Ancient Power

Track Listings
 
1. Spirit of the Mountain
2. Coming of the Wolf
3. Heart of Fire
4. Earth Dweller
5. Ancient Power
6. Sundancer
7. Moon over Cloudless Sky
8. Wind of Spirits

Ancient Power,Steve Gordon & Deborah Martin,Sequoia Records,Native American,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Spiritual


Ancient Power

Ancient Power
Ancient Power
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Calming and comforting
  • Spiritually rich and imaginative musical flows
Ancient Power
Steve Gordon and Deborah Martin
Manufacturer: Spotted Peccary
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Native AmericanNative American | North America | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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  1. Shaman's Vision Journey
  2. Sacred Earth Drums
  3. Drum Medicine
  4. Drum Prayer
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ASIN: B00000DC1S
Release Date: 1998-10-06

Tracks:

  1. Spirit Of The Mountain
  2. Coming Of The Wolf
  3. Heart Of Fire
  4. Earth Dweller
  5. Ancient Power
  6. Sundancer
  7. Moon Over Cloudless Sky
  8. Wind Of Spirits

Album Description

Undercurrents of thundering tribal drums and primal rhythms awaken the wisdom of the ancients while haunting Native flute and keyboard melodies conjure the elements of the Earth in this greatly anticipated collaboration between best-selling Sequoia Records artist Steve Gordon (Sacred Earth Drums) and acclaimed Spotted Peccary Music artist Deborah Martin (Under the Moon). Rattles and shakers, ocarinas, acoustic guitars, textural electric guitars, hand drums, and sculpted electronic soundspaces are all combined to transport the listener to a world of delicate beauty and raw power.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Calming and comforting.......2002-04-18

I enjoy New Age genre and Native American music and this collection was recommended to me by a 19 year old friend who shares the interest. Although my husband complains that it's a little "repetitious," I find Ancient Power very relaxing. It speaks for a more spiritual part of self than I can usually express in words. I have recently suffered the loss of a close personal friend, and this collection has allowed me to come to terms with it without the need to intellectualize. Calming and comforting.

5 out of 5 stars Spiritually rich and imaginative musical flows.......1999-01-24

The liner notes accompanying this CD tell you about the instruments used -- Taos Drums, Shakers, Turtle Rattles, Keyboards, Rainstick and so on. And apparently both the artists (Deborah Martin/Under the Moon and Steve Gordon/Sacred Earth Drums) have achieved some recognition independently.

Their combined effort here is seamless. If you can imagine sitting out West in the high desert, perhaps a thousand years ago, and if you could hear the sounds of the spirits of the people and the elements of sun, wind and fire that were the basis of their spiritual life, this is what you'd hear.

The songs flow melodically with rhythm and authenticity. Very relaxing to listen to. Buy a new candle, cut the lights down and feel the Ancient Power.
Carolan's Receipt: The Music of Carolan, Vol. 1
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Treasure
  • Supernatural Music
Carolan's Receipt: The Music of Carolan, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GigueGigue | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Celtic Harp 1: Music of Turlough O'Carolan
  2. The Mystic Harp
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  4. Celtic Treasure: The Legacy of Turlough O'Carolan
  5. Celtic Treasure II: The Living Legacy Of Turlough O'Carolan

ASIN: B000046S03
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

  1. Sidh Beag Agus Sidh Mor
  2. Carolan's Receipt Or An Dochtuir Sean Stafford (Doctor John Stafford)
  3. Lady Athenry (Bantighearna Atha An Riogh)
  4. Fanny Poer
  5. Maire Dhall (Blind Mary)
  6. Sir Festus A Burca (Sir Festus Burke)
  7. Ruisg, A Bhean Na Tabhairne (Carolan's Quarrel With The Landlady)/Carolan's Ramble To Cashel
  8. Mrs. Poer Or Carolan's Concerto
  9. Sean O Conchubhair (John O'Connor)/A H-Uisci Chroidhe Na N-Anamann (The Ode To Whiskey)
  10. Seoirse Brabston (George Brabazon)
  11. Maible Ni Cheallaigh (Mabel Kelly)
  12. Madam Maxwell/Carolan's Nightcap/Lady Gethin
  13. Brighid Cruis (Three Bridget Cruise Airs)
  14. Sean O Raighilligh (John O'Reilly)
  15. Carolan's Farewell To Music

Amazon.com

Derek Bell recorded Carolan's Receipt in 1975, the same year he joined the Chieftains. This was one of the first LPs devoted to the music of the blind harper Turlough O'Carolan, and it helped to introduce his music to the world. The selections include "Sídh Beag agus Sídh Mór," the first melody O'Carolan composed, as well "Carolan's Farewell to Music," which was his last. Bell plays most of the pieces on the solo harp, although his new bandmates accompany him on a few tunes. There have been dozens of settings of O'Carolan's compositions released since these versions were recorded, but none have surpassed the beauty of Bell's. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Treasure.......2002-04-10

Derek Bell recreates the authentic sound of Carolan, the blind 17th century Irish harper who transformed this traditional musical genre. (Actually Bell is almost certainly a far better harp player than Carolan, whose genius was composition, not performance.) Bell mainly uses a wire-strung harp, which gives his arrangements the haunting air of a music box. Listen closely for Bell's magical musical embellishments. Bell includes some of Carolan's best-known pieces (Blind Mary, George Barabazon, and Carolan's Farewell to Music) but also treats us to some lesser-known masterpieces, including Lady Athenry, Caralon's Nightcap, and Lady Gethin. Thank you, Derek, and keep up the tradition!

5 out of 5 stars Supernatural Music.......2000-08-07

I can't believe no one has reviewed this. I can still remember moments, whole days, almost twenty years on now only because this fine, fine music was playing at the time. This is a glorious album of tunes by a lost and forgotten genius. Carolan was a (fairly famous in his day) composer of the 17th century who was like no other. No other at all. I tried to explain it to a friend of mine recently by saying that he is the only human I can even imagine having written the Londonderry Air. This is beautiful, spectral, awesome music. Listen to the tragically short excerpt from Maire Dhall above... the piece entire is magic, pure and good.

I search/browsed my way to this page because something (unspecific, I don't know) about John Fahey's America reminded me of this album. I'm so glad it's been released on CD. Check it out.
The Celtic Harp: A Tribute to Edward Bunting with the Belfast Harp Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • In the Irish tradition
  • Excellent, Excellent
  • The Green Fields Of America
  • An Irish Classic
  • A Superior Celtic Album. Not the best Chieftains or Harp CD
The Celtic Harp: A Tribute to Edward Bunting with the Belfast Harp Orchestra
The Chieftains
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FE5
Release Date: 1993-02-09

Tracks:

  1. Mac Allistrum's March
  2. Tribute To Bunting
  3. The Parting Of Friends/Kerry Fling
  4. Planxty Bunting
  5. Madame Cole
  6. The Blackbird
  7. Taimse Im Chhodladh
  8. Sonny Brogan's Mazurleas
  9. The Wild Geese
  10. The Green Fields of America
  11. Cavolan's Concerto
  12. The Lament for Limarick

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars In the Irish tradition.......2007-05-07

An excellent addition to any folk music library. Those with a love of music from Ireland and the Celtic harp will definitely enjoy this CD.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent, Excellent.......2006-12-30

I heard so much about the Chieftans, so I thought I would pick up a cd by them. I'm really glad this was my first Chieftans cd. It's very well done, and it's got some great material on it. I recommend this!

5 out of 5 stars The Green Fields Of America.......2006-08-30

This is a very fine example of Irish music by The Chieftains. The reason for me to buy this CD: it is recorded at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen (UMRK)of Frank Zappa. And the track The Green Fields Of America was a favorite of Frank. The Chieftains came to visit Frank, but he just died. Kevin Conneff was singing The Green Fields at the grave. Sad but true.

5 out of 5 stars An Irish Classic.......2006-07-28

I do not claim to be an authority on Irish folk music, but if you are a fan of any sort of beautiful, haunting and memorable tunes, this cd will be one you'll play over and over again. The version of the famous "Wild Geese" is very moving and conjures images of ships sailing from the rugged coast of Ireland, perhaps never to return. "The Green Fields of America" was written during the tragic famine of the 19th century, as this ditty describes the story of a young Irishman who has decided to sail for America where a better life awaits him, yet regretting the fact he will never see his parents again. As I had some Irish ancestors who found themselves in this same situation more than 150 years ago, this song is very powerful to me. Other highlights on this album include the harp solo "Madame Cole" and also the last track, "A Lament for Limerick" which is really heartfelt and you can tell the musicians really believed in the notes they were playing. The accoustics on this album are really nice and the reverb adds a lot of atmosphere to each track. The liner notes are also very informative, providing the historical background to each song which is essential to understanding how and why the music was created. Overall, this cd is a wonderful exploration into the rich musical heritage of the Emerald Isle.

4 out of 5 stars A Superior Celtic Album. Not the best Chieftains or Harp CD.......2005-08-16

`The Celtic Harp' by The Chieftains is a very nice means by which this leading Irish music group can avoid simply performing `The Irish Song' over and over again. (While I do not subscribe to the theory that there is but one Irish song, done with different instruments and different beats and different dance steps, there is an undeniable sameness, similar to the sameness in all blues songs. While blues performers escape this sameness with their innovative guitar playing, this improvisational tradition has not reached the Emerald Isle yet).

And yet, this album seems to be a bit less successful than other recent Chieftain diversions such as their `Santiago' album with Basque music, `Irish Heartbeat' with Van Morrison, and `The Long Gray Veil' starring Sting and Mick and Van and a cast of thousands.

The album is subtitled `A Tribute to Edward Bunting' with contributions from the Belfast Harp Orchestra. But, checking the back of the album shows that the Harp Orchestra appears on only four of the twelve cuts, and, to my non-Irish ears, I do not hear the harp as the featured instrument on some of the tracks.

While I am not an expert on Celtic music, I am very fond of Robin Williamson's songs and music, and I find his Irish Harp work as good or better, or at least more interesting than what I find on this album. This may have a lot to do with Williamson's more interesting lyrics and stories, but the end result is the same. This may not be the best Irish harp album on the block.

The significance of Edward Bunting is that he was an Irish composer born in 1792, so this album is done on the bicentennary of his birth.

If you are a Chieftains fan, you must have this album. If you are a harp fan, this just may not be the best exemplar of Irish harp music, in spite of the fact that it is an enjoyable `Irish' album with excellent vocals on `The Green Hills of America' by Kevin Conneff.
Carolan's Harp
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A delicate fusion of classical and folk timbres
  • Good music...odd recording.
  • Carolan's Harp
Carolan's Harp
Turlough O'Carolan , Andrew Lawrence-King , and The Harp Consort
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001TZM
Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

  1. Carolan's Harp: Try If It Is In Tune
  2. Carolan's Harp: Mr. James Betagh
  3. Carolan's Harp: Jigg To The Above
  4. Carolan's Lamentation: Carolan's Lamentn
  5. Carolan's Receipt For Whiskey: Carolan's Receipt
  6. Carolan's Receipt For Whiskey: Bumper Squire Jones
  7. Carolan's Concerto: Docr. Delaney & Loftus Jones
  8. Carolan's Concerto: Mrs. Costeloe
  9. Carolan's Concerto: Susai Ni Cheallaigh
  10. Carolan's Concerto: Sr Arthur Shean
  11. Carolan's Concerto: Planxty Connor
  12. Carolan's Dream: Carolan's Rambles to Teague (Variations On When She Cam Bem)
  13. Carolan's Dream: Fairy Queen By sigr e Carrollini
  14. Carolan's Dream: Ta Me Mo chodladh
  15. Carolan's Dream: Bridget Cruise
  16. Carolan's Dream
  17. Carolan's Dream: I'm asleep & don't waken me
  18. Carolan's Devotion: Miss MacDermott (The Arethusa)
  19. Carolan's Devotion: Carrollan's Devotion
  20. Carolan's Devotion: Mr. Hugh O'Donnel
  21. Carolan's Farwell To Music: O Flin
  22. Carolan's Farwell To Music: Carolan's Cup
  23. Carolan's Farwell To Music: Carolan's Farewell
  24. Carolan's Farwell To Music: Seperation Of Soul And Body
  25. Carolan's Farwell To Music: Charles MacCabe's Lamentation For His Dear And Beloved Friend, Terence Carolan

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A delicate fusion of classical and folk timbres.......2006-09-30

Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738), a blind, itinerant harper from Baroque-era Ireland, is noted for his enduring compositions, which combine the best of continental Baroque sensibilities with the traditional music of his native land. In "O'Carolan's Harp," noted early music artist Andrew Lawrence King and his Harp Consort offer a graceful, nuanced interpretation of that fusion of elements. Sparkling metal-strung Irish harps join with violins and viols, citterns and gitterns, flutes, bagpipes and occasional drums to produce a glittering period sound tending towards the pensive or quietly mournful, but periodically erupting into bouyant joy. For this recording, The Harp Consort comprises no less than thirteen musicians, including King on harps, David Douglass on violin, Paul O'Dette on theorbo, cittern and guitar, Pedro Estevan on percussion, Belinda Sykes on shawm and bagpipes, and singers Caitriona O'Leary and Nigel Rogers. Other gentle interpretations of O'Carolan's music include Narada's compilation albums: "Celtic Treasure" I and II. For more early music by Andrew Lawrence King and The Harp Consort, try the ebulliently spicey "Spanish Dances" and "Missa Mexicana," or the modal medieval beauty of "Miracles of Notre-Dame."

3 out of 5 stars Good music...odd recording........2005-03-19

No question that there is some really nice music here, but this is one of the strangest recordings I've heard since the first decade of digital. At most volume levels, the quiet, ethereal music is too soft, esp. the solo harp pieces...then, once you find the optimal volume level for that music, the louder and more rambunctious music comes across uncomfortably loud.

With the resonant acoustic, and the variety of instrumental timbres and combinations involved, this may not have been an easy recording to make, but it seems the dynamic range is still unnaturally wide. If the music itself wasn't so enjoyable, my copy would probably be sitting in a used CD bin, but after a lot of "tweaking" with the volume level, I finally found one--and ONLY one--volume setting at which all of the music comes across reasonably clearly, w/o having to sit right in front of the speakers or listen on headphones; so I made a note of that level and put it in the CD booklet.

If you are a person who has a CD changer, and likes to make programs, you can forget including this one in a "mix:" virtually anything you play with it sounds MUCH too loud by comparison.

In case you're skeptical about my review, I am by no means "fussy" about recording quality. I've collected well over a thousand CD's over twenty years, and I can only recall having a similar complaint about a couple of other recordings.

5 out of 5 stars Carolan's Harp.......2004-04-09

This work is a wonderful tribute to a musical genius form the late 1600's / early 1700's. Some have called Carolan the National Composer of Ireland. The arrangements are suprerb, the recording is bright and warm and the material ( like all great art ), remains fresh and vibrant even today. The music is both unmistakeably irish / continental and baroque. If you are thinking about this work ... stop thinking and get it.
Under the Double Eagle
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Under the Double Eagle

    Manufacturer: Pearl
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000000WRI
    Release Date: 1996-09-24

    Tracks:

    1. Under The Double Eagle
    2. High School Cadets
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    4. Solid Men To The Front
    5. Sabre And Spurs
    6. Solid Men To The Front
    7. El Capitan
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    15. The Thunderer
    16. March Of The Mitten Men
    17. The Sesqui-Centennial Exposition
    18. The Gridiron Club
    19. Pride Of The Wolverines
    20. The Chantyman's March
    21. Ancient And Honorable Company
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    The World of Henry Purcell
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The World of Henry Purcell

      Manufacturer: Decca
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000025GLU
      Release Date: 1994-10-05
      Romantic Piano Discoveries
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • English Salon Music? Indeed, and Enjoyable Rarities
      • RARE SALON PIANO
      • RARE SALON MUSIC
      • Marvellous Salon Piano
      Romantic Piano Discoveries

      Manufacturer: Trigon
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000007P2G
      Release Date: 1997-05-05

      Tracks:

      1. Maritana: Brilliant Fantasia
      2. To A Wild Rose, Op.51No. 1
      3. Salut D'Amour, Op. 12
      4. Le Jet D'Eau
      5. La Serenata
      6. Tarantelle Brillante
      7. Humoresque, Op. 101 No. 8
      8. Traumerei
      9. The Bohemian Girl (Morceau De Salon, Op. 107 No. 2): Variations On 'Where Other Lips'
      10. Lily Of Killarney: Eily Mavourneen
      11. 'Concerto'
      12. Lily Oh The Valley
      13. The Old Refrain
      14. The Robins Return
      15. Irish Confetti

      Product Description

      Romantic piano rarities. Includes Mr. Sheridan's own arrangemnets of "The Old Refrain", "Eily Mavourneen" (from the opera Lily of Killarney, by Jules Benedict, "When other lips" (from The Bohemian Girl) by Balfe, arranged by Charles Voss(1815-1882). Disc also includes world premier recordings of five piano pices by Sydney Smith(1839-1889).Trully a wonderfull collection or rare piano romance.

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars English Salon Music? Indeed, and Enjoyable Rarities.......2007-04-14

      This is an extremely unconventional piano recording, promoting English and Irish piano miniatures, mostly from the 19th century. With the exception of Schumann's beloved Traumerei, the Dvorak Humoresque and Elgar's Salut d'Amour, I've never even heard of the composers of some of the pieces here. Balfe, Voss, Braga, Wallace, O'Carolan? Who has heard of these guys? Sydney Smith, however, a 19th century English piano virtuoso who studied with Moscheles, is slightly more prominent. I've encountered some of his piano transcriptions before and was fairly receptive. On this recording, the Irish pianist J.J. Sheridan shares some absolutely obscure piano miniatures, and I have to say, most of these are superb pianistic desserts.

      Sydney Smith's works are the most notable of these miscellaneous pieces. His "Brilliant Fantasia on Wallace's Maritana" opera exhibits facile ornamentation and a bel canto emphasis akin to the fantasies of Herz or Kalkbrenner. Smith's "Le Jet d'Eau" in particular, is a sparkling pleasure that employs a constant flow of Thalbergian arpeggios. The transcription of Braga's "La Serenata" is another gushing Chopinesque salon piece, brimming with tenderness and warmth; an agitated central section provides a brief but nice contrast. A more successful contrast, though, is Smith's exuberant "Tarantelle Brillante." In addition to the Maritana Fantasia, this is probably the most virtuosic work on this recording. But it seems like Sheridan is playing too slow; I think the music needs more energy and gusto. The last Smith piece, "Lily of the Valley," is lovely enough and possesses a tinge of Mozartian charm.

      Other remarkable miniatures are the Balfe-Voss Variations, the Benedict-Sheridan and the piano arrangement of Elgar's "Salut d'Amour." Oddly, the Balfe-Voss is essentially a theme and one variation, but has plenty of filigree passages. Sheridan's transcription of Benedict's "Eily Mavourneen" shimmers with lyrical grace, while Elgar's Salut d'Amour is the most melodic of them all. The rest of the pieces on this disc are pleasant trifles. Saving a major negative comment for last, I should warn the reader that the sound of the piano is awful. The acoustics are so bad that the piano comes off as sounding like a midi file: bad recording devices and engineering are to blame.

      Bottom line: This music is intellectually light, not emotionally profound, and yet still endearing. There are a few of these miniatures which I feel deserve a higher popularity and a greater champion. While Sheridan's efforts to expose these unequivocally rare pieces to the light are appreciated, I think his interpretations are questionable. Maybe it's the weak piano sound that does Sheridan's execution's harm. Nevertheless, these pieces are delightful miniatures and if you've had your pianistic fill of meaty Beethoven or Liszt, treat yourself to this musical cheesecake.

      5 out of 5 stars RARE SALON PIANO.......2000-10-12

      A really marvelous disc, The highlight for me was the marvelously impressionistic "Le Jet Deau" by Smith and the fantastic novelty piece "The Robin's Return" by Leander Fisher.

      Wonderfull playing by J.J. Sheridan

      5 out of 5 stars RARE SALON MUSIC.......2000-03-24

      I loved this cd. I loved the Sydney Smith transcriptions. Listen to Smith's arrangement of Wallace's "Maritana". It's great. All piano lovers should check this out, Great.

      5 out of 5 stars Marvellous Salon Piano.......1999-10-12

      I loved this CD. It truly is a Romantic recording. I loved "Irish Confetti" The "opera" transcriptions were marvelous, beautifull melodies in great arrangements. This is truly a great find. Lets have Volume 2
      The Mantis & the Moon: Guitar Duets
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • absolutely worth owning
      • Impeccable playing
      • Terrific collection of pieces
      • Gorgeous world music, in the truest sense....
      • Mantis and the Moon
      The Mantis & the Moon: Guitar Duets

      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B0000029NY
      Release Date: 1996-12-10

      Tracks:

      1. La Vida breve: Dance
      2. Goyescas: Intermezzo
      3. Danza espanola No. 6
      4. Sonata in A Major, R84
      5. Songs From The Forest
      6. 3 Duets: I. The Mantis and the Moon
      7. 3 Duets: II. Lament
      8. 3 Duets: III. Alchemy
      9. Carolan's Concerto: Allegro giocoso
      10. Fanny Power
      11. Planxty Madam Maxwell: Fast And Light
      12. Micropiezas
      13. Monte Carlo
      14. Capitola
      15. Prayer
      16. Jongo
      17. 'Bad Boy' For Two Guitars
      18. The Gad Fly, Op. 97: 'Guitars'

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars absolutely worth owning.......2003-02-15

      I have many classical guitar albums, including several by John Williams in solo, duet and concerti, and this is one of my favorites. The playing is virtuosic as is expected from Williams, but the repertoire is varied and includes litte known works, including a Shostakovich duet written for guitar! Some reviewers haven't cared for the "mediocre" compositions from Australia, Ireland and the Americas, but I have to strongly disagree. Brouwer can at times be difficult, but he's hardly a slouch. Besides, if these compositions were worthy to draw the attention of one of the greatest guitarists of all time (and a fine composer in his own right), I think they're worthy of ours!
      Buy this album, listen to it a few times for familiarization, and enjoy it for years to come.

      3 out of 5 stars Impeccable playing.......2002-08-16

      Williams and Kain display their considerable talents in playing with fire and reserve,virtuosity and taste and are generally close to perfect.The De Falla,Granados,Takemitsu,Hand,Soler and Shostakovich works are the standouts.The disappointing part of the album comes with the Westlake,Houghton,Brouwer and Verdery pieces.The greatest playing in the world can't disguise mediocre compositions.This is an overall good album but it does require skipping around a lot of superfluous stuff.
      Get this one if you happen across a used copy.

      5 out of 5 stars Terrific collection of pieces.......2002-04-01

      I have had this CD for several years, and still enjoy it as much as when it was first given to me. It is being passed around the family, as my son owned a copy, then bought me one, and I have just ordered a copy for my daughter-in-law.

      Some of the pieces are familiar, but if you persevere, I am sure you will come to enjoy the works that are new to you.

      I was sorry to see that one reviewer did not enjoy the Australian works. The Westlake piece [Songs from the Forest] is fairly light and very melodic. If you enjoy it, you should check out his Antarctica music, which exists in several different versions.

      Kain's Guitar Trek recordings are also worth hunting for.

      5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous world music, in the truest sense...........2002-01-03

      John Williams and Timothy Kain, two masters of their chosen instrument, with more in common than just the country of their birth. Kain's guitar teacher at the conservatory in Australia had studied with Williams' father, Len. Williams and Kain first worked together in 1992, and enjoyed the experience. The two men form a complimentary duo in both technique and approach to music. Their playing is flawless. Their duets are seamless.

      On this disk, Williams and Kain "journey outside the confines of the classical guitar repertoire." What a magnificent journey it is, too! The Mantis & The Moon contains 18 selections by 12 composers, grouped together by the cultures of the 6 lands they represent...Spain, Australia, Ireland, the Americas, Japan, and Russia.

      This is beautiful music performed by two of the greatest guitarists of our generation. These performances go beyond classical, folk, pop or the usual guitar "genre" pieces. Yet the music is lovely, enjoyable, and accessible to the listener. If you love guitar music, you owe it to yourself to pick up this CD.

      3 out of 5 stars Mantis and the Moon.......2001-12-13

      Williams and Kain play very well as a duo. My favorite pieces on this CD are "Sonata in A," "Capitola," and "Jongo." "Sonata in A" is acoustical honey for the ears, as it epitomises Chopin's comment that nothing sounds sweeter than a guitar--except two guitars. "Jongo" is simply dazzling (but far from simple to perform). However, I don't like the Australian compositions (sorry about that critique of your Aussie mates, Mr. Williams). A few other selections are uninspiring as well. It may come as a surprise, but I prefer the Parkening and Brandon duo's performances of "La Vida Breve" and "Intermezzo" over Williams and Kain. Nonetheless, Williams and Kain put in some fine performances on this CD.
      John Philip Sousa: Music for Wind Band, Vols. 1-5 (Box Set)
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Sousa Authenticity
      John Philip Sousa: Music for Wind Band, Vols. 1-5 (Box Set)

      Manufacturer: Naxos American
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B0002TNI8A
      Release Date: 2004-09-21

      Album Description

      This five CD box set to commemorate Sousa's sesquicentennial includes Volumes 1-5 in this ongoing American Classics series. Highlights include: Looking Upward Suite, King Cotton, The Fairest of the Fair, The National Game, The Glory of the Yankee Navy, The Atlantic City Pageant, Cubaland, Semper Fidelis and The Stars and Stripes Forever.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Sousa Authenticity.......2006-11-01

      My review as stated separately for Volume V in this series goes for this boxed set even more emphatically!
      Thomas Moore's Irish Melodies
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Good Straightforward Music
      Thomas Moore's Irish Melodies

      Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by MooreAll Works by Moore | Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000002ZVM
      Release Date: 1995-10-17

      Tracks:

      1. Dear Harp Of My Country (The Farewell To My Harp)
      2. Erin! The Smile And The Tear In Thine Eyes
      3. How Sweet The Answer Echo Makes
      4. Silent, Oh Moyle! Be The Roar Of Thy Water (The Song Of Fionnuala)
      5. Rich And Rare Were The Gems She Wore
      6. The Twisting Of The Rope
      7. Joice's Tune
      8. The Summer Is Comming
      9. Carolan's Concert
      10. The Harp That Once, Thro' Tara's Halls
      11. Nanny McDermotroe
      12. The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me (The Song Of O'Ruark, Prince Of Breffni)
      13. Abigail Judge
      14. Avenging And Bright
      15. The Minstrel-Boy
      16. Lament For Owen O'Neill
      17. 'Tis Believed That This Harp (The Origin Of The Harp)
      18. Come Rest In This Bosom
      19. She Is Far From The Land
      20. Come O'er The Sea
      21. 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer
      22. Girls, Have You Seen George?
      23. The Pretty Girl Milking The Cows
      24. John, Heir Of The Glen
      25. Love In Secret
      26. The Jointure
      27. How Dear To Me The Hour
      28. Fly Not Yet
      29. At The Mid Hour Of Night
      30. What The Bee Is To The Floweret
      31. Fill The Bumper Fair!

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Good Straightforward Music.......2003-10-15

      Music is performed in its original settings. Beautiful choral work; four singers, two of each gender. Lacks the histrionical egotism found in so many Irish ballad recordings. Very much worth it.

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