Music of the Angels II

Track Listings

1. Floating on the Cloud

2. Flying With the Angels

3. Melody of Angels

4. Ancient Harp Melody

5. Dancing With Angels

6. Celestial Visitation

7. Renaissance Angels

8. Little Angels Guitar

9. Rainbows in the Snow

10. Music of the Angels

Editorial Reviews
Peter Manzi, New Age Voice Magazine.
"Gerald Jay Markoe is THE composer of new age music. He is to new age, what Mozart is to classical."

Product Description
This soothing music will relax your body, clear your mind and touch your heart.

It gives you the sensation of floating on a cloud, being surrounded by love.

PERFECT FOR: Relaxation Meditation Yoga Tai Chi Massage Healing Music Therapy Stress Release Deep Sleep Accelerated learning Anti-Depression

ARRANGED FOR: Strings Piano Harp Guitar Angelic voices Monks choir Flute Oboe Cello Synthesizers Harpsichord

Music of the Angels II

Music of the Angels II,Gerald Jay Markoe,Audio Alternatives,Ambient,Electronic,Neo-Classical,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Spiritual

Music of the Angels II

Tracks:

Holy Manna
Abbeville
Wondrous Love
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Jewett
Dunlap's Creek
New Britain
The Morning Trumpet
Resignation
Poland
Wayfaring Stranger
Sweet By And By
Blooming Vale
Idumea (I)/Idumea (II)
Sweet Prospect
Shall We Gather At The River
Amanda
Invitation
Parting Hand
Angel Band

Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

Average customer rating:

Selections from the Greatest Voice of the Last Hundred Years
A Must Have
The Mario Lanza Collection
The MARIO LANZA Collection
WONDERFUL!!!!!

The MARIO LANZA Collection

Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mario Lanza: At His Best!
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American Caruso
Lanza: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000003F6V
Release Date: 1991-11-12

Tracks:

Be My Love
I'll Never Love You
Because You're Mine
The Song Angels Sing
Drink, Drink, Drink
Serenade
The Loveliest Night of the Year
La Donna E Mobile
Because
For You Alone
Golden Days
Deep In My Heart, Dear
If I Loved You
Yours Is My Heart Alone
One Night Of Love
Beloved
Beautiful Love
With A Song In My Heart
You Are My Love
Call Me Fool

Tracks:

All The Things You Are
My Song,My Love
Love Is The Sweetest Thing
Will You Remember
Granada
Lolita
Serenade
Temptation
Lygia
Lady of Spain
This Land
Lee-Ah-Loo
Tina-Lina
Boom Biddy Boom Boom
The Bayou Lullaby
The Lord's Prayer
And Here You Are
Song of Songs
Somewhere A Voice Is Calling
I Never Knew

Tracks:

Ciribiribin
Wonder Why
Come Dance With Me
O Sole Mio
Younger Than Springtime
For the First Time (Come Prima)
Never Till Now
Arrivederci, Roma
If You Were Mine
Behold!
A Night to Remember
Love in a Home
Do You Wonder
Softly as in a Morning Sunrise
One Alone
Aida:Celeste Aida
Carmen: Flower Song
La Traviata: Brindisi
Rigoletto:Questa O Quella
Pagliacci:Vesti La Giubba
Cavalleria Rusticana: Addio Alla Madre

Customer Reviews:

Selections from the Greatest Voice of the Last Hundred Years.......2007-03-13

Mario Lanza was, arguably, the greatest tenor and greatest singer of this and the last century. It is difficult to appreciate him without listening to a variety of selections. This collection has some of his best recordings and exhibits the versatility and variety that he possessed that permitted him to "crossover" from opera to popular music with a ease.

I recommend this for those who already know Lanza to some extent but want to go into more depth and understand his marvelous skills.

A Must Have .......2006-12-12

I had forgotten what a beautiful voice Mario Lanza had. This collection contains opera and pop selections that exhibit the power yet sweetness of his voice. Fortunately, we have his CD's and videos so we can remember and listen to his gorgeous, vibrant voice and personality. I highly recommend this collection along with his wonderful movies, especially The Great Caruso.

The Mario Lanza Collection.......2006-11-10

I had forgotten just how beautiful a voice from the past was. It is a wonderful collection

The MARIO LANZA Collection.......2006-08-19

extract from most important LPs. Brilliant sound quality from RCA. Also included are soundtrack recordings from some of his movies. The are several reissues from Mario Lanza but this one is a collection you should have.

WONDERFUL!!!!!.......2005-10-19

The Mario Lanza Collection is a three CD set and it has 61 songs and they all sound great. The mastering on this set is excellent and the song choice is very very good. It would have been perfect if they added a forth CD with more Arias, Italian songs and Sacred Arias. BUT still this set is a great introduction to Lanza. Lanza's voice was powerful and beautiful; if you are a fan of great singing, you will love Lanza. Highlights on this CD set are; Be my Love, Because your Mine, Serenade, With a Song in My Heart, Temptation, The Lord's Prayer, Ciribirbin, O Solo Mio, Ariverducci Roma, and on and on. They are many many great songs on this set, and I highly recommend it.

From Holland with Love: Waltzes I've Saved for You

Average customer rating:

Simply Breathtaking !
Fantastic!
Pure Viennese Magic!

From Holland with Love: Waltzes I've Saved for You

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart
Roses from the South
Emperor Waltz
Fiesta
Andre Rieu Collection (2 CD)

ASIN: B00000411X
Release Date: 1996-03-05

Tracks:

Strauss & Co: A Bright Young Man - Along The Wonderful Blue Danube - Roses From The South - Viennese Blood - Lips Are Sealed ...
During Thunder And Lighting
The Third Man
The Second Waltz
Come On Gypsy
Swallows From Austria
Song Of Vilja
The Life Of Artist
Persian March
The White Horse Inn
Vienna, Vienna Just You
Today Angels Come To Vienna On Holiday
My Mother Was A Viennese
Rose From The South

Customer Reviews:

Simply Breathtaking !.......2000-05-14

I have always been a lover of classical music, but had never been truly introduced to the waltz until my wonderful father sent me this CD. After one time through it...I was in love. The romance...the feeling...the images of days gone by. Ladies in long, flowing gowns, men in black tails and white gloves...swirling around a ballroom floor. It's all right there for you to hear. Just lovely. My personal favorite is Song of Vilja, composed by Lehar. I think this to be the most beautiful piece of music ever written. This collection is a must for any lover of the classics....but for waltz enthusiasts, it is Heaven !

Fantastic!.......1999-12-27

I am a great fan of Andre Rieu and his Orchestra and this in possibly their best. I changd the CD's in the changer in my vehicle about once a week but this one usuallly occupies the honored number one spot for months at a time.

Pure Viennese Magic!.......1999-03-01

A wonderful find for any lover of Viennese music, particularly of the "Silver Era" of operetta. Great renditions of operetta fare by Strauss, Lehar, Kalman, Stolz and Benatzky. Also charming Viennese songs, such as "Die Engeln Kommen auf Urlaub Nach Wien," "Meine Mutterl war eine Weanerin," and other "heuriger" wine garden favorites. The whole thing is a delight!

In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing

Average customer rating:

One of Caedmon's Call's best!
Another great Caedmon's album
Fabulous CD!!!
Very solid
Intellectual and yet catchy

In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing
Caedmon's Call
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship
Share the Well
Caedmon's Call
40 Acres
Back Home

ASIN: B000EDWM72
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Tracks:

Great and Mighty
Draw Me Nearer
Sing His Love
Rest Upon Us
The Story
The Fountain
Be Merciful To Me
I Surrender All
We Give Thanks
Fellowship So Deep
Let Me Be

Amazon.com

Listen. Do you hear it? That hissing sound. It's the sad sound of air leaking from a Caedmon's Call balloon that once flew so high and was full of promise. Ever since the departure of Derek Webb in 2003, the band has sorely missed his songwriting and creative contributions. Never has it been more evident than in In the Company of Angels 2: The World Will Sing, a follow-up to the group's solid 2001 release In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship. Certainly Cliff and Danielle Young continue to produce pleasing AC rock with tracks like "Great and Mighty," "Rest Upon Us," and the catchy and bouncy "Sing His Love." Those are topped by the highlighted mid-tempo hymn "Draw Me Nearer" and Danielle Young's poignant vocals on "Be Merciful to Me." But the bulk of the release is dragged down by bland, uninspiring music like "The Story," "The Fountain," and "We Give Thanks." Unfortunately the energy (or lack thereof) of these tracks pales in comparison to the 2001 Company release along with much of the band's earlier catalog. The dynamic between Webb and the Youngs, which often yielded melodic yet challenging light rock, is no longer there. This is what helped catapult the band into the upper echelons of Christian music. And its absence is what is now bringing them down, back to Earth. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

One of Caedmon's Call's best!.......2007-07-13

This album is catchy and inspires me to worship. I'm not in the least bit disappointed. In fact, this is, in my opinion, one of the best Caedmon's Call albums to date. As for those complaining about the loss of Derek Webb, it's obvious that he was going in a different direction musically anyway. Cliff and Danielle are quite alright. However, Derek is returning to the band to tour for a year with Caedmon's new album Overdressed. My advice: buy the CD.

Another great Caedmon's album.......2007-01-01

Caedmon's Call is simply the greatest Christian band out there. This album is combines praise and worship with the wonderfully beautiful and complex music Caedmon's Call knows how to make. Great and Mighty, We Give Thanks, The Fountain, The Story are in my opinion standouts.

But this band consistently produces great music over the years, and has only gotten better with the departure of Derek Webb and his secular brand of "don't want coffee" lyrics.
Thanks to Caedmon's Call for another great album. Come play in Corpus Christi, Texas!

Fabulous CD!!!.......2006-05-02

Caedmon's Call is one of those groups that falls under the radar. It seems just yesterday that 40 Acres was released. I purchased this CD after a quick preview and am glad that I did. Fellowship So Deep, Sing His Love, and Draw Me Nearer are my favorite songs. But can't find one track that is weak. I like rendition of classic hymn I Surrender All. If you like acoustic/percussion driven sound, then this album is a must.

Very solid.......2006-04-12

I confess that when I heard that Caedmon's Call's follow-up to their amazing _Share the Well_ would be this sequel to the original _In the Company of Angels_ (_ItCoA_), I was not terribly excited. Artistically, it seemed like a regress, done for commercial reasons. Then I heard the opening track, "Great and Mighty," which seemed to confirm my suspicions. It was catchy but fluffy--the kind of song you'd expect to hear on an average Christian radio station, but not worthy of Caedmon's Call. Despite my misgivings, I bought _ItCoA II_, thinking that even if this wasn't Caedmon's magnum opus, it would still contain plenty of Caedmon's typical excellence. I am glad I did.

Overall, I have little but praise for this recording. Caedmon's signature unselfishness is evident throughout, with each band member making excellent contributions without any one dominating the soundscape. The percussion section does its typical excellent work, the background vocals are tasteful, and the songwriting is solid. All three singers are in good voice, and Danielle Young's voice in particular has never sounded better. Most impressive is how Caedmon's Call loved this project enough to make it lovely, even though it isn't what they originally had in mind for their follow-up to _Share the Well_. In other words, though the record company didn't let them do the record they wanted, they acted like grown-ups and produced something excellent anyway.

The standout tracks:
_ItCoA II_ hits its stride with tracks three through five. Andrew Osenga's adaptation of "Sing His Love" is an exuberant reflection on the mercy and covenant faithfulness of God, and the verses are lovely and though-provoking. Laura Story's "Rest Upon Us," a plea for the presence of the Holy Spirit, has some of the best lyrics on the album, a pastoral musical backdrop (courtesy of Osenga's wonderfully understated guitar accompaniment), and a wonderful vocal by Danielle Young. And Osenga's "The Story" extols God for his wondrous ability to somehow bring good from all of humanity's sad history, while gently chiding us for our tendency to forget that "we were loved before we opened up our eyes--such foolish pride."

The other standout songs here are "Be Merciful to Me," which contains some of Danielle Young's best recorded singing to date, and "Fellowship So Deep," which stands out musically as one of the best songs Caedmon's has ever recorded. The vocal interplay between the three singers is spine-tingling, and the percussion is stunning.

Finally, since Caedmon's Call released _ItCoA II_, in part, to provide songs that churches can use in worship, I end with a postscript on how well these songs lend themselves to congregational singing. Some would do very well in such a setting with very few changes-e.g. "Sing His Love," "Be Merciful to Me," "I Surrender All," and "Let Me Be." Others could work with a little tweaking-e.g. "Draw Me Nearer," "Rest Upon Us" and "Fellowship So Deep." The other songs would be more difficult to adapt for congregational singing. Still, with a majority of the songs being suitable for congregations, I would call _ItCoA II_ a success in this respect.

Intellectual and yet catchy.......2006-03-22

Written by Jessie Roberts for Spirit1053.com:::

Throughout their twelve year ministry, the songs of Caedmon's Call have ranged from melancholy singer-songwriter types to rich hymn-like worship songs. The departure of Derek Webb in 2003 could have been discouraging, as he helped bring a distinctive richness and texture to their sound. However the band continued as before, thriving off of their core focus on ministry, and developing that focus as they continued. Consequently their sound, live as well as recorded, is as tight as a band can get (perhaps due to the fact that lead singers Cliff and Danielle are married).

Caedmon's Call takes their role as Christian music artists seriously, and accepts the responsibility of that privilege. They have partnered with Compassion International and other organizations, as well as released the globally-minded album Share the Well.

This focus and intentionality is reflected in their music as well. In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing is a collection of worship songs completely focused on God and the nature of the journey towards getting to know Him better.

Danielle Young is particularly a blessing on this record. She is unpretentious and focused solely on delivering the songs. We really don't get to know much about her personality or background through the music, but that feels appropriate for a worship album. Her clear vocals are not distracting, and instead point towards God through the lyrics she sings.

The songs are intellectual and yet catchy. They are a combination of old hymns and new music. Particularly delightful is "Sing His Love," the words of which are based on an ancient Chinese hymn text. These lyrics are attached to a melody that is joyful and yet smoothly contained within the aforementioned tightness of their sound.

In the Company of Angels II is the sort of album that might not grab your attention during your first listen, but will grow to become more and more enjoyable. The focus is not on entertainment, but on serious pressing into God and into a deeper understanding of Him. This album will be passed over by those with short attention spans, but those who are wiser will find a collection of sings that are catchy, rich, and moving.

Now touring: www.caedmonscall.com

Average customer rating:

A wonderful tradition
a voice teacher and early music fan
Truely inspirational!!!!
Don't let this recording pass you by!
A Shining Star

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
King's College Choir , and Stephen Cleobury
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002CF12
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

Once In Royal David's City
Bidding Prayer
Up! Good Christen Folk, And Listen
The Truth From Above
First Lesson
Adam Lay Yhounden
Second Lesson
Sussex Carol
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Third Lesson
In dulci jubilo
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
Fourth Lesson
A Tender Shoot
The Lamb
Fifth Lesson
Gabriel's Message
Joys Seven
Sixth Lesson
Dormi, Jesu
Riu, riu, chiu

Tracks:

Seventh Lesson
The Fary fax Carol
While Shepards Watched
Eighth Lesson
I Saw Three Ships
Illuminare Jerusalem
Ninth Lesson
Adeste, fideles
Prayer And Blessing
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
In dulci Jubilo

Amazon.com

This disc could be more succinctly titled Christmas for Anglophiles. Few sounds are more British than the boy soprano-dominated Choir of King's College in Cambridge. And the group is heard--in some sections recorded live--in an actual Christmastide service amid the generous reverberation of a cathedral acoustic with little more than a tasteful though austere organ accompaniment. The repertoire isn't just conservative, traditional hymns and carols. One is harmonized by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and there are a number of contributions by contemporary composers Thomas Adès, Judith Weir, and John Tavener, all of which are probing, sincere, even personal examples of their art (and some are daringly liberated, harmonically speaking). The downside for some listeners--at least on repeated hearings--is that the entire service is heard, sermons and all. Others may take this in the spirit of a Paul McCreesh liturgical reconstruction, with congregational singing included. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful tradition .......2007-01-18

A great experience combining Christmas carols with the reading of Holy Scripture (the lessons). It's a beautiful Christmas worship service in the Anglican tradition. I highly recommend it.

In our age when thing change so fast, it's good to know that some great traditions continue. This recording is one of them.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-12-06

Listening to this one and one-half hour recording is one way to experience the meaning of Christmas. It must be a joy for those who can attend such a service as the "Festival of nine-lessons and carols". To hear the beautiful voices of the King's College Choir and their marvelous organist, Benjamin Bayl. This is all under the direction of Stephen Cleobury, and provides a treat for music lovers everywhere. The carols are related directly to the scripture readings that tell the Christmas Story in its entirety, all read skillfully by various people involved in the program. They are not lengthy, but quite to the point. The related carols are varied as to composer and mood, running the gamut from the traditional to the more recent such as : 'The Truth from above'(Vaughan Williams)-'Illuminare,Jerusalem' (Judith Weir)- and 'The Lamb' (John Tavener). The soloists include:Edward Moore (treble)-Thomas Bullard (baritone)-Adrian Kelly (tenor)-Edward Harries (treble)-and Julian Perkins (baritone). All sang well as did the entire choir. The English sound, that is boy sopranos and male altos, appeal to me personally and show up very well in this particular group. It's all quite emotional and very moving, especially to those who celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. I've had this disc for several years, and would not think of celebrating Christmas without listening to it several times during the season.

Truely inspirational!!!!.......2001-12-23

A holiday classic. It has been a tradtion in our family for years. This is the first time I've seen it available on CD. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Don't let this recording pass you by!.......2001-07-10

Do yourself a favor and buy this CD - even if you don't think you like Christmas music. People stand in line for hours to hear the Choir of King's College's annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and when you hear this recording, you will understand why. Rarely does a choir sound quite as pure, smooth, and "together" as they do on this recording. The selection of music is wonderful. You get a few traditional favorites like "O Come All Ye Faithful", recorded live with the choir and the congregation singing along (I thought this would annoy me but it really doesn't - it only makes me feel the spirit of the ceremony even more). You also get plenty of wonderful choir-only pieces that you've probably never heard before unless you're a big cathedral music enthusiast. It all begins, of course, with a single choirboy singing the first verse of "Once in Royal David's City". It's impossible for me to pick an absolute favorite from this recording. I find "The Fayrfax Carol" by Thomas Ades to be particularly haunting and beautiful. Vaughan Williams' "The Truth from Above" is also very, very lovely. And how could you not enjoy "Up! Good Christen folk, and listen"? There is also Ord's short, but beautiful, "Adam lay ybounden". I like all of these pieces in and of themselves, but I think having them sung so expertly and sweetly by the choir makes me like them even more.

To top it all off, you get about 20 minutes worth of readings and prayers recorded live at the service, interspersed among all of the music. I suppose this could be seen as the recording's only drawback (people talking), but I think it makes the recording much more authentic as a representation of the world-famous service. The readings make the recording more than just a musical experience, but a complete Christmas experience - which is what the ceremony is supposed to be. Besides, if you really hate the talking, that's what the skip button is for.

Go ahead and buy this -- you'll be very glad you did.

A Shining Star.......2000-11-21

To the other fine and informative reviews here, I would add the following. Though the Festival service and the recording are 80% musical, the "lessons", which are brief scripture passages given moving dramatic readings by college personnel, are the backbone of the Festival and the riverbed through which the carols flow. There is a chronological order to the lessons, beginning in Genesis, and each musical selection is tied to the reading which preceded it. This synthesis makes listening to this CD a very spiritual experience that transports one well beyond what is felt listening to other recorded compilations of carols.

The music is primarily drawn from traditional British Christmas repertoire. Well-known British composers over centuries and King's College's organists and music directors over the past century wrote or arranged most of the selections. Several texts are in Olde English or Latin. Three recent compositions are here, too, but the first priority of the Festival director is clearly the tradition and the history of this service and of Christmas in England. There is nothing, however, "musty" about this CD. The tempi are modern and sprightly where indicated, and the performances are transcendent. The Choir of King's College, directed by Stephen Cleobury, consists of 35 young men chosen by highly competitive audition, and they are among the finest choral ensembles in the world. A superb pipe organ played by Benjamin Bayl is the only supplement to the voices.

Customer Reviews:

Great American Music.......2003-04-18

I originally purchased this for the Ruggles, but I'm very pleased to have recordings the other composers. Wonderful cd.

Some stunning lesser known american pieces.......2001-07-30

The standouts are the Harris organ and brass piece, available nowhere else that I know of. Organic development of motifs to a massive climax. The two Ives pieces are also firstrate. "From the steeples to the mountains" lives up to Ives' description: And then the rocks began to shout. "Let there be light" sounds as though it could have led to his parting ways with the church he was organist for in the early 1900s.

Customer Reviews:

Soothing To The Soul.......2007-07-17

This is one of those CDs that you want to sit back and relax too. So moving and so soothing to the soul, body and mind.

This is what Choir and Organ magazine had to say.......2002-12-08

A perfect portal into the sound world of medieval Russia, this selection of liturgical material, drawn from a tradition harking back to the 11th century, includes unadorned monophonic chant as well as ceremonial pieces in polyphonic styles developed in the 16th and 17th centuries, the sonorities of the former occasionally creating enjoyably spooky, ringing overtones in the generous acoustic. The men of Deisus sing with an almost visceral depth of commitment and, as might be expected, the low basses are profoundly in a class of their own.

The best Russian choral CD of the season.......2002-02-09

This disk is a must for every lover of male Russian choirs! Don't get confused by the name of the choir (I assume it is based on Greek deisis `prayer') or the commercial design of the booklet: this is simply the very best of Russian choral chant that has been published this season. The fourteen singers of the choir perform ancient chants, that have partly been deciphered here for the first time, and so are absolutely unique. Because of the high quality of singing and the choice of repertoire, Deisus can be compared with leading choirs such as the famous Patriarchate Choir of Mr.Grindenko. The chants performed on this splendid disk, all in honour of the Virgin Mary, are either homophonic or polyphonic, in a pleasant alternation. They share the quality of monastic austerity that makes them absolutely captivating: the listener is transposed to another world, a world of quiet and piece. Warmly recommended!

Astonishing Recording!.......2002-02-05

Anyone who hasn't heard Russian chants performed by deep voices has a real delight ahead and a profound musical experience. This recording captivates from beginning to end. The voices of the Deisus Choir, singing heretofore unpublished chants, took this listener onto a soundscape he didn't know existed. The choir emerges like the breath of God and rolls on in a vibrant acoustic that's perfectly suited to the voices, which resonate as much in the solar plexus as in the ear. I've collected a good number of recordings of chants (including the best-selling disc of the Spanish monks that came out some years ago), but the present recording by the Deisus Choir is now at the top of my list.

Average customer rating:

4 Disc tour de' force of "high church" Christmas music

CHRISTMAS at King's College

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Carols from Trinity
Carols From King's / Choir of King's College, Cambridge · Stephen Cleobury
A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High
O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge

ASIN: B000009RSR
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

Once In Royal David's City - King's College Choir, Cambridge
O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Palestrina
The First Nowell - King's College Choir, Cambridge
I Saw Three Ships - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Personent hodie - Byrd
Myn Lyking - Byrd
A Spotless Rose - Gibbons
Away In A Manger - Weelkes
I Sing Of A Maiden - Weelkes
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - King's College Choir, Cambridge
While Shepherds Watched - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Up! Good Christian Folk And Listen - King's College Choir, Cambridge
In The Bleak Midwinter - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Silent Night - King's College Choir, Cambridge
The Holly And The Ivy - King's College Choir, Cambridge
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Taylor
The Three Kings - King's College Choir, Cambridge
On Christmas Night - King's College Choir, Cambridge
A Child Is Born In Bethlehem - King's College Choir, Cambridge
In dulci jubilo - King's College Choir, Cambridge
O Come, All Ye Faithful - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Warlock

Tracks:

Once In Royal David's City - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Bidding Prayer - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Resonet in laudibus - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Genesis 3 - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Adam lay ybounden - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Sussex Carol - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Isaiah 9 - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Joseph And Mary - King's College Choir, Cambridge
St Luke 1 - King's College Choir, Cambridge
A Maiden Most Gentle - King's College Choir, Cambridge
St Luke 2 - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Stille Nacht! - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Chester Carol - King's College Choir, Cambridge
St Luke 2 - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Angels, From The Realms Of Glory - King's College Choir, Cambridge
St Matthew 2 - King's College Choir, Cambridge
A Babe Is Born - King's College Choir, Cambridge
St John 1 - King's College Choir, Cambridge
O Come, All Ye Faithful - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Collect For Christmas Eve And The Blessing - King's College Choir, Cambridge
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - King's College Choir, Cambridge
In dulci jubilo - King's College Choir, Cambridge

Tracks:

Hodie Christus natus est - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Hodie Christus natus est - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
O magnum mysterium - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Senex puerum portabat - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Senex puerum portabat - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Hodie beata virgo - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Hosanna To The Son Of David - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Hosanna To The Sun Of DAvid - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Gloria in excelsis Deo - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
When To The Temple Mary Went - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
The Holly And The Ivy - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Angelus ad virginem - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Angelus ad virginem - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
I Sing Of A Maiden - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Watt's Cradle Song - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
My Dancing Day - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Sing A Song Of Joy - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Jesus Christ The Apple Tree - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Most Glorious Lord Of Life - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
That Lord That Lay In Asse Stall - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger
Where Riches Is Everlastingly - King's College Choir - Philip Ledger

Tracks:

I Look From Afar - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Come, Thou Redeemer Of The Earth - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Isaiah 40: 1 - 8 - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Drop Down, Ye Heavens, From Above - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Jeremiah 23: 5 - 6 - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
O Come, O Come Emmanuel! - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Haggai 2: 6 - 9 - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Up, Awake And Away! - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
All And Some - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Isaiah 35: 1 - 6 - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
'Twas In The Year - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
The Cherry Tree Carol - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
King Jesus Has A Garden - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
On Jordan's Bank The Baptist's Cry - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
St. Luke 1: 26 - 35 And 38 - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Gabriel's Message - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Wake, O Wake! With Tidings Thrilling - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
St. Mark 1: 1 - 4a And 7 -15 - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
I Wonder As I Wander - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
My Dancing Day - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Judah And Jerusalem, Fear Not - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Prayers And Blessing - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Nun komm', der Heiden Heiland - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge

Customer Reviews:

4 Disc tour de' force of "high church" Christmas music.......2003-04-19

It's in there.. this is a great collection of Anglican Cathedral Christmas music. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Tauber for the first buyer

My Heart & I

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Very Best of Richard Tauber

ASIN: B000001XM3
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Fascination
The Dancing Years: Waltz Of My Heart
Sweethearts
The Firefly: Giannina Mia
Rose Marie
Rose Marie: Indian Love Call
The Student Prince: Serenade
Maytime: Will You Remember
Paganini: Comes Too Late - Richard Tauber/Evelyn Laye
Paganini: Nobody Could Love You More - Richard Tauber/Evelyn Laye
Paganini: Beautiful Italy
Paganini: Girls Were Made To Love And Kiss
Lehar Memories: Merry Widow Vilia/GypsyLove/Maiden My Maiden
Don't Ask Me Why
The Blue Danube
Whisperings Of The Vienna Woods
I Love Thee
Der Obersteiger: Don't Be Cross
Jealousy
Old Chelsea: There Are Angels Outside Heaven - Richard Tauber/Nancy Brown
Old Chelsea: Music In My Heart
Old Chelsea: If You Are In Love - Richard Tauber/Nancy Brown
Old Chelsea: My Heart And I

Customer Reviews:

Tauber for the first buyer.......1999-01-02

Richard Tauber was, in my opinion, the most seductive and complex singer of this century. His voice was excellent, but not in itself, just as a vehicle for an infinity of shadings, in a plethora of styles. He was arguably the greatest ever operetta singer but his gifts were perfectly expressing themselves in lied, in popular song and in a great part of the opera repertoire ("heldentenor" excepted). Like Kreisler in violin playing, Tauber represented the essence of the Viennese spirit. His vocal specialties included the sweteest mezzavoce or headvoice one could hope for. He was accessible and highly refined in the same time. For the very low price of this Gala CD, you can taste the complex artistry of Richard Tauber, both in his German (better) period and in the "English" one. The reason I'm giving 4, not 5 stars to this CD is that I believe his all-German CD concotions to be more valuable. But for this price...

Average customer rating:

Joy to the world
The only Christmas CD ever played in my home
A Christmas Album to Fall In Love With
Absolutely glorious Christmas music
Beautiful, spiritually uplifting music!

Christmas with the Cambridge Singers

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Christmas Day in the Morning
Cambridge Singers Christmas Album
The John Rutter Christmas Album
The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College
Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity

ASIN: B0000031HF
Release Date: 1993-01-28

Tracks:

Joy To The World
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Angels' Carol
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
Twas In The Moon Of Winter Time
Personent Hodie
Sussex Carol
In Dulci Jubilo
Somerset Wassail
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
O Holy Night
What Sweeter Music
O Magnum Mysterium
Still, Still, Still
Coventry Carol
What Child s This?
The Shepherd's Farewell
The Infant King
Quem Pastores Laudavere
A New Year Carol
Silent Night

Album Description

Features John Rutter's What Sweeter Music, famous from Volvo's popular "Lives Saved" commercials, plus 20 other carols, seasonal motets and choruses. "Delightfully arranged, magnificently performed and recorded… a winner all the way." -Gramophone

Customer Reviews:

Joy to the world.......2005-09-27

The Cambridge Singers have made several Christmas albums, and all of them are top notch. This particular one was done in 1989, and has several songs in honour of the Nativity. Their performance was done at one of their regular recording spots, the Great Hall of University College School, London.

--Music--
The music here consists of 21 carols, motets and oratorio choruses. These range from the great 'For unto us a child is born' of G.F. Handel's oratorio 'Messiah' to well known familiar Christmas carols to folk/traditional tunes from France, Canada, Basque, Germany, and England. Composers represented in addition to Handel include Britten, Victoria, Adam, Mason, Sweelinck, Sceidt, Adam, Berlioz, and Cambridge Singers' director, John Rutter, who provides two of his own compositoins, 'Angel's Carol' and 'What sweeter music'.

This is a beautiful recording, with the Cambridge Singers presenting grand voices and good spirit in honour of the Christmas holiday. There is tenderness, vibrancy and light in these songs that remind one both of the power of the Christmas miracle as well as the family emotions that holiday seasons draw forth.

--Liner Notes--
One thing that this has is a brief description of John Rutter and the group itself - it may sound strange to say, but many of their CDs lack these important pieces. This also includes an introduction to the CD, a listing of the tracks with composer, arranger and lyrics. Where lyrics are in other language, an English translation is provided.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

Their performance is a wonderful gift for the season.

The only Christmas CD ever played in my home.......2004-11-02

I am pretty picky about my Christmas music, and this CD is the only one I ever need for the holiday season. The division of the CD into joy/peace halves is really nice. Rutter's arrangements are the best I've ever heard; I was first exposed to him in my high school choir and have been a fan of his Cambridge Singers ever since. My favorite track on this CD is the Rutter original composition, "What Sweeter Music". Simply gorgeous. A must-have for any caroller or carol enthusiast!

A Christmas Album to Fall In Love With.......2003-10-08

About ten years ago, I got a part time job at Christmas time at a music store. As soon as one of the local classical stations played a few Cambridge Singers tracks, the store sold out of the CD's. Knowing that I was missing something great, I hid the last disk in the store so I could purchase it. It was this disk and it was after listening to it that I fell in love with this wonderful musical ensemble. The recording's version of "O Holy Night" is probably the best available. "The Shepherd's Farewell" is moving. "Still, Still, Still" is gentle and reflective. Rutter's own "Angel's carol" is probably my favorite track on this disk. If this is your first Cambridge Singers recording, believe me, you too will be addicted and it will become a favorite in your Christmas collection.

Absolutely glorious Christmas music.......2002-12-11

Not to sound like a commercial for them, but thanks to Amazon.com's superb referral and list system, I was lucky enough to find The Cambridge Singers for the first time this holiday season. I'm a huge fan of the King's College Choir and others in that vein, but The Cambridge Singers have a sound and style that is, while similar, all their own, and absolutely *glorious*. Simply put, this is Christmas choral music at its finest. And without even hearing them -- aside from the few "samples" on their Amazon.com pages -- I have two more of their Christmas CDs on the way to me as I write this.

There are a few Christmas standards here, such as "Joy To The World" and "Ding! Dong! Merrily on High", but there are also lesser-known jewels like "Somerset Wassail" and "The Shepherd's Farewell". And if your favorite Christmas carol is, like mine, "O Holy Night", you won't find a better recording of it anywhere than the one you hear on this disc; it's stunningly beautiful, with all three verses of the carol sung, unlike most interpretations that are out there today.

If you're a fan of choral music, just go ahead and buy this disc; you *won't* be disappointed.

Beautiful, spiritually uplifting music!.......2001-12-22

John Rutter brings us another beautiful Christmas CD! I purchased two Christmas recordings of the Clare College choir (also conducted by John Rutter) and they were so beautiful I ordered this about a week later. I was not disappointed, and if you love beautiful, heavenly Christmas music, you won't be either! Some of my favorites were "Angels' Carol", "O holy night", and "What sweeter music", but there isn't a bad song on this album. I plan on playing this music year-round. I've gotten to the point that I am able to recognize John Rutter's sound on the radio (and I'm not a music expert). The gentle yet vibrant voices are very unique and frequently bring tears to my eyes.

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