The Air Up There (Music from & Inspired by the Motion Picture) [Soundtrack]

1. Halawi Plays - David "Fathead" Newman, David Newman,

2. Watch Me Fly - Jimmy Cliff

3. Hamady Boiro (Yelle) - Baaba Maal

4. Agolo - Angélique Kidjo

5. Tana Kamina

6. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher

7. 41 Seconds Left/The Winning Basket - David "Fathead" Newman, David Newman,

8. Chobolo - Spokes Mashiyane

9. Ukhulum' Izindaba - Mahlathini, Mahotella Queens

10. Nwahulwana - Orchestra Marrabenta

11. Watch Me Fly [Swahili Version] - Matthew Wilder

The Air Up There (Music from & Inspired by the Motion Picture),Original Soundtrack,Interscope Records,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Mbaqanga,New Wave,Pop/Rock,Soundtrack,Soundtracks & Film Scores

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set) Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | 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 Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set] ASIN: B00062FLI8 Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating: Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty So Fashionable, and So Disappointing A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal Wait! Before you buy... La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener

Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock George Frideric Handel , Arleen Auger , Anne Sofie von Otter , Trevor Pinnock , The English Concert & Choir , Michael Chance , Howard Crook , and John Tomlinson Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel - Messiah / Ameling · A. Reynolds · Langridge · Howell · Marriner Belcea Quartet ~ Debussy · Dutilleux · Ravel Beethoven: Symphony No 9 /ORR * Gardiner Handel: Messiah /Nelson * Kirkby * Watkinson * Elliott * Thomas * AAM * Hogwood Haydn: Lord Nelson Mass / Willcocks, King's College Choir ASIN: B0000057DB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part One - 1. Sinfony (Grave - Allegro moderato)
2. Messiah: Part One - 2. Accompagnato : Comfort Ye My People
3. Messiah: Part One - 3. Air : Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
4. Messiah: Part One - 4. Chorus : And The Glory Of The Lord Shall Be Revealed
5. Messiah: Part One - 5. Accompagnato : Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts
6. Messiah: Part One - 6. Air : But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming
7. Messiah: Part One - 7. Chorus : And He Shall Purify
8. Messiah: Part One - 8. Recitative : Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive
9. Messiah: Part One - 9. Air and Chorus : O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings
10. Messiah: Part One - 10. Accompagnato : For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover
11. Messiah: Part One - 11. Air : The People That Walked In Darkness
12. Messiah: Part One - 12. Chorus : For Unto Us A Child Is Born
13. Messiah: Part One - 13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Messiah: Part One - 14. Recitative: There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field - Accompagnato: And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord - 15. Recitative: And The Angel Said Unto Them - 16. Accompagnato: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel
15. Messiah: Part One - 17. Chorus : Glory To God In The Highest
16. Messiah: Part One - 18. Air : Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion
17. Messiah: Part One - 19. Recitative : Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind
18. Messiah: Part One - 20. Air : He Shall Feed His Flock
19. Messiah: Part One - 21. Chorus : His Yoke Is Easy, His Burthen Is Light
20. Messiah: Part Two - 22. Chorus : Behold The Lamb Of God
21. Messiah: Part Two - Air : 23. He Was Despised

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part Two - 24. Chorus : Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
2. Messiah: Part Two - 25. Chorus : And With His Stripes We Are Healed
3. Messiah: Part Two - 26. Chorus : All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
4. Messiah: Part Two - 27. Accompagnato : All They That See Him
5. Messiah: Part Two - 28. Chorus : He Trusted In God
6. Messiah: Part Two - 29. Accompagnato : Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
7. Messiah: Part Two - 30. Arioso : Behold, And See If There Be Any Sorrow
8. Messiah: Part Two - 31. Accompagnato : He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land
9. Messiah: Part Two - 32. Air : But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul
10. Messiah: Part Two - 33. Chorus : Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
11. Messiah: Part Two - 34. Recitative : Unto Which Of The Angels
12. Messiah: Part Two - 35. Chorus : Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him
13. Messiah: Part Two - 36. Air : Thou Art Gone Up On High
14. Messiah: Part Two - 37. Chorus : The Lord Gave The Word
15. Messiah: Part Two - 38. Air : How Beautiful Are The Feet
16. Messiah: Part Two - 39. Chorus : Their Sound Is Gone Out
17. Messiah: Part Two - 40. Air : Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage
18. Messiah: Part Two - 41. Chorus : Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder
19. Messiah: Part Two - 42. Recitative : He That Dwelleth In Heaven
20. Messiah: Part Two - 43. Air : Thou Shalt Break Them
21. Messiah: Part Two - 44. Chorus : Hallelujah
22. Messiah: Part Three - 45. Air : I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
23. Messiah: Part Three - 46. Chorus : Since By Man Came Death
24. Messiah: Part Three - 47. Recitative : Behold, I Tell You A Mystery
25. Messiah: Part Three - 48. Air : The Trumpet Shall Sound
26. Messiah: Part Three - 49. Recitative : Then Shall Be Brought To Pass
27. Messiah: Part Three - 50. Duet : O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
28. Messiah: Part Three - 51. Chorus : But Thanks Be To God
29. Messiah: Part Three - 52. Air : If God Be For Us
30. Messiah: Part Three - 53. Chorus : Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain --- Amen

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a terrific performance of Messiah. Not only are the soloists all superb, but Trevor Pinnock completely contradicts the image of many period instrument performances as small-scale, scrappy affairs. Indeed, he invests the choruses with as much genuine Handelian pomp as Beecham at his most extravagant. The trumpets really blaze, and the timpani thunder, and everyone simply has a great time. A joyous performance, just right for the holiday season. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Trevor Pinnock meets with mixed success in this account of the Messiah with the English Concert & Choir and soloists Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook, and John Tomlinson, recorded and released in 1988. Its strengths are the strengths of the early-music movement in general. The size and distribution of the instrumental and vocal forces are optimal, which means that textures are clear and balances apt. Rhythms are nicely pointed, though often, in Pinnock's case, not quite well enough sprung. Tempos are well chosen; for example, "All we like sheep"--which turns out to be one of the set's best numbers--is a real bourré, and Pinnock animates it in just the right way. But the performance often seems workmanlike and unemotional, weighed down in too many instances by the humdrum work of the chorus. The alto section in particular, which is half male and half female, sings timidly and is constantly swallowing its entrances. Bass soloist John Tomlinson is a further drag on the effort. He has the right idea--that there's an Italian opera hiding behind all this biblical imagery--but his cottony sound is out of place, a misguided attempt to mimic Nicolai Ghiaurov. His usable range is less than a tenth (he croaks the low G's and F-sharps), and his diction is horrible. "Thus spake the Lord" is strangled, and when, in "The trumpet shall sound" Tomlinson gets to the words "we shall be changed," one can't help wishing that he had been changed too, right before the sessions started. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty.......2007-06-13

Handel's Messiah is my favorite piece of classical music. Of the two versions that I had I only have left this one, and it is not the best (the other had been a cheap recording whose author's name I forgot too). This version seems to lack a little enthusiasm from the voices; too melancholic. Anyway, this is the first review of any music that I write, and probably will be the last too, so I just want to leave my impression of how I feel when I hear these solemn and heavenly sounds. One feels so raised to the heavenlies... I can almost sense the presence of the Lord Almighty up yonder among the clouds, and me being carried in solemnity to meet Him. Far away are the buzzing sounds of earthly chores. The air is fresh and clean as we are raised above the valleys, and we come to meet God's elected amid the singing, stronger and stronger. Jubilant, bathed in the glorious rays of the Savior's Light, we come together and sing: Glory to God, glory to God, praise and glory for He is coming...

So Fashionable, and So Disappointing.......2007-02-01

This would be a great 21st Century Reader's Digest version of Messiah, if such a thing existed any more. Handel did as much as he could, but really, the performers still have to do something besides posture, which, by the way, seems to me to characterize many performances these days. Fashionable, but musically deficient.

Specifically: John Tomlinson sings like he thinks he IS God, instead of singing about Him. Heavy, cumbersome, and overblown. May I add boorish?

Arleen Auger has a very sweet voice. And??

Despite the program notes insisting that certain segments of this Messiah are given to "the contralto", Anne Sofie von Otter is NOT a contralto. Not even close.

The male alto can barely sustain a legato line - why he insists upon throwing in those complicated, badly-performed embellishments I can't figure. Well, I can, but I'd really rather not say.

Wake up, choristers!! It's 'For Unto Us A Child Is Born," not "Oy, I have to go to the grocery store today."

Boy do I regret having spent almost $40 on this one. Thank goodness I have the Colin Davis to console me.

A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal.......2006-12-17

This 1988 recording sits between the euqally English, euqally period-ifnluenced Hogwood and Garidner. Of the three, Hogwood sounds more 'authentic' because it uses boys in the chorus and singers schooled period practice. By comparison, Pinnock's soprano, Arleen Auger, and mozeeo, Von Otter, are essentially modern singers--gorgeous ones, of course, Gardiner is far more anemic in his conducting and uses a scrwny-sounding orchestra, so if that's more authentic, so be it. Of the three, Pinnock gives us more traditional music values in his emotional expression and instrumental timbres.

The competiiton is mushc stiffer now than in 1988, but Pinnock's reading has survived the test of time. He is not a genuinely inspired conductor--sadly, Messiah has become a cottage industry that excludes most big-name talents--but neither are Gardiner and Hogwood. (For sheer musicality, I tend to put my money on Andrew Parrott, Robert King, Marc Minkowski, Niklaus Harnoncourt, and Rene Jacobs.) But he's certainly good eough. The reason I haven't given five stars is that the male soloists aren't first-rate, and in particular the Wotan voice of John Tomlinson sounds cavernous in the bass arias. Add to that Pinnock's tendency toward tepidness, and what you end up with is a very good but not great performance.

Wait! Before you buy..........2006-05-28

... This Messiah has recently been re-released at a much cheaper price. Go back and look for the DG "The Originals" release, which is being sold new for under $12.

La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener.......2004-12-29

Soy uno de los mas fanaticos seguidores de Handel y de su obra El Mesias... He escuchado muchas versiones de esta genial e impresionante obra del maestro Handel y, sencillamente no me queda mas que recomendar esta interpretacion, bajo la batuta del maestro Trevor Pinnock. Se nota la exigencia con que esta version se interpreto, dentro el contexto del arte barroco y la magnificencia de la pronunciacion del ingles de la epoca. La orquesta se luce impresionantemente desde la obertura... y le da a cada movimiento, toda aquella fuerza y a la vez delicadeza requerida en el sentimiento que aplica en cada uno de los textos biblicos escogidos por el guionista Jennens. El Coro del English Concert es arrebatador y demuestra maestria en la interpretacion de cada una de las arias que le corresponde. La soprano Arleen Auger, la puedo definir como un angel cantando y resulta ser una caricia a los oidos, a la vez que es capaz de arrancarle a uno las lagrimas por lo excelso de su magia interpretativa. El tenor Crook, aunque no es un tenor con tesitura para canto barroco, es realmente habil y agil al momento de interpretar los melismas caracteristicos de este brillante periodo musical. El contratenor Michael Chance, es fenomenal y quiera Dios que yo tenga el honor de conocer a este genio del canto: "But who may abide..." interpretado por Chance en esta version, es como para caer en extasis. La contralto Anne Sophie von Otter..., tiene una voz oscura y redondeada..., tambien resulta una caricia a los oidos y su "If God be for us..." es desbordante, capaz tambien de hacerle a uno derramar lagrimas por su belleza interpretativa. El bajo Tomlinson..., es barbaro!!! (Soy bajo-baritono en el Coro de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica...) A pesar de su voz tan oscura, es tremendamente agil cuando le toca cantar los melismas y es genial al alcanzar la tonalidad brillante en las partes de notas altas y agudas...; por ejemplo: "The people that walked in darkness..." y "Why do the nations..." Tengo seis años de experiencia, interpretando musica coral y tengo que decir que espere esos seis años, desde 1999, para felizmente cantar esta obra "El Mesias". Ha sido fantastico finalmente lograr este objetivo..., la espera valio la pena y debo admitir que mi inspiracion ha sido sin duda alguna, la version que puede usted encontrar en este disco compacto. Doy gracias a todos los que intervinieron en esta grabacion (al maestro Trevor Pinnock, al English Concert and Choir y a los solistas ya mencionados), en nombre mio y en nombre del maestro Handel.

Average customer rating: Beecham's noisy Messiah The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself! Comfort Ye! Familiarity hasn't bred much affection Thanks to Jon!

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock Handel: Messiah Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx Handel - Joshua / Kirkby, Bowman, Oliver, Ainsley, George, The King's Consort ASIN: B000003FB8 Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Messiah: Recit: Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
3. Messiah: Air: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
4. Messiah: Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
6. Messiah: Air: But Who May Abide (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
7. Messiah: Chorus: And He Shall Purify - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
9. Messiah: Air & Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings (Contralto) - John McCarthy
10. Messiah: Recit: For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
11. Messiah: Air: The People That Walked In Darkness (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
12. Messiah: Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
14. Messiah: Recit: There Were Shepherds Abiding (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
15. Messiah: Recit: And The Angel Said Unto Them (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
16. Messiah: Recit: And Suddenly There Was (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
17. Messiah: Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest - John McCarthy
18. Messiah: Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
19. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall The Eyes (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
20. Messiah: Air: He Shall Feed His Flock; Come Unto Him (Contralto & Soprano) - Monica Sinclair
21. Messiah: Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God - John McCarthy
2. Messiah: Air: He Was Despised (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
3. Messiah: Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - John McCarthy
4. Messiah: Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Chorus: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - John McCarthy
6. Messiah: Recit: All They That See Him (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
7. Messiah: Chorus: He Trusted In God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
9. Messiah: Air: Behold, And See If There Be (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
10. Messiah: Recit: He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
11. Messiah: Air: But Thou Didst Not Leave (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
12. Messiah: Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
14. Messiah: Chorus: Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands - John McCarthy
15. Messiah: Air: Why Do The Nations So Furious Rage (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
16. Messiah: Chorus: Lets Us Break Their Bonds Asunder - John McCarthy
17. Messiah: Recit: He That Dwelleth In Heaven (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
18. Messiah: Air: Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
19. Messiah: Chorus: Hallelujah! - John McCarthy
20. Messiah: Part III - Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
21. Messiah: Chorus: Since By Man Came Death - John McCarthy
22. Messiah: Recit: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
23. Messiah: Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
24. Messiah: Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Recit: Unto Which Of The Angels (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
2. Messiah: Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him - John McCarthy
3. Messiah: Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
4. Messiah: Chorus: The Lord Gave The Word - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
6. Messiah: Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Contralto & Tenor) - Monica Sinclair
7. Messiah: Chorus: But Thanks Be To God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Air: If God Be For Us (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan

Amazon.com essential recording

Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23

Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.

This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.

There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.

While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.

My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.

The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16

We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.

Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.

The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.

For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06

Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30

If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.

Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02

I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.

In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.

Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08

This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"

Average customer rating:

Enduring Light: 60 Inspirational Favorites Manufacturer: Sound Exchange ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | 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 Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Easy Listening & Lounge | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00004T0N0 Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

1. Handel's 'Messiah': Overture - The London Philharmonic Orchestra/Walter Susskind
2. Handel's 'Messiah': And The Glory Of The Lord - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
3. Handel's 'Messiah': Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
4. Handel's 'Messiah': For Unto Us A Child Is Born - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
5. Handel's 'Messiah': There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
6. Handel's 'Messiah': He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
7. Handel's 'Messiah': Behold The Lamb Of God - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
8. Handel's 'Messiah': He Was Despised And Rejected Of Men - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
9. Handel's 'Messiah': Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
10. Handel's 'Messiah': Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
11. Handel's 'Messiah': Hallelujah - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
12. Handel's 'Messiah': Since By Man Came Death - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
13. Handel's 'Messiah': Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain/Amen - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson

Tracks:

1. The Lord's Prayer
2. Old Rugged Cross
3. Onward Christian Soldiers
4. Rock Of Ages
5. How Great Thou Art
6. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
7. I Believe
8. Lord Hear Our Prayer
9. Now The Day Is Over
10. Amazing Grace
11. Ave Maria
12. Let Us Humbly Sing Our Praises
13. O Holy Night
14. Praise, Praise The Lord
15. Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven
16. Oh Lord Most Holy
17. Unfold Your Portals
18. Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
19. The Lord Is My Shepherd
20. All The People That On Earth Do Dwell
21. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
22. Oh God Our Help In Ages Past
23. Holy, Holy, Holy
24. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
25. Keeping Faith

Tracks:

1. A Dream Of Peace
2. All In This April Evening
3. Our Wedding
4. Bless This House
5. Bridge Over Troubled Waters
6. Climb Every Mountain
7. Day By Day (Theme From Godspell)
8. Down By The Riverside
9. The Impossible Dream
10. Swing Low Sweet Chariot
11. The Day Is Gently Sinking To Close
12. Jesus Christ Superstar
13. Abide With Me
14. March On
15. Peace In The Valley
16. Go Tell It On The Mountain
17. Born Free
18. American Trilogy
19. Sunrise, Sunset
20. I Don't Know How To Love Him
21. Blessed Be The Tie That Binds
22. Enduring Light

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan I really love this recording Some very good parts Great mezzo and trumpet And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever, Amen.

Handel - Messiah / McNair · von Otter · Chance · Hadley · Lloyd · Marriner George Frideric Handel , Neville Marriner , Anne Sofie von Otter , Michael Chance , Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields , Sylvia McNair , Jerry Hadley , and Robert Lloyd Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Marriner, Sir Neville | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Handel - Messiah - The 250th Anniversary Performance / Marriner, Academy and Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields Handel - Messiah / Ameling · A. Reynolds · Langridge · Howell · Marriner Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (The Historic 1955 Debut Recording) ASIN: B00000414Y Release Date: 1992-11-17

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part I: Symphony
2. Messiah: Part I - No. 1 Accompagnato: Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye, My People
3. Messiah: Part I - No. 2: Air Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
4. Messiah: Part I - No. 3 Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord
5. Messiah: Part I - No. 4 Accompagnato: Thus Saith The Lord
6. Messiah: Part I - No. 5 Air: But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming
7. Messiah: Part I - No. 6 Chorus: And He Shall Purify The Sons Of Levi
8. Messiah: Part I - No. 7 Recitative: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive
9. Messiah: Part I - Nos. 8-9 Air And Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings
10. Messiah: Part I - No. 10 Accompagnato: For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover The Earth
11. Messiah: Part I - No. 11 Air: The People That Walked In Darkness
12. Messiah: Part I No. 12 Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born
13. Messiah: Part I No. 13 Pifa: Pastoral Symphony
14. Messiah: Part I No. 14 Recitative: There Were Shepherds - And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord - And The Angel Said Unto Them - And Suddenly There Was
15. Messiah: Part I No. 15 Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest
16. Messiah: Part I No. 16 Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion
17. Messiah: Part I No. 17a Recitative:Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind
18. Messiah: Part I No. 18a Duet: He Shall Feed His Flock
19. Messiah: Part I No. 19 Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy
20. Messiah: Part II No. 20 Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God
21. Messiah: Part II No. 21 Air: He Was Despised
22. Messiah: Part II No. 22 Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
23. Messiah: Part II No. 23 Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed
24. Messiah: Part II No. 24 Chorus: All We Like Sheep

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Part II No. 25 Accompagnato: All They That See Him
2. Messiah: Part II No. 26 Chorus: He Trusted In God
3. Messiah: Part II No. 27 Accompagnato: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
4. Messiah: Part II No. 28 Arioso: Behold, And See
5. Messiah: Part II No. 29 Accompagnato: He Was Cut Off
6. Messiah: Part II No. 30 Aria: But Thou Didst Not Leave
7. Messiah: Part II No. 31 Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads
8. Messiah: Part II No. 32 Recitative: Unto Which Of The Angels
9. Messiah: Part II No. 33 Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God
10. Messiah: Part II No. 34a Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High
11. Messiah: Part II No. 35 Chorus The Lord Gave The Word
12. Messiah: Part II No. 36 Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet
13. Messiah: Part II No. 37a Arioso: Their Sound Is Gone Out
14. Messiah: Part II No. 38 Air: Why Do The Nations
15. Messiah: Part II No. 39 Chorus: Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder Let us break their bonds asunder
16. Messiah: Part II No. 40 Recitative: He That Dwelleth In Heaven
17. Messiah: Part II No. 41 Air: Thou Shalt Break Them
18. Messiah: Part II No. 42 Chorus: Hallelujah
19. Messiah: Part III No. 43 Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
20. Messiah: Part III No. 44 Chorus: Since By Man Came Death
21. Messiah: Part III No. Accompagnato: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery
22. Messiah: Part III No. 46 Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound
23. Messiah: Part III No. 47 Recitative: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass
24. Messiah: Part III No. 48 Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
25. Messiah: Part III No. 49 Chorus: But Thanks Be To God
26. Messiah: Part III No. 50 Air: If God Be For Us
27. Messiah: Part III No. 51 Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - Blessing And Honour
28. Messiah: Part III: Amen

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-10-21

The "Messiah" was composed by Handel at his London home in the late summer of 1741..Charles Jennens described his libretto for the 'Messiah' as a "Scripture Collection", because it consists of a cleverly-arranged selection of biblical texts. Musically speaking, the recitatives and arias are definately in a style derived from opera, supplemented by choruses of the type Handel has developed in his English odes and oratorios-the presentation of the story was unconventional. The work is divided into three acts or parts, but the narrative is largely confined to Part Two: Part One is mainly concerned with prophecy and its fullfilment and Part Three with commentary on the importance of the previous story. This recording of the famous 1992 performance at Dublin took place at the Point Theatre on the 250th anniversary of the work's premeire which took place in Dublin on April 13th 1742. It is an outstanding performance, especially chorally and instrumentally. The soloists: Sylvia McNair(soprano)-Anne Sofie von Otter(mezzo)-Michael Chance (alto) were superb!!! Personally I was not pleased by Jerry Hadley's interpretation of Handel; I have a recording of him singing show tunes, and I think he does that best! Robert Lloyd's (bass) diction was most peculiar and annoyed me. However, the last 2 comments may not be universally accepted. All in all, it's one of the best 'Messiahs' I have heard, and is actually my favorite of many that I own.

I really love this recording.......2005-03-26

While I haven't sampled that many different recordings of the Messiah, I really like this version. I sometimes find myself singing it, and this is the version I hear. One thing I don't like about it is that it is a 2-disc set, but the Messiah has three parts. Part II is divided -- the first half on disc 1 and the second part on disc 2. It would be nice if the parts weren't divided in the middle.

Some very good parts.......2002-12-14

This is my fifth Messiah disk and I had hoped my last. Von Otter is a real draw and she is truly great. Marriner's pacing is still good. But many aspects of this CD pull it down. I have a theory that the tenor (Jerry Hadley) was mad at Marriner and sang technically perfect with zero emotion. I don't how he was allowed to get away with this. I also did not like the baritone. While I think varying the size of the chorus in this piece has merit, this choir is generally on the small side and does not have the punch when needed. Messiah choirs carry a two edged burden, either the choir is large and it gets muddy in the delicate sections or it is small and can't punch the big sections. This disk errs on the small side. The recording quality is very good, something that dodges many Messiahs. The violins are too close to the soloist microphone (or poorly mixed) and come in much too loud. So whenever there is an sprite from the violins it jumps out at you and drowns the soloists.

The best Messiah for me is still Marriner's 1976 disk, much better overall rendition.

Great mezzo and trumpet.......2002-05-17

This is one of the better Messiahs, although not quite up to Westenberg's level.

Its world-beater aspects include mezzo Anne-Sophie von Otter, whose "He was despised" is well north of magnificent: Warmly mournful in the slow sections, snarling and spitting in the center section.

Trumpeter Mark Bennett does by far the best trumpeting on any of my 30 complete Messiahs. "Glory to God" and "Hallelujah" are as good as it gets -- no, better than any other recording gets.

Countertenor Michael Chance is quite good in "If God be for us" -- I say that as someone who doesn't like countertenors.

Some of the other choruses are also well done. But tenor Jerry Hadley seems to have thought he had more lucrative things to do with his time than to think about Messiah.

And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever, Amen........2002-01-01

This recording ranks itself on the top of the greatest recordings of Handel's Messiah. Being a live recording, it surpasses every other studio recordings of this piece in terms of interpretation and drama. The soloists are superb, the chorus are crisp and vital, and the ensemble plays with great virtuoso. My special remark goes to Miss McNair, I simply cannot grow tired of her! Her lyrical voice is simply destined for this work, especially in aria no 16 `Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion' - rejoice indeed! It is to Marriner we should all be grateful for producing this remarkable recording in the first place. Known mainly for his stupendous recordings of Mozart, it is not surprising that he's able to interpret in a true Handelian way. It's a pity that he seldom records works by Handel - I don't know if he performs them unrecorded.
There are actually two versions of this live performance, the one here and the other is available on LaserDisc. I believe that they were recorded on two different performance time, for on some arias the soloists have different style in singing the cadenza. Whichever you prefer, this is a recording you must simply own - even when your music library boasts a dozen or so of Handel's Messiah!!

Average customer rating:

Life Upon the Wicked Stage Carole Cook , Jerome Kern , Grant Geissman , David Stout [trombone] , Dan Fornero , John Fumo , Brock Peters , James Anderson , Jane Lanier , Lauren Kennedy , Linda Michele , Marissa Jaret Winokur , Melissa Errico , Reece Holland , Robert Morse , Rod McKuen , Roger Rees , Ronnie Franklin , and Steve Orich Manufacturer: Lml Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocalists | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tap Your Troubles Away - The Words and Music of Jerry Herman (Historic All-Star Tribute) Kurt Weill: The Centennial ABC (Adler, Bock, Coleman) Over The Rainbow: The Music Of Harold Arlen (1995 Benefit Concert Cast) Dream: The Lyrics and Music of Johnny Mercer ASIN: B0000658H9 Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

1. The Song Is You - Jamie Anderson
2. How'd You like To Spoon With Me? - Jane Lanier
3. The Land Where The Good Songs Go - Pamela Myers
4. All The Things You Are - Alan Campbell
5. The Folks Who Live On The Hill - Lee Lessack
6. She Didn't Say Yes - Marissa Jaret Winokur
7. Pick Yourself Up - Street Sounds
8. You Couldn't Be Cuter - Marsha Kramer
9. Shimmy With Me - Lea Thompson
10. They All Look Alike - Bruce Vilanch
11. There It Is Again - David Holladay
12. Remind Me - Ron Rifkin
13. In Love In Vain - Melissa Errico
14. Make Believe - Linda Michele
15. Ol' Man River - Brock Peters
16. You Are Love - Dale Kristien
17. I Won't Dance - Bonnie Franklin

Tracks:

1. The Last Time I Saw Paris - Charles Busch
2. Long Ago (And Far Away) - Pam Dawber
3. They Didn't Believe Me - Pat Marshall
4. Look For The Silver Lining - Rod McKuen
5. A Fine Romance - Jane Carr
6. Sure Thing - Sally Kellerman
7. Don't Ever Leave Me/Why Was I Born - Joely Fisher
8. I'm Old Fashioned - Robert Morse
9. Yesterdays - Joan Ryan
10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Dorian Harewood
11. In The Heart Of The Dark - Dale Kristien
12. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Valarie Pettiford
13. The Way You Look Tonight - Hugh Panaro
14. Life On The Wicked Stage - Carole Cook
15. I've Told Every Little Star - Carole Cook
16. Till The Clouds Roll By - The Company

Average customer rating: Absolutely fantastic, but... Well,its about time! The best song-CD EVER released! etc. A Complete Joy

Complete Songs of Samuel Barber ~ Secrets of the Old / Studer, Hampson, Browning, Emerson String Quartet Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Studer, Cheryl | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: American Classics: Barber: COMPLETE PUBLISHED SOLO PIANO MUSIC ASIN: B000001GH2 Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

1. Secrets Of The Old: A Slumber Song Of The Madonna - Moderato
2. Secrets Of The Old: There's Nae Lark - Moderato
3. Secrets Of The Old: Love At The Door - Allegro
4. Secrets Of The Old: Sereandes - Andante con moto
5. Secrets Of The Old: Love's Caution (Moderato)
6. Secrets Of The Old: Night Wanderers (Without Tempo Indication)
7. Secrets Of The Old: Of That So Sweet Imprisonment - Con moto
8. Secrets Of The Old: Strings In The Earth And Air - Moderato
9. Secrets Of The Old: Beggar's Song - Andante - Allegro moderato
10. Secrets Of The Old: In The Dark Pinewood
11. Three Songs, Op. 2: 1. The Daisies: Allegretto con grazie
12. Three Songs, Op. 2: 2. With Rue My Heart Is Laden: Andante cantabile
13. Three Songs, Op. 2: 3. Bessie Bobtail: Andante, un poco mosso - Adagio
14. Three Songs, Op. 10: 1. Rain Has Fallen: Moderato
15. Three Songs, Op. 10: 2. Sleep Now: Andante tranquillo
16. Three Songs, Op. 10: 3. I Hear An Army: Allegro con fuoco
17. Four Songs, Op. 13: 1. A Nun Takes The Veil: Broad And Sustained, In Exact Rhythm
18. Four Songs, Op. 13: 2. The Secrets Of The Old: Allegro giocoso
19. Four Songs, Op. 13: 3. Sure On This Shining Night: Andante
20. Four Songs, Op. 13: 4. Nocturne: Andante, un poco mosso
21. Four Songs, Op. 13: Dover Beach, Op. 3: Andante, un poco mosso

Tracks:

1. Two Songs, Op. 18: 1. The Queen's Face On The Summery Coin: Andante con moto
2. Two Songs, Op. 18: 2. Monks And Raisins: Allegro
3. Secrets Of The Old: Nuvoletta Op. 25: Allegretto
4. Melodies Passageres, Op. 27: 1. Puisque tout passe: Moderato
5. Melodies Passageres, Op. 27: 2. Un cygne: Moderato
6. Melodies Passageres, Op. 27: 3. Tombeau dans un parc: Lento e sereno
7. Melodies Passageres, Op. 27: 4. Le clocher chante: Non troppo allegro
8. Melodies Passageres, Op. 27: 5. Depart
9. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 1. At Saint Patrick's Purgatory: Allegretto, In Steady Rhythm
10. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 2. Church Bell At Night: Molto adagio
11. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 3. St. Ita's Vision: Recit. - Andante con moto
12. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 4. The Heavenly Banquet: Lively, With Good Humor
13. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 5. The Crucifixion: Moderato
14. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 6. Sea-Snatch: Allegro con fuoco, surging
15. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 7. Promiscuity: Sostenuto - Allegro moderato - Sostenuto
16. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 8. The Monk And His Cat - Moderato, Flowing
17. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 9. The Praises Of God - Un poco allegro
18. Hermit Songs, Op. 29: 10. The Desire For Hermitage: Calmo e sostenuto
19. Despite And Still, Op. 41: 1. A Last Song: Moderato
20. Despite And Still, Op. 41: 2. My Lizard: Fast And Light
21. Despite And Still, Op. 41: 3. In The Wilderness: Flowing
22. Despite And Still, Op. 41: 4. Solitary Hotel: Like A Rather Fast Tango In 2
23. Despite And Still, Op. 41: 5. Despite And Still: Fast And Darkly Impassioned
24. Three Songs, Op. 45: 1. Now Have I Fed And Eaten Up The Rose: Moderato
25. Three Songs, Op. 45: 2. A Green Lowland Of Pianos: Allegretto con grazia
26. Three Songs, Op. 45: 3. O Boundless, Boundless Evening: Tranquillo, un poco mosso

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely fantastic, but..........2005-06-10

Though being a professional singer, I've only recently discovered Samuel Barber's songs. I'm glad I did it, because Barber wrote some of the most beautiful art-songs I've ever heard in my life. From the earliest to the latest song, it's all pure quality, with few - if any - exceptions.
This recording is a great acquisition, not only for the fact that it includes *all* the songs Barber wrote, but also for Thomas Hampson's magnificent and moving performance.
Unfortunately, the female singer (Cheryl Studer) almost manages to completely spoil this pleasant experience: her artificial, dull, often-completely-out-of-tune (?) singing is the reason for my 4 out of 5 rating. Otherwise, it would definitely be a five star recording.

Well,its about time!.......2002-04-05

Finaly,a compleat edition of these wonderfull songs by this wonderfull and sadly underrated composer.
The songs are varied and span the composers entire creative years.
They range from the romantic,child-like youth compositions(the daisies)threu his almost brahms sounding period( sleep now,nocturn,sure on this shining night)to his tragic,disenchanted
older years.
The hermit songs&the French ones are a particular delight.We all know just how wonderfull Hampson is ,but Studer is also fine & pure sounding-A total joy!

The best song-CD EVER released! etc........2000-04-16

I'm not even kidding. This really is the best song-CD ever released. Don't laugh until you hear it... then you'll see for yourself. Where to begin! Barber-- his orchestral works are great for the most part, the Knoxville setting for Orchestra and soprano is mediocre, the piano sonata is also great BUT: the heart of this composer is in his songs. And here they ALL are, including the 10 unpublished songs from his youth. There's Nae Lark is one of only three songs I've ever heard that made me burst into tears on FIRST listening... Barber was around 17 when he wrote it! Bessy Bobtail could make a person drop dead in the right mood. The Joyce settings are so true to the poet's intentions! And the final 3 songs...especially A Green Lowland of Pianos show that Barber NEVER EVER lost his musical voice and razor-sharp talent. This compilation also includes the sincere and depressing On Dover Beach setting-- few if any composers besides Barber have ever managed a successful setting of Arnold's multilayered poem. OK... what if you don't like Thomas Hampson... I know there are some out there who think he's an odd singer... too much rubato, too much bravura? I promise you, you'll like him here, you may even grow to love the guy... if Hampson's ever been sincere and if there's ever been a composer whose music is well suited to his voice, it's Barber...guaranteed. I think this compilation also proves (ok, arguably, I'll admit) that complex tonal song settings pose many more compositional challenges than any of the atonal song-music produced in this century. I can't think of any atonal composer outside of Webern who could shake a stick at the harmonic ingenuity of Barber here. (Just so lightning doesn't strike me... Sir Michael Tippett is also a fine song composer, but he's NEVER been atonal, just EXTENDED tonal.) Barber, Barber, Barber... buy this now. These songs are so powerful that I can remember as vividly as yesterday exactly where and when I first heard every one of these songs and what I was feeling... they quite literally imprinted themselves in my mind. Don't cheat yourself out of this experience... buy this now!

A Complete Joy.......1999-12-01

When I bought this record I had not heard any of the Barber songs before, but what a pleasant surprise they proved to be. These are beautiful romantic songs, and Studer and Hampson perform them very well. The recording sound is also very good. Warmly recommended.

Average customer rating:

A.E. Housman: A Shropshire Lad, Complete in verse and song Alan Bates , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , and Graham Johnson Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005S85Q Release Date: 2001-12-11

Average customer rating:

The Air Up There (Music from & Inspired by the Motion Picture) Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Interscope ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music ASIN: B000008CQW

Tracks:

1. Halawi Plays - David "Fathead" Newman, David Newman,
2. Watch Me Fly - Jimmy Cliff
3. Hamady Boiro (Yelle) - Baaba Maal
4. Agolo - Angque Kidjo
5. Tana Kamina
6. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
7. 41 Seconds Left/The Winning Basket - David "Fathead" Newman, David Newman,
8. Chobolo - Spokes Mashiyane
9. Ukhulum' Izindaba - Mahlathini, Mahotella Queens
10. Nwahulwana - Orchestra Marrabenta
11. Watch Me Fly [Swahili Version] - Matthew Wilder

Average customer rating: A bargain collection of showtunes

Golden Greats: Greatest Broadway Hits Manufacturer: Golden Greats ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Duke, Vernon | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Easy Listening | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00005USEJ Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

1. Ouverture - Orchestra
2. Something Wonderfull - Dorothy Sarnoff
3. Doin' What Comes Natur'lly - Ethel Merman
4. Life Upon the Wicked Stage - Colette Lyons
5. So in Love - Patricia Morison
6. You'll Never Walk Alone - Jan Clayton, Christine Johnson
7. Bill - Carol Bruce
8. Hello, Young Lovers - Gertrude Lawrence
9. Bloody Mary - Male Chorus
10. I Can't Say No - Celeste Holm
11. This Was a Real Nice Clambake - Jan Clayton,
12. Oklahoma! - Alfred Drake
13. Sue Me - Vivian Blaine, Sam Levene
14. Woman Is a Sometime Thing - Edward Matthews
15. Some Enchanted Evening - Ezio Pinza,
16. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin' - Todd Duncan, Todd Duncan
17. Guys and Dolls - Douglas Deane, Stubby Kaye, Johnny Silver
18. It Ain't Necessarily So - Lawrence Tibbett
19. Make Believe - Jan Clayton
20. Wonderful Guy - Mary Martin
21. They Say It's Wonderful - Ethel Merman
22. When the Children Are Asleep - Jean Darling, Eric Mattson
23. More I Cannot Wish You - Pat Rooney, Sr., Pat Rooney, Sr.
24. Puzzlement - Yul Brynner
25. I Got Lost in His Arms - Ethel Merman

Tracks:

1. Overture...Summertime - Anne Brown
2. Why Can't You Behave? - Lisa Kirk, Harold Lang
3. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Carol Bruce
4. There's No Business Like Show Business - Chorus
5. If I Were a Bell - Isabel Bigley
6. People Will Say That We're in Love - Alfred Drake, Joan Roberts
7. Bess, You Is My Woman Now - Anne Brown
8. Luck Be a Lady Tonight - Robert Alda
9. Shall I Tell You What I Think of You? - Gertrude Lawrence
10. Girl That I Marry - Ray Middleton
11. Nobody Else But Me - Jan Clayton
12. Carousel Waltz - Orchestra
13. Dites-Moi - Barbara Luna
14. Ol' Man River - Kenneth Spencer
15. Summertime
16. Many a New Day - Joan Roberts
17. Blow High, Blow Low - Murvyn Vye
18. It Takes a Long Pull to Get There - Edward Matthews
19. You've Got to Be Carefully Taught - Billy Tabbert
20. We Open in Venice - Alfred Drake
21. I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair - Mary Martin
22. Who Do You Love, I Hope? - Kathleen Carnes, Robert Lenn
23. I've Never Been in Love Before - Robert Alda
24. Tom, Dick or Harry - Lisa Kirk
25. I Whistle a Happy Tune - Gertrude Lawrence

Tracks:

1. New York, New York - Lynn Murray, Lynn Murray
2. Almost Like Being in Love - Marion Bell, Dave Brooks, David Brooks
3. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - Vivienne Segal
4. Beat out Dat Rhythm on a Drum - June Hawkins
5. How Are Things in Glocca Morra? - Ella Logan
6. Old Devil Moon - Ella Logan
7. South American Way - Carmen Miranda
8. September Song - Walter Huston
9. This Is the Army, Mister Jones - Irving Berlin
10. Takin' a Chance on Love - Ethel Waters
11. My Heart Belongs to Daddy - Mary Martin
12. Anything Goes - Jeanne Aubert & The Four Admirals
13. You're the Top - Jeanne Aubert & The Four Admirals
14. I Get a Kick Out of You - Ethel Merman
15. Night and Day - Fred Astaire
16. I Got Rhythm - Red Nichols & His Orchestra
17. Someone to Watch Over Me - Gertrude Lawrence
18. Fascinatin' Rhythm - Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire
19. Strike Up the Band - Red Nichols & His Orchestra
20. Makin' Whoopee - Eddie Cantor
21. Heatwave - Ethel Waters
22. Easter Parade - Clifton Webb
23. She Didn't Say Yes - Peggy Wood
24. I've Told Every Little Star - Mary Ellis
25. Johnny One Note - Lynn Murray, Lynn Murray

Album Description

Import exclusive, budget price compilation featuring Broadway classics like 'You'll Never Walk Alone', 'Summertime', & There's No Business Like Show Business', performed by Ethel Merman, Gertrude Lawrence, Celeste Holm, & many more. 75 tracks in all. Standard double jewel case. Disky. 2001.

Album Details

3 CD set

Customer Reviews:

A bargain collection of showtunes.......2005-08-19

This bargain collection of showtunes is highlighted by the composition of Kurt Weill and the uniquely rolling tongue of Colette Lyons. I have a complaint about this compilation. It includes "Ol' Man River", but it excludes Al Jolson's rendition of "Ol' Man River." Otherwise, this collection gives you ample bang for your buck.

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Rock Music

rock music

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