Lavender

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Lavender by Paul Christopher, pianist, arranger & composer Enjoy an intimate piano and viola dialog, supported by a satin-smooth symphonic string ensemble. Blending inspired melodies and enchanting harmonies, Lavender transports the listener to a dream world of lucent tranquility. Truly a peaceful, refreshing listening experience. Includes Lavender, November Afternoon, Autumn Field, Tuesday, Shintaro, Arizona, Pastel, Mirage, Vignette, Riverside Drive, Cecilia's Romance, Emerald Lake. Original works composed by Paul Christopher and Machiko.

Lavender,Paul Christopher

Lavender

Tracks:

Ladies In Lavender
Olga
Teaching Andrea
Fantasy For Violin And Orchestra
Meditation From Thais
Our Secret
On The Beach
Introduction And Tarantella Op. 43
The Letter
Zabawa Weselna (Polish Dance)
Stirrings
Potatoes
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
A Broken Heart
Two Sisters
The Carnival Of Venice

Amazon.com

The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its quiet, emotional dignity via neo-classical orchestral arrangements that feature real life young virtuoso Joshua Bell on solo violin. Hess' intimate original compositions form a virtually seamless tapestry with the story's requisite classical repertory choices, which range from Massenet and Debussy to Bell's delightful variations on Paganini's "The Carnival of Venice." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Ladies in Lavender.......2007-07-18

The music and melody is romantic and artistically precious. I enjoy this album everyday.

Ladies in Lavender Soundtrack.......2007-05-13

I love this CD. The music carries you away and it is wonderful to go to sleep by. It was such a great movie and the music is delicious.

Ladies in Lavendar - Movie Soundtrack.......2007-03-29

The violin music is wonderful! I knew I wanted a copy of this soundrack when I saw the movie on DVD. Joshua Bell in a wonderful artist.

Ladies In Lavender CD.......2007-03-19

The film "Ladies In Lavender" is touching and a tear jerker, but, so well done. Having the film on DVD was not enough, I needed to have the CD to play when I am driving. The violin virtuosity of Joshua Bell is magnificient and so pleasing to hear when relaxation is desired.

LADIES in LAVENDER.......2007-02-19

This is the most amazing and beautiful CD I've heard in a long time. Joshua Bell excells on his violin with this touching and haunting music. I listen to it often.
Sarah

Average customer rating:

This is a religious cd!
sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet melody and melancholy
Imagine my love
priceless Diamond

Imagine Our Love
Lavender Diamond
Manufacturer: Matador Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000OMD4FW
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

Oh No
Garden Rose
Open Your Heart
Side Of The Lord
I'll Never Lie Again
Dance Until Tomorrow
Like An Arrow
My Shadow Is A Monday
Bring Me A Song
Here Comes One
Find A Way
When You Wake For Certain

Amazon.com

"I'll never stop a bullet/But a bullet might stop me/I'll never drink the ocean/But the ocean might drink me," sings Becky Stark in a voice that partially floats and partially soars amidst Lavender Diamond's acoustic slow-waltz. It's a new day, Lavender Diamond might say, one where peace and love replace war (and irony). Despite the liner-note photo of Stark in the midst of stars and blue sky and nature's wonders, the band sounds melancholic in spots, shading her vocals with subtlety, combining all the sunniness with a tiny touch of Elliott Smith--even if Stark sings things like "Oh I must be on the side of the Lord" without a trace of irony. The piano, acoustic guitar, and percussion vibe is perfect here, muted for "I'll Never Lie Again" and bolder for "Oh No," which associates crummy weather with lovelessness, a sentiment that's almost funny in such an upbeat, airy setting. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

This is a religious cd!.......2007-07-28

I didn't know anything about this cd when I bought it, other than that it was highly recommended by the current reviewers. Nobody mentioned in those reviews that this cd is of a "religious nature"...and this could turn off some listeners while attracting others who may like that sort of thing. I don't remember whether I liked the actual music or not, because the lyrics consisted of lines such as "Oh, I must be on the side of the Lord" and "find a way to love, to love, to love!", which are fine for me if I'm attending church, but not in music that I want blaring on my stereo.
I am doing this review to warn others who might find such lyrics as being overtly corny when heard outside the walls of a Christian revival meeting.

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet melody and melancholy.......2007-06-29

Great folk-rock here folks. They are influences from Fairport Convention (Sandy Denny-era), Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, etc. Becky Stark has a great voice...though I think it's a stretch for anyone to compare her to the one of the greatest voices in human history, Shirley Collins.

Overall, this LP is very listenable all the way through. It brings to mind current folk-rock revivalists like Meg Baird and the Espers (not as good though). Regardless, it's quite solid and worthy of your time, effort, and purchase. CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Imagine my love.......2007-06-28

If you said that Lavender Diamond sounds like a sparkly, ubersweet little band who plays hopeful pop.... you'd be right.

Fortunately the Angeleno band aren't just restricted in that. Their debut album "Imagine Our Love" is G-rated chamberpop, sure. But it's wrapped in a warm blanket of exquisitely pretty instrumentation, beautiful vocals and a feeling of wistful hope.

Gentle drum and bells segue into an anthemic piano melody, with Becky Stark wistfully crooning, "Oh no, it's such a sad and grey day out/when will I love again?... Oh no, we are turning as we go/into a world of stone..." Not only is it a mournful cry for personal love, but apparently tackling the loveless world outside.

"Garden Rose," on the other hand, fully embraces the chamberfolk description -- weepy strings painted over a gentle acoustic guitar. "I'll never stop a bullet/but a bullet might stop me/I'll never drink the ocean/but the ocean might drink me..."

Then in an about-face, they go all chamberpop in the bouncy, chipper "Open Your Heart" ("Well the streets are low/when you have to go/where are you running to?"). The songs that follow tend to be somewhere in between -- gentle folk, wind-wispy pop, soaring delicate little ballads, and occasionally a thumpy little piano-rocker. The only real misfire is "Like An Arrow," an awkward tribal-thump pop song.

Normally I can only take a small amount of cheery, sunny happiness at once. So it's something of a tribute to "Imagine Our Love" that I can listen to the whole thing in one go -- it sounds like the crystalline little sister of Midlake.

It also staunchly avoids the typical trappings of pop-rock, like electric guitars and bass. Instead, we have some truly ethereal, weeping strings and trickling piano. Sometimes they're played on their own, and sometimes with an acoustic guitar to keep things from just floating away.

And Stark really makes the songs shine by pouring her clear, sweet vocals through them like rays of sun. What's the problem, then? Well, the songs she sings tend to be rather simplistic (see "I'll Never Lie Again," repeated ad nauseam), though they show flickers of songwriting skill. ("You can see this road is forever/so let's dance without any fear..."

Though hampered by their simplistic lyrics, Lavender Diamond excels in every other way in "Imagine Our Love." If they wrote more complex songs, it would be perfect.

priceless Diamond.......2007-05-25

Lavender Diamond has hypnotized me. I'm under their spell. Becky Stark's voice (with its classical roots) is transporting and ethereal, delicate without sacrificing its potency and confidence. There are songs on this CD ("Garden Rose", "Like an Arrow") that could accompany meditation. Indeed, the songs FEEL like meditation. Cynicism and apathy, pass by. The album's themes range from the optimistic and hopeful to the melancholic and hesitant. I find myself relating to both sentiments with equal verve. "When will I love again?" Stark repeats in the heartwrenchingly challenging song "Oh No" that opens the album, and wondering when and how a broken heart will heal is certainly an idea that everyone can relate to during their lives. (This beginning of this song left me breathless. "What a way to begin an album!" is what I thought, immediately wanting to hear more.) Even if your heart is now whole, it's not hard to put yourself back in that place, just as when you listen to a love song, it's not hard to remember when you were in love. "Open Your Heart" isn't exactly a love song, but with its cheerful tone and playful strings, 'oh oh oh' refrains, and handclaps, it feels like it should be in the background while you run across a field holding hands with someone. Other reviews have compared their sound to singers from the 1960's and 70's, and that is definitely true, although that is not to downplay their unique style and execution. The messages of love, love lost, and hope in this album are unlike anything I've ever heard before, and I subscribe to all of them.

Postscript/anecdote: there's a bit of serendipity in play here as well. I saw a Lavender Diamond show advertised in a Portland alt-weekly newspaper, described there as "winsome folk-pop." The description caught my eye and I made a note to investigate them. I later bought their album on this whim, and a few weeks after that, by some cosmic coincidence, Becky Stark, solo and acoustic, opened for a reading by author/filmmaker/artist Miranda July in a church in downtown Portland with a eerily beautiful three-song set. I'd been looking forward to July's book ever since I saw "Me, You and Everyone We Know" and it was suddenly felt like we had friends in common.

Lavender Blue: Songs of Charm, Humour & Sincerity

Average customer rating:

A True Delight
Finally a great Burl Ives compilation!

Lavender Blue: Songs of Charm, Humour & Sincerity
Burl Ives
Manufacturer: Jasmine Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Burl Ives
The Wayfaring Stranger
A Little Bitty Tear
Return of the Wayfaring Stranger
A Twinkle in Your Eye

ASIN: B00005080L
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

The Doughnut Song
Blue Tail Fly
I Know My Love
Lavender Cowboy
The Big Rock Candy Mountain
The Little White Duck
The Goat And The Train
Mr. Rabbit
The Fox
It Makes No Different Now
Cowboy's Lament (Streets Of Laredo)
I've Got No Use For Women
Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly)
Venezuela
I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes
On the Grand Canyon Line
Sweet Betsy From The Pike
Mr. Froggie Went A-Courtin'
Rodger Young
Foggy, Foggy, Dew
Little Mohee
Frankie And Johnny
The Riddle Song
Riders In The Sky (A Cowboy Legend)
I'm Goin' Down The Road

Customer Reviews:

A True Delight.......2007-06-12

This CD is advertised as having charm, humour and sincerity. All true. My husband has been telling me for over 20 years about Burl Ives singing Ghost Riders in the Sky, but I didn't pay much attention. I mean, I have heard that song by other artists before, and it didn't impress me. Then finally, one day I was trying to think of some little gift for him to show that I love him so much, and this song came to mind. I went on Amazon, typed in the song and artist, and there it was. Clicked "Buy It Now", and promptly forgot about it. In short order, there it was in the mailbox, and hubby out of town. I opened it (remember, it was bought as a present for HIM), and just sat and smiled and smiled and smiled as I listened. The Riders In the Sky brought tears to my eyes. I have heard that song before, but never like this version!! Every song is a feast to the ears. Pure listening pleasure. I suspect I will have to order my own since we have separate offices!!!

Finally a great Burl Ives compilation!.......2004-02-29

Burl fans have waited years for a quality CD which includes most of his great songs. Though this compilation omits a few of his treasures, it's still the best Greatest Hits package out there. If you own only one Burl Ives album, then make it this one. Unfortunately, current marketers rehash many of Ives' worst songs, the ones geared towards small children, basically novelty songs. Unfortunately, there are a couple of these clunkers of this album, but you can easily skip over those.

Most of this is an adult album with some of the most common-sense and beautiful singing you will ever hear. Many of the cuts were recorded in 1960 with just Burl, his guitar and a few special effects. The songs are American standards and Burl's interpretation is marvelous throughout. His penetrating, unique voice will send shivers down your spine with his rendition of Riders in the Sky. There are some curious omissions, like Mule Train, John Henry and Lindy Lou. You can buy "Wayfaring Stranger" for those gems.

Tracks:

You Broke My Heart
Please
In Heaven There Is No Heat
Rise In The Springtime

Album Description

Lavender Diamond make lush, straightforward chamber/folk-pop that manages to stay just this side of saccharine, basking in confidence and sunny melodies. This four-track, 16-minute release has catapulted the group to the forefront of LA's folk scene, earning them a spot at Arthur Fest, and opening slots for everyone from Scout Niblett to Deerhoof. "Lavender Diamond could easily draw comparisons to a number of AM-radio mainstays: Shirley Collins, The Carpenters, Joni Mitchell...Lavender Diamond has the potential to woo the world" - Dusted.

Customer Reviews:

great stuff.......2007-06-29

This is definitely a great folk-rock, indie EP. I hear influences from Fairport Convention (Sandy Denny-era), Joni Mitchell, etc. This is a solid debut from these guy. 4 songs, cheap...what are you waiting for? Buy this thing already! I definitely want to see this band play live.......

You broke my heart.......2007-01-31

If bands had siblings, then Lavender Diamond would be the sweeter, starry-eyed little sister of Midlake.

And that's a pretty hefty compliment for this enchanting little Angeleno band, with its cheery folky-poppy sound, weird costumes and soaring vocals from Becky Stark. Not many bands can make rich, lush chamberpop of the kind in "The Cavalry of Light."

It opens with a tripping piano melody, joined in by a tambourine and a softly plucked guitar. Mashed together, it makes a sunny, sweet little melody. And over it, Stark sings "you broke my heart" in a remarkably cheerful manner. She soars higher and higher as the song goes on, with the music flowing stolidly under her.

"Please" takes a less dramatic approach, with a warm mingling of piano and strings. In Heaven There is No Heat is a catchier piece of work, with a shimmeringly simple musical accompaniment. Finally there's the exquisite "Rise in the Springtime," a rich pastoral ballad full of orchestral strings and trickling piano. "We're meant to see/the dawn of sky/and so we rise/into the sun..." Stark sings hopefully.

"The Cavalry of Light" could easily have been syrupy, cloying or kitschy. Could have been, but isn't -- probably because it sounds incredibly heartfelt, almost like a hymn rather than a pop song.

So as a result, it just sounds like a sunny day out with friends in the countryside, enjoying the beauty of the world.The music has lots of piano, soaring strings and a ripple of guitar; the melodies are simple, but that is part of their charm.

Stark's voice is really a treasure -- high, sweet, and childlike, but with a glorious range. Even better, she can sing lines like, "Dream the kind of life that you will find/ That kind of love that lasts forever" without sounding twee.

Lavender Diamond is an exquisite little band, with their springtime folk-chamberpop sound. Keep your eye on this one.

Average customer rating:

Devastating and moving like the film
Great Movie But Below Average Soundtrack
Leonard Cohen???
simple yet powerful
I loved the flick

The Life of David Gale (Score)

Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000088E3X
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

Another Bleeding Heart - Alex Parker
Almost Martyrs
Ominous Lacan
Ellis (Waterside Dub Mix) - Alex Parker
Pascal/Shack 2 Cell/Ominous Lacan
La Pena Huasteca - Correo Aereo
The Life Of David Gale
Arrest/Bitsey Runs/Hospital
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Media Frenzy - Alex Parker
Motel/Houston
Just To Hear Your Voice - Toni Price
Ominous Drums/Ominous Pascal
Waterside - Alex Parker
Dusty's Cabin/Almost Martyrs
Tu Che Di Gel Sei Centa - Puccini

Amazon.com

While Hollywood's penchant for unbridled nepotism has produced its share of questionable career results, we're happy to report that this soundtrack collaboration by Alex and Jake Parker for their director father Alan Parker's morally charged courtroom thriller is a notable exception. The two young composers combine their disparate backgrounds--Alex is an engineer versed in electronic studio compositions; Jake a classically trained orchestral composer--to create a diverse score that's a compelling argument for the stylistic freedoms imparted by postmodernism. Alex's work veers from the alterna-electronica of the opening "Another Bleeding Heart" (reminiscent of Alabama 3's Sopranos title song, "Woke Up This Morning") and the even darker "Waterside" to dense electronic soundscapes propelled by tribal drums and punctuated with jarring, abrasive samples. By contrast, Jake evokes Samuel Barber in his melancholy, string-driven cues, occasionally combining his traditionalism with his brother's contemporary electronic bent to evoke music that's as forceful as it is mysterious. Their savvy musical instincts also include source music that ranges from Puccini's Turandot to the contemporary country of Toni Price's "Just to Hear Your Voice" and the plaintive Latino folk flourishes of Correo Aereo's "La Pena Huasteca." This enhanced CD also contains the film's international trailer as well as Web links. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Devastating and moving like the film.......2006-11-09

The music for this film is devastating, heartbreaking, and moving just like the film it represents. Both are loaded with emotion and power, and this is an example of what a film score should be - an extension of the bones of the story. Excellent.

Great Movie But Below Average Soundtrack.......2006-06-27

Don't waste your money on this soundtrack. They left the best song off. The song where they are at the party, eating food. Borrowed my brothers, and I gave it back to him two days later. I will say its a bit melodic, so it might make ok background music but that's it. Dony waste your XViii money on this.

Leonard Cohen???.......2004-12-18

I bought the CD for the Leonard Cohen song Future, (played at the party) where is it ???so dissapointed.

simple yet powerful.......2003-12-19

i just watched the movie, and i was so impressed. the music helped it along very well. although seemingly redundant, there was a successful purpose to it. the simplicity of the music is key in the relationship to the film. if the music was too active, it might've distracted the audience from the movie and wouldn't have had the same effect. the beat to me seemed like a rhythmic heartbeat, which helped the mood of the movie, given this man is on deathrow, and there's only a short amount of time left. coupling of music to films is an art for me, and i loved this one. i recommend it for anyone who loves simple, yet effective beats, and violins (my all-time favorite instrument).

I loved the flick.......2003-04-06

but the CD soundtrack by itself is a major disappointment. a common thread of beat and sound links all the tracks with one drum and one cello. After a few go-rounds, it becomes grating and tiresome. I would pass on this soundtrack and wait for the DVD for a few more dollars.

Average customer rating:

Lavender Dreams
Steven Cravis Piano & Soundtracks
Manufacturer: StevenCravis.com
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music
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The Sound of Light (Solo Piano)
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ASIN: B000CABD36
Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

Land of Make Believe
Jade's Dream
The Hundredth Monkey
Sonic Pyramids
Shantawa
Tribal Secrets
Shaman
The Somerset Miracle
Mystical Myst
Hypnoprism
In My Dreams I Fly With You

Product Description

"My wish is that this cd - lavender dreams - will highly assist listeners to relax, meditate and sleep better. enjoy your personal experience! Special thanks to Hoyt Dooley of Open Door Productions for the fantastic mastering job." -Steven Cravis For updates about songs, CDs, sheet music and performances by Steven Cravis, join the email list at http://www.stevencravis.com ! Unsubscribe at any time. 1. land of make believe - a light childlike, magical melody and chord piano, almost traditionally classical, yet very minimalistic, with a touch of ambient angelic symphony here and there. 2. jade's dream - a jazz fusion, spiro gyra-like multi-track funky groove and melody with a killer jan hammer-like synthesizer solo towards the last 4th of the track. 3. the hundredth monkey - solo piano - an almost latin rhythm with a surprising flow of chordal and melodic changes all the way from beginning to end, with a snappy, yet flowing improvised solo in the middle. 4. sonic pyramids - the combination of triad chords (3 notes at a time, in third intervals apart from eachother) with 3/4 time made me think of pyramid structures and the powerful drums during those chords are why i called this 'sonic pyramids'. this has a kitaro type of sound to the melody and feel. 5. shantawa - a gentle and mysterious flute melody over harp chordal plucking and lush strings. i don't know where the name came from, but something told me it should have this name. if you know what 'shantawa' means, please let me know by sending an email through this web site! 6. tribal secrets - pat metheny-like guitar patterns with a steady conga beat, this song to me is about community spirit, sharing love and joy and respect for one another... some have told me of personal spiritual experiences they have had while listening to this piece. 7. shaman - a transitional piece on this album, this is where the album gets more hypnotic and trance like, and soothing, as the night goes on. i actually designed this cd to become more and more hypnotic and healing as it progresses through the tracks, with the intention to assist in dream time and meditation. 8. the somerset miracle - this is dedicated to the 9 quecreek, pa miners, they're families and rescuers. i was very moved by that story as it unfolded in the news. it has piano accompanied by orchestral and choir like sounds. 9. mystical myst - a loop from this track was licensed for use on www.orisinal.com in the game perilous voyage, animated by the artist ferry halim. i highly recommend you try the all the free online games at orisinal.com! this has harp, light percussion, piano and deep, rich orchestral accompaniment. it's very simple, yet profound at the same time, and repeats a soothing main melody line, like a musical mantra. 10. hypnoprism - a very hypnotic, mellow groove that repeats with subtle variances, designed for enhanced contemplation, relaxation, meditation, dreams, and more. 11. in my dreams i fly with you - a dreamlike floating piano piece that echoes and integrates with your consciousness.

Average customer rating:

The Best Album
A 4th grade teacher in Iowa
RELAXING
A lover of piano music
A Big Fan of Complex and Soft (both) Piano Instrumentals

Lavender Skies
Gary Lamb
Manufacturer: Earthtone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Imaginations
Distant Fields
Love Themes
Twelve Promises
Walk in the Garden

ASIN: B00000IMT0
Release Date: 1999-04-20

Tracks:

Love Is The Key
All That I Have Is For You
The Love And The Rose
Ancient Dancer
The Angel's Dance
Keeping The Promise
My True Love
Celestial Lullaby
In Search Of Solitude
Distant Fields
The Breath Of Life
Watching The Night Fall
Into The Light
Lavender Skies
In The Cathedral

Customer Reviews:

The Best Album.......2000-12-21

This is a great album, and I am absolutely sure that you would like it. It has incredible solo piano, and instrumental pieces, and they are all wonderful. Great music, incredible crescendos, and emotional pieces compose Gary Lamb's work and purchasing this album is one of the greatest things you could do.

A 4th grade teacher in Iowa.......2000-03-18

This music is very good to use in a classroom for a calming effect or used as a relaxation tape. I believe that this was written with children in mind. It seems to help bring them down to a level that allows them to be successful and helps them to focus on what they are doing. I would like all of the CD's to be made available. I own two others and they are highly complimented by many teachers, administrators, and parents who hear them playing in the background of my classroom. They take away some of the chaos in the minds of the children I work with.

RELAXING.......2000-03-10

I use this CD in my classroom and the pace is perfect for relaxing anyone. A serene sound for a tranquil moment.

A lover of piano music.......2000-01-19

This cd just lacks something. It didn't "touch" me nearly as much as others artists of the same genre. I'd pass on this cd

A Big Fan of Complex and Soft (both) Piano Instrumentals.......2000-01-04

This album was (to say the least) a very great disappointment for me. Gary Lamb was highly recommended and indeed I listened to several 30 second segments of tracks from this album. From the verbal and printed recommendations and my own listening, I purchased it. Mr Lamb actually has the nerve to state that he "has charted in the Top Ten with Vangelis, Enya, Yanni and George Winston...". This is utter nonsense. Mr Lamb's compositions may be soothing and quiet, but they are also simplistic and repetitive. I didn't even listen to the whole disk - and probably never will. I do listen repeatedly to Enya, Yanni and Tesh.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful, relaxing music!
Sweet, heartfelt music for quiet reflection

Moonsongs
Lisa Lynne Franco
Manufacturer: Lavender Sky Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Maiden's Prayer
Seasons of the Soul
Daughters of the Celtic Moon
Hopes and Dreams
Oceans of Love

ASIN: B00005Y7OQ
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Still the Moon
Luan de Amor
Aurora Borealis
Shining Where You Stand
Garden Green
Just the Wine
Adelina's Arms
Pavane
Talking to Me
Lake of Dreams

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, relaxing music!.......2003-10-21

I first heard Lisa Lynne this fall at the Yellow Daisy Festival. I listened to her music long before I walked to where she was playing. This was the first CD I bought and have since bought 2 more. This music will make you relax, feel good and just put you in a good mood! I compare her to Hilary Stagg (Dream Spiral, Feather Light) who died several years ago. There is not a song on it I do not like and would be hard pressed to name my favorite. Every song is a favorite. A purchase you will not regret!

Sweet, heartfelt music for quiet reflection.......2002-11-30

Wistful and mellow compositions for harp, recorders, other stringed instruments, and gentle percussion. Lisa Lynne Franco, aka Lisa Lynne, has only released one album of solo harp playing that I know of, "Quiet Heart"; the rest are duo or ensemble recordings, and the reason is obvious: she really knows how to complement and compose for a group. Her chords, glissandos, and simple melodies provide the perfect ground for other instrumentalists to layer upon in harmony and descant, and her playing is so heartfelt and inviting that it just draws everyone else in. The resulting performances are simply lovely, time after time. Track #8 on this CD, "Pavane", was arranged by fellow harpist and composer Kim Robertson, and if you enjoy Lisa's work, you'll also like Kim's. Both have many releases to their name from which to choose. In tracking Lisa's discography, keep in mind that after the release of "Moonsongs", she dropped the "Franco" portion of her moniker and changed her performing name simply to Lisa Lynne (perhaps to avoid confusion with German harpist Lisa Franco). Prior to "Moonsongs", Lynne also recorded several releases as part of the duo "Celestial Winds".

Gluck: Alceste / Ostman, Ringholz, Lavender, Degerfeldt, et al

Average customer rating:

Gluck's Alceste
Awesome
Most Welcome
A German Romantic view of Euripides

Gluck: Alceste / Ostman, Ringholz, Lavender, Degerfeldt, et al
Christoph Willibald Gluck , Arnold Ostman , Teresa Ringholz , Justin Lavender , Jonas Degerfeldt , Miram Treichl , Lars Martinsson , and Drottningholm Theatre Chorus and Orchestra
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Gluck: Paride ed Elena
Prokofiev: The Fiery Angel
Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano
Verdi: Attila

ASIN: B00000JYU6
Release Date: 1999-08-31

Tracks:

Alceste: Intrada
Alceste: Recitativo (Banditore)
Alceste: Coro (Popolo, Ismene, Evandro)
Alceste: Aria Di Pantomima
Alceste: Recitativo (Evandro)
Alceste: Coro (Popolo, Ismene, Evandro)
Alceste: Recitativo (Evandro)
Alceste: Coro (Popolo)
Alceste: Recitativo (Alceste)
Alceste: Aria E Duetto (Alceste, Eumelo, Aspasia)
Alceste: Miseri Figli! (Popolo)
Alceste: Recitativo (Alceste, Popolo)
Alceste: Coro (Popolo, Ismene, Evandro)
Alceste: Ballo (Moderato)
Alceste: Gran Sacerdote E Coro (Gran sacerdote, sacerdoti)
Alceste: Recitativo (Gran sacerdote)
Alceste: Coro (Sacerdoti)
Alceste: Recitativo (Gran sacerdote)
Alceste: Ballo (Moderato)
Alceste: Recitativo (Alceste)
Alceste: Coro (Sacerdoti, Popolo)
Alceste: Recitativo ((Gran Sacerdote)
Alceste: Oracolo Il - Re Morra
Alceste: Coro (Sacerdoti, Popolo)
Alceste: Recitativo (Alceste)
Alceste: Aria (Alceste)
Alceste: Recitativo (Evandro, Ismene, Alceste)
Alceste: Coro (Soli, Ismene, Evandro, Popolo)
Alceste: Coro (Popolo)

Tracks:

Alceste: Recitativo - Ferma. Perche Abbandoni
Alceste: Aria - Parto, Ma Senti!
Alceste: Recitativo - Parti, Sola Restai
Alceste: Aria - Chi Mi Parla?
Alceste: Chor E Recitativo - E Vuoi Morire, Oh Misera
Alceste: Aria - Dunque Vieni
Alceste: Recitativo - Uditemi, Fermate!
Alceste: Aria - Non Vi Turbate, No
Alceste: Pantomima De' Numi Infernali
Alceste: Chor - Dal Lieto Soggiorno
Alceste: Ballo
Alceste: Aria - Or Che Morte Il Suo Furore
Alceste: Ballo
Alceste: Chor - Dal Lieto Soggiorno
Alceste: Recitativo - Signor, Mai Piu Sincero
Alceste: Recitativo - Adorata Consorte
Alceste: Duetto - Ah Perche Con Quelle Lagrime
Alceste: Recitativo - Consorte! Alceste!
Alceste: Aria - No, Crudel, Non Posso Vivere
Alceste: Recitativo - Oh Tenerezza! Oh Amore!
Alceste: Chor - Oh, Come Rapida
Alceste: Recitativo - E Il Cor Non Mi Si Spezza!
Alceste: Chor - Cosi Bella! Cosi Giovane!
Alceste: Aria - Vesta, Tu Che Fosti
Alceste: Chor - Oh, Come Rapida
Alceste: Aria - Oh Casto, Oh Caro Nuzial Mio Letto
Alceste: Chor - Cosi Bella, Cosi Giovane!
Alceste: Recitativo - Regina, Ecco I Tuoi Figli
Alceste: Duetto - Ah Mia Diletta Madre
Alceste: Recitativo - Figli, Diletti Figli!
Alceste: Aria - Ah, Per Questo
Alceste: Chor - Oh, Come Rapida

Tracks:

Alceste: Recitativo - Ah Mio Fido! (Evandro, Admeto)
Alceste: Aria - Misero! E Che Faro! (Admeto)
Alceste: Recitativo - No Si Atroce Costanza (Admeto)
Alceste: Recitativo - Sposo, Admeto, Idol Mio! (Alceste, Admeto, Evandro, Ismene)
Alceste: Duetto - Cari Figli (Alceste, Admeto)
Alceste: Terzetto - Ma Qual Suono Di Voci Tremende (Ismene, Evandro, Admeto)
Alceste: Chor - Vieni Alceste (Numi infernali)
Alceste: Recitativo E Chor - Ahime! Chi Mi Riscuote! (Alceste, Admeto, Numi infernali)
Alceste: Sinfonia
Alceste: Recitativo - Mori!...Non Vive Piu? (una ed altra voce, Evandro, Ismene)
Alceste: Chor - Piangi, Oh Patria (in iscena e di dentro)
Alceste: Solo - Alceste E Morta! (Ismene)
Alceste: Chor - Piangi, O Patria (in iscena e di dentro)
Alceste: Solo - Morte Trionfa (Evandro)
Alceste: Chor - Piangi, Oh Patria (in iscena e di dentro)
Alceste: Duetto - Ogni Virtu Piu Bella (Ismene, Evandro)
Alceste: Chor - Piangi, Oh Patria (in iscena e di dentro)
Alceste: Recitativo - Lasciatemi, Crudeli (Admeto, Ismene, Evandro)
Alceste: Sinfonia
Alceste: Recitativo - Admeto, In Cielo Ancora (Apollo, Admeto, Alceste)
Alceste: Chor - Regna A Noi Con Lieta Sorte (Tutti)

Amazon.com

Gluck's Alceste typifies his no-nonsense, reformed approach to opera. There are no wasted notes, no explosive high passages, no coloratura; in short, other than stark drama and beautiful, expressive, exclamatory music and singing, very little for a voice-loving opera fan to sink his or her teeth into. That said, this new set--the first recording of Gluck's Italian version of the work--will fill the bill somewhat if it's Alceste you're after. Teresa Ringholz is good in the title role, but she seems to understate the part; a bit more high drama would not have been out of place. Justin Lavendar is effective as her hubby, although he, too, has a very light voice. This undercasting may have been on purpose; it's Arnold Ostman with his Drottningholm forces on period instruments, and the entire scale of the show is therefore slight. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating if rigid work, and this recording is a good way to get to know it. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Gluck's Alceste.......2004-03-17

This is a rare CD in that it allows the listener to explore a seldom-performed version of a great opera that, in whatever its versions, is too little known. Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) first composed Alceste in Vienna in 1767 to a liberetto in Italian by Ranieri de' Calzabigi. This early version of the work included a famous preface(1769) in which Gluck criticized the florid style of operatic composition of his day. He set out to reform opera by creating a music to fit and complement the passion of the text and to realize what he termed a "beautiful simplicity."

Gluck revised Alceste in Paris in 1776 with a French librettist named Roullet. This is the version more frequently heard. In it, Gluck compromised somewhat on the musical creed he articulated in his 1769 Preface to the Vienna version of his opera. The Naxos CD, conducted by Arnold Ostman with the Drottnigholm (Sweden) Theatre Chorus and Orchestra, uses the early Vienna score. It appears to be the only performance of the Vienna score of Alceste currently available on CD.

Gluck's Alceste is based upon the play of Euripides. It tells how Admetus, the King of Sicily, is told of his impending death and of how an oracle states that Admetus will be allowed to live but only if someone steps forward to take his place. Only his wife, Alceste, bravely comes forward.

The opera takes us through a scene in Hades, (Gluck's earlier opera, Orpheus and Eurydice also has a scene in Hades where the male protagonist, Orpheus, charms the forces of Hades to allow his wife to return to life) where Alceste promises to die for her husband. This scene is followed by a tearful parting with Admetus and the couple's two children. At the last moment, Apollo appears, releases Alceste from her vow, and allows both Admetus and Alceste the gift of life.

The story and Gluck's opera celebrates woman's love and the power of love to overcome death. (In some respects, Gluck's operas remind me of Beethoven's Fidelio.) The music is strong, angular, simple, and passionate. True to his announced programme, Gluck's arias are forceful and have immediate appeal. The work also is full of short orchestral interludes and pantomines and opens with a grand overture in the minor key which sets out the tragic nature of the story. Gluck's short overture is a masterpiece in its own right and was among the first operatic overtures in which the composer tried to set the stage for the action which followed.

The leading role of Alceste is performed by American soprano Teresa Ringholz and she performes admirably in this daunting, passionate role. Tenor Justin Lavender sings the part of Admetus, but the performance here belongs to Ms. Ringholz.

This CD offers the listener a wonderful opportunity to get to know Gluck's music and to hear a work that may be unfamiliar to most in its initial version. Gluck's operas remain widely praised but too little performed. This disc will give the listener Alceste in its simplicity and its passion.

Awesome.......2000-07-24

This CD. Recording is excellent and the performers sing beautiful.Also, it expands your knowledge of other works.

When Naxos decided to enter the opera field I was reluctant of the results. Beethoven's Fidelio, and Alceste certanly show thet I was wrong.

Buy it with confidence

Most Welcome.......1999-12-10

This, the first complete recording of Gluck's original Italian version of "Alceste," is an excellent achievement.

Before this recording, I knew only the primary arias from the French "Alceste" recorded by Callas and Janet Baker. Both of these divas give an electrifying performance of "Divinites du Styx," the most familiar aria. Here, titled "Ombre, larve," the aria is simpler, less assured, and perhaps not as fully developed as the French revision. However, throughout the entire opera, the simplicity of line and the musical distillation of emotion which Gluck sought is supremely evident. To compare this work to the opera seria of Handel's time almost forty years earlier is to realize the true extent of Gluck's reforms.

The cast is, for the most part, excellent. Teresa Ringholz brings a lovely, rather soft-grained instrument to Alceste's music and sings with a firm line and dramatic commitment, if perhaps without the fire of a Callas or Baker. A fuller chest register would be an asset in this music, but that is a small point. She is quite good and dominates this set as she should. Justin Lavender here sounds a little unfocused and woolly, qualities I have not heard in him before, so I am willing to chalk it up to a peculiarity in the recorded sound. Other than that, he makes a fine Admeto. A couple of unsteady minor roles aside, the rest of the cast is very good.

Arnold Oestman leads the Drottningholm Orchestra and Chorus with style and excellent control. Everything is well-paced and the recitatives are lively and involving, never dull. Despite this being a live performance, the stage noises are almost nonexistant. Naxos has provided an English translation alongside the Italian libretto, and the cueing points are more than generous. While we are unlikely to have another recording of "Alceste" (French or Italian) anytime soon, I can't see this set being bettered. Tremendous value and an excellent buy. Don't miss it.

A German Romantic view of Euripides.......1999-09-07

It is good to have not only a complete version of Gluck's pioneering in its original Italian form but a budget one at that on wallet-friendly Naxos label (8.660066-68). Here we have Arnold Ostman conducting the renowned Drottingholm Theatre Chorus and Orchestra, which more or less guarantees a no-nonsense performance of a work that was designed to strip away the silliness imposed on Italian opera by egomaniacal singers (what else is new?) and/or overly complacent composers (e.g., Handel). "Beautiful simplicity" was Gluck's goal and this he certainly achieved. Now this is not the Euripides version with Hercules providing laughs. Indeed, there is no moment of any real joy until the opening of the second scene in Act II and that is short-lived when Admetus finds it is his wife who will die in his place. The action moves along very leisurely indeed, now and then making one long for a display of coloratura. But Alceste is no Medea. As much as I have admired Teresa Ringholz in recordings of Herbert and Romberg, I feel she holds back the histrionics a bit, especially in the opening of Act II when she confronts the Gods of the Underworld. On the other hand, playing her as a frightening you wife is also valid. To each his own. The rest of the cast -- Justin Lavender, Jonas Degerfeldt, Miriam Treichi, and others--are adequate to quite good. Interested readers might want to compare the treatment of this legend with Handel's "Admeto," now available on Virgin Veritas label. A complete text with Italian and English is provided; and I want to thank Naxos for the very generous tracking cues to make life easier.

Kurt Weill On Broadway - Thomas Hampson, John McGlinn, London Sinfonietta

Average customer rating:

Kurt Weill On Broadway - Thomas Hampson, John McGlinn, London Sinfonietta

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000F5GOKK
Release Date: 2006-06-06

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