The Romantic

Track Listings
1. Baby I'm Yours
2. Very Thought of You
3. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
4. Wildflower
5. Candles in the Night
6. Nothing in Common
7. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
8. Time Was
9. Another Kind of Love Affair
10. Lover's Question
11. That's All

The Romantic,Donny Gerrard,Lightyear,Adult Contemporary,Pop,Pop Vocals,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues

The Romantic

The Romantic
No Reservations
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Question
  • Now it makes more sense...
  • Where's my Philip Glass?
  • This is an unique soundtrack
  • More score, less opera please
 No Reservations

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)
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ASIN: B000RHRGQC
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

  1. Truffles And Quail - Conrad Pope
  2. Sway - Michael Buble
  3. Celeste Aida - Luciano Pavarotti
  4. O Mio Babbino Caro - Renata Tebaldi
  5. Zoe & Kate Watch Video - Phillip Glass
  6. Libiamo Libiamo - Joan Sutherland
  7. Via Con Me - Paolo Conte
  8. La Donna E 'Mobile - Joseph Calleja
  9. Un Bel Di 'Vedremo - Renata Tebaldi
  10. Zoe Goes To the Restaurant - Phillip Glass
  11. Cielo E Mar - Luciano Pavarotti
  12. Mambo Gelato - Ray Gelato
  13. Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti
  14. Count On My Love - Liz Phair

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Question.......2007-08-07

I'm dying to know who composed the opening track just after the therapy truffle scene. When she first puts on her apron and we see her working in the kitchen
please can someone tell me if this was also phillip glass
?????

4 out of 5 stars Now it makes more sense..........2007-07-30

It appears that some of the most memorable score cues from the movie are actually from Mark Isham's soundtrack "Life As A House" (Listen to track 11 from "Life As A House" for example.)

Now I'm beginning to understand why there seems to be such a paucity of score cues on this CD. I think either Glass' score was partially rejected or he only scored a small part of the movie to begin with.

3 out of 5 stars Where's my Philip Glass? .......2007-07-30

The other music on the cd is perfectly fine. It's good music actually, but I wanted more score. I was hoping the two score cues would be longer than they were.

Philip Glass only used a few motifs (three tops) in the movie...would it have been so hard to include all of them (as opposed to 1)?

Shame on Decca...unless they're planning on releasing a score-only CD.
Hope they do.

5 out of 5 stars This is an unique soundtrack.......2007-07-29

This is an unusual soundtrack. It combines instrumental music with opera music. This disc also has two songs from popular singers. I love the track "Sway" by Michael Buble. I also enjoyed the track "Mambo Gelato" These two tracks make me want to grab someone and dance. The opera tracks on this disc are excellent. The best of the bunch is "La Donna E Mobile" by Joseph Calleja. This track is very uplifting and playful. "Cielo E Mar" is a romantic sounding track from Pavarotti. "Nessum Dorma" is a really soothing track from Pavarotti too. He has such a powerful voice. Philip Glass is a talented composer for the film. I love his instrumental restaurant theme here. It is a beautiful piece of music. "Count On My Love" is a great song that fits the tone of the movie well. I really enjoyed listening to the music on this soundtrack.

3 out of 5 stars More score, less opera please.......2007-07-28

Phillip Glass's score was exceptional, why there isn't more of it on the rousing soundtrack, I can't imagine, but the lack leaves a hole in the overall CD.
Come Away with Me
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • If you like piano and soft jazz ...
  • one of the best CDs I own
  • Simply addictive!
  • Haunting sounds
  • The phenom Ms Jones
 Come Away with Me
Norah Jones
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005YW4H
Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

  1. Don't Know Why
  2. Seven Years
  3. Cold Cold Heart
  4. Feelin' The Same Way
  5. Come Away With Me
  6. Shoot The Moon
  7. Turn Me On
  8. Lonestar
  9. I've Got To See You Again
  10. Painter Song
  11. One Flight Down
  12. Nightingale
  13. The Long Day Is Over
  14. The Nearness Of You

Amazon.com

It is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her 22 years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognizable, blending shades of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" alone are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to such masterpieces. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit, and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience and some careful listening to artists like J.J. Cale and Shirley Horn is the knack of remaining low-key without sounding sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. --Michael Ross

Amazon.com

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Not Too Late
Feels Like Home
The Little Willies

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars If you like piano and soft jazz ..........2007-08-07

I admit I bought this because 1) I needed something else to get free shipping on HP 7, and 2) I needed something I could listen to at work on my iPod that isn't by the Beatles. I already recieved Long Way Home as a gift a while back, and figured this would be more of the same relaxing stuff. But, once I popped the CD for a quick listen on the way home one day, the wonderful piano music and lyrics made this not only a relaxing listen, but one I keep coming back to almost every day. I love the title track, and admit I sing along full volume in my car on the way home from work. Okay, and push repeat several times as well. After a while, a few of the songs wear on you (Lonestar and Painter being the two I now routinely skip due to the less-than-stellar lyrics), but most are jazzy, meaningful, and well worth the purchase.

5 out of 5 stars one of the best CDs I own.......2007-07-25

Other reviewers have gone into a lot of depth about this CD already, so I'll keep my endorsement short and to the point. The CD is fantastic and is one of the best that I own. You will never get tired of listening to this one.

5 out of 5 stars Simply addictive!.......2007-07-12

This is her best album!
Her voice is unbelievable, the delivery is amazing and the lyrics are stunning!

5 out of 5 stars Haunting sounds.......2007-07-06

For 3 months, my Norah Jones CDs have taken over my car stereo. This woman is very talented!

5 out of 5 stars The phenom Ms Jones.......2007-06-27

This is such an outstanding production, so much better than the later(I think) CD. Miss Jones should be careful which guitar players back her up. She should stick to Bill Frizell or maybe she should try Mark Knoffler, if she can get him away from Emmy Lou.
Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • stinky for Einstein
  • Lame
  • Sounds like a cheap plastic toy
  • would make you sleepy..
  • Kid's Music
 Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001IXTU4
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

  1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
  2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
  3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
  4. Spring Song
  5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
  6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
  7. Canon
  8. The Moldau
  9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
  10. Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
  11. Symphony No.9, New World
  12. Fur Elise, WoO 59
  13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
  14. Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
  15. Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
  16. Kinderscene, Op.15
  17. Waltz No.15, Lullaby

Product Description

The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with ?Ç£Twinkle, Twinkle?Ç¥ variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' ?Ç£Lullaby?Ç¥ tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars stinky for Einstein.......2007-08-03

Generally Einstein is always a winner but this was not in our book (Baby and Me) Try someone else before buying . The libary is a great resource to check it out ahead.

2 out of 5 stars Lame.......2007-07-22

I was really disappointed in this CD. I was expecting a toned-down version of real classical music, but it sounds really fake and tinkley and weird. Not soothing at all.

1 out of 5 stars Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

4 out of 5 stars would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

4 out of 5 stars Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The End of the Big Voice?
  • Fla Gator Lady
  • 20 Great Tenor Arias
  • Plesantly surprised...
  • Absolutely Agree About Corelli
 Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000007OTX
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

  1. La Boheme: Che gelida manina
  2. Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
  3. Carmen Bizet: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
  4. Luisa Miller: O! fede negar potessi .. Quando le sere al placido
  5. La Traviata: Lunge da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti
  6. Martha: M'appari
  7. Giordano: Amor ti vieta
  8. L'Africaine: Mi batte il cuor .. O paradiso
  9. La Favorita: Favorita del re . . . Spirto gentil
  10. Werther: 'Pourquoi me reveiller'
  11. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlich leuchtend in rosigem Schein'
  12. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: O Dieu! De quelle ivresse
  13. TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
  14. Pagliacci: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
  15. Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
  16. Aida: Se quel guerrier .. Celeste Aida
  17. TOSCA: Recondita armonia
  18. L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
  19. La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
  20. Turandot: Nessun dorma

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The End of the Big Voice?.......2007-04-16

This CD, which is truly fine overall, reminds me of Marilyn Horne's lament that we have probably seen the end of the big voice and it makes me sad. I agree with the reviewer who refers to "microphonies". And more justice could be done to Bjorling's voice with a better transfer. But at some point, music becomes a matter of taste and I prefers singers who have the instrument and the support and the training, whether formal or not, to just let fly and take a chance on making a mistake. Domingo can be wonderful and so can his musicianship but he tends to be so stiff. I have to wonder at the virulence and asperity with which some people go after Pavarotti. It's true that late in his career he made some questionable recordings but the answer to that is simple: don't buy them. At his best, he belongs for all time in the top echelon of tenors. I love this CD and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys great (big) voices.

5 out of 5 stars Fla Gator Lady.......2007-01-12

Highly recommend this CD with these beloved arias of the greatest tenors in opera. I have owned this CD for a couple of years and purchased another for a friend who always requests that I play it ... perfect for listening in the car, dinner, bridge games, relaxation ... just so perfect. You won't be disappointed in this one.

5 out of 5 stars 20 Great Tenor Arias.......2007-01-09

A great disc,combination of the greatest tenors of the 20th century and some of the most beautiful music ever written in any century,a must addition to any opera lovers collection.

5 out of 5 stars Plesantly surprised..........2006-01-14

I don't remember how I found this CD the other day surfing through the "Amazon" such as it is, but I did. I listened to a few clips provided & on the strength of that, I purchased this CD.

First it is a great buy. A booklet with pictures of each tenor, a small bio, the year recorded and TRANSLATIONS of each aria are provided. This is really nice. It seems more & more that translations are being left out. Being a former opera singer, I may know most of the words, but sometimes it's just nice to read along (sometimes it's just nice to listen too).

Being on the Decca label, there is admittedly quite a few Pavarotti selections. Out of 20 selections, he has 6 of them. But I love Pavarotti, so this is no problem for me. These are all early recordings & his voice is magnificent! Being a singer, I still marvel at his ability to sing "All'armi!" on a high D and still say the 2nd syllable "mi" on such a note! WOW. There is also of course his very sweet, impassioned and lyrical turn as Rodolfo in "La Boheme" as well as the lesser known (although I still have it on casette) "La Favorita" which has a particularly high tessitura.

Also featured are a young Plácido Domingo singing a VERY nice "Flower song/ La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" from Carmen. He usually sounds too pushed for me on the top notes (as one might expect from a Pavarotti fan, I like free top notes) but in this recording he is pretty darn fabulous. He also sings an aria from "Tales of Hoffman/Les Contes d'Hoffman" and I have always felt that he, like Neil Schicoff, were well suited to this role.

Lamentably there are only one selection each from Carreras, Correlli, Monaco, Aragall & Kollo. Especial kudos to the young recording they feature for Aragall. He had a very free and nice high tenor well suited to Verdi. Of course as his career went forward with the natural darkening of his voice and the "heavier" roles, he did start to develop a wobble. But this recording is before that. His top, his phrasing are all beautifully done in his featured aria from "La Traviata."
Mario del Monaco's "E lucevan le stelle" is hauntingly beautiful and has such a wonderful pianissimo in it that it makes you just want to gasp for beauty's sake. I now know every tenor I've heard sing this aria was trying to emulate what he did.

This is a great CD because it does bring together on one CD some of the greatest singers of the 20th/21st century. Bergonzi, di Stefano, Björling, in addition to the previously mentioned artists is quite an impressive collection. I'm sure there's only one of each for Carreras, Aragall (I believe they are formerly EMI/Angel artists) and perhaps some of the others because they are "imported" from another label. There's so much Pavarotti on this CD because he IS a Decca artist.

A highly recommended CD, affordable, not the usually obscure and unpolished artists that are sometimes found on compilations. Plus acutal linear notes and translations. Nicely done, Decca!!!

4 out of 5 stars Absolutely Agree About Corelli.......2005-05-27

Franco Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" is still the best of them all - clear, passionate, and exciting. (And those final two notes...! Gives me chills just to think of it.) I was fortunate enough to see him live in both "Turandot" and "Romeo and Juliet" a year before his retirement, and he was still a Calaf and a Romeo to die for... as, of course, Liu and Juliet did! As it is, I tend to buy compilations depending on how much Corelli they include - though Bjorling is a strong second, and I have happy memories of Domingo. Long live the Golden Age of Operatic Tenors!
Greatest
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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 Greatest
Duran Duran
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000DG1R
Release Date: 1998-11-03

Tracks:

  1. Is There Something I Should Know?
  2. The Reflex
  3. A View To A Kill
  4. Ordinary World (Single Version)
  5. Save A Prayer (US Single Version)
  6. Rio (US Edit)
  7. Hungry Like A Wolf
  8. Girls On Film
  9. Planet Earth (Single Version)
  10. Union Of The Snake
  11. New Moon On Monday
  12. Wild Boys
  13. Notorious
  14. I Don't Want Your Love (Shep Pettibone 7-in Mix)
  15. All She Wants Is (45 Mix)
  16. Electric Barbarella (Edit)
  17. Serious (Edit)
  18. Skin Trade (Radio Cut)
  19. Come Undone (Edit)

Amazon.com

While English pop monarchs Duran Duran have remained active for two decades, it's clear that the indomitable ensemble was at its peak during those mercurial '80s. This greatest-hits collection documents the band's ambitious beginnings as a funky glam-rock outfit and follows its gradual transformation into a high-tech pop band with loads of commercial appeal. Featuring now-classic tunes like "Girls on Film," "Rio," and "Planet Earth" as well as more recent songs like "Ordinary World," Greatest focuses on Duran Duran's unending string of hit singles. Although the young quintet that performs "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "A View to a Kill" has little in common with the posh, aging trio featured on 1997's "Electric Barbarella," vocalist Simon Le Bon provides some impressive continuity to these proceedings. --Mitch Myers

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars the wild boy are calling ,and i'm answering!.......2007-07-24

why do i like duran duran so much? because they made some great music in thr'80s,and continue to make great music today. this collection has a lot of great songs on it.those songs are planet earth,girls on film,is thre something i should know,rio,hungry like the wolf,save a prayer,the reflex,the wild boys,a view to a kill,notorius,,i don't want your love,all she wants is,ordinary world,and come undone. if you like duran duran,you will like this album. also check out the original albums,the power station album, and arcadia's so red the rose. ed wilson

5 out of 5 stars Duran Duran leave a strong legacy.......2007-07-16

One great song after another on this disc. Duran Duran took the 80s by storm but the later part of the decade there was a backlash against them. Maybe it was the big hair and pretty boy attitude among other things. Grunge and Nirvana hit the scene and it became uncool to like Duran Duran, Hair Metal, and other things 80s. Overshadowed by all this is that Duran Duran are great musicians and songwriters and had a unique sound that has never been matched. Simon Le Bon wrote interesting lyrics with striking imagery and sung with a force and conviction that brought the songs to another level. Under appreciated bassist John Taylor drove these songs with cool, funky basslines (a good example is "Rio".)

These songs have stood the test of time and still sound good. Proof is that most of their work is still in print and selling over 20 years later. Here are some highlights:

1) Is There Something I Should Know? --A good opening and one of my favorites. Catchy as hell and a prime example of Simon Le Bon's talent for giving a song energy and urgency with intense singing and lyrics. "People stare and cross the road from me/And jungle drums they all clear the way for me/Can you read my mind, can you see in the snow/And fiery demons all dance when you walk through that door" --How many pop song's today have fiery demons in them? None.

2) The Reflex --One of their biggest hits and it was overplayed on the radio, but you can't deny the originality of this song. It goes in all kinds of unexpected directions and we'll never hear a pop song like this again. Some of Le Bon's most obscure lyrics.

3) A View to Kill --One of the best Bond themes and I think what makes this song is the pounding drums and the Bond-like horns.

4) Ordinary World --A later hit for them and one of their most beautiful. Highlights are the guitar solo and soaring vocals at the end.

5) Save a Prayer --Very close to Ordinary World as one of their best ballads. The magical keyboards by Nick Rhodes grab you immediately and "You saw me standing by the wall/Corner of a main street/And the lights are flashing on your window sill" --draws you in.

6) Rio --A defining song for them that everyone knows. John Taylor drives this song with killer bass, Nick Rhodes with great keyboards, Roger Taylor with excellent drumming, and Andy Taylor completes a band in top form. Even though this is the edited version the memorable sax solo is there. I bought this cd so I felt justified downloading the full version from the net which is about 5:37.

7) Hungry Like the Wolf --One of the most famous uses of "do do do do do, do do." The song that made them famous in America because of the video. Has that signature sort of tribal, jungle Duran Duran sound. A classic.

10) Union of the Snake --Another one of my favorites. Unorthodox verses and choruses make this song unique.

11) New Moon on Monday --Once again Simon Le Bon brings a song to great heights with an excellent vocal performance and "I light my torch and wave it for the/New moon on monday/And a firedance through the night/I stayed the cold day with a lonely satellite". You ponder those words during the song and interesting images are put in your mind and that's what good lyrics do.

12) Wild Boys --This song might be a bit over-the-top for some but it's power can't be denied. Simon sings the hell out of this one.

13) Notorious --Does it ever end? Yet another ridiculously catchy song.

14) I Don't Want Your Love (Shep Pettibone Mix) --A solid dance song that has aged well. Can't be resisted.

19) Come Undone --The sister hit to Ordinary World. Dreamy underwater sound with the backing beat made famous previously by Erik B. & Rakim.
Pretty female backing vocals and nice lyrics: "Words, playing me deja vu, like a radio tune I swear I've heard before/Chill, is it something real, or the magic Im feeding off your fingers."

And the other songs I didn't mention are good too. I bought "Astronaut", their latest cd as of this writing, and it's pretty good I like it. It doesn't match these songs though and I don't fault them. They were at their peak of creativity during this period and these songs are too good to be topped. Fortunately the 80s backlash is long over and it seems Duran Duran are finally getting the recognition they deserve, especially after people see them live in person or on TV (Live Earth for example). It's about time!

2 out of 5 stars not too good..........2007-07-09

Geesh, I remember them being better than this. Perhaps it was because I was 10 years old back then. Mea culpa, sentimentality trumped by reality.

5 out of 5 stars Slick sounds by guys in white suits.......2007-05-26

Few bands during the 1980s churned out as many recognizable pop hits as Duran Duran, and this "Greatest" CD captures them all. The guys in Duran Duran (no matter the band lineup) always had an ear for melody, great vocals and exotic sounds. Plus, they carried on as a true band, with everybody writing and contributing. If you like the band's radio hits, then this CD is a must-have; songs one through 13 have been played on the radio for eons. What drew me to this disc, however, was the tunes that aren't as well known.

Besides just catchy, synth-laden pop, Duran Duran were capable of adding soul to their sound ("I Don't Want Your Love"), a cold but sexy club-music vibe ("All She Wants Is") and real emotion and exoticism ("Come Undone"). Songs from the first three Duran Duran records are well represented here, and nice offerings from the same era such as "A View to a Kill" and "Wild Boys" are also present.

Duran Duran also had a nice, somewhat reinvented run in the 1990s, especially the early `90s. The songs "Serious," "Ordinary World," "Come Undone" and "Electric Barbarella" (from Medazzaland) prove that. "Serious," from 1990, sounds like a wonderful `80s leftover, updated in an organic fashion for the new decade, while "Skin Trade," a tune released in 1986, has a slick, catchy sound, but also displays some real soul and great vocal work by Simon LeBon. Though they barely received any radio airplay, each of these tunes could lay claim to being two of the strongest tracks on "Greatest," a CD that is chock full of classics. My only complaint is that "Too Much Information" from Duran Duran 2 (The Wedding Album) was left off, but beggars can't be choosers. Many non-hits by the band have been great, but if you're looking for your fix of the most popular Duran Duran music over the years, this CD is the way to go.

4 out of 5 stars Get your Duran Duran Fix.......2007-05-16

If you're considering this CD, I probably don't have to introduce you to Duran Duran--but just in case you somehow got amnesia (or were born after 1985), I'll give you the quick synopsis. If you were to put all the eighties, mainstream, cheesy yet still a little bit artsy bands into some sort of battle of the bands competition, Duran Duran would finish in the top 3 (along with Depeche Mode and the Pet Shop Boys), edging out other favorites like Billy Idol, Tears for Fears, and the Human League. Without a doubt they were a pop band--not to be confused with artists like the Talking Heads or Blondie--but they were an EXCELLENT pop band who put together 3 (maybe even 4) really good albums and an impressive string of great, sing-a-long singles. And that's a resume with which few can compete.

As for this collection, it's all the Duran Duran a person needs--and maybe even then some. Every single one of hits are here--including their James Bond song, "A View to a Kill," and early nineties hits like "Come Undone." You might have some gripes about which versions they use (for example, why the US edit for "Rio?"), but you can't argue with the track list as a whole. You've got all the smash hits (Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, Girls on Film), as well as the popular tracks that aren't as well known (All She Wants Is, New Moon on Monday, The Reflex). This is a great collection for anyone who's a fan of eighties music or a Duran Duran lover.
Romance of the Violin
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Romance of the Violin
  • End of the Day
  • Wonderful!
  • Over and over and over....
  • Non-standard CD format
 Romance of the Violin
Claude Debussy , Fryderyk Chopin , Camille Saint-Saens , Franz Schubert , Vincenzo Bellini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Christoph Willibald Gluck , Alexander Borodin , Antonin Dvorak , Claudio Monteverdi , Jules Massenet , Robert Schumann , Michael Stern , Craig Ogden , Gregory Knowles , John Constable , Jacob Heringman , and Stephen Orton
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000DG06L
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

  1. O mio babbino caro (from 'Gianni Schicchi')
  2. The Girl With Flaxen Hair (from Preludes, Book I; La fille aux cheveux delin: Prelude for Piano L 117/8)
  3. Nocturne in C sharp minor (Op Post)
  4. The Swan (from Carnival of the Animals)
  5. Serenade (from 'Schwanengesang' song cycle for voice and piano, D 957
  6. Casta Diva (from 'Norma')
  7. Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K. 467
  8. Nocturne from Quartet for Strings No. 2 in D Major: 3rd movement
  9. Dance of the Blessed Spirits (from 'Orfeo ed Euridice')
  10. Songs My Mother Taught Me, song for voice and piano B104/4 Op 55/4
  11. Pur ti Miro (from 'L'incoronazione di Poppea')
  12. Elegie (Elegie 'O doux printemps d'autrefois' for voice and piano)
  13. Traumerei ('Kinderszenen' for piano, Op 15, No. 7 'Dreaming')

Amazon.com

Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi opens the disc, with Bell delicately accompanied by a harp and spinning the long melody with great sensitivity. Bellini's "Casta diva" from Norma lives up to its reputation as the epitome of bel canto in Bell's hands; his violin sings. The middle movement of Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto takes well to the violin, and Debussy's "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is played with great warmth and sensuality. It would be easy to turn a recital like this into treacle, but Bell is wise enough to realize that the music is already sweet enough and he plays with great reserve and a minimum of sentimental slides. The light accompaniments always support, with woodwinds prominent but used with grace. This CD, in short, is a beauty: a fine gift, a lovely mood setter. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Romance of the Violin.......2007-07-16

While it's not my very favorite Joshua Bell CD, this is a pleasure to listen to!

4 out of 5 stars End of the Day.......2007-06-08

I am a Joshua Bell fan, and this album is the one that I enjoy with my dessert, it calms me at the end of the day, and makes me think of my 6 year old granddaughter's visit. She has to have music on during meals at her home. Usually it is some kid stuff, but I do not have anything like she has at home, so I chose to play Joshua Bell during our dinner. When I placed the dessert before her, she looked up at me and said: "This music is so beautiful, I want to play the violin just like that". What more could I say.
He is inspiring, and she is right. This album is beautiful.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful!.......2007-05-30

I play this for my grandson to nap by. It is so relaxing and wonderful!

5 out of 5 stars Over and over and over...........2007-05-17

That's how I want to play this CD! It's a wonderful line-up of rich, mellow, captivating compositions played with a warmth and vibrancy that is seldom heard. Joshua at his very best. You won't be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars Non-standard CD format.......2007-04-22

The music on this CD deserves five stars, but the CD itself is a non-standard format that doesn't work on all players. There's a tiny warning on the back of the CD. You won't notice the warning until you discover that the CD doesn't work on your player. My Macintosh computer wouldn't read the non-standard format so there was no way for me to listen in my office or put the music on my iPod.

A friend's PC was able to read the CD and make a copy in standard format that can be read on any player, including my Mac. The story had a happy ending, but I can not comprehend why the publisher chose the oddball CD specification.

The music is excellent and worth the trouble of making a copy, but the publisher really shouldn't make you go to that effort just to listen to a CD that you paid for.
Celtic Treasure
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Disappointing
  • Great!
  • A Piece Of Heaven On Earth
  • A Pure Joy..........
  • Celtic Treasure - Hayley Westenra
 Celtic Treasure

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000MTDRJA
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

  1. Let Me Lie
  2. Scarborough Fair
  3. Shenandoah
  4. Summer Fly
  5. Whispering Hope
  6. Danny Boy
  7. Summer Rain
  8. The Last Rose of Summer
  9. One Fine Day
  10. Sonny
  11. The Water Is Wide
  12. Melancholy Interlude
  13. Abide With Me

Amazon.com

Having sung before royalty and performed with the Irish super-group Celtic Woman, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel, the very young and remarkably beautiful singer is back with a tribute to her Celtic ancestry. As with her previous Platinum-selling releases (she is already a huge star in her native New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and the UK), the orchestrations are lush, with sighing phalanxes of strings and woodwinds. But in keeping with the avowed theme, there are also soft touches of soulful, wavering tin whistles and vaguely fiddle-like violin vamps. The program is more varied than the album's title might lead one to expect, encompassing everything from "The Last Rose Of Summer" and "Danny Boy" to "Shenandoah," "Scarborough Fair," "Abide With Me," and even a couple of more pop-oriented songs penned by Westenra herself. However, brief sideways winks toward Nashville or the Great White Way do not adulterate the album's overall mood of ethereal, remote bliss. The one misstep is an English-language cover of "Un Bel Di" ("One Fine Day") from Puccini's Madama Butterfly: an aria unsuited to the artist's fragile, bell-like soprano and placid temperament. This aside, established classical crossover/theatrical divas like Sarah Brightman would be wise to begin looking to their laurels. --Christina Roden

Album Description

Hayley's third solo album is a very personal collection of classical arias, Irish and Maori folk songs - representing treasured people and places on her remarkable musical journey. Recorded in Dublin, Ireland, Hayley's third solo album is a very personal collection of classical arias, Irish and Maori folk songs - representing treasured people and places in her remarkable musical journey. For the first time the album also includes several original tracks written by Hayley herself. Celtic Treasure is a celebration of Hayley's family roots, and her grandparent's journey across the World on the first boat that left Ireland for New Zealand in the 1880s - taking with them a rich musical heritage. Her grandmother - a singer, and her grandfather, who played the accordion, were to be important influences on Hayley's musical development. Hayley grew up hearing her grandmother singing Italian opera arias in English. Hayley has continued this tradition by recording the well-known aria One Fine Day... ('Un bel di) from Puccini's Madama Butterfly. Hayley's grandmother also sang Irish folk tunes, and Hayley includes one of them - Danny Boy on the album as a tribute to her. Another Irish folk tune Sonny, is the first recording in which Hayley accompanies herself on the piano. In the same vein as Hayley's signature song Pokarekare Ana from her debut album Pure, Hayley's deep sense of pride as a New Zealander, and the simple beauty of her voice come together in E Para Ra - a Maori lovesong reflecting her own love of her homeland. Hayley's first recordings of her own songs bring together all these musical influences. They include her compositions Let Me Lie and Summer Rain and her lyrics to a haunting lute song by the Elizabethan English composer John Dowland, called simply Melancholy Interlude.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing.......2007-07-13

We first encountered Westenra as a member of the Celtic Woman group. She was great -- as were all the girls. Based on that, I selected this CD after reading the reviews on Amazon. This one seemed to get the best overall reviews.

This CD is pretty uninspired and Westenra's voice sounds just average on several of the tracks. There are a few impressive spots but generally I thought the CD was less than expected.

5 out of 5 stars Great!.......2007-07-13

Hayley does a great job with this cd. Its relaxing and interesting, instead of boring like some opera kind of vocalists can be. I recommend her cd, Pure, as well. She will definitely impress and soothe you!

5 out of 5 stars A Piece Of Heaven On Earth.......2007-07-13

If you could hear the angels singing this is exactly what they would sound like. Please do yourself a favor and get the dvd too. They are both beyond amazing.

5 out of 5 stars A Pure Joy.................2007-06-20

This album of Celtic standards is truly one of the most beautiful I've heard in a long time. For a girl of 19 to have this kind of vocal maturity is amazing... she gets better with each new recording.

Hayley has a clear, and pure voice that makes these familiar songs sound brand new. Though the whole album is a treat, the two hymns are inspiring. Others have done this repitoire, and done it well; none has done it better.

Hayley has a new recording of "West Side Story" due out soon; I can't wait. In the meantime, do not fail to grab this one.

5 out of 5 stars Celtic Treasure - Hayley Westenra.......2007-06-20

Love the beautiful voice that I have come to expect from the Celtic Women lasses and the eclectic choice of songs really accentuates her range and flexibility to sing classic and contemporary. She shines with every choice. I await her next CD.
Pure 80's
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • wonderful
  • Another GREAT CD
  • Pure 80's
  • A great 80s CD
  • pure 80s series is hit after hit after hit
 Pure 80's
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Utv Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JWN0
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

  1. Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles
  2. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) - Eurythmics
  3. Everybody Have Fun Tonight - Wang Chung
  4. One Thing Leads To Another - The Fixx
  5. Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran
  6. Karma Chameleon - Culture Club
  7. Something About You - Level 42
  8. Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For Fears
  9. Tainted Love - Soft Cell
  10. Obsession - Animotion
  11. Higher Love - Steve Winwood
  12. Addicted To Love - Robert Palmer
  13. Relax - Frankie Goes To Hollywood
  14. Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners
  15. Rock This Town - Stray Cats
  16. Centerfold - J. Geils Band
  17. Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield
  18. Our House - Madness
  19. Hold Me Now - Thompson Twins
  20. Tempted - Squeeze

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars wonderful.......2007-01-19

I like the 80's music. I had one of these same cds but something happened and it wouldn't work anymore. I was happy to see that you had it. Very happy. I am very satisfied - I love listening to it. Thanks!

5 out of 5 stars Another GREAT CD.......2007-01-12

I LOVE 80's music, this is another excellent cd and you will not be sorry for buying it.

5 out of 5 stars Pure 80's.......2007-01-10

This cd has 20 terrific songs from the 80's. Some from 1 hit wonders so it was fantastic to get them on one cd rather than having to buy multiple cds. Also, great to have a cd where I like all 20 songs.

4 out of 5 stars A great 80s CD.......2006-07-12

i am a huge fan of 80s pop and rock and i think that anyone who loves 80s music would love this.

5 out of 5 stars pure 80s series is hit after hit after hit.......2006-01-15

its hard to have a personal favorite song. i would have preferred a DVD of matching vidios.
The #1 Opera Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The beautiful gift of opera...
  • Pretty darn good
  • The Opera #1 Opera Album
  • Excellent assortment
  • Great Selections
 The #1 Opera Album
Giacomo Puccini , Giuseppe Verdi , Léo Delibes , Georges Bizet , Umberto Giordano , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Jacques Offenbach , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Charles Gounod , Gaetano Donizetti , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Richard Bonynge , Herbert von Karajan , Alberto Erede , Lamberto Gardelli , Giuseppe Patane , John Mauceri , Zubin Mehta , Charles Dutoit , Gyorgy Fischer , Riccardo Chailly , Istvan Kertesz , Leone Magiera , Evelino Pido , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Renée Fleming , Cecilia Bartoli , Luciano Pavarotti , Jussi Bjorling , and Renata Tebaldi
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Allen, ThomasAllen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  5. The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000059RXO
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

  1. Carmen: Act 1: Prld - LPO/Sir Georg Solti
  2. La Traviata: Brindisi: Libiamo, Ne'lieti Calici - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
  3. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Luciano Pavarotti
  4. Lakme: Flower Duet: Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Joan Sutherland/Jane Berbie
  5. Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta - Jussi Bjorling
  6. Carmen: Habanera: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Tatiana Troyanos/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis
  7. Nabucco: Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va Pensiero - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hills
  8. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Dove Sono - Kiri Te Kanawa
  9. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
  10. Lohengrin: Bridal Chor: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor/Walter Hagen-Groll
  11. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Renata Tebaldi
  12. Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Leo Nucci
  13. La Wally: Ebben?... Ne Andro Lontana - Angela Gheorghiu
  14. Madama Butterfly: Humming Chor - Wiener Staatsopernchor/Norbert Balatsch
  15. Carmen: Flower Song: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Placido Domingo
  16. Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour - Joan Sutherland/Huguette Tourangeau/Chor De La Radio Suisse Romande, Pro Arte De Lausanne Et Du...
  17. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
  18. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
  19. Les Pecheurs De Perles: C'est Toi... Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Gregory Cross/Gino Quilico

Tracks:

  1. Die Walkure: The Ride Of The Valkyries - Wiener Phil/Solti
  2. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete - Cecilia Bartoli
  3. Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Luciano Pavarotti
  4. La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti/Roland Panerai
  5. Il Trovatore: Anvil Chor: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hillis
  6. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - Jose Carreras
  7. Don Giovanni: La Ci Darem La Mano - Lucia Popp/Tom Krause
  8. Mattinata - Andrea Bocelli
  9. Faust: Soldiers' Chor - Ambrosian Opr Chor/John McCarthy
  10. L'elisir D'amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Roberto Alagna
  11. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! - Montserrat Caballe
  12. Don Giovanni: Champagne Aria: Finch'han Dal Vino - Bryn Terfel
  13. Cosi Fan Tutte: Trio: Soave Sia Il Vento - Renee Fleming/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Michele Pertusi
  14. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
  15. Tosca: Vissi D'arte - Kiri Te Kanawa
  16. Carmen: Toreador Song - Jose Van Dam/Tatiana Troyanos/Norma Burrowes/Jane Berbie/Thomas Allen/Pierre Thau/John Alldis...
  17. Madama Butterfly: Love Duet: Vogliatemi Bene - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti
  18. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Nat PO/Gianandrea Gavazzeni
  19. Rusalka: O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
  20. La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Angela Gheorghiu
  21. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis

Amazon.com

The labels that are now gathered under the Universal Classics umbrella have a pretty impressive scorecard in the area of classical compilations. We've seen The Greatest Opera Show on Earth, The Yellow Guide: Classical Music, Best of the Millennium, and now there's The No. 1 Opera Album. But that's no surprise, since Universal has some of the finest interpreters in its catalogue to draw from. This two-CD set (at the price of one), for example, brings together the likes of Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming, Luciano Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Georg Solti, Herbert von Karajan, and many more. Yet the other key to a successful compilation is canny anthologizing, and here again, you have a nice selection to give you a smattering of opera's heavyweights from the Italian, German, and French repertory (there's even a step outside the standard framework with an aria from Dvorák's lovely Rusalka). Ranging from 1959 to 1997, the choices from back catalogue will doubtless be the entry ticket for many into this grandest of the arts. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The beautiful gift of opera..........2007-07-17

This 2-CD set is absolutely wonderful! You can close your eyes and feel like you're actually at the opera, listening to those beautiful voices bringing tears to your eyes. Nessun Dorma still stirs up emotions in me, no matter how many times I hear it. Great examples of opera to give someone wanting to get interested in this style of music.

4 out of 5 stars Pretty darn good.......2007-07-04

This CD set has a lot of familiar music on it, so if you're a newbie, you might want to try starting with this. There are some great pieces on the first CD. I usually don't even make it to the second.

2 out of 5 stars The Opera #1 Opera Album.......2007-06-07

The music is wonderful. The production is terrible!! The sound fades in and out and is very scratchy in some places.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent assortment.......2007-05-12

I'm not a big opera fan but I wanted to expose an assorted selection for my kids. This was perfect since it included several recognizable selections.

5 out of 5 stars Great Selections.......2007-03-31

This Cd, has the very best of Opera
covering mainly from the classcal
to the to the romantic periods, a most
memorable selection here is Leo Nucci
in a lagendary performance of Rossini's
"Largo al Factotum" from "Il Barbiere di Seviglia"
also Andrea Bocelli in his performance of Leoncavallo's
memorable "Matinatta" here in an orchestrated version.
Indeed some of opera's most loved arias are in this recording
various conductors, orchestras, and soloists. All in their
very best. Indeed a five-star recording...
The Best of Italian Opera
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Stuff
  • A Great Introduction to Italian Opera
  • Best of the best!
  • Fabulous bargain for anyone
  • Great songs for a low price.
 The Best of Italian Opera

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Baroque Dance SuitesBaroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande
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All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Ponchielli, AmilcarePonchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Puccini, GiacomoPuccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Rossini, GioacchinoRossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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  5. The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000000UXN
Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

  1. La Traviata: 'Libiamo, Libiamo'
  2. Rigoletto: 'La donna e' Mobile'
  3. The Barber Of Seville: 'Una voce poco fa'
  4. La Boheme: 'Che gelida manina'
  5. Rigoletto: 'Gualtier Malde!' Caro nome'
  6. Il Trovatore: 'Vedi! le fosche'
  7. Il Trovatore: 'Il balen del suo sorriso...Per me ora fatale'
  8. TOSCA: 'Vissi d'arte'
  9. La Traviata: 'Di Provenza il mar, il suol'
  10. The Marriage Of Figaro: 'Voi che sapete'
  11. Aida: 'Se quel guerrier io fossi...Celeste Aida'
  12. Madama Butterfly: 'Un bel di vedremo'
  13. La Gioconda: 'Cielo e mar'
  14. Lucia di Lammernoor: 'Ardon gl' incesi'

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Stuff.......2007-07-22

The sound quality of this disc is surprisingly good, very good for an ADD. All the selections captured each singer in his/her top form. It is a real treat that this disc contains many work that were not normally in certain singer's repertoire. Gedda's Aida, Moffo's Rossini-Rosina and Cherobino, for example, all were superbly sung. Even Moffo's Lucia sounds much better than I have ever heard in other places.

4 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to Italian Opera.......2005-05-01

The artists on this CD succeed in their goal to create a CD that displays great Italian opera. Carlo del Monte and Victoria de los Angeles open the disc with the Brindisi from La Traviata. Victoria de los Angeles is not the best Violetta, but she does the job, along with her parner Carlo del Monte, an underappreciated tenor. Victoria de los Angeles also appears on the CD in "Un bel di vedremo" from Madama Butterfly, a role she was well known for. Swedish tenor Nicolai Gedda appears on the disc twice. His first appearence is a superb rendition of "La donna e mobile" from Rigoletto. His final performance on this disc is in the heroric aria "Celeste Aida", a performance in a role that was not in his voice range. Anna Moffo is the star on this CD, appearing three times in three very different roles. First is her beautiful "Una voce poco fa", normally a role that calls for a mezzo-soprano. Her second is "Voi che sapete" from Le Nozze di Figaro, another mezzo-soprano role. Her final appearence is her best, "The Mad Scene" from Lucia di Lammermoor. Underrated tenor Giuseppe Campora performs "Che gelida manina" with a great tenor voice. Soprano Reri Girst is excellent in her performance of "Caro nome" from Rigoletto. One of my favorite baritones appears on this CD. Robert Merrill is a perfect Count di Luna, and it is evident in his rendition of "Il balen del suo sorriso". Another baritone appears on this CD: mario Sereni. He is not a world famous baritone, but he should have been. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to the world of Italian opera.

5 out of 5 stars Best of the best!.......2003-01-11

The performers, the selections, the quality... almost divine!

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous bargain for anyone.......2002-11-24

I would recommend this CD to anyone, from opera novice to experienced listener...

These are older recordings -- I would guess mostly from the 1960's. The recording quality is exceptional for the day and, while not the equivalent of modern engineering, is sufficient to allow sheer physical pleasure from the music and an immediate appreciation of the vocal qualities of the artists. The sound quality is the only mild drawback...

The performances are magnificent! The voices are almost entirely lighter and more agile than the great voices of the 80's and 90's. In fact, the ear of the editor is apparent in his preference for lighter and more agile voices.

For example, there is a beautiful rendition of "Che Gelida Manina" from someone I had never heard before, Guiseppe Campora. He does not have the weight or volume of Pavarotti or Domingo, but has more elegance and a pure, charming tone. A connoisseur performance, but nevertheless a true operatic rendition by a tenor who can hit the high C with authority -- as good for a newcomer to opera who wants to hear the real thing, as for an opera lover who would like to hear something a bit different.

Some of the artists were among the most famous singers of their day: Moffo, de los Angeles, Gedda.

Anna Moffo, one of the greatest sopranos of her day (and all time), is in magnificent voice in famous blockbusters from Rossini's Barber of Seville, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, and the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor.

De Los Angeles is at her best in "Libiamo" from La Traviata, but the recording quality (the one inadequately engineered track on the CD) and her lack of oomph make for a second-rate version of "Un bel di".

In keeping with the light and lyrical orientation of the selections, Moffo -- a famous Gilda and hardly a dramatic voice -- is bypassed for the even lighter, sweeter and more agile colatura Reri Grist (while she still had her voice), in a lovely "Caro Nome".

Another nice selection is Mario Sereni performing "Di provenza, il mar". Both this and "Libiamo" are taken from one of my favorite recordings of Traviata -- also a great chance to hear Serafin at the helm of the Rome Opera House orchestra. (The 2-CD version of this is still available from EMI, I think.) Newcomers will love this pretty tune, and Sereni's archtypal Verdi baritone is good, although hardly the best ever.

Franco Corelli has never been a favorite of mine, but he sounds the best I've ever heard him in his rendition of "Cielo et mar".

Anyway, I didn't intend to list every cut. Whether you are an opera lover who would like to hear some of opera's most famous arias performed in a new light, or an opera lover who would like to hear great performances at a cut-rate price, this CD gets my unqualified approval.

4 out of 5 stars Great songs for a low price........2001-08-16

Ranging from selections of La Traviata, Il Trovatore and other popular Italian operas, this is a great cd for under four bucks. The singers may not be well recognized, but they do possess powerful voices.

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