Pilgrims

Track Listings

1. Calling All Angels

2. Shadows and Footprints

3. Material Man

4. Foolish Heart

5. Mr. Mystery

6. Pilgrims

7. My Baby Is a Universe

8. One Heart in Time

9. Closer

Pilgrims,Eliza Gilkyson,Silver Wave,Contemporary Folk,Folk & Traditional,Pop

Pilgrims

Tracks:

The Valkyries: Ride Of The Valkyries
Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Funeral March
Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
The Flying Dutchman: Overture
The Flying Dutchman: Sailors' Chorus
The Rheingold: Journey Down To Nibelheim
The Mastersingers Of Nuremberg: Overture
Tannhauser: Overture
Tannhauser: Entry Of The Guests
Tannhauser: Tannhauser's Pilgrimage
Siegfried: Act III Orchestral Interlude
Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
Twilight Of The Gods: Finale
The Rheingold: Entry Of The Gods Into Valhalla

Tracks:

Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Parsifal: Prelude to Act I
Parsifal: Good Friday Music
Parsifal: Transformation Scene
Tannhauser: Venusberg Music
Tannhauser: Pilgrims Chorus
The Mastersingers Of Nuremburg: Prelude To Act III
The Rheingold: Vision Of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction)
Siegfried Idyll
Siegfried: Brunnhildes Awakening
Tristan And Isolde: Prelude To Act III
Tristan And Isolde: Death Of Isolde

Amazon.com

If you like your Wagner served up in bleeding chunks or if you're simply in a hurry to hear the tunes, then this compilation is for you. The performances, drawn from the Polygram (mainly Deutsche Grammophon) back catalog, are for the most part authoritative. They feature the likes of Herbert von Karajan, with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Karl Böhm, with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (and chorus), in extracts from recordings of complete operas, and conductors Giuseppe Sinopoli, Otto Gerdes, and Antal Doráti in some of the more familiar overtures and preludes. Singing, without which it is impossible to get the full flavor of Wagner's work, is skirted whenever possible: this is an unapologetic tribute to Wagner the orchestral genius. At times the salesmanship is a little overblown--the glitzy packaging includes a cover shot of the helicopters from Apocalypse Now--and the sound, some of it from very good originals, seems to have been juiced with a little added digital reverb, resulting in an overall glassiness. The gaps between tracks are minimized, disco style, so there's no dead air, and the whole thing has an Entertainment Tonight feel to it. Were he around, Wagner would have screamed bloody murder, then happily taken his cut of the action. For today's on-the-go listener, this may well be the most practical way to enjoy Wagner's music, but we won't be happy until it motivates at least one newcomer to seek out a recording of a complete opera. Anyone who does that will find out what "apocalypse" really means. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Awesome collection!.......2007-01-10

This is a great collection of some of Wagner's most memorable songs for those of you who do not want to buy the whole opera's for some of his works.

Helicopters? Marines?.......2006-12-05

Do those infotainment marketing mavens ever get it right? Talk about Hollywood disconnect! Not only are the helicopters irrelevant, but to quote from the gushy drivel on the jacket, "The gripping power of Richard Wagner's music was demonstrated with spectacular effect in...Apocalpse Now, when the "Ride of the Valkyries' became synonymous with the chilling journey of Marine 'Huey' helicopters into battle..."

Marine? Marine? Them Hueys in the movie was ARMY Air Cav, slick! "First of the ninth--air mobile." If you're going to dally down that primrose path, at least get it right.

Better yet, drop the choppers. Most people who listen to Wagner probably realize that quality of an artistic work has a mystically inverse relationship to the number of helicopters contained in it.

As for the music, it is good, but the operatic equivalent of sound bites, which may be just right for people who are new to Wagner or just can't take very much of him. Hmm...perfect for a helicopter ride, perhaps?

A great addition to my music collection.......2006-07-20

This CD takes the place of all my other Wagner music. VERY well done. Somehow I didn't realize that there were two cds in the package--what a pleasant surprise! Of the two cds, I like the first one best, but they are both good. I listen to this cd daily on my way to work. Stirring! I am so glad that I purchased this. Some purists might have a problem with the fact that some of the selections are not there in their entirety. I have no problem with that though. I recommend this to anyone who loves Wagner.

Quintessential Wagner.......2006-05-15

Okay, so I like Wagner. I LOVE "Ride Of The Valkyries". Do I want to go out and buy every single stinkin thing Wagner did? No. If you are a die-hard Wagner fan you probably will not think much of this collection.

But if you like Wagner and appreciate "Ride Of The Valkyries", and maybe require it in just a little more substance than what is included in "Apocolypse Now Redux", then this is what you want. The extra tracks are bonuses and are quite good. Meets my needs, presentation great, performance excellent. I recommend it for anyone that needs a Wagner fix.

A - Z of Opera (includes 762 page booklet)

Average customer rating:

AN OPERA OPUS THAT'S A MUST!
The Best
Superb Modestly Priced Favorite Arias Collection!!!
Wonderful introduction to opera

A - Z of Opera (includes 762 page booklet)
Puccini , Thomas Harper , Ingrid Kertesi , Scholars Baroque Ensemble , and Hungarian State Opera Orchestra
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A to Z of Classical Music
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The Most Famous Opera Arias
The Best of Italian Opera
Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments

ASIN: B00004YYRR
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

L'Orfeo: Sinf/Ecco Pur Ch'a Voi - Cappella Musicale Di S. Petronio Di Bologna/Sergio Vartolo
Dido And Aeneas: When I Am Laid In Earth - Kym Amps
Rinaldo: Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Ingrid Kertesi
Serse: Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) - Ingrid Kertesi
Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Slovak State PO/Johannes Wildner
Alceste: Ombre Larve - Theresa Ringhoz/Drottningholm Theatre Chor
Don Giovanni: Madamina! (Catalogue Aria) - Andrea Martin
Cosi Fan Tutte: Soave Sia Il Vento (Terzetto) - Joanna Borowska/Rohangiz Yachmi/Peter Mikulas
The Marriage Of Figaro: Non Piu Andrai - Natale De Carolis
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache (Aria Of The Queen Of The Night) - Helen Kwon/Hungarian Festival Chor
Fidelio: Abscheulicher! - Inga Nielsen/Hungarian Radio Chor
Der Freischutz: Huntsmen's Chor - Slovak Phil Chor
The Barber Of Seville: Largo Al Factotum - Roberto Servile
L'Elisir D'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Vincenzo La Scola
I Puritani: Qui La Voce Sua Soave - Luba Orgonasova
La Traviata: Un Di Felice (Love Duet) - Monika Krause/Yordy Ramiro
Nabucco: Va Pensiero (Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves) - Slovak Phil Chor (Bratislava)
Aida: Grand March - Nat SO Of Ireland/Rico Saccani
Falstaff: E Sogno? O Realita - Roberto Servile

Tracks:

Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Yordy Ramiro/Slovak Phil Chor
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries - Czecho-Slovak RSO/Uwe Mund
Tannhauser: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich (Pilgrims' Chor) - Slovak Phil Chor
La Wally: Ebben, Ne Andro Lontana - Miriam Gauci
Rusalka: O, Silver Moon (Song To The Moon) - Jana Valaskova
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Luba Orgonasova
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Jonathan Welch
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo - Miriam Gauci
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Giorgio Lamberti
Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Thomas Harper/Slovak Phil Chor
Lakme: Dome Epais (Flower Duet) - Adriana Kohutkova/Denisa Slepkovska
Thais: Meditation - Janos Selmeczi
Carmen: L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera) - Graciela Alperyn/Slovak Phil Chor/Bratislava Children's Chor
The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Duet) - Janez Lotric/Igor Morozov
Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Nicola Matinucci/Slovak Phil Chor
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Czecho-Slovak RSO/Alexander Rahbari
Andrea Chenier: Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Thomas Harper
King Roger: Roxana's Aria - Barbara Zagorzanka
Die Tote Stadt: Gluck, Das Mir Verblieb (Marietta's Lied) - Katarina Dalayman/Thomas Sunnegardh/Tomtberga School Children's Chor/Royal Swedish Opr Chor

Album Description

A-Z of Opera is a 762-page, illustrated book, accompanied by two-and-a-half hours of opera's most glorious and moving moments on two CDs, and reflects the ever-growing Naxos catalog of recordings ranging from Monteverdi to the contemporary. A-Z of Opera provides a wide range of information on operas and their composers, from Handel's Rinaldo to Mozart's Die Zauberflote, and beyond. It features plot synopses, background details and cast lists for hundreds of operas including well-known standards as well as opera rarities. In addition, there is a wealth of information about all the great composers and a glossary of key musical and operatic terms.

Customer Reviews:

AN OPERA OPUS THAT'S A MUST!.......2003-01-19

Oh, such letter-perfect perfection! This marvel features a two-hour-plus showcase of well-known arias from "Cosi Fan Tuti," "Aida," "Carmen," "Madame Butterfly" and "The Barber of Seville." It also comes with a book --- 762 pages of remarkable facts, figures and illustrations.Encore!

The Best.......2002-06-09

This is, by far, the best introduction to opera on the market. It also contains some gem performances for anyone who already has a serious opera collection. Several tracks on this collection of mostly Eastern European singers rival those of their Western counterparts. This is a collection for EVERYONE - from the opera novice to the person who has long collected all the major Western stars. At this price, it's the best opera bargain in the world. GET IT NOW!!! Thank you, Naxos! I hope that some of these Eastern European singers at last get the attention they deserve.

Superb Modestly Priced Favorite Arias Collection!!!.......2001-02-12

I received this as my 20th birthday gift from my bestfriend and I was amazed at the quality and the content of this CD. Some of the arias which I am immensely fond of are included, i.e. "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen." And who would have guessed that the soprano on track 10 performing Queen of the Night's Aria from Mozart's "Die Zauberflote" was none other than Hellen Kwon? Amazing!

I really love this gift from my bestfriend for it was thoughtful and well, what can I say that this makes an excellant gift for opera neophytes (though I am not an opera neophyte).

The highlight of this CD is track 13, Rossini's "Largo al Factotum" from "The Barber of Seville." When I first heard this, I was contemplating to myself as to where have I heard this before. Then it hit me: Michigan J. Frog's signature tune! (In case people are wondering who on earth is Michigan J. Frog is, he is the Warner Brother's frog; the frog can be seen on WB network channel). I love this track! Buy this for yourself if not this makes a perfect gift for your opera neophyte friend(s)! This track brings joy and smiles on my face everytime I hear this piece!

Wonderful introduction to opera.......2000-12-16

More than just a promotional sampler, the Naxos (8.555037-38) contains not only 2 CDs crammed with 39 excerpts from that company's seemingly bottomless catalogue, but also a 762 page book. The text offers plot summaries of almost every important opera and many of far lesser renown (Delius' "The Magic Fountain," Mascagni's "Iris," for example), a brief biography of the composers, a glossary, and finally a discography. The recorded examples are in chronological order from Monteverdi to Korngold. The entries in the book, however, are in alphabetical order--so be careful to look for "Zauberflote," not "Magic Flute," and so on.

Of course, Big Names do not appear on many Naxos opera sets; but this set is an introduction to that vast area of culture and is meant to be an educational (and of course a promotional ) device. Nevertheless, many of the selections on the CDs are beautifully sung, a very few lack characterization (the arias from"Don Giovanni" and "Nozze di Figaro" for two). But at this incredibly low budget price, who can complain?

As soon as I saw what this set had to offer, I immediately ordered a copy as a seasonal gift for a friend who wants to "get into" opera. I could think of no better gift.

Tracks:

For the Beauty of the Earth
O Holy Jesus
Morning Has Broken
As the Bridegroom to His Chosen
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
He Shall Freed His Flock
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Lord Bless You and Keep You
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus
Rejoice the Lord Is King!
Jesu, The Very Thought Is Sweet
Pilgrim's Hymn
I Believe in Christ
God So Loved the World
This Is the Christ
For I Am Called Thy Name
Consider the Lillies

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely the BEST !.......2006-05-31

Our church choir sang a few of these songs which I loved, so I decided to order it. It is a very sweet, gentle, inspiring collection of music. Many times when you get a CD, you are fortunate to find 2-4 on there that you really like enough to play regularly. But on this one, every song is wonderful. This music is so spiritually uplifting and peaceful that you will want to play it regularly. Some if may bring some tears it is so beautiful. John Rutter has a way with this type of music. You will probably want to be giving some of these cd's away to those you love.

Great for bringing a child into this world.......2005-12-22

I had this CD on while in labor with my last child. We had a wonderful homebirth and what better then to have the spirit in our home with this music as we welcomed a brand new baby. It helped me relax and helped the birth be peaceful, calm, and spiritual.

CD like new.......2005-10-02

This CD was advertised as "like new" and it was -- in fact, it was still in the plastic wrapper. I couldn't have found a better deal or quicker service. Everything was great!

The Sweetest Music.......2004-06-07

I love this CD. My family and I listened to it over and over and over again, during the last few weeks of my mother's life. It has been a comfort to me in time of sorrow. Now it brings tears every time I listen to it. This music is like loving arms around me. It touches my soul. I've given so many away, I should have bought a case of them.

This is my new all-time-favorite CD!.......2004-04-22

I bought this CD because I had heard "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" once and loved it. But it's just one of the many beautiful songs on this CD. I'm at a loss to describe what joy this music brings to me each time I listen to it. I carry it from house to car and back again so I can enjoy it wherever I am. I've given away several "Consider the Lilies" CD's to friends and relatives, something I've never done before. Anyone who is facing a serious challenge in life will be uplifted and comforted by this ethereal music.

Average customer rating:

Great American Music
More American Music
This CD is a great way to discover American composers
Music from a very influential composer

Virgil Thomson: Symphony No 1-3

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004D3IW
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 In C Major: 1. Allegro militaire
Symphony No. 2 In C Major: 2. Andante
Symphony No. 2 In C Major: 3. Allegro
Symphony No. 3: 1. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3: 2. Tempo di Valzer
Symphony No. 3: 3. Adagio sostenuto
Symphony No. 3: 4. Allegretto
Pilgrims And Pioneers
Symphony On A Hymn Tune: 1. Introduction And Allegro
Symphony On A Hymn Tune: 2. Andante cantabile
Symphony On A Hymn Tune: 3. Allegretto
Symphony On A Hymn Tune: 4. Alla breve

Amazon.com

Virgil Thomson (1896-1989) was, during his long creative lifetime, one of the major voices in 20th-century American music. He was a noted critic, teacher and, above all, skilled composer. Like the American romantics of the 1930s (Roy Harris, Howard Hanson, and Samuel Barber, to name a few), Thomson drew from many sources, but mostly from 19th-century American folk music and dance theater (as did Aaron Copland). Captured on this disc are four of Thomson's better-known works, played with sympathy, warmth, and charm by the New Zealand SO, with American James Sedares at the helm. It's also part of Naxos's dynamic American Classics series that, so far, has yet to stumble. And, at midprice, it's also a steal. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Great American Music.......2006-05-02

I must confess that my opinion of Virgil Thomson has been colored by his somewhat sharp tongued music criticism so I have not been much interested in his music. This was until I heard his Symphony on a Hymn Tune over the radio. The charm of the music and its wealth of melody changed my mind and led me to buying this disc of Virgil Thomson's music.

The music on this CD represents his entire career with the earliest music from 1926 and the latest from 1972. The Symphony on a Hymn Tune is from 1926 (revised in 1945) during the composer's years in Paris and is cast in four movements. The tune in question is a Scottish melody "How Firm a Foundation." It is as the composer described it simple and folkloric is style, evoking the America of Currier and Ives.

The Symphony No. 2 is a short work in three movements composed in 1930 and re-orchestrated in 1941. The key of C major dominated the first and third movements and the music begins with a melody upon which the symphony is based building on that theme. The Third Symphony dates back to 1932 but was expanded and re-orchestrated in 1972. The symphony is in four short movements with its inspiration coming from the quartets of Mendelssohn and Schubert - a classically inspired work utilizing the sonata form. A waltz movement is substituted for a scherzo which gives the symphony a lightness of tone. The Adagio is calm and reflective while the Finale is a charming rondo.

Pilgrims and Pioneers began as film music for a Journey to America, written for the New York World's Fair of 1964. The film, and music, tell the story of immigration to the United States using hymn tunes and evokes the folklore of the people. Thomson created an overture from the music that was first played in 1971. The music recorded here is instantly appealing. When I first played the disc, I had to start it over again; I liked Virgil Thomson's colorful use of the orchestra and enjoy the way he weaves his melodies with such lightness and color. I think this is among the best discs in Naxos' series on American composers and I can now say I have a different appreciation of Virgil Thomson.

More American Music.......2005-10-23

Most often, the only CD's of Virgil Thomson's music you can buy are of his film music, all excellent compositions, but it is nice to have some recordings of his concert music, presented here thanks to Naxos' American Composers series.

Symphony on a Hymn Tune is just that, "variations" on the tunes How Firm a Foundation and Yes, Jesus Loves Me, and some other pentatonic themes he creates to tie the piece together. There are a few Ivesian sounds portrayed, as well as some jazzy syncopations; a great American masterpiece.

Symphony 2 is very diatonic; from the opening trumpet melody (evocative of Lt. Kije), to the lyrical andante, to the restrained, yet grand finale; it is charming from start to finish. In contrast, Symphony 3 seems to be unified through dance. Rhythm and perpetual motion seem to guide the music along. Perhaps a bit more on the serious side to begin with, the 3rd Symphony also revels in melodiousness and optimism, something shared in all of these works.

Pilgrims and Pioneers is a concert version of music written for a short film at the 1964 Worlds Fair. Again using a wide variety of hymn and folk tunes, this time it is used in a much more pondering and dissonant manner, again, almost in the manner of Ives. It is a kind of mish-mash of ideas, perfect for visualizing the American immigrant.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra plays this music with great fervor. The hall is reverberant, although, not overly so. Since most of this music is not easy to find on one CD, this disk is an easy recommendation.

This CD is a great way to discover American composers.......2001-01-09

Thanks Naxos for bringing the music of Virgil Thomson to us and even at a great price. I have been wanting to experiment in listening to more music by American composers...with this release I am happy I did. It is amazing that foreign orchestra like the very good New Zealand Symphony are playing Thomson and our orchestra seem to ignore him. Try like I did and explore more of our composers. Recommended

Music from a very influential composer.......2000-02-16

"We all loved his music and rarely performed it." Thus Leonard Bernstein in 1989 after the death of Virgil Thomson. I have read many critics who claim his methods of composition were "forced down the throats" of students in America; others who praise him highly. I feel someplace in the middle, but the new addition to Naxos' American Classics series has nudged me a tad toward the second group.

Tracks:

The Mastersingers: Prelude
Lohengrin: Prelude To Act III
Faust: Overture
The Mastersingers: 'Awake!'
The Mastersingers: 'Mad, All The World Is Mad'
The Fairies: Overture
Siegfried: Forest Murmurs
The Mastersingers: Act III Quintet
Rienzi: Overture
The Flying Dutchman: Overture
Tannhaeuser: Pilgrim's Chorus
Tannhaeuser: Overture
Gotterdammerung (Twilight Of The Gods): Siegfried's Rhine Journey
Tannhaeuser: Song Of The Evening Star
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Tristan und Isolde: Love-Death
Tannhaeuser: Venusberg Music
Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
The Mastersingers: Prelude
The Mastersingers: Prize Song
The Mastersingers: Beckmesser And Sachs Duet In Act II
The Valkyrie: The Ride Of The Valkyries
Gotterdammerung: Siegfred's Rhine Journey
Siegfried: Siegfried Idyll
Parsifal: Good Friday Spell
Gotterdammerung: Siegfred's Funeral Music
Tannhaeuser: Overture
Lohengrin: Preludes To Act I And III, And Bridal Chorus

Average customer rating:

The sounds inside the Notre-Dame are fantastic!!!
Beware: This review is biased.
Outbursts of Joy!
A remarkable CD of organ transcriptions.
'An extraordinary sonic experience' - I agree!

Midnight at Notre-Dame [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00022URKE
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Customer Reviews:

The sounds inside the Notre-Dame are fantastic!!!.......2007-07-20

The sounds inside the Cathedral of Notre-Dame are great! There's nothing better than cathedral for the classical music specially for the Bach's! And when is recorded in SACD the sound quality is superb!

Beware: This review is biased........2006-05-04

The sound quality is superb. The selected transcriptions were interesting and appropriate. The surround mix is great. Mr. Latry plays with a lot of feeling and confidence.

Why I included the bias warning: I just don't personally like the sound of the Cathedral de Notre-Dame. To my ears, it doesn't produce the same tones as the classic German organs (the Trost Organ in Waltershausen, Germany and the Cathedral at Freiburg come to mind)...it almost sounds Overly upgraded and modernized. Like I said, my comments are as a result of my personal listening preferences. Others may disagree.

Outbursts of Joy!.......2004-10-16

If Messiaen's Transports de joie was on here it would truly be an outburst of joy. But, he already did that on a complete Messiaen disc! It was thrilling to hear Olivier Latry in recital - now I can hear him in the comfort of home playing many of the pieces on the recital program 'from memory'. The Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff were impressive live and recorded. The sound is remarkably crystal clear and sounds incredible on a BOSE system. My first purchase of music on Amazon.com and a new satisfied customer I am.

A remarkable CD of organ transcriptions........2004-09-22

The superlatives for this CD must begin with the recorded sound, certainly the best (and most realistic) pipe organ reproduction I believe I've ever heard over a period of many years of listening to such recordings. This recording is a hybrid SACD that contains two layers and three sets of signals (SACD surround sound and SACD stereo in one layer and "conventional" CD audio in the other). Even the conventional CD audio signal (which is the only one I can evaluate at present) surpasses anything I've heard in terms of organ reproduction. And this is no ordinary organ: Nominally a Cavaillé-Coll organ dating from the 1860s, and then augmented in 1932, with yet further upgrades in 1963 and again in 1992, it is among the finest organs in the world. And it is in one of the most famous venues of all: The Cathedral de Notre-Dame in Paris. (The technical details at the back of the booklet state that the Cathedral has had an organ dating back as far as 1402, but it was with the Cavaillé-Coll effort that it reached its full bloom and fame.) Even in "ordinary" stereo CD reproduction, the sound field seems perfect; the frequency range is awesome, with rock-solid bass from the 32' pipes and sweet reproduction of the flute stops, with never a hint of background noise from what must be a prodigious air-handling system for the 110 stops that are part of the organ.

Despite the three stages of 20th century modernization, the organ remains, in terms of its voicing, a paragon of the "Romantic symphonic aesthetic" that was common for its late-19th century time. And the works presented in this album typify that sensibility, even if it did encroach into the early part of the 20th century. All are transcriptions of works for other instruments and forces, and all but one of these transcriptions have been done by French organists/composers who were well-known (Marcel Dupré, Maurice Duruflé, Jean Guillou, Louis Vierne) and not so well-known (Henri Busser, Henri Messerer). The "odd man out" in the collection is Franz Liszt (no mean organist himself), who transcribed Wagner's "Pilgrims' Chorus" from "Tannhäuser," but not in a way that can be said to be a stylistic anomaly relative to the other transcriptions.

The album opens and closes with pairs of transcriptions of works by J. S. Bach, concluding with a marvelous transcription of Bach's famous Chaconne from his Partita for Solo Violin, BWV 1004 by Henri Messerer, certainly not as famous as Dupré, Duruflé, Guillou or Vierne but well up to the task set out here. In fact, it is, for me, one of the clear highlights of the album. (The Bach Chaconne certainly didn't lack for transcriptions for other instruments as well, with Ferruccio Busoni's transcription for piano being perhaps the most famous. But I must say that I like this Messerer transcription for organ.)

A work that I thought couldn't work as an organ transcription (Mozart's Adagio & Fugue in C minor, K. 548) actually is a surprise success in a transcription by Guillou. And Liszt's "Pilgrims' Chorus" transcription is sensitively done, without the slightest bombast that one might expect.

Somewhat less successful is Busser's transcription of Berlioz's Marche hongroise (Rákóczy March) from "La Damnation de Faust." I think it demands the orchestral color and percussion that Berlioz had scored for the work, and loses a bit in the translation.

The famous Rachmaninoff Prelude (op. 3 no. 2) receives an interesting transcription by Vierne, one that brings out the darkness in the work that can evade a pianist. In fact, it is almost, in this transcription, lugubrious by comparison. But the transcription is splendidly voiced, and shows off the coloration possibilities - and the 32' stops - of this remarkable organ.

A total surprise, and probably my favorite track second only to the Bach Chaconne, is a transcription by Guillou of Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Toccata, op. 11. Perhaps the technical tour de force of the entire album, it is ghostly yet with incredibly fleet passage work, requiring virtuosic finger (and foot) work.

Olivier Latry, the Notre-Dame organist, handles all the challenges (hands, feet, stops) thrown at him with aplomb and plays with what can only be described as stylistic accuracy. He is, in a phrase, one fine organist. And he has the benefit of one of the world's finest organs, and some of the best recorded sound I've ever heard.

One last, if minor, point. This is my very first hybrid SACD from Universal (Deutsche Grammophon, Philips, Decca), and I notice that the jewel box, while no bigger than standard jewel boxes, seems to be more robustly made and much less prone to breakage where the front-cover hinge pins engage the CD carrier. I hope that this is the beginning of a positive trend; two decades worth of busted jewel boxes is more than any mere mortal need bear.

Bob Zeidler

'An extraordinary sonic experience' - I agree!.......2004-08-31

'An extraordinary sonic experience' says DG, and right they are. Not sure how many organ multi-channel SACDs there are out there, but this is the first one I've heard. I'd rate it 4.5 stars if I could, for the slight caveats below.

I listened on a mid-high end system of Sony SACD player, Harman Kardon multi-channel amp, through 5 speakers (Mission floorstanding fronts, and Miller & Kreisler centre and rears), with a Yamaha subwoofer.

It really is a wonderful sound, transforming my listening room into the interior of Notre-Dame, sonically at least! I particularly like the skilful use of the rears, providing the cathedral's ambience and acoustic 'overhang' - which you hear most impressively at the end of the fabulous Berlioz Hungarian March, passing almost overhead as the reverberation slowly decays.

The Bach pieces come across beautifully, as does the Liszt transcription of the Pilgrims' Chorus from Wagner's Tannhauser (which is fairly gentle and atmospheric).

However I'm not sure the two 20th century pieces (both under 5 minutes in length) really work: the famous Rachmaninov piano Prelude op.3 No.2 starts atmospherically (although at a much slower tempo so that it sounds like a different work really), but during the cataclysmic central passage the clarity of the piano is lost in a blaze of sound - although it does sound impressive.

Similarly I'm not sure Guillou's transcription of Prokofiev's Toccata was worth doing at all, as the motoric style loses some point on the organ with its uniformity of dynamics, and the composer's jarring intervals sound bizarre on the organ.

The disc's 61 minute playing time is concluded with by far the longest work, a lovely transcription of the famous Chaconne from Bach's Violin Partitia BWV 1004 which works up to a breathtaking climax in the coda.

I recommend this release wholeheartedly, even if (like me) you are not an organ fan: many of the works are well known, and the disc could become your favourite demonstration SACD!

Average customer rating:

I remember when........
Awesome album
80's music
One of the classic hard rock albums of all time
Good Rock!!

No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims
D:A:D
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Riskin' It All
Everything Glows
Screwed Blued & Tattooed
Badlands
Junkyard

ASIN: B000008ERZ
Release Date: 1989-09-08

Tracks:

Sleeping My Day Away
Jihad
Point of View
Rim of Hell
ZCMI
True Believer
Girl Nation
Lords of the Atlas
Overmuch
Siamese Twin
Wild Talk
Ill Will

Album Description

The Danish rocker's outstanding 1989 debut includes the hit single 'Sleeping My Day Away'. 12 tracks. WEA.

Customer Reviews:

I remember when...............2007-03-09

Found an old notebook with Headbanger Ball playlists written in it. Jumped online and found D.A.D. again after all these years. I owned this cassette and loved it (actually still have the cassette in a crate, I just don't have anything that plays cassettes anymore). Distinctive vocals and sound you'll love it too.

Awesome album.......2007-02-10

If D:A:D had come out of Seattle, Atlanta or any other US city, this album would have gone platinum several times over. I count at least 6 songs that could have gone into the top 10. The band was big in Denmark throughout the 80s and 90s (during which time I went to high school and college in Denmark) and also made a name for themselves in Australia as far as I'm aware. For some unknown reason they never had a hit in the US though. Still makes me wonder. If you're into hard rock, then you ought to reward yourself and try this album. 18 years later (sigh) and it still rocks!

80's music.......2007-01-12

I only knew the song, "Sleeping My Day Away" before purchasing the cd. The rest of the cd is almost as good as this track.

One of the classic hard rock albums of all time.......2006-05-13

This album thrust DAD into the hard rock stratosphere. What happened after is a story for another review. However on the strenth of this disc they were on the crest of a wave.

Danish nutters to the core, this band stood outside the North American hard rock scene and it showed. While so many bands circa 1989 were overblown and in for a good time but didn't quite realise how silly they looked, DAD came across as knowing just how ridiculous the whole business was. I mean, this is a band that used to have stuntmen perform mock fights on stage in their early days and pay weird country tinged rock with various 'country' props on stage.

But to the heart of this album. The main theme here is driving simplicity. In fact their bass player famously used just two strings for much of the music. The riffs here are great and driving and the singles went straight into the charts in a number of countries. Tunes like Sleeping My Day Away capture youthful zest for partying all night brilliantly. ZCMI and Lords of the Atlas are whimsical with enough bite to keep your toe tapping.

Other gems would be Girl Nation, sort of the flagship of DAD's attempt at world domination. Ridiculous lyrics, crazy video and the whole thing just gels somehow. The heaviest track on the album, Ill Will is a right stomper, a couple of minutes of blazing and driving madness, the closest this album comes to outright metal.

The vocals of one Jesper Binzer sound suitably beer stained and he certainly attacks these songs with conviction. Production is good, as the record company had thrown a chunk of cash at this band in order to sign them and so didn't stint in this department.

This is an album that you can play from one end to the other, perfect for parties with your mates or chugging down the highway. It always brings a smile to my face whenever someone throws it on.

Good Rock!!.......2004-10-31

This album deserved to be among the great classics of rock! Great songs! It will always be one of my favourite albums

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Choral CD
Wonderful.

Bernstein & Britten
William Albright , Leonard Bernstein , Benjamin Britten , Aharon Harlap , Egil Hovland , Stephen Harrison Paulus , Einojuhani Rautavaara , Nancy Wertsch , and Dale Warland Singers
Manufacturer: American Choral
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

December Stillness
Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers
Blue Wheat
Harvest Home
Cathedral Classics

ASIN: B00000JN9T
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Rejoice In The Lamb: Rejoice In God, O Ye Tongues
Rejoice In The Lamb: Let Nimrod, The Mighty Hunter
Rejoice In The Lamb: Hallelujah
Rejoice In The Lamb: For I Will Consider My Cat Jeoffry
Rejoice In The Lamb: For The Mouse
Rejoice In The Lamb: For The Flowers Are Great Blessings
Rejoice In The Lamb: For I Am Under The Same Accusation With My Saviour
Rejoice In The Lamb: For H Is A Spirit
Rejoice In The Lamb: For The Instruments Are By Their Rhimes
Rejoice In The Lamb: Hallelujah
Antiphon For God The Father
Pilgrims' Hymn
Bat Yiftach (Jephthah's Daughter) (1980)
Fragments From The Mass: Kyrie: From Chichester Mass
Fragments From The Mass: Gloria: From Mass Misericordiae
Fragments From The Mass: Credo
Fragments From The Mass: Agnus Dei: From Chichester Mass
Chichester Psalms: Maestoso ma energico (Psalm 108:2, Psalm 100)
Chichester Psalms: Andante con moto, ma tranquillo; Allegro feroce (Psalm 23:1-4, Psalm 2:1-4, Psalm 23:5-6)
Chichester Psalms: Prelude, Peacefully Fowing (Psalm 131:1-3, Psalm 133:1)

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Choral CD.......2006-04-01

The Dean of Chichester Cathedral, Reverend Walter Hussey, is well-known for procuring great musical commissions from leading composers of the day. The two large works on this disk, Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb and Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, are the result of Rev. Hussey's commission. The two works, while one American and one English, share a certain quirkiness, but deep spirituality as well, and are now standard choral repertoire. Also on this disk are some shorter modern choral pieces, including fragments from the Mass by various composers, for a unique and inspired programmed choral CD.

Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb is a unique composition, mostly on account of the choice of text. Christopher Smart, an 18th century poet, wrote while institutionalized in an asylum; in his writings, including this one, Smart finds God in many places, including his cat. Britten's distinctive compositional styles play upon the interesting poetry: in seven sections, each describe many facets of religious thought. The opening introduction is mostly unison chorus and contrasting organ and sets the scene, while the following section, in a fast, uneven meter, describes many characters and animals from the Bible and their stories involving each other. A hushed, yet rhythmical, Hallelujah, calms the action before a male soprano, alto, and tenor soloists each praise God's creations of the cat, mouse and flower, respectively. Smart compares his situation in the asylum with Jesus: "For I am under the same accusation with my Savior" set in a dissonant chant. A joyous roundelay of imitation takes God's musical instruments and rhymes them with random words. The work ends with a reprise of the hushed Hallelujah. The odd text is surprisingly spiritual and personal, and Britten's musical language conveys both of those aspects; the 17-minute cantata for choir and organ is a miniature masterpiece.

Leonard Bernstein's 18-minute Chichester Psalms for chorus, organ, and percussion, is a three movement work, whose text uses Psalms. The unusual choice was Bernstein's setting of Hebrew, rather than English; but in the end, adds to the beauty and meaning of the work. After the first short, dissonant opening chorale, Bernstein's rhythmic finesse shows in a dance-like setting with a whimsical mood. The second movement is a beautifully lyric showcase for male soprano; a very tuneful melody is enrapturing; the men enter in a diabolical patter song and eventually the two ideas overlap for an interesting juxtaposition. The opening chorale reappears as an organ solo, but a gently flowing, peaceful theme permeates the final movement. The work ends in stunning beauty and calm. While completely different than the Britten, the work is uniquely spiritual and personal while having a bit of fun.

The rest of the 67-minute CD is taken up by single choral works by 20th century composers, some known, others not; each offer a different point of view regarding religion and spirituality. Nancy Wertsch's Antiphon for God the Father uses text from Hildegard von Bingen, and sets a solo soprano chanting with a cappella chorus in Latin and English. Stephen Paulus' beautiful Pilgrim's Hymn is an emotional, chorale-like setting. Ahron Harlap's Bat Yiftach is a Hebrew, dramatic setting of the story of Jephthah, who ends up having to sacrifice his only child for receiving the grace of God. In addition, Warland performs various parts of the mass by various composers: a Kyrie and Agnus Dei by William Albright, short settings with shimmering cluster chords that send chills down the spine; a Gloria by Norwegian composer Egil Hovland and a Credo setting by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara; both unique compositions.

The professional chorus, The Dale Warland Singers, under Dale Warland, was America's leading chorus until his retirement. They specialize in modern compositions and interpretations with a deep, rich choral sound. This CD presents moving performances of the single choral pieces on the disk and a good introduction to little known composers. While I still prefer the orchestrated Chichester Psalms for its sheer dramatic qualities, this is probably the best organ version available, the Britten is the finest American performance available, and the program of the CD is well-received. It is a great collection of standards and new compositions; highly recommended.

Wonderful........2002-05-31

This is a fantastic recording of some of the most important 20th century choral music in the repertoire. The Britten "Rejoice in the Lamb" and the Bernstein "Chichester Psalms" are represented here in what I think is the most perfect recording of these works available. Other wonderful additions are some works by Stephen Paulus, whose music has been so deservedly championed by the conductor. The Dale Warland Singers are one of the finest choral ensembles in the world. This recording helps to solidify an already stellar reputation. Buy it.

Average customer rating:

Amazing vocals, very soothing for tired minds.

Pilgrims
Eliza Gilkyson
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DR31
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Calling All Angels
Shadows and Footprints
Material Man
Foolish Heart
Mr. Mystery
Pilgrims
My Baby Is a Universe
One Heart in Time
Closer

Customer Reviews:

Amazing vocals, very soothing for tired minds........2005-03-06

I am not sure why this cd is so expensive, but it is one of my favorite cd's to calm my soul, Calling All Angels is wonderful and if you like her than this is one you should have..