Into Your Heart

Track Listings

1. Find A Way

2. Yvonne

3. Quality Time

4. Portrait of my Father

5. Mysterious Ways

6. Samba for Two

7. Because of You

8. Shinjuku

9. Past Stories

10. Easy Kill

11. Third Spirit

12. Nothing More to Say

Editorial Reviews
Jazziz Magazine, August 2002, p.59, Ross BOISSONEAU
Tom Schuman's accomplishments are incredibly impressive...Jaco surely would have appreciated Schuman's audacious decision to channel his spirit.

Product Description
Spyro Gyra keyboardist, Tom Schuman's long awaited second solo CD. A masterful departure from his first album, "Extremities","Into Your Heart" is packed with a tasteful array of jazz ballads, fusion explorations and smooth, funky rhythms. Every one of its 12 tracks were written and produced by Tom Schuman. This ground breaking effort is sure to be a favorite among contemporary jazz lovers across the world.

Into Your Heart

Into Your Heart,Tom Schuman,JazzBridge Music,Contemporary jazz keyboardist's second solo CD. From the beautiful jazz ballads to the ferocious fusion explorations, this ground breaking effort is sure to be a favorite among contemporary jazz lovers across the world.

Into Your Heart

Tracks:

Overture
In My Own Little Corner
Spread A Little Happiness
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
Raise A Ruckus
Impossible/Suddenly It Happens
The Ball
What Has Love got To Do With Getting Married
A Lovely Night/Ten Minutes Ago
Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?
Midnight
On the Steps Of The Palace
Once I Was Loved
If The Shoe Fits
Tell Hm Anything
The Stepsisters' Lament
Finale

Customer Reviews:

Back to when I believed in fairy tales...........2002-09-30

If you could, just for a moment, return to the days when fairy godmothers were real, when you really could turn four white mice into four white horses - then just buy this CD for a few smiles, a lot of memories, and the original Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes. This CD took me way back to when magic was there, and now it makes me wonder, everytime I listen to it, if maybe the magic isn't still there? Maybe I should just call on my fairy godmother..... A true heirloom of a CD.

The Glass Slipper Fits!.......2001-04-21

This is an excellent compilation of songs that express the longings, fears and exuberance of the Cinderella story. Rather than just relying of the romantic side of the myth, producer Bruce Kimmel adds depth to the story by including songs from The Slipper and The Rose and Sondheim's Into the Woods as well as the Disney and Roger & Hammerstein Cinderella versions.

When Susan Egan plans her strategy in "Promise Him Anything" and Pamela Winslow expresses her fear in "On the Steps of the Palace," the listener becomes aware of Cinderella's human side. Likewise, when Christa Moore shares her fantasy world "In My Own Corner" and Christina Noll expresses her thrill of her dream coming true in "Impossible/Suddenly It Happens," the listener is reminded of the powerful message of Cinderella's theme: dreams DO come true.

Fortunately, the compilation does not exclude humor as well. "The Stepsister's Lament" by Farah Alvin and Alet Oury is hilariously poignant; the lyrics "Why would a fellow want a girl like her? A frail and frocky beauty!" could be the alltime wallflowers' lament. And Jonathan Freeman's "What Has Love Got to Do with Getting Married?" is a droll piece of practical cynicism to his Prince son. (The song reminds me of the film Moonstruck. When Olympia DuKakis asks her daughter Cher, "Do you love him?" When Cher answered affirmatively, her mother muttered, "That's bad.")

Also, the musical bridges add to the suspense of the Cinderella story. "Midnight", "The Ball," and "If The Shoe Fits" from Prokofiev's ballet are beautifully orchestrated and remind the listener that the Cinderella myth is adaptable for many forms of entertainment.

I was a little disappointed that "So This is Love" and "The Work Song" was not included, but I guess I'm partial to the Disney version. The 1950 cartoon was my first introduction to Cinderella, and to my delight, my nephew enjoyed it as well thirty years later.

Nevertheless, this CD shows the timeless appeal of the Cinderella myth. Its beauty, humor and suspense is contained here in this magnificent collection.

Magical collection fit for a princess!.......1999-04-13

I was thrilled to come across this collection. One of my favorite movies, The Slipper and the Rose, had been out of print for many years. This CD includes 4 of the songs from that movie and though not by the original artists, just as good. The songs range from the whimsical to the romantic to a few comic gems, all from various stage and film Cinderella scores. "Tell Him Anything" from the Slipper and the Rose, a powerful song filled with longing and despair is sung movingly by Susan Egan, a nice change of pace from the cheerier, more sparkling numbers.

The score from Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is so charming and catchy it's fun to hear it again by new artists. The performers, all apparently Broadway singers (?), are all beautifully performed with exuberance and style. The orchestration is lush and appropriate to the material.

Fabuloso!!!! A must have!!!!.......1998-08-11

This is an AWESOME cd. It has songs from the original Rodgers and Hammerstein version, the Disney version, and Into the Woods. This is a faboulos collection of songs. Definetly buy it. NOW!!!!!

Average customer rating:

not to great
Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$
You get what you pay for.
Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ...

100 Favorite Patriotic Songs

Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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American Pride: Sixteen Stirring Patriotic Themes
United We Stand: Songs for America
America's Favorite Patriotic Songs
America's Bugle Calls
Patriotic Country

ASIN: B0000A1HT8
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

America the Beautiful
All Quiet on the Potomac Tonight
Ballad of the Green Berets
On Top of Old Smokey
Coyote Warrior
Semper Fidelis
Breeze from Alabama
Onward Christian Soldiers
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Patriot
Sweet Betsy from Pike
Marines' Hymn
America Is
When Johnny Comes Marchin' Home
Happy the Soldier
American Trilogy
Home Sweet Home
Washington Post March
Enraptured I Gaze
Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Yellow Rose of Texas
Over There
Simple Gifts
Liberty Bell
Star Spangled Banner

Tracks:

God Bless the USA
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Katy Cruel
I Vow to Thee My Country
King Cotton
Beautiful Dreamer
America
American Patrol
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Beauty
Mohican Dream
Red, White and Blue
Some Folks
Liberty Song
Pomp and Circumstance
Hail to the Chief
Bennington Rifles
Peace on the Battlefield
I've Been Working on the Railroad
Under the Double Eagle
Red River Valley
My Country 'Tis of Thee
Camptown Races
Wild Blue Yonder
Hands Across the Sea
Fanfare for the Common Man

Tracks:

Stars and Stripes Forever
Living in America
Home on the Range
Old Colony Times
Clementine
Invincible Eagle
Ring Ring de Banjo
Yankee Doodle
Largo from "The New World"
To a Wild Rose
Hail Columbia
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Gettysburg
Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
Capitan
Prairie Daughter
Little Brown Jug
Marching Through Georgia
Entertainer
Steamboat Around the Bend
Revolutionary Tea
Cassions Keep Rollin' Along
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Amazing Grace
Grand Old Flag

Tracks:

God Bless America
National Emblem
Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me
Anchors Away
Oh, Susannah
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
Toast
Dixie
St. Louis Blues
Appalachian Spring
Bonnie Blue Flag
Old Hundreth
Swanee River
Battle Cry of Freedom
U. S Field Artillery
Sidewalks of New York
Chester
Auld Lang Syne
Kingdom Come
My Old Kentucky Home
Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Shenandoah
Abraham's Daughter
This Land Is Your Land

Customer Reviews:

not to great.......2007-04-04

We were disappointed with this CD, but for the price I guess we can't expect much. I didn't care for the new style presentation of the songs. I like a more traditional rendering.

Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$.......2005-06-22

I red the comments of two other people who have bought this 4 CD BOX SET and it is not really so bad. I will even add that there are some excellent tunes. However, I must agree with the fact that few tunes seem to have been recorded 40 or 50 years ago, mainly when you hear the scratches of an old turntable but it is just 2 or 3 tunes. Furthermore, if you do not know American music, it is a good BOX SET to buy if you consider that you received 4 CD for 4$ including 100 tunes. On these 4 CD, I have heard some orchestration that I have never heard before and I consider that they are different but interesting. Any way, after hearing these 100 tunes, you will say to yourself that you like this tune, this other tune, this other tune and so on and you will be able to buy a more expensive CD with the tunes that you like. However, I have bought many CDs in the last few weeks and as you know, there are always some tunes that you like and some tunes that you do not like on every CD that you will buy. So, don't buy it at 25$ but at 4 or 5$ dollars, it is a very good choice for 100 tunes.

You get what you pay for........2004-07-04

You get what you pay for. The singers put their own spin on the singing of each song. If you didn't hear the words you would not recognize some of them. Even some of the music sounds like a bad recording of music played on a turntable. Definitely not worth the price.

Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ..........2004-07-04

I wish this review had been here when I was thinking of purchasing it. I guess you get what you pay for. If you are thinking of buying this, you are better off recording your own CDs (or at least buying one that you can listen to a sampling of the songs). This album includes songs that were mere recordings of the songs playing on an old record player. It's almost so unbelievable that it is funny.

Average customer rating:

Flowers blossom
Great comeback by the "Flowers"!
Modern soul by outstanding musicians...
Nice to have them back, a grand CD, now GO SEE THEM LIVE!!!

Into Your Heart
Hothouse Flowers
Manufacturer: Eleven Thirty
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Born
The Best of Hothouse Flowers
Rian
Songs from the Rain
Songs from the Rain

ASIN: B0002YCOYO
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

Your Love Goes On
The End Of The Road
Hallelujah
Tell Me
Better Man
Peace Tonight
Santa Monica
Feel Like Living
Baby I Got You
Alright
Magic Bracelets
Out Of Nowhere
Si Do Mhamo I

Customer Reviews:

Flowers blossom.......2005-06-30

This album took awhile to grow on me but when it did it sprouted into the most beautiful of flowers. Liam has blossomed as a singer especially on "Peace Tonight" I caught "the Flowers" on a tour in Columbus Ohio in 2003 and was mesmerized by them. Rock stars they are not. They return music to the people and bring the audience into the fold. This confused a bit of the crowd who are used to passively watching a performance. "The Flowers" invited their fans onstage for a sing along to "Don't GO' from "People" and clearly delighted in the antics of their fans on the mic and on the stage. Music as it should be as a celebration rather than a product.

Great comeback by the "Flowers"!.......2005-05-20

"Into Your Heart" is a fantastic comback album by Hothouse Flowers after a long absence. "The End of the Road" is my favorite song in the collection and the reason I purchased the CD to begin with, but all of the songs grow on you quickly, especially "Your Love Goes On" and "Feel Like Living" (all written by Peter O'Toole by the way). The Flowers may be a little older, but they have certainly grown sweeter with age.

Modern soul by outstanding musicians..........2005-03-05

I'm a longtime fan of Hothouse Flowers and was very pleased to learn that they're on tour in America in support of this album. However, as I really hadn't listened to any recordings since the outstanding "Songs from the Rain" in 1993, I didn't know what to expect. This CD stands equally alongside "People" and "Songs from the Rain" as my personal favorites. The songwriting and arrangements on "Into your Heart" are tops and Liam has really extended his vocal range, incorporating diverse singing styles. It all works and flows together very beautifully. In my opinion, this album is about connecting with the energy of life: love and soul. Give a listen to "Your Love Goes On", "Peace Tonight", "Feel Like Living", and "Santa Monica".

Nice to have them back, a grand CD, now GO SEE THEM LIVE!!!.......2004-10-25

First off, I admit it, I am a huge Flowers fan. I bought this CD as an import from Ireland the day it was released. What makes this Cd so special to me each member of the band wrote for this, with a very strong presence of the writing skills of Bass-mandolin-12 string guitar player Peter Ó Toole. Each song is a moment in time, a story. Each one breathes life. It is worth your money to buy this even just for the 2nd track "End of the Road" as far as I am concerned this is the best song about relationshhips ending, and trying to hold on, but knowing you have to let go. This song is amazing. Another standout track is "Magic Bracelets" a song written for, and inspired by the late Joe Higgs, reggae master, vocal teacher to Bob Marley, and from what I gather a closet Irishman. The opening track "Your Love Goes on" is a blistering bit of dancable funky. The Dublin Gospel Choir backs up on a few tracks including "Hallelujah", my only complaint is that they got produced out a bit, they could have brought the volume of the choir up a really good bit, it is nice but sounds to far away and wispy. Wispy is not a word I like to use to dscribe a gospel choir. Nice thought though. I wanted to hear the choir at full throttle and the female lead doing vocal soulful battle with Mr. Ó Maonlai, that would have been utterly perfect now wouldn't it have been?. I say buy this CD, and when the Flowers are in your area, GO SEE THEM LIVE. 'cause that is what it is all about. I love their music, but have yet to hear a CD that comes even close to the worst gig live. They were meant to be heard in person.
The best note on this CD is the last track "Sí Do Mhamo I" the final track on "Into Your Heart" it was recorded live at First Ave. in Minneapolis, and the electricity and excitement of a live gig comes through without being overly produced or tweedled with. I find myself playing this track over and over and over.
Why a 4 not a 5? Needs a couple more rocking tracks, needs to have been under-produced a good bit. OK enough of that! BUY IT! Then BUY TICKETS and go see them live!!!!! You will be changed.

Be My Love/Have You Looked into Your Heart

Average customer rating:

Jerry Vale is WONDERFUL!!!
ANOTHER Excellent Double Jerry Vale CD Collection
CD Shows Range of Jerry's Talents

Be My Love/Have You Looked into Your Heart
Jerry Vale
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004WFQ7
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

Love Is A Many Splendor Thing
Because Of You
Unchained Melody
Because
Mona Lisa
Because You're Mine
Be My Love
Why Don't You Believe Me
All The Way
Too Young
Secret Love
Vaya Con Dios
Have You Looked Into Your Heart
I'll Never Forgive You
Have You Ever Been Lonely
I'm Your's
Andiamo
Always In My Heart
Tears Keep On Falling
There Are Such Things
I Dream Of You
The Love Goddess
Old Cape Cod
Ti Adoro

Customer Reviews:

Jerry Vale is WONDERFUL!!!.......2006-08-18

I grew up as a teen in the 50's and listened to this great singer for years!! His voice is SO beautiful!! I have never stopped loving his beautiful songs! We NEED more of this kind of music in our world today....God Bless Jerry always and I thank him for his wonderful talent!!
Linda from Va

ANOTHER Excellent Double Jerry Vale CD Collection.......2003-06-12

Every song that Jerry Vale sings is absolute perfection. With cystal clear vocals, no flaws, no mistakes, and superb delivery, Jerry Vale is the finest contemporary pop male vocalist in the last 100 years. This digitally remastered double CD delivers the goods, as do most of his CDs. "Because Your Mine", one of my favorites by Vale, is very dramatic, giving Vale a chance to really show off those high tenor notes of perfection. "Andiamo" is one of those songs that sticks in your head. It was a jukebox favorite with a nice rhythm and some great high notes. I also remember "Have You Looked Into Your Heart" as a swinging jukebox hit, and the country song, "Tears Keep On Falling", would play in the background of your local pub. "Unchained Melody" is beautifully done, and just as good as the original sung by the Righteous Brothers.

This CD, "The Language Of Love/Till The End Of Time", and "There Goes My Heart/I Hear A Rhapsody", are collections of some of the finest Jerry Vale recordings you'll find. And, with the digital remastering, they're better than ever.

CD Shows Range of Jerry's Talents.......2000-09-23

From the opera-like drama of "Be My Love" to the country lilt of "Have You Ever Been Lonely," this CD proves that Jerry Vale can take any song in any style and make it his own. His pure vocal talent and sensitivity to a lyric are evident throughout. "Have You Looked Into Your Heart" and "All the Way" are gems. Buy it and find out what real singing is all about.

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham

Average customer rating:

Beecham's noisy Messiah
The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!
Comfort Ye!
Familiarity hasn't bred much affection
Thanks to Jon!

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham
George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis
Handel: Messiah
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Samson

ASIN: B000003FB8
Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Messiah: Recit: Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Air: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Air: But Who May Abide (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Chorus: And He Shall Purify - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
Messiah: Air & Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings (Contralto) - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Air: The People That Walked In Darkness (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - John McCarthy
Messiah: Pastoral Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
Messiah: Recit: There Were Shepherds Abiding (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
Messiah: Recit: And The Angel Said Unto Them (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
Messiah: Recit: And Suddenly There Was (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
Messiah: Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest - John McCarthy
Messiah: Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
Messiah: Recit: Then Shall The Eyes (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
Messiah: Air: He Shall Feed His Flock; Come Unto Him (Contralto & Soprano) - Monica Sinclair
Messiah: Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy - John McCarthy

Tracks:

Messiah: Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God - John McCarthy
Messiah: Air: He Was Despised (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
Messiah: Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - John McCarthy
Messiah: Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed - John McCarthy
Messiah: Chorus: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: All They That See Him (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Chorus: He Trusted In God - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Air: Behold, And See If There Be (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Recit: He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Air: But Thou Didst Not Leave (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads - John McCarthy
Messiah: Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
Messiah: Chorus: Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands - John McCarthy
Messiah: Air: Why Do The Nations So Furious Rage (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Chorus: Lets Us Break Their Bonds Asunder - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: He That Dwelleth In Heaven (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Air: Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Chorus: Hallelujah! - John McCarthy
Messiah: Part III - Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
Messiah: Chorus: Since By Man Came Death - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - John McCarthy

Tracks:

Messiah: Recit: Unto Which Of The Angels (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
Messiah: Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him - John McCarthy
Messiah: Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
Messiah: Chorus: The Lord Gave The Word - John McCarthy
Messiah: Recit: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
Messiah: Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Contralto & Tenor) - Monica Sinclair
Messiah: Chorus: But Thanks Be To God - John McCarthy
Messiah: Air: If God Be For Us (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan

Amazon.com essential recording

Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23

Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.

This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.

There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.

While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.

My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.

The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16

We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.

Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.

The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.

For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06

Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30

If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.

Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02

I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.

In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.

Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08

This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"

Average customer rating:

A Surprise from Transylvania

Bretan: My Lieder-Land

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SDTW
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

The Heart - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
I Will Return Home To My Village - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Cuckoo, Why Don't You Return? - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
At The Window On The Sea - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Lament Of The Plow - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
On The Hill Of Feleac - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Forget Your World - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
Above The Trees - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
At My Son's Cradle - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
The Reluctant Debt Prayer - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
Unsung Hungarian Summers - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
A Young Man's Outcry - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
In Luxemburg Gardens - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
Night Passage For Carts - Ludovic Konya/Martin Berkofsky
After Twenty Years - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Childhood - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Small-Town Autumn Sundays - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Silence - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
When Memories... - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Autumn Slipped Into Paris - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
Sleepy Little Birds - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss
And If Branches Beat Against The Window - Ludovic Konya/Ferdinand Weiss

Customer Reviews:

A Surprise from Transylvania.......2000-06-30

Nimbus Records are rumored to headquarter in the stones of an ancient castle: our curiosity leads us to wonder whether those historic blocks and their inhabitants are related in some most unnatural way to the Transylvanian treasures on this disc.

We have Nicolae Bretan-the Transylvanian composer of heart-rendingly beautiful melodies; the lyrics of the Old World's most soulful-Goga, Ady, Eminescu, Cosbuc, Eftimiu, Rilke; the superb singing and playing of Transylvania's baritone Ludovic Konya and pianist Ferdinand Weiss.

The cover and tray card tell us about the baritone and pianist, but the real surprise is within: once one looses the nails from the shrink-wrapped jewel-case/coffin, and crow-bars out the gothic-proportioned booklet from its crypt, one discovers that Nimbus have kept another pianist-Martin Berkofsky-prisoner in its dungeon.

Perhaps this Berkofsky is not allowed into the daylight, or worse, perhaps Nimbus have already dosed him with the requisite stake in the heart. Neverthess be Berkofsky one of the living or one of the living dead, his partnership (eight of the 22 tracks on this disc,) with Konya reaches those rare and sublime heights of truth to the composer.

Nimbus' crypt yields no biographical information of any of the performers and we wonder if they all are cursed to perpetual darkness.

Tracks:

Fly Fly Fly
More than Seventeen
Elusive
Wistful
Sorry
With Hope
Correction
Never Meant
Round the Bend
Did you Think

Customer Reviews:

A refreshing musical experience.......2005-12-23

Adrina writes, sings, and plays melodic meaningful songs. She plays a grand piano sounding keyboard with appropriate backup. Each song has a little different feel to it, but all are refreshing. I listen to them almost every day. You are in for a real uplifting musical experience. I'm an old fan, 71 years old, but no matter whether you're young or old you will love this album.

A Must Have to Your Music Collection!!!.......2005-12-23

There are many ways that love rises to the surface in our lives. It can come disguised as questions and as answers, as both comfort and discomfort--- often simultaneously. The essential elements that fill in the spaces between the beats of the heart are not only in dreams and fairytales, but in real life in all of its messy, yet perfect glory. Adrina Thorpe captures this beauty, beautifully.

The album "Elusive" is a very impressive first effort. Adrina's pristine vocals and intricate piano work yield numerous memorable tracks, including the opening "Fly Fly Fly" and the popular "Round the Bend". Her youthful romanticism is perhaps captured best in "Did You Think", a catchy tune that is embellished with soothing vocals and sparkling keyboards. This album is a must have to anyone's collection. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Amazing and inspirational.......2005-12-23

I just recieved Adrina's Elusive cd this morning and have not yet stopped listening to it. I first heard of Adrina through myspace.com and became a fan automatically. The lyrics are heartfelt and deep with so much emotion you can feel it. I will always be a fan of her art of music. Absolutely amazing!!! It makes you feel alive and at ease.

Such a fantastic breath of fresh air. A must have........2005-12-23

I received the "Elusive" album about 2 weeks ago and it is absolutely excellent. I have been recommending her to friends and as well, I'd recommend this to music lovers in general. In this day and age of formulaic corporate insultingly dull music, it is so refreshing to find an artist such as Adrina Thorpe that re-affirms that there is still intelligent and creative life out there. My favorite tracks right now are "More than Seventeen", "Sorry", and "Never Meant". Do yourself and the music world a favor and support this bright new artist and spread the word about Adrina Thorpe!

Elusive for Words.......2005-12-23

Adrina Thorpe's Myspace link was sent to me by a dear friend. After hearing the few songs, I found myself playing them over and over. I just picked up the album Elusive and I am SOLD. I am really looking for the next album. Not only did I get it at the perfect time dealing with issues in life. It has been in the CD player non stop.

Keep it darling and You will always have a fan in me!

Andy Szekeres

Magdalena Kozená - Love Songs (Dvorak, Janacek, Martinu)

Average customer rating:

On the Subject of Intelligent and Sensitive Recitals
Lovely
A Beautiful Disc
A stunning burst onto the world stage
Wonderful songs, and a singer with great potential

Magdalena Kozená - Love Songs (Dvorak, Janacek, Martinu)
Antonin Dvorak , Bohuslav Martinu , Leos Janacek , Magdalena Kozená , and Graham Johnson
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Songs: Magdalena Kozena
Magdalena Kozená - Le belle immagini (Mozart, Gluck, Myslivecek)
Lamento
French Arias
Bach - Cantatas BWV 199, 179, 113 / Kozená · Towers · Padmore · Loges · Gardiner

ASIN: B00004SDO1
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

Love Songs: Oh, Our Love Does Not Bloom
Love Songs: Death Dwells In So Many A Heart
Love Songs: Now I Stumble Past The House
Love Songs: I Know That In Sweet Hope
Love Songs: Gentle Slumber Reigns Over The Countryside
Love Songs: Here In The Forest By A Brook
Love Songs: In The Sweet Power Of Your Eyes
Love Songs: Oh, Dear Matchless Soul
New Miniatures: The Rich Sweetheart
New Miniatures: The Forsaken Lover
New Miniatures: Lounging
New Miniatures: The Inquisitive Girl
New Miniatures: The Cheerful Girl
New Miniatures: The Unhappy Lover
New Miniatures: The Request
New Miniatures: The Tall Tower
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: Ponies On The Fallow Land
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: The Lost Little Slipper
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: A Religious Song
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: An Invitation
Four Songs: You Heartfelt Songs
Four Songs: Oh, That Was A Beautiful, Golden Dream
Four Songs: In Pain, My Heart Often Broods
Four Songs: Silence On The Mountains
Lullaby
Songs For One Page: Dew
Songs For One Page: Unlocking With A Single Word
Songs For One Page: Journey To The Beloved
Songs For One Page: The Footpath
Songs For One Page: At Mother's
Songs For One Page: The Virgin Mary's Dream
Songs For One Page: Rosemary
New Slovak Songs: So Tell Me
New Slovak Songs: I Had A Blouse
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Who Is The Posy For?
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: A Lover's Picture
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Little Posy
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Constancy
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Love
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Parting
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: My Lover's Horses
Good Night, My Darling

Amazon.com

The composers Antonín Dvorák, Leos Janácek, and Bohuslav Martinu might not be the names that first spring to mind when love songs are mentioned, yet this fascinating collection gives us a taste of what delights we have been missing. They range from seven Moravian folk songs, collected by Janácek at the turn of the century, to songs written by Martinu in the U.S. in 1942. There's also early Martinu--including songs he collected in Slovakia in 1920--plus the world-premiere recording of Songs for a Friend of My Country, a cycle he wrote in France in 1940 on his way to America. All of these songs are of interest in giving us another aspect of each composer's work; most have much more to offer. Many are achingly lovely, especially those by Dvorák--including his Op. 2, a reworking of four songs from a cycle he had written almost 20 years earlier, and Love Songs, a revision of eight songs from the same cycle. "Good night, my darling," from his 1886 cycle In Folk Tone, is worth the price of this CD alone. Czech mezzo Magdalena Kozená, who put together the program, sings with pure, attractive tone. Graham Johnson is her excellent accompanist. --Richard Fawkes

Customer Reviews:

On the Subject of Intelligent and Sensitive Recitals.......2005-05-19

Combing the recorded literature to find CDs that showcase singers who not only own brilliant vocal gifts but who also possess the intelligence to program recordings of lesser known works in a sequence that makes for intelligent recitals, it is becoming more obvious that there are many singers who opt for purity of purpose rather than 'salesmanship' of careers in the PR arena. Magdalena Kozená is one of these gifted singers whose intelligence and sensitivity match her physical and vocal beauty.

LOVE SONGS is a tastefully selected panorama of lesser-known songs by Kozená's fellow countrymen (Czech) Antonín Dvorák, Leos Janácek, and Bohuslav Martinu. And while many of the Dvorák and Janácek songs have been occasionally heard in recitals, the Martinu "Songs for a Friend of My Country", an exquisitely beautiful work written in 1940, here receives its World Premiere recording. Kozená's voice is in prime condition for these songs and she is ably accompanied by pianist Graham Johnson. The special flavor of these Slavic emotions and songs has rarely been so well captured.

But over and above the beauty of Kozená's performance of these neglected masterpieces shines the glow of her sensitive programming. Recordings such as these are rare and should be included in the libraries of those who appreciate the lieder genre. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 05

Lovely.......2004-03-25

This is a beautifully performed selection of Czech lieder. Kozena has a lovely voice and sings with precision and nicely modulated emotion. The accompanying pianist, Graham Johnston, is excellent. Despite the title, not all these songs are love or romantic songs but all are well worth hearing. The selection of songs is excellent. Different listeners will prefer different songs. For me, the highlight of this recording are the rarely heard Martinu songs, many of which exhibit the lyrical aspect of his compositional style. Recommended strongly.

A Beautiful Disc.......2002-01-06

This is simply a magnificent recording. I like it better every time I put it on. The voice is fresh, supple, and expressive. I even find myself trying to learn some of the Czech words (from the translation in the booklet) they sound so nice. Both Kozena and the brilliant piano contributions by Graham Johnson are faithfully caught on the recording. There is enough variety and contrast that one doesn't tire in the least (over the generous 67 minutes of playing time) of hearing these playful, sometimes poignant, songs. One of the best discs, in terms of programming, performance, and sound quality, of the past couple of years.

A stunning burst onto the world stage.......2001-12-17

Magdalena Kozena is suddenly known around the world, thanks to this stunning disc of 42 lieder from her Czech homeland. Most of the songs are short - some come in under a minute, the longest 3-4 minutes. Each is a little gem and many have never been recorded before.

Kozena's voice is sheer delight. She does have resonances in her voice which are reminiscent of her compatriot, Lucia Popp, but is certainly a mezzo - although she has chosen her repertoire well so we hear no strain at the top. Her low resonances are delightful and consistent with her head voice. To compare Kozena's voice to that of the late diva (Popp), it is more pure, more consistent in tone from top to bottom, and doesn't have so much of the `squeezey' quality which Popp used to great effect in evincing the passion of her characters. Kozena can empty her voice of vibrato or let it out rich and full, and uses all her vocal resources to great effect in contrasting the individual songs. She has astoundingly mature lieder-singer's technique for such a young singer.

This recording rightly won a Gramophone award this year. Kozena deserves all the accolades she receives for this - doubtless all listeners will develop their own favourites from these delightful miniatures.

Wonderful songs, and a singer with great potential.......2000-10-08

What a wonderful, carefully thought out CD! Kozena obviously revels in these rarely performed songs by Dvorak, Martinu, and Janacek, and Johnson accompanies with his usual ease and sensitivity. What a pity the piano is balanced distantly -- we hear little of Johnson's variety of touch and dynamics. As for Kozena, she is obviously an intelligent musician with a voice of great potential. It is qutie beautiful as it is, yet the colour is still rather pale. Yes, there is something of the late Lucia Popp's timbre, yet it has little of Popp's depth and range of colour. BBC Legends released a CD of Popp a year ago which includes three Dvorak songs also sung by Kozena. The differences are quite marked -- while Kozena's timbre and interpretation suggests a dreamy yet earnest youth, Popp brings out an autumnal glow and a sharp pain that pierces at least this listener's heart. Kozena has started a wonderful career. Only time will tell how her voice will develop. I do hope it goes in the direction of Popp's unique lyric timbre. No one could ever equal Popp (perhaps it's obvious by now that Popp is my favorite singer of all time), but perhaps Kozena will become something of Popp's heir, while still being her own person. I hope so. But her musicality is not in question. Let's keep our ears open!

Average customer rating:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!
Great recording!
Good and Bad
This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Christmas at Trinity

ASIN: B00002R16A
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 1 Overture
Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.

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