In 1996, Foster & Allen made their U.S. debut with their samsh hit single "After All These Years." Phenomenal listener response to the hear-warming song drove continuous airplay of Foster & Allen's slbums on over 400 U.S. adult-standard radio stations. This must have collection features some of the duos most heart-felt performances of long time favorites such as "Softly, Softly," "Blue Eyes (Cryin' In the Rain)" and "I will Love You All My Life."
I Will Love You All My Life,Foster & Allen,Honest Entertainment,Celtic,Celtic/Irish,Int'l & World Music,Irish,Pop,World Music
Average customer rating: |
Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites
Manufacturer: Castle Pulse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0009SOFXG Release Date: 2005-08-01 |
Tracks:
- Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Dies Irae
- Men of Harlech
- You'll Never Walk Alone
- Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
- Old Folks at Home
- Il Liza Jane
- Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Vergine Degli Angeli
- Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
- My Hero
- God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- German Mass/Gloria
- German Mass/Sanctus
- Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
- All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Arwelfa
- Invictus
- Softly as I Leave You
Tracks:
- Diolch l'R L
- Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
- Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
- Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
- Memories of Martha
- I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
- Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
- Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
- Creation's Hymn
- In the Spirit!
- Shall We Gather at the River
- Nos a Bore
- Very Best Time of Year
- Soon Ah Will Be Done
- Thanks Be to God
- Flower That Shattered the Stone
- Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
- Where Shall I Be?
- Bywyd y Bugail
- Lord's Prayer
Tracks:
- Ave Maria
- Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
- She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
- Cymru Fach
- Nidaros
- Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
- Watching the Wheat
- Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
- Misbles/Stars
- Rachie
- Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
- There Is a Balm in Gilead
- Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
- My Lord, What a Mornin'
- Bryn Myrddin
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
- Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
- Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
- Ride the Chariot
- Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir
Tracks:
- Y Nefoedd
- Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
- Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
- By Babylon's Wave
- I'm Gonna Sing
- Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
- Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
- Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
- Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
- That's All I Want from You
- Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
- Give Me Jesus
- Just a Closer Walk with Thee
- My Wish for You
- Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
- Mose in Egitto/Prayer
- Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
- God's Choir in the Sky
- Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
- Smilin' Through
Tracks:
- Calon Lan
- True Love
- Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
- Aberystwyth
- Comrades in Arms
- Cats/Memory
- They Led My Lord Away
- State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
- When I Fall in Love
- Let's Face the Music and Dance
- Windmills of Your Mind
- How Soon
- Non Nobis Domine
- Rhythm of Life
- Kalinka
- Sound an Alarm
- Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
- Turandot/Nessun Dorma
- Christus Redemptor
- Ann Evening's Pastorale
Album Details
Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.
Average customer rating: |
Shakespeare's Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2
Manufacturer: Azica ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002IQL08 Release Date: 2004-07-06 |
Tracks:
- Ah Robin (Round)
- And Let Me The Cannikin Clink
- And Will He Not Come Again
- Be Merry, Be Merry
- Black Spirits
- Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind
- Bonny Sweet Robin
- But Shall I Go Mourn
- Can'st Thou Not Hit It
- Come Away
- Come Away, Hecate
- Come Live With Me
- Come O'er The Burn
- Come Thou Monarch (Version 2)(Round)
- Come Unto These Yellow Sands
- A Cup Of Wine
- Farewell, Dear Heart
- Fathers That Wear Rags
- Fear No More
- Fie On Sinful Fantasy
- Fill The Cup (Round)
- Flout 'Em And Cout 'Em (Round)
- Fools Had Ne'er Less Grace
- For I'll Cut My Green Coat
- The Friar And The Nun
- Full Fathom Five
- The George Alow (Version 1)
- Get You Hence
- The God Of Love
- Hark, Hark The Lark
- Have I Caught My Heavenly Jewel
- Heart's Ease
- Hold Thy Peace (Version 2)(Round)
- Honor, Riches
- I Am Gone Sir
- I Loathe The I Did Love
- It Was A Lover And His Lass
- Jepha
- Jog On
- Jolly Shepherd (Round)
- King Stephen Was A Worthy Peer
- Lawn As White
- Love, Love, Nothing But Love (Version 2)
- The Master, The Swabber (Version 2)
- No More Dams
- An Old Hare Hoar (Version 1)
- O Mistress Mine (Version 1)
- Orpheus With His Lute
- O Sweet Oliver
- Pardon Goddess Of The Night
- Roses Their Sharp Spines
- Sigh No More, Ladies
- Some Men For Sudden Joy (Version 1)
- Take, O Take Those Lips
- Tell Me, Where Is Fancy Bred
- That Sir Which Serves
- There Dwelt A Man In Babylon (Version 1)
- There Was Three Fools
- Three Merry Men (Round)
- Tomorrow Is St. Valentine's Day
- Under The Greenwood Tree
- Up And Down (Round)
- Urns And Odours Bring Away
- Walsingham
- Was This Fair Face
- Wedding Is Great Juno's Crown
- What Shall He Have (Round)
- When Arthur First In Court
- When Daffodils Begin To Peer
- When Daisies Pied
- When Griping Grief
- When Icicles Hang By The Wall
- When That I Was And A Little Tyne Boy
- Where The Bee Sucks
- While You Here Do Snoring Lie
- Who Is Silvia
- Why Let The Strucken Deer
- Willow, Willow (Version 1)
- Will You Buy Any Tape
- The Woosel Cock
- You Spotted Snakes
Tracks:
- Awake, Awake
- Battle Of Agincourt
- Bride's Goodmorrow
- Broom
- Callino
- Carmen's Whitle
- Chi Passa
- Come Kiss Me, Kate (Round)
- Come Thou Monarch (Version 1)
- Cup Of Wine (Version 1)
- Damon
- Daphne
- Diana (2 Versions)
- Dulcina
- Eglamore
- Eighty-Eight
- Fortune My Foe
- George Alow (Version 2)
- Glass Doth Run
- Goddesses
- Go From My Window
- Greensleeves (2 Versions)
- Guy Of Warwick
- Hem Boys (2 Versions)
- Hey Ho for A Husband (2 Versions)
- Hobbyhorse
- Hold Thy Peace (Versions 1 & 3)
- Hunt's Up
- I Cannot Come Every Day (2 Versions)
- In Crete
- In Peascod Time
- Jack Boy (Round)
- King Cophetua
- King Lear
- King Solomon
- Light O Love
- Loath To Depart (2 Versions)
- Love, Love (Version 1)
- Master, Swabber (Version 1)
- Mounsier Mingo
- Mounsieur's Almaine
- My Mind To Me
- Nutmegs (Of All The Birds)
- Nutmegs (Wooing Of The Baker's Daughter)
- O Death (2 Versions)
- Old Hare Hoar (Version 2)
- O Mistress Mine (Version 2)
- O' The Twelfth Day Of December
- Oyster Pie
- Peg A Ramsey (2 Versions)
- Phillida (3 Versions)
- Please One
- Pyramus
- Queen Dido (2 Versions)
- Ratcatcher
- Rich Jew
- Robin Goodfellow
- Robin Hood
- Rogero
- Rowland
- Sellenger's Round
- Shore's Wife (2 Versions)
- Sick, Sick (3 Vesions)
- Some Men For Sudden Joy (Round)
- There Dwelt A Man (Version 2)
- Titus Andronicus
- Tom A Bedlam (2 Versions)
- Troilus
- Troy Town
- Wellady
- Whenas We Sat In Babylon
- Where Is The Life
- Whoop
- Why Let The Strucken (If Care Do Cause)
- Willow, Willow (Version 2)
- Will Ye Buy A Fine Dog
- With A Fading
Average customer rating:
|
Victor Herbert: The American Girl
Manufacturer: Arabesque Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000000T6L Release Date: 1992-10-26 |
Tracks:
- The American Girl Two-Step
- The Princess Pat (Sels)
- The Dream Girl (Sels)
- Natoma (Sels)
- A Kiss In The Dark from Orange Blossoms
- A Love Sonnet
- Inauguration March
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful Victor Herbert.......1999-05-19
Beautiful Victor Herbert.......1999-05-19
Beautiful Victor Herbert.......1999-05-19
Average customer rating:
|
The Essential Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber
Manufacturer: Metro Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005Y47E Release Date: 2002-02-22 |
Tracks:
- Any Dream Will Do
- Close Every Door
- Heaven On Their Minds
- Everything's Alright
- Gethsemane
- I Don't Know How To Love Him
- Jesus Christ Superstar
- Could We Start Again Please?
- Don't Cry For Me Argentina
- Another Suitcase In Another Hall
- Buenos Aires
- Rainbow High
- High Flying Adored
- Memory
- Jellicle Cats
- Mister Mistofeles
- Unexpected Song
- Last Man In My Life
- Rolling Stock
- U-N-C-O-U-P-L-E-D
Tracks:
- Only You
- Starlight Express
- There's Me
- Pie Jesu
- Angel Of Music
- Masquerade
- Wishing Somehow You Were Here Again
- All I Ask Of You
- The Phantom Of The Opera
- Music Of The Night
- Love Changes Everything
- The First Man You Remember
- Seeing Is Believing
- As If We Never Said Goodbye
- Sunset Boulevard
- With One Look
- Too Much In Love To Care
- Half A Moment
- Whistle Down The Wind
- Our Kind Of Love
Album Description
Full title, 'Essential Songs Of Andrew Lloyd Webber'. UK budget-price compilation. 40 superlative performances featuring songs from every one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musicals. Guest artists include John Barrymore, Issy Van Randwyck, Dave Willetts, Maria Friedman, Kim Criswell, Graham Bickley and the National Symphony Orchestra. Housed in a slipcase. 2002.Customer Reviews:
Okay, but kind of disappointing.......2006-04-17
It is a good collection for inexpensively getting a lot of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most popular songs in one place and having them there to be able to listen to get the idea of what a certain song sounds like and is about. It isn't the collection of definitive recordings for certain roles. In fact in a couple examples, I wonder if the performer fully understood the context of the song he or she was singing &/or what it was about. Overall, the album is good, for the most part, if not excellent.
However, the liner notes for "The Essential Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber" is another matter. I don't mean to be unkind, but the author of the comments on the different tracks (one Rexton S. Bunnett) is blatantly WRONG in multiple instances. I don't mean just in nit-picky details, but in major plot details/context of songs, like the fact that Bunnett identifies "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" as being sung by "our heroine" (who he does not even identify by name as Christine Daae) as she thinks about her lover, not as being sung about Christine's dead father. He also says that the Phantom has found his perfect love and "Angel of Music" in Christine... because HE is the Angel of Music who Christine believes has been sent to her by her dead father, and because although the Phantom is obsessed with Christine, that relationship is far from "loving" (even if Christine shows him compassion. I feel like these (and a couple other mistakes) are major plot points to get wrong. A good amount of the commentary reads as if Bunnett might have written it at the last minute, fudging his way through entries on musicals of which he had little knowledge; like what an essay I might write on a book I never read for my college class but had quickly looked up on Cliff's Notes would sound like. In terms of sheer editing, there are spelling mistakes, run-on sentences and spacing errors ("Any DreamWill Do")in the liner notes. Where was the copy editor?
And the most frightening fact of all, under Bunnett's credentials, it says "Harper Collins has just published his revision and updating of the Collins Book of the Musical."
I am being very critical, but I think that for a widely-released CD it is reasonable to expect the liner notes to be at a professional level, as they were most likely supposed to be.
Not quite what I expected..........2005-04-23
Some great performances, some not so great..........2005-04-18
Pros:
Two classic songs that are performed excellently are Phantom of the Opera and I Don't Know How to Love Him.
Of course you want to compare Phantom to the classic Michael Crawford/ Sarah Brightman version. Well, guess what? This version is BETTER. The woman has a deeper voice than Brightman, and her singing style is just awesome. The ending of this version (you know, the "Sing, my angel of music, sing for me!") is different, but in a good way... I think.)
And of course, the standard for I Don't Know How to Love Him is Yvonne's version. This version is different, but it grew on me quickly. This version has a country feel to it, almost. Somehow it works and sounds great.
There are a lot of great performances in this collection. My favorites include: Heaven on Their Minds, Everything's Alright, Could We Start Again Please, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Buenos Aires, Rainbow High, Only You, Starlight Express, Angel of Music, Masquerade, All I Ask of You, Half a Moment, and Whistle Down the Wind. I think they're all great versions of their more famous counterparts.
Cons:
First of all, there are some technical problems that are kind of disappointing. A few of the songs have a very echoey sound. Any Dream Will Do, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, and There's Me are the songs that come to mind that are the worst in this regard. It isn't really bad, just enough to be slightly annoying, more so when the volume is turned way up on your CD player.
A few songs are worthy of skipping over when listening to this collection. In my opinion, Superstar, Sunset Boulevard, and Gethesmane are the biggest disappointments.
Superstar just doesn't cut it for me. The singer really overdoes it, making it overstylized... really makes you yearn for Murray Head. I can't stand listening to it. Just my opinion.
Sunset Boulevard is one of my very favorite musicals, so I was really hoping that the singer would do justice to its title song. Unfortunately I don't think he did. You can't help but compare it to Alan Campbell's fantastic version. This guy has a very choppy way of singing, when I'm used to it being sung so smoothly. Maybe it would grow on me, but I don't think I'll give it a chance to. However, that last note is much stronger than Alan Campbell's. It doesn't make up for the rest of the song, though.
Finally, Gethsemane. The inevitable fact is that NO ONE can sing this song like Michael Ball. This guy tries, he really does. But he doesn't have the right voice or the right style. So please listen to Michael Ball's performance of Gethsemane if you want to know how breathtaking of a song it can be. It's on the Royal Albert Hall DVD, and I'm sure he's got it on one of his CDs.
Anyway, overall, this is a good CD if you like quantity over quality. Don't buy it for the classics, you'll probably end up disappointed with many of them. Buy it for the lesser known songs. You probably won't like every song, especially if you're a big ALW fan, but for the price, it's worth it.
If you want classic versions of classic ALW songs, you might prefer something like "The Very Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection".
Disappointed.......2005-03-11
Musical Talent at Its Best.......2003-01-03
Average customer rating: |
Klub Mix 2000 [2 Cd Set]
Various artists/ 1. We Like To Party (Airplay) - Vengaboys 2. Do It Again (Radio Edit) - Razor N' Guido 3. Here You Go Again (Razor-N-Guido Mix) - Aretha Franklin , 4. All I Have To Give (Davidson Ospina Radio Mix) - Backstreet Boys 5. The First Night - Monica 6. Best Of My Life - 'N Sync , 7. Baby - Before Dark 8. It's The Things You Do (Sean & Dave's Excellent Extended Mix) - Five 9. Torn - Nathalie Imbruglia 10. Home Alone - R. Kelly , 11. I Still Love You (Radio Edit) - Next 12. Promises Tyrese , 1. Blue Monday (Club 69 Radio Edit) - Orgy 2. If You Buy This Record Your Life Will Be Better -Tamperer , 3. God Is A DJ (Radio Edit) - Faithless 4. Maria (Soul Solution Radio Edit) - Blondie 5. Bodyrock - Moby , 7. Ladyshave - Gus Gus 9. Body (Radio Edit) - Funky Green Dogs , 10. Sprung (Pablo La Rosa Club Mix) - Nu Flavor 11. 24-7 - Liberty City , and 12. If You Really Want To Know - Marc Dorsey Manufacturer: Cild Front / BMG ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000P1KDJ2 |
Product Description
Track Listing DISC 1: 1. We Like To Party - Vengaboys 2. Do It Again - Razor & Guido 3. Here We Go Again - Aretha Franklin (Razor-N-Guido mix) 4. All I Have To Give - Backstreet Boys (Davidson Ospina Radio mix) 5. First Night, The - Monica 6. Best Of My Life - 'N Sync 7. Baby - Before Dark 8. It's The Things You Do - Five (Sean & Dave's Excellent Extended mix) 9. Torn - Natalie Imbruglia 10. Home Alone - Keith Murray/R. Kelly 11. I Still Love You - Next (Radio Edit) 12. Promises - Tyrese DISC 2: 1. Blue Monday - Orgy (Clud 69 Radio Edit) 2. If You Buy This Record Your Life Will Be Better - The Tamperer 3. God Is A DJ - Faithless (Edit) 4. Maria - Blondie (Soul Solution Radio) 5. Bodyrock - Moby 6. Be Mine - Wild Orchid 7. Ladyshave - Gus Gus 8. Just Round - Joy/A Very Good Friend Of Mine 9. Body - Funky Green Dogs (Radio Edit) 10. Sprung - Nu Flavor (Pablo La Rosa Club Edit) 11. 24-7 - Liberty City 12. If You Really Wanna Know - Marc Dorsey
Average customer rating:
|
Total Classics
Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002L2ZUU Release Date: 2005-02-08 |
Tracks:
- Il Canto - Luciano Pavarotti
- Pokarekare Ana - Hayley Westernra
- La Donna E Mobile - Joseph Fleming
- Ebben?... Ne Andro Lontana - Renee Fleming
- Shenandoah - Bryn Terfel
- Lullaby - Bond
- Whistle Down The Wind - Sarah Brightman
- Torna A Surriento - Russell Watson
- Love Street - Nigel Kennedy
- White Night - Ludovico Einaudi
- Meditation - Julian Lloyd Webber
- My Heart Will Go On - Julian Lloyd Webber
- Canon - Duel
- Adagio In G Minor - Dominic Miller
- Gymnopedie No. 1 - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
- Funiculi, Funiculi - Jose Carreras
Tracks:
- O Sole Mio - The Three Tenors
- O Mio Babbino Caro - Kiri Te Kanawa
- Una Furtiva Lagrima - Juan Diago Florez
- Bond - Allegretto
- Nella Fantasia - John Themis
- Griet's Theme - Russel Watson
- Si Mi Chiamano Mimi - Angela Gheorghiu
- Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis - Vaughan Williams
- What Is Life To Me Without Thee? - Kathleen Ferrier
- Main Theme - Janine Jansen
- All I Ask Of You - Renee Fleming & Bryn Terfel
- Ashokan Farewell - Duel
- She Moved Through The Fair - Izzy
- Flower Duet - Patrica Petibon
- Song For Athene - Ian le Grice
- Ombra Mai Fu - Handel
Album Description
2-CD compilation featuring the greatest stars including Bond, Hayley Westenra, Russell Watson, Pavarotti, The Three Tenors, Sarah Brightman and many others. Decca. 2004.Customer Reviews:
Wonderful sounds.......2007-05-14
Average customer rating:
|
My Secret Heart - Songs of Parlour, Stage and Screen
Ben Heppner , Vittorio Giannini , Ernest Charles , Ivor Novello , Sir Noel Coward , Eric Coates , Teresa Clotilde del Riego , Mana-Zucca , Ernst Seitz , and Haydn Wood Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00002JXEC Release Date: 1999-11-09 |
Tracks:
- Let All My Life Be Music
- Sing To My Heart A Song
- Let My Song Fill Your Heart
- Love Is My Reason For Living
- Someday My Heart Will Awake
- I'll See You Again
- We'll Gather Lilacs
- Bird Songs At Eventide
- Homing
- I Love Life
- The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
- Roses Of Picardy
- I'll Be Seeing You
- Serenade
- Love Me Tonight
- Be My Love
- The Desert Song
- I'll Follow My Secret Heart
Amazon.com
With his 1999 Met triumph as Tristan--the most taxing of all Wagner's tenor roles--Canadian singer Ben Heppner has fully earned his heralded position as the great new Heldentenor of our time. His Lohengrin is a signature role, while his album German Romantic Opera has been nominated for a Grammy. Yet Heppner also commands tremendous versatility--and of a much more engaging character than that of the typical crossover effort--using his powerful, bronze-tinged tenor to tender and charming effect in My Secret Heart. This is a collection of songs roughly from the period between the two world wars, when music began to reach mass audiences via radio and screen. Many of these are almost forgotten gems--emblems of a vanished era--but once had wide cultural currency: the World War II hit "We'll Gather Lilacs," the radio show Family Hour's theme tune "Let My Song Fill Your Heart," and the oft-recorded 1919 ballad "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." Heppner, with his sturdy beauty of tone and sweet, natural-sounding vibrato, breathes new life into this genre. He handles the idiom's unabashed schmaltz with charm and brings a lilting urbanity to two Noël Coward tunes, with especially bittersweet refinement in "I'll Follow My Secret Heart." --Thomas MayCustomer Reviews:
Almost too much lavender and roses, but a delight anyway.......2006-08-29
Mr. Heppner Must Have A Large Parlour!.......2005-02-22
Mr. Heppner says these are songs of the parlour, stage and silver screen. His glorious voice which appears to be a combination of steel and gold fills a recital hall easily. He would need a huge parlour to sing in as well.
This CD is quite wonderful. There are no dull cuts. Since the songs are all about love, this would make a great February 14 gift.
He can keep his secret to himslef.......2003-12-13
What a 'crossover' album should be!.......2001-09-01
There is no question that Heppner is one of the greatest tenors of our age. He is often compared with his fellow Canadian Jon Vickers (with whom he shares much of his repertory) but especially here, he is beginning to remind me more and more of Jussi Bjorling, and I can think of no higher compliment. Part of this is because Bjorling actually sang quite a bit of repertory similar to what Heppner sings here, but more importantly, both voices have an ideal combination of power and sweetness. Heppner's is essentially a very lyric voice despite its large size, and he is capable of great tonal beauty and sensitivity. This not only makes his Wagner, Giordano, and Berlioz very special, but makes him equally adept with the gentle little gems he sings on this disc. He is helped somewhat by the fact that these songs, most of which were written in the very early part of the 20th century, are a lot closer to the 'classical' style than more modern pop. But what really makes Heppner perfect for this material is his total identification with the texts, his tenderness, and his utter sincerity. Also, his diction is superb - you won't need the printed texts to understand what he is singing. In the hands of a lesser singer, some of these old fashioned songs would be absolute treacle. But an artist like Heppner can raise up even 'substandard' compositions and give them the aura of greatness.
In the more upbeat songs, Heppner sings with the thrilling, heroic tone that has made him in demand in every opera house in the world. He makes 'Let All My Life Be Music' into his personal mission statement. 'Homing' was also a favorite of another great Wagnerian tenor, namely Lauritz Melchior. 'I Love Life!', complete with splendid high C, is sung with enough cheer and vigor to bring anybody out of a depression. But this repertory is often gentle and introspective, and Heppner can also easily fine down his voice to a splendid pianissimo, drawing you in and enticing you to pay attention as opposed to banging you over your head like many other tenors do. Ivor Novello's 'Love is My Reason For Living' and Ernest Charles' 'Let My Song Fill Your Heart' are light, gracious Viennese waltzes. The familiar 'Roses of Picardy', 'Bird Songs at Eventide' and 'I'll Be Seeing You' are also sung sweetly and caressingly. Two more Novello songs are among the best tracks on the album. 'Someday My Heart Will Awake', is soft, gentle, and nostalgic, rising to a passionate conclusion. 'We'll Gather Lilacs' is obviously a love song from Heppner to his wife Karen (to whom the entire album is dedicated), full of yearning and deeply moving.
The operetta selections are even more special. In the Serenade from 'The Student Prince', which is alone worth the price of the CD, Heppner makes something truly thrilling of the declaration 'Oh, hear my longing cry!/Oh, love me or I die!', and ends with not one but two spectacular high Cs. What a pity that the chances of him ever recording the entire operetta are so slim! The cajolingly sung title song from 'The Desert Song' is almost as fine, as is 'Love Me Tonight' from 'The Vagabond King'. Finally, the title song 'I'll Follow My Secret Heart', with yet another brilliant high C, makes a splendid finish to this very enjoyable album.
I should also give credit to noted composer and orchestrator Jonathan Tunick for his warm, rich, and perfectly scaled arrangements of these songs. Like Heppner, he finds the perfect mood for each piece and never engages in schmaltz that one might expect from some of this material. The only complaint I have about this disc is the one I have about many contemporary CDs - why is there only 54 minutes of music on a medium that can hold almost 80 minutes? There are assuredly more than 18 songs Heppner could have recorded in this vein. I would have liked to have seen more operetta items in particular. Although I suppose they couldn't have recorded the Drinking Song from 'The Student Prince' as well as the Serenade without a chorus, it would have been nice if 'Deep In My Heart, Dear' had been included. Still, the quality of what is there far outweighs the quantity. The excellent documentation, in German and French as well as English, includes a personal note from Heppner, biographies of all the composers as well as Heppner and Tunick, and complete song texts. The cover shows Heppner surrounded by red velvet, designed, amusingly enough, by Red Herring Productions!
Whether you're an opera lover who wants to hear a great tenor in a lighter mood, or a fan of early 20th century popular music who is curious to see what it sounds like sung by a genuinely great voice, this disc is essential. It is an excellent introduction to Heppner's artistry if you haven't experienced it before, and after listening to it you might want to try some of his opera CDs, both solo recitals and complete recordings. There are few voices that could serve as a better introduction for a neophyte to the wonderful world of opera. If only more 'crossover' singers (both classical and pop) had Heppner's musical integrity...
This cd has left me speechless, wow!.......2001-02-18
The things that I have read about Ben have been very true. He really is a lot more than I ever bargained for. He is THAT GOOD.
I need to go out on a limb and say that he is the best tenor I have ever heard. In my wildest dreams I never thought anyone could be that good.
For this cd Ben choose to sing a lot of standards. Bravo! This is my kind of music. Ben did an excellent job crooning us with his golden voice. He knew when to hold back and when to sing at full strength. This is marvelous how he worked each song to get the full meaning out of it.
The only complaint I have is there was not enough of the good olde songs that I wanted to hear Ben sing. I know it's hard to please all the people all the time and I understand where Ben was coming from.
This cd is a must for the fans of beautiful opera singers who crossover with popular music.
Average customer rating:
|
I Will Love You All My Life
Foster & Allen Manufacturer: Honest Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000005QG1 Release Date: 1997-08-26 |
Tracks:
- Softly Softly
- All Kinds of Everything
- True Love
- You're Never Too Old
- Gypsy Rover
- I Will
- Could I Have This Dance
- Maggie
- Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
- Would You Lay With Me
- Sweetest of All
- I Will Love You
Customer Reviews:
I will love you all my life.......2007-01-11
Slow Dance Music.......2002-07-26
"I Will" is the best I've ever heard, and the other songs are tremendous.
I Will Love You All My Life.......2001-04-03
Average customer rating:
|
A Tribute
Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000A9DYO Release Date: 2003-10-14 |
Tracks:
- What Is Life To Me Without Thee?
- Che Puro Ciel
- Art Thou Troubled?
- Ombra Mai Fu
- An Die Musik
- Der Musensohn
- Gretchen Am Spinnrade
- Die Junge Nonne
- Woe Unto Them
- O Rest In The Lord
- Er, Der Herrlichste Von Allen
- Geistliches Wiegenlied
- Sapphische Ode
- Botschaft
- Like As The Love-Torn Turtle
- A Soft Day
- Go Not Happy Day
- Come You Not From Newcastle
- The Keel Row
- Ma Bonny Lad
- Kitty My Love
- Blow The Wind Southernly
Tracks:
- Ye Banks And Braes
- I Have A Bonnet Trimmed With Blue
- Down By The Salley Gardens
- The Stuttering Lovers
- Drink To Me Only
- Hark! The Echoing Air
- Father Of Heaven
- O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion
- He Was Despised
- Have Mercy, Lord On Me
- Agnus Dei
- All Is Fulfilled
- Du Bist Die Ruh' - Bruno Walter
- Romance - Bruno Walter
- Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
- Ich Atmet' Einen Linden Duft
- Um Mitternacht
Customer Reviews:
Awesome voice, exquisite performances.......2006-08-27
My personal favorites appear on the second CD. The first is the divine Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, the Ben Jonson poem, which is a most mystical and transcending listening experience. The buoyant Stuttering Lovers is most catchy and appealing. Both of the aforementioned are sung to the piano accompaniment of pianist Phyllis Spurr.
Backed by the London Philharmonic, Ferrier renders splendid versions of Father Of Heaven from Judas Maccabaeus and O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion from The Messiah. These are truly awesome, the first one slow and somber, the second joyous and triumphant. Other highlights on this second CD include He Was Despised from The Messiah and All Is Fulfilled from St John Passion by Bach.
The informative CD booklet contains black and white photographs, a short biography in English, French and German, plus complete information on the recording of the tracks: composers, dates, venues, conductors and musicians. Kathleen Ferrier was a unique vocalist who made a magnficent contribution to classical and folk music.
It may take you a little time to love her voice.......2004-08-19
Average customer rating: |
The Essential Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber
Manufacturer: Metro Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000B9G6O4 Release Date: 2005-10-03 |
Tracks:
- Phantom of the Opera/All I Ask of You
- By Jeeves/Half a Moment
- Beautiful Game/All the Love I Have
- Jesus Christ Superstar/I Don't Know How to Love Him
- Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
- Aspects of Love/The First Man You Remember
- Starlight Express B'way/Starlight Express
- Starlight Express/Only You
- Tell Me on a Sunday/Unexpected Song
- Aspects of Love/Seeing Is Believing
- Beautiful Game/Our Kind of Love
- Tell Me on a Sunday/The Last Man in My Life
- Phantom of the Opera/Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
- Sunset Boulevard/Too Much in Love to Care
- Tell Me on a Sunday/Tell Me on a Sunday
- Aspects of Love/There Is More to Love
- Evita/Don't Cry for Me Argentina
- Aspects of Love/Love Changes Everything
Tracks:
- Sunset Boulevard/With One Look
- Evita/Another Suitcase in Another Hall
- Cats/Memory
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Could We Start Again Please?
- Requiem/Pie Jesu
- Phantom of the Opera/Angel of Music
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)/Close Every Door
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Gethsemane
- Whistle Down the Wind/Whistle Down the Wind
- Sunset Boulevard/As If We Had Never Said Goodbye
- Starlight Express/U-N-C-O-U-P-L-E-D
- Phantom of the Opera/The Point of No Return
- Aspects of Love/Anything But Lonely
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat/Any Dream Will Do
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat/There's Me
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Pilate's Dream
- Evita/High Flying Adored
- Phantom of the Opera/Music of the Night
Tracks:
- Cats/Macavity
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Heaven on Their Minds
- Evita/Rainbow High
- Starlight Express/Rolling Stock
- Phantom of the Opera/The Phantom of the Opera
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna
- Evita/Oh What a Circus
- Phantom of the Opera/Masquarade
- Starlight Express/Starlight Express
- Jesus Christ Superstar/King Herod's Song
- Evita/Buenos Aires
- Cats/Jellicle Cats
- Sunset Boulevard/Sunset Boulevard
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Everything's Alright
- Cats/Mr. Mistoffelees
- Phantom of the Opera/Prima Donna
- Cats/The Jellicle Ball
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Jesus Christ Superstar
Album Details
Lovesongs, Ballads and Show Stoppers. 54 Tracks, Including Some Brand New Titles Released Here for the First Time.Rock Music:
- In Memory of Alla Rakha - The Wizard of Tabla, Vol. 1 [Live]
- Indian Sitar & World Jazz [Import]
- L' Amore Ci Cambia la Vita [Import]
- L'oriental [Import]
- Lavo Ta Novo [Import]
- Life Just Got Sweeter
- Ma Loom [Import]
- Mes Plus Belles Chansons [Import]
- Morning Mantra [Live]
- Mother Rhythm
Recommended Music:
Forty Hour Train Back to Penn [Enhanced]
Beethoven: Complete Works For Piano And Cello
Classical Favorites Advertiser's Guide (Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4) [Box set]
Double Vision [Original recording remastered]
Born a Lion [Enhanced] [Import]
Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 3, 5, 6, 7
Barrio Fino [Enhanced] [Import]