I Pray [CD-single] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Album Version

2. Hit Matyze's Bobo Almighty Anthem Radio Mix

3. Dr. Octavo Euphoria Radio Mix

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Taken from Amanda's 2004 and second album, also titled I Pray, the title track is backed with 2 non-album mixes - Hit Matyze's Bobo Almighty Anthem Radio Mix & Dr. Octavio Euphoria Radio Mix. Virgin. 2004.

I Pray,Amanda Perez,EMI/Virgin,5"CD Singles,R&B/Soul

Amazon.com

William Billings (1746-1800) was one of the first important composers born in America. A leather tanner by trade who taught himself composition, Billings left behind some lovely, unique music that contains early indications of American musical independence. It often doesn't sound like European models. Today, Billings's music survives mostly in Southern shape-note singing, with its exciting raw tone and rhythmic vitality. But as Paul Hillier's selection demonstrates, Billings shouldn't just be characterized as musical folk artist. The "Funeral Anthem: Samuel the Priest" has harmonies so poignant that they remind us of Bach, and the brief "David's Lamentation" is a superb piece of musical characterization, heartbreakingly effective. Despite the ensemble's name, it's thoroughly American. The performances find a good middle ground between sounding too folksy and sounding too cultivated, and the group's diction is clear enough that we can do without the texts, which came with the original edition. This is a lovely disc, which will come to most listeners as a revelation. It's also an outstanding bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

How well do you like this kind of music?.......2006-02-21

I ended up ordering this CD, as well as Vol. 2, and "Make A Joyful Noise: American Psalmody." I thought the quality was excellent on all three, but I wanted to say that if you're not sure how well you like this kind of music, I would recommend the American Psalmody CD instead of the two CD set. I found myself enjoying the music very much at first, but quickly losing interest as it all began to sound alike to me.

A Delightful Recording.......2005-07-25

Since buying this a week or so ago, it has rarely left my CD player, and is equally pleasurable at the start or end of the day. The performances are energetic and moving, and make me long for my former days with a cathedral choir, when #16 was one of our favorites. With each hearing, I find more to delight me. (While I agree that the diction is good enough that lyrics on the liner notes aren't strictly necessary, they would have been a nice addition.)

A great find--worth more than its price.......2004-09-03

This is all music by William Billings, one of the giant figures of early American church music. It is sung by a fine group that specializes in early music. The music is often hearty and pleasing, and the textual themes deal with early colonial life (e.g., harvest & the coming winter) and sometimes complex theology (e.g., pietistic interpretations of the Song of Solomon). The overall sound of the music is straightfoward, as it was no doubt to appeal to the common folk (new world Protestants). But don't let that fool you--there's high quality construction in these hymns that elevates them above folk music. Some of the songs really grab you & stay with you. This is a gift & an important part of our American heritage & culture.

Interesting and Lovely Music.......2004-02-25

This CD was issued originally as "A Land of Pure Delight" on the Harmonia Mundi label. Billings was the first major American composer, an apparently self taught composer with a distinctive and powerful style. A real American original, Billings' work has several interesting features. He did wonderful things writing for choirs and some of his work seems to sound like earlier, polyphonic music. This recording has features a selection of fine pieces. Lovely performances.

this was our country's music c.30 decades ago!.......2001-10-17

I am fairly new to this series, but I now own 3 cds in this series: Anna Mag. Bach Book, Festive barouque christmas and now this one. I have been looking for a cd with this kind of music, and now my search is done. I enjoy this cd very much, but the only down side is that this cd is too short.

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company

Average customer rating:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening
Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing.
Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so.
ONE OF MY FAVOURITES
Fans will be delighted!

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company
John Dowland , Manuel de Falla , Charles Gounod , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Enrique Granados , Fini Henriques , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquim Antonio Barroso Neto , Franz Xaver Richter , Anonymous , William Levi Dawson , Robert MacGimsey , Kathleen Battle , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
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Angels' Glory
Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
So Many Stars
The Best of Kathleen Battle
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart

ASIN: B000002RNM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Music By John Dowland: Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Music By John Dowland: Allemande (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: What If I Never Speed?
Music By John Dowland: Galliard (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: Fine Knacks For Ladies
Ave Maria
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria
Coleccion De Tonadillas: La Maja De Goya
Three Brazilian Songs: Boi-Bumba
Three Brazilian Songs: Azulao
Three Brazilian Songs: Para Ninar
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Cancion
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Nana
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidillia Murciana
Six Spirituals: Ain't Got No Time To Die
Six Spirituals: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
Six Spirituals: Ain't That Good News!
Six Spirituals: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Six Spirituals: This Little Light Of Mine
Six Spirituals: Ride On King Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening.......2007-05-06

Whether you are very familiar with these two artists or have never heard either one, you will delight in this musical collaboration. Only a guitarist of Christopher Parkening's stature could be the ideal accompaniment to the perfection of Kathleen Battle's voice. The music ranges from selections by John Dowland to American spirituals, Bach/Gounod, Villa-Lobos, Granados and some Spanish folk songs. The result is a coherent, soothing and utterly delightful listening experience. You will revisit this album often, and always be glad that you have it. For fans of Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening, I think it is a must.

Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing........2006-01-31

We always enjoyed seeing and hearing Battle in concerts, usually on the television and Parkening has been a favorite guitarist. To listen to these two fine artists in concert is a real treat.

Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so........2005-05-25

I can't imagine these songs being performed with any greater technical brilliance than they are by Parkening and Battle on this CD. Both are virtuosos, him in the guitar, her the voice. Their skill is particularly apparent in the Dowland songs, the "Ave Maria", and the Bachianas brasileiras no. 5 (for me, the high point of the recording), which are all in a formal style well suited to the talents of the performers.

I compare the Brazilian songs to the version recorded by Salli Terri with Laurindo Almeida in the late '50's on "Duets with Spanish Guitar", which I have listened to repeatedly since I first heard it in 1959. Battle's phrasing, enunciation, and vocal skill are far superior to Terri's, but Terri brought a level of emotion to her singing that Battle seems to lack. Where Battle's perfection enhances her superb performances of the Dowland and Villa-Lobos pieces, it seems to detract from her performance of the Brazilian folk pieces.

I find this to be true again in the spirituals - vocal perfection and control detracting from the "soul" required to bring out the "spiritual" feeling. Imagine these same pieces sung by Mahalia Jackson or Aretha Franklin and you'll understand my point.

Parkening's performance has the same quality - technical virtuosity, especially noticeable in his lute-like technique in the Dowland solo - but lacking in emotional depth.

The classical selections are highly recommended, the folk pieces a bit disappointing, but overall an enjoyable recording.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.......2004-03-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BATTLE ALBUMS, HER SWEET VOICE IS ACCOMPAINED BY THE GUITAR VIRTUOSO CHRISTOPHER PARKENING, TOGETHER CREATE A TENDER, DELIGHTFUL & BEAUTIFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS N- 5 HAS IT`S BEST PERFORMANCE IN THIS CD.

Fans will be delighted!.......2003-08-25

Fans, maybe, but I must say I'm not a huge fan of Kathleen Battle or opera or songs in different languages, either. My mom is, though. And through her I have heard Kathleen's best. And her very best (if you ask me) is one of the tracks ON THIS CD titled "Ain't that good news," even though it should be called "Ain'ta dat good news," since that is how its sung. It is a really good song (ask anybody) with a little surprise high-note at the end. If I were you I would (if not buy this CD right here and now) then go to [a book store] and see if their computers will let you hear "Ain't that good news" because that song is great.

Average customer rating:

WHATEVER
DIS ALBUM IS OFF DA CHAIN!!!
Great CD
Good single......bad album
A CD or one very long song

I Pray
Amanda Perez
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Angel
Where You at
The Writing's on the Wall
Scorpion
Ciara: The Evolution

ASIN: B00029RRIW
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

I Pray (Never Forget It)
I Need Your Love
Run With It
Angel (Acoustic Guitar Version)
Fire
Make Me Feel
Dedicate
Calling You
I Need You
Angel
Hoe
How U Luv Dat
Already
Hell No
Get It Girl

Customer Reviews:

WHATEVER.......2005-11-23

Ya'll b***h** are retarded. This album is throwed. Even thought there is profanity and editing.

DIS ALBUM IS OFF DA CHAIN!!!.......2005-09-29

MAN I SO LOVE THIS ABLUM!!!! When I first bought this CD, I was crying when I first heard the song I Pray. Even when I saw the video! Ya'll better buy dis album. It's hot! I LOVE ALL THE TRACKS!! BUY DIS CD YA HEARD!

Great CD.......2005-05-11

Man, u guys r all wrong! Amanda has great talent n wonderful tracks that at least I can neva get tired of. Not only do tha songs got good beat n flow, but shes gotta great, unique voice 2. 2 tell u tha truth, I dont think that Ive eva heard any woman rap n sing as good as her, let alone the make beat like dat. 2 me, people who think that she's got no talent and the same boring ol sound and message repeats in each n every song r just stupid. I mean, gimme a break. My personal faves on this album r "Hoe," "How U Luv Dat", n "Get it Girl." This artist dserves lotsa good credit 4 good music.

Good single......bad album.......2005-02-03

I bought this album because of the songs "Angel" & "I Pray". I also bought it because I do like Amanda's voice. But the album as a whole is a dissappointment!!!All of the songs sound the same, except the last couple tracks. The problem is you don't ever get to them cause you fall asleep within the first few songs.I do believe that Amanda has talent....but the songs on this album covered it up!!!

A CD or one very long song.......2005-01-02

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda. I am a TRUE music lover and I appreciate the talent and hard work of those in the industry. But to regurgitate the same tracks over and over, same message, same flow, same beat. Where is the creativity, where is the talent, how many people have wasted there money on this album? With the occasional contagious hooks (I Pray and Angel), this cd is a complete waste of time. I am all about giving EVER new artist (or so called artist) a chance, but this was overall a disappointment...Sorry.

Average customer rating:

oh my goodness
Exellent 1930's style swinging gospel
A "NEWLY DISCOVERED" BUT OLD LEGACY
Gospel / Spiritual Harmony Fan
Doesn't live up to "Standing in the Safety Zone"

I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
The Fairfield Four
Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Standing in the Safety Zone
Wreckin' the House (Live at Mt. Hope)
Live from Mountain Stage
The Best of the Blind Boys
Beautiful Stars

ASIN: B000002NHD
Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

Noah
These Bones
Come On In This House
There Must Be A City
Get Away Jordon
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
That Day Is Done
Help For The Needy (Today)
Shadrack
Four And Twenty Elders
Amazing Grace/Prodigal Son

Amazon.com

In the '40s, a cappella gospel bands like the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Five Blind Boys were all over the radio. But after Soul Stirrers singer Sam Cooke switched from gospel to soul, the bands faded out, and until the Fairfield Four's reunion in the late '80s, it was almost impossible to hear new installments of this thrilling spiritual music. I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray is the 1997 follow-up to the band's 1992 comeback album, and even nonbelievers will have trouble avoiding a spiritual experience when the singers' voices touch each other the right way. Elvis Costello (who writes fawning liner notes) and Pam Tillis show up for guest vocals, but they can't match the power of the Four's "There Must Be a City." --Steve Knopper

Customer Reviews:

oh my goodness.......2006-06-12

I don't normally listen to this type of music, but I just heard this CD at full blast on a $40,000 (yes, forty-thousand dollar) home stereo system ...

... and ... I was just totally blown away. Not by the volume, but by the intensity of the soul. I then borrowed the CD and listened to it in my car, but my car stereo couldn't do it justice.

If you ever have access to a very very nice home stereo system (the kind where the speakers cost around $3,000 each), buy this CD just so you can hear how it was meant to be heard. I don't think it's meant for a cheap stereo, unless you just like the meanings of the lyrics.

As for now, yeah I thought the lyrics were nice, but hearing this on a very nice stereo system at first made me think "man, this is dumb music" for about five seconds, then it made me think "oh my God, this sounds incredible" from then on.

Exellent 1930's style swinging gospel.......2004-12-28

Thier harmonies are reminiscent of the Mills Brothers of the 1930's. Appealing harmonies, swinging syncopated rhythms, and loads of style and class!!! The highlight here is Get Away Jordan, which has a James P. Johnson style stride piano player, and female vocal reminiscent of Connee Boswell, and the Mills Brothers of the 30's! This cd is gospel with more then a touch of blues and swing music! Only That day Is Done is a dud, a 60's sounding soul ballad, however the rest of teh album is so good and full of the Holy Spirit annointing, it is amazing. REVIVAL TODAY!!! Praise God, Glory to God, Jesus is Lord!!!

A "NEWLY DISCOVERED" BUT OLD LEGACY.......2002-06-28

Frankly, until the release of " O BROTHER,WHERE ART THOU?," I am ashamed to say that I'd never heard of the Fairfield Four. Once I saw that film and bought the soundtrack, I sought out other Fairfield Four recordings, and have not been disappointed; conversely, I've been DELIGHTED! This particular CD is pure Heaven. It's fun, it's moving, and so unlike anything I've ever heard before. It will put the "Holy Spirit" in you regardless of your religious beliefs!
The sincerity of the sound, and the feeling of faith with which it is sung, makes one feel both happy and hopeful. I'm glad that I bought it; you will be, too.

Gospel / Spiritual Harmony Fan.......2000-05-22

If you like "Standing in the Safety Zone," don't buy this one. Gone is the warmth and smooth harmony; The biggest dispointment is that you can barely hear the original Fairfield Four, especially with the newer male singer who yells, screams, and growls, which creates more dissonance than group harmony.

Doesn't live up to "Standing in the Safety Zone".......1999-03-05

I listened to this CD with great anticipation after enjoying over and over again, "Standing in the Safety Zone." I was disappointed. In "Standing ...", I loved how the songs were performed and how each song had a personality all its own. In this CD it sounds like they are reduced to background vocals for the guest artists. A lot of repetition and the songs didn't really go anywhere. I felt myself anticipating the great harmonies and group vocals of the first CD, but only heard flashes of the Fairfield Four, not whole songs. Too much guest artists and not enough Fairfield Four. If you have "Standing in the Safety Zone" don't bother buying this CD, cherish the one you have.

Average customer rating:

Highly recommended

Ultimate Movie Album

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores
Reel Love: The Cinematic Romance Album
Reel Chill: The Cinematic Chillout Album
The Incredible Film Music Box
The Queen

ASIN: B00005QC28
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Bridget Jones's Diary: Out Of Reach - Gabrielle
Gladiator: Now We Are Free - Gavin Greenaway
Moulin Rouge: One Day I'll Fly Away - Nicole Kidman
Notting Hill: When You Say Nothing At All - Ronan Keating
American Beauty: Dead Already - Thomas Newman
Braveheart: Main Theme - For The Love Of A Princess - London Symphony Orchestra
Four Weddings And A Funeral: You're The First, The Last, My Everything - Barry White
O Brother Where Art Thou: Down To The River To Pray - Alison Krauss
Hannibal: Vide Cor Meum - Gavin Greenaway
The Shawshank Redemption: Courtyard Theme: Che Soave Zeffiretto (Marriage Of Figaro) - Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin
The Thomas Crown Affair: Windmills Of Your Mind - Sting
Platoon: Adagio - Neville Marriner
Ghost: Unchained Melody - Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Fantasia: The Sorcerer's Apprentice - Montreal Symphony Orchestra
The Big Lebowski: Just Dropped In (To See What My Condition Was In) - Kenny Rogers & The First Edition
Philadelphia: La Mamma Morta - Monserrat Caballe
Snatch: Hernando's Hideaway - The Johnstone Brothers
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels: Eighteen With A Bullet - Lewis Taylor And Carleen Anderson
A Room With A View: O Mio Babbino Caro - Sylvia McNair

Tracks:

Billy Elliot: Cosmic Dancer - Marc Bolan & T-Rex
Captain Corelli's Mandolin: Pelagia's Song - Orchestra
Four Weddings And A Funeral: Love Is All Around - Wet Wet Wet
Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves: Maid Marian At The Waterfall/Everything I Do - Michael Kamen
Dances With Wolves: John Dunbar Theme - John Mauceri
American Beauty: Any Other Name - Thomas Newman
Gladiator: The Battle (Excerpt) - Gavin Greenaway
The Silence Of The Lambs: Goldberg Variations (Aria) - Andrei Gavrilov
Notting Hill: She - Elvis Costello
Pulp Fiction: Son Of A Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
Mission Impossible: Main Theme - Orchestra
Waking Ned: Let The Draw Begin - Orchestra
Out Of Africa: Love Theme - John Williams
Shine: Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30 - Concertgebouw Orchestra
The Godfather Part III: Intermezzo From Cavalleria Rusticana - Pavarotti
The Mexican: End Credits Medley - The Hollywood Film Chorale
Body Heat: Main Theme - John Williams
Apocalypse Now: The Ride Of The Valkyries - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Star Trek: The Final Frontier - Main Theme & March Of The Klingons - John Williams

Album Description

UK compilation featuring a combination of hit songs & theme music from some great soundtracks. Tracks include, Gabrielle 'Out Of Reach' (Bridget Jones Diary), 'Now We Are Free' (Gladiator), 'Dead Already' (American Beauty), Alison Kraus 'Down To The River To Pray' (O Brother Where Art Thou), Ronan Keating 'When You Say Nothing At All' (Notting Hill) & many more. 35 tracks on 2 CDs. 2001.

Customer Reviews:

Highly recommended.......2002-08-20

This pricey UK import CD filled a lot of gaps in my music collection and is an excellent overview of notable music of (mostly) recent films. It's difficult to find consistently listenable soundtrack collections like this, by that I mean free from the obligitory Whitney Houston or Celine Dion embarrassments. Usually rights issues prevent comprehensive compilations like this in the US, too. While I enjoy a lot of soundtrack music, there aren't so many complete soundtracks that I would care to own, some examples of exceptions being Ennio Morricone scores and the About a Boy Soundtrack. While certainly most of these tracks are the actual recordings used in their respective films, I noticed that "La mamma morte" from Philadelphia is not the Maria Callas version. There might be other cases like this, I'm not sure. And "Unchained Melody" from Ghost is an orchestral version, not the pop song (but I consider this a plus). This collection seems to focus on the subtle and quirky, yet melodic music of indie films, with less emphasis on the loud sweeping orchestral scores of major Hollywood hits, but of course there are a few like Gladiator and Braveheart, which are welcome here because like I've said, I probably wouldn't listen to the whole score. I love the two Thomas Newman compositions from American Beauty, and it's good to have some music from films by the Cohen Brothers here. My only complaint would have to be the order of the songs. You would think they would avoid jumping back and forth between pop songs, orchestral scores, and quiet music, but it just seems thrown together by random. I would compare this collection to the excellent "Miramax Films Greatest Hits" but the makers of that album knew to group the two pop/rock songs at the end.

Average customer rating:

Enchanting folk songs (taken a few at a time)
A Must For All Britten Admirers

Britten: Folk Song Arrangements
Felicity Lott , Philip Langridge , Christopher van Kampen , Benjamin Britten , Carlos Bonell , and Graham Johnson
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Britten: Folk Song Arrangements, Vol. 2
Gerald Finzi: I Said to Love; Let Us Garlands Bring; Before and After Summer
Britten: Songs
Bryn Terfel - The Vagabond & other songs by Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Finzi & Ireland
Britten: Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo; The Holy Sonnets of John Donne; Winter Words

ASIN: B0007ORDUE
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

The Salley Gardens
Little Sir William
The Bonny Earl O' Moray
O Can Y Sew Cushions?
The Trees They Grow So High
The Ash Grove
Oliver Cromwell
Greensleeves - Philip Langridge
I Wonder As I Wander - Philip Langridge
The Crocodile - Philip Langridge
The Plough Boy
There's One To Soothe
Sweet Polly Oliver
The Miller Of Dee
The Foggy, Foggy Dew
O Waly, Waly
Come You Not From Newcastle?
Pray Goody - Philip Langridge
The Brisk Young Widow
Sally In Our Alley
The Lincolnshire Poacher
Early One Morning
Ca' The Yowes
The Holly And The Ivy
Soldier, Won't You Marry Me?
The Deaf Woman's Courtship

Tracks:

Avengin And Bright
Sail On, Sail On
How Sweet The Answer
The Minstrel Boy
At The Mid Hour Of Night
Rich And Rare
Dear Harp Of My Country!
Oft In The Stilly Night
The Last Rose Of Summer
O The Sight Entrancing
La Noel Passee
Voici Le Printemps
Fileuse
Le Roi S'en Va-T'en Chasse
La Belle Est Au Jardin D'amour
Il Est Quelqu'un Sur Terre
Eho! Eho!
Quand J'etais Chez Mon Pere
I Will Give My Love An Apple - Carlos Bonell
Sailor-Boy - Carlos Bonell
Master Kilby - Carlos Bonell
The Soldier And The Sailor - Carlos Bonell
Bonny At Morn - Carlos Bonell
The Shooting Of His Dear - Carlos Bonell
German Folk Song: The Stream In The Valley - Christopher van Kampen
Unidentified Folk Song Setting - Christopher van Kampen

Customer Reviews:

Enchanting folk songs (taken a few at a time).......2006-06-24

Britten made numerous folksong arrangements over the years--the reviewer below summarizes them very well. Here are 52 for tenor voice accompanied by paino, harp, or guitar--there's also a Vol. 2 in addition to this double CD. Only a few items, like The Minstrel Boy and Greensleeves, are likely to sound familiar to American listeners unless they already know Britten's arrangements. He adds subversive harmonies that can be dissonant and distrubing; at other times the arrangements are a bit twee. Philip Langridge has a more mellifluous tone than Peter Pears, for whom almost all the songs were set. This makes the recital easy listening, but the simple tunes quickly become too much of a good thing--it's better to listen to a handful at a time.

Persoally, I like the Irish and Scottish folksongs the best, because of their haunting modal harmonies, and the harpist Ossian Ellis is a marvelous accompanist for several of them, but there's lots to choose form here. The chief drawbacks are two: Langridge was a bit too old by 1995 to keep an unpleasant wobble out of his tone at loud volume, not to mention that he is peculiarly humorless in the comic songs. Second, Graham Johnson is an unimginative accompanist without rhythmic vigor, which compares unfavorably to Britten's own classic recordings, in both mono and stereo, with Pears. Yet for all that, there are many lovely songs here, and they are now available, transferred from the Collins Classics label to Naxos at bargain price.

A Must For All Britten Admirers.......2005-04-09

Many lovers of Benjamin Britten's music have no idea that he made extraordinary arrangements of many folksongs. And although this 2CD set is part of Naxos's 'English Song Series' and although it mainly contains songs from the Britain (and Ireland), Britten also set French and American folksongs and they are included here as this issue comprises all his voice-and-piano folksong settings. (He also made voice-and-orchestra versions of some of the songs here but they are not included.) His interest in poetry was intense, and as a friend has commented, 'Britten's knowledge of the obscure corners of English poetry would have put many a professor of English to shame.' His interest in making these settings lasted his entire composing life. Over the years he made six numbered collections: Vols 1, 3, 5 & 6 are primarily British (and some American) folksongs; Vol. 2 French; Vol. 4 Moore's Irish Songs. Also included here are several scattered single songs and songs published posthumously for a total of 52 songs in all. They are parceled out between two of the greatest English singers of the day: soprano Dame Felicity Lott and tenor Philip Langridge. They are mostly accompanied by the best English accompanist since Gerald Moore, pianist Graham Johnson. (One group are accompanied by guitarist Carlos Bonell, and a couple feature cellist Christopher van Kampen.)

The piano accompaniments are generally rather spare, tending not to call attention to themselves, but on closer listening one realizes that Britten has used his own easily identifiable harmonic and structural sense (not surprisingly, one of Britten's favorite devices, the canon, occurs repeatedly), always in pursuit of bringing out the literal meaning and, even more so, the psychology of the song at hand. For instance, he mimics the harp in 'Dear Harp of our Country' and 'The Last Rose of Summer' and the spinning of the mill-wheel in 'The Miller of Dee' or of the spinning wheel in 'Fileuse.' There is the yearning upward interval used to accompany the girl's name in 'Sally in Our Alley.' There is the sad tolling of the bell in 'At the mid hour of the night,' the indecisive alternating chords in 'O Waly, Waly.' Many of these songs are familiar, but many are obscure, at least to this writer. Each is so aptly set that one discovers new things on each listening. Some old favorites, like 'Sail On, Sail On' and 'The Ash Grove' are given fresh colorings. I was amused to realize that that silly Monty Python send-up, 'The Lumberjack Song,' uses (approximately) the tune of 'The Foggy, Foggy Dew' (set here to a melody different than the one I know from my youth).

The performances, not surprisingly, are about as good as they get. I cannot forget the sound of Janet Baker's voice in 'O Waly, Waly,' but this is no criticism of Lott's version, which is also touchingly effective. Langridge, whose diction is a marvel, is similarly effective in such favorites as 'The Plough Boy,' 'The Foggy, Foggy Dew,' and 'The Minstrel Boy.' Is there a more sensitive accompanist than Graham Johnson? I don't think so. I will admit that am not fond of the guitar (clearly my own idiosyncratic taste) but Carlos Bonell is effective in his accompaniment of Vol. 6, which includes 'I will give my love an apple' and 'Bonny at Morn' among others. At the end of CD2 is a song with cello obbligato played by Christopher van Kampen, and an unknown folksong that, in the absence of text, is given to the cello. The texts, too, are worth studying for their folk-wisdom. I was particularly struck by this line from 'Pray Goody': "Remember when the judgement's weak, the prejudice is strong." ('Pray Goody' also has an especially effective piano accompaniment that requires virtuosic control by the pianist.)

Anyone interested in the music of Britten really ought to own this set. It is an aspect of his art that should not be missed.

2CDs TT=132:47

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Fine reissue of a classic set

Purcell: Theatre Music

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Lute Music, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0001Y4JHA
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Fine reissue of a classic set.......2006-05-24

Think about the stupidest, most formulaic Hollywood movies you can think of: cheesy action pictures, fluffy, unfunny comedies, big but stiff epics. Now imagine that one of the greatest living composers was working in Hollywood, turning out astonishing, hauntingly beautiful and stirring musical scores for these throwaway movies. That's what you get with this set: music Henry Purcell composed for some two dozen often utterly forgettable plays (trust me--I've read a number of them!) Occasionally, when he teams up with a playwright worthy of his stature, such as John Dryden, Aphra Behn, or William Congreve, the results are even better, but for the most part you can enjoy the music here without knowing anything about the original plays.

This set originally appeared as separate LPs in the 70s and 80s, and has been long out of print. That's a pity, since Purcell spent a good deal of his short professional life in the theatre, either writing the incidental music contained on these CDs, or the music for his larger works, the semi-operas (King Arthur, The Fairy Queen, and the like). Almost all of these works are enjoyable gems; certainly, they represent a pinnacle of English 17th century music. Purcell had a genius for spinning musical gold out of the most leaden lyrics (check out his Odes and Welcome Songs on Hyperion if you don't believe me), and he does the same with the song texts in these plays.

Hogwood and the AAM offer clean, listenable performances, and the sound on these old analog discs has been cleaned up and brightened--although they were pretty good, even in the late 70s. As with most Hogwood, emotional extremes are kept to a minimum, so the "otherworldly" nature of late 17th century music, so often emphasised in more recent Baroque performances, doesn't come across here. It would be interesting to see what a group like The King's Consort would do with this music, but this set fills the major gap in the Purcell canon quite nicely.

My only beef with the reissue, as with many reissues, is that the liner notes are rather thin for a 6-cd set--the lyrics to the songs, for example, are especially missed. Still, it's a worthwhile set, and a must for fans of Purcell, English Baroque music, or anyone who just wants to experience a taste of the last days of the Restoration stage.

Mosaic: A Collection of African-American Spirituals With Piano and Guitar

Average customer rating:

Beauty, power, and clarity
Not traditional American Negro spirituals mostly.
Great opera, not spiritual style I thought title suggested.
A Glorious Burgeoning Diva!
Classical music with heart and soul

Mosaic: A Collection of African-American Spirituals With Piano and Guitar

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

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The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

ASIN: B0006A9FUU
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit
Roun'about de Mountain
Lord, I Just Can't Keep from Cryin'
My Soul's Been Anchored
City Called Heaven
Give Me Jesus
O Glory
Come Down Angels
He Never Said a Mumblin' Word
Watch and Pray
Walk Together Children
Deep River
This Little Light of Mine
Lord, How Come Me Here?
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
Ride Up in the Chariot

Customer Reviews:

Beauty, power, and clarity.......2007-05-06

Buy this CD for her rendition of "He Never Said a Mumbalin' Word" alone --- truly lovely, simply brilliant.

Not traditional American Negro spirituals mostly........2005-10-24

If you are looking for the soulfull melodic or jubilation of traditional American Negro spirituals, this is not it. But it is masterful musicianship.

Great opera, not spiritual style I thought title suggested........2005-09-08

This is a very good classical collection. The rating would have been higher if the description had suggested the actual style of the music. I am giving it 3 stars because this is a very good OPERA style collection - not the spiritual style I was hoping for. Given the title and simple instruments, I thought it would be different - more relaxed. I wish a sample of the music had been available. If you want spirituals sung in an OPERA style you will love this. She is an amazing talent.

A Glorious Burgeoning Diva!.......2005-05-07

Though this particular selection of songs may not be one the recital lover would choose, MOSAIC introduces to the recording audience the magnificent voice of Angela M. Brown, a gifted singer whose career has been nurtured by appearances with small opera companies until her highly successful Metropolitan Opera debut in 'Aida' last year. Now this intelligent singer is currently replacing the indomitable Jessye Norman in a Detroit Opera premiere and even in that vulnerable position of comparison she is making a triumphant statement.

MOSAIC is pleasant enough recital of African American Spirituals with sensitive piano and guitar accompaniment. But it is in the few unaccompanied songs that the splendor of this very large voice with a seemingly bottomless register is best displayed. Brown has a glowing top as well as a lush bottom in her register and her attention to the control of the cascade of sound is simply thrilling. Brown knows this repertoire well and is convincing in her delivery of not only the message but the depth of emotion of each song.

Hopefully a recording of songs and arias will follow soon, especially as her opera reputation grows. But for now, MOSAIC is a fine introduction to a voice whose destiny seems assured. Grady Harp, May 05

Classical music with heart and soul.......2005-03-01

Daniel Alexander Payne, sixth bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church worked tirelessly to purge emotionalism from African American modes of worship, and derided spirituals as "corn field ditties." Starting with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and into current century, composers such as Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Moses Hogan and Joseph Joubert have sought new, classical interpretations of these timeless, soulful songs.

I must confess, I've never been a big fan of classicised spirituals. Spirituals ARE emotional, expressions of unbearable pain, of longing, of optimism and ultimate belief in salvation. To strip them of that by prettying them up is to deny their very reason for being.

But having said all that: I absolutely loved MOSAIC! Angela Brown does not let her classical training get in the way of putting a song over with heart and soul. She obviously loves these songs, and her rich voice moved me to tears on several occasions. The instrumental accompaniments (Joseph Joubert on piano, Tyron Cooper on guitar) are gorgeously subtle and supportive.

The sound quality of this disc is superb, a fitting tribute to the many African American composers represented here. Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Howells: Choral Music

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0009JDYQO
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Average customer rating:

The best in the series!

The English Anthem, Vol. 8

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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The English Anthem, Vol. 5
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ASIN: B0006OR170
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Customer Reviews:

The best in the series!.......2007-05-23

Recorded shortly before Mr. Scott took up his new (and equally prestigious) post at St Thomas Church, Fifth Ave., NYC, this disc is, in my opinion, the best in the whole English Anthem series. The program is remarkably varied, and includes a stunning rendition of Sheppard's "Libera Nos I". It is so stunning that I can't help wishing that more Renaissance music had been included in this series. The choir of St Paul's sings it so well! Also recorded on this disc is a brand new commission from Rutter, "A Crown of Glory", which is brilliantly spectacular. Mr. Scott is also featured as a composer here, and his truly beautiful "Behold, O God our Defender", which is very "Howells-esque". The Bairstow anthem, "Lord, I call upon thee", is highly atmospheric. HIGHLY atmospheric. At the words "as the incense in Thy sight", one almost smells the incense!

The singing on this CD is what makes it so uniquely magnificent. I have never heard the choir of St Paul's sound in such good voice. Their expression, tone, and accuracy has never been better. They have once again reaffirmed that they indeed are the "King of Cathedral Choirs".

This recording virtually defines the term "must-have"!

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