mallet percussion, and they constantly find new patterns to morph into. Like Gaudi's buildings, these instrumental compositions twist and turn in unforeseen ways. The next four pieces dive into deep, dark, and less rhythmic ambient locales, slowing down the pace before the appropriately titled "Mosaic" reenergizes the album with more kinetic, electro-acoustic sound sculpting that brings the album full circle, recalling his previous Geometry opus. At first listen, Gaudi comes off as one of Rich's more cryptic works, but successive listens prove that it is also one of his most fascinating. --Bryan Reesman

Gaudi,Robert Rich,Hearts of Space,Ambient,Electronic,Ethnic Fusion,Minimalism,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Progressive Electronic

Gaudi

Tracks:

Bethe Bethe Kese Kese
Tera Jana Kere Rang Lawe
Jab Teri Dhun Main Raha Karte They
Dil Da Rog Muka Ja Mahi
Ghamgar Bare Ne
Abhi APna Abhi Paraya Hai
Ena Akhiyan Noo
Kahin Mot Se Bhi Na Jao
Mainoo Ole Bai Ke Pee Lain De
Othe Mera Yar Wasda

Amazon.com

There is always something a bit macabre in creating a collaboration with a musician who has been dead for a decade. This kind of thing is nothing new, of course. The dead are sampled daily--from Nina Simone to Elvis Presley and, most recently, Billie Holiday. But this kind of reconstructive homage reeks of easy opportunism. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was the Ravi Shankar, Jimi Hendrix, and John Coltrane of Qawwali singing, the sacred and ancient vocal style popularized in Pakistan and brought to the world by Nusrat in the 1990s. Nusrat himself wasn't averse to cross-cultural collaboration, having cut three albums with producer Michael Brook--two of them expansive, impressionistic world-fusion works. But Nusrat was sensitive to how his music was employed, even chastising Brook on their first album, Mustt Musstt, when Brook resequenced the singer's vocal tracks for musical, but not necessarily literal, effect. They worked out their differences on the masterful Night Song. But Nusrat had no input on these tracks, which he reportedly cut between 1968 and 1974, very early in his career. Dub-electronica artist Gaudi takes the Pakistani's vocals and adds his own reggae and dub backing tracks to them. While Nusrat could send you into a trance state with his upwardly spiraling, almost heavy-metal grooves, Gaudi takes a lighter approach, turning the Qawwali hymns into reggae toasting that subverts much of the original intent. From the lyrical pop drift of "Kahin Mot Se Bhi Na Jao" to the vaguely hypnotic "Dil Da Rog Muka Ja Mahi," with its sampled sequence from Kraftwerk's "The Model," Gaudi chooses the attractive surface over the deeper journey that Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan conjured almost every time he sang. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

works well (if you like reggae).......2007-08-03

The Amazon official reviewer makes some good points. Also note that the instrumentation and rhythmic feel is nothing like qawwali music - it's mostly reggae-type grooves. But if I think about it in terms of a musical hybrid - not expecting qawwali music, and not expecting 'heights of ecstasy' from the religious lyrics... then I like it. And I don't even listen to much reggae! :-) The vocals are quite nice, and I'm impressed with how 'natural' they sound combined with reggae/electronica musics added decades later. If you want actual qawwali - or even the kind of 'worldbeat qawwali' Nusrat did with Brook - don't get this. But if you're even slightly a reggae fan, these are pretty interesting vocal lines on top.

Here's a lengthy review from the site calabashmusic (which also has soundclips and downloads) which gives a different spin than the Amazon reviewer:

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was and is still very much considered to be one of the greatest Qawwals (singer of qawwali music) in the world; not only recognised as a legend in his native Pakistan he also took his musical messages of peace, love and spirituality to the international stage, earning him the title of Pakistan's premier ambassador of Qawwali music. In the west, audiences were introduced to the power of Nusrat's music through collaborations with Eddie Vedder and Tim Robbins on the soundtrack for `Dead Man Walking' and with Peter Gabriel in `Passion: Music for The Last Temptation of Christ'. Dubbed by many as the `Elvis of the East' and the `Bob Marley of Pakistan' these titles are not without foundation; he has sold more albums than Elvis and reached as many hearts and souls and crossed as many cultural and spiritual boarders as Bob Marley with his unique mix of poetic eastern spiritual and western musical themes. This inspiring tribute to a legend of our time has been created by highly regarded London based producer and composer Gaudi, himself no stranger to crossing boundaries and forging links using the music of the world. Included in his impressive discography is the soundtrack for Hanif Kureishi's hit stage-play "My Beautiful Laundrette" - a soundtrack richly woven with the cultural traditions of Pakistani music. His Interchill's bestselling 2004 release "Bass, Sweat & Tears" (Interchill Records), skilfully unites many ancient and culturally diverse musical styles with `gaudi-style' beats and bass in an inspiring musical exploration of our planet; which, alongside his remixes of other legends such as Bob Marley all add up to confirm Gaudi's skill as a producer and his credentials as musical diplomat Using recently discovered and rare vocal parts, recorded during sessions in Pakistan in the late 60's & early 70's, Gaudi has sensitively created a set of completely new tracks, crafted around Nusrat's uniquely beautiful melodies and universal themes of spirituality, peace and love. The overall essence of the album blends elements of Reggae - the international music of peace and love - with dub, electronica and traditional instrumentation and modern production techniques creating a sound that is in turns, up-lifting, haunting, moving and warming. The task of creating a work that will carry the voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to new audiences around the world as well as his huge existing fan base, has been achieved without a doubt in this timeless collection of songs.

Average customer rating:

The concept is as good as the music!
Alan Parsons' "Project" Goes Out In Style
A SMOOTH DREAM RIDE IN THE ALAN PARSONS STYLE
Great Gaudi !
A great musical achivement from the Project

Gaudi
Alan Parsons Project , and Eric Woolfson
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Vulture Culture
Eve
The Turn of a Friendly Card
Ammonia Avenue
Pyramid

ASIN: B000002VEP
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

La Sagrada Familia
Too Late
Closer To Heaven
Standing On Higher Ground
Money Talks
Inside Looking Out
Paseo De Gracia (Instrumental)

Customer Reviews:

The concept is as good as the music!.......2004-05-12

I let this Alan Parons Project album sit on a shelf for the longest time. I don't know why. After I focused my attention on it and the man Gaudi himself I was most impressed with the music.
The architech Antoni Gaudi was a genius of the highest order and his still-ongoing work in Barcelona is evidence of that. This album led me to to know and appreciate this man's work.
I like the songs, each of which reflect an aspect of Gaudi's work on the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. I wondered why Money Talks was on this collection until I read that Gaudi, in his later days, spent much time trying to raise funds for his masterpiece.
This is a most-excellent Parsons album. Do yourself a favor. Get this CD and then spend some time learning about Gaudi himself.

Alan Parsons' "Project" Goes Out In Style.......2004-04-13

1987's "Gaudi" was the last collaboration between Alan Parsons and his musical partner Eric Woolfson under the "Alan Parsons Project" name. An album inspired by the life and works of architect Antonio Gaudi, "Gaudi" is a very rich, elegant, powerful album for the Project to go out with. "La Sagrada Familia" is a beautiful orchestral rock epic, with a great lead vocal by John Miles. Longtime Project vocalist Lenny Zakatek takes the mike on "Too Late," an awesome pop-rocker that could've been (and should've been) a huge hit for the group, though it wasn't released as a single. Eric Woolfson sings on "Closer To Heaven," a very beautiful, heavenly Project number. The lone single release from the album, "Standing On Higher Ground," is a very cool, catchy tune, sung by Geoff Barradale of the mid-80's group Vitamin Z (remember them?). John Miles returns for another lead vocal on "Money Talks," which is a great, down & dirty rocker. Woolfson then returns once more for the lovely "Inside Looking Out," and the album concludes on a very high note with a short instrumental reprise of "La Sagrada Familia," featuring excellent spanish guitar by Project veteran Ian Bairnson. As always on a Project album, the performances, production and sound quality are sharp & superior, and the outstanding orchestral touches by Andrew Powell is the icing on an already delicious musical cake.Alan Parsons did, in fact, work with Eric Woolfson one last time on Woolfson's 1990 concept album, "Freudiana," before the duo finally went their separate ways ("Freudiana" is only available on import, but it's an absolutely brilliant, MUST-buy CD for diehard Project fans). Parsons has since gone solo (though he's retained the services of several Project members for his latest albums), while Woolfson has since gone into the world of musical theater, writing & producing several musicals that have been performed throughout Europe. But these two men have created together some of the most fantastic music I've ever heard (and are STILL making fantastic music on their own these days), and "Gaudi" is a gorgeous, dazzling, memorable album to close out the Alan Parsons Project with. Thank you Alan, Eric, and the rest of the Project gang---long live the Project!

A SMOOTH DREAM RIDE IN THE ALAN PARSONS STYLE.......2004-03-14

I first heard "Closer To Heaven" in an episode of the all-time great "Miami Vice" television series and was captured by not only how it was used in the show but by the greatness of the crafted song itself, beautifully delivered in smooth,soft fashion with Eric Woolfson singing. This great song turned me on to "Gaudi", an album inspired by the life and works of Catalan Architect, Antonio Gaudi. Though not one of Alan Parsons most consistent works in respects to his concept "formula", the 7-track album does contain some of his best work. The 8:44 "Ode" to Antonio Gaudi, "La Sagrada Familia", is spiritually powerful. "Too Late" and "Standing On Higher Ground" is typical Parsons formula craft with catchy, pop melodies with meaningful messages in the lyrics. Besides the great "Closer To Heaven", the emotional, heartfelt ballad "Inside Looking Out" is a Parsons classic as well. Only the irritating "Money Talks" is a throw away. Overall, "Gaudi" on CD is worth the purchase.

Great Gaudi !.......2003-10-14

I have never really cared for musical categories myself; I know what I like and that's what counts ! I don't care if this is "conceptual prog rock" or "anthemic/dramatic rock"---It's just awesome music (and it rocks) ! Not even Meatloaf music writer Jim Steinman has anything over these guys from the APP...

Alan Parsons and crew take the listener on quite a journey with this production. I have to say that it is one of the better "updated" projects (though many will argue that his first 3 albums from the 70's were the pinnacle or real classics---and they are, but for that era). Though Gaudi was released in the late 80's and may have that 80's rock sound, it still holds up so damn well in 2003. All vocals are strong and powerful and only convey that much more of a musical force for the theme of the album. It's also an ingenious touch to add the soothing sound of a wailing saxophone in some tracks without turning the whole event into mush muzak; it works very well indeed! In whole, got the impression I was in Barcelona, Spain on an actual tour of Gaudi's Cathedral !

A great musical achivement from the Project.......2003-08-18

With this smoother, deeper and even religious-flavoured album the Alan Parsons Project culmined a superb string of 10 records that made history in Symphonic Rock. The concept about it is the life of Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi that was a very misunderstood artist and is curiously been studied by the Vatican for beatification. Alan Parsons said on a review that they studied Gaudi's life and they wanted to make a record with the type of music they guessed he would like.

'La Sagrada Familia', with its long introduction that adds a speech from Alan Parsons, many sounds like horses, helicopters and city sounds and a beautiful opening electric piano, lasts almost 9 minutes and is one of the biggest highlights from all the Project. The superb leading vocals of John Miles, the epic feel of either lyrics and orcherstrations and the great guitar work of Bairnson and Cottle on electric guitar and saxophone turn this song into a spectacular epic not so commercial or famous because of its length, but with as much quality as the best works from Pink Floyd or Dire Straits...

'Too Late' is for me the best Project song together with 'One More River' sang by the eccentric vocalist Lenny Zakatek. The song speaks about the anger of disappointment of a person speaking to other about their unbalanced relation. The prominent electric guitars and the superb distorted solo from Ian Bairnson make this song a perfect rocker full of power and quality.

'Closer to Heaven' is a beautiful ballad with a very original, pulsy rythm and a very sensitive singing by Eric Woolfson. Again the saxophone and guitar work together creating a wonderful and sublime instrumental part. Also, the beautiful accordions in the chorus add sentiment to the song.

The very synthesised and 80s sounding 'Standing on Higher Ground' adds a lot of freshness and rythm to the album. It is a song that goes in crescendo and includes a short but outstanding overdubbed guitars solo. The end is really intense and guitars and voices scream in a very enthusiastic and delirious mood.

The rocker 'Money Talks' is more disposable and predictable and speaks about the traps of money all we now in a too shallow way.

'Inside Looking Out' is a very sublime, almost heavenly ballad, showing I suppose some of the dreams and wanderings of Antonio Gaudi, with some beautiful words in the chorus:

'Now is the hour and the moment
Don't let the chance go by
Your ship is sailing with the high tide
And all your dreams are on the inside
On the inside looking out'

The last piece, 'Paseo de Gracia' is more than only the instrumental version of 'La Sagrada Familia'. The city sounds, synthesisers and church bells at the beginning create an atmosphere of either dream and reality, and the great flamenco guitar performance from Ian Bairnson add a last Spanish flavour to the album, the anecdote being they didn't know the historic and political difference of Catalonia and the rest of Spain at that moment, and the adding of castanets and flamenco guitar annoyed the Catalans a lot 'cos they felt it as a misunderstanding of their own musical and cultural traditions...

Tracks:

Tribalove
Sufani
Dub It
Babylon Flamenco (Feat. Ojos De Brujo)
Ayahuasca Deep Fall
Chaine a Chaine
Ci Fice Lu Mundu
Native Dub
Tutta Pe Me
...and the Earth Said: Oh My God!
Kimiyaa e Moraad
Theremystical
Meena
Truthful Old Man
Chant Thermique

Album Description

Bass, Sweat & Tears is Gaudi's fifth solo album and the long awaited follow up to his 2000 release Earthbound. It is an organic fusion of dub and nu-beat with a global mix of influences. It is inspired by native cultures from around the world and takes the listener on a journey from Burkina Faso to Iran, Pakistan and Northern India; from Papua New Guinea and the Amazon rain forest to Italy and Spain. Bass, Sweat & Tears is an evocative, deep and elegant work in which indigenous themes and global beats contrast and compliment each other.

The key undertaking in Gaudi's work is to unify different forms of music from around the world and represent them in his own personal style, while at the same time, keeping the heart and significance of the cultural roots. Bass, Sweat & Tears has been three and a half years in the making and in that time Gaudi has worked with and recorded a total of 42 musicians from across the world, making this album an original and quality production. His experience and expertise as a producer and artist is not only in evidence in this album but also in his live performances. With his band, the `Gaudi Live Dub Laboratory', an eclectic and multi-instrumental quartet plus guests, he performs tracks from Bass, Sweat & Tears as well as other new and unreleased material.

Album Description

The world music/dub artist's fifth album. Interchill. 2004.

Average customer rating:

Dun shows engaging guitar writing, but with little in the way of orchestral drama
Flawless work of art!!
Well-deserved award-winner
Complex and amazing
Hurray! For Rouse and Dun

Sharon Isbin

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000050J1F
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

Rouse: Concert de Gaudi for Guitar and Orchestra
Rouse: Concert de Gaudi for Guitar and Orchestra
Rouse: Concert de Gaudi for Guitar and Orchestra
Dun: Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra
Dun: Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra
Dun: Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra
Dun: Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra
Dun: Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra

Amazon.com

Sharon Isbin knows how to pick classical guitar works just about as well as she knows how to play them (which is to say, exceptionally well). On her Grammy Award-winning Dreams of a World, she explored folksy classical guitar works from around the world. On this disc, the music of two guitar concerto world premieres is less-familiar and just as exciting. Christopher Rouse's Concerto de Gaudi for Guitar and Orchestra is rooted in the Spanish idiom, but it has numerous twists and turns. Isbin gets plenty of tricky solo flights here, but the piece also features some truly explosive brass and percussion moments reminiscent of orchestral works by Ives and Revueltas. Tan Dun's commission for Isbin is less structured; there's plenty of improvisation where the guitarist is required to use tremolo to make her instrument sound like a Chinese lute, or p'i-p'a. Again, you'll hear the influence of Spanish composers, though you never lose the influence of Eastern tonalities in Tan Dun's Impressionistic work. It's a fantastic showcase for Isbin's talents, though not necessarily a piece you'll want to hear every day. These live recordings boast great sonics, and the Gulbenkian Orchestra is in fine form. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Dun shows engaging guitar writing, but with little in the way of orchestral drama.......2006-12-11

I will limit my comments here to the Tan Dun piece, as I don't care much for the music of Christopher Rouse.

Tan Dun's concerto for guitar and orchestra "Yi2" (1996) is one of the composer's more avant-garde statements, light years away from the world-music crossover gimmickry of the "Symphony 1997" he was readying around the same-time. That is not to say that Tan Dun's Chinese culture plays a role here, for in fact like all his best work this music is a wholesome and *convincing* synthesis of modern orchestral trends with Dun's rural Chinese upbringing.

Out of classical soloist repertoire, music for guitar has been the most difficult for me. Even with composers that are nearly always satisfying, such as Per Norgard and Toru Takemitsu, their guitar music just leaves me scratching my head. I suspect that it is because growing up with rock music makes the guitar "not classical enough", as it were. How does Tan Dun overcomes my resistence? By writing for the guitar as if it were not a guitar! That is, at times Tan Dun treats the guitar as if it were the pipa, the stringed Chinese folk instrument. At other times he gives an aggressive edge to a usually lilting instrument, even exploring the possibilities of noise.

The orchestral scoring is considerable, with a large string section and four percussionists playing exotic instruments and Tan Dun's own water inventions. Nonetheless, it normally stays out of the way of the soloist. Yet, in the end, that's what gives me reservations about the concerto. Its musical material could have been used just as well for a solo work, there's no sense of dialogue or confrontation between soloist and orchestra.

As much as I admire the guitar writing, "Yi2" ultimately gives mixed feelings. For those new to Tan Dun, I'd recommend the superb DVD of his work "The Map" (on Deutsche Grammophon) or the "Water Passion" (Sony). Save this disc for when you've decided to seek out more.

Flawless work of art!!.......2005-04-19

This disc features unbelievable musical composition, emotional playing, and great depth and breadth a emotion. A must have - truly incredible music.....

Well-deserved award-winner.......2002-07-26

Some new pieces of music sound OK the first or second time you listen to them, then the returns diminish. Others are bad to begin with and get worse.

With this CD, I thought: hmm, pretty nice, maybe I'll listen to it again. Like an opening flower, each subsequent exposure brought greater pleasure. What a suprise that music this subtle yet generous recording would win composer Rouse a Grammy, which often goes to more splashy issues!

This CD has earned an honored--and well worn--parking slot on my collector's shelf!

Complex and amazing.......2001-12-05

Rouse's concerto is one of the richest and most amazingly complex pieces of contemporary music I've heard in quite a while, but is at the same time completely accessible on first listening. Someone should, however, correct Mr. Rouse's mistaken impression that flamenco music has anything to do with the Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudi, who was Catalan, not Spanish. Even the writer of the liner notes refers several times to Gaudi as "Spanish" and seems to think that flamenco music is somehow a natural match for his architectural genius. This is somewhat analogous to saying that one should listen to Delta blues while viewing the buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright. Catalan culture is entirely distinct from the Andalucian roots of flamenco. Perhaps Mr. Rouse has never been to Spain. But enough quibbling: the work itself (leaving Gaudi out of it) is astonishing and very highly recommended.

Hurray! For Rouse and Dun.......2001-10-10

Wonderful work Mr. Rouse, I have not heard you
have this much fun since the recording 'Dance Mix'
came out, remember? the piece you wrote for 8 percussionists?
Well, this guitar concerto; "Concert de Gaudi"
is wonderful.There is a chord in the first movement of
this concerto similar to one used by Romero and Torroba,
in their "Concierto de Malaga". Full orchestra with a
big percussion section and loud brass and at times, evocative
solos on the solo guitar section.As for Mr. Dun, his Concerto
for Guitar and Orchestra, is just as good. Full of percussion,
including a 'water gong', which is a normal practice for this
composer.Dun's Concerto is great, charming, at times sensous,
and inventive. Mr. Dun, you did a wonderful work.I am very please
to own this recording in my personal collection.

Average customer rating:

Gaudi (The Alan Parsons Project)

Gaudi
The Alan Parsons Project
Manufacturer: Arista/Ariola
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Stereotomy
Ammonia Avenue
Eve
Pyramid
Vulture Culture

ASIN: B000026C1Q
Release Date: 2005-12-06

Tracks:

Sagrada Familia
Too Late
Closer To Heaven
Standing on Higher Ground
Money Talks
Inside Looking Out
Paseo de Gracia [Instrumental]

Album Description

This album was originally released by Arista Records in 1987. This album was inspired by the life and works of Antonio Gaudi (1852-1926), a Catalan architect whose grand conception, The Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, involves a construction timetable which will run for hundreds of years. He is buried in the cyrpt of his unfinished masterpiece. BMG.

Customer Reviews:

Gaudi (The Alan Parsons Project).......2007-01-04

I love The Alan Parsons Project's music. Their themes always teach me something. I think I have all of their albums. I've been replacing my old LPs. This particular cd to me is not as good as all the others. The instrumentation is a bit different. I guess I need to listen to it a few more times to understand it, but if it is Alan Parsons, I will always buy it. Love them!

Average customer rating:

Artist Portrait: Sharon Isbin

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Dreams of a World
Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur
Journey to the Amazon
Sharon Isbin

ASIN: B0002IQNR4
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Aranjuez, Ma Pensee
Zapateado
Waltz No.3 (Natalia)
Adagio
Historia Do Luar
Choro Alegre
Black Is The True Color Of My True Love's Hair
Go 'Way From My Window
I. Rubato
Adagio
Londonberry Air
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Plaisir D'amour
Standchen
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
I. Allegro

Average customer rating:

Subtle Geometry
Sublime...
An amazing peice of work......
Doses of Greatness, but...
Excellent CD

Gaudi
Robert Rich
Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Minimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Artifacts

ASIN: B000000X5Z
Release Date: 1991-10-31

Tracks:

Sagrada Familia
Tracery
Silhouette
The Spiral Steps
Harmonic Clouds
Air
Serpent
Minaret
Mosaic

Amazon.com essential recording

Inspired by the unorthodox, surreal architecture of renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (who was reportedly once called the "Dante of architecture"), this album finds Rich exploring appropriately abstract and stimulating sonic terrain. Keep in mind that the natural harmonics of just intonation come into play, and the mesmerizing results are appealingly otherworldly. The first four tracks engage your ears with continually interweaving tapestries of synths, winds, and mallet percussion, and they constantly find new patterns to morph into. Like Gaudi's buildings, these instrumental compositions twist and turn in unforeseen ways. The next four pieces dive into deep, dark, and less rhythmic ambient locales, slowing down the pace before the appropriately titled "Mosaic" reenergizes the album with more kinetic, electro-acoustic sound sculpting that brings the album full circle, recalling his previous Geometry opus. At first listen, Gaudi comes off as one of Rich's more cryptic works, but successive listens prove that it is also one of his most fascinating. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

Subtle Geometry.......2007-06-21

Brimming with that early signature Robert Rich sound this innocent CD is a pleasant listenable project. The first four tracks are unimpressive "new age" tunes. But take note of tracks 567: ambient "seeds" that would germinate and grow into deep rooted denizens of disturbing ambient sound murals on subsequent projects (ie: Below Zero & A Troubled Resting Place). Rich employs intonation tuning ratios in his music. An interesting element which he uses without overproduction. His inspiration for this CD came from the abstract flux architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Yet one does not appreciate that spontaneous feel in these compositions. Instead this CD is conscious and regulated. He brought alot of experience to the keyboards even at this early stage in his career, but it wasn't until later that he would immerse us in his lucid dreaming states. Nonetheless Rich did capture a certain sublime emotion in his Gaudi CD.

Sublime..........2003-10-19

The intricate sculptures of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi find their ideal musical equivalent in Robert Rich's binaural geometry. Rich utilizes dense washes of electronics, which are earthy and gritty, but every bit as resplendent as the spirit of Gaudi's designs. Fluttering moths of synth accentuate the still life of "Serpent," whispering in the distance. The aptly named "Mosaic" starts out gently, until a talking drum, purring sequencers, and flutes carve out a polyrhythmic niche. Rich's grasp of composition and his fluid, effortless style support the precarious timbres of GAUDI with a craftsman's touch and solidarity. It's a hypnotic music to get lost in, wherein every trip back takes you down different corridors via different doors.

An amazing peice of work.............2001-08-07

I've listened to electronic, tribal and world music for many many years. I have many of Robert Rich's albums in my collection. This particular album has always seemed to be my favorite for some reason, and still remains so today. Some call what he does dark, or even sinister sounding. I have always found it very mind opening....which of course naturally makes some people feel uncomfortable in itself. All I can say is check out this particular album, it truly grows on you over time slowly.

Doses of Greatness, but..........2001-02-28

Robert Rich is an acquired taste. His music can be as erie and unsettleing as serene, with mixed results. "Gaudi" has the spellbinding, ( Sagrada Familia, Air, Harmonic Cloud ) the dull, ( Tracery, Spiral Steps, Mosaic ) and the truly creepy (Serpent). "Minaret" would've made a perfect sleep-therapy piece if it wasn't so damn short. Anyway, the album, like the rest of Rich's work, is uneven. The good being good, the weak weaker. He seems to improveing as he ages. ( Like wine, yes? ) If you find it used, it may be worth it.

Excellent CD.......2000-08-18

This is a great CD from Rich. Track 5, Harmonic Cluds is the greatest - it should be re-done as a 60 minute piece for complete relaxation.

Average customer rating:

I agree with the Above Reviewer....
An excellent CD for young baritones
A marvelous sound....
Quintessential bel cantos
The best Baritone in the world, period.

Songs of Love and Desire
Gioachino Rossini , Gaetano Donizetti , Vincenzo Bellini , Ion Marin , and Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Verdi Arias
I Met You, My Love
Dmitri Hvorostovsky in Concert 1998
Dmitri Hvorostovsky - Passione di Napoli
Moscow Nights

ASIN: B000004155
Release Date: 1994-09-20

Tracks:

Il Barbiere di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum
La Favorita: Vien, Leonora
Il Duca d'Alba: Nei Miei Superbi Gaudi
La Favorita: A Tanto Amor, Leonora
Poliuto: Di Tua Beltade Immagine
Il Pirata: Si, Vincemmo
L'Eliser D'Amoure: Come Paride Vezzoso
Don Pasquale: Bella Siccome Un Angelo
Guglielmo Tell: Resta Immobile
I Puritani: Per Sempre Io Ti Perdei
Don Sebastiano, Re Del Portogallo: O Lisbona, Alfin Ti Miro
Lucia di Lammermoor: Cruda, Funesta Smania

Customer Reviews:

I agree with the Above Reviewer...........2004-10-25

simply the greatest baritone of our time! As an aspiring baritone, I can only aspire to achieve the kind of vocal perfection that Hvorostovsky displays so well. I first encountered his voice in 2001, when I was looking around in a Borders for baritone recordings; the CD I found was "Passion di Napoli" (Delos, I believe). I listened to it and was completelely blown away. Since then, I've seen him in the Met's production of "Don Giovanni" a while back, as the title character, and I've bought other albums of his. Honestly, I was amazed with his voice back in 2001, and I'm amazed now, perhaps moreso, with more of a vocal education. I envy his voice full-heartedly. I would not be ashamed to develop a voice similar to Hvorostovsky's. In fact, I would deem it a gift from God if this happens. I highly recommend this recording, and any other Hvorostovsky recordings out there, to anyone who wants to hear what the greatest singer in the world (sorry Terfel and Allen, but Hvorostovsky's got you beat) sound like. If you value operatic vocal music at all, then DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS SINGER! Off the charts!

An excellent CD for young baritones.......2004-03-29

With so many young baritones listening to powerhouses like Robert Merrill and Ettore Bastiannini singing monstorous arias, it is nice to find a CD from a well known baritone like Hvorostovsky singing on the more lyrical side of the baritonal spectrum. Hats off to Dimitri on this one. It truly is a "must-have" for any aspiring young baritone, let alone the average listener.

A marvelous sound...........2003-08-20

... and his Italian is wonderful. I'm not going to say that he's today's greatest baritone, but he's sure up there. His sound is simply delicious, fat and round, not an unpleasant tone in the bunch. Moreover, he is so personable even unseen. I like him a LOT.

Quintessential bel cantos.......2002-03-23

You can't say enough about this brilliant baritone. Hvorostovsky is the quintessential lyric baritone of all time. He is much gifted and just too good to be true. He made himself a big star out of winning at Cardiff Singer of the World Competion. He's been riding high ever since. Thanks to his star power, he has pretty good discography as for his recital albums. His superb singing and sheer beauty of his voice is showcased in this bel canto collection. It's easy to get addicted to intoxicating Dmitri sounds. I can't get enough of him and it happened to many people.

He has done stage productions of Puritani, Favorita, Barbiere, and L'elisir d'amour so far. I'v heard his Favorita at Carnegie Hall, and it was stanning performance. I still can't get over. I'd very much like to hear more of his bel canto operas but he became very good dramatic actor and his temperament is towards Verdi's. So you can't expect much of bel canto out of him yet at least he can do good recital program with them, I hope. My dying wish is to have all his bel canto repertories in full length commercial recordings. So help me God!

The best Baritone in the world, period........2000-12-17

OK, I know its a bold statement, but this artist has something going for him. I kid you not when I say, he has a phenomenal voice! If you know anything about classical voices then upon first hearing this man's voice you will agree that he deserves much more recognition. The power, line, and sheer beauty he possesses is unbelieveable. I know I keep going on and, but you must check Dmitri out. Forget Bryn Terfel and his breathy tone. His voice lacks the sheer vocal potency that Dmitri has. Listen to the first track on this CD, one of the most famous and vocally demanding in opera, he has it all. The track from La Favorite showcases Dmitri's ability to sing a beautiful melodic line and still retain vocal consistancy. Decca needs to pick this artist up. Enjoy, he is definitely someone to look forward to in the future.

Average customer rating:

Sub Signals volume 1

Manufacturer: Interchill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000GIWTJ6
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Gbehee (A New Path) by Kakatsitsi, Master Drummers from Ghana & Greg Hunter
High Tone by Replay
Earth Orbit by Ashtech
Prisoner Of Dub by Sub Oslo
Jahnesh by Mauxuam
MF Rainbow by Dub Alchemist
Free Heart by Zion Train
Secret of the Lost Dubplates by Dubadelic
Walls Of Silence by [Gaudi dub Remix] Noiseshaper
Space Movement Section Two by Creation Rebel
I-Wah by Manasseh
Insane Abduction by Almamegretta

Product Description

Sub Signals is a new series for Interchill Records, initiated by Gaudi, label head Andrew Ross Collins and Nick Edell. Following on from a number of compilation forays into the liminal points between dub, psy dub, psy dancehall and dubby breaks [Talisman & Dissolving Clouds compilations] it was decided to launch a series that would appeal to dub reggae purists and low end bass freaks as well as fans of cross-over sounds. The Sub Signal music policy is rooted in deep universal beats, defined and unified by Bass. With Gaudi s dub credentials firmly established [9 solo albums, 70 remixes and over 80 tracks on compilations] through a distinguished and developing career as a writer, producer, singer, player, performer and DJ, asking him to A&R the first release in the series was an ideal move. Over the years Interchill has released tracks by renowned producers like Bill Laswell, Jah Wobble, Ott, Shpongle, Steve Roach, Makyo, Eat Static, Zion Train, Gus Till, Greg Hunter, Jairamji, Bluetech, Omnimotion, Bassnectar, Hamsa Lila, Antonio Testa, Mauxuam, Twilight Circus & Legion of Green Men.

Average customer rating:

The Real Men of Opera Strut Their Stuff

Top Ten Baritones & Basses 2

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000423R
Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

Pagliacci: Si puo? - Robert Merrill
Don Giovanni: Madamina! il catalogo e questo - Geraint Evans
Macbeth: Studia il passo... Come dal ciel precipita - Samuel Ramey
Szenen aus Goethes 'Faust': Hier ist die Aussicht frei - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Il duca d'Alba: Nei miei superbi gaudi - Leo Nucci
Tannhauser: Wie Todesahnung... O du mein holder Abendstern - Tom Krause
Der fliegende Hollander: Die Frist ist um - George London
Don Carlos: C'est moi, Carlos!... C'est mon jour supreme - Sherrill Milnes
Sadko: O skali grozniye - Nicolai Ghiaurov
I puritani: Or dove guggo mai?... Ah! per sempre io ti perdei - Piero Cappuccilli

Customer Reviews:

The Real Men of Opera Strut Their Stuff.......2002-10-18

While the tenors and sporanos always seem to [obtain] the limelight, it's the sturdy Basses and Baritones that provide the foundation for most operas. Often relegated to what I call the "bads and dads" roles, the lower men serve to give both darkness and stability to the dramas. While most Bass and Baritone stars will never be as popular as a Domingo, Pavarotti, Sutherland or Calas, the gentlemen represented on this disk are some of the best voices in the business--period. There are some great recordings in this collection of some underheard arias (for instance check out, "O skali grozniye" from Rimsky-Korsakov's little heard opera, "Sadko". It is one of the most thrilling arias I have ever heard).

If you like opera or singing in general, this is a CD well worth your while to own. I would also recommend Volume 1, to complete the experience. Enjoy!

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