Convivendo Part 1 [Import]

Product Description
Top quality Italian melodic pop and very good lyrics.

Convivendo Part 1,Biagio Antonacci,Universal,World Beat,World Music

Average customer rating: So very beautiful! Gorgeous Great Premiere from Stile Antico! Music for Compline

Music for Compline Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi USA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sheppard | Sheppard, John | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by White | White, Robert | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lighten our Darkness William Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis Gloryland And On Earth Peace: A Chanticleer Mass Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland) ASIN: B000LPRNSG Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

1. Libera nos. I & II (John Sheppard)
2. Salva nos, Domine (plainchant)
3. Christe, qui lux es et dies (William Byrd)
4. In pace in idipsum (John Sheppard)
5. In manus tuas (Thomas Tallis)
6. Jesu, salvator saeculi, verbum (John Sheppard)
7. In manus tuas I (John Sheppard)
8. In manus tuas II (John Sheppard)
9. Miserere mihi, Domine (plainchant)
10. Miserere nostri, Domine (Thomas Tallis0
11. Misere mihi, Domine (William Byrd)
12. In pace in idipsum (Thomas Tallis)
13. Christe, qui lux es et dies (Robert White)
14. Veni, Domine (plainchant)
15. Nunc dimittis Gradulia I (William Byrd)
16. Te lucis ante terminum festal (Thomas Tallis)
17. Gaude, virgo mater Christi (Hugh Aston)

From the label:

On its spectacular debut recording, the exciting young British vocal group stile antico presents a program of English Renaissance music associated with the office of Compline, the service that ends the monastic liturgical day. A who's-who of 16th-century British composers--including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and John Sheppard--is represented here by hymns, antiphons, responsories, motets, and psalms: the occasion not only for music of intimacy, elegance, and reflection, but for flights of breathtaking canonic and contrapuntal invention and harmonic daring.

Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, fast gaining recognition as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. In 2005 the group won the inaugural Audience Prize at the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition, drawing critical praise for its `wonderfully vivid singing' and `perfectly focused and ideally balanced voices.' Since this success, Stile Antico has appeared throughout the UK, including at the City of London, Lake District Summer Music and Beverley and East Riding Festivals; engagements for 2007 include the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with Sting on tour in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances. They are also committed to developing their educational work, for which they have received generous funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Customer Reviews:

So very beautiful!.......2007-07-11

I'm not a student of fine music and had no idea what a "compline" was but I bought this CD after hearing a review on NPR.
I can't tell you how much I love this!
It is pure and moving; I can turn off my thinking and let my mind soak in the beauty.
I regret that it is such a high-class work, as I fear that many will miss it, expecting it to be over their heads. I hope that more of my fellow low-brows will somehow stumble upon it and have a chance to experience these most-excellent moments.

Gorgeous.......2007-03-05

The English Tudor choral composers such as Byrd and Tallis composed some glorious music. Sit and listen in a darkened room and you will be transported back to another time and place. Wonderfully atmospheric and moving. The masters of this repertoire are Peter Phillips's Tallis Scholars, but this CD makes me think that they have some serious competition.

Great Premiere from Stile Antico!.......2007-02-27

I got an e-mail from amazon recently to the effect of, "We've noticed that you've rated so-and-so, so we thought you'd be interested in the new release Music for Compline." I usually ignore such e-mails, but I thought I'd check it out. I was intrigued by the audio samples and so downloaded the album on iTunes.

I don't know how a group of young upstarts from Britain without a conductor were able to produce such a sound, but they did. "Music for Compline" focuses on music from composers in England during the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism- Byrd, Sheppard, Tallis, etc.- and as the title implies, it's music that would have been used during a compline service at the time. Compline, for those of you not familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours, is the last prayer service in the liturgical day. As such, the music is serene, contemplative, and prayerful.

The way Stile Antico has gelled as a group is amazing, especially considering they have no conductor. (Although they surely have at least a de-facto rehearsal leader) Their sound is clear and beautiful, and they display exquisite musicianship without being overly technical or icy. They are able to share their fresh (though informed) perspectives on early music with each other to create an organic sound, so not having a conductor actually turns out to be an asset for these young musicians.

Fans of the Tallis Scholars will love this CD. Arguably, Stile Antico is better than the Tallis Scholars in some ways. To elaborate, the Tallis Scholars, as good as they are, can come across as technical and icy, whereas Stile Antico never does, at least not to my ears. On the contrary, they have a warm, authentic sound. Not that I have anything against the Tallis Scholars.

In conclusion, for everyone who loves sacred choral music, or beautiful music in general, "Music for Compline" is a must-have. The musical serenity will be a refuge from stress, and will uplift your spirits.

Music for Compline.......2007-02-05

One is somewhat spoilt for choice these days when it comes to recordings of specialist 'early music' vocal ensembles. In Britain alone, 'brand' names such as 'The Sixteen' and 'The Tallis Scholars', however different their respective approach, have become equally synonymous with excellence in ensemble, intonation, balance and blend. On this basis alone, one might be forgiven for mistaking this CD for another release from one of these fine, long-established choirs. However, this debut recording from 'Stile Antico' has something rather distinctive and individual to offer the listener. Working as a vocal consort without conductor, these are performances born out of an internal commitment and universal understanding within the group, together with an obvious love for this repertoire which they perform so admirably. It is deeply refreshing, in a professional environment where 'time is money', to hear an ensemble who have so noticeably spent a great deal of time 'living' with the music, no doubt both as individuals and collectively as a group. This crucial element of music-making, so often over-looked, is perhaps above all what makes this recording stand out. In fairness, the result is not necessarily superior to that of a conducted ensemble, where a different style of direction in the performances can be attained. But whatever one's preferences - 'Stile Antico' have certainly achieved a winning combination - communicative performances which are simultaneously meditative and emotionally uplifting.

Impeccable ensemble is evident throughout the disc, and this is especially impressive when accomplished within various well-judged slow tempi. Highlights in this regard include a wonderfully ethereal and sonorous performance of Tallis' rarely heard seven-part 'Miserere nostri', and Sheppard's intoxicating 'Libera nos I & II' whose marvellous longing dissonances are given just the right amount of time to register. Byrd's 'Miserere mihi' also receives a fine performance, and the same composer's exquisite homophonic setting of 'Christe lux es et dies' serves to demonstrate these singers' aptitude for naturally shaped phrasing and beautifully paced cadences.

The programming is cohesive throughout, combining familiar, celebrated settings with some rare gems, notably Hugh Aston's giant antiphon 'Gaude, virgo mater Christi', of which this is the first recording made available on CD.

Congratulations are also due to Harmonia Mundi for their superb recording quality, which captures splendidly not only the clarity of the voices, but also the magnificent acoustics of All Hallow's, Gospel Oak. Beautiful packaging together with intelligent, informative programme notes completes this excellent debut release.

Average customer rating: Just what you would expect Wonderful collection and price! Like Floating On A Cloud Bach Good CD, especially for novices

25 Bach Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Preludes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Preludes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Handel Favorites ASIN: B0000058I1 Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Toccata In D Minor For Organ
2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: I. Allegro
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G: I. Allegro
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: II. Affetuoso
5. Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: I. Vivace
6. Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II. Adagio
7. Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor: I. Allegro
8. Violin Concerto No. 2 In E: I. Allegro
9. Magnificat In D: Magnificat
10. Magnificat In D: Deposuit potentes
11. The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude 1
12. Concerto For 3 Harpsichords In C: II. Adagio
13. Concerto For 2 Harpsichords In C Minor: II. Adagio
14. Concerto For 4 Harpsichords In A Minor: First Movement
15. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
16. Toccata, Adagio & Fugue In C: II. Adagio
17. Partita No. 3 For Solo Violin: Prelude
18. 2-Part Invention: No. 8 In F
19. Wachet Auf: Sleepers Awake
20. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: III. Presto
21. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F: III. Allegro assai
22. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: III. Allegro
23. Orchestral Suite No. 2 In B Minor: VII. Badinerie
24. Mass In B Minor: Gloria
25. Mass In B Minor: Dona Nobis Pacem

Customer Reviews:

Just what you would expect.......2007-05-19

I was looking for a CD of exclusively Bach music, not necessarily played by a famous artist or orchestra. This had a lot of his well-known pieces and was exactly what I was looking for.

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Like Floating On A Cloud.......2006-09-20

My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.

Bach.......2006-08-27

Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.

Good CD, especially for novices.......2005-10-12

I was looking for a recommended Bach CD - certain music by a certain orchestra - and stumbled on this. It is an excellent choice for a new library. I think when there was more than one movement to a piece, it would have made more sense to go ahead and keep the movements together instead of separating them, but a novice listener would not notice. A great way to become exposed to a great composer.

Average customer rating: His bucket is overflowin! Nice music Part Two- Brad Paisley Brad Paisley Part 2 Brad Paisley CD

Part II Brad Paisley Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Who Needs Pictures Mud on the Tires Time Well Wasted 5th Gear A Brad Paisley Christmas ASIN: B00005EBQP Release Date: 2001-05-29

Tracks:

1. Two Feet Of Topsoil
2. I'm Gonna Miss Her
3. Part Two
4. Wrapped Around
5. Two People Fell In Love
6. Come On Over Tonight
7. You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive
8. I Wish You'd Stay
9. All You Really Need Is Love
10. Munster Rag (Instrumental)
11. You Have That Effect On Me
12. Too Country
13. The Old Rugged Cross

Amazon.com

Brad Paisley's unabashedly back-to-basics 1999 debut, Who Needs Pictures, went platinum. Part II continues in that direction with 13 songs (10 of them cowritten by Paisley) that build on that impressive beginning. While "Two People Fell in Love" and "I Wish You'd Stay" overflow with heart and eloquence, he's witty on "Two Feet of Topsoil," loungy on "You Have That Effect on Me," and loopy with "Come on Over Tonight." He evokes his West Virginia roots with a stark rendition of Darrell Scott's "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive." Buck Owens, George Jones, and Bill Anderson join him on the obligatory vocal event, Anderson's "Too Country." But Paisley's courage goes further. It takes nerve to slap an instrumental ("Munster Rag") on any Nashville-produced album in 2001 and even greater fortitude to close it out with an emotional acoustic performance of "The Old Rugged Cross" recorded live at the Opry. Part II makes one magnificent, resounding point: mainstream Nashville, try as it might, hasn't quite succeeded in confining traditional country to the Hall of Fame --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

His bucket is overflowin!.......2007-07-31

Brad Paisly takes it to a whole new level. Who wouldn't love a good lookin man with a great sounding voice!

Nice music.......2007-05-14

I bought this CD because I wanted one of the songs in it.
After hearing the complete album, now I like the other songs also.

Part Two- Brad Paisley.......2006-11-10

Good Cd. The most I Like are de moved songs and the colaborations with other artists.
I find it more commercial than the following albums.

Brad Paisley Part 2.......2006-07-08

My first album of this artist and I find it a very interesting and varied mixture. His guitat playing is of exceptional quality and the lyrics reallly interesting. All in all a very good purchase

Brad Paisley CD.......2006-03-03

Heard his song "I'm Gonna Miss Her" and bought the CD. I'm not a country and western fan, but I did like this CD.

Average customer rating: Disney's greatest hits, volum 3 Timeless Disney Music Disney songs are the best Great Disney Music Not as good as Vol 1 and Vol 2

Disney's Greatest 3 Various Artists Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Disney's Greatest, Vol. 2 Disney's Greatest, Vol. 1 Disney's Greatest Vol. 2 Disney's Greatest, Vol. 1 Disney's Greatest Hits 1 & 2 ASIN: B00006EXKT Release Date: 2002-08-20

Amazon.com

Cynical types will accuse Disney of milking the "greatest" concept until it's drier than Tinkerbell's fairy dust ("Supercalafragilisticexpealidocious," "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da," and "Heigh Ho" were hits off of Vol. 1; "Bare Necessities," "It's a Small World," and "Some Day My Prince Will Come" stole the show on Vol. 2), but a glimpse of this installment's track listing is all it'll take to squash their suspicions. Once again running reverse-chronologically, Vol. 3 opens with Jonatha Brooke's gorgeously achy ballad "I'll Try," from 2002's arguably not-so-great Return to Neverland, and gradually reaches back through the years to re-raise the curtain on Toy Story 2 ("When She Loved Me," performed by Sarah McLachlan), The Lion King ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight"), Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews's classic "A Spoonful of Sugar"), Pinocchio ("Give a Little Whistle"), and a bundle of treasured others, bottoming out at 1933's "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" from The Three Little Pigs. Vol. 3 is not without its weak moments--would a G-rated movie-goers' poll produce Beauty and the Beast's "Gaston" or The Hunchback of Notre Dame's "Topsy Turvy" on a hits list? Seems unlikely. Still, the bulk of these tracks are, as the included Little Mermaid song goes, "Part of Your World," and the spread of decades they represent proves their staying power. Don't expect Disney to latch the lid on its inexhaustible archives until a dozen or so of these records, each as strong as the next, beckon you back for more. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Disney's greatest hits, volum 3.......2007-05-13

This is one of the better volums for kids and for those who are
above 18 but still have some kid in them

Timeless Disney Music.......2007-05-07

Nothing brings sweet recollection of Disney movies like hearing the wonderful songs. In an age where there so much music with no redeeming qualities, these Disney CDs are priceless. Wonderful for the entire family to listen to around the house or in the car while traveling. We can't help but sing along. We love that these are the original tracks from the movies! Wonderful! We now have all three volumes.

Disney songs are the best.......2006-03-18

I love the songs on this volume. I'll Try by Jonatha Brooke is such an amzing somg. I especially bought this CD fort that song but, was pleasantly surprsed by the rest of the playlist.

Great Disney Music.......2006-02-21

I have bought the first 2 volumes of Disney's Greatest Hits and the 3rd volume doesn't disapoint. My 2 young children love to listen to this CD and talk about the movies that they come from. A definate must have!

Not as good as Vol 1 and Vol 2.......2005-09-11

This Disney CD represents the "leftovers" that didn't make it on Vol 1 and Vol 2 of this series. Although it has some of my favorites, I don't listen to the entire CD often. Disney could have done a better job of editing the which sound files should make the cut on this one. Still, it's nice to have all 3 CDs.

Average customer rating: Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music The guitar is an orchestra in miniature! GUITAR MAJESTY Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection A True Classic

Spanish Guitar Music Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Albeniz, Mateo Pérez de | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Baroque Guitar Masters of Flamenco Guitar Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar ASIN: B00005YJ4Q Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Albeniz: Asturias
2. Albeniz: Tango
3. Sanz: Canarios
4. Rodrigo: Fandango
5. Torroba: Nocturno
6. Segreras - El Colibri
7. Albeniz: Sonata in D
8. De Falla: The Corregidor's Dance
9. De Falla: Fisherman's Song
10. De Falla: The Miller's Dance
11. Torroba: Madronos
12. La Nit de Nadal
13. El Noy de la Mare
14. Granados: Ma Maja de Goya
15. Abeniz: Cordoba
16. Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
17. Granados: Spanish Dance No. 5
18. El Testamen de Amelia
19. Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
20. Albeniz: Sevilla
21. De Falla: Homanaje
22. Mudarra: Fantasia
23. Turina: Fandanguillo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music.......2005-09-18

As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The music ranges from Renaissance composers (Sanz, Mudarra) and harmonized folk melodies to standard 20th Century works (Rodrigo, Torroba etc).

John Williams is excellent throughout. The CD is also cheap, and can be used either just for enjoyment, or further to explore other recordings by Williams, the classical guitar repertoire, or other classical guitarists.

As a marketing ploy, it is very effective.

For the collector or classical guitar enthusiast, the chief disadvantages of the CD are duplication of other recordings, and that the way at least some of the works on this CD are listed isn't helpful in telling the listener the set(s) to which these pieces belong and how to find them (e.g. "from ______, Op # "). The font listing the titles and track numbers is small and somewhat hard to read.

However, this CD should attract many listeners and enthusiasts both to the classical guitar, the repertoire, and guitarist John Williams - and I'm all for that.

Over 70 minutes playing time.

Recommended.

The guitar is an orchestra in miniature!.......2005-02-05

This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.

John Williams has always known the delicate equilibrium between the expresiveness and the glamouer. His impresive technique however is not exposed as his prima edonna. He goes directly to the soul of the composer, melts in his spirit and let the music sharp the qith eloquent conviction the composer's demanded atmosphere.

From Granados to Albeniz, from Rodrigo to Agustin Barrios - El indio Mangore -, from Moreno Torroba to Ponce , you will find the warmth, the passion and the Midas touch of this golden guitarrist.

GUITAR MAJESTY.......2004-12-21

John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young.

Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection.......2004-12-07

I originally bought this album three years ago, looking for a good introduction to Spanish guitar music. And this one fits that need perfectly. I still listen to and enjoy it today. I play this for guests at happy hour or dinner for a relaxed atmosphere. At Amazon's current price, this is a great value.

A True Classic.......2004-01-26

This album/cd is extraordinary. All the songs are gorgeous and exciting to listen to. John Williams' interpretation and technique are perfect. After 22 years of listening to it, I still enjoy and appreciate it more every time. I love giving it as a gift.

Average customer rating: masterpiece thus album has touched my heart Amazing ! Dream Theater's mission statement Their best in my opinion.

Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory Dream Theater Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dynasty | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Images and Words Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Awake Train of Thought Octavarium ASIN: B000021XS0 Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

1. Regression
2. Overture 1928
3. Strange Deja Vu
4. Through My Words
5. Fatal Tragedy
6. Beyond This Life
7. Through Her Eyes
8. Home
9. The Dance Of Eternity
10. One Last Time
11. The Spirit Carries On
12. Finally Free

Amazon.com

Progressive rock has long been the most devalued currency in popular music, perhaps due to the culture's dumbing down, too many conceptually knotted triple-albums, or merely a Greek chorus of critics parroting the emperor from Amadeus: "Too many notes!" Maybe that's what makes Dream Theater's Scenes such an audacious rush (no pun intended). Here we have a two-act murder mystery examined from a hypnotic dream state and parlayed by "The Orchestra," as the band refers to itself here. Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn't written anything as focused--or musically audacious--in decades. And if the band attacks feverish shift meters and plows through enough structural modes and, yes, notes, to make the aforementioned emperor's head spin, they manage to keep things concise, focused, and largely effective. The addition of keyboardist Jordan Rudess has freshened the band's tack, infused now with the odd, playful ragtime piano quote and sitar sample. Vocalist James Labrie, meanwhile, amply proves that Queensryche's Geoff Tate isn't the only drama queen in prog metal. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

masterpiece.......2007-07-12

this one, and Awake, will be the ones that your kids will regard the way you and me regard Dark Side of the Moon.

thus album has touched my heart.......2007-07-08

along with top notch musical writing, this ia a concept album if there ever was one. the whole album revolves around specificlly writen melodies along with its consistant story line which involes the double murder of a young couple. anyone who appreciates concept albyms will see this as being the ultimate one of the genre because it is both melodically and lyrically perfect. praise be to the best

Amazing !.......2007-07-01

I am new to Dream Theater, I have make "the discovery" two years ago while the band was the opening act for "Yes". I have to admit that their performance was "jaw dropping" if you see what I mean. They had less than 45 minutes that night but this was enough for me. I wanted to knew all about them. This album is simply amazing, if you like great musical performance, great vocals, prog rock music at its best, this one is for you. Don't miss the chance to discover an amazing album and an amazing band.

Dream Theater's mission statement.......2007-06-28

After releasing the uneven and often criticized Falling Into Infinity in 1997, Dream Theater found themselves with a lot to prove. If Falling Into Infinity was a misguided attempt to let outside voices "streamline" the band's progressive metal sound in hopes of reaching some mythical "crossover" audience, then its successor - 1999's Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory - was a deliberate statement by the band; a statement that said in no uncertain terms that Dream Theater's music is not for the top 40 listening masses and never will be. The band kept their own counsel while recording this album, the result of which is a progressive metal tour-de-force that reestablished the band at the top of the progressive metal pantheon.

Scenes From a Memory is an ambitious concept album based loosely on the Images and Words song Metropolis, Part I. I was a bit surprised to hear about the album's concept, as I always thought that the lyrics to Metropolis Part I were mostly metaphorical in nature. Still, the band managed to put together an interesting, if convoluted, tale of love, murder, reincarnation and redemption carried out over the course of 12 songs.

Musically this is a very strong album. With the songwriting and production duties solely in the band's hands (and absolutely no need to come up with a "hit"), they were free to be as creative and progressive as they chose. This is most obvious in the instrumental interplay between guitar god John Petrucci and incoming keyboardist Jordan Rudess, whose pyrotechnics on this album are the stuff of legend. Mike Portnoy and John Myung, both masters of their craft, are more than up to the challenge, as is vocalist James LaBrie, who was coming off of a tour that nearly destroyed his voice.

Overall Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory is a very impressive album. The only real flaw, and it's one that affects most concept albums, is that it really only works as a whole album. Unlike the songs on Images and Words or Train of Thought, the tracks on SFAM don't really work as single songs. The lyrical content, storyline, and the flow from one track to the next makes it hard for the songs to stand up on their own. Still, that's a relatively minor complaint about an otherwise great album.

Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory is a must-have album for all Dream Theater fans, and anyone who is into progressive metal. It may be a bit heavy for some traditional progressive rock fans, but I've generally found that crowd to be pretty open minded, so I think they'd enjoy it as well.

Their best in my opinion........2007-05-24

In my opinion, this is Dream Theater's best album. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate some of the genius work on Images and Words and Awake, it just means that, as an entire album, this one is slightly better. Images and Words as well as Awake have some of the best Dream Theater songs (Learning To Live, Metropolis Pt. 1, Caught In A Web, Scarred) to date, but Scenes From A Memory is more cohesive from beginning to end.

This release is Dream Theater's first attempt at a concept album. Whether or not you enjoy concept albums is irrelevant because each song can stand on it's own without the knowledge that the entire album follows one main storyline. Each song is very unique without straying too far from the Dream Theater formula that made them what they are. Highlights for me are Home, Fatal Tragedy, The Spirit Carries On, and Finally Free. As always, the musicianship is phenomenal without being too self indulgent as DT can sometimes be. The song structures are complex, but not so much as to take away from the overall atmosphere of each song.

This is also the first album with current (as I'm writing this) keyboardist Jordan Rudess. Jordan is obviously very talented and adds a new element to the band that wasn't there in previous albums. Not a better element, just a new element. I believe Kevin Moore was better at creating melodies than Jordan, but I believe Jordan is better during the interlude and fill sections. Six of one, half dozen of the other I guess.

I own every Dream Theater album to date and SFAM still gets the most play in my stereo, closely followed by Images and Words and Awake. I enjoy all of the albums since SFAM, but I don't think they have since captured the same magic and probably never will again.

As with every review, these are my opinions and I'm sure many people will disagree with me, but that's what makes these reviews so much fun. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: so amazing Essential Bach is OK Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music Exquisite Essential Bach Good

Essential Bach Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces Essential Beethoven Essential Tchaikovsky Essential Vivaldi: 20 Greatest Masterpieces 25 Bach Favorites ASIN: B00004SPLF Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

1. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
2. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
3. Prelude in C major
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
5. Goldberg Variations: Aria
6. Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
7. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
8. Jesu, joy of man's desiring
9. Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
10. Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
11. Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
12. Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
13. Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
14. French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
15. Prelude in D Minor
16. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
17. Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

1. Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
2. Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
3. Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
4. Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
5. Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
6. Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
7. Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
8. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
9. Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
10. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
11. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
12. Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
13. Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
14. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
15. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
16. Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
17. Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
18. Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
19. Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/

Average customer rating: VERY switched on and total joy! Viva Walter/Wendy Bach, enhanced by Ms. Wendy Carlos W. Carlos un precursore nell'uso del sintetizzatore ed un originale interprete della musica classica Switched-On Bach

Switched-On Bach Johann Sebastian Bach , and Wendy Carlos Manufacturer: East Side Digital ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Computer | Electronic | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Switched-On Bach II The Well-Tempered Synthesizer A Clockwork Orange: Wendy Carlos's Complete Original Score Switched-On Brandenburgs Hooked On Classics ASIN: B00005ORCV Release Date: 2001-10-02

Tracks:

1. Sinf To Cant No.29
2. Air On A G String
3. Two-Part Invention in F
4. Two-Part Invention in B flat
5. Two-Part Invention in d
6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
7. The Well-Tempered Clavier: Book I: Prld And Fugue No.7 in E flat
8. The Well-Tempered Clavier: Book I: Prld And Fugue No.2 in c
9. Chorale Prld 'Wachet Auf'
10. Brandenburg Con No.3 in G: I. Allegro
11. Brandenburg Con No.3 in G: II. Adagio (First, 1968 Version)
12. Brandenburg Con No.3 in G: III. Allegro
13. Initial Experiments

Amazon.com

Wendy Carlos's Switched-On Bach is one of those rare novelty recordings that never gets boring. In the capable hands of Carlos, Bach's keyboard masterpieces sound like they were made for the otherworldly blurps, farts, and chimes of a Moog synthesizer. And, in a sense, they were. Bach's inventive music doesn't lose any of it's contrapuntal punch in these complicated arrangements and, novelties aside, the playing is great on this Grammy Award-winning classic. Whether performing Bach's "Two-Part Inventions," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," or "Wachet Auf," Carlos offers one-of-a-kind interpretations, her synthesizers still sounding as otherworldly as they did in 1968. This is one of those weird and wonderful classical releases that anyone--classical scholar or pop enthusiast--can enjoy. A Switched-On box set exists, capturing most of Carlos's baroque-gone-berserk output, but this is the disc that started it all. In a word, fun. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

VERY switched on and total joy!.......2007-04-27

I was thrilled to see how many people like myself love this album & were introduced to it at an early age like I was. I believe the original release was in 1963 (?) and I remember as a kid I thought Walter Carlos was the guy on the cover of the album... so imagine my surprise when years later I see the same album cover with the performer listed as Wendy Carlos. Could it be the same album? Was I about to get really happy? YOU BET! I was so delighted to see this released on CD I can't even tell you. I loved this album and listened to it repeatedly as a kid. I especially love the pure, triumphant, unadulterated and unapologetic JOY of the first track, the Cantata... wow, turn THAT up in your car and just feel the tears of joy flood your eyes... well, maybe pull over if you are like me and can't see for that very same reason!

Bach is so very well suited to this medium- to hear each line like this and really have so much great color and definition-- I think Bach himself would be so very proud of Wendy's achievement. This album was such a landmark- I also was fascinated by the Tomita Planets (a synthesized version of the same composition by Gustav Holst) when I was younger- but this album will always have a special place in my heart. If you get it for only the very first track, it will be money well spent. Having said that, the whole album is just amazing- the Air on a G string is so reverent and peaceful. The inventions are all a trip! The one in F always cracks me up because that was one of the 1st pieces of his I tried to play... very tough because the hands do exactly the same thing- but 1 measure apart. Wendy's tempos are cookin' too, such virtuosity! But the love is there too on the slower movements where the time and care with the dynamics is so evident.

GREAT ALBUM, be glad it's on CD and get it! You won't regret it.

Viva Walter/Wendy.......2007-04-21

I have just ordered this item so I can't comment on its production value however I purchased the original LP in SQ Quadriphonic and it sounded great;still does -I transferred it to CD some time ago; but I wanted a 'professional' copy. I hope this 'enhanced' version lives up to its QUAD predecessor.
Edward Kerr
iegolden@shaw.ca

Bach, enhanced by Ms. Wendy Carlos.......2007-03-13

One of the attractions of this CD is that it portrays the Moog synthesizer. Its main attraction, in my opinion, is the performance in which Ms. Wendy Carlos has revealed the cosmic aspect of Bach's music. The Moog synthesizer was used as a vehicle to achieve this goal. The enormous popularity of this recording no doubt lies in the fact that Ms. Carlos has taken the best of the Bach's music and amplified it. This music is an abstraction fitting our times. Ms. Carlos has catapulted Bach to space. One can hear the cosmic fireworks, see brilliant colors, the birth and death of the stars, feel the loneliness of the infinite stretches of space, and the ultimate power of the hope that we can conquer our own mortality. I think that this beautiful music is all about the human spirit. It is Bach at his best.
I fell in love with this recording almost three decades ago. I maintain that there is no nicer performance of Bach. The genius of Ms. Wendy Carlos sparkles. It makes me reflect on the human achievements. It is wonderful that she has produced something so great, and that so many people have benefited from her talent.
My favorites are Symphonia to Cantata #29, Prelude and Fugue #7 in E-Flat Major and Prelude and Fugue #2 in C Minor (both from Book I of the Well-Tempered Clavier), and also the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major.
The recording is enhanced and it has a delightful addition of about 8 minutes in which Ms. Wendy Carlos tells us about the early beginnings of this project. The CD comes with a very attractive booklet that is artistically designed and has several informative write-ups about the history and development of this project.
This recording is a must!

W. Carlos un precursore nell'uso del sintetizzatore ed un originale interprete della musica classica.......2007-03-08

W. Carlos un precursore nell'uso del sintetizzatore ed un originale interprete della musica classica.
Credo che "Switched-On Bach" sia il primo (o uno dei primi) dischi prodotti da W.Carlos.
Molto interessante.
L'uso del sint era sicuramente più originale 30/40 anni fa che oggi

Switched-On Bach.......2007-01-24

Bach had a genius for polyphonic art as expressed in music. Hear his gift performed on the moog...the early synthesizer of the 60s...done tastefully and skillfully by Wendy Carlos. An eye opener in its time, yet still in demand some 40 years later. Why is that? Yes, questions...

Average customer rating: Meta-Kinks Almost Perfect Brilliant concept album This is where Lola shows you who's boss. Toppermost of the Poppermost

Lola versus Powerman and the Money-Go-Round, Part One The Kinks Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Arthur - Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society Something Else by the Kinks Muswell Hillbillies Face to Face ASIN: B000002KOW Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. The Contenders
3. Strangers
4. Denmark Street
5. Get Back In Line
6. Lola
7. Top Of The Pops
8. The Moneygoround
9. This Time Tomorrow
10. A Long Way From Home
11. Rats
12. Apeman
13. Powerman
14. Got To Be Free

Amazon.com essential recording

The Kinks' 1970 effort was the penultimate creation in a five-year, six-album burst that ranks just a notch below the great sustained rock & roll eruptions of Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Stones, and Elvis Costello. Of course, the linchpin to this collection is "Lola," Ray Davies's irresistibly vivid account of the charms of a seductive transvestite. Its daring (for the time) subject matter aside, "Lola" stands as one of the great singles of all time. Add to the list the almost as infectious "Apeman," a slew of funny, shrewd, alienated-rock-star screeds ("Top of the Tops," "The Moneyground," "Powerman"), and a couple of memorable contributions from Ray's brother, Dave ("Strangers," "Rats"), and you have the Kinks at their raucous, righteous, quirky quintessence. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Meta-Kinks.......2007-05-28

I take a backseat to no one in my love for the Kinks. They were the first rock band that grabbed me back in 1965 with "Well Respected Man" and "Sunny Afternoon," and, thereafter, I continued to rediscover them. I caught up with Kinks in 1969 with "Arthur," then again in 1970 with "Muswell Hillbillies," and again in 1972 with the Kink Kronikles retrospective, which introduced me to the UK hits "Waterloo Sunset" and "Days" as well as oddly compelling achievements like "Autumn Almanac" and "Death of a Clown." I recall vividly the release of the single "Lola," which came after "Arthur." It was almost too good: Too melodic, too funny, too brilliant in every way. The album, which followed, left me a little cold, and I've never really given it much of a listen in the past 35+ years since its release.

Now that I've given this album another chance, I can't seem to pry it from my CD player. Is this the Kinks' best album? Better than "Village Green Preservation Society?" "Muswell Hillbillies?" It might be. Musically, it's their biggest, boldest statement. Lola is like the seed of a pearl, the album being about the creation of a hit single, first the desperate climb to the top, in "The Contenders," "Denmark Street," "Get Back in Line," followed by the single itself, followed by all the things that followed; hitting "the Top of the Pops," inspiring "The Moneygoround," where people make money off "a song they've never heard," and then the life of being stars, represented by two of the disc's highlights, "This Time Tomorrow" and "A Long Way from Home" -- two of the prettiest melodies Ray Davies ever wrote. Then, finally the sometimes funny, sometimes angry struggle to break free of the commercial monster they've created, in "Apeman," "Powerman," and "Got to be Free." Woven into this narrative are two of Dave Davies' best Kink contributions, "Strangers" and "Rats," which don't fit the story line precisely, but capture its mood, "Strangers" especially.

See? It's an album with a hit single that's about the hit single. And by the end of it, they're running as far away from the hit single as they can. This is meta-fiction, 25 years ahead of its time. But it's not difficult. This album has a little of everything that makes the Kinks great: Beautiful melodies, savage rock riffs, music-hall-style satire, and lyrics both clever and heartfelt. A true treasure. Why didn't I hear it this way before?

Almost Perfect.......2007-05-05

I first bought this album because the morning show that I would listen to on the radio in SLC (Radio from Hell) would sometimes play "Apeman" as an intro song. After hearing it about half a dozen times, I finally decided to hunt down this CD. I concur with the opinions expressed by many of the previous reviewers. This is a stellar album, and I am disappointed in myself that I hadn't heard it earlier in my life. I do have one complaint for which I am subtracting one star. To my ears, this CD desperately needs to be remastered. The mix sounds tinny and weak. For me, this is most apparent on the song "Apeman" - the reason I bought the album. The vocals seem to be buried underneath the the instrumentation. I bought my copy used, so perhaps it was an earlier release CD, and there has since been a remastered release. But believe me, you will not regret purchasing this album.

Brilliant concept album.......2006-12-19

I owned this LP when it was released and I played it non-stop. The songs were acted out in "the theater in my head": it took me on an exciting, sometimes poignant, emotional journery every time. This is a brilliant concept album. "Lola versus Powerman..." still holds a very special place for me in the exordinary Kinks discography.

This is where Lola shows you who's boss........2006-11-30

Having grown up thru the British Invasion I can tell you that Ray Davies was writing songs on par with Lennon/NikCartney. The Kinks invented hard rockin', I don't care who agrees. RD in his prime could go song to song with the 'Beatlez' and his prime lasted longer than either of the aforementioned.

Toppermost of the Poppermost.......2006-11-30

Absolutely the best Kinks album, bar none. It also is one of the greatest rock albums ever. No need to delete anything before you hit "play" - unless maybe you've heard "Lola" once too often. It also has cohesiveness and a storyline. Although I usually get tired of even good material, this one always seems fresh and gets a regular spin. (It brings back fond memories of when I managed to play "Top of the Pops" on my high school's PA system.) In my experience, whenever someone hears it for the first time they always ask about it (sometimes they think it's a "greatest hits" CD - altho Lola was actually the only hit). Bottom line: if you don't own it, buy it.

Average customer rating: Relaxing music for baby's bedtime Baby loves this music! yikes! would say any lover of classical music ANOTHER FANTASTIC CD Excellent CD

Baby Bach Various Artists Manufacturer: Buena Vista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Children's Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Children's Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music CDs | Music & Video | Products | Similar Items: Baby Mozart Baby Beethoven Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics Baby Neptune Baby Galileo ASIN: B000065VBH Release Date: 2002-05-07

Product Description

A collection of classical music specifically designed for babies 1 to 36 months. The Bach selections included in this recording have been softened so as not to frighten or startle young listeners and to make classical music accessible and pleasing. Since classical music has been shown to influence a child's verbal ability, creativity, intuition, and memory, this CD is a perfect tool to aid in your child's development. Musical selections include: Minuet in G from the Anna Magdalena Notebooks; Flute Sonata in E flat, third movement; Brandenburg Concerto no. two, third movement; Orchestral Suite no. four, Rejouissance; Brandenburg Concerto no. four, first movement; Flute Sonata in E flat, first movement; Toccata in D; Brandenburg Concerto no. five, third movement; Orchestral Suite no. two, Badinerie; Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; Orchestral Suite no. three in D, Air; Two Part Invention, no. one; Goldberg Variations, no. one; Goldberg Variations, no. four; Goldberg Variations, no. thirty; Goldberg Variations, Canons; and Brandenburg Concerto no. two, third movement. Age: Birth - 3 years Manufacturer: New Sound Music

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing music for baby's bedtime.......2007-04-27

While I do want my baby to listen to Bach's music played with "real" instruments in an authentic style (which Baby Bach is NOT), Baby Bach is a very sweet, soothing selection of music. My newborn son and I both find this music very relaxing and it works like a charm to calm him down at bedtime! I would recommend this CD to any parent looking for new music to add to a baby's or young child's bedtime routine.

Baby loves this music!.......2007-02-17

Puts our 6-week old daughter to sleep. What more could you ask for!

yikes! would say any lover of classical music.......2007-01-05

The baby einstein series of music CDs is the equivalent of muzack for babies- horror to the ears!
I don't think babies need their music dumbed down to that degree.
Anyway, for the parent it's awful to hear. The beauty inherent in the muusic is completely lost, and replaced with whistles, goofy chimes, and plastic pianos. Absolutely horrible.

ANOTHER FANTASTIC CD.......2006-04-25

This cd absolutely calms my newborn - and I like the music also. Everyone with children should have this cd.

Excellent CD.......2005-10-12

Loved the CD, same music as on the DVD which my 20-month-old grandson loves. Falls asleep at night with the CD on, and I leave it on all night to soothe him if he wakes. Great puchase, worth the money!

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6. Essential Ravi Shankar [Original recording remastered]
7. Fado: Exquisite Passion
8. Find Harmony
9. Fortune Teller
10. Gardens of Eden

Rock Music

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