Canciones de Espana

1. Sueño Imposible

2. Sevillanas del Siglo XVIII

3. Fantasia Canaria

4. Amaneci en Tus Brazos

5. Piedra y Camino

6. Niño Judio

7. Rio Manso

8. Morrongo

9. Gracia

10. Yo VI Llorar a Dios

11. Panderetera

12. Colasa

Tracks:

Albeniz: Asturias
Albeniz: Tango
Sanz: Canarios
Rodrigo: Fandango
Torroba: Nocturno
Segreras - El Colibri
Albeniz: Sonata in D
De Falla: The Corregidor's Dance
De Falla: Fisherman's Song
De Falla: The Miller's Dance
Torroba: Madronos
La Nit de Nadal
El Noy de la Mare
Granados: Ma Maja de Goya
Abeniz: Cordoba
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Granados: Spanish Dance No. 5
El Testamen de Amelia
Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
Albeniz: Sevilla
De Falla: Homanaje
Mudarra: Fantasia
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.

The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles

Average customer rating:

Very nice introduction to the work of a great soprano
The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles
In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria
the genius of de los angeles
A n angelic voice

The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
Victoria De Los Angeles
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Very Best of
The Very Best of Lucia Popp
Very Best of
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The Very Best of Franco Corelli

ASIN: B000083GOE
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro
Un Bel Di Vedremo
Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Jussi Bjorling
Senza Mamma
Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo!... Hui! Stridono Lassu
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
Nacqui All'Affano...Non Piu Mesta
Una Voce Poco Fa
E Strano!... Ah, Fors' E Lui...Sempre Libera
Porgi, Amor
Dich, Teure Halle
Einsam In Truben Tagen
Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse...Adieu, Notre Petite Table
Les Grands Seigneurs...Ah! Je Ris
Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle

Tracks:

Auf Flugein Des Gesanges
Ich Liebe Dich
Wiegenlied
Les Filles De Cadiz
Cuba Dentro De Un Piano
Chevre
Punto De Habanera
Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
Canto Negro
De Espana Vengo
Cancion Del Amor Dolido
Cancion Del Fuego Fatuo
La Pastoura Als Camps
Bailero
Chut, Chut
Uno Jionto Postouro
Oh! Had I Jubal's Lyre
An Die Musik
Dein Blaues Auge
Vergebliches Standchen - Gerald Moore
L'Invitation Au Voyage
La Flute Enchantee
Chanson Espagnole
Chanson Francaise
Chanson Italienne
Clavelitos!
Malaguena - Gerald Moore
Granadina - Gerald Moore
Adios, Granada
Zapateado (La Tarantula E Un Bicho Mu Malo) - Alicia De Larrocha

Customer Reviews:

Very nice introduction to the work of a great soprano.......2007-07-13

This 2 CD set is a terrific introduction to the body of work of Victoria de los Angeles. As the "liner notes" point out: "She was an artist who brought individuality and a sense of joy to everything she performed. . . ." And this is not hyperbole. She was a top soprano in the middle part of the twentieth century.

Some cuts exemplify her art:

"Un bel di" is a ravishing version of this well known aria. She demonstrates a rich voice with fine musicality. This is a ravishing version of this aria. The singer displays good vocal control. There are nice transitions across the registers.

"Si, mi chiamano Mimi" is another well known work for sopranos. Again, nicely done. She appears (to me anyhow) to catch the spirit of Mimi very nicely indeed.

From "La Traviata," she essays "E strano. . .Sempre Libera." This is an affecting version. She does not have the coloratura armamentarium that some have brought to bear on this aria, but she does a fine job nonetheless. She seems to capture the desperate spirit of Violetta in "Sempre Libera."

Rossini's "Una voce poco fa" is a nice tour de force for sopranos. De los Angeles does a nice job here. This is a work from the Bel canto repertoire, but she does well. She shows vocal agility and captures the spirit of the work. This is an affecting, charming version. There is some occasional vocal harshness, but not a serious issue.

From "Carmen," "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle." Richly and nicely sung.

Her range on this CD is worth noting: from Puccini and Verdi to Wagner to Rossini to Gounod.

And then another of her specialties--songs. She does a nice turn with the Spanish song "Malaguena." Then, in a nice twist, she accompanies herself on guitar in "Adios Granada." I'm not normally so excited about songs, but in this case I found her work enchanting.

So, if you want to get a sense of the artistry of Victoria de los Angeles, this is an excellent starting point. Highly recommended!

The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles.......2006-09-13

Is the recording on Allegro records of her performance of Madame Butterfly in New Orleans in 1954, not the Rome recording. She is simply radiant, perfect, a voice truly that is a victory for the angels. Unbelievably marvelous.

In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria.......2005-02-01

Victoria De Los Angeles died Saturday of heart failure at the age of 83 in Barcelona, Spain. The world of opera mourns her loss. She was a gifted soprano and a wonderful human being. On stage, she was able to directly speak to her audience and communicate with them in a very special and rare way that is not always seen today. She never hid herself behind a facade nor distanced herself from fans and audiences. She was born to sing opera. It was in her blood. This album showcases De Los Angeles in her most memorable and successful roles. Victoria De Los Angeles was one of the first singers from Spain to win worldwide acclaim. Others would follow- Placido Domingo and Montserrat Caballe. De Los Angeles is showcased in this album which may also serve as a tribute to the now late soprano.

Her voice was essentially full lyric with some spinto. Hearing her renditions of "O Mio Babbini Caro"- a signature soprano role, as well as "Ebben Ne Andro Lontana" from La Wally and her performances as Mimi, one is clearly treated to the truest form of a pure lyric soprano. Her voice is spunned gold, with sweet, warm, feminine textures. Her reperotire remained in the Italian and French. Of course, being Spanish, she was a leading singer in Spanish Lieder and romantic ballads. Her Art Songs in Spanish are full of elegance and grace. A champion of obscure composers, she sang and recorded recitals that featured the works of lesser known composers, though strictly Lieder and Folk/Art Song.

Victoria De Los Angeles is fortunately a well-documented artist. Some film footage exist of her performances. I seem to recall that there exists a taped performance of her Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata. She excelled in the lyric roles of Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme, Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. Her Madame Butterfly is a pure lyric rendition, with less of the dramatic intensity other singers have given the role- i.e. Leontine Price, Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, etc. But her Butterfly is actually the way the role ought to be sung. It's a voice of grace, naivete and above all romance that must colorize Butterfly. The dramatic intensity only makes her sound older and madly passionate. She is only a fifteen year old girl who has been deceived and betrayed. She must remain youthful sounding. De Los Angeles does justice to the truest form of Butterfly. She was thrilling in French and Italian operas and her Spanish songs were briliant and beautiful.

Victoria will always be remembered. She was a unique and talented artist of the lyric repertoire. Her pure, lovely voice was like an angel's. There will never be another Victoria De Los Angeles. With her death, the end of an era also passes. In particular, I will always remember one reported incident. She was about to make her first recital in America but she had no accompanist- pianist/guitarist etc. When asked how she would handle this, she remarked: "Well I brought my guitar with me". And she proceeded to accompany herself with the guitar.

the genius of de los angeles.......2004-02-14

the incomparable de los angeles combines exquisite sound and nuance to the world of superb singing. her mastery of a variety of styles is astounding and yet it always sounds natural.her magic will live forever.

A n angelic voice.......2004-02-06

De los Angeles' ability to sing with elegance and style has rarely been equalled and never been surpassed. She's the greatest Charlotte in "Werther", the most tender Santuzza in "Cavalleria Rusticana" and the most sumptuos Nedda in "I Pagliacci". Her Lieder-Recordings are legendary, my favourites are the Spanish ones of course. What a piano-culture and what a velvet sound! Get this set, it's cheap and it has GREAT singing!

Average customer rating:

The classical heritage

Music of Spain

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Verdi Recordings

ASIN: B0009U55QA
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

The classical heritage .......2006-04-16

The visible embellishment of this noble instrument was enriched still more by the Spanish composers, who following the traces of his contemporaries. In the case of Fernando Sor, Haydn was his musical guide, where as Aguado, could establish himself with major vehemence, due its particular style, based in the notable right-hand articulation, eschewed the classical patterns, being able to print his own music a flamboyant and refined character.

In the particular case of Fernando Sor, we have a wisdom blending of the counterpoint technique, an evocative mood from his own that, added the well known influence of the Italian composers (Domenico Cimarrosa and Giovanni Batista Pergolesi) and his beloved love for the Operatic genre, allowed him to enrich still more the lyrical possibilities of the guitar. Besides, unlike Nicolo Paganini, for instance fortunately did not transform the guitar in a simple device to show his overwhelming gifts. He used the guitar to play music, on the opposite approach of Paganini who used the music as mere device to play his instrument.

In the guitar genre there has not been most deserved and superb tribute to Mozart that this Variations Op. 9 based on a motive of The most famous Mozart ?s Magic Flute. Loaded of such imaginative freshness and enraptured inspiration you may notice that one of the Variations conserves an undeniable Italian flavor; this is one of the most beloved hidden treasures the guitar can offers us, which raise with special charm in the hands of this formidable soloist.

Aguado on the contrary acquired due his personal state of things, a notable adroitness who excelled by far, to Sor, so his musical approaches rode in opposite directions, trying to exploit at maximum levels the technical possibilities of the instrument.

Julian Bream makes a colossal tribute to both composers in this egregious and golden album.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant in many ways
classical gems
Nobody Does It Better
Good CD
A cultural treasure

Spanish Guitar Music

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B00000277B
Release Date: 1991-04-05

Tracks:

Asturias
Tango
Canarios
Fandango
Nocturno
El Colibri
Sonata In D
The Corregidor's Dance
Fisherman's Song
The Miller's Dance
Mondronos
La Nit de Nadal
El Noy de la Mare
La Maja de Goya
Cordoba
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Spanish Dance No. 5
El Testamen de Amelia
Prelude No. 4 In E Minor
Sevilla
Homanaje
Fantasia
Fandanguillo, Op. 36

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant in many ways.......2005-10-04

'The guitar is a genuinely Spanish instrument,' writes Uwe Kraemer, and it (along with the classical music for it) is one of the great gifts of Spanish culture to the world. The period of composition for guitar in Spanish culture began in the 1500s, and has never really faded. Guitarist John Williams (not to be confused with the composer of the Star Wars themes) is a master of this instrument, and has selected a repertoire of pieces spanning all four centuries of the instrument.

This is a solo album - all of the pieces here are arranged for single guitar. Some of the music is distinctively Spanish, while others bear a Catalan and Portuguese influence. Few of the composers on this album are well-known names in the Northern-European culture, but in the Latin culture, these are names that are known, and the music even more so.

From the earliest century of guitar music, composers such as Gaspar Sanz and Alonso Mudarra show the origins of this kind of work, which includes dissonances that occasionally sound like modern composition. There are pieces with lively spirit and power, inspiring dance in a more popular mode.

Mateo Albeniz has only one surviving composition; a church organist in the late eighteenth/early nineteenth century, he was influenced by Scarlatti and wrote for the harpischord - Williams has transcribed the piece for guitar here.

From the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, many composers were productive: Isaac Albeniz, Julio Sagreras, Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados, Francisco Tarrega, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Joaquin Turina. Some like de Falla were very influenced by traditional Spanish stories and musical themes, whereas others like Granados drew inspiration from the broader aspects of European musical tradition. Villa-Lobos shows the transportation of Spanish music into the new world, becoming a noted name in Brazilian music (which, ironically, is the only major South American country without Spanish as its primary language).

Joaquin Rodrigo and Frederico Moreno Torroba represent composers in this grand style up to the present day.

John Williams' playing is technically sound and has flashes of emotional power and inspiration. Many pieces here are wonderful, but 'The Miller's Dance', the 'Fandango' and the Villa-Lobos 'Prelude No. 4 in E minor' stand out as the greatest of tracks here, being nothing short of brilliant.

classical gems.......2003-07-09

A treat for the solo guitar enthusiast, this is a sparkling collection of Spanish classics, full of drama and passion, played to perfection by John Williams. His technique is dazzling, with a purity and clarity even in the fast and fiery parts, and never a squishy note to be heard.
The music takes us back to the mid 16th century with Alonso Mudarra's "Fantasia", which is short and charming, as well as another early composer, Gaspar Sanz (1640-1710), with his "Canarios", up to many 20th century masters like de Falla, Torroba, and the only non-Spaniard represented, the Brazilian Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Favorites include Albeniz' "Cordoba", which has a marvelous "rasqueado", and the familiar but exciting "The Miller's Dance" by de Falla, but every track is impressive on this CD, as well as entertaining, something solo guitar music occasionally fails to be.

Having been reared by a mother who loved her guitar almost as much as her children, I have heard these pieces played often and by many great artists, but never better, or more enjoyably. This is a compilation that consists of previously released material, some from the 70's and 80's; the sound throughout is excellent, and the total time 73:46.

Nobody Does It Better.......2001-11-24

I regard the recording of "Leyenda" on this CD the best. All other recordings are weak, especially during the buildup of the arpeggio and the strummed chords. Williams is the only guitarist I've heard (including Segovia) to give this dramatic masterpiece the dose of power it deserves--from the bright arpeggio to the whipsaw chordal strums. Other great performances on this CD are "Canarios," "Sonata in D," "Madronos," "Cordoba," and "Recuerdos de la Alhambra." To give an indication of just how powerful Williams' playing is, I've heard Christopher Parkening's and David Brandon's duo (which I highly regard) performance of "The Miller's Dance," and found it lacking the dynamism and excitement of Williams' solo performance. A few of the other compositions on this CD don't appeal to me much; otherwise, I'd rate this CD higher.

Good CD.......2001-10-15

Nice round choice of pieces, well performed. Naturally there are favorites, but overall, a lovely work.

A cultural treasure.......2001-10-09

While converting CDs to MP3s recently, I rediscovered this 1990 CD. I've always loved Williams' lively performances of "Canarios" and "Fantasia", but was struck, one week before the terrorist war began, by the gentle, sad beauty of "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" [Keepsakes of the Alhambra palace]. Tarrega's composition, an inspired work of genius, could serve to restore hopes of peace to the world.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding music and great value!!
Excellent
Very Highly Recommended

Guitarra española

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra

ASIN: B0000B09Z5
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding music and great value!!.......2006-04-02

Narciso Yepes is my favorite classical guitarist. I was delighted to hear a couple guitar concertos I had never heard before. Ohana, Bacarisse, and Ruiz-Pipo were great discoveries. Again, Yepes is the BEST. Strongly recommended.

Excellent.......2005-08-22

The late Narciso Yepes is perhaps my favorite guitarist- Spanish or otherwse. With each of his recordings there is the sense of a madman, master, and poet at one with his instrument. I recently purchased "Guitarra espagnola" and have found endless enjoyment listening critically and as background while I work. This is the perfect "not background music" background music to play when you have guests. You and your guests will find yourself withdrawing from lively conversations to enjoy a poignant, sweet, or sinister moment with the music. This is a compilation of recordings from the past 20 to 30 years. The compositions span from the 17th to 20th century. The quality of the recordings is very good but at times varied. The availability of the compilation is very limited. Get it while you can! I also recommend Alirio Diaz and John Williams.

Very Highly Recommended.......2004-05-08

I cannot recommend this retrospective of just a small amount of Yepes's work highly enough.

No matter what popular and lay opinions may be about Williams, Bream, Segovia, and others, the greatest classical guitarist of the 20th century was Narciso Yepes. It is a pity and a shame that the fear of the older generation of guitarists and their associates made Yepes a marginal figure.

He was a consummate technician and a knowledgeable interpreter of all musical idioms from the Middle Ages through to the height of the 20th Century avant-garde. His playing was characterized by intelligence, sensibility, clarity, power, majesty, poetry, and a devilish ability to separate and sustain contrapuntal lines.

In this box of 5 CDs you will find the definitive performance of Rodrigo's now famous "Aranjuez" concerto, which, incidentally, was first recorded and made famous by Yepes. There are also 2 CDs with rare concertos by Salvador Bacarisse, Antonio Ruiz-Pipo, and Maurice Ohana.

The other 3 CD's contain generally the best performances of the canon of solo guitar works that you are likely to find. The composers include Sanz, Mudarra, Narvaez, Soler, Sor, Albeniz, Granados, Tarrega, De Falla, Turina, Bacarisse, Rodrigo, Llobet, Pujol, Moreno Torroba, Montsalvatge, Ohana, and Ruiz-Pipo.

Every guitarist and every lover of the instrument should own this set. If it is not available, also refer to a similar box set with the ASIN number B00006L6RN or another B000026ZRL.

Alfredo Kraus / Las Mas Bellas Canciones De España, Sings Operatic Arias Ii, Che Gelida Manina - Ave Maria

Average customer rating:

Alfredo Kraus / Las Mas Bellas Canciones De España, Sings Operatic Arias Ii, Che Gelida Manina - Ave Maria
Alfredo Kraus
Manufacturer: Orfeon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DQDH
Release Date: 1998-05-15

Tracks:

Islas Canarias
Ay Granada
Suspiro del Moro
Maitechu Mia
Trova de Lindajara
Granada
Jota
Partida
Granada Mia
Canciones Que Al Alma Van
Trust de los Tenoriso
Pesares

Average customer rating:

20 Grandes Exitos: Jose Luis Perales

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00079323Q

Product Description

Y como es el, Si, Ella y El, Cancion infantil, Y te vas, Comprare, Podre olvidar, Por ti, Celos de mi guitarra, Soledades, Me llamas, Te quiero, El amor, La casada, Quisiera decir tu nombre, Por amor, Cuando vuelvas, Pequeño gorrion, A ti mujer, & A quien le importa

Iberia: Albeniz, Granados, Rodrigo and Llobet

Average customer rating:

Will The Real John Williams Please Stand Up

Iberia: Albeniz, Granados, Rodrigo and Llobet

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Guitarist
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Together/Julian Bream & John Williams
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ASIN: B00000281K
Release Date: 1992-09-08

Tracks:

Valses Poeticos
Invocation Et Danse
Nine Catalan Folksongs: Canco Del Lladre
Nine Catalan Folksongs: El Testament d'Amelia
Nine Catalan Folksongs: La Filadora
Nine Catalan Folksongs: El Mestre
Nine Catalan Folksongs: La Nit De Nadal
Nine Catalan Folksongs: L'Hereu Riera
Nine Catalan Folksongs: Lo Fill Del Rei
Nine Catalan Folksongs: La Pastoreta
Nine Catalan Folksongs: El Noi De La Mare
En Los Trigales
Iberia: El Albaicin
Iberia: Triana
Iberia: Rondena

Customer Reviews:

Will The Real John Williams Please Stand Up.......2001-05-06

If "Who is John Williams?" was the question on a game show, 95% would answer the conductor/composer of Star Wars, and the other 5% would probably mention one of two former NBA players. Relatively few, if any, would say John Williams was a classical guitarist, which is a shame because John Williams the guitarist is arguably the greatest of all John Williamses. And of all John Williams the guitarist's recordings, "Iberia" is one of his best. On this disc, Williams first performs works for solo guitar, including Granados' "Valses Poeticos" (transcribed for guitar by Williams), Rodrigo's "Invocation et Danse" and Llobet's "Nine Catalan Folksongs." The disc concludes with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Paul Daniel, joining Williams on Steve Gray's arrangement for guitar of Albeniz's famous work "Iberia." "Iberia" was originally written with piano as the featured solo instrument, but the guitar seems a perfect fit for the leading role. Gramophone said that John Williams' "Iberia" was "a landmark recording" and I agree 100%.

Average customer rating:

MY FAVORITE CD!!!!
A Mysterious Treat Honoring a Mythical Queen
Almost perfect...
Enter another world...
Music to lie down and die to

Music For Joan The Mad

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Garden of Earthly Delights
Perceval: La quête du Graal (The Quest for the Grail), Vol. 1
The Black Madonna
Montsegur: La Tragedie Cathare
An Ancient Muse

ASIN: B000001Q75
Release Date: 1995-03-28

Tracks:

Los Cantos Del Exilio: Dame la mano (La Sirena)
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Una matica de ruda
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Poco le das
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Dunula
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Dame la mano
Los Cantos Del Exilio: El mi querido
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Dolores tiene la reina
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Por alli paso un cavallero
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Los bilbilicos
Los Cantos Del Exilio: Marcha sobre 'Dame la mano'
En Toledo, Con Los Reyes Catolicos: La canela
En Toledo, Con Los Reyes Catolicos: Dios te salve, Maria
En Toledo, Con Los Reyes Catolicos: O Senor Dios
En Toledo, Con Los Reyes Catolicos: Triste Espana sin ventura
En Toledo, Con Los Reyes Catolicos: Alta, O Gloriosa Domina
Reconquista: 'Acuerdate de Andalucia...'
Reconquista: Paseabase el Rey Moro
Reconquista: O Gloriosa Domina
Reconquista: Levanta, Pascual!
El Amor Y La Muerte: Mille Regrets
El Amor Y La Muerte: Si je perdais mon amy
El Amor Y La Muerte: Adieu corage, adieu
El Amor Y La Muerte: De tous bien playne
El Amor Y La Muerte: 'Todas estas canciones...'
El Amor Y La Muerte: Con que la lavare?
El Neuvo Mundo: L'Homme arme, Credo In unum deum

Customer Reviews:

MY FAVORITE CD!!!!.......2007-02-11

Let me tell you - I bought this CD twice because the first one got scratched up so bad I couldn't listen to anything. I LOVE LA NEF!!! My 132nd wish is to see this troupe live in concert!!! :D

Okay. "Music for Joan the Mad" is about musicians stuck inside the queen's chamber trying to appease her insanity. If you read the bible - remember Saul & David? Sort of the same theme, only he had demons and she's just crazy.

I LOVE THIS CD...nothing could appease this woman. She was mad because something happened to her love (her husband) and it drove her crazy. So she won't leave her chambers or the castle and insists on being entertained in her room.

At the end of the cd, she's still crazy but you will fall in love with love with this troupe!!

A Mysterious Treat Honoring a Mythical Queen.......2007-01-25

This music is amazing to listen to, to absorb, to live with, and the story behind it, which is on the liner notes and I do not recall in exact detail, is also fascinating. (When I get my ordered copy, I'll update this) Apparently, the legend these musicians are recreating in their modern imagining of the Iberian music, is that of a queen who was called Mad by her husband, and put into exile. She so loved music that her musicians chose to go into exile with her, and play for her, rather than leave her to live alone. The songs, even if you don't know the translations, suggest melancholy, rebellious, defiant joy in the midst of pain and loss, and the defiant beauty of art in dark times--the constant strength of voices and songs that can transmit anywhere, with passion.

Almost perfect..........2004-12-03

If you enjoy early music, and you are not a purist, but just looking for pleasure, you must get this CD. This is NOT the music that Colombus was playing while sailing across the Atlantic. No. This music is the smartest artifice, the most intelligent mix of powerful rhythms and cultural influences. Get it.

Enter another world..........2003-05-27

Wow. Few CDs have ever struck me as much as La Nef's "Music for Joan the Mad" has. It was the album that introduced me to this remarkable group that recreates medieval music so we can hear it today.

"Music for Joan the Mad" would be categorized as "Spanish Classical". During this time (around the late 15th century) Spain was at its height, and the music was very regal and flowing, also influenced by Arab traditions. Indeed there are many Arab influences on this album, from the beautiful instruments (I think I heard an oud on one of the tracks) to the wonderful vocals. La Nef has truly recreated the glory days of Spain.

Whenever I hear this CD (and that is often), I always imagine myself walking through a 15th Century Spanish castle, the stone walls echoing with the plucks of guitars and the melodies of a soprano. If you're even remotely interested in transporting yourself back in time, listen to the sample tracks and buy the CD. You won't regret it...

Music to lie down and die to.......2002-03-05

When one finds an ensemble of musicians who have chosen a time and a place to honour, or replicate, or interpret with skillful passion, take note and investigate for yourself what distant scenery could inspire artists so.

Joan The Mad deserves such respect. I hardly review or rate albums, but this particular one deserves a notation. The album begins on a sordid note that is the doorway to an ancient place of exotic sounds blended with classical givens. The Moors have made their mark on this Iberian album that gives a sense of ancient Arabian masters feasting with their Spanish hosts.