Por Amor

1. Mis Canciones

2. Por Amor

3. Por Culpa de Tu Amor

4. Perdi Mi Tiempo

5. Serenata

6. Corrido del Toro

7. Corazon Rebelde

8. En Esa Cantina

9. Tu Tienes Que Regresar

10. Por Siempre

Por Amor,Jose Angel,Fonovisa Inc.,Latin,Mexican

Average customer rating:

The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection
Classic
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!
Excellent!!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
Spanish Guitar Music
Baroque Guitar
Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B00004T0P4
Release Date: 2000-05-02

Tracks:

Romance
Pavane
Sunburst
Una Limosna Por el Amor de Dios
Asturias
Gymnopedie No. 3
El Condor Pasa
Verano Porteno
Scherzino Mexicano
Berceuse
Natalia
Dance from la Vida Breve
Planxty Madame Maxwell
Epitafios
Prelude from Lute Suite
I. Prelude from Suite for Lute (Guitar) No. 4 in E Major, BXV 1006a - From The Seville Concert
Sonata in E Major, K. 380 (L. 23) - From The Baroque Album
III. Allegro from Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, RV 82 - From John Williams Plays Vivaldi Concertos
II. Adagio From Conceirto de Aranjuez For Guitar And Orchestra

Amazon.com

Guitarist John Williams (no, not John Williams the soundtrack composer) adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar. But this isn't just a best-of collection (though some of his greatest work is included here) since the disc contains three new recordings. Among the new tracks, Fauré's Pavane is a real stunner, a short but gorgeous piece originally meant for orchestra and choir, where Williams's guitar sounds as though it always belonged there. We get Williams at his most interpretative--his arrangements of Satie's Gymnopedie No. 3 and Piazzolla tango Verano porteno--and his most serene (the "Cavatina" theme from the movie Deer Hunter). Let's face it, some fine classical guitarists can lull their listeners into near comatose states with their instrument; Williams, on the other hand, is just the opposite. His gorgeous tone, inventive arrangements, and interesting repertoire continue to make the classical guitar sound exciting. In short, a great introduction to Williams and a real gem for lovers of classical guitar. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection.......2007-03-01

The second movement adagio of the Aranjuez concert is one of my favourite pieces, a very difficult one to get right. I've listened to well over a dozen variations, the one on this CD, track 19, is an absolute gem. Just by itself is reason enough to own this CD. The only other Aranjuez performance that's even worth mentioning in the same breath is Julian Bream's, track 2 of the CD titled just "Julian Bream", with the Monteverdi orchestra. Both are just stunning performances, as close to perfection as it gets. Julian's is a bit stronger on the guitar than the one here.

Classic.......2007-01-26

Excellent CD for those interested in classical music. All the tracks are great in sound quality!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar.......2007-01-20

Loved the songs....loved the guitar renditions. Would highly recommend!

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!.......2006-04-19

If you had to call modern classical guitar by another name, it would be John Williams. A student of none other than the brilliant Andres Segovia himself, John has shown over the years to have learnt a great deal from the master and has himself developed simply impeccable technique.

As a guitarist myself who has been struggling all these years with "Cavatina", it always amazes me how effortlessly John makes the tune sound so simple and as if two guitarists are playing, one for the accompanyment and one for the melody and yet it's all him! Not only are the tracks representative of John's great talent but they also represent some of the most famous and challenging pieces to play.

Another great example of this is "Asturias(Leyenda) by Albeniz, a hauntingly beautiful and deceptively simple-sounding piece. We also get pieces that span the centuries from J.S. Bach and Vivaldi to Stanley Myers and York ending with the brilliant second movement of Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez".

Although the sound quality isn't brilliant as some tracks sound better mastered than others, overall this is a great one disc introduction to John Williams' work and comes highly recommended.

Excellent!!.......2006-03-06

This is a delightful compilation. The music flows effortlessly and leaves the listener wanting more.

The Great Paraguayan: Guitar Music of Barrios

Average customer rating:

Guitar Music of Barrios

The Great Paraguayan: Guitar Music of Barrios

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Agustín Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 2
Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 1
Music of Barrios
Lauro: Venezuelan Waltzes for Guitar
Bach: The Four Lute Suites

ASIN: B00077F948
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Customer Reviews:

Guitar Music of Barrios.......2007-06-03

Some of the greatest classical guitar music ever written and played by the master John Williams. I play the classical guitar and have many CDs of guitar music. This is one of the best.

Average customer rating:

Lecuona Plays Lecuona
Lecuona the Cuban pianist is Great!
The Cuban Chopin
Lecuona, the musical genious . . . . .
LECUONA IS NO LIGHTWEIGHT

Ultimate Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Always in My Heart-Domingo sings Songs of Ernesto Lecuona
Juana Zayas:A Treasury of Cuban Piano Classics
Lecuona Sinfónica / Morton Gould and His Orchestra
Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 1
Ernesto Lecuona Piano Music: Piano Solo

ASIN: B000003G71
Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

Malaguena
Andalucia
Ante el Escorial
San Francisco el grande
Siempre en mi corazon
Maria la O
Siboney
Noche azul
La comparsa
Danza negra
Danza lucumi
A la antigua
Canto del guajiro
Canto del guajiro
La habanera
Damisela encantadora
Crisantemo
Romantico
Rosa la china
Como arrullo de palmas
Palomitas blancas
Poetico
Estudiantina
Cordoba
Music Box
Mazurka en glisado
Polichinela
Gitanerias
Aragon
Valencia mora

Tracks:

La brisa y yo
Devuelveme el corazon
Preludio en la noche
Yo te quiero siempre
Pavo real
Vals de las sombras
Bell Flower
Zambra gitana
Por eso te quiero
Vals azul
Vals en si mayor
Muneca de cristal
Mi amor fue una flor
Vals en re bemol
Apasionado
Amorosa
Ahi viene el chino
Al fin te vi
Por que te vas?
Mientras yo comia maullaba un gato
Por que te vas?
Amorosa
Los minstrels
No hables mas
Dame tu amor
Vals en re bemol
La 32
Mis tristezas
En tres por cuatro
Munequita
Burlesca
La paloma
Music Box

Amazon.com

This collection includes Ernesto Lecuona's complete 1954 recordings plus a series of 78s made in 1927-28. Ten of the recordings were previously unreleased. This is a lot of lightweight Cuban piano music to deal with at once, but it's definitely worth doing. Lecuona's music, which is having a major revival, may not be important. But it's consistently charming and entertaining. The 78s, which sound surprisingly good, reveal even more of a virtuoso than do the later recordings, but throughout we hear playing that expresses the spirit of the music extremely well. And yes, the famous Malagueña is here, sounding very sexy. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Lecuona Plays Lecuona.......2007-05-12

Oh Boy! What can I tell you about this magnificent collection of musical jewels from our Maestro Lecuona. I bought the original Long Playing Record back in the 50's in my country.
I purchased it again shortly after my arrival to the US, and I was lucky enough to buy it on DVD from Amazon, once I found out they had it.

Joseph L. Alcover
Miami, FL

Lecuona the Cuban pianist is Great!.......2005-08-17

In my opinion this is one of the best CD's from Lacuona, Most of his piano compositions are recorded here (original ones), What, Ms. Leslie Gerber forgot to mention is that Mr.Lecuona was a band leader,"Lecuona and the Cuban Boys", remembers him? Or maybe she does not have sufficient information about him. The music from Lecuona still is very well alive today. I came across his recordings on my own, no one ever told me about this great pianist. I happened to hear the Malague?a by another great Cuban composer and band leader Perez Prado (The Real Mambo King) in one of his albums and Lecuona was the author. That got me interested in him. I'm pretty sure that Ms.Leslie Gerber does not mean any harm trying to put this composer down. It's just that maybe all she knows is Gerber baby food stuff!

The Cuban Chopin.......2004-06-18

What a great album and great value. There is music here that will make you smile, break your heart, inspire you, and Lecuona's skill is breathtaking. If you enjoy classical piano music (with a Cuban/Spanish influence), you'll love this. No, it doesn't display the virtuosity, complexity or seriousness of Lizst, Chopin or Beethoven, but it's fun, beautiful, dramatic yet accessible. You'll love it.

Lecuona, the musical genious . . . . ........2002-10-16

I feel compelled to identify myself first. I am Cuban born who arrived in the US in 1960 at the age of 16 years old. I am a US citizen since 1965 and a US Army Veteran of Viet Nam. I will die defending the right Ms. Leslie Garber has of expresing her opinions. But what I will not condone is her ignorance. To say that Lecuona writes "lightweight Cuban piano music" and that "Lecuona's music may not be important" is to show ignorance. A musician that composes GREAT music in several genres of the music world, a musician that in all genres has highly succesful pieces, and, a musician that after many years, (70-80 years) is still heard and admired can not be called other than MUSICAL GENIOUS and a CLASSICAL MUSICIAN. His music is so beautiful that it will live forever. From his Afro-Cuban compositions, to his romantic popular boleros, to his valses, to his Zarzuelas, Lecuona demonstrates once and again, time after time his immense musical talent. His Afro-Cuban "Cafetal", his romantic boleros "Noche Azul" and "Amapola", His vibrant and colorful "Comparsa" and "Andalucia", his classical Valses, just to mention a few things, makes Lecuona to stand together with the great musicians of the world. The fact that Hollywood made a film around "Estas en mi corazon" and that great singers, like Placido Domingo, want to sing Lecuona's music speaks immensely well of Lecuona/s greatness. The fact the popular instrumental orchestras like Faith, Conniff, Mantovani, Cugat have arranged and interpreted a lot of Lecuona's music also says a lot about Lecuona's versatility in his work. Lecuona is probably important to many millions of people and his music is certainly not lightweight. And if the only thing Ms. Garber can say about "Malaguena" is that "it sounds very sexy" is to demonstrate that she does not know a thing about music. It definitely does not give her the priviledge of commenting about Lecuona's music.

LECUONA IS NO LIGHTWEIGHT.......2002-02-27

Lecuona is one of the most important composers of Latin-America. He is by no means the "unimportant" and "lightweight" Leslie Gerber (whomever that may be) claims, having been hailed for performances of his earlier (and "less mature") works by the likes of Maurice Ravel.

Tracks:

Suite Espanola, Op.47: Asturias (Leyenda)
Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Prelude
Triangular Situations
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Romance
Dance From La Vida Breve
Sonata In E Major, K 380
Como Llora Una Estrella (Valse-Cancion)
The Mission
El Colibri
Gymnopedie No.3
Courante
La Catedral
El Condor Pasa
Salut D'Amour
Malinke Guitars
Concerto For Lute (Guitar), Two Violins (Strings) And Basso Continuo In D Major, R.93: I. Allegro Giusto
The Entertainer

Tracks:

Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio
El Diablo Suelto (Valse)
Preludio En Do Menor (In C Minor)
Suite Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
Gnossienne No.1
Cueca
Schindler's List
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte
Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
Pavane
Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, R.82: III. Allegro
Sunburst
The Godfather
Scherzino Mexicano
Aeolian Suite For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Aeolian Chant
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Spanish Guitar Blues
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Blues For Felix
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Swing 59
The Black Decameron: The Flight Of The Lovers Through The Valley Of The Echoes
Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios
Saltarello
12 Piezas Caracteristicas, Op.92: No.12 Torre Bermeja (Serenato)

Customer Reviews:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!.......2006-04-21

The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs. The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York. John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good. In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better. John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there. I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays. If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there. Highly recommended!

Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear.......2006-01-26

The first song on this set is why I bought the whole album. It blows you away listening to the precise picking and the gorgeous way it is done. Not robotic like some freaks out there. This is true beautiful music. Runs together like a long summer drive in the country. It is just a perfect album to listen to at home or on the go.

A little something for everybody.......2005-06-15

First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing. John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the rest in small chamber groups. Some will get your toes tapping, some will start you daydreaming, and some will make you cry with their beauty. All of it is magnificent.

Average customer rating:

The best of latin music through Domingo's voice
Classic Latin American tunes beautifully sung and produced,

De Mi Alma Latina

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

De Mi Alma Latina, Vol. 2
100 years of Mariachi
Por Amor
Por Fin Juntos
Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time

ASIN: B000002SLF
Release Date: 1994-09-13

Tracks:

Aquellos ojos verdes
La flor de la canela - Que nadie sepa mi sufrir - Amarraditos
Nosotros - Contigo - Sin ti
De Mexico a Buenos Aires
Se me olvido otra vez
El Humahuaqueqo - Caballo viejo - Moliendo Cafe
Delirio - Alma llanera
Solamente una vez - Veracruz - Noche de ronda
Manha de carnavaz - Aquarela do Brasil
Sabras que te quiero
Alfonsina y el mar - Gracias a la vida
Lamento Boricano - Vereda Tropical
Como ayer
Perfidia - Frenesi - La ultima noche
Adios
Por Amor - Asi como te buscaba - Yo vendo unos ojos negros

Customer Reviews:

The best of latin music through Domingo's voice.......1999-08-10

This CD goes wherever I go, it is with no doubt, the queen of my collection. Medleys are wonderfully orchestrated and arranged and every song makes you travel anywhere between Mexico and Buenos Aires. Here, Domingo's voice is more like a musical instrument than anything else and each song you'll discover a new instrument. Honestly, I would personally award it six stars.

Classic Latin American tunes beautifully sung and produced,.......1998-12-11

Domingo's love for traditional Latin American music shines throughout this CD. A selection of great "standards", beautifully arranged and recorded by one of the world's great voices. "De Mexico a Buenos Aires," written by Domingo's son is the one original song on the recording and is one of many highlights here. I have listenned to this CD countless times over the past two years and it remains a delight.

Average customer rating:

Simply Brilliant!
6 Stars
Alexander-Sergei Ramirez
Mangore, el mago de la guitarra
damned fine Barrios

Music of Barrios

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Aire Latino: Latin American Music for Guitar
Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 1
Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar
Nights in the Gardens of Spain
The Great Paraguayan: Guitar Music of Barrios

ASIN: B000003D0C
Release Date: 1995-02-28

Tracks:

Un Sueno En La Floresta
Gavota Madrigal
Danza Paraguaya No. 1
Danza Paraguaya No. 2: Jha, Che Valle!
Danza Paraguaya No. 3 : London Carape
Julia Florida
Vals, Op. 8, No. 3
Vals De Primavera
Vals Tropical
Vals, Op. 8, No. 4
Las Abejas
Fabiniana
Mazurka Apasionata
Pais De Abanico
Cueca
I. Preludio (Saudade)
II. Andante Religioso
III. Allegro Solemne
A Mi Madre
Caazapa
Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios

Customer Reviews:

Simply Brilliant!.......2007-02-02

I have both Russell and Williams and just finished giving Williams a five star review as well. Yep: I cannot help you by pointing to one or the other as being better in any way. Williams is very direct and tackles each piece effortlessly, and in particular executes the tambora technique better than Russell, (or at least, it's recorded better). Russell meanwhile (as many point out) has a peculiar ability to inject more mood and/or feeling into a given piece - not just the (boring) drama of slower numbers either, but also the excitement and energy of faster numbers. Because of this it's really well worth your while to pick up EVERYTHING Russell has recorded: I've yet to encounter something I didn't like a LOT.

I particularly enjoy the Danza Paraguaya tunes featured here, but prefer Williams for Cueca, and for his inclusion of Maxixa and Aconquija... in short: you've got to get both to fully appreciate the genius of Barrios!

6 Stars.......2007-01-11

This is some of the most difficult guitar music ever written. David Russell makes these pieces sound like they were of average difficulty and his spontaneity is incredible. Much more spontaneous than Williams. Williams takes some liberty when making chord changes, etc. and it almost becomes redundant and boring. Russell does none of that. All of the pieces are flowing and absolutely beautiful. The feeling of the pieces comes shining through. There is so much going on in this music which makes it so interesting and Russell overlooks nothing. Much of these compositions sound like there are two guitars as you will see when you listen to this. There is no guitar composition like a Barrios composition. Amazing.

Alexander-Sergei Ramirez.......2006-08-25

I think I've listen 5-6 different versions for many of Barrios works. From all of them, the one that stands out is the CD from Alexander-Sergei Ramirez.

Mangore, el mago de la guitarra.......2006-07-17

Mangore sigue siendo el mago de la guitarra. lo considero a la altura de Andres Segovia o superior pues también era compositor.
El interprete de este volumen es increiblemente bueno, tanto en la parte tecnica como lo interpretativo. pocas interpretaciones había escuchado tan bien logradas y me sorprendi al ver la pieza "a mi madre" pues consideraba que tenia todas las partituras de Mangore. veo que su produccion sigue dando de que hablar. esta fue una pieza que me conmovio.

damned fine Barrios.......2005-05-31

This is one of the first CDs that I listened to when getting into classical guitar and classical music in general and I couldn't think of a better one for a Barrios lover. Russell's rubato is sparing and tasteful (if you want to hear excessive rubato check out Norbert Kraft) and his tremolo technique is well-honed. He absolutely KILLS "En Sueno en la Floresta" and his "Ultima Cancion" is very moving. And he makes the Waltz Op. 8 No. 4 sound like 2 guitars playing.

This album will always be compared to John Williams's and in the end I think Russell's is better; Williams's reputation for being to mechanistic is well-earned in my opinion and his "Ultima Cancion" doesn't quite do it for me like Russell's does. It's a shame that Julian Bream never extensively recorded this music, it would be interesting to hear what he could do with it.

Average customer rating:

A Classic Recording
A must for a Placido fan
Great for what it is
Certainly not ALLL the Essential Domingo
Solid, comfortable, familiar -- very good!

Essential Placido Domingo

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Very Best of
Por Amor
Bravo Domingo
De Mi Alma Latina
The Domingo Songbook

ASIN: B00064AEYW
Release Date: 2004-10-26

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:

An Avant-Garde Must Get
Crumb in poetic and eerilie beautiful mood
Exceptional
Just Listen
What is the Opposite of Music? Listen to this and find out!

Crumb: Ancient Voices Of Children

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Black Angels
George Crumb: Songs, Drones, and Refrains of Death
American String Quartets, 1950-1970
Complete Crumb Edition, Vol. 6 - Echoes of Time and the River, Gnomic Variations, Four Nocturnes, Lux Aeterna
The Ligeti Project IV: Hamburg Concerto (Horn Concerto) / Double Concerto / Ramifications / Requiem

ASIN: B000005IY6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Ancient Voices Of Children: El Nino Busca Su Voz
Ancient Voices Of Children: Dances Of The Ancient Earth
Ancient Voices Of Children: Me He Perdido Muchas Veces Por El Mar
Ancient Voices Of Children: De Done Vienes, Amor, Mi Nino? (Dance Of The Sacred Life Cycle)
Ancient Voices Of Children: Ghost Dance
Ancient Voices Of Children: Se Ha Llenado De Luces Mi Corazon De Seda
Music For A Summer Evening: Nocturnal Sounds (The Awakening)
Music For A Summer Evening: Wanderer-Fantasy
Music For A Summer Evening: The Advent
Music For A Summer Evening: Myth
Music For A Summer Evening: Music Of The Starry Night

Amazon.com

One of the most important and magical song cycles in contemporary music, Ancient Voices of Children, is the setting of a series of haunting texts by the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca for mezzo-soprano, boy soprano, and chamber orchestra. The piece made a huge impression on audiences at its initial performances. Indeed, this recording became something of a cult phenomenon, much like the Górecki Third Symphony today; and if you weren't around for the initial discovery, now's your chance. Music for a Summer Evening uses essentially the same forces as Bartók's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, and creates an evocative, glittering nightscape. Great stuff.--David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

An Avant-Garde Must Get.......2003-05-07

I remember a time when I was at a flea market and was looking through some vinyl records (possibly about the time before I got my first CD player). One particular record got my attention. The cover sort of resembles a newspaper article with a picture insert of a nebula. What got my attention were "Makrokosmos" and that it was a Nonesuch record. I've heard a few Nonesuch records and notice how different the music tends to be. So I thought I buy it for $1 (if I recall correctly). When I listened to it at home, I knew I made a good choice. It had the strange 20th century music - rather atonal. It's a good thing the vinyl record was in good shape, especially when it came to the very quiet parts. I have that record today, still in good shape.

About a few years after buying the vinyl record, I was looking through some CDs in a store (after I got my first CD player). I've found the Nonesuch CD that had "Ancient Voices of Children" AND "Music for a Summer Evening (Makrokosmos III)." I didn't buy it because I wanted to get it on sale. Well, time passed. One day, I saw one up for bid on eBay. I think I was the only bidder on it. The jewel case may have a few scratches (which I wouldn't worry about) but the CD itself was like new.

I'm glad that I got it on CD. I could listen to the music without any clicks or pops you would hear from a vinyl LP (especially since the music gets very quiet at times). Although you wouldn't get the "warm analog sound" you get from the vinyl. Nevertheless, it does sound very good considering that it's AAD. Whoever likes avant-garde music may want to get this.

One thing I want to let you know. Whoever did the tracking on the CD must've misjudged about the beginnings of "Myth" and "Music of the Starry Night." "Myth" begins at index 8:02 on track 9. Tracks 10 and 11 are the last movement, "Music of the Starry Night." Take note of that when listening to this CD.

Crumb in poetic and eerilie beautiful mood.......2002-06-17

Those who know US composer George Crumb mainly from the terrifying musings of 'Black Angels' (made semi-famous by the Kronos Quartet) will probably be surprised by the haunting beauty of 'Ancient Voices'. Based on texts from Lorca, the rich but sparing instrumentation is complemented by evocative, floating soprano - sometimes sung into the piano to create an eerie, mystical ambient. My first exposure was at London's Roundhouse in 1976, where even the background rumbling of trains couldn't sublimate the extraordinary lure of Crumb's sound world. Truly gorgeous and thoughtfully composed.

Exceptional.......2002-06-15

This disc is flawless. The caliber of music making is extremely high, and the pieces themselves are among Crumb's absolute finest.

Music for a Summer Evening is, perhaps, the lesser signifigant work of the two presented here. Even so, it is an astounding presentation of of Crumb's effective use of extended tequniques, and the ability of his atmospheric writing to stir up strong emotions. Here, Crumb has significantly built on the two pianos/percussion format that Bartok made famous in his Sonata.

Ancient Voices of Children is an important song cycle in the post-WWII repertoire. His extended singing tecniques are used to great effect, and the haunting, mystical effects that he cojours within the limited instrumentation are amazing.

Crumb is one a handfull of composers that can write atmospheric music so well, and pull off these avant-garde tecniques so usefully. If you do not know his music, start with this disc; it's breathtaking.

Just Listen.......2002-06-08

I just recently reaquainted myself with this work after about thirty years. Ancient voice of Children retains all of the mystery and magic that I heard when I first encountered the piece at the age of 11. The work resembles not so much a conventional piece of music as a mystic ceremony. Set to fragments from the poetry of Frederico Garcia Lorca, the music captures the magical nature of the poet's verse. The unusual instrumental effects are haunting. Amoung my favorite is the quotation from Bist Du Bei Mir played on a toy piano as a haunting elegy for a dead child. The work builds in it's last section to a shattering climax.

The perfomance is quintessential. Jan DeGaetani was marvelous in this style of music and is sorely missed as a performer. The ensemble is spirited and very precise. The only thing that you miss on this CD is the visual choreography of a live performance, which is hypnotizing.

Macrocosmos III was a new piece to me and is every bit as haunting as other Crumb music. The ending is luminous...en eternal spinning out of music in the Lydian scale.

Be aware, this is avant garde music, though I feel it is quite assessible to those who listen without preconceptions. It is certainly more assessible than Elliot Carter or Boulez. It is not Part or Gorecki...but then not everything has to be. For me, this is not about style but about substance. Crumb moves me every bit as much as more assessible composers. You just have to listen with different ears, that's all.

What is the Opposite of Music? Listen to this and find out!.......2001-11-02

Here I am, the skeleton at the feast of 5* reviews proving again the old adage that "One man's meat is another man's poison". I hardly believe that even a small percentage of people (let's leave aside Professors of Avant-Garde Music for the time being) would be able to listen to, let alone enjoy, more than a few minutes of this music (I use that term in it's very loosest definition). It is ridiculous, therefore, that this should have a preponderance of 5* reviews. Consequently I believe that I am doing a service by standing up and pointing out "bad" music just as I do in applauding "good" music.

I came at this CD - which I bought thanks to some of the aforementioned 5* which I was foolish enough to believe - with the expectation that it would be modern, avant-garde and probably rather ineffable initially. I am prepared for this, believing that often the best music is not instantly grasped and needs careful auditioning. When I listened to it, however, I found that my expectations were not nearly extreme enough. This is music trying so hard to establish its originality that it appears to have progressed well beyond my definition of what music actually is. It is music as art, as a statement and not music to listen to - think about this a little! Hence my opening line - this is the opposite of music.

Instead, this production seems to be comprised of irrelevant and inconsequential noises, none of them musical. To save you the money, and more importantly the time, I will precis this CD for you:

A womans shriek followed by about 20 seconds of silence.
A sound rather like a large rodent being let loose inside a piano.
Some blocks of wood being banged together.
More shrieking.
More silence.
A voice making a strange sound as if copying a phone ringing.
More silence.
More wood being banged together.
More silence

Etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseam

At some point in this avant-garde nonsense somebody is going to blow the whistle and irreverently point out that the "Emperors New Clothes" do not actually exist. In the service of music, as opposed to "art", I am prepared to do the pointing! This production is nothing more that a deeply unmusical joke against those pseudo-intellectuals who completely miss the concepts of humanity and accessibility in music. "Composers" who write this stuff do so as to hide their lack of musical creativity behind an intellectual argument. Don't believe the hype, leave this one on the shelf!

For those aesthetes and enthusiasts who are intent on heading down a progressive route of "classical" music which yet retains any humanity and sympathy, Part and Gorecki appear to have been able to create music of originality and humanity, proving that it can be done.

Tracks:

Mujer
Solamente Una Vez
Guitarra Guajira/Palmera
Noche De Ronda
Noche Criolla
Te Quiero
Maria Bonita
Granada
Rosa
Mi Rival
Veracruz
Se Me Hizo Facil
Piensa En Mi
Arrancame La Vida
Palabras De Mujer
Farolito/Arroyito

Customer Reviews:

Very Good.......2007-02-20

I like Placido Domingo very much, and the songs of Agustin Lara sung by Mr. Domingo are great, as also the other songs by M. Teresa Lara, Jorge Casas and Julio Hernandez. I really like this album and have it in my car to listen to it over and over again while driving long distances. I think this was a good purchase and highly recommend it.

Wonderful and Expressive.......2007-02-17

Agustin Lara made bright and new, without overdone orchestration. Many songs are from the Suite Espanola, and all are beloved by lovers of the Lara bolero, an emotional journey not to be missed. A new sound for a few, that were known in Mexico as performed by Alejandro Algara, a less known lyric tenor. Very bright, and with less slips in the mix than the A. Lara, Suite Espanola CD by Mr. Domingo, titled Bajo El Cielo Espanol, also a great offering by this dramatic performer. This is really another Domingo that is needed by any fan...Singing his own love of Spanish songs in songs by one of the great historical song writers....A Winner, in my opinion!

Great Listening Music.......2000-03-14

A wonderful CD, a hidden treasure, by an artist who has suffered for being born in the Age of Pavarotti. Nobody does this kind of music better than Domingo - you will be transported.

Beautiful.......1999-12-10

This is Placido Domingo at his best--singing love songs in his native language. Very romantic and beautiful songs.

Wonderful!!!!!!.......1999-10-07

Love the C.D. as every one with the greatest voice ever! Placido Domingo is magnificent! The songs are lovely and the recording is very good.

Average customer rating:

Even better after all these years
I feel old.. but BOY I still love this music..

Por Amor
Menudo
Manufacturer: RCA Intl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Quiero Ser
Una Aventura Llamada Menudo
A Todo Rock
Menudo: La Historia

ASIN: B00000DASD
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Quiero Rock
Lady
Cuando Pasara
Es Por Amor
La Chispa De La Vida
Dulces Besos
Formula
Y Yo No Bailo
Como Eres Tu
Susana

Customer Reviews:

Even better after all these years.......2004-10-24

This has always been my favorite Menudo CD. The songs are classic! What I great way to revisit some of the best years of Menudo. I guess you never get to old to listen to Menudo.

I feel old.. but BOY I still love this music.........1998-10-24

I can't believe its been this long.. ON CD TOO! Now I won't have to worry about scratches on the original LP. No matter how old you are.. you still hold a special place in the heart for these guys.. When I'm 50 and I'll still love this music. Nothing like reliving a beautiful time in my life.. I still feel the feeling of the crush for my favorite member!

Corta las venas!!

Salsa Music: