Winter Song

Track Listings

1. Three Generations

2. Cabin on the Lake

3. 3 Seabury Road

4. Pineland Farms (Air for the G String)

5. Angels in the Snow

6. Winter Song [Christmas Concerto]

7. Marriage in the Snow

8. Girls of St. Mary's [Intermezzo]

9. Dear Unknown

10. My December Romance [O Mio Babino Caro]

11. Goodnight Marie

12. Warm Winter Nights

Winter Song,John Tesh,Gts Records,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Contemporary Instrumental,Pop

Winter Song

Tracks:

Ave Maria (new recording)
La Wally (from Time To Say Goodbye)
Winter Light (new recording)
Anytime, Anywhere (from Eden)
Alhambra (new recording)
Lascia Ch'io Pianga (from Eden)
Dans La Nuit (new recording)
Serenade/How Fair This Place (from La Luna)
O Mio Babbino Caro (new recording)
La Luna (from La Luna)
Pie Jesu (new recording)
Figlio Perduto (from La Luna)
Nessun Dorma (new recording)
Bailero (from Eden)
Time To Say Goodbye (New solo version--previously unavailable)

Amazon.com

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Classics, so they'll have no more excuses to remain clueless. Sporting a Botticelli-inspired image of the platinum-selling soprano on the cover, Classics is a classy anthology including highlights from three of Brightman's chart-topping releases along with seven new tracks. Songs personally selected by the diva as her favorite classical interpretations are culled from her previous blockbusters: Time To Say Goodbye, Eden, and La Luna. And whether you're a fan already in the fold or one in the making, the new material here shows the diva at the top of her form, in new renderings of "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma" (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic)--fascinating displays of the operatic confidence she's developed over her career. Other new offerings include a touching version of Schubert's "Ave Maria,' "Winter Light," a fresh take on her signature song "Pie Jesu" (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem). "Alhambra" and "Dans La Nuit"--a real treat, bathing the listener in Brightman's silky, sensuous vocalism--add two original titles to her famous adaptations of classical melodies to new lyrics (using Chopin's haunting E major Etude in the latter case). All told, a lovely affirmation of the directions Brightman has boldly taken in her career to date. -Sarah Chin

Amazon.com

Sarah Brightman Photos

More from Sarah Brightman

Time to Say Goodbye
Diva: The Singles Collection
Eden

Diva: The Video Collection
Live from Las Vegas
La Luna (Live in Concert)

Customer Reviews:

Sarah's Best Easy Listening CD.......2007-03-15

Sarah Brightman's talent is limitless. Her soprano and/or alto voice is among the best and she lets it show in 'CLASSICS'. CLASSICS is a beautiful, easy listening, and peaceful CD. CLASSICS is one to listen to in tranquil or relaxing moments. "CLASICS" is a collection of great pieces of music written by great composers (Shuburt, Handel, Chopin, Puccini, and the like). I have listened to CLASSICS about 15 times now and it always puts me in a quiet and peaceful mood (I am ~50 years old).

Best Brightman CD.......2007-02-07

A classical composition which showcases the beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman. A timeless CD which will continue to be a favourite over the years.

Sarah Brightman is a Classic.......2007-01-02

Sarah Brightman is at her best in "Classics." From Dvorak's "Rusalka" (Opera B.203) to Beethoven's haunting Op 52, slow movement (Symphony #7), Brightman's voice and lyrical style are a joy. I particularly enjoy her performances of Schubert's Ave Maria and Andrew Lloyd Weber's Pie Jesu. This is a great add to my collection of serious music.

Not The Best - Not the Worst - From Sarah Brightman.......2006-12-30

After purchasing this CD for my iPod for iTunes, I must say that I'm a little bit dissapointed. 7 new recordings and 8 old ones, ones that I already happen to have. I do like the fact that they're all on one CD! Some of her new recordings, including, "Ave Maria", "Winter Light", "Alhambra", "Dans La Nuit", and the new recording of "Pie Jesu" are just too breathy for my taste. It seems as with every changing CD, Sarah's voice changes. I'm not saying that the result is bad; it actually gives the songs more of a dream like quality, but I'm used to the younger, more Andrew Lloyd-Webber integrated Sarah. Scooping continually occurs in new recordings of "O Mio Babbino Caro", and "Nessun Dorma". In some tracks from La Luna, like "Figlio Perduto", Sarah's voice is TOTALLY dominated by harmonizing recordings that sound almost mechanical.

OVERALLY - The new songs sound O.K. and the old recordings are just as good as they were back then. This album is still a great buy!

Nice Cover.......2006-12-27

I'm a heterosexual guy who's not an opera aficionado - I only mention these facts because I seem to be right in the bull's-eye of the target market for this product. Sarah B. has a nice voice and she's pretty. Both of these are featured prominently on this CD. The cover and several pages in the insert are devoted to what must have been a very long and expensive photo shoot (and Photoshop) of a semi-clad Sarah looking marvelous. (The CD also comes with a flyer so you can buy various Brightman "Classics" apparel - perhaps not for the heterosexual male).

As far as the music goes: not bad, not great. I don't claim to have the most discerning ears for this sort of music, but everything was OK by me. However, the pieces on the CD with which I'm somewhat familiar, such as "O Mio Babbino Caro," didn't sound quite as good as other versions I've heard (and that includes by Charlotte Church, not just opera stars). Also, the solo version of "Time to Say Goodbye" didn't sound nearly as good to me as the duet with Bocelli.

In sum, there were 3-4 songs I liked enough to rip to MP3s - which is enough so that I didn't feel ripped myself...

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Average customer rating:

Great soundtrack
Sharing with Others
Depth of quality
Brilliant minds
Piano, Vocal and Guitar Music from Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Harry Gregson-Williams
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia
Memoirs of a Geisha
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

ASIN: B000BCE8QY
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Tracks:

The Blitz, 1940
Evacuating London
The Wardrobe
Lucy Meets Mr. Tumnus
A Narnia Lullaby
The White Witch
From Western Woods To Beaversdam
Father Christmas
To Aslan's Camp
Knighting Peter
The Stone Table
The Battle
Only The Beginning Of The Adventure
Can't Take It In - Imogen Heap
Wunderkind - Alanis Morissette
Winter Light - Tim Finn
Where - Lisbeth Scott

Amazon.com

Not to be confused with the collection Songs Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, this album is Harry Gregson-Williams's instrumental score for the movie. Marking the composer's third collaboration with director Andrew Adamson (after both Shrek flicks), this score also is one of the more mature offerings from Gregson-Williams, best known for his work on family films. The music is lush and assured, if a bit predictable. Indeed, it fits squarely in the current style popular for big epics--even using (on a few tracks) the vocals of Lisbeth Scott, which fall halfway between those of Enya and the Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser (both of whom, uncoincidentally, appeared on the Lords of the Rings soundtracks). The CD concludes with four songs, with Gregson-Williams cowriting Scott's "Where." On "Can't Take It In," Imogen Heap's vocal acrobatics eerily recall those of the Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan, while Alanis Morissette's "Wunderkind" is an inspirational, almost girl-powerish track written from the point of view of the movie's Lucy. But the best of these songs is "Winter Light" by Tim Finn, four minutes of understated, piano-driven melancholia. Look for it tucked near the very end of the CD. Note that the soundtrack comes also as a two-CD special edition . The second disc is a DVD that includes galleries of film stills and concept art, a featurette about the recordings of the score and a making-of featurette. There's also a segment in which the (mostly) Christian bands involved in the Songs Inspired by... album talk about their involvement in that project. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe original soundtrack features a limited-edition 3-D cover, the score by acclaimed composer Harry Gregson-Williams, plus songs by Alanis Morissette, Imogen Heap, Tim Finn, and Lisbeth Scott.

Customer Reviews:

Great soundtrack.......2007-06-26

I bought this for my wife. My wife, my kids and I all love it.

Sharing with Others.......2007-05-23

This movie was a big success at our home. We saw it at the local theaters and decided to buy it upon release. We also have purchased other copies to give to friends.

We look forward to the future movies of the other 5 books.

Happy in Springfield (IL)

Depth of quality.......2007-05-20

I enjoyed the soundtrack immensely, except for the last three songs which have vocals. This is much better than the movie. I just wish they would list the companies would list the musician's that performed the music.

Brilliant minds.......2007-03-14

This is one of the best soundtrack I've ever listened to.From the serene "Lucy Meets Mr.Tumnus"to the soaring theme found in many of the tracks,Harry-Greggson Williams does a masterful job at creating a magical Narnia.I listened to this nonstop when I first got it,and I still listen to it more than any other soundtrack.
The four(three really,because Winter Light is utterly detestable)songs at the end are reason enough to buy this CD."I Can't Take It In" is brilliant with Imogen Heap's incredible talent."Wunderkind" is so artful and expertly written,it has become one of my favorite songs.
So this soundtrack meets all the requirements for a great soundtrack-great theme,amazing creativity,and stellar songs.

Piano, Vocal and Guitar Music from Narnia.......2007-03-10

This book has eight of the songs from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Some of the songs, such as Evacuating London and Father Christmas, include some fairly advanced musical notation. Evacuating London, Lucy Meets Mr. Tumnus, A Narnia Lullaby and Father Christmas do not include guitar notation. However, this is authentic Narnia music, as composed by Harry Gregson-Williams. The first eight pages consist of colored pictures from the movie. The only thing that would make this music book even better would be inclusion of The Battle, which we are still looking for.

Average customer rating:

A Song Of Home
A little too slick and a little too much Galway
Very Compelling Classy Classical Appalachian
Is it the music or the musicians?
A National Treasure

Song of Home
James Galway , Jay Ungar , and Molly Mason
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Harvest Home
The Lovers' Waltz
Civil War Classics
Waltzing With You
James Galway ~ Meditations

ASIN: B00006IGQ0
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

My Cape Breton Home
Foster's Ladies
Presidential Hornpipes
A Roving On A Winter's Night
The West Texas Waltz
Oh Shenandoah/Shenandoah Falls
The Lovers' Waltz
Bound For California
Heart Of The Heartland
Pretty Saro
The Mountain Ranger
Themes From 'Harvest Home Suite'
Amazing Grace

Customer Reviews:

A Song Of Home.......2005-07-09

You can feel his pride in his heritage in the way he plays on this CD

A little too slick and a little too much Galway.......2004-01-16

Based on the reviews I read about this album, I had high expectations. I am sorry to say that the album leaves me a little cold. The performances are superb, but unspontaneous. Another difficulty is with the orchestrations. In most cases on this album I think the flute just doesn't work. A case in point is Lover's Waltz, which is near perfect in the original Ungar/Mason version. Galway's flute just doesn't exude the same warmth. Another disappointment is Heart of the Heartland, which could have been an interesting conversation between Galway's flute and Ostroushko's mandolin. Instead we get another showcase for Galway with Ostroushko relegated to backup musician--what a shame! The only track I think that works well on this album is The West Texas Waltz, where we get a taste of how a really collaborative album might have sounded. I guess this album makes good easy listening, but it is certainly not the engaging album I would have expected of these folks.

After a year or two of owning this album, I have to say that the performances are even more stale that when I first reviewed it. I wish they'd let me take a star back.

Good for folks who like "easy listening". I like musicians who aren't afraid to challenge each other and themselves. This album had that potential, but falls flat.........

Very Compelling Classy Classical Appalachian.......2003-02-08

I get home from a hard day at the office and put on my headphones and am transported to heaven. If I had only two hours left of life on earth, I would want to listen to this album for one of them and we won't discuss the other hour please! Galway, Ungar, and Mason are superb. My wife and I were already of fan of Galway. Garrison Keillor's recommendation of "Waltzing with You" by Ungar and Mason (Sony) turned me on to Jay and Molly. Then on to "The Lover's Waltz" and "Harvest Home". The subtle blending and play between Galway's Flute, Jay's Fiddle, and Molly's Guitar . . . . God, there is nothing like it. If you buy this CD and don't like, I'll buy it off you and give it to a friend! ... Thanks Sir James, Jay and Molly.

Is it the music or the musicians?.......2002-12-07

During the many times I have listened to this album, I have posed myself the same question: is it the music I like best or the musicians that perform it? The music is compellingly rich for sure, music that makes the home a resonant place to live in the same way that a dancing wood fire speaks to the eyes of the soul. But the music sings with a penetrating warmth because of the seasoned artistry of the musicians who perform it. I have to give the tilt to the musicians who will forever haunt me with the flickering flames of their performance.

A National Treasure.......2002-10-20

This meeting of musical minds was a stroke of creative matchmaking by RCA. James Galway, the renowned flutist blends but does not blur with two of American folk music's more deeply rooted musical thinkers -- Jay Ungar & Molly Mason. Right from the start, "My Cape Breton Home," the art and craftsmanship, the painstaking selection and arrangement is evident. And this CD continues to delight the mind with an hour of the most beautiful music. All tunes, whether old favorites, like Stephen Foster's "Gentle Annie," or new and original, like "West Texas Waltz" by Jay Ungar, come together as naturally as the confluence of many streams. It seems as if you know these songs so well, which in my case is surprising, but perhaps not so surprising from a CD with Jay Ungar on it, composer of the evocative song for all time, "Ashokan Farewell." This piece has become a de facto theme for millions of people who heard it played again and again in the Ken Burns documentary on The Civil War.

The instrumentation, as you might expect, is the main feature of the CD. Flute, fiddle, piano, mandolin, guitar. But at what seems to be exactly the right time, Molly Mason and Ruth Ungar (Jay's daughter) voices sing out in harmony. And there is a deep understanding of the music here too, and therefore, much beauty in the sound. The rendering of "Pretty Saro" could stand alone as a classic, but when you hear it in order and against the background meticulously prepared by these musicians, it has a presence that is truly haunting.

Tracks:

We Three Kings
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Fairytale Of New York
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Mille Cherubini In Coro
O Holy Night
Silent Night
Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
Winter Wonderland Medley
Mary's Boy Child
Panis Angelicus
Pie Jesu
How Great Thou Art
The Lord's Prayer
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
America The Beautiful

Amazon.com

There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they (also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere, the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance, baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

We Three Kings.......2007-01-16

The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

3 Tenors Christmas.......2007-01-12

This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.

Beautiful and Amazing.......2004-12-18

When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on Amazon I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.

These Three Kings Rule!.......2004-04-24

This recording is a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It has power, charm and just enough reverence! Anthony Kearn's "Lord's Prayer" is magnificent! Finbar Wright's "How Great Thou Art" is awe-inspiring! After four years with the "Irish Tenors" poor Mr. Wright still must endure the ignorance of a few "fans", being constantly compared to John McDermott. Finbar took the "Irish Tenors" to a new level, as acknowledged by both Kearns and Tynan. I wonder how long "Ringo" had to endure being compared to Peter Best? Get over it people!

Another Winner.......2003-12-22

In their second Christmas album, the three Irish tenors have another very lovely collection of Christmas favorites and a few not so well known. The duets are particularly beautiful and, while I, like other reviewers, would have preferred an all-Christmas album, the American anthems are stirring and well done. My only caveat is the absence of John McDermott, whom I miss. His voice added something less homogenized to the mix and although Finbar Wright has a more operatic tenor voice, I would prefer McDermott if I had my druthers. Nonetheless, this a a grand Christmas album and I recommend it enthusiastically.

Average customer rating:

Perfectly Williams
Inspiring soundtrack that is vintage John Williams
Very impressive stuff
Essential for the John Williams lover
Really makes you feel proud

American Journey - Winter Olympics 2002
John Williams
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Summon the Heroes
By Request: The Best Of John Williams And The Boston Pops Orchestra
Unity: The Official Athens 2004 Olympic Games Album
John Williams - Greatest Hits 1969 - 1999
Stars & Stripes: Fanfares, Marches & Wind Band Spectaculars

ASIN: B00005UN9G
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

Call Of The Champions (The Official Theme Of The 2002 Olympic Winter Games)
American Journey: Immigration and Building
American Journey: The Country at War
American Journey: Popular Entertainment
American Journey: Sports and Celebrities
American Journey: Civil Rights and The Woman's Movement
American Journey: Technology and Flight
Song for World Peace
Jubilee 350
The Mission Theme (Theme for NBC News)
For New York (Variations on Themes of Leonard Bernstein)
Sound The Bells!
Hymn To New England
Celebrate Discovery
Summon The Heroes

Amazon.com

Anchored by his Mormon Tabernacle-charged "Call of Champions" (theme of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games) and the sweeping, emotionally rich six-part title suite (originally written for Washington, D.C.'s millennium celebrations and appearing here for the first time as a complete concert piece), this rousing, unabashedly patriotic collection from John Williams seems doubly timely, given America's hunger for comforting affirmation. Those who criticize the scale of Williams's music for its lack of irony will find little here to dissuade them, save perhaps "For New York," his deft, surprisingly low-key arrangement of appropriate Leonard Bernstein themes, and the comparatively subdued harmonic/melodic sophistication of "Song for World Peace." But this is largely music of ceremony and celebration--its scale and frequently martial rhythms are a direct function of purpose and intent. The collection's notes foster the notion of Williams as America's contemporary Sousa, but that's a comparison that sells the composer woefully short. Even "Sound the Bells," a piece written for the Japanese royal wedding, eschews any efforts at ethnic "authenticity," paying its tribute in distinctly American terms. "The Mission Theme" (from NBC News) and the Coplandesque bonus track "Summon the Heroes" (from the 1996 Olympics) further underscore the iconic intent of Williams's work. Chiding this collection for lack of subtlety is like complaining that fireworks are too spectacular. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Perfectly Williams.......2006-02-25

If you want a combination of John Williams at his best and the original olympic spirit, this is a must! The album starts off with the olympic theme from the Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games and continues with the opening ceremony music. It's wonderful how Williams composes the music to describe the American evolution and history.

If you like the more fanfare-like Williams type of music and want to listen to a great album with great compositions I recommend this album to you! It really deserves 5 out of 5 stars!

Inspiring soundtrack that is vintage John Williams.......2006-01-15

I really enjoyed American Journey, as well as the other pieces John Williams composed for the 2002 Winter Olympics. When listened to all the way through, American Journey is a powerful tribute to the pioneers and explorers of America. Of the other pieces, my favorite was the Mission Theme, which features the well-known theme from NBC news with some excellent variations. The two main fanfares (Call of the Champions - 2002 Olympics, Summon the Heroes - 2000 Olympics) are the highlights of the CD, and unlike most people I actually thought Call of the Champions was better. I especially liked Williams' use of the choir and timpani in this piece.
I would recommend this CD to anyone whether they are a fan of John Williams or not.

Very impressive stuff.......2005-04-28

This really was one of William's best compositions and the performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was inspired as well. I think when people recall these Olympics, the sounds of "Call of the Champions" provides a very memorable musical image of the games. The Boston Pops Orchestra does an impressive job as well in this very attractive CD. Wonderful music from a memorable Olympic experience.

Essential for the John Williams lover.......2003-05-11

This is not my favorite John Williams CD, because I love his film scores, and the way they are arranged and built. However, this is John Williams performing his classical and ceremonial music, and with that in mind, this is an excellent CD. The "American Journey" suite is the strongest new material on the album - I say "new material" because the last track, Summon the Heroes (1996 Olympics) is one of John Williams's greatest, most energetic pieces. "American Journey" is filled with American patriotism, feeling, and excitement (my personal favorite is the Arts & Entertainment movement). With this CD and John Williams's other Olympic music, I believe he has redefined what American classical music is.

Really makes you feel proud.......2003-02-02

John Williams scores again, proving he can do more than compose music for Superman and Star Wars. This disk is filled with simply wonderful patriotic music, upbeat, small-scale at times, always suited to the title.

Tracks:

Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)
Adeste Fideles
Ave Maria, Dolce Maria
Wiegenlied
Oh Tannenbaum
Tu Scendi dalle Stelle
Amazing Grace
White Christmas
Dormi O Bambino
Silent Night
Pregarla (El Can de L'Anima a La Verge)
Susani
Happy Christmas/War is Over
Wiegenlied
Carol of the Drum (The Little Drummer Boy)
La Virgen Lava Paqales
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Sleigh Ride
Winter Wonderland
Un Nuevo Siglo
Feliz Navidad

Amazon.com

Resplendent in voice and manner, José Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti deliver 21 songs of traditional sacred music and secular numbers in a remarkable 1999 live recording from the opulent Viennese concert hall (Konzerthaus), with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and a renowned choir. The Three Tenors are practically as famous as the faces of Mount Rushmore and inspire perhaps even more awe and adulation around the world than the four presidents. The performances--whether alone, in tandem, or simply as the threesome that has made them collectively famous--are generally impeccable for their passion, nuance, and sheer tour de force vocal artistry. Reaching often into the classical realm for such works as the traditional German carol "Susani," Strauss's and Brahms's "Wiegenlied," plus traditional Polish and Spanish pieces, the trio also visits Pavarotti's "Ave Maria, dolce Maria" (cowritten with Vittoriano Benvenuti), and "Un nuevo siglo," written by Domingo's son. Only John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas/War Is Over" doesn't quite work in this grand setting. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

First Christmas Album I bought for myself.......2007-01-16

Album is great. For any other holiday music, just listen to your local radio station that plays it during December.

wonderful.......2007-01-15

they are wonderful singers a delight to the ears and doing Christmas music made Christ mas even better

Wonderfully Different & Addicting! And All Your Friends Will Be Calling HOO-HOO!.......2005-08-23

First, let me state I don't listen to opera singers that much; thus, don't expect a hypercritical review here. (Really, is there ANY field of music that has more hypercritics than opera?) I got this CD simply because Columbia House had it on sale for $2.99, and I wanted some new Christmas CDs.

I found the CD delightful beyond words. It has some beautiful versions of well-known Christmas songs, as well as songs I've never heard before. "Carol of the Drum" and "War Is Over" are my two favorites, with "Sleigh Ride" a close third.

Sure, there is some tripping over of words by these three great opera stars...but that makes it even more enhancing in my opinion. Pavarotti was particularly amusing when he was singing: "And all our friends are calling 'HOO-HOO'!" (Watch the DVD for Carreras' reaction to that one!) And let's not forget Pavarotti singing: "I'll be home for Christmas. You can PLAY on me."

The children's chorus is great, the Vienna Symphony is great...and, once again, buy or rent the DVD so you can get the full affect of this astounding Christmas concert...the music, the lights, the colors, and the marvelous Steven Mercurio conducting it all.

Wonderful and funny compilation.......2005-03-09

The Three Tenors are, of course, wonderful to listen to. This is also a funny CD. When they sing the more modern songs (Happy Christmas by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, for example) they have trouble keeping up with the pace of the song. They almost sound like they're tripping over the syllables, because as opera singers they are more accustomed to long, drawn out vowels, not fast ones. This doesn't hurt the song at all, it makes it more interesting to listen to. It's a great CD. I would recommend this as an addition to any collection of Christmas music.

A historical meeting..........2004-11-28

Although several labels already had Christmas albums of the three tenors in their catalogue, the three maestros never actually trioed on these releases. When Plácido Domingo and the "Christmas in Vienna" team started preparing the eighth concert in the series (six predecessors were captured by Sony, and one, titled "Celebration of Christmas" issued by Erato-Warner), they made a monumental decision: Re-uniting three of the greatest voices of the current music business.
For one and a half hour, Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti performed the greatest Christmas songs and carols from around the world. Nearly 65 minutes of this monumental concert are captured on this disk. The opening version of "O Holy Night" (aka "Cantique De Noel", "Minuit, Chrétien") by Domingo and Pavarotti would be reason enough to get this one. But wait, there is far more on the way, than selections from the classical genre. The real enjoyment starts, when the three tenors do one of the most romantic arrangements of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" ever heard and fade from a rousing "La Virgen Lava Pa`nales" into one of the finest treatments of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ever heard. Also of great interest is the trio arrangement of "Let It Snow!", which is included on some of the import versions and on the DVD.
If you are a hopeless completist like me, you may be asking, what happened to the 25 minutes cut from the CD release. Well, first let me say, that none of the currently available releases has the order of the songs as they were performed in the concert. Although this is a live recording, handclaps and other characteristics of a live recording are hardly audible on the CD version. Two tracks, "Jingle Bells" and "Let It Snow", which had clearly audible handclaps at the beginning and at the end of the performance (and therefore couldn't be faded out) can be found on the mentioned import disk and on the DVD's PCM soundtrack. "Children of Christmas" (a Plácido Domingo Jr. composition originally introduced in "Christmas In Vienna IV" by Plácido Domingo and Michael Bolton) and "Ay" Para Navidad" can be found exclusively on the DVD. Currently unavailable on any official release is the "Overture" (which can be found on the DVD, but abridged with sound effects). So here's the actual running order: "Overture", 20, 2, 1, 11, 3, 4, "Children of Christmas", 16, 17, 6, 15, 8, "Let it snow", 5, "Ay! Para Navidad", 9, 19, 14, 18, 12, 13, "Jingle Bells", 7, 21, 10;
If you still doubt about the quality of this performance, let me say one for sure: As other volumes in the series will slowly disappear (as some of them have already in the US), this one is a matter of decades and when you buy this one, you will have joyful Christmas hours for many, many Christmases to come.

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How do I chose?
Mannheim Steamroller
I like it
Wonderful Christmas tunes from Mannheim Steamroller
Christmas Extraordinaire

Christmas Extraordinaire
Mannheim Steamroller , George Frideric Handel , Irving Berlin , James R. Murray , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Noel Regney , Christmas Traditional , Ray / Livingston, Jay Evans , Catalan Traditional , Alfred S. Burt , Felix Bernard , Robert Burns , and Chip Davis
Manufacturer: American Gramaphone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration
Christmas
Fresh Aire Christmas
Christmas in the Aire
The Lost Christmas Eve

ASIN: B00005NNDK
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

Hallelujah - from 'The Messiah'
White Christmas
Away In A Manger
Faeries - from 'The Nutcracker'
Do You Hear What I Hear?
The First Noel
Silver Bells
Fum, Fum, Fum
Some Children See Him
Winter Wonderland
O Tannenbaum
Auld Lang Syne

Amazon.com

Chip Davis's Mannheim Steamroller hasn't lost any ground in the six years since their last Yuletide offering. Christmas Extraordinare is another innovative and heartfelt collection of seasonal treasures played on a combination of 18th-century instruments and modern-day synthesizers, drums, and electric guitars. While not the first to marry different ages of musical instruments, Davis and his cohorts use them with imagination and an intensity that gives new life and drama to this rather inert genre. For material, Mannheim Steamroller asked their fans to choose their favorite holiday selections and vote on their Web site. The results of the poll are a fine mix of old and new--with slightly more emphasis on the modern--ranging from the bracing "Fum, Fum, Fum," a traditional Catalan carol, to Tchaikovsky's "Faeries" from The Nutcracker. Mannheim Steamroller imbues this beloved song with an almost militaristic edge, grounding it with an ominous tuba that gives the usually fey "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" an edgy tension. "Winter Wonderland" is a spectacular work, bordering on prog rock, as if Emerson, Lake & Palmer had re-formed to whip up a winter blizzard gone amok. While most of the Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas albums are largely instrumental, Davis has employed the considerable talents of University of Michigan's Glee Club to sing on "O Tannenbaum," respectfully fading their elegant, full vocals around the pristine voice of Johnny Mathis, elevating this German carol to a cinematic peak. Don't miss out on the clever liner notes, which give the reader a whimsical, anecdotal history of the 12 songs. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

How do I chose?.......2007-08-04

I have this CD along with most of the other Christmas Cd's by Manheim. It is hard to pick, but I do believe this one is my very favorite!, especially after seeing them in concert last Christmas (2006). If you ever get the chance to see them, it is WELL worth every penny and you will appreciate thier CDs even more!! Especially this one!

Mannheim Steamroller.......2007-01-10

I own quite a few of Mannheim Steamroller cd's and love them all.

I like it.......2006-12-18

Although, anyone should definately buy their first two albums from the 80s first, this is much calmer and more sophisticated. The first two albums are much more upbeat and inticing. This is still some beautiful Christmas music though. It's relaxed and possibly more suitable for the parents (not that children wouldn't like it) and creates a really great chilled out loving mood.

Wonderful Christmas tunes from Mannheim Steamroller.......2006-12-06

This was a pleasure to listen to again!It makes nice background yule-tyde music for the winter solitice holiday celebration.The birth of Jesus also represents the growing length of sunlight and rebirth of life.Also smartly included are Johnny Mathis (O Tannenbaum),University of Michigan Men's Glee Club,Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum Women's Choir, Almeda Berkey directing.They should continue to stick with Christmas standard classics and stay away from the Halloween tunes.This wintertime CD from Mannheim Steamroller is extraordinaire indeed!

Christmas Extraordinaire.......2006-02-26

I am a fan of Mannheim Steamroller and had high expectations for this CD. This is not quite as good as their older Christmas Cd's. It is ok but far from what it could have been.

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Michel Legrand
Sunlight on his fingertips
all the stars you've got
Maestro Legrand , at last !
For Jazz piano purest... Only!

Michel Legrand by Michel Legrand

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Michel Plays Legrand
The Essential Michel Legrand Film Music Collection
I Love Paris
Legrand Jazz
Summer of 42

ASIN: B00005YW0W
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Tracks:

I Will Wait For You
The Windmills Of Your Mind
The Summer Knows
How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
Watch What Happens
What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
His Eyes, Her Eyes
The Hands Of Time
Ordinary Man
Summer Me, Winter Me
You Must Believe In Spring
Once Upon A Summertime
L'Amour Fantome
Yentl Medley: Papa Can You Hear Me/The Way He Makes Me Feel/A Piece Of Sky

Amazon.com

If the American pop culture profile of French composer-jazz pianist Michel Legrand doesn't seem what it once was, don't be misled: his European indie film scores continue six decades on, now numbering nearly 200. But Legrand's most beloved work remains the lovely, evocative themes he created in the '60s and '70s, including "I Will Wait for You" from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Thomas Crown Affair's "Windmills of Your Mind," the theme from Summer of '42, and his work on Barbra Streisand's Yentl. This collection marks Legrand's first solo piano recordings, presenting those and other film score highlights in spontaneously improvised performances that offer a glimpse of Legrand's musical soul. If, as in "Windmills," his enthusiasm gets the best of him and he occasionally lapses into flights of melodramatic pianistic self-parody, there are more than enough sublime moments here to compensate, especially on lesser-known songs like Best Friends' "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" from The Happy Ending, and Brian's Song's "Hands of Time." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Michel Legrand.......2007-03-12

This is a great CD! Sound is awesome. I highly recommend it.

Sunlight on his fingertips.......2005-08-10

Sunlight on his fingertips

The very bright talent of Michele Legrand you can feel especially when Maestro is playing piano himself.

I heard some orchestra performance of Legrand before, that was good, but I was still thinking about him just like about pop music composer.

Now I think different - he is Genius!

all the stars you've got.......2005-01-29

Bill Evans once said that technique in jazz "is the ability to translate your ideas into sound through your instrument." If that's the case, Legrand possesses technique in spades.

Before commenting on this rewarding disc, a few words about Legrand himself:

Is there a better songwriter or a more versatile all-around musican alive today? I think you have to go back to people like Gershwin and Billy Strayhorn to find a rough parallel to Legrand's multifaceted, genre-crossing genius. A pupil of Nadia Boulanger (who studied with Faure and taught many important American composers, including Aaron Copland and Philip Glass), Legrand is an heir of the great French tradition of music--but one who has chosen to express himself through popular songs, film scores, and jazz. He possesses that rare combination of an absolutely rigorous theoretical knowledge of music and an intuitive, spontaneous instinct for both melody and improvisation. He combines exquisite refinement with a popular touch, a need to communicate directly with all who love music. To me, his work represents the most perfect expression of such typically French traits as lightness, insouciance, wit, melodic charm, and direct emotional expression since Poulenc.

Here you'll find many of Legrand's signature songs--"I Will Wait for You," "The Windmills of Your Mind," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?," "The Hands of Time," "You Must Believe in Spring," etc.--reharmonized and enriched in stunningly beautiful solo recreations. Those unfamiliar with Legrand's pianistic abilities will probably be surprised by what they hear, for he's no part-time piano tickler. He can easily hold his own in the company of the best modern jazz pianists. He has a wonderfully refined touch that is incapable of making a harsh sound and a profusive sense of fantasy that keeps you constantly guessing as to where the music will go next. Yet you always feel satisfied when you find out, because Legrand possesses a composer's comprehension of harmony and form. And his own style is in no way compromised by an occasional nod here and there toward Bill Evans, Erroll Garner, Rachmaninoff, and so on. (Please: disregard the Amazon reviewer's remark about "flights of melodramatic pianistic self-parody." It's called a stride chorus, and it's just one example of Legrand's surprising way of recasting these songs--and of his encyclopedic command of jazz styles.)

This disc represents the essence of Legrand. It really should have been recorded a long time ago, but the fact that it has captured his undiminished abilities as he enters his twilight years lends it an added poignance--a sense of "just in time!"--that makes it all the sweeter. If you're already a Legrand fan, it should be a self-recommending treasure, and if you're a fan of great piano playing or of sophisticated jazz treatments of great songs, odds are you'll find this a very rewarding disc indeed. For me, the highlight is this version of "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" in which every note seems inevitable--not at all an easy thing to make happen in an improvisation.

Miles Davis once said of a Duke Ellington recording, "Give that one all the stars you've got." That's the way I feel about this disc, and I thought that phrase "all the stars you've got" was appropriate because it almost sounds like the title of a Legrand song.

Maestro Legrand , at last !.......2004-10-10

Legrand has recorded at last one of his more intimate renditions to himself with his most remarkable themes along his brilliant career .
From a summer of 42 , The windmills of your mind (The Thomas crown afair) , what are you doing the rest of your life or the romantic Umbrellas of Cherbourg ; all those unforgettable themes are played in this album for piano solo in the real intimacy between him and the listener .
Legrand is the golden master of soundtracks in France and one of the top in the world . He owns that inner vision to catch the spirit of every movie he accompains . He composes music as he was a real director movie . The psychological concerns , the romantic efluvies and the precise and lyrical atmosphere , with that touch of class, artistic elegance and sublime eloquency .
Think also in the important recordings with Miles Davis . That issue will give you the size of that artist and anothe point to remark . In 1954 , Legrand made a golden jewel : I lvoe Paris (See my review) that has become through the years in the most famous and the best album of instrumental music ever recorded .
What other background do you need to acquire this gem ?

For Jazz piano purest... Only!.......2002-09-07

I love the music of Michele Legrand! It is a rich mixture of
graceful tones and notes, that create memories of a certain
time and place in each of our own lives.
When accompaned with great orchestration Its wonderful. When done in a jazz piano style, its not as good. Not to take anyting away from the talents of Mr Legrand as a pianist. Its just that like hearing a lusher, grander version of his music. So if you like jazz piano music, and Michele Legrand.
Then this is the cd for you!

Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King

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Wolcum Yule
lovely and unusual Yule album
Goose Flesh!

Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
John Tavener , Richard Rodney Bennett , Peter Maxwell Davies , Geoffrey Burgon , Henry VIII , Benjamin Britten , Anonymous 4 , and Andrew Lawrence-King
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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American Angels
On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets - Anonymous 4
Gloryland
Legends of St. Nicholas: Medieval Chant & Polyphony
The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B0000AZKK4
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Awake, And Join The Cheerful Choir
Good People All
The Seven Rejoices Of Mary
The Lamb
A Scots Lilt
Balulalow
Balulalow
The Holly And The Ivy
The Reel Of Tullochgorum
I Saw Three Ships
A Calendar Of Kings
Air: La Fuar Geimhreadh
An Teicheadh Go Heigipt
A God, And Yet A Man?
Grene Growith The Holy
Wel, Dyma'r Borau Gorau
The Cherry Tree Carol
Can Wassel
A New Year Carol

Amazon.com

This offbeat disc of seasonal songs and carols by the Anonymous 4 will delight their fans and please everyone else. The 19 selections include traditional folk melodies and texts, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, interspersed with fitting selections by contemporary composers including John Taverner, Benjamin Britten, and Peter Maxwell Davies, whose ethereal a cappella A Calender of Kings gets its first recording. Andrew Lawrence-King, playing Irish harp, Baroque harp, and psaltery with his accustomed finesse, is a major reason for the disc's success, accompanying most of the vocals and contributing three lovely solos. The disc is crammed with highlight tracks, like the lilting Cornish Wassail song and the Irish Good people all, and haunting numbers like "Flight into Egypt," sung in Gaelic, and "Behold, here is the best morning," sung in Welsh. Excellent sonics and Harmonia Mundi's typically fine production values also help make this a Christmas disc that will give joy in July. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Wolcum Yule.......2006-01-17

The recording is fine . . . it just didn't appeal to me personally

lovely and unusual Yule album.......2004-01-06

Anonymous 4 has brought us a beautiful selection of 19 traditional songs from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. These include a lesser known work by Henry VIII as well as more contemporary songs by John Tavener, Richard Bennett, Geoffrey Burgon and Benjamin Britten, and a piece commissioned for the group from Peter Davies. Andrew Lawrence-King accompanies on Irish harp, Baroque harp and psaltery. There is a short essay on the traditions and legacy of the concept of Yule, a Cetic midwinter celebration, and this and the informative liner notes are given in English, French and German, accompanied by Celtic drawings.

The songs are pure, simple and very beautiful -- a welcome addition to your holiday listening.

Goose Flesh!.......2003-12-09

This is a remarkable quartet, singing with purity and style, from the haunting to the merry, medieval chant to modern settings of Celtic religious texts. Where there are arrangements, they are lovely and the instrumental pieces are simple and beautiful. This is the first time I have heard this group of women, and I am enchanted. It's a cappella at its very best: look to your laurels, King's Singers and Chanticleer, here come the ladies!

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Uneven quality but great value
A superb collection of Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

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