La Morena (Burn It Up) [CD-single]

1. Morena [Cibola Edit]

2. Morena [La Morena Remix]

3. Morena [Candela Dub]

4. Morena [Cibola Remix]

5. Morena [Eddie A.'s Main Mix]

6. Morena [CZR's Nocturnal Dub]

La Morena (Burn It Up),Ilegales,Logic,Dominican Republic,Latin,Tropical

Average customer rating:

Point of Information
Estrellita
Ugly
Carmen
Excellent disc

Beverly Sills

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato

ASIN: B00000FCKP
Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

Parlez-moi d'amour
Ouvre ton coeur
Oh, quand je dors
Waltz From Mireille
Si tu le veux
Les filles de le Cadiz
Les chemins de l'amour
Plaisir d'amour
Villanelle
Goyescas: Interludio
Goyescas: La maja y el ruisenior
Estrellita
La morena de mi copla

Customer Reviews:

Point of Information.......2007-07-06

Folks, please read the recording data! This album does not present merely the "older Sills" of 1975. Tracks 10 to 13 were recorded in February 1961, when Sills was about three months shy of 32 years old. To hear her any younger on disc, you have to go to her splendid recording of *The Ballad of Baby Doe*, released in 1959. (If anyone knows of still earlier recordings, please holler!) So these 1961 tracks alone make the album priceless, especially since it offers vastly better sound than the slightly boomy acoustic of *Baby Doe*.

For me, the initial main attraction here was the Granados, and it was a hallelujah moment when I spotted this CD in the bins almost 10 years ago. While this disc represents the commercial first release of the *Goyescas* selections, they received limited issue around December 1963 on a holiday-bonus LP ("The Sound of Genius 1963") from the Columbia Record Club.

That LP was my introduction to Sills, and it made me fall in love with her voice. It was always a special treat to play her vocal track for those who had no idea it existed and watch their astonishment as Beverly's voice floated through sonic space like the very nightingale she sings about. It is simply some of the loveliest, most haunting singing I've ever heard. To get two additional tracks from the same recordings sessions -- especially "Estrellita" -- was an unexpected blessing.

So get this CD for the last three tracks, if nothing else (track 10 is purely orchestral). They capture Sills at a magical moment. Even if you like nothing else on the disc (and I think you'll like much more), you can claim these three special treasures for a mere pittance. How much more precious are they, now that she has gone on to sing, we pray, in other realms.

Estrellita.......2006-12-07

The incomparable Beverly Sills beautifuly sings here a true bouquet of songs in French and Spanish. A pleasure to the ear.

Estrellita is not a Spanish song as claimed by some commentators, but a Mexican one, whose author is the late Manuel M. Ponce.

Ugly.......2004-05-20

Sills screeching a mezzo-role? She already ruined belcanto with her puny, fake screeching!

Carmen.......2004-04-26

She DID sing Michaela. And it's said that she also did Carmen. But if she did, she was completely miscast. She also did Aida, live-recording of her Aida is...interesting. Anyway, Sills rules in the French rep, esp. as Manon.

Excellent disc.......2004-03-21

This is a fantastic disc and shows Beverly Sills at her interpretive best with zesty, go-for-broke vocalism that is truly wonderful to hear.

Tracks:

Nessun Dorma!
Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!.. Celeste Aida
Ch'Ella Mi Creda Libero E Lontano
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Quando Le Sere Al Placido
Bimba Dagli Occhi
Addio, Fiorito Asi
Ingemisco
Amor Ti Vieta
Sincero Amor
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini-O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
Apri La Tua Finestra!
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
Sole E Amore
Von Der Jugend
Di Quella Pira

Tracks:

Te Quiero, Morena-Jota
La Roca Fria Del Calvario (Romanze)
Por El Humo Se Sabe Donde Esta El Fuego
Granada
Andalucia
Serenata Tapatia
Adoro
Siempre En Mi Corazon
Malaguena
Dulcinea
The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
In Pace
Maria
Perhaps Love
Love Came For Me
A Love Until The End Of Time

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Recording.......2007-03-09

This was a great buy for me. The power and accuracy of Placido's voice are demonstrated well. Two CD's and 34 songs--just can't beat that for the price.

A must for a Placido fan.......2005-04-23

If you've continously listened to this master of tenors and said "wow, I like it, I want to listen even more of him", then raise it to 5 stars, which is the rating I personally give the CD; HOWEVER, if you've only heard him once or not at all, you might want to wait a while and get to know him and other tenors better. Why? Well, disc 1 is the "classical" disc, with arias from famous operas and choral pieces by Puccini and the like, but disc 2, the "modern" or "popular" disc, contains music that will leave you a bit puzzled, since it's is not for everyone; a lot of people have never heard zarzuela or tunes by Manzanero or Lecuona. In short, this disc is better suited for fans of Placido or people who want to know him better, if not, it still is a top choice, and this way you just might fall in love with him (well, his singing, not him literally).

Great for what it is.......2005-01-13

I agree with the previous poster that this does not contain his great dramatic stuff like otello/wagner, but the collection is a beautiful one. There are some great recordings here, and his crossover stuff(maria, Dulcinea, impossible dream) is very interesting. His opera is of course impecable and brilliant. Finally we get to hear Domingo's high C in Di Quella Pira, and its a good one. The zarzuela or spanish operetta type songs and are wonderful.

I found this to be beautiful and exhilirating to listen to.

Certainly not ALLL the Essential Domingo.......2005-01-03

I grew up with Placido Domingo. Not in the sense of being boyhood friends, but rather in the sense that he was part of my "Golden Age" at the Metropolitan Opera. Of the "Three Tenors" (more Marketing hype than useful grouping of three fine singers) Domingo was the most dramatic - the "heaviest" of the three. His repertoire extended well beyond the lyric - and that's why this collection is not all the "essential" Domingo, but rather offers an interesting look at the lighter, more lyric side of Placido Domingo. You won't find Lohengrin or Otello here, but you will find many of the more lyric tenor arias from Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti - to name a few.

There is an "edge" to Domingo's voice that perhaps accounts for his ability to transition successfully into the heavier repertory. I find that tonal quality particularly noticeable in this collection - and sometimes too pronounced. On the other hand, there are a few wonderful surprises. His "Una furtiva lagrima" from L'elisir d'amore is a stand out. Its rare you here a tenor with this much power sing the role. The duet "Bima dagli occhi" from Madama Butterfly with Renata Scotto, again casts Pinkerton with a quality tenor not often found in the opera house any more. I loved the selection from Gianni Schicchi - when is the last time you found Rinuccio cast with this size tenor voice - and the Italian tenor's aria from Rosenkavalier is a treasure from a recording currently out of print. And then there is one of Domingo's signature roles - Jack Rance in Puccini's La Fanciulla del West. No one sings Rance better than Domingo - and the excerpt from the complete recording finds Domingo at his very best.

Disk two is devoted to song - popular and classical. There is a fair amount of tripe - too much cross over (as in who needs to hear Domingo sing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha - Broadway is not Mr. Domingo's genre). But there are some wonderful cuts as well - "Granada" is a Domingo encore specialty, and I was particularly struck by the song "In Pace" from the motion picture Hamlet - I never saw the film and was truly taken aback at how beautiful a song this is, and Domingo's voice soars.

I found the sound of these CD's a bit "tinny". Perhaps its the analogue to digital conversion, but I was disappointed in the overall sound. The album is badly mistitled "The Essential Placido Domingo". Certainly this is some of the essential Domingo - and some very wonderful examples of the lyric Domingo - but there is clearly a volume two to come - the dramatic Placido Domingo. But why wait - buy this fine collection, and then feast on some of the complete recordings such as Otello or Lohengrin.

Solid, comfortable, familiar -- very good!.......2005-01-01

Why wait to see if this reviewer enjoyed Sony's latest offering: I did, and so will you. Hats off to Sony for getting it right with this two CD, 34-song bonanza of Placido Domingo singing -- well, as the name implies -- the essentials, from opera to Broadway to Hollywood, in a mix that keeps its distance while holding it all together in a package that breeds enough familiarity to make even the most harsh tenor critic purr. The more clasical offerings are on the first CD and the more sentimental are on disc two. Interestingly, I found side two more seductive and subdued in tone, and enjoyed listening to Mr. Domingo's interpretation of such popular favorites as "Maria" from "West Side Story", "Dulcinea" from "Man From LaMancha" and a couple duets with John Denver (Perhaps Love) and Maureen McGovern (A Love Without End). The songs selected for side two actually did set a thematic tone. Readers of my reviews know that I place a high value on a CDs overall ability to present what is offered in a bundle that sets and keeps a mood. I usually ask two questions: is it consistent once the mood is set; and does it keep the listener in that mood throughout once established? Here, well, here, I break from tradition and profess some confusion. The mood on disc one is not thematic but ecclectic -- from solo's to duets, from live recordings to studio, from one orchestra to the next, from upbeat to mellow. Technically, while there is some difference in the overall sound quality while switching from one setting to another, it is something you would have to listen for to catch, and becaue of this doesn't amount to a serious flaw as presented. What saves disc one from my usual "tenor blahs" is Mr. Domingo's exceptional voice and the selection of songs chosen -- which, while altering between one mood and another, are all familiar enough that we listen with knowing ease to what we expect. This isn't the kind of CD you put on while holding a conversation with anyone, but rather one you would put on, close your eyes and listen to for its sheer technical achievement -- or more precisely for Mr. Domingo's talent. The voice is clear and strong and passinate and reflects Mr. Domingo's control of his range and interpretive skills. Listen to Verdi's "Ingemisco" with The London Symphony and Leonard Bernstein; Puccini's "Bimba Dagli Occhi" with Renata Scoto (he sings a couple meodies with Scoto) and Umberto Giordino's "Amor ti Vieta" from Fedora to get an idea of what I am referring to here. It took me a couple sessions with each side to settle down and appreciate what was offered. Hopefully this review will get you ready and you will enjoy it from the start. PJW

Average customer rating:

A glorious heritage, well sounded
a Hispanophile and Judeophile
hauntingly beautiful simplicity
A Fabulous collection!

Songs of The Sephardim

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

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Sephardic Romances
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ASIN: B000001Q6I
Release Date: 1993-08-31

Tracks:

Los gayos empesan a cantar
Una ija tiena el rey
La prima vez
Puncha, puncha
A'har noghenim
Era escuro
Seu shearim
Esta monta'enfrente
Una pastora
Morena me Llaman
Nani, nani
A la una yo nac
Scalerica de oro
Yo m'enamori
Dos amantes tengo la mama
Una matica de ruda
Los bilbilicos
Ir me quero
Hija mia
Durme, durme, hermozo hijico
Avre tu puerta cerrada
Noches, noches
Partos trocatos
En la mar hey una torre
Esta Rachel la estimoza
Cuando el rey Nimrod
Adio, querida

Customer Reviews:

A glorious heritage, well sounded.......2005-10-05

This music has a distinctive Spanish flavour to it - the guitar introduction on the first track is unmistakably Spanish; this is a tradition that dates back to the time before Columbus discovered the 'new' world, which ironically was the same year Ferdinand and Isabella issued their edict of expulsion to the Jews in Spain. The Sephardic Jews took their musical traditions with them when they left, such that the Spanish influences in their culture permeated the Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.

There are all sorts of music on this disc, that covers the whole range of pieces from the Sephardic culture - there are love songs, lullabies, and storytelling songs. Women feature prominently in the stories, and most likely in the composition, of many of the pieces here. Many pieces, however, have come down to the present time without composer/author credits. These could be the songs of many Mediterranean cultures; that they are Jewish is indicated in some of the details of the lyrics rather than the style of music itself. References to Hebrew Scriptures in certain ways, and certain Jewish customs and officials (such as the Moel, the one who performs circumcision) indicate the kinds of details present here.

La Rondinella makes use of wind and string instruments, most likely the same kinds of instruments used by the folk singers who would have been the original performers. Included here as performers are Paul Bensel (recorder, crumhorn, percussion), Howard Bass (lute, guitar, harp, percussion), Rosalind Brooks Stowe (treble viol, vielle, percussion), and Tina Chancey as a guest artist (treble viol, vielle, rebec, kamenj, recorder, percussion), with the alto vocals of Alice Kosloski. La Rondinella was established in 1987 in Washington D.C. as a group dedicated to older styles of music such as Sephardic, English, Scottish and Italian music.

The performances here are simply stunning, and remarkable in the fullness of sound and one with so few players. The care and spirit infused into the performances is wonderful. The emotion is very strongly present, particularly in pieces that give a sense of longing and wandering, a very well-known feeling among the Sephardim.

a Hispanophile and Judeophile.......2005-08-24

This is a great album. The pieces are both instrumental and sung, with a range of themes. There are both lively and slow pieces on this album. The voices are clear, the harmonies are lovely, and with the lyrics, the words are fairly easy to follow and understand. If you already speak Spanish, you will find it easier to understand the medieval Castilian and so that knowledge provides a way in, but if you just like music and are interested in Jewish traditions, that offers an alternative route into the music.

hauntingly beautiful simplicity.......2000-02-05

A jewel of a recording. Alice Koslozski teamed up with La Rondinella for several more recordings of Sephardic and Spanish Renaissance songs, but this one, the first, is the very best: they are all technically excellent, but this CD has the best song selection.

La Rondinella produces great earthy and colorful Medieval timbres. Kozloski's mezzo singing is lyrical and moving, some where on the spectrum between lieder singer and folk singer.

The songs have a hauntingly beautiful simplicity - they are a relevant today as they were 600 years ago. The booklet contains all the Ladino texts - if you know a little Spanish, they are quite understandable.

A Fabulous collection!.......1999-04-03

This is a collection of songs that covers the broad spectrum of love, loss, hopes, and dreams. This music truly is expressed from the heart. It is interpreted by an excellent group of musicians who attempt successfully, I believe, to express the emotions and music of this particular era. This is a must-buy for anyone who is a serious collector.

Average customer rating:

René Marino Rivero

Bandoneon Pure: Dances of Uruguay

Manufacturer: Smithsonian Folkways
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Uruguay | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001DLF
Release Date: 1993-11-18

Tracks:

Il Choclo
Mirinaque
Corazon De Oro
Mate Amargo
Camino Al Don
Nilonga De Mis Amores
Sentimiento Gaucho
La Punalada
La Loca De Amor
Polca De Zamora
Gaucho De Florida
Maxixa
El Pericon
Sacate La Caretita
Vieja Morena
Norma
Las Margaritas
Los Ejes De Mi Carreta
Canaro En Paris
Milonga Que Peina Canas
Desde El Alma
Polca De Bordales
Taquito Militar
Baile De Los Morenos
El Choclo

Album Description

Rivero has played the bandoneon, or square-headed accordion, since he was a child. Now an internationally known master, he performs 24 traditional Uruguayan dance pieces here in the transparent and natural style he prefers, without electronic modification. 25 tracks recorded in 1991; includes an 80-page booklet.

"Rivero offers a soulful rendition...as pure in spirit as in sound." - Rhythm Music

Desde que era un niño, Rivero ha tocado el bandoneón, ese acordeón de cabeza hexagonal tan apreciado en el cono sur. Ahora, siendo un reconocido maestro del instrumento a nivel internacional, nos presenta 24 danzas tradicionales interpretadas aquí en el su acostumbrado estilo, transparente y natural, sin ninguna modificación electrónica. Los 25 cortes de este CD fueron grabados en 1991; incluye un cuadernillo de 80 páginas.

Customer Reviews:

René Marino Rivero.......2004-03-05

This is a very good CD performed by a first-rate bandoneon player and excellent musician and scholar. This uruguayan bandoneon player has traveled around the world with his wonderful interpretations and this CD is a perfect opportunity to enjoy Marino Rivero's art and to learn about uruguayan music as well as to listen to his special instrument which was acquired in 1930 and maintainted exactly as it came from the factory in Germany.

I attended one of Marino Rivero's recitals in Punta del Este, Uruguay and whether interpreting Bach or a piece of uruguayan tango, he always shows off as a first- rate artist. All his CDs are highly recommendable.

Tracks:

Sevilla
El Grito De America
Andalucia
Sonadores De Espana
Malaguena
Te Quiero Morena
Siboney
Amor, Mi Raza Sabe Conquistar
Adios Mariquita Linda
Maria La O
Serenata Tapatia
De Este Apacible Rincon
Un Viejo Amor
Cancion Para Una Reina
Damisela Encantadora
Adoro
Yo Sere Tu Primer Hombre
Canto Karabali

Average customer rating:

Vibrantissimo

Tito Beltrán:Romantica

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Amazing Grace
Ramon Vargas - Canzoni (Neapolitan Songs and other Italian Classical songs)

ASIN: B000004BQX
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

'Amapola'
'Te Quiero Morena' From El Trust de los Tenorios
'No Puede Ser' From La Taberna del Puerto
'Jota de Perico' From II Guitarrico
'Una Pena Y Un Carino'
'Ack Varmeland Du Skona'
Sommarnatt
'Till Havs'
'Maria, Mari'
'Fenesta Vascia'
'Pecche?'
'Musica Proibita'
'Core 'ngrato' (Catari)

Customer Reviews:

Vibrantissimo.......2004-05-24

Tito Beltran's 'Romantica', which I found in the old power plant culture house at Baltimore's Inner Harbor 4 years ago, is a ravishing exposition of a melting tenor striving at his best. What caused me to buy it was the fact that his repertory consists of 3 of Jussi Björling's Swedish favourites, 'Till Havs', 'Ack Värmeland, du sköna' and the originally Danish 'I de lyse nætter' (Swedish: 'Sommarnatt'), all sung in Swedish, his second native tongue. His tone rings beautifully, and apart from his at times overwhelming vibrato I find his version a refreshing and sympathetic alternative and artistically a parallel to Carlo Bergonzi: a humble artist who tells stories in song without overshadowing his art.

Average customer rating:

Rodrigo: Piano Music

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Airs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000030X8
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

Serenata Espanola
Bagatela
Pastoral
Sons De Castilla: Toccata A Modo De Pregon
Sons De Castilla: Son I
Sons De Castilla: Son II in f#
Sons De Castilla: Son III in D
Sons De Castilla: Son IV Como Un Tiento
Sons De Castilla: Son V in A
El Album De Cecilia: Maria De Los Reyes
El Album De Cecilia: A La Jota - Jota De Las Palomas
El Album De Cecilia: Cancion Del Hada Rubia
El Album De Cecilia: Cancion Del Hada Morena
El Album De Cecilia: El Nagrito Pepo
El Album De Cecilia: Borrquillos A Belen
A L'Ombre De Torre Bermeja
Air De Ballet Sur Le Nom D'Une Jeune Fille
Tres Danzas De Espana: Rustica
Tres Danzas De Espana: Danza De Las Tres Doncellas
Tres Danzas De Espana: Serrana
Bercesuse De Printemps
Tres Evocaciones: Tarde En El Parque
Tres Evocaciones: Noche En El Guadalquivir
Tres Evocaciones: Manana En Triana

The Sacred Bridge: Jews and Christians in Medieval Europe

Average customer rating:

Sharing the sacred
Sacred Bridge or Secular Cringe?
From the roots of Jewish-Christian history

The Sacred Bridge: Jews and Christians in Medieval Europe

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Ancient Echoes - Music from the time of Jesus and Jerusalem's Second Temple

ASIN: B000005E7H
Release Date: 1991-06-25

Tracks:

Songs Of Exile: Boray ad ana
Songs Of Exile: Al narahot bavel
The Sacred Bridge: In exitu Israel - Gregorien et Ashkenase
The Sacred Bridge: Mi al har Horeb (Eloge de Moise)
Jewish Minstrels At Christian Courts: Par grand francaise - Mathieu le Juif (XIII)
Jewish Minstrels At Christian Courts: Wa heb'uf
Jewish Folklore Of The Mediterranean Basin: Cansoun d'Ester
Jewish Folklore Of The Mediterranean Basin: Eftach sefatai
Jewish Folklore Of The Mediterranean Basin: Morena me Ilaman
Jewish Folklore Of The Mediterranean Basin: Yo hanino, tu hanina
Jewish Folklore Of The Mediterranean Basin: En ciudad noble y encina
Jewish Folklore Of The Mediterranean Basin: Desde hoy mas, mi madre
Jewish Folklore Of The Mediterranean Basin: La rosa enfloresce
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Respondemos, Dio de Abraham
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Virgem madre gloriosa
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Kaddish
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Dos oge mas quer eu trobar
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Gran dereit
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Cuando el Rey Nimrod
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Ahot ketana
Songs Of Mystical Spain: Muit e benaventurado
Songs Of Mystical Spain: El nora alila

Customer Reviews:

Sharing the sacred.......2005-09-26

The music on this disc is wonderful, both in composition, in setting, and in performance. There is a lively, crisp and vibrant tone to each piece, and the emotions (which range from sombre and serious to joyous and praising) come through clearly in the voices and instruments. The Boston Camerata has a long history of performance of ancient and medieval music, and this expertise is clearly shown in this disc. The Boston Camerata, founded in 1954, has literally dozens of recordings available, from ancient liturgical songs to Shaker songs to Christmas/holiday collections.

The idea behind this disc is very welcome, the demonstration of shared aspects of Christian and Jewish music, particularly the worshipful and liturgical music. At that point at which Christians and Jews might seem to be most separate, there is a bridge that binds the two together in ways often overlooked and unknown. Jews and Christians have lived together (albeit often separately congregated) throughout Europe and throughout history. The music here represents Sephardic and Oriental influences from Judaism, and many national influences from the Christian side.

If I may respectfully agree and disagree with fellow reviewers, I hasten to remind the reader that this is a compact disc, and the historical notes included in the liner notes are intended not as definitive pronouncements but rather helpful guides - for example, the claim about the Psalm 114 being the oldest music is intriguing, and one hopes that the reader, upon reading such a claim, will be sufficiently motivated to research the matter and discover for himself or herself the glories of ancient music (and the attendant controversial issues in dating, authenticating, etc.). As a religious/theological scholar, I too appreciate documentation; as a listener of music, my standards are not as strict.

The notes are very helpful with regard to the lyrics. Cohen has presented the texts in their original languages as well as French, English and German translations. Sometimes there is an old Spanish or Latin text, and a parallel Hebrew text.

This disc not only makes for wonderful listening, but also represents a trip through history and an experience in interfaith communication of a sort different from today's more community and academic symposia.

I cannot praise the quality of this music as highly as it should be praised.

Sacred Bridge or Secular Cringe?.......2001-01-09

Not that I want to be a party pooper, but I was not completely enthralled by this wonderful recording. The Boston Camerata is certainly a great group worthy of high accolades for their performance quality and the integrity of their arrangements. However, their scholastic endeavors leave a little to be desired.

The recordings start with the earliest known Jewish music, and go historically through the music leading up to and including Sephardic traditional. Unfortunately, the producers put too much more emphasis on the Sephardic traditions than on the Ashkenazic (Northern and Eastern European Jews) which has its own ample share of Jewish music of historical note. While there may have been more "cross-cultural syncretism" in the Sephardic traditions, there are certainly worthy examples thereof in the Ashkenazic. It seems that the emphasis of this recording was placed on the music, and not on the scholarship.

It was disappointing to see that the instrumentation and arrangers were not listed separately. This is a major oversight, and hinders the listener in discerning who interpreted which pieces.

It was also disappointing that Mr. Joel Cohen failed to inform us about little things in the notes, i.e. the reasoning behind his interpretation of an unusual clef sign for Mi al har Horeb, or the basis for his claim that this music for Psalm 114 was the earliest music on record. Certainly some of the Greek music recording of Gregorio Paniagua would rival both the Psalm music as well as the Psalm text in antiquity. That is also coupled with the fact that we cannot substantiate whether the Psalms of David are truly his words or music, or whether either was composed at or around the time of the exile in Babylon. Considering the weight he places on his claim, a bit of background would have been nice.

Finally, the song descriptions were haphazard at best. It is difficult to keep up with all the musical sources, text sources, and source information when only a smattering of each is included.

However, in general, the project was well performed. Although no specific recording information is given, it is played at a level of musical communication usually found in a live group recording, with a level of perfection usually only found in studio recording. These musicians are very well adapted both to their ancient instruments and their ancient music.

From the roots of Jewish-Christian history.......2000-01-08

This well-done CD explores the often-complex interrelationships between Jewish and Christian music (both sacred and secular). It goes from the earliest sources to the end of the Middle Ages.

Most striking to me was the track that alternates an early Jewish chant of Psalm 114 and a Gregorian chant of the same Psalm. Mr. Cohen thinks this may be the oldest song on recording. I don't agree with that assessment; the music of the Temple at Jerusalem was different and far older (cf. my reviews of LA MUSIQUE DE LA BIBLE REVELEE, CD, and the book THE MUSIC OF THE BIBLE REVEALED, both on Amazon.com).

Tracks:

Ste: Prld
Ste: Sicilienne
Ste: Bourree
Ste: Menuet
Ste: Rigaudon
Preludio Al Gallo Mananero
Zarabanda Lejana
Pastorale
Bagatela
Serenata Espanola
Sonada De Adios (Hommage A Paul Dukas)
Tres Danzas De Espana: Rustica
Tres Danzas De Espana: Danza De Las Tres Doncellas
Tres Danzas De Espana: Serrana
Danza De La Amapola
Tres Evocaciones: Tarde En El Parque
Tres Evocaciones: Noche En El Guadalquivir
Tres Evocaciones: Manana En Triana
Preludio De Anoranza
Cinco Sons De Castilla, Con Toccata A Modo De Pregon: Toccata
Cinco Sons De Castilla, Con Toccata A Modo De Pregon: Son No.1 in f#
Cinco Sons De Castilla, Con Toccata A Modo De Pregon: Son No.2 in f#
Cinco Sons De Castilla, Con Toccata A Modo De Pregon: Son No.3 in D
Cinco Sons De Castilla, Con Toccata A Modo De Pregon: Son No.4 in b (Como Un Tiento)
Cinco Sons De Castilla, Con Toccata A Modo De Pregon: Son No.5 in A
Cinco Piezas Infantiles: Son Chicos Que Pasan
Cinco Piezas Infantiles: Despues De Un Cuento
Cinco Piezas Infantiles: Mazurka
Cinco Piezas Infantiles: Plegaria
Cinco Piezas Infantiles: Griteria Final
Berceuse De Printemps
Berceuse D'Automne
Air De Ballet Sur Le Nom D'Une Jeune Fille
El Album De Cecilia: Maria De Los Reyes (Sevillanas)
El Album De Cecilia: A La Jota-Jota De Las Palomas
El Album De Cecilia: Cancion Del Hada Rubia
El Album De Cecilia: Cancion Del Hada Morena
El Album De Cecilia: El Negrito Pepo
El Album De Cecilia: Borriquillos A Belan
Sonatina Para Dos Munecas: Empieza El Dia - Gregory Allen/Anton Nel
Sonatina Para Dos Munecas: Allegres Peripecias - Gregory Allen/Anton Nel
Sonatina Para Dos Munecas: Recogimiento - Gregory Allen/Anton Nel
Sonatina Para Dos Munecas: Vuelta Del Cole - Gregory Allen/Anton Nel
Gran Marcha De Los Subsecretarios - Gregory Allen/Anton Nel
Atardecer - Gregory Allen/Anton Nel
A L'Ombre De Torre Bermeja
Cuatro Piezas: Caleseras-Homenaje A Chueca
Cuatro Piezas: Fandango Del Ventorrillo
Cuatro Piezas: Plegaria De La Infanta De Castilla
Cuatro Piezas: Danza Valenciana
Cuatro Estampas Andaluzas: El Vendedor De Chanquetes
Cuatro Estampas Andaluzas: Crepusculo Sobre El Guadalquivir
Cuatro Estampas Andaluzas: Seguidillas Del Diablo
Cuatro Estampas Andaluzas: Barquitos De Cadiz

Amazon.com

This two-disc set contains all the piano music by the composer of the famous Concierto de Aranjuez. I can't understand why this music isn't better known. For light-hearted, folk-flavored Spanish entertainment music, Rodrigo is right up there with Albeniz and Granados. While you wouldn't want to play through this whole set at once, nearly everything in it (except for a few simple children's pieces) ranks very high on the entertainment scale. The Cuatro Piezas is almost guaranteed to hook you on the set. Rodrigo himself provided an enthusiastic endorsement of these performances, which I gladly second, and the recorded sound is remarkably fine. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Obras para piano de Rodrigo.......2002-10-22

Well played by professor Allen, wonderful music.
I think that this is what is to be expected from
Maestro Rodrigo. First pieces on the first disc
sound sound a bit in the vein of Debussy, this
was so maybe because it was the style of the day,
but it may well also reflect the composer's time
in Paris, where he studied with Paul Dukas, and
was friend with the mexican composer, Manuel Ponce.
All the music in the disc is well played by professor
Allen along with music for piano 4 hands, where professor
Allen is accompanied by Anton Nel. Wonderful recording,
indeed a five stars!!!!!

Disappointing.......2002-03-08

Rodrigo. One things of the lilting, lovely Spanish melodies of Concierto de Aranjuez or Fantasia para un Gentilhombre. Even the lesser symphonic works have such charm, such appeal -- so I thought that this album of solo piano works would be startlingly good, uniquely Rodrigo. I expected light to heavy Spanish influences, fluid phrasing, even the gently dynamic and soaring crescendos. Well, expectations are rarely satisfied. In this case, the pianist plays very well. His touch is gentle, flirting at times, and he shows understanding of Rodrigo's works. But it is the works themselves, all the songs and sonatas, that are a disappointment. They don't sound like Rodrigo but a great deal like Ravel, as if the French composer were standing over Rodrigo as he wrote, correcting with his pen. There are some pretty melodies here, and some are quite relaxing so that your listening time can pass nicely and sweetly. On the other hand, there are also a good many discords that interrupt the flow and prettiness of the music. Yes, these are very much like Ravel and in places, like bad Ravel. I would recommend the pianist since he does a remarkably nice job, but the actual music is just too different from Rodrigo's normal repertoire or from any sense of Spanish culture and music.