Voyageur [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Japanese edition of 2003 album is scheduled for earliest release. Details TBA. Virgin.

Voyageur,Enigma,New Age


Voyageur [Import]

Voyageur [Import]
Voyageur
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • I like it
  • And I'm Asking 'Why Do These Things Have to Change??'
  • Can't say enough
  • Enigma's Voyageur good - as usual!
  • Skip this one...
Voyageur
Enigma
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
World DanceWorld Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Ambient PopAmbient Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. A Posteriori
  2. The Screen Behind the Mirror
  3. Enigma 3: Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!
  4. The Cross of Changes
  5. MCMXC A.D.

ASIN: B0000C7PQK
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

  1. From East To West
  2. Voyageur
  3. Incognito
  4. Page Of Cups
  5. Boum-Boum
  6. Total Eclipse Of The Moon
  7. Look Of Today
  8. In The Shadow, In The Light
  9. Weightless
  10. The Piano
  11. Following The Sun

Amazon.com

Enigma, aka Michael Crétu, turns out more light electronic ambience on Voyageur, mixing in an occasional twist but sticking pretty close to his successful, easily digested formula. Since Enigma's massively popular debut MDMXC A.D., Crétu has moved toward a more New Age/adult contemporary sound, culminating with 2000's bland The Screen Behind The Mirror. As with that record, Voyageur's weakest moments happen when Crétu puts his mediocre vocals front and center on tracks like "Total Eclipse of the Moon." Better are more beat-oriented songs like "Boum-Boum" that concentrate on seedier, sexier material and stay away from Crétu's sappier instincts. While overall, Voyageur counts as an improvement over Mirror, Enigma still hasn't found a replacement for the Gregorian chants and whispery techno that made MDMXC A.D. such a groovy sensation. --Matthew Cooke

Amazon.com

Enigma Photos

More from Enigma

Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits

MCMXC A.D.

The Screen Behind the Mirror

Enigma 3: Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!

A Posteriori

MCMXC a. D. - The Complete Album DVD

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I like it.......2007-07-17

Maybe this is not the best Enigma CD, but i like it and it arrived in excellent conditions.

3 out of 5 stars And I'm Asking 'Why Do These Things Have to Change??'.......2007-05-17

This is a three year old review that I wrote on a different account which is now deleted. Hope its useful!

Enigma is undeniably the most successful name in New Age. Undeniably. I do own all six of Michael Cretu's cds (including the greatest hits) and both DVDs. Romanian-born Michael Cretu has a visionary talent in creating the dreamiest, most beautiful sound waves of our time.
His first four cds were part of what he called "Phase One," spanning from the year of his first album's release in 1990 to his fourth in 1999 (I believe that is when it was released). With "Voyageur," he commences "Phase Two," and it REALLY shows that this is VERY unlike his pervious masterpieces.

To all Enigma fans who have not yet heard the sounds of Voyageur, let me tell you that you will find very different style of music. No longer will you find "Sadeness" or "I Love You, I'll Kill You" or "Return to Innocence". Have you ever heard the trashy sounding EuroPop? Well, in an interview Curly M.C. admitted that he was "going for a more pop-like sound." He wasn't lying. If you like fever-inducing Pop/Trance/Techno beats then you might find something you like here. I'm a down to earth kind of guy and I am not trying to bash Curly M.C., but listen to me - listen to the songs on this album before you buy it. Its not that its bad, its just very different from his pervious works.

Let me close by saying that I have searched far and wide and Enigma-esque music. The closest I found is Pilgrimage and a couple of Delerium's albums are kind of like it - but nothing still tops Enigma.

5 out of 5 stars Can't say enough.......2007-04-05

Another great piece of work. I listen to Enigma during my work hours on my zune. Talk about being in harmony with what you are doing. Before I know it the day is over. So I go home and listem to Enigma while surfing the net or palying on line games. It just doesn't get any better than this!

4 out of 5 stars Enigma's Voyageur good - as usual!.......2007-01-26

This Engima CD 'Voyageur' is very enjoyable - melodic and hypnotic, as is their custom. The only thing I didn't care for as much was the male voice on some of the songs, as it made the song not as soothing as it could have been.

2 out of 5 stars Skip this one..........2007-01-11

I have to admit, I'm stubborn. I liked the first four Enigma CDs so much that I was determined to buy this, despite reading the reviews here that referred to it as directionless and disappointing. So I bought it...and it IS disappointing, and not at all what I've come to expect of M. Cretu. I'm not saying Enigma can't have somewhat of a new sound, but this sounds like a compilation of tracks that were never released (for good reason.) Sadly, they WERE released, and most are either forgettable or obnoxious. Almost every track on Enigma's previous albums was of high quality, and I liked almost all of them. In contrast, I like 2 out of 11 tracks on Voyageur, not a good percentage. Buy A Posteriori instead, if you already have the first four albums and are looking for more.
Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Le parfum d'extase
  • Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It.
  • Great!!!
  • A delightful programme
  • Limpid, refined, elegant music.
Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin
Gabriel Fauré , Gérard Souzay , Elly Ameling , and Dalton Baldwin
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Theatrical, Incidental & Program MusicTheatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Debussy - Mélodies / Ameling · Mesplé · Command · Souzay · von Stade · Baldwin
  2. Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin
  3. Artistry of Elly Ameling (Coll)
  4. A French Song Companion
  5. The Songs of Henri Duparc

ASIN: B000002S30
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

  1. Le papillon et la fleur: Le Papillon et la fleur, Op. 1, No. 1
  2. Mai: Mai, Op. 1, No. 2
  3. Reve d'amour: Reve d'amour, Op. 5, No. 2
  4. Dans les ruines d'une abbaye: Dans les ruines d'une abbaye, Op. 2, No. 1
  5. Les Matelots: Les Matelots, Op. 2, No. 2
  6. Lydia: Lydia, Op. 4, No. 2
  7. Hymne: Hymne, Op. 7, No. 2
  8. Seule: Seule, Op. 3, No. 1
  9. L'absent: L'Absent, Op. 5, No. 3
  10. L'Aurore: L'Aurore, Op. posthume
  11. La Rancon: La Rancon, Op. 8, No. 2
  12. Chant d'automne: Chant d'automne, Op. 5, No. 2
  13. Aubade: Aubade, Op. 6, No. 1
  14. Tristesse: Tristesse, Op. 6, No. 2
  15. Chanson du pecheur (Lamento): Chanson du pecheur (Lamento), Op. 5, No. 1
  16. Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Op. 7, No. 3
  17. 2 Duos pour deux sopranos: I Puisqu'ici-bas, Op. 10, No. 1
  18. 2 Duos pour deux sopranos: II Tarentelle, Op. 10, No. 2
  19. Ici-bas !: Ici-bas !, Op. 8, No. 3
  20. Au bord de l'eau: Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8, No. 1
  21. Serenade toscane: Serenade toscane, Op. 3, No. 2
  22. Apres Un Reve: Apres un reve, Op. 7, No. 1
  23. Sylvie: Sylvie, Op. 6, No. 3
  24. Le Voyageur: Le Voyageur, Op. 18, No. 2
  25. Automne, Op. 18, No. 3

Tracks:

  1. Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 1. Rencontre
  2. Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 2.Toujours
  3. 3. Adieu
  4. Nell, Op. 18, No. 1
  5. Les berceaux: Les Berceaux, Op. 23, No. 1
  6. Notre amour: Notre amour, Op. 23, No. 2
  7. Le Secret: Le Secret, Op. 23, No. 3
  8. Chanson d'amour: Chanson d'amour, Op. 27, No. 1
  9. La Fee aux chansons: La Fee aux chansons, Op. 27, No. 1
  10. Aurore: Aurore, Op. 39, No. 1
  11. Fleur jetee: Fleur jetee, Op. 39, No. 2
  12. Le Pays des reves: Le Pays des reves, Op. 39, No. 3
  13. Les Roses d'lspahan: Les Roses d'lspahan, Op. 39, No. 4
  14. Nocturne: Nocturne, Op. 43, No. 2
  15. Les Presents: Les Presents, Op. 46, No. 1
  16. Clair de Lune: Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
  17. Larmes: Larmes, Op. 51, No. 1
  18. Au Cimetiere: Au Cimetiere, Op. 51, No. 2
  19. 2 Cantiques: 1. En Priere
  20. 2 Cantiques: 2. Noel, Op. 43, No. 1
  21. SPLEEN: Spleen, Op. 51, No. 3
  22. La Rose: La Rose, Op. 51, No. 4
  23. Chanson de Shylock: Chanson de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 1
  24. Madrigal de Shylock: Madrigal de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 2
  25. 5 Melodies: 1. Mandoline
  26. 5 Melodies: 2. En sourdine
  27. 5 Melodies: 3. Green
  28. 5 Melodies: 4. A Clymene
  29. 5 Melodies: 5. C'est l'extase
  30. Serenade du Bourgeois gentilhomme

Tracks:

  1. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 1. Une Sainte en son aureole
  2. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 2. Puisque l'aube grandit
  3. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 3. La Lune blanche luit dans les bois
  4. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 4. J'allais par des chemins perfides
  5. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 5. J'ai presque peur, en verite
  6. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 6. Avant que tu ne t'en ailles
  7. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 7. Donc, ce sera par un clair jour d'ete
  8. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 8. N'est-ce pas ?
  9. La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 9. L'Hiver a cesse
  10. Le Parfum imperissable: Le Parfum imperissable, Op. 76, No. 1
  11. Arpege: Arpege, Op. 76, No. 2
  12. Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton: Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton, Op. 72
  13. Melisande's song: Melisande's song, Op. posthume
  14. Prison: Prison, Op. 83, No. 1
  15. Soir: Soir, Op. 83, No. 2
  16. Dans la foret de septembre: Dans la foret de septembre, Op. 85, No. 1
  17. La Fleur qui va sur l'eau: La Fleur qui va sur l'eau, Op. 85, No. 2
  18. Accompagnement: Accompagnement, Op. 85, No. 3
  19. Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal): Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
  20. Le Ramier (madrigal): Le Ramier (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
  21. Le Don silencieux: Le Don silencieux, Op. 92
  22. Chanson: Chanson, Op. 94
  23. Vocalise-etude

Tracks:

  1. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 1. Paradis
  2. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 2. Prima verba
  3. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 3. Roses ardentes
  4. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 4. Comme Dieu rayonne
  5. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 5. L'aube blanche
  6. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 6. Eau vivante
  7. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 7. Veilles-tu, ma senteur de soleil ?
  8. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 8. Dans un parfum de roses blanches
  9. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 9. Crepuscule
  10. La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 10. O mort, poussiere d'etoiles
  11. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 1. Exaucement
  12. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 2. Quand tu plonges tes yeux dans mes yeux
  13. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 3. La messagere
  14. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 4. Je me poserai sur ton coeur
  15. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 5. Dans la Nymphee
  16. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 6. Dans la penombre
  17. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 7. Il m'est cher, amour, le bandeau
  18. Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 8. Inscription sur le sable
  19. Mirages, Op. 113: 1. Cygne sur l'eau
  20. Mirages, Op. 113: 2. Reflets dans l'eau
  21. Mirages, Op. 113: 3. Jardin nocturne
  22. Mirages, Op. 113: 4. Danseuse
  23. C'est la paix !: C'est la paix !, Op. 114
  24. L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 1. La ber es infinie
  25. L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 2. Je me suis embarque
  26. L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 3. Diane Selene
  27. L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 4. Vaisseaux, nous vous aurons aimes

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Le parfum d'extase.......2007-05-18

This 4-CD set receives five stars from me in spite of some flaws. I'll outline those flaws first.

Firstly (a flaw to me, perhaps not to others), I'm not very fond of Gérard Souzay's voice and vocal approach. He frequently sounds blustery and the timbre does not really appeal to me. Yet his commitment to these beautiful songs is impeccable, and he has a wealth of experience, beautifully authentic French (of course!) and occasionally the singing is very effective indeed. I agree that the "La bonne chanson" set is sensitive and moving - it's Souzay at his best. But in general... Souzay is not one of my favourite baritones.

Secondly, as other reviews have mentioned, no translations are included. However, the full text of each song is contained in the accompanying booklet, and for those who don't read French well enough to translate, there are translations on-line of all of the poems set by Fauré. I agree this is not an ideal solution, and that the boxed set would have been improved by translations.

Thirdly, one is sometimes overwhelmed by the balance of the voice compared to that of the piano - this is particularly noticeable in Souzay's singing. However, the piano is still audible. The solution is mostly to turn down the volume for one or two tracks.

Let me now explain why, in spite of the above faults, I still consider this a superb set.

Firstly, the truly lovely singing of Elly Ameling. What a gloriously pretty sound - and I mean "pretty" without any denigration whatsoever. It's not JUST pretty - it's beautiful as well. This is a lovely gleaming sound, perfectly placed, and with a wealth of intrinsic and elegant interpretation that is native to Elly Ameling's singing. She's a miracle - no matter what she sings, it sounds "sung in" and perfectly understood, perfectly interpreted. (I admit Ms Ameling's French is slightly accented at times, but it's completely understandable and very good. It doesn't impair the performance of these songs at all.)

Secondly, Dalton Baldwin's playing is sensitive and impassioned in turns - always lyrical, always attuned to the requirements of each song. What a huge amount of work must have gone into this mammoth 4-CD task!

Thirdly, these vocal compositions are exquisite. Several of them are justly famous as works of genius, and fall so delightfully upon the ear that it seems they have always existed, perfect and full of wonder... that Fauré plucked them out of semi-existence to give them reality.

Fourthly... it's 4CDs of Fauré's vocal works. For those who love French vocal music, it's an extravagant delight to have such a thorough and wide-ranging collection. For singing students, how marvellous to have such a collection to hand to help when choosing songs. For fellow singers, what joy to have all of these songs in such a fine collection in order to note details and particularly admirable points.

In short - this is a set I wouldn't be without. While it's not flawless, it's full of delights. Ameling's singing of "La rose" is one of the highlights, and Fauré's three exquisite duets are all represented here. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It........2007-03-01

This EMI Classics package of four CD's for the price of two (plus) is really the way I like to buy classic recordings, where the complete set covers all of a single especially interesting grouping of works. This set, like the comparable one on Debussy, is simply grand, especially, as noted by other reviewers, with the contribution of Ameling, a soprano from whom not much is heard of today, but who, in her prime, was on top of her game.

My only objection to the package is that while the notes five the French text of the songs and the author of the text, there is no translation. Otherwise, this is a super buy.

5 out of 5 stars Great!!!.......2006-06-19

The music on this compilation is beautiful. It is also beautifully sung. Amelling is amazing, as always!!!

5 out of 5 stars A delightful programme.......2006-01-20

Faure was a genius and his songs are some of the most beautiful ever written, being animated by the spirit of beauty itself (Ms Venus:-).)

The performers did an outstanding job singing this repertoire, and especially Elly Ameling's performance is pure *delight*
- honestly-.

I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.

Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Limpid, refined, elegant music........2001-04-04

This famous set provides on 4 CDs the complete songs (mélodies, he preferred to call them) by Faure. They are entrusted to the native French baritone, the Dutch soprano, and their accompanist Dalton Baldwin, and were recorded in the early 1970s. The set is not inexpensive, so I shall try to outline its merits. The music itself is enthralling. Faure set, over a period of sixty years, texts by French poets. Limpid, refined, elegant music, it repays repetition and close listening. One reviewer has suggested that no listener will want to listen to umpteen of these mélodies in one sitting, but I have never had too much of them. If slow tempi and arpeggio accompaniments begin to pall, listen to "Nell" (CD 2, Track 4). The performers satisfy on all counts. Souzay's contribution reflect a life time's association with the music, and a tradition that goes back through his teachers to the time of Faure himself. His definitive version of "La bonne Chanson" is especially fine. If his style is more suited to the impassioned, ardent items, it balances well with the cooler, more detached singing of Elly Ameling. So that you will not be disappointed, I should also mention that translations of the texts are not provided. I also wish that the balance had been better engineered. Sometimes Souzay seems to have the microphone in his mouth, and always the piano seems too distant. These are but minor flaws, however, in a long necklace of priceless pearls.
Fauré: Requiem
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Lovely recording
Fauré: Requiem

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fauré · Duruflé - Requiem / J. Blegen · J. Morris · Atlanta SO · Shaw
  2. Duets: An American Classic

ASIN: B0000DBDMQ
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Lovely recording.......2007-05-23

The Requiem is a beautiful, gentle composition, and Barbara Bonney's voice is a gorgeous soprano on her solo pieces.
Brian Asawa - Vocalise / Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • My God! My God!!!
  • Countertenor achievement
  • Loss of time
  • I don't know what some of you are talking about!
  • Opera News Recital Album of the Year!...I agree
Brian Asawa - Vocalise / Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MedtnerAll Works by Medtner | Medtner, Nikolai | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Villa-Lobos, HeitorVilla-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RachmaninovAll Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Asawa, BrianAsawa, Brian | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Brian Asawa - The Dark Is My Delight And Other 16th Century Lute Songs / Tayler
  2. Brian Asawa - more than a day ~ music of Ned Rorem

ASIN: B00000DFKG
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

  1. Le Voyageur, Op.18 No.2
  2. Nocturne, Op.43 No.2
  3. Arpege, Op.76 No.2
  4. En Sourdine, Op.58 No.2
  5. Pavane, Op.50
  6. Das Veilchen, Op.18 No.5
  7. Mailied, Op.6 No.2
  8. Aus 'Claudine von Villa-Bella,' Op.6 No.5
  9. Aus 'Erwin und Elmire,' Op.15 No.4
  10. Suite-Vocalise, Op.41 No.2
  11. Cancao do Amor
  12. 0' pallida Madona
  13. Bachianas Brasileiras, No.5: Aria cantilena
  14. I Wait For Thee, Op.14 No.1
  15. As Fair As Noon, Op.14 No.9
  16. To Her, Op.38 No.2
  17. In The Silent Night, Op.4 No.3
  18. Vocalise, Op.34 No.14

Amazon.com

During the planning stages of this project, someone should have thought more seriously about the question, "Why are we doing this?" This collection of "vocalises and newly orchestrated songs" by Fauré, Medtner, Villa-Lobos, and Rachmaninoff, as impressive as it is for its ambition and concept, amounts to a disconcerting mismatch of voice and music. Countertenor Brian Asawa delivers plenty of pretty sounds, but he just doesn't have the emotional range or dramatic tools to make convincing interpretations. Technically, he is nearly flawless, but there's a sameness to every sweetly sung selection. In the famous and oft-performed "Pavane" by Fauré, you're distracted by Asawa's covered, unnatural-sounding quality and his inability to get precisely together with the melody line in the orchestra. This back-of-the-throat sound also gets in the way of clarity in the songs with texts--we can't really hear what these pieces are about. You'll enjoy this recording best if you just focus on the lush sound and skip the awkwardly executed "Suite-Vocalise" by Medtner. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars My God! My God!!!.......2005-01-09

Mr. Asawa is flawless on this album, but then again I may be biased since he is one of my favorite Countertenors and since I am a starting Countertenor myself. I particularly fell in love with Villa-Lobos''Cancao do amor,'and 'Bachinas Brasilieras.' Not to mention ALL of the works by Rachmaninov; YES even the vocalise!

Mr. Asawa's voice is deliciously full and sensual as well as smooth. I agree with the above person who wrote that we should review this based on the fact that he as a classical vocalist is simply good! Not because he's good as far as being a countertenor is concerned or the fact that he sounds better/poorly than a mezzo. He's a vocalist and a damn good on in his own right. Give him his due for what he has put out. I truly love this album and Mr. Asawa.

I give it a 20 on a scale from 1-19!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Countertenor achievement.......2004-07-08

We may have heard some of these pieces performed by female singers but I have never heard them performed by any countertenor. Aside from his daring, Mr. Asawa displays amazing (I'll even confess 'enviable') skill and artistry. His "pretty" voice (as it is touted....and his voice IS gorgeously endearing) is indisputable, and though I don't hold him as the authority on Rachmaninov's 'Vocalise', for example (for me that authority belongs to Anna Moffo), I appreciate his 'take' on it. This is the countertenor voice.

I also appreciate that some may not be able to break the mould of traditions concerning the performance of these pieces but that is not to deny the fact that the countertenor voice in these songs is brilliant, by that (countertenor) standard. I go even further to say that the concept of a countertenor (and Mr. Asawa's ravishing one in particular) here adds an intruiging new feel to the works. We KNOW it's not Natalie Dessay or Joan Sutherland singing, though we love them too. This CD is more of an indulgence, to say the very least (and I say that not prejudice Mr. A's performance).

Overall, this CD is certainly a fair introduction to these pieces with great performances in some parts. But more idiomatically speaking, this is a wonderful achievement by a top-rate countertenor and I'm getting more of his work.

2 out of 5 stars Loss of time.......2001-11-20

I almost laughed with the Villa-Lobos cantilena. The same with En Sourdine. This sort of music was meant to be sung by someone who sounds like a human being. If he wants to get into non-baroque repertoire, he should get some composer to write it for him.

5 out of 5 stars I don't know what some of you are talking about!.......2000-01-30

I don't know what some of you are talking about! This is one of the best countertenors in the world and you make him sound like Charlotte Church (yes, that is a "CC" insult). His tone is very full and indicative of how good countertenors should sound. He has performed at the Met and won many prestigious awards. People need to get off their overly macho high-horses and realize that some men sing in the alto/mezzo range. Stop critisizing because he is a countertenor and listen to the voice! Also, stop complimenting JUST because he is a countertenor. Compliment because he is good. I never have said "Bartoli is really good to be a mezzo". The same should go here. I must say that this CD is beautifully done. A great chance to hear some rep that you don't hear every day. I highly recomend this CD. [stepping off soapbox]

5 out of 5 stars Opera News Recital Album of the Year!...I agree.......1999-12-21

Vocalise was just named the recital album of the year by Opera News and I couldn't agree with them more. This is a very well-deserved recognition for an excellent album by an exceptional vocal talent.
Voyageur
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • as distinctive as ever
  • Enigma still rocks !
  • Copy-protected
  • Woohoo, they're back!!!
Voyageur
Enigma
Manufacturer: Virgin
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
World DanceWorld Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000CO0VR

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars as distinctive as ever.......2004-12-16

This is a band were u certainly would buy their CD before even listening to any track! and just like all the previous ones which personally i keepon listening to with much admiration, this one is highly energetic, creative, with absolutely fasanating pieces, it just keeps on getting better, some might think it is not as GOOD as the rest, but personally i think they added much to their track history and the quality is as distinctive as ever.

4 out of 5 stars Enigma still rocks !.......2004-10-30

Although most may find this album not as bright as Enigma's previous ones, it's still worthy of listening to over and over again. Beautifully done.

4 out of 5 stars Copy-protected.......2003-11-28

Note that this is not a CD, it is instead a proprietary CD-like product. It may or may not work on your system. This is a shame as Enigma is one of my favourite bands and while this album is not their best, it would have been well worth buying if they had released it in CD format. Overall, I found this album was slightly below-average for Enigma but still worth four out of five.

5 out of 5 stars Woohoo, they're back!!!.......2003-11-08

Yes, the reviews that you read about Enigma's new album Voyageur are correct in one aspect, this time the theme is different, but it is absolutely amazing. My most favourite track is Incognito, and the only track that doesn't take the best of you is Total Eclipse of the Moon!

So dont think anymore, go and buy the album, its worth all the money you put into it. Thanks Michael Cretu for another nice album.
Le Voyageur
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Le Voyageur
    Papa Wemba
    Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    Zaire & CongoZaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000025JTU
    Release Date: 1999-07-15

    Tracks:

    1. Maria Valencia
    2. Lingo Lingo
    3. Voyageur
    4. Ombela
    5. Jamais Kolonga
    6. Matinda
    7. Yoko
    8. Madilamba
    9. Zero

    Album Details

    The High-pitched and Often Melancholy Tone of Wemba's Beautiful Singing Style is Reminiscent of his Traditional and Rural Beginnings in Kassa and of his Mother, who Sang Traditional Mourning Songs for the Deceased.
    Fauré: The Complete Songs, Vol. 2: Un paysage choisi
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Fauré: The Complete Songs, Vol. 2: Un paysage choisi

      Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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      5. The Songs of Chausson / Lott · Murray · McGreevy · Trakas · Chilingirian Quartet · G. Johnson

      ASIN: B0007WFWQ8
      Release Date: 2005-05-10
      Reverie: Carol Rosenberger
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Reverie: Carol Rosenberger

        Manufacturer: Delos Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        MazurkasMazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
        PavanesPavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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        GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by GriffesAll Works by Griffes | Griffes, Charles T. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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        All Works by LisztAll Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        Ravel, MauriceRavel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B0000006Y0
        Release Date: 2002-01-08

        Tracks:

        1. Debussy: Arabesque No. 1
        2. Chopin: Mazurka Op. 17, No. 4 in a Minor
        3. Liszt: Au lac de Wallenstadt (By the Lake at Wallenstadt)
        4. Heather: Debussy: Bruyeres (Heather)
        5. Cradle Song: Chopin: Berceuse (Cradle Song), Op. 57
        6. Faure: Nocturne No. 8 in D Flat, Op. 84
        7. Liszt: Sancta Dorothea (1877)
        8. Ravel: Pavane pour une Infante defunte
        9. Schumann: Romance in F#, Op. 28, No. 2
        10. Haydn: Andante from Sonata in A, Hov. XVI:12
        11. Bach: Sarabande from French Suite No. 5 in G
        12. Le tombeau de Couperin: Ravel: Menuet from 'Le Tombeau de Couperin'
        13. Kinderszenen: Schumann: Traumerei from 'Kinderszenen, Op. 15
        14. Griffes: The Lake at Evening, Op. 5, No. 1
        15. Liszt: Consolation III in D Flat

        Product Description

        Solo Piano
        Canot d'Ecorce
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Echoes
        Canot d'Ecorce
        Sons of the Voyageur
        Manufacturer: Heartistry Music
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000FG5PH2
        Release Date: 2004-03-01

        Product Description

        Twenty French-Canadian chansons including some of the most famous voyageur songs. Sung a capella by Les fils du voyageur, The Sons of the Voyageur.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Echoes.......2006-06-07

        "Twenty chansons including some of the most famous voyageur songs. Sung a capella by Les fils du voyageur, The Sons of the Voyageur." -from the Wisconsin Historical Society website.

        For forty-some years, our family has paddled the waters of northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Canada. The only voyageur song we knew was Frere Jacques, and that's questionable at best! We always felt the spirit of those hardy men, though, and tried hard to hear the echoes of their long-ago chansons. Now this important part of voyageur life has come home to the wilderness.

        It's a lot of nostalgic fun to listen to these songs, sung pretty much the way they might have sounded when the beavers and moose first heard them.

        Telemann: Voyageur virtuose
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Telemann: Voyageur virtuose

          Manufacturer: Naive
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          TriosTrios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          Telemann, Georg PhilippTelemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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          GeneralGeneral | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000MTFD56
          Release Date: 2007-04-24

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