Twelve Twelve

About the Artist
Kenny Passarelli 30-year music career has earned him 21 platinum and gold albums, 5 gold singles and multiple top 10 chart hits through studio and live performances with Elton John, Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Hall & Oates, Stephen Stills and more. Writing "super hit" songs like Joe Walsh's classic "Rocky Mountain Way", has etched Kenny's name into the annals of the music business.

Product Description
An amazing story of Central America as seen through the eyes of Aztec rug weaver Juan Diego. A true poetic offering featuring classical music styling. Kenny calls this instrumental album contemporary classical music; we call it spectacular! You will be moved.

Twelve Twelve,Kenny Passarelli,Etherean,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Average customer rating: Voice improved with age In some ways better than the original I Don't Get It!!! joanne Suprisingly Good

Twelve Patti Smith Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: A Tribute To Joni Mitchell West Dylanesque Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) Sweet Warrior ASIN: B000NDEXIE Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Are You Experienced?
2. Everybody Wants To Rule The World
3. Helpless
4. Gimme Shelter
5. Within You Without You
6. White Rabbit
7. Changing Of The Guards
8. The Boy In The Bubble
9. Soul Kitchen
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit
11. Midnight Rider
12. Pastime Paradise

Amazon.com

Both a stopgap release until Patti Smith writes another album's worth of material and a way to keep her name in front of the public after her highly publicized 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this set of a dozen covers finds the singer/poet in an unusually reflective mode. Some of the sources are obvious for those familiar with Smith's influences (the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan), some less so (Paul Simon, Nirvana, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young), and a few come out of left field (the Allman Brothers Band, Stevie Wonder, Tears for Fears). Smith's innate class and approach guarantees there's nothing awful here, but there also isn't much that stamps these versions with her own vision. She does little more than deliver the words in her unique spoken/sung voice and--except for adding a banjo and her own poetry to an acoustic "Smells Like Teen Spirit"--keeps the arrangements close to the originals. At times she seems distant from the material, running through the Doors' "Soul Kitchen" and Young's "Helpless" with an oddly soulless detachment. Likewise, her band seems to be on autopilot, playing with little emotional involvement or attempts to bring fresh interpretations to tunes that are, with the exception of Dylan's "Changing of the Guard," surprisingly unimaginative choices. Considering the raging and extreme overhaul Smith did on Van Morrison's "Gloria" and the Who's "My Generation" in her younger days, this quieter, gentler approach seems flaccid, even bland in comparison. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Voice improved with age.......2007-08-05

With maybe an exception depending on the listener, a great collection by a closet icon whose voice has matured (i.e. gotten better), and whose interpretations fit my listening.

In some ways better than the original.......2007-08-02

Imagine being not only being able to clearly understand lyrics you probably got wrong the first time you heard them but to gain a better understanding of the meaning of familiar tunes and to feel the emotions behind them more intensly than ever before. Ms. Smith has done an incredible job of getting to the heart of Rock using her Dylanesk stylings and creatly changed key instruments in a dozen well chosen examples of rock and pop classics.

I Don't Get It!!!.......2007-08-01

Can somebody explain to me why we even listen to Patti Smith? I saw her recent performance on a CBS morning show and it was terrible. She butchered classic songs from Tear For Fears and the Rolling Stones. It was absolutely embarrassing to watch. Why has Patti Smith ever been relevant? Would we even know who she was if she didn't come from New York (you can include Lou Reed in this question). To me, she isn't even a has-been....more of a never-was. Also, a memo to the artists(?) who are now producing cover song albums.....do not do it! You are lowering yourself to what it ws like before you ever gained fame. Is Brian Ferry listening? At least he did produce some great stuff in the past.

Patti Smith can thank god for: New York, Rolling Stone magazine, and a hall of fame (in Cleveland no less)willing to showcase items such as a cub scout uniform for Jim Morrison....LOL (I required to rate a minimum of 1 star).

joanne.......2007-07-04

Absolutely Wonderful! Patti Smith never disappoints me and these twelve cover songs are some of my favorites. Great songs and Patti, who could find any fault with THIS? I have listened a couple of times now and don't think I will tire of it. If you are a Patti Smith fan, go for this one. Her voice and delivery are, as usual, hauntingly beautiful and poetic.
Love it!

Suprisingly Good.......2007-06-24

Patti Smith has made an artistic move much more common in country than in rock; when the songwriting muse dries up, interpet the works of others (e.g., Willie Nelson). Prior to hearing this I feared the worst, not because it was all covers, but because of the obviousness of the selections. That being said, I'm suprised to find this record consistent and satisfying.

Average customer rating: An unusual treat

Shanghai 12 Girls Band Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: 12 Girls Band: Live from Shanghai Eastern Energy (Bonus DVD) Twelve Girls of Christmas Romantic Energy Best of 12 Girls Band ASIN: B000PC1QLA Release Date: 2007-06-25

Tracks:

1. Glory
2. Shining Energy
3. Fragile
4. Carnival
5. Bach Tribute: Concerto For Violin In A Minor (1st Mvt.)
6. My Heart Will Go On (Theme From Titanic)
7. Loulan Girl
8. Flowers And Juveniles
9. Take Five
10. High Mountain And Floating Water
11. Handel's Music For Royal Fireworks
12. Nessun Dorma
13. The Great Canyon
14. Freedom

Amazon.com

12 Girls Band began as a series of auditions held throughout China, seeking thirteen attractive and versatile young female instrumentalists (although only twelve appear onstage at any time). After taking Japan by storm, their debut US release, Eastern Energy (2004), created a sensation, crowning Billboard's World Music chart. Since then, the group has become a firm favorite at PBS and NPR, with several prestigious international concert bookings on the horizon. For the present recording, the ensemble ranges between local folk songs, newly composed tunes and works by Sting ("Fragile"), J.S. Bach (an excerpt from Concerto For Violin in A Minor), G. Puccini ("Nessun Dorma" from Turandot), and James Horner ("My Heart Will Go On," the love theme from Titanic). Arranged by Bob Belden and Liang Jianfeng, who leads the ensemble's backing guitar combo, the overall effect is not unlike an Eastern equivalent of Celtic Woman, minus the vocals but every bit as energetic, polished, and astutely marketed. Musically, the tunes are tightly conceptualized and performed, marred only by overuse of a 4/4 snare backbeat and the fact that certain Chinese instruments, although breathtakingly lovely in a more traditional setting, are not always ideally suited to the material at hand. But even so, it's a charming, graceful and high-spirited enterprise; as good-will ambassadors, these ladies can't fail to please. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

An unusual treat.......2007-07-05

This group is tops for musicianship and you get the treat of hearing unfamiliar instruments play old favorites. Everyone that I've loaned this to has fallen for this group and their music.

Average customer rating: I Should Have Known Better Hooked From The Start! Sneaky catchy Power Pop Masterpiece Left me with an empty feeling

Twelve Stops and Home The Feeling Manufacturer: CHERRYTREE Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Costello Music Memory Man Undiscovered Yours Truly Angry Mob [Deluxe Edition CD/DVD Combo] Life in Cartoon Motion ASIN: B000MM1FAU Release Date: 2007-02-27

Tracks:

1. Sewn
2. Never Be Lonely
3. Love It When You Call
4. Fill My Little World
5. Kettle's On
6. I Want You Now
7. Strange
8. Anyone
9. Rose
10. Same Old Stuff
11. Helicopter
12. Blue Piccadilly

Amazon.com

With "indie" rapidly becoming a by-word for "whinging", it's refreshing to hear an album like the Feeling's debut. People who come to this album having only heard the catchy-yet-downbeat single "Sewn" might find the jaunty, upbeat tone of the rest of this album a refreshing surprise. Twelve Stops and Home is pure, summery optimism, with most tracks bouncing along at a happy, head-nodding pace, and packed to the brim with simple, singalong lyrics, including the liberal use of "la-la-la" and "na-na-na". Sure it's lightweight, but that's no bad thing--it cuts like a ray of sunshine right through the knee-hugging depression of contemporaries Coldplay and Keane, with whom the Feeling are sometimes, bizarrely, compared. Instead, Twelve Stops and Home is a pop album straight out of the 1970s, played by young men with guitars and a piano. Which explains why "Fill My Little World" and "I Want You Now" are so cheerful, sounding like Squeeze would have if they sang about puppies. On Twelve Stops and Home, the Feeling may not be out to change the world, but they're happy to make it a bit brighter. --Ted Kord

Album Description

THE FEELING's debut release "TWELVE STOPS AND HOME" has shipped close to 800,000 albums outside the U.S. and is already double platinum in the UK. They were also the MOST PLAYED BAND ON UK RADIO for 2006!

As they release their 5th single in the UK, THE FEELING are ready to launch their debut single and album in the U.S. with VH1 in full support. TOUR: * Supported THE FRAY in the U.S. in October 2006

* VH1 - YOU OUGHTA KNOW TOUR - CONFIRMED FOR MARCH 2007 - With Mat Kearney and Rocco DeLuca

* COACHELLA Festival performance confirmed.

Hometown: London, England

ALSO AVAILABLE: Four Stops and Home - EP (released in October 2006)

"The Feeling may very well have recorded the album of the year. Twelve Stops And Home is an outrageously tuneful, joyful, loving album. Its 12 tracks play, almost without exception, as a greatest hits set of AOR power ballads and FM pop singles." - THE WORD (UK)

"Dangerously addictive stuff." - SUNDAY TIMES [STYLE] (UK)

"Soft Rock is the new Punk and the Feeling are its Sex Pistols." - THE TIMES (UK)

"Soft rock titans-in-waiting with a bagful of soaring tunes." - Q MAGAZINE (UK)

Customer Reviews:

I Should Have Known Better.......2007-08-02

After hearing The Feeling's performance at the concert for Diana, against my better judgement, i ordered their debut cd. Outside of I Love It When You Call, it is a pretty dull affair. Perhaps with a different engineer and producer, they might have sounded like a band comprised of living beings instead of zombies.

Hooked From The Start!.......2007-07-09

I gave up on radio years ago, with its narrow-minded playlists and excessive talking. So the challenge for me is how do I find new music? Reading these reviews is one way, but I found The Feeling by watching some of the tribute to Princess Diana concert on VH1. My daughter was watching and as soon as The Feeling started playing, I was hooked. I just loved the vibe they gave off.

I've read some of the comparisons to other artists, which I don't wholly agree with. For me their music has elements of the less quirky side of Squeeze and Beatles era Paul McCartney. It's very hook-filled British pop at its best. However, it's not eclectic enough to compare to Queen or some of the other groups mentioned.

If you like good Brit-pop, buy this and enjoy!

Sneaky catchy.......2007-07-06

I bought this album after watching the video for "Sewn" every morning on VH1 for about three weeks. I didn't listen to it much aside from that single, but then my daughter kept playing it in the car and before I knew it, that was all either of us wanted to listen to. It's turned out to be a fantastic drivin' and singin' CD, and now I will always and forever associate the summer of 2007 with these songs.

Wonderful disc, highly recommended.

Power Pop Masterpiece.......2007-05-22

Surprise (but no surprise) that this group is #1 in the UK. Every song is hook filled and magnificently produced. This album harkens sounds of the late 60's and early 70's reminiscent of late Beatles, Badfinger, Pilot, 10cc, Queen, ELO, Elton John, (okay, some 80's) The Knack, REO/Styx, Tom Petty, John Miles. These guys are a great band. I wonder if they'll get any airplay in the US outside of satellite? Oh well, the FM oligarchs are insignificant today anyhow. We find our own music, buy it, and make our own mix CD's and playlists on our MP3 devices. If you like this CD you would probably also like The Land of Pure Imagination by Robert Joseph Manning Jr. of Jellyfish.

Left me with an empty feeling.......2007-05-09

I decided to purchase "Twelve Stops and Home" after falling in love with "Sewn." The album sounds reminicent to the likes of Queen, 10cc and such. There was something peculiar about the lyrics in the songs that left me wondering.

Average customer rating: Eastern Entertainment A fusion of classical and traditional Chinese music An excellent Primer Clocks Twelve Girls Band...

Eastern Energy (Bonus DVD) Twelve Girls Band Manufacturer: Platia Ent USA Inc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Romantic Energy Shanghai 12 Girls Band: Live from Shanghai Twelve Girls of Christmas Red Hot Classics ASIN: B0002KQO3U Release Date: 2005-12-19

Tracks:

1. Miracle
2. Clocks
3. Liu San Jie
4. Earthly Stars (Unsung Heroes)
5. Freedom
6. Shangri-La
7. Reel Around The Sun
8. A Girl's Dream
9. Forbidden City
10. The Great Valley
11. Alamuhan
12. Mountains And Rivers
13. Only Time
14. New Classicism

Tracks:

1. Shangri-La (DVD-Live From Budokan)
2. Alamuhan (DVD-Live From Budokan)
3. New Classicism (DVD-Live From Budokan)
4. Forbidden City (DVD-Live From Budokan)
5. Freedom (DVD-Live From Budokan)

Customer Reviews:

Eastern Entertainment.......2007-05-25

The sounds produced from the instruments on this album are exotic to my American ears but are none the less enjoyable. Would have like to see less western "music" and more original eastern style "music". The DVD, containing concert footage, was a nice bonus too!

A fusion of classical and traditional Chinese music.......2007-05-22

12 Girls Band is a musical collective of thirteen women from China. Since the women all belong to other orchestras, it is inevitable that someone in the group would not be able to perform with 12 GB therefore the thirteenth member ensures that the group will be performing with 12 members. I first discovered this group via a tv commercial a few years ago and immediately loved what I heard. "Easter Energy" is the group's first US album. It is a collection of classical, modern pop, and traditional Chinese music. The group's interpretations of Coldplay's "Clocks" and Enya's "Only Time" are excellent. Twelve Girls Band succeeds in re-interpreting the songs with their blend of classical and traditional Chinese music yet maintaining the song's pop essence. My personal favorite song is "Earthly Stars (Unsung Heroes)". What I love aobu the song is that the song has a majestic epic sound that would be perfect in a film like "Curse of the Golden Flower" or "The Promise". There is a bonus dvd that has live footage of the talented band which is worth viewing. All in all great cd.

An excellent Primer.......2007-01-03

12 GB blends the old and the new in their music by combing traditional Chinese musical instruments with modern styles and themes. They create very memorable music that provides a wonderful backdrop when studying Chinese language and culture.

Clocks.......2005-10-14

I bought this CD just so I could hear their stellar arrangement of Coldplay's, "Clocks" over and over again. Well worth the purchase price as their version is other-worldly beautiful.

Twelve Girls Band..........2005-08-18

I first heard about this "band" on a television commercial back in the fall of 2004. I was struck by their version of the song "Clocks" and it got my curiosity going! So, I did a little online research and discovered that their ensemble had been around for awhile. I ordered my copy of "Eastern Energy" and waited. I must agree, it was worth the wait! For me, their musicianship and their ability to segue from ancient to modern themes floored me! It is one of those "set it and forget it" collections that everyone should add to their library! I recommend it for everyone! Five stars!!

Average customer rating: old time favorite It's "Nature's Way" for all of us to buy the CD! The soundtrack of my dreams Very Pleased Amazing

Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus Spirit Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Family That Plays Together Spirit Clear Happy Trails The Best of Spirit ASIN: B000002AF2 Release Date: 1996-10-22

Tracks:

1. Prelude - Nothin' To Hide
2. Nature's Way
3. Animal Zoo
4. Love Has Found A Way
5. Why Can't I Be Free
6. Mr. Skin
7. Space Child
8. When I Touch You
9. Street Worm
10. Life Has Just Begun
11. Morning Will Come
12. Soldier
13. Rougher Road
14. Animal Zoo (Mono Single Version)
15. Morning Will Come (Alternate Mono Mix)
16. Red Light Roll On

Amazon.com

Spirit was formed with the intention to combine jazz, rock, classical, and folk with a mystical orientation. Led by the family duo of Hendrix-inspired guitarist Randy California and his uncle, jazz drummer Ed Cassidy (whose shaved head--some 20 years ahead of its time--was the band's visual focus), Spirit had a few idiosyncratic hits such as "I Got A Line On You." The band didn't reach its prime until Twelve Dreams, after which they promptly broke up. A loosely constructed sci-fi concept album, it contains the band's biggest hit, the ecological "Nature's Way" (complete with booming kettle drums), the surreal rock of "Animal Zoo," and the orchestral psychedelia of "Life Has Just Begun." Bristling with ideas, energy, and California's meaty guitar, Twelve Dreams exemplifies the best of the late '60s experimentalism. --Steven Mirkin

Customer Reviews:

old time favorite.......2007-08-03

Of course this cd is one of my favorites from way back. Having to replace my old lp's and glad I found it.

It's "Nature's Way" for all of us to buy the CD!.......2007-06-02

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" I am often asked to review and give thoughts on various 60's and 70's rock and roll albums.

Spirit unfortunately is a secret that has been too well kept. Sure a few have heard the amazing "I Got A Line On You" and "Nature's Way" from this release but there was so much more.

Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is the best introduction to their actual studio recordings if you have decided to procure something along with a "Best Of."

Randy California's guitar will stand-out not only for his intricacies but the ability to tastefully perform rock, psychedelic, jazz and all in between. Take note of how well versed he was.

The consistency and even flow of the record will be obvious when you first hear "Nothin' To Hide." Spirit enters the Grateful Dead realm with the pretty "Why Can't I Be Free" and throws some psychedelic sounds our way with "Space Child."

The remastered version sounds very powerful. You can check out the strong fidelity when listening through the cool Amazon sample feature.

Pay homage to Randy California and make this a proud entry in the CD collection.

Be well always,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

The soundtrack of my dreams.......2007-03-09

In 1973, I was an un-soldier stationed at a remote U.S. army outpost in South Korea. We lived in metal Butler huts (hooches), 12 people per hooch; and most of the guys in my hooch were draftees like me. We spent a LOT of time sharing aromatherapy materials and listening to all kinds of music, including Eddie Kendricks, Pharaoh Sanders, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, the James Gang...and Spirit.

Many nights I would fall asleep with the Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus playing in the background, over and over again, on a small portable cassette player that had been left running because someone had been too stoned to turn it off. The player was set up to auto-repeat every time it reached the end of the tape, so this album was literally the soundtrack of my own dreams for months. I never got tired of it. It's magical music.

These songs have always been out there just sort of weightless, floating above all of the other tunes in my musical subconscious. I've never completely figured out the lyrics to "Nothing to Hide" or "Life Has Just Begun" -- the lyric translations submitted online are just laughable -- but it doesn't matter. My own personal soundtrack has changed over the years, so I hear different things now than I did when these 12 songs first got under my skin, 34 years ago. Sardonicus still gives me goose bumps today.

Very Pleased.......2007-02-05

Very pleased with the purchase of this har-to-find album. Delivered in great condition.

Amazing.......2006-08-02

As I wrote in a review of the Family which plays together, I am not sure if this is better than the 2nd and 3rd albums, (The Family and Clear), I love this album and go around singing Nature's Way, Love has found a way, Animal Zoo and especially the very short, Why Can't I be free, which to me sums up the late 60s and 70s as well as any Dead song.

They captured the spirit of the time so perfectly that I have never gotten tired of their best songs. I thought Clear was the perfect album with its wonderful instrumentals and since each song flows so perfectly into the next while some of the 12 Dreams don't fit in so perfectly but who cares?

This is amazing music which you really have to have.

Average customer rating: Excellent Christmas Music with a Chinese Flair! A New, Fresh, Lively Holiday addition! Outstanding All I Want For Christmas is the 12 Girls Band

Twelve Girls of Christmas Twelve Girls Band Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Romantic Energy Eastern Energy (Bonus DVD) Shanghai 12 Girls Band: Live from Shanghai Red Hot Classics ASIN: B000BCE90Y Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. Joy to the World
2. First Noel
3. Christmas Eve
4. All I Want for Christmas Is You
5. Silent Night
6. White Christmas
7. Koibito Ga Santa Claus
8. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
9. Jingle Bells
10. Shiroi Koibito Tachi
11. Last Christmas
12. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Christmas Music with a Chinese Flair!.......2006-12-17

We've been listening to this CD each nite over dinner this Christmas season.
These are the best renditions of traditional Christmas tunes that I've heard in my 43 years. Two included songs,"Shiroi Koibito Tachi" and "Koibito Ga Santa Claus" are so pleasant they make me wish I lived in China itself. Twelve Girls Band is great music to dine to, relax to, or even while doing work around the house.

A New, Fresh, Lively Holiday addition!.......2005-12-21

This is a lovely addition to the 12 Girls Band catalog, and a very satisfying holiday CD. A few selections will be different for the holiday listener, but some very familiar - always with the stamp of the 12 Girls Band style and talent. The Girls have shown they have staying power, and their continuation with new releases, as well as their recent US tour have proven that they have universal appeal. A welcome addition to the world music scene.

Outstanding.......2005-12-16

Very good CD, absolute pleasure to listen when driving, studying, or just for relaxing. Builds the holiday mood too. Best songs would be Shiroi Kobito Tachi, Christmas Eve, All I want for Christmas is You and Santa Claus is coming to town.

All I Want For Christmas is the 12 Girls Band.......2005-12-07

Wow. I just saw them during their wonderful North American Tour 2005 and right after Romantic Energy the 12GB releases a holiday album for their American fans. Very fine performances of traditional Western Christmas seasonal music and also several modern Western & Japanese seasonal tunes. Some jazzed up and hip -- others more simple and sedate -- unique musical interpretations and all very pleasurable listening. Their music truly spreads Joy to the World. If you are a 12 Girls Band fan this album of Christmas favorites will brighten the holidays even more.

Average customer rating: Delightful World Music from The People's Republic of China Get the imported version instead. Perfectly Pleasureable

Romantic Energy Twelve Girls Band Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Twelve Girls of Christmas Eastern Energy (Bonus DVD) Shanghai 12 Girls Band: Live from Shanghai Red Hot Classics ASIN: B000AP2YRC Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Dunhuang
2. Ruten
3. River Shule
4. Romantic Energy
5. El Condor Pasa
6. Tang Court Ensemble
7. From the Beginning Until Now
8. Yangguan
9. Whispering Earth
10. Flower
11. Carnival
12. Freedom (live)

Album Description

One dozen beautiful young women, all in their twenties, take the stage and stand before an array of exotic and ancient musical instruments. Although an uncommon sight, the moment they start to play, it's clear the members of the Twelve Girls Band are among the most gifted musicians in the world. Hailing from the "People's Republic of China", the Twelve Girls Band is already one of that country's most popular ensembles and the most successful artist to come to America from China.

The Twelve Girls Band takes 1500 years of Chinese musical tradition and makes it contemporary. By fusing traditional instruments with modern harmonies and vibrant performances, they create a sound that crosses all cultural barriers, bringing unique tonal colors not only to their own compositions, but western standards as well.

For those who believe in the power of music to bring people on this planet closer together, the Twelve Girls Band will be a driving force from one of the world's oldest cultures.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful World Music from The People's Republic of China .......2005-11-03

This is very new and very different and I found it a delightful experience.

This group is from The People's Republic of China and use traditional Chinese instrumentation to produce some very interesting interpretations of Western music as well as some very interesting Chinese compositions.

This is their second CD, and I understand it has been a very big success, as well as their sold out live performances across the United States.

I put this in the category of World, because their music runs from pop, to classical to New Age and then to Chinese. Yes, it all works very well on this CD, not clashing in any way or stretching the listener from one form to another.

The CD I have has 12 tracks, one of which is a live performance. The recording quality is excellent, even the live performance. There are some familiar pieces on this CD and there are some very new and wondrous compositions.

Note here that the CD that is offered for sale has a DVD, which I did not receive for review.

Overall, I am impressed with this group. This is a great first impression for the new listener to this kind of performance. The band is tight, knows how to please the listener as well as show off their excellent skills. The compositions are well chosen, and the CD is a good production piece.

If you enjoy upbeat music, and would like something with a slight Chinese twist, this is a lovely work to add to your collection. While it does run towards the "pop" side, it has elements that could be classified as "New Age". I will tell you, in my book the only way I classify it is "totally enjoyable"! mafoster

Get the imported version instead........2005-10-25

I own the imported version which has 17 songs, almost double of this release. Some of the best material is among the songs that were cut on this version. I'm not sure why they didn't just release the same product for the U.S. Even if it costs more it'll be worth it.

Perfectly Pleasureable.......2005-10-07

The new 12 Girls Band CD is a fabulous addition to their already tremendous music catalogue. Romantic Energy is filled with beautiful music that fills me with happiness as I listen. Several of the faster rhythym songs such as Dunhuang, Romantic Energy and Carnival are truly uplifting and even the more gentle Flower has a very positive feeling to it. All of the songs on the CD are enjoyable and unique to this CD. The erhu, pipa and flute are emphasized which is fine, although I miss the characteristic twang of the Guqin/Duxianqin a little. Other than that, I think you will find this CD entirely enjoyable and worth every bit of the purchase price. If you are a fan of the Guqin/Duxianqin sound, their Shining Energy CD would also be a treat for your ears.

Average customer rating: music so good you'll cry This is one for everybody should be accepted by any rational person as strong evidence for God's existence. Fill in your blank slate with some innovative music... Modern classical music that is beautiful

Tabula Rasa Dennis Russell Davies , Keith Jarrett , Gidon Kremer , Stuttgart State Orchestra , Tatiana Grindenko , Alfred Schnittke , and Twelve Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Alina - Arvo Part Lamentate Arvo Pärt Sanctuary Arvo Part: Te Deum / Kaljuste, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Henryk Gorecki: Symphony 3 "Sorrowful Songs" ASIN: B0000262K7 Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

1. Fratres
2. Cantus In Memory Of Benjamin Britten
3. Fratres
4. Tabula Rasa

Amazon.com essential recording

This seminal disc now almost seems like the manifesto for a whole new strain of minimalism that has found an enormously receptive audience. It represented a breakthrough for Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, whose music--like that of his European colleagues John Tavener and Henryk Górecki--pursues an austerely beautiful simplicity that suggests spiritual illumination. Fratres, given here in two versions, one for piano and violin and the other for 12 cellos, repeatedly intones a sequence resembling chant to convey a sensibility that seems at once archaic and beyond time. Violinist Gidon Kremer, for whom Pärt wrote the exquisitely contemplative and hypnotic title work, grasps the music's koan-like idiom, allowing an inner fullness to resonate through the most fragile, ethereal wisps of tone against the mysterious clangings of prepared piano. The tolling of the tubular bells in Cantus in memory of Benjamin Britten is an emotionally charged lament, based on a simple minor descending scale, that introduces Pärt's fascination with what he calls "tintinnabulation": the literal and metaphorical sound of ringing bells. This recording is also famous for the acoustically warm presence produced by ECM's Manfred Eicher, which magnificently captures the mystical simplicity of Pärt's sound world. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

music so good you'll cry.......2007-04-21

I first heard one of the songs playing in a Starbucks and had to ask them what it was... I couldn't hear it very well, but I knew I needed to hear more. After I got home and listened to the previews on Amazon, I was hooked.

There is so much depth and sweetness to this music. It has literally brought me to tears. If you're looking for an album of chamber music that truely goes beyond the normal lulling sound and into the realm of true artistic expression, this is one to own. It is one of the prizes of my collection.

This is one for everybody.......2006-08-30

I'm not completely dug on classical and contemporanean music, ECM stuff included. Lygeti, Xenakis they make me sense, all along american minimalists like Reich or Cage. Electro-acustic is more ear-friendly for me (Ferrari, Parmegiani) but... All this speech just to say that thsi is one ECM record I own - the 1977's Tabula Rasa. The great Gidon Kramer (check out "Silence" from Nonesuch who has another version of tabula rasa) is here with all his magic, even the world-piano-star K. Jarrett plays piano, and everything makes sense. The music is so cold and complex, ethernal yet listenable for the common of mortals. Give a try, i did and i'm inloved with.

should be accepted by any rational person as strong evidence for God's existence........2006-06-20

arguably, it was THIS music by THIS composer that Manfred Eicher's label, ECM, was meant for. If an album was released on ECM, no doubt it sounds lovely, but when purpose is paired so perfectly with sound, even ECM attains something angelic and beyond. Arvo Part's non-modulating approach to harmony, great care and attention with so few notes, and the reverent spirit that carries through his efforts encompasses a catalogue of works so great and beautiful I'm not sure any 20th century composer can remotely compare.

This ECM disc is possibly the best of all. _Tabula Rasa_, first and foremost, is a masterpiece. A violin concerto of sorts, it flows through static haze and torrid whorls, with ghostly sounds of strings punctuated by the bell- and chime-like intonations on sounds of prepared piano. Divine and without momentum, this piece forever hovers between being and nothing. _Fratres_, performed in two versions here (for violin and piano, and for 12 cellos), features a chorale-like figure recurring over an ethereal drone. Radiant and simple, not a sound is out of place. the _Cantus_ is based on rich chords arranged in a variety of rhythmic patterns, so beautiful one kind of wishes it would last longer.

this is an excellent introduction to one of the best composers of the 20th century. i would really encourage you to hear this.

Fill in your blank slate with some innovative music..........2006-01-03

This CD started it all. In 1984 it introduced the then little known Arvo Pärt to a new western audience. Pärt had long before made his "tinntinnabulation" discovery (around 1976). Before this pivotal epiphany, the majority of Pärt's work fell into the serialist category. His early work shows all of the grinding atonal experimentation of the 1950s. It thus lies in stark contrast to his later work as presented on this CD (he shares this same evolutionary path with the Polish composer Górecki).

"Tabula Rasa" introduced a new music and a new style to the west. This music doesn't follow traditional harmonic or melodic forms. Listening to Pärt differs from listening to Sibelius or Stravinski. In Pärt, environment and setting are everything. The melodies and harmonies function to set a mood rather than to follow a path or a harmonic progression leading to an ultimate resolution. Subsequently, one experiences rather than listens to Pärt's work. The notes merely provide the structure. In this way Pärt's pieces represent frameworks for music (which probably explains, as related in the CD booklet, why the members of one orchestra asked "where is the music" upon seeing the score for "Tabula Rasa"). So Pärt not only presents beautiful and moving music but also helps listeners conceive of it in new ways.

The tracks on this CD provide the perfect showcase for Pärt's work. Beginners should start here. Two versions of the meditative "Fratres" appear, but each utilize such different arrangements that they sound like two separate works. "Cantus" remains one of Pärt's most moving compositions. It sounds like a slowly exploding wall of catharsis. The nearly half hour "Tabula Rasa" features incredible violin work and prepared piano (a la Cage). Overall, the mood of each piece on this CD veers strongly toward the meditative, mystical, and ethereal. As such it serves as a great introduction to the "late" Pärt and as a showcase of incredible musicianship.

Pärt remains more of a phenomenon on CD than in the concert hall. The lush rich sound of this CD, which will have your cochleas swimming, provides some evidence as to why. Not only that, the amount of quietude and silence utilized by Pärt must create difficulties for orchestra hall performance. Pärt's music, intimate and close, probably plays best in seclusion or in small venues. For the maximum experience, put on some headphones and listen to this CD. In this way listeners can experience all the subtle harmonics and nuances that make up the music of Arvo Pärt.

Modern classical music that is beautiful.......2005-10-23

Too many modern classical composers have sacrificed beauty for virtuosity and expermintality. Not so Part. This Baltic composer writes melodic music of outstanding lyricism and profound beauty. He has succesfully managed to write in the classical format while not sounding like a repetition of the great artists of yore. The music is melancolic, but not tragic, pensive but not unpenetratable. I had the great honour to listen to a live perfomance of works by Part by the Hilliard Ensamble at the Royal Festival Hall in London, UK. It was one of the few times I know of that the audience gave a standing ovation, and just did not want to stop. Mr Part was present and he almost started crying.
Part has contributed music to films as diverse as Les Amants du Pont-Neuf and Fahrenheit 9/11.

Average customer rating: Helluva Comeback 4 1/2 Stars... 112's Best Album Period Part III is grown & sexy!! The Biggest 112 Album! My favorite album

PART III One Twelve Manufacturer: 112 / Bad Boy Umvd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Room 112 112 Hot & Wet Pleasure & Pain Enter the Dru ASIN: B000059RWB Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

1. 112 Intro
2. Dance With Me
3. It's Over Now
4. Peaches & Cream
5. I Surrender (Interlude)
6. Missing You
7. All I Want Is You
8. Don't Hate Me
9. Q, Mike, Slim, Daron (Interlude)
10. Player
11. Sweet Love
12. Smile
13. Caught Up
14. Do What You Gotta Do
15. I Think
16. Still In Love

Amazon.com

Since New Edition and Boyz II Men ceded their R&B group throne of the '80s and early '90s, it's been hard to keep up with the myriad groups that have tried to take their place. But Bad Boy's resident gentlemen, 112, have always stood out from the crowd. Their latest release, Part III, further solidifies the group's appeal. On "It's Over Now," the album's first single, the group does what they do best: combining impressive vocals with Bad Boy's trademark hip-hop production. Likewise, on "Dance with Me," an intricately produced song with an infectious heartbeat bass line, the group reminds listeners that their singing ability is in a league of its own. Part III is not without its shortcomings, however. Songs like "I Think" and "Player," two monotonous attempts at romantic ballads, could have been deleted from the album without being missed. To the group's credit, however, Part III is one of the most varied and truly captivating albums that the R&B world has seen in a long time. From beautiful harmonizing to upbeat party pleasers, Part III places the four members of 112 up there with the legends of their genre. --Felicia A. Wilks

Customer Reviews:

Helluva Comeback.......2007-04-26

As I said before, 112's sophomore album "Room 112" showed room for growth and improvement, and they did just that in this CD. A lot of dance hits and slow hits, this album is clearly a junior replica of their debut self-titled album.

4 1/2 Stars... 112's Best Album Period.......2007-03-16

This album was definitely a banger from start to finish. They came heavy with the club bangers in the beginning and smoothed it out in the end. The interludes were on point especially "Q,Mike,Slim,Daron" they killed it. Mike put his heart and soul on "Missing You" whoever was his girl definitely hit a chord. "Dont Be Mad" feat. Twista was definitely bout it with 112 talking about handling another dude's girl. That was a bold song. All the members really shined on this album as far as lead vocals, producing. You really see these gentlemen coming into their craft. Just wish they were still on Bad Boy because they fell off since they went to Def Jam. Good Luck in the future.

Part III is grown & sexy!!.......2006-04-23

112 came HOT with this one--from start to finish! Q, Mike, Slim and Daron showed that they are MEN now and doing more MANLY things ("Peaches & Cream") even if it breaks a few hearts ("Player"). What I liked most about this album was hearing Mike sing lead on more songs than he did on the last two albums. That brother sang his heart out on "Missing You". I knew he could sing, but I didn't realize just how soulful his voice was! I loved all the songs, except for "I Think". It's an okay song, but it's a bit corny and I chuckle every time I listen to it. Other than that, I am still a 112 fanatic!

The Biggest 112 Album!.......2005-05-08

Lots of People said this one is the best album of 112,
Part III is great for sho',
but actually every 112 album got its point,
I like all of their album!
So I don't think Part III is their best cause all of their album is awesome!
[besides Hot and Wet which I haven't get!]

But, Part III is the most success album by 112,
because its got The MOST popular 112 song,
Peachers and Cream, everyone love it!

112 Intro - Just a intro of the album!
With a Tight Biggie's [Dead Wrong] beat!

Dance With Me - One Of The Hottest song in this album,
A very good song to dance to!
Tight beat, Slim sing well,
plus a freakin' catchy hook! 5/5

It's Over Now - The first time I listen to it,
I think it's just alright!
But that's normal,
because many 112 songs I don't feelin' them at first,
112 songs always grow on me!
This one is very nice and the bridge is very Great!!! 5/5

Peaches and Cream - The Biggest Hit song 112 ever made!
very hot and danceable!
You Know What I Mean? 5/5

I Surrender - Interlude,
I said many times before that 112 interlude is always very great,
not some stupid skit like other did,
Not some so-call funny stuff,
Their skit is always with a nice beat and some best harmonic chorus!
This interlude is very well,
but the reason it haven't got 5 out of 5,
beacuse this album got another one even better than this! 4/5

Missing You - Nice song mostly sing by Mike!
A very nice ballad! 5/5

All I Want Is You - It's so difference with other 112 song,
the beat is not smooth or melodic RnB stuff,
It's more hard with a distorted guitar,
the hook is not too nice for me,
They wanna try something new,
but I think they can do better than this! 3.5/5

Don't Hate Me - Don't hate 112 if your girl fxxx with them!
haha! I like this one!
Ah! Forget to tell y'all it feat. Twista! 4.5/5

Q, Mike, Slim, Daron - The Best interlude 112 ever made!
The beat is very smooth and mellow!!!
You can't press the skip buttom! 5/5

Player - I don't know why people don't like this one!
The chorus is nice with some great harmony!
And Q high pitch singin' is always sounds well! 5/5

Sweet Love - S nice slow jam,
Nice but not my favorite! 4/5

Smile - I love this song, very great ballad!!!
I love those lyrics and this song is so catchy! 5/5

Caught Up - Not my favorite! 3/5

Do What You Gotta Do - Very Nice song!
Mid-Tempo and more laid-back! 4.5/5

I Think - Not my favorite! 3.5/5

Still In Love - This one remind me Crazy Over You!
Very Great ballad! Ojne of my favorite! 5/5

Part III is very great album,
Got Nice slow jam like It's Over Now, Missing You, Smile, Do What You Gotta Do, Still In Love
Got Blazin' club Hits like Dance With Me and Peaches and Cream!
A Must Have!

My favorite album.......2005-04-02

This CD is 112 at their very best. It's the perfect mix of R&B and clubby music. The vocals are smooth, the lyrics are hot...what more can you ask for? Part Three is serious ear candy. If you don't have it, get it!

Average customer rating: Robert Craft & Stravinsky: 3 Ballets on Themes of Greek Mythology A Return to the Greeks a la Stravinsky Absolute Caftsmanship Very good rendition Fine Performances of Three Fine Stravinsky Ballets

Stravinsky: Three Greek Ballets (Apollo, Agon, Orpheus) Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stravinsky: Pulcinella; The Fairy's Kiss Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex; Les Noces Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms/Symphony in 3 Movements Kurt Weill: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Lady in the Dark - Symphonic Nocturne ASIN: B0008JEKCW Release Date: 2005-05-17

Tracks:

1. Prologue: The Birth Of Apollo - London Symphony Orchestra
2. Apollo's Variation - London Symphony Orchestra
3. Pas D'Action: Apollo And the Muses - London Symphony Orchestra
4. Variation Of Calliope - London Symphony Orchestra
5. Variation Of Polymnia - London Symphony Orchestra
6. Variation Of Terpsichore - London Symphony Orchestra
7. Variation Of Apollo - London Symphony Orchestra
8. Pas De Deux: Apollo And Terpsichore - London Symphony Orchestra
9. Coda: Apollo And the Muses - London Symphony Orchestra
10. Apotheosis: Apollo And the Muses - London Symphony Orchestra
11. Pas De Quarte - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
12. Double Pas De Quarte - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
13. Triple Pas De Quarte - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
14. Prelude - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
15. First Pas De Trois: Saraband-Step - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
16. Gaillarde - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
17. Coda - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
18. Interlude - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
19. Second Pas De Trois: Bransle Simple - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
20. Bransle Gay - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
21. Bransle Double (Bransle De Poitou) - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
22. Interlude - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
23. Pas De Deux/Piu Mosso/L'Istesso Tempo/Refrain - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
24. Coda/Doppio Lento/Quasi Stretto/Coda - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
25. Four Duos - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
26. Four Trios - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
27. Lento Sostenuto - London Symphony Orchestra
28. Air De Danse - London Symphony Orchestra
29. Dance Of the Angel Of Death - London Symphony Orchestra
30. Interlude - London Symphony Orchestra
31. Dance Of The Furies - London Symphony Orchestra
32. Air De Danse - London Symphony Orchestra
33. Interlude - London Symphony Orchestra
34. Air De Danse - London Symphony Orchestra
35. Pas D'Action - London Symphony Orchestra
36. Pas De Deux - London Symphony Orchestra
37. Interlude - London Symphony Orchestra
38. Pas D'Action - London Symphony Orchestra
39. Apotheosis - London Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Robert Craft & Stravinsky: 3 Ballets on Themes of Greek Mythology.......2006-12-20

Naxos is doing us all a most welcome favor by re-releasing the Robert Craft performances of Stravinsky (and some Webern, and some Schoenberg) that earlier passed through on labels like MusicMaster and Koch Classics.

On this disc we get three of the later ballets that the composer did, based on Greek themes in mythology.

The earliest of these works is the ballet, Apollo. Or Apollon musagete. (1928) Craft seems to have had a complex relationship to the master, part family, part soul-mated colleague, and maybe part worshipper of the muses. He leads a deft and balanced reading of Apollo with the LSO. Do not let yourself be misled by the mainly diatonic, or major-key based, nature of this neo-classically fresh music. It is euphonius, and transcends its analytical means.

After visiting for a day with the composer, the Russian impresario Diaghilev wrote to a friend, "...it is, of course, an amazing work, extraordinarily calm and with greater clarity than anything he has done: filigree counterpoint around transparent, clear-cut themes, all in a major key, music not of this world, but from somewhere above ..."

Diaghilev got it, then, and so do Robert Craft and the players.

Second comes the latest of these 3 ballets, Agon. (1957) By this time the master was going serial, or twelve-tone, in his very own special way. He finished Agon close to his 75th birthday, and there is little or nothing quite like it in most of the published twelve-tone literature. Somehow, Stravinsky finds the intense economies that we associate with Webern while staying true to himself. There is no published scenario to Agon, as if the music were its own reason for being a ballet. The Orchestra of St. Luke's is smaller than the LSO, but no less musically gifted. Yet again, Robert Craft's leadership is astute, and he seems to have an ear no less incisive than Pierre Boulez when it comes to pitch, texture, and rhythm. What he offers that Pierre Boulez sometimes does not, at least as recorded, is a certain warmth and involvement, a certain sensory richness and physicality.

The last ballet on this disc is the one written in between Apollo and Agon: Orpheus (1946). The choice of subject originated with Georges Balanchine who was much taken with the Orpheus myth, but ballet stage designer Isamu Noguchi also deserves credit for bringing the work to life as dance, as scene, and as total art work. Stravinsky's genius was supported and nourished by the other two, and so we get a sort of return of the younger composer, all that much wiser for being able to embrace sensuality again after having survived two world wars and ending up settled amid the posturing glitz of Hollywood and southern California. Craft leads the LSO in another fine reading.

Apollo and Orpheus were caught in Abbey Road, U.K., and Agon in an auditorium at SUNY, Purchase. The sound matches the clarity, brilliance, and sensual heft of these three performances. Never flashy. No kitsch. But generous and scintillating, nonetheless.

Check out the whole Robert Craft series of recorded Stravinsky. This disc is just one among a string of finely matched pearls, waiting for the black velvet of your listening room's expectant quiet.

A Return to the Greeks a la Stravinsky.......2006-06-24

This marvelous CD presents three Stravinsky ballets that deal with Greek mythology and span Stravinsky's output from 1927 through 1957 allowing us to hear the manner in which Stravinsky continued to grow with the musical changes of the times (if not invent them!). The conductor is Robert Craft, Stravinsky's longtime colleague and promoter and in these recordings, each made originally on separate sessions, he conducts the London Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of St. Lukes, both ensembles having an affinity for these works.

'Apollon musagete, ballet in 2 scenes for string orchestra' (1927) is probably the finest of his neoclassical period works for orchestra alone. It can be steely cool in other's hands, but here Craft draws an achingly beautiful sound from the London Symphony. It is meditative, serenely poignant and ethereal.
'Agon, ballet for twelve dancers & orchestra' (1957) is one of Stravinsky's twelve tone works that manages to go beyond the usual constrictions of that form to become an unusually melodic work. Craft and the Orchestra of St. Lukes offer a performance that gives all of the sixteen variations individual importance.

'Orpheus, ballet in 3 scenes for orchestra' (1947) concludes the recital with the admixture of both Stravinsky's neoclassicism with his early penchant for seething romantic melody lines. This is the work of the three that will find widest audience appeal for those not yet captivated with the Stravinsky 'cerebral works' and it makes a fine way to complete this exploration into Greek themes so cleverly programmed by the reconstructors of this first class CD. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, June 06

Absolute Caftsmanship.......2005-07-17

Robert Craft was one of Stravinkij's best friends and worked closely with him in several circumstaces over the course of the years until the composer died. Craft was almost like a borther for Stravinsky (he lived with the russian composer's family both in California and later in New York City, and shared with him many ideas and projects which eventually culminated in a artistic relationship. Crafts wrote the libretto for The Flood and became the major biogarpher and Stravinskij's scholar publishing several numbers of books and essays on Starvinsky's ouvres and asethetic.

In this recording Craft is actually the best interpreterof Starvinsky's ballet music. Before I listened to this extraordinary Naxos CD, I thought tha Ansermet went farther than anybody else did --even more than Stravinskij himself. Craft made me change my mind: when you listen to his intepretation of this music, you have the feeling that he is talking to his longstanding friend Igor while conducting his music.

This recording will mark a milestone in revealing the beauty of Stravibnskij's music. Buy it, you won't regret it!

Very good rendition.......2005-07-01

I am so glad to find all three of these ballets on one CD.

The performance is beautiful. I could find nothing wrong with the interpretation, and I can assure you I am quite picky.

Anyway, I highly recommend this CD.

Fine Performances of Three Fine Stravinsky Ballets.......2005-06-10

Whoever had the idea of putting these performances of three of Stravinsky's ballets based on classical Greek themes on the same CD should get a medal. They are plucked and combined from several Koch Classics releases of a few years ago. Naxos seems to be reissuing all of Robert Craft's Stravinsky performances from the Koch label, and that's good. Craft, who has an unwarranted reputation as a dry-as-dust conductor, actually puts quite a bit of juice in these lovely scores. Similar as they may be in thrust, these three scores are really quite different from each other. 'Apollo' (1927-28) is for strings alone and is quintessential neoclassicism. 'Orpheus' (1947), for full orchestra, mixes neoclassicism with old-fashioned lyrical romanticism; indeed it is Stravinsky's first work since 'Firebird' to use the marking 'espressivo.' 'Apollo' and 'Orpheus' are narrative ballets but 'Agon' (1957) is plotless. It is very nearly atonal and varies the orchestration for nearly all the sixteen variations; the full orchestra is never used for any of them. Yet, within a few notes anyone familiar with Stravinsky's sound will immediately identify the composer of any of these works. It's always seemed amazing to me that a twelve-tone work by Stravinsky still sounds like him.

In 'Apollo' (or 'Apollon musagète' as it is called in French) all violence and abrasiveness (as one might expect from the composer of 'The Rite of Spring') are eschewed. Rather the work coolly and lyrically limns the birth and life of Apollo in music that is like some 18th-century court ballet filtered through 19th-century French ballet composers like Adam and Delibes. Delicious. And deliciously performed here by the London Symphony under Craft.

'Orpheus' was commissioned by Lincoln Kirstein for George Balanchine who had suggested the subject. It was originally intended to be coupled with 'Apollo' in performance but in fact that did not happen at its première. Although narrative, it is intensely hieratic and uses neobaroque gestures including canon, other kinds of counterpoint, restless bass lines, ostinati and the like. It is more austere than 'Apollo' but lyrical nonetheless. It, too, is given a lovely, flexible, suave performance by the LSO.

'Agon' (Greek for 'contest') is essentially a dance contest before the gods. Not really quite atonal, but making use of a 12-tone row, it combines Renaissance dances (including a galliard in C major with a canon featuring harp and mandolin), coupled with what Stephen Walsh in Grove's calls 'high-speed stream-of-consciousness chromaticism.' Its première was conducted by Robert Craft, and here, conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke's, he leads a fast-moving performance that occasionally gets a little out of breath, but is energetic and energizing for all that.

There have been other recordings of these works, including those conducted by Stravinsky himself, but these are satisfying and in modern sound.

Recommended.

TT=77:45

Scott Morrison

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