Songs of Heaven

Track Listings

1. Introductions

2. Sunset Waltz

3. Watersflow

4. Midnight Charade

5. In the Dark

6. Two Kisses Three

7. Innocence

8. What Lies Ahead

9. Reflection and Nightfall

10. Demon

11. Songs of Heaven

12. End of Days

13. End Credits

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Mathew Bryan is a producer, composer, and performer. Known for beautiful, thematic songs, Mathew Bryan's pieces are unanimously considered to be emotionally evoking pieces, carrying melodic themes and epic undertones. In a sentence, Mathew Bryan's works apprehend the listener.

Self-taught, Mathew Bryan started piano at age 19. One week after starting piano, Mathew composed his first song. By one month, Mathew was playing mainstream contemporary pieces at various recitals.

At the age of 23, Mathew had written, performed, and produced over 100 songs. These, songs, mainly piano based pieces were performed across the United States. By 1999, Mathew recorded his first Demo CD, which contained three rough recordings of the songs on the present demo. The demo was successful and garnered attention from various music agencies.

In 2000, an LA-based, independent film company commissioned Mathew Bryan. The commission was to write, compose and produce the score for the short-film "Mountain Cry." The film was first presented to audiences in November of 2000 at the LA Film School. Since then, various Los Angeles film companies for soundtracks and musical scores have sought after Mathew.

In 2003, Mathew Bryan's music hit the markets. Supported by a number of appearances within the Western United States, Mathew's 5 Song EP was in demand by both domestic and international listeners. Even now, his audience continues to flourish.

Mathew Bryan's goal is to create emotionally epic pieces that enchant audiences. Mathew has been compared to such artists as Jim Brickman, Suzanne Ciani, and John Tesh.

Product Description
"Songs of Heaven" is a collection of piano-based solos, composed, produced and performed by Mathew Bryan. The album contains beautiful and thematic elements with a modern approach to song structure and design. The album was designed in simplicity and is perfect for reflection, meditation, and general listening.

Songs of Heaven,Mathew Bryan,602 Records, Inc.,New Age, Classical

Songs of Heaven

Tracks:

Shenandoah
Brother Can You Spare A Dime?
Early In The Morning
The Lordly Hudson
At Howard Hawks' House
Holding Each Other
The Lass From The Low Countree
Recuerdo
Nocturne
Sure On This Shining Night
Fur (Murray The Furrier)
Over The Piano
Black Max (As Told By The De Kooning Boys)
Slugging A Vampire
Two Little Flowers
General William Booth Enters Into Heaven
The Lamb
I Wonder As I Wander
At The River
Long Time Ago
Lean Away
American Anthem

Customer Reviews:

okay.......2007-01-05

I heard wonderful things about this recording... but was a little disappointed. It is good, but nothing spectacular.

A promise about to be fulfilled.......2006-12-17

Not all of EMI's Debut seeries make it to the U.S., but since this one features an American singer, it did (as did the one featuring rising pianist Jonathan Biss). Nathan gunn is certainly well kn0wn now, after high-profile Met appearances in The Magic Flute and Harbison's An American Tragedy. The past few years have seen him mature, even though his voice will never be heroic. Gunn is very well suited to songs, although he makes a moving (and physically handsome) Billy Budd.

Her he sounds a little stiff, and he cannot carry off the numbers that re comic (Bolcom's Fur) or popular (Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?), but his straightforward masculinity works extremely well in Gene Scheer's Holding Each Other, he has enough poetry for Barber's Sure on This Shining Night, and just enough savoir faire for Rorem's Early One Morning. The voice itself isn't intrinsically beautiful, which may in the end mean that Gunn falls behind young counterparts like Gerald Finley and Simon Keenlyside, both of whom he resembles. Even so, this is a nice debut, and one can say that gunn's promise is being fulfilled.

Amazing collection - amazing voice........2006-02-22

Nathan Gunn has chosen a collection of mostly obscure songs and has applied his remarkable baritone voice to music not usually in the operatic repetoire. What results is a CD of depth, some humor, and extraordinary listenability. It's nice to see one of my favorite opera stars branch out. Bravo!

Amazing recordings.......2006-01-02

I first listened to this recording at the recommendation of a voice teacher and I am eternally grateful. I strongly recommend this album. Nathan Gunn is an extremely talented singer. As a singer myself (also a baritone like Nathan Gunn) I find much in his voice to model.

Nathan Gunn has an extremely beautiful voice, superb technique and execution, and has a very natural sound. There is an old steriotype of opera as sounding forced or artificial, but Nathan Gunn does a great job of avoiding this. He does a great job of communicating the "story" of the song to the listener, and I frequently found myself taken to the world of the song. Listening to many of his songs are like opening a good book and Nathan Gunn takes you there.

Highly recommended.

First Rate Singing!.......2005-12-20

I only recently discovered Mr. Gunn, but after hearing this recording, it makes me wonder why his name has eluded me for so long. Simply put, Nathan Gunn sings like a god! His voice is pure, and hypnotically beautiful to listen to. Turn on this CD and you will be wrapped in the most luxurious blanket of sound--his phrasing is impeccable, and his dynamics are wonderfully varied without being affected. His recording of Barber's "Nocturne" is haunting. "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" shows he isn't afraid of low notes, and the ending has some of the most spectacular high notes I've ever heard from a baritone. The Copland songs are also well done, as are the two John Jacob Niles selections. I wasn't familiar with Gene Scheer's songs prior to this CD, but they are all quite remarkable, though most especially "Lean Away" and "American Anthem." This is the best addition to my CD collection in a long time. I'm only saddened by the fact he doesn't have more recordings available. Mr. Gunn, I know you're busy with your opera schedule, but for those of us who can't make it to New York to see you in person, please record another CD!

Average customer rating:

Sublime and ridiculous
Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww
Better than I thought it would be
Brava Renee
Art is always new.

Haunted Heart
Paul McCartney , Gustav Mahler , Joni Mitchell , Emile Paladilhe , Arthur Schwartz , James ("Jimmy") Van Heusen , Various Composers , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Jimmy Webb , Richard A. Whiting , Stevie Wonder , Guy Wood , Bill Frisell , Fred Hersch , and Renée Fleming
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sacred Songs
Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss
Renée Fleming
Handel
Renee Fleming: By Request

ASIN: B0007Z9QUS
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Haunted Heart
River
When Did You Leave Heaven?
You've Changed
Answer Me
My Cherie Amour
In My Life
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
Wozzeck/The Midnight Sun
Liebst du um Schit
My One And Only Love/This Is Always
Can do Amor
Psych
Hard Times Come Again No More

Amazon.com

While countless fans flock to see soprano Renee Fleming's performances of the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro because she's got the voice and the dramatic ability to handle such meaty roles, the versatile singer throws her fans a curveball on Haunted Heart, singing popular standards and ballads as well as a few altered classical pieces. In her liner notes, Fleming calls this album a "look back at the road not taken" -- she played a weekly gig in a jazz club while in school. Nonetheless, her feel for the material here is undeniable. Interestingly, she drops her voice a full octave from her usual tessitura, and the change reveals a robust gospel-oriented approach filled with dramatic breaths and moans. The lyrical Fred Hersch (piano) and the idiosyncratic Bill Frisell (guitar) provide support, and both are adventurous jazz players who create subtle and uniquely haunting backdrops. It adds up to an interesting cross-section of ideas well carried off by the generous talents of all involved. --Tad Hendrickson

Interview with Renee Fleming
Renee Fleming speaks about recent projects, including her memoir The Inner Voice and her recent Handel CD, in our interview.

Customer Reviews:

Sublime and ridiculous.......2007-06-13

The sublime: much of the artistry of this recording is about sound, and the subtle blending/responding of voice with guitar sounds and / or piano sounds. It is in the sensitive musical interplay between the artists where this effort shines. Definitely not recommended for road trips!

The ridiculous: Fleming ended the majority of most phrases in most of the songs with a guttural of some sort which for me becomes irritating to the point of distraction. These punctuations are mostly quite awful: really tasteless, clumsy, and overused big time and I'm amazed at how this ever got released. Without these ersatz testifyin' noises this CD would be stunning.

So, if you have the ability and inclination to edit out this garbage from your perception as you listen I think you'll be glad you experienced these artists at work together. (Unfortunately I'm not up to it).

Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww.......2007-06-06

Ugh. Like a manufactured home vs. a stick-built house, Fleming's manufactured (aka "training and technique") blues voice compares unfavorably to other jazz/blues singers/lounge acts. Would not, COULD not, listen to this recording straight through--one big long, breathy, minor key train wreck in the making. Took the CD on a road trip and had to pull over and remove from queue--either that or drive into a wall.

Better than I thought it would be.......2007-04-10

I have to admit, Haunted Heart was a lot better than I thought it would be,especially her recordings of "River", "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress, "My Cherie Amour" and "In my life".
I think this is the most artistically successful recording of Pop/Jazz by a classical singer. I enjoyed it even better than the Anna Sophie Von Otter'/ Elvis Costello CD.
The perspective I am coming from is that of a classical singer who started out as a pop singer/songwriter. I perform and teach cross-genre but love a world class instrument such as Flemming's
I wanted to get the perspective of a friend who used to sing jingles and is also a trained singer but is usually critical of any attempts that opera singers make at crossing -over.
My friend is very familiar with Flemming's voice, but did not recognise it in this context when I played the CD for her. Her reaction was very complimentary, although she did comment that the diction was a bit strange.
She then played it for her brother a well known jazz singer and arranger who had a somewhat negative reaction.He found the singing to be overly dark and round. He prefers a cleaner more 'spoken' approach to this style of singing. I understand this perspective and therefore personally prefer Ella to Sarah as well, but let's not get too picky. Obviously, Rene Flemming is of the Sarah Vaghan School of jazz singing, which is not too shabby.

I will continue to enjoy this CD and will wait for another opera diva to top this one. But, somehow I think the next really good CD of Pop/ jazz from an opera star will also come from Rene.

To those who have been unreasonably mean and negative towards her, I can only say you are not fit to polish her shoes!

Brava Renee.......2007-04-09

This talented woman can sing anything. I really enjoyed this cd with the lights turned down and a glass of wine to relax after a very stressful day at work. Renee could definitely have another singing career outside of opera should she choose. Hearing her drop that gorgeous voice down one octave rivals the best chanteuses in the business - Cassandra Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Regina Belle, Sarah Vaughan, etc. This cd of different musical styles reminds me of Nina Simone and Cassandra Wilson, two great singers whom could interpret any song genre and make their versions special. I loved all the songs and the standouts here are "Haunted Heart", "River", "My One and Only Love", "My Cherie Amour", "Cancao do Amor", and Beatles "In My Life", and "Hard Times Come Again No More".
I hope Renee keeps recording whatever catches her fancy because I'll certainly always listen.

Art is always new. .......2007-03-10

Renee Fleming is an artist bringing us something new, and beautiful. The poor will always be with us as manifest in those who resent other's movement from their established zones. Renee Fleming is a great female voice with accomplishments her detractors will never have, but in their dreams.

I welcome Renee's elan demonstrated with her recent recordings, Love sublime with Brad Mehldau, and Haunted Heart with Fred Hersch and Bill Frissell. Bravery, fun, and talent combined by artists and for people who are listening. Hearing long time favorites Mehldau, Hersch, and Frissell is all the more sublime.

Average customer rating:

5 Stars Is Not Enough
The Borders of Heaven
Dances with Wolves
Beautiful Renditions of Traditional American Songs
Connie's renditions set a standard which is hard to match.

The Border of Heaven
Connie Dover
Manufacturer: Taylor Park
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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If Ever I Return
Wishing Well
Somebody
Daughter Of Lir
Heart Of The Celts: Songs Of Love

ASIN: B00004SUM0
Release Date: 2000-03-28

Tracks:

The Blessing
Sweet Betsy From Pike
I Am Going To The West
The Streets Of Laredo (The Sailor Cut Down In His Prime)
Lord Franklin
An Spailpin Fanach
Last Night By The River
The Water Is Wide
Wondrous Love
Winter's Night
My Dearest Dear
Brother Green

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars Is Not Enough.......2005-11-15

I have exposed a number of people to Connie Dover, young and old, and have yet to find anyone who doesn't immediately fall in love with her. Let's put it in a nutshell: If you listen to Connie and don't become instantly hooked, by all means have your head examined!
However if I have already conviced you and you want to know which of her titles to purchase, sorry, I can't recommend just one. Stick a crowbar in your wallet and get all 4! It will be the best $60+/- you've ever spent. Now stop reading these reviews and place your order!

The Borders of Heaven.......2005-08-12

Connie Dover's latest, "The Borders of Heaven", is an apt this for this CD. Her vocals are crisp and clear as ever.
The accompanying musicians are the cream of the crop. They include Phil Cunningham and John Hartford. It's another production triumph for Phil Cunningham. All in all a beautiful set of tunes.
I have all of Connie's recordings and I believe that this is the best to date.

Dances with Wolves.......2004-11-30

This is a great CD, I love Connie Dover, and anything she sings is always beautiful. I am writing this particular review for any of those folks who are looking for the name of the song (or the song itself) that Kevin Costner sings in the wonderful movie Dances with Wolves. Connie actually sings this old folk song here, it is track #10, "Winter's Night". Why it is called that is beyond me, but there ya go. Song titles....go figure. Connie sings many wonderful old folk songs on this CD, but she makes them her own, and that is her talent. This is a great CD. Period.

Beautiful Renditions of Traditional American Songs.......2004-06-26

It's hard not to fall in love with Connie Dover, who looks and sings like an angel. She has cited Steeleye Span and its lead singer, Maddy Pryor, as an early influence. That makes sense, because she is perhaps the purest soprano folk singer I have heard since Maddy Pryor. Before I acquired this CD, my only exposure to Ms. Dover was several songs here and there on various Celtic music collections, but on each and every one, her voice always stopped me in my tracks. So when I saw this collection of early American folk tunes (and the songs that inspired them), I thought it was a bit of a departure for her. But these arrangements strikingly emphasize the Scots-Irish influence on American folk music. Even old chestnuts like "Sweet Betsy from Pike" and "Streets of Laredo" can be heard in a new light. Ms. Dover gets expert assistance, too, from familiar names like Phil Cunningham (who also produced), Jerry Douglas and John Hartford. This is an impressive effort from one of the most beautiful voices in traditional music.

Connie's renditions set a standard which is hard to match........2002-05-25

'The Border of Heaven' is aptly named, for many of the songs on this - Connie Dover's fourth solo CD - have a dreamy, angelic feel to them. Of course there are more upbeat numbers too, but then that is typical of this singer's records - a bold but effective mix of gentle Celtic ballads, 18th and 19th century American folk songs, a spiritual piece or two, and a smattering of Connie Dover's own compositions, which on this CD include the intriguingly original 'Last Night by the River', complete with the sound of an eagle wing-bone whistle!

As is usual with this artist, all the songs are very very good. Several of the tracks may be familiar to lovers of traditional music, but Connie Dover's versions invariably set a standard which is hard to match. Her rendition of the sad but true story of 'LORD FRANKLIN' and his ill-fated crew of adventurers is simply the best I have heard. 'THE WATER IS WIDE' is also performed beautifully. And as for 'THE SAILOR CUT DOWN IN HIS PRIME', I think Connie's version of this familiar melody is perfection itself, although the style in which guest artist Skip Gorman sings the companion piece 'The Streets of Laredo', is not to my own personal taste. The up-tempo songs include the jolly 'SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE' and 'WINTERS NIGHT', whilst 'I AM GOING TO THE WEST' is another of Connie Dover's own compositions - and yet it sounds just as 'traditional', and every bit as good, as the old, tried and tested standards. The spiritual song on this CD is the hymn 'WONDROUS LOVE' - wondrous indeed! The CD closes with two more lovely tracks, the achingly sentimental 'MY DEAREST DEAR', and finally 'BROTHER GREEN', a melody, not so much from the border, as from the very heart, of Heaven.

Tracks:

Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Average customer rating:

The Price Club
A living legend
not your daddy's old timey spiritual
Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection
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Spirituals

ASIN: B000003FWE
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating:

beauty, simplicity, and utility
Words and Music Marry in Siegfried's Arrangements

Gentle Words: Shaker Songs
Polly M. Rupe , John Whitbey , Issachar Bates , David Stutz , Ann Glusker , Lisa Cardwell Ponten , The Tudor Choir , and Doug Fullington
Manufacturer: Loft Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Simple Gifts: Shaker Chants and Spirituals
Simple Gifts
Early Shaker Spirituals
Tree of Life
The Shapenote Album

ASIN: B00005JIZK
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

I Will Bow And Be Simple
In Yonder Valley
All Is Summer
O Lord Make Me Pure
Love Is Little
The Burning Day
Circular March
Help Me, O Lord
Heavenly Display
Followers Of The Lamb
Come To Zion
We Must Be Meek
Lay Me Low
Solemn Song
Beautiful Treasure
Peace
Angels Of Heaven
Hunger And Thirst
Dismission Of Great I
Revelation
Prayer For The Captive
Gentle Words
Beautiful Valley
Jubilee
Ezekiel's Vision
Almighty Savior
Cords Of Love
I Will Go On My Way

Customer Reviews:

beauty, simplicity, and utility.......2001-09-12

Of this CD's twenty-eight tracks, eighteen are arrangements by Kevin Siegfried; the remaining ten are straightforward, unadorned performances of Shaker hymns, sung either by the choir in unison, or by a solo voice, as they would have been sung in Shaker services. Occasionally the choir stomps and claps, also as the Shakers would have done. The unison songs and Kevin's settings blend seamlessly together, since Kevin's music is very sensitive to the spirit of the original tunes. His harmonies have an open, rough-hewn quality to them, like early American furniture, sturdy and useful. The music carefully mirrors and supports the text, occasionally employing mixed meter to follow the natural cadences of speech. The settings are largely homophonic, like Lutheran chorales, rendering the text easily comprehensible. Kevin avoids unnecessary embellishments and repetitions, and each piece is a small, well-proportioned gem, averaging about two minutes in length. In the liner notes, Kevin writes of his desire to preserve the Shaker ideals of "beauty, simplicity, and utility" in his settings, and he has succeeded brilliantly; the music is unassuming, serene, and peaceful.

Words and Music Marry in Siegfried's Arrangements.......2001-06-27

This recording of Shaker Hymns arranged by composer Kevin Siegfried and sung by the very fine Tudor Choir of Seattle is magnificent for several reasons chief of which is the careful blending of text and music in the arrangements. The "gentle words" of these hymns come alive through Siegfried's thoughtful soundscapes, providing the right context for the message of these poignant and life affirming hymns. This is no small task and although the Tudor Choir sings beautifully throughout, it is the arranging that has really caught my ear on this cd; you'd be hard pressed to find a recording of choral works with a better marriage of text and music. Well worth your money, time, and ears.

The Promise of Ages : A Christmas Collection

Average customer rating:

Superb Choral Christmas Music
Unique and special
Beautiful Harmonies and Vocalizations
A "top ten" Christmas album
A "top ten" Christmas album

The Promise of Ages : A Christmas Collection

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Holiday Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Carol Album: Seven Centuries of Christmas
The Naxos Book of Carols
Christus Natus Est: Early English Christmas
Mass for Christmas Morning
Sing We Christmas

ASIN: B00000DFNP
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Nos Galan (Deck the Halls)
Lullay, Thou Tiny Little Child
Ther Is No Rose of Swych Vertu
I Sing of a Maiden
There Is No Rose from "A Ceremony of Carols"
O Magnum Mysterium (Responsory at Matins for Christmas Day)
Song of the Nuns of Chester, Verses 1-3: "Qui Creavit Celum"
Fader of Heven (Ca. 1450 Mystery Play)
Song of the Nuns of Chester, Verses 4-6: Lactat Mater Domini
O Magnum Mysterium (Responsory at Matins for Christmas Day)
Lullay, Lullow: I Saw a Swete Semly Syght
I Wonder as I Wander
Staines Morris (Blessed Be That Maid Marie)
Hayl, Mary, Ful of Grace
Seven Joys of Mary
Illuminare, Jerusalem
Good People All
Sing We the Virgin Mary
In Bethlehem City
Christmas Eve
Hodie Christus Natus Est (Antiphon from Chester Processional)
Jesu, Thou the Virgin-Born
As Dew in Aprille from " a Ceremony of Carols"
Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending

Amazon.com

No one has recorded more innovative Christmas anthologies than Andrew Parrott--and this disc is no exception. The Promise of Ages presents a collection of wonderful seasonal music arranged for women's voices (all arrangements were either made or sanctioned by the composers). The selection includes 15th-century English works such as "There is no rose of swych vertu"; traditional tunes both genuine ("Deck the Halls" in an 18th-century Welsh arrangement for harp) and fake (J. J. Niles's "I Wonder as I Wander" and "Lullay, thou little tiny child"); rollicking Irish dance tunes; and 20th-century works by such composers as Britten, Holst, and Judith Weir on traditional Christmas texts. One ingenious and effective suite combines Peter Maxwell Davies's "O magnum mysterium" and "The Fader of Heven" with the 14th-century "Song of the Nuns of Chester." All of the performances are exemplary, but Emily van Evera deserves special praise for her beautifully simple rendition of the Niles tunes. This collection can stand alongside Parrott's The Carol Album as the thinking person's Christmas albums. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Superb Choral Christmas Music.......2007-01-20

Andrew Parrott, and the Taverner Concert and Choir have done it again !

This is a superb collection of traditional music from the past, some of it familiar, some not so well known, all performed so very well.

Unique and special.......2007-01-09

Loved this album the entire thing. An English flavour.
Especially loved the Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending..
heart stirring. A great way to get into the Christmas
spirit and lift your heart.

Beautiful Harmonies and Vocalizations.......2000-12-13

Like another reviewer, I am thrilled at Lo! He Comes, as well as with the unfamiliar setting for Hark the Herald Angels Sing and the beautiful Sing We the Virgin Mary.

If you love beautiful vocalizations, especially rare soprano-alto harmonizations, this is the album for you.

A "top ten" Christmas album.......2000-11-13

If this album contained nothing but it's splendid rendition of Madan's Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending, the album would be worth owning. Fortunately, the entire album is a brillant mix of voices, instrumentals and performance styles; the resulting album can be played several times in successiion without becoming repetative - no small feat for a Christmas album.

The album ranges from the 13th century Nuns of Chester to contemporary composers - Judith Weir - or nearly comtemporary - Britten, Holst ... with excellent sequencing so that no piece seems out of place.

The instrumentation varies from the traditional organ with SATB choir to fiddle, flute, concertina and cello. This provides the variety that makes the album so listenable.

For traditional Christmas music this album is a must.

A "top ten" Christmas album.......2000-11-13

The instrumentation varies from the traditional organ with SATB choir to fiddle, flute, concertina and cello. This provides the variety that makes the album so listenable.

Tracks:

Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
All Glory, Laud and Honour - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Day of Resurrection - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
O God, Our Help in Ages Past - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Praise to the Holiest in the Height - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Praise to the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Church's One Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Crown Him With Many Crowns - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Now Thank We All Our God - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Abide with Me - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
O Praise Ye the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Drop, Drop, Slow Tears - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Glory Be to Jesus - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
There Is a Green Hill Far Away - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
According to Thy Gracious Word - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Glory to Thee, My God, This Night - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks

Tracks:

Onward, Christian Soldiers - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
Lord's My Shepherd - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
All People That on Earth Do Dwell - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Forty Days and Forty Nights - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Head That Once Was Crown'd With Thorns - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Rock of Ages - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
Eternal Father, Strong to Save - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
All Things Bright and Beautiful - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Be Thou My Vision - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Be Still, My Soul - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
King of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
For All the Saints - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
O Worship the King - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Spirit of Mercy, Truth, And Love - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Jesu, Lover of My Soul - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Jerusalem - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Choir of King's College, ,

Album Details

Compiled Here Are Fifty of the Most Beloved Hymns Performed by Three of England's Most Distinguished Choirs. Every Selection Here is Sung in an Appropriately Dignified Manner and If You're Up for Over Two Hours of Consistently Well-rendered Quintessentially English Treatments of These Vernacular Favorites it Simply Doesn't Get Any Better Than This.

Customer Reviews:

Inspirational!.......2004-10-08

Majestic hymns sung with British accents. A great combination! I haven't noticed any objectionable sounds on my copy.

hymns we sang in church.......2003-02-16

i grew up in a traditional presbyterian church that had a pipe organ. i wanted a cd of many of the hymns that we sang in church sung by a choir and accompanied by a pipe organ. this cd fulfilled my wishes perfectly. the hymns are performed in a very straight-forward fashion with no show-boating or excess flourishes which is exactly what i wanted. this is not gospel music but what i refer to as liturgical music to indicate that it is religious music but not gospel music. i would give it 5 stars but there is a slight hiss. other than that the recording quality is very good.

Average customer rating:

Hymns in the Anglican Tradition Beautifully Performed
Very inspiring music
Great English Hymns
Buy this CD!
English Choirs

Best Loved Hymns
Anonymous , James Bain , Louis Bourgeois , Edmond Budry , Orlando Gibbons , John [composer] Goss , William H. Harris , Herbert Howells , John Ireland , Stephen Jackson , Martin Luther , Edward Miller , Sir Charles H.H. Parry , Clement Cotterill Scholefield , Cyril Taylor , German Traditional , Irish Traditional , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Wallace Collection , Sioned Williams , Benjamin Bayl , Tom Williamson , Choir of King's College at Cambridge , and Stephen Cleobury
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2
Abide With Me
Hymns Through the Centuries

ASIN: B000058BGQ
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Michael: A Fanfare Setting: All My Hope On God Is Founded
Praise, My Soul: Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
Bunessan: Morning Has Broken
Down Ampney: Come Down, O Love Divine
Ein' Feste Burg: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Regnator Orbis: O What Their Joy And Their Glory Must Be
Rockingham: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Repton: Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
Slane: Be Thou My Vision
St. Clement: The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
Picardy: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Hast Du Denn, Jesu: Praise To The Lord, The Almighty, The King Of Creation
Love Unknown: My Song Is Love Unknown
Brother James' Air: The Lord's My Shepherd
Maccabaeus: Thine Be The Glory
Song 46: Drop, Drop, Slow Tears
Abbot's Leigh: Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken
The Old Hundredth: All People That On Earth Do Dwell

Customer Reviews:

Hymns in the Anglican Tradition Beautifully Performed.......2007-01-24

This is one more example of hymns in the Anglican Tradition, sung by the always excellent choir of King's College, Cambridge. It is a splendid example of the sonorous sound of men and boys, accompanied by a classic English organ and, for the quieter hymns, the gentle sound of harp. All the familiar hymns and hymn tunes are here. You will not regret adding this CD to your collection.

Very inspiring music.......2005-07-06

I always enjoy listening to this Cd and particularly because of the orchestra and mellifluous choir. I especially enjoy: A Mighty Fortress, Come Down, O Love Divine, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, and Thine Be The Glory. Some of the selections are soft such as "The Lord's My Shepherd" and "Drop, Drop, Slow Tears." Still, it is a fabulous selection and one of my favorites.

Great English Hymns.......2005-02-10

This was one of my Christmas gifts and I really looked forward to listening to it. I had just visited King's College, Cambridge back in August and really liked it--you should try to make it out there if possible.

Anyway, this CD was great to listen to. Some hymns are scored for orchestral accompaniment, choir and organ, while the majority of tracks are just for choir and organ.

Recorded in the King's College Chapel (the front cover has a great shot of the ceiling's trademark "fan" stone carving), the hymns are pure English sound--boys' treble voices along with men's changed voices singing with a pure, clean, straight tone. It's very sweet-sounding.

The hymns chosen are also great; "Be Thou My Vision," an Irish classic, appears along with "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "All People That on Earth Do Dwell," and "Morning Has Broken" (later recorded by Cat Stevens).

The singing isn't especially elaborate--they're just simple hymns. They're orchestrated very well, however, and they sound great.

Religious people may prefer these recordings more in general--these are Christian hymns after all--but I think it's a great recording and is worth listening too, especially if you enjoy that English sound!

Buy this CD!.......2004-09-20

Having heard Kings College Choir twice, in the flesh, at Kings, this CD is a wonderful example of what you might hear. If you can't make it to Cambridge, buy this CD. It contains many of the old favorites and also some hymns that are not found on other English hymn CD's.

English Choirs.......2002-12-18

Having visited many Cathedrals throughout the UK and listened to the enchanting voices of the boys choirs, I was disappointed with this particular rendering from Kings. Perhaps I am biased in that I enjoy the organ background or no background but the use of a full blown orchestra, in my opinion, tended to overwhelm and was totally unnecessary and somewhat grandoise choice on the part of Stephen Cleobury. Apart from that, much of the music was excellent. In comparison with other CD's from Kings, this was disappointing.