Life or Death [Explicit Lyrics]

Editorial Reviews
Entertainment Weekly
[C-Murder's] production crew effectively alters the tone and style of each track. . . . Still, C-Murder's clunky rants are about as subtle as his moniker. . . .

Life or Death,C-Murder,Priority Records,Dirty South,Gangsta Rap,Hardcore Rap,Pop,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop,Southern Rap,Underground Rap

Life or Death [Explicit Lyrics]

Tracks:

Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 11: I: Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 11: II: Andante
Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op. 11: III: Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major: I: Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major: II: Andante con moto
Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major: III: Rondo (Allegro molto)
Oboe Concerto In D Major: I: Allegro moderato
Oboe Concerto In D Major: II: Andante
Oboe Concerto In D Major: III: Vivace
Duett-Concertino: I; Allegro moderato
Duett-Concertino: II: Andante
Duett-Concertino: III: Rondo (Allegro ma non troppo)

Tracks:

Burleske
Parergon zur Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 73
Panathenaenzug, Op. 74

Tracks:

Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28
Don Juan, Op. 20
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Adversaries
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Wife
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Certainty Of Victory
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Battlefield
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: War Fanfares
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Work Of Peace
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: The Hero's Withdrawl From The World
Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Renunciation

Tracks:

Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 8: I: Allegro
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 8: II: Lento
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 8: III: Rondo
Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Bewegt - Thema I - Thema II - Thema III
Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Scherzo (Munter)
Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Wiegenlied - Massig langsam
Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Adagio - (Langsam)
Sinfonia Domestica, Op. 53: Finale (Sehr lebhaft)

Tracks:

Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30
Tod und Verklarung, Op. 24
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59

Tracks:

Salome, Op. 54: Dance Of The Seven Veils
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Overture
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Jourdain - Minuet
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: The Fencing Master
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Entrance and Dance of the Tailors
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Minuet of Lully
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Courante
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Entry Of Cleonte
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: Intermezzo (Prelude To Act 2)
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Suite, Op. 60: The Dinner
Schlagobers, Op. 70: Waltz
Josephslegende, Op. 63: Symphonic Fragment

Tracks:

Metamorphosen: Study For 23 Solo Strings
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Night
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Sunrise
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: The Ascent
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Entering The Forest
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Strolling By The Stream
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: By The Waterfall
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Apparition
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: In Flowery Meadows
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: In A Mountain Pasture
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Lost In The Thickets And Undergrowth
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: On The Glacier
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Dangerous Moments
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: On The Summit
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Vision
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Mists Rise Up
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: The Sun Grows Dark
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Elegy
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Quiet Before The Storm
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: A Thunderstorm - Descent
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Sunset
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Conclusion
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64: Night

Tracks:

Aus Italien, Op.16: I: Andante
Aus Italien, Op.16: II: Allegro molto con brio
Aus Italien, Op.16: III: Andantino
Aus Italien, Op.16: IV: Finale (Allegro molto)
Macbeth, Op. 23: Symphonic Poem

Tracks:

Don Quixote, Op. 35: Introduktion (Massiges Zeitmass)
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Massig (Don Quixote)
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Maggiore (Sancho Panza)
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation I: The adventure with the windmills
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation II: The battle with the sheep
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation III: Discourse between knight and squire
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation IV: The adventure with the pilgrims
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation V: The knight's vigil
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation VI: The meeting with Dulcinea
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation VII: The ride through the air
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation VIII: The voyage in the enchanted boat
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation IX: The combat with the two magicians
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation X: The defeat of Don Quixote
Don Quixote, Op. 35: Finale (Sehr ruhig)
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: I: Entree and stately round
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: II: Courante
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: III: Carillon
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: IV: Sarabande
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: V: Gavotte
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: VI: Tourbillon - Wirbeltanz
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: VIII: Allemande
Dance Suite from harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin: VIII: March

Amazon.com essential recording

When it comes to the music of Richard Strauss, none of the world's great orchestras has a more distinguished tradition than the Staatskapelle Dresden. As pit orchestra of the Dresden Court Opera, the Staatskapelle was involved in the premieres, between 1901 and 1911, of Feuersnot, Salome, Elektra, and Der Rosenkavalier; later, with Karl Böhm conducting, its players participated in the premiere of Daphne. Most of Strauss's major tone poems have been in the Dresden orchestra's concert repertory since completion.

Back in the 1970s, EMI was able to capitalize on this association when it reunited the Staatskapelle with Rudolf Kempe--a native of Dresden, one of the master conductors of the 20th century, and an absolutely authoritative Straussian--for an integral recording of Strauss's orchestral works and concertos. The cycle was warmly received when it was originally released on LP, and it has become one of the treasures of the CD catalog since EMI reissued it whole, in three volumes, in 1992. With this latest repackaging, the whole impressive enterprise becomes available in one box.

Across the board, Kempe and the Dresdeners give magnificent readings of the music. Their Zarathustra is imposing and grand; their Heldenleben suitably heroic and quite smashingly played; their Till Eulenspiegel and Don Juan delightfully brisk, characterful, and exultant (the latter is dispatched in a blazing 16:06, and receives as ardent and exhilarating a reading as you are ever likely to encounter on disc). One of the finest of all the offerings is the account of Eine Alpensinfonie, a Kempe favorite and still a sonic knockout after nearly three decades.

The less familiar orchestral works are here, as well, including the early tone poems Aus Italien and Macbeth and the admittedly rather frothy ballet scores Josephslegende and Schlagobers. Of special value are the accounts of all Strauss's concerted works, from the early Violin Concerto (played by Ulf Hoelscher) and Burleske for piano and orchestra (with Malcolm Frager as soloist), through Don Quixote (featuring Paul Tortelier in magisterial form) and the two horn concertos, to the Oboe Concerto of 1946 and the final Duett-Concertino for clarinet and bassoon.

It's hard to imagine any label tackling such a project in today's bottom-line environment, or coming up with such definitive readings from today's performers. All the more reason to celebrate the appearance of this compendium. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding performances.......2007-05-13

Rudolf Kempe's interpretations of Richard Strauss orchestral works (almost complete - one miss the orchestral songs) have been classic recordings since they first appeared on record in the early seventies (1970-75).

Especially fine are his interpretations of the core works, e.g., the symphonic poems Also sprach Zarathustra, Ein Heldenleben, Eine Alpensinfonie, Tod und Verklärung, Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel, Don Quixote. All these are given first rate interpretations.

Furthermore, you get outstanding interpretations of Strauss' two horn concertos as well, with Peter Damm's superb horn playing, and an outstanding performance of Metamorphosen.

There is simply no rival to this collection of "core works of Richard Strauss".

In addition, this box collects also Strauss less interesting orchestral works - see Amazon's listing above. These minor works receive fine interpretations and performances too, but the main attraction is of course the core works above.

Sound quality is very fine - just excellent analogue stereo - and the orchestra, Staatskapelle Dresden, was one of the top orchestras in the world when these sessions were put on record.

Warmly recommended!

Reviving a Lost Love.......2006-08-07

The highest praise for any conductor must be that he rekindles enthusiasm and love for music that had been recently abandoned. In his autobiography, the conductor Felix Weingartner confesses that he had grown out of touch with Strauss' music; until hearing this set, I had felt the same, with only a few exceptions. But Rudolf Kempe and his really great Staatskapelle Dresden have won me back to Richard's orchestral music. So far, I have only heard part of the set: Zarathustra, Heldenleben, Till, Tod und Verklaerung, Der Buerger als Edelmann, Don Juan, Burleske, and Sinfonia Domestica, but my appetite is whet for more. Because of the refined, subtle, and yet intense conducting of Kempe, what used to strike me as cheap and taudry now strikes me as profound and moving. And the sheer musical skill of Strauss in thematic invention and counterpoint never ceases to amaze. Kempe was truly, in my not so humble opinion, the greatest conductor of the German classics following Furtwaengler; Karajan was empty and shallow by comparison. Kempe brings to this music the same passion and dignity that he brought to Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, Schumann, and other of "his" composers. To make just one comparison, Reiner's Zarathustra, once hallowed by me as by most listeners, now sounds like overripe, rotting fruit as compared to the passionate yet thoughtful quality that Kempe brings to it. The Staatskapelle Dresden, by the way, sounds like the greatest orchestra in the world, only matched by the Berlin Philharmonic under Kempe or Furtwaengler, an orchestra that produces incidentally beautiful sounds but whose main goal is the projection and characterization of the music. No virtuosity for its own sake, just musicianship, musicianship, and more musicianship. EMI's sound is the very epitome of how to record an orchestra: Impactful, yet smooth and detailed, with natural perspectives and no spotlighting. This set belongs in every music lover's library.

Not for beginners..........2006-07-16

Most boxed sets have their ups and downs because no conductor is equally sympathetic to all of a composer's works. Kempe is no exception to this rule.

The masterpieces, Zarathustra, Heldenleben, and Quixote, are superb here. Kempe clarifies Strauss' complex textures in a way that other conductors like Karajan don't. Most of the time, I prefer to hear these works Karajan's way, but it's nice to hear what Kempe does with them, too. No one does Sinfonia Domestica the way Kempe does it...with such gentleness and humor. I listened to Reiner's recording for years, but I put it up for sale on amazon after I heard the Kempe. With all four of these large tone poems, Kempe and Karajan are all I really need.

The Don Juan is just about the best I've ever heard. It is so vital and exciting! Better than Karajan or any other I know. It is hard to imagine that Macbeth will ever be done better than this either. Macbeth is one of the reasons I own this set, but it's hardly one of Strauss' masterpieces. Speaking of non-masterpieces, I also treasure Kempe's recordings of Strauss' strange works for piano and orchestra. The Burleske has more poetry but less excitement than the classic Byron Janis/Reiner recording.

Kempe's recordings of the Horn Concertos are truly awful. Listen to the weak, watery tones of the first-chair horn player stepping into the solo spotlight. One listen to the mono recordings of Dennis Brain conducted by Sawallisch shows what is missing: bold, ringing tone and lots of excitement. If I only knew Kempe's recordings, I wouldn't even care about these pieces.

The bad news continues with the Oboe Concerto (weak oboist) and the charming Duet Concertino (weak bassoon).

Kempe misses the raucous fun that charges the best recordings of Till Eulenspiegel. This is a limp dishrag of a performance (until the last few minutes). At the very start of the performance, you will hear a familiar sound -- our weak horn player from the concertos playing a solo -- and you will long to stop the CD and reach for a different recording.

Metamorphosen is one of my favorite pieces by Strauss. Kempe, as is his wont, tries mightily to clarify Strauss' dense counterpoint here, and I appreciate the effort. I hear things here that I miss in other recordings. But this reading does not move me the way others have. Ormandy, to name just one. Death and Transfiguration is another one that Ormandy did better. Kempe is too fast at times! Really fast!

My greatest disappointment with this set is a recording that has been acclaimed by many as one of the greatest Strauss recordings ever made...Kempe's take on Eine Alpensinfonie. I have lived for many years with the Karajan recording, and I must say that Kempe misses many of the moments that I have come to treasure in Karajan's version. One example would be those 20 horns playing! Karajan makes this absolutely thrilling, which I'm sure is what Strauss intended. With Kempe, this telling touch by Strauss passes by unremarkably. The slow, quiet passage at the summit lacks magic. The apotheosis at the top of the mountain is certainly thrilling in Kempe's hands, but he misses too much on the way up. By the way, his cowbells sound almost comically bad. He certainly does bring out the beauty of the closing sections of the work, though.

If you are really serious about getting to know Strauss' music, this is a necessary purchase for the rarities that will probably never be done better like the Violin Concerto and the pieces I've already mentioned. If you just want Strauss' most famous works, this is a waste of your money (no matter how cheap it is!)because there's a lot of stuff here that either isn't very good or that you probably won't want to listen to that often. You would be better off buying Karajan's recordings (the 1970s recordings, not the remakes from the 80s) of the big three tone poems and then filling in the smaller ones as your interests dictate. Casual listeners will never need to hear pieces like Macbeth or the piano works that make this set so vital to Strauss-aholics like me!

One of the very best of all EMI sets! The 2nd coming for all Straussians!.......2006-02-10

The great Strauss tone poems soar to the highest level imaginable! With Kempe's genius, the lesser works become great! Kempe resists all temptation to be banal or bombastic. He directs the Staatskappele Dresden with a silken, burnished tone yet with restraint that has a radiant glow that never sacrifices the inherent capacity of the music to thrill, deeply move, or elevate to another plain. Each work played is in itself the guide: conductor and orchestra let the works deliver their own brilliance. The Don Juan and Dead and Transfiguration are soul piercing, along with Ein Heldenleben, and....... The Staatskapelle Dresden has always been an inspired ensemble and in Kempe's hands they are simply put, magnificent, delivering one thrilling performance after another. Like Wagner and Faith, you get Strauss or you don't. If you do get it, this set is beyond self recommendation; Buy this set before it disappears from the shelves. Classical Cd shelves these days have hidden boomerangs. One minute here, next minute.....boing going gone)...! The concert hall may never hear greater performances of Strauss' orchestral works as we hear on these nine disks. The sound is nothing short of a rich, full timber as Kempe leads then with inspired and interpretive genius . This all may sound over the edge but I don't think so and I don't think you will be disappointed. Strauss has been served in splendor by the Dresden musicians under Kempe's baton. [Although in an aside I must say that Raphael Fruhbeck de Burgos and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra's performance this past summer of Don Juan and the Rosenkavalier suite were superb.] Then I think of the BSO with Levine...., their Strauss should be something else. Bravo and kudos to all for bringing us this gift. Booklet is very well done with one exception. There is not a word in the booklet about Rudolf Kempe and/or the orchestra itself. 10 stars anyway!!

terrible, awful, hideous, lousy.......2005-04-22

The problem with the "classics" is that too many hacks have hacked them to pieces. My opinion of these recordings, for whatever it is worth, is that they simply do not do justice to Strauss's magnificent music.

There is a reason they are a "bargain". I would avoid this set.
Sometimes a boxed set is a good deal, but this one is not. I find the entire set unspeakably dull and literally unlistenable.

In any event, this is merely my opinion. The majority of the other reviewers think its terrific.

Average customer rating:

Best Cd I Have Ever Purchased!!!!
If you not from here, you cant review this album
The Roots
"gangsta" rap is a waste
LIFE OR DEATH

Life or Death
C-Murder
Manufacturer: Priority Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Southern Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Charge It 2 da Game
Trapped in Crime
There's One in Every Family
Am I My Brother's Keeper
Ghetto Fabulous

ASIN: B0000064PW
Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

Intro
A 2nd Chance
Akickdoe!
Costantly 'N Danger
Don't Play No Games
Show Me Luv
Picture Me
On The Run
Get N Paid
Only The Strong Survive
The Truest Sh...
Making Moves
Feel My Pain
Soldiers
Cluckers
Life Or Death
Where I'm From
G's & Macks
Commercial
Riders
Watch Yo Enemies
Duck & Run
Ghetto Ties
Survival Of The Fittest
Dreams
Outro

Customer Reviews:

Best Cd I Have Ever Purchased!!!!.......2007-06-23

This is my favorite cd of all time, I don't skip one track on the entire cd and it's timeless, I could listen to this album right now matter of fact I just might!!!!

If you not from here, you cant review this album.......2007-05-15

If you not from the south then you don't know the impact this album had on rap itself. When P started opening doors for us to get any credit this was the album that said the south had more than west coast clones and booty shaking music. Before this album you had the Biggies, the Tupacs, and all that but you didnt have too many people HONESTLY living day to day that life and rapping about it. They might have experienced it but no one was rapping live and direct from the lions den like Master P and all of the No Limit Soldiers.

The Roots.......2006-11-17

This is the start of what is to become a wonderful artist. Picture me is one of the truest songs about livin in the ghetto. If you ain't got the boys behind you, you's a dead mother !@#$%^.

"gangsta" rap is a waste.......2006-10-06

ive heard 13 year old white kids that rhyme circles around this dude. all he has going for him is that he's "hard" which doesnt mean anything if youre an MC. even if he didn't shoot that 16-year-old he was probly glad he got arrested for it so that he could put "gangsta" samples on his record

doesnt anyone have anything to say any more besides how many people theyve shot and drugs theyve sold??? i thought that was what was holding the ghetto back in te first place, why brag about it. people need a reality check

LIFE OR DEATH.......2006-09-29

cmurder lives a hard life, watch im bout it, then you will no were he comin from, him and his brothers hold down the rap game reppin big bad TRU click

Come, Gentle Night: Music of Shakespeare's World

Average customer rating:

Ensemble Galilei's music is lilting, elegant and unexpected!
beautiful
Excellent!
It will bring about many gentle nights
Visualizing Beauty

Come, Gentle Night: Music of Shakespeare's World

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

From The Isles To The Courts
Shakespeare Songs
Music In The Great Hall: Instrumental Music From The Ancient Celtic Lands
The Renaissance Album (Windham Hill)
Songs and Dances from Shakespeare

ASIN: B0000478S3
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

Mister Issac's Maggot, Chestnut (Dove's Vagary)
Woodycock
Death's Second Self
Jack's Health, Vale Of Years, Jack's Health Reel
Come, Gentile Night
Departe, Departe, The Cobbler's Hornpipe, Third Act Tune
But Let Them Go, Ladies, Sight No More
In A Garden So Green, Childgrove
Fire, Burn, and Cauldron Bubble
The Asp
Rumble Thy Bellyful
Pastime With Good Company, O Lusty May
Irish Lament
Joy To THe Person Of My Love
The Winter's Tale Set: Love's Winter Light, Apples In Winter, Drive The Cold Winter Away, Jenny Pluck Pears
Lilli Burleo
The Scottich Play Set: Life Is But A Walking Shadow, Mill, Mill O', Pawky Adam Glen
Heart's Ease, Now That The Spring, Gathering Peascods
No Longer Mourn For Me

Customer Reviews:

Ensemble Galilei's music is lilting, elegant and unexpected!.......2002-11-29

With their soulful playing and artful, sometimes even ephemeral arrangements, the six women of Ensemble Galilei convey a rare depth of emotion. In the insert notes, gamba player Carolyn Ann Surrick describes their creative process: "[In making this recording, we engaged in]...a kind of work that is so focused and intense that years can go by in one afternoon... Extraordinary music-making requires trust... [We] live for the times when the only thing that exists right then is the music--when the instruments are speaking as if we don't exist, and they are having their own conversation." Thank you, Ensemble Galilei, for allowing the rest of us the privilege of coming along for the ride! It's simply delectable. This chamber ensemble, featuring fiddle, harp, gamba, oboe, pipes and percussion, can also be heard on their other Telarc release, "From the Isles to the Courts", and "The Mystic and the Muse: Celebrating 600 Years of Women in Music", on the Dorian label.

beautiful.......2001-01-22

Sheer beauty, as a lover of English music I found this to be one of the most beautiful of all Shakespearean albums. Such harmony, such subtlety, one wishes that the gentle night will never stop.

Excellent!.......2001-01-04

Ensemble Galilei provide some excellent arrangements of English renaissance compositions. I believe that John Playford (English Dancing Master) fans will be particularly satisfied with the renditions presented here. It is very unfortunate that E.G. did not provide more arrangements from such early music sources. Some of E.G.'s own compositions seem very weak and not in the renaissance spirit of the rest of the CD. Nonetheless, this CD is highly recommmended.

It will bring about many gentle nights.......2000-11-22

I found this album to be solid. Very sweet, but not afraid to use percussion which makes it livelier and more fun. I adore the quiet, peacefulness of the music and the flawless execution of these renaissance songs.

Visualizing Beauty.......2000-08-20

I recently had the good fortune to direct a performance of King Lear--the ENTIRE five acts, in a community theatre, non-profit setting. I used twenty-four fully committed non-actors, who for the love of the ideas, participated in this performance. The first and main challenge that I faced was, how do I go "behind" the words, and invoke the right emotions, etc., to give these actors the range and tools needed for an effective, powerful performance? Critical to this performance was the beauty and brilliance of this recording, which I used throughout the various scenes of the play. This helped the performers tremendously, creating the different tapestries in the mind of the Bard. In short, this work is real genius, that I was so happy that I stumbled across. I am now putting in our performance programs, along with our most heart-felt thanks to E.G., the name of the recording and I have copies from Telarc to sell at each performance!

Average customer rating:

THE SORT OF MUSIC THAT BOSTRIDGE'S VOICE WAS MADE FOR
Artistry beyond measure
Perfectly Enjoyable
Do Not Be Deceived By His Look Of Innocence
One of the best English-Song CD's available

Ian Bostridge - The English Songbook

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Ian Bostridge - Songs of Faure, Debussy & Poulenc
Ian Bostridge - J.S. Bach: Cantatas & Arias / Biondi, Europa Galante
Ian Bostridge - Schubert Lieder, Volume II
Ian Bostridge - Liederkreis Op. 24, Dichterliebe Op. 48 & 7 Lieder
Perspectives

ASIN: B00002CF0T
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

La Belle Bame sans Merci
Sleep
I Will Go With My Father A-Ploughing
The Cloths of Heaven
To Gratiana Dancing and Singing
To Lucasta, On Going To The Wars
Twilight Fancies
Orpheus With His Lute
Jillian of Berry
Cradle Song
The Dance Continued
Linden Lea
Silent Noon
My Love's An Arbutus
The Death of Queen Jane
No Longer Mourn For Me
Since We Loved
The Sally Gardens
Rest, Sweet Nymphs
Come Away, Death
Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal
Bold William Taylor
Brigg Fair
The Little Turtle Dove

Customer Reviews:

THE SORT OF MUSIC THAT BOSTRIDGE'S VOICE WAS MADE FOR.......2002-10-09

Ian Bostridge has one of the most beautiful voices on record, and he has consistently shown courage and wisdom in selecting material that will extend and develop his gifts. Not all of this material has been a perfect match for his young and soaring tenor voice, notably some of Schubert's more dramatic "lieder". In contrast, nothing could be more perfectly suited to his voice than this generous and beautiful collection of traditional English poetic settings by Britten, Finzi, Grainger, Warlock and others.

Bostridge brings more than just a beautiful tone and a subtle musical phrasing to these songs. The challenge any intepreter of English songs has to face is that, in contrast with the pure syllables of most continental languages, the complex vowels of "Southern British English" are formidably difficult to render attractively in song. It's not just a question of singing them prettily. Think how accurately the pronunciation of a word like "house" or "bath" can betray someone's geographical and social background; our vowels are a caste-mark as well as a means of communication. But somehow Bostridge himself, in his fruitful partnership with Julius Drake, manages to transcend our socio-linguistic divisions and deliver these songs in a way that places no barrier between the listener and the music.

The material is wonderful in its own right - a collection of lilting pastoral airs and occasional boisterous ditties. They are at one and the same time ancient and modern, embracing at once the mutual cross-fertilisation between classical and "pop" sensibilities that has always underpinned the best of English music. Even the most trivial of these songs (e.g. "Jillian of Berry") are memorable, and some of them (notably Sir Charles Stanford's chilling musical setting of the Keats' poem, "La Belle Dame Sans Merci") would not have been beneath Schubert himself.

It has been fashionable over the generations to belittle British classic music. "The land without song" England was dubbed, as the sleeve notes poignantly remind us. This CD is a healthy reminder that the global success of English popular music in the latter four decades of the 20th century did not appear out of nowhere; it was built on a solid foundation of past accomplishment that it was for too long fashionable to dismiss. Highly recommended.

Artistry beyond measure.......2002-09-20

This disk is a wonderful treasure. "To Gratiana Dancing and Singing" is an exquisite song that you should not go another day without hearing. I am speaking literally.

Mr. Bostridge's interpretation of Browne's song is amazingly compelling. His ability to express goes beyond that of most other singers - even some great ones. He notes the problems in singing in English (the "extra" vowels, the English vs. German approach to word painting, etc.) and I have to say he triumphs on this disk.

As he also notes, this is NOT a recording of a recital program nor are the songs "English" in nationality - the songs are just set to texts in the English language. I had not heard of some of these composers, but I am enthusiastic in saying that every song on this disk has something very nice to recommend it - at least at the voice and hands of Ian Bostridge and Julian Drake.

I must say a few words about Mr. Drake's playing. Overall he is simply incredible. He has a beauty of tone and a singing style that is not in anyway mere accompaniment. It really isn't even a partnership. It is a unity of artistry that creates this single entity, a song. There aren't many that can pull this off and Mr. Drake should be treasured for this ability. Just amazing artistry.

Please get every disk that Mr. Bostridge and Mr. Drake have done together. You will thank me for recommending this if you didn't know this already. Feel free to email me with your thoughts on this disk or any comments you have about Bostridge and Drake.

Perfectly Enjoyable.......2002-02-09

I already liked Ian Bostridge, but I thought "English songs" would be rather light and without substance. But I have fallen in love with this CD and never tire of it! I was already an admirer of Vaughan Williams, Britten, Finzi, Warlock and Delius, and I'm glad for this introduction to other composers as well. Also, much beautiful poetry is chosen, from Shakespeare, Yeats, Rossetti, Keats, and others, and each is treated with careful consideration by the composer, *partnering* music with poetry rather than simply enhancing or overshadowing the lyric. Bostridge seems to have the perfect voice for this music, light and charming when appropriate, heart-breaking at other times, always an engaging storyteller. He obviously understands intimately each word and note that he sings. The listener can hear his facial expressions and body language! The English Songbook is a beautiful collection of excellent craftsmanship, and one of the best CDs I have.

Do Not Be Deceived By His Look Of Innocence.......2001-10-14

Just look at Ian on the cover photo of this CD. He's sitting there looking coy, playing with his finger, hair a little mussed, with a very cute boyish smile, as if to say, "I didn't do anything wrong mommy, honest." Well he has done it this time.

This CD was my first exposure to Ian Bostridge. I bought it because I was very surprised to know that one of my favorite poems, the Cloths of Heaven by Yeats, was set to music. I spent 17 bucks for one song, and ended up cashing in on 23 others.

To Gratiana Dancing and Singing quickly became a favorite, as did Bold William Taylor. This last one was my first realization of Ian's gift of storytelling. Somehow he is able to make his voice sound like a woman, namely Sally Gray, and the narrator, and the macho Captain, all in the same song. The multiple personalities come out to play similarly in The Death of Queen Jane. I am lulled into quiet reflection and relaxation when Ian sings the Cradle Song.

Check out his CDs of Schubert Lieder, also accompanied by Julius Drake. Ian may be even more at home in German than he is in his native English! Julius is at home with Schubert, especially the water songs, and we are at home listening to this wonderfully weird, warm voice paired with masterful piano playing.

One of the best English-Song CD's available.......2001-09-12

Unlike the reviewer "A music fan from California, USA" I realize that this is not a recital program of music (as even noted in the liner). This is though, an unequaled collection of some of the most beautiful English Songs ever. Ian is on top of his game and J Drake plays, well, I don't have the words. He never fails to impress with his skills. Each key under each finger sings! Back to Ian. As a professional tenor, I am in awe of his voice. It is tender, moving, all the things you want in a good recitalist, and (unlike any of the opera tenors I can think of) it is note perfect. Yes, there are times when his voice seems a little light for the song he may be performing, but it is passionate and caries the pathos of each note/word he sings. BUY THIS CD - you will love it for ever!

Sure on This Shining Night: 20th-Century Romantic Songs of America

Average customer rating:

A Spectrum of Romance in American Musical Composition
a rare gem of a CD

Sure on This Shining Night: 20th-Century Romantic Songs of America

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)

ASIN: B000002ZYW
Release Date: 1997-04-10

Tracks:

The Children
The Year's At The Spring
When Stars Are In The Quiet Skies
Orpheus With His Lute
Rose Marie
Ives
Song To The Witch Of The Cloisters
Sure On This Shining Night
Sigh No More, Ladies
Come Away, Death
On Hearing 'The Last Rose Of Summer'
Echo
If I Could Tell You
The Collection
The Lord's Prayer
Nature, The Gentlest Mother
The Tiger
Never More Will The Wind
Little Elegy
One Alone
Do Not Go, My Love
To A Stranger
When I Have Sung My Songs
These, My Ophelia
An Old Song Re-sung
Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
June Night
Triolet

Customer Reviews:

A Spectrum of Romance in American Musical Composition.......2006-01-15

Often American music is thought to be jaunty, combative, or tragic in content, especially when it comes to songs/lieder for the classical repertoire. This engaging CD takes umbrage with that misconception and in presenting some twenty-eight songs by various composers clearly identifies the romantic side of American composers.

Here are songs well known and not so well known by familiar and not so familiar composers, and in the hands of tenor Robert White and pianist Samuel Sanders they all come across as important. Included are rarities by composers such as Amy Beach, Theodor Chanler, Isabelle Firestone, Eric Ewazen, Albert Hay Malotte, Marc Marder, John Musto and Richard Hageman, with popular composers Rudolf Friml and Sigmund Romberg, along with the greats: Ives, Schuman, Hindemith, Barber, Thomson, Korngold, Copland. Rorem, Bolcom, Corigliano, and Griffes. It is a huge spectrum of work and while some are less successful than other, they all are given respectful and loving renditions by White and Sanders. It is great fun to hear Firestone's famous 'If I could tell you' that opened the Voice of Firestone for so many years along side Samuel Barber's gorgeous 'Sure on this shining night' and Aaron Copland's settings of Emily Dickinson's poems.

This a rare treat for connoisseurs of lieder and for lovers of beautiful songs. Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

a rare gem of a CD.......2002-07-08

Sure On This Shining Night is not my usual musical cup of tea...yet, it has become one of my favorite CDs. This collection of American Romantic songs has burrowed its way into my heart.

There is a universality to the longing involved in Romanticism. These songs capture this feeling perfectly. From the first song to the last, these songs do one thing perfectly: evoke an emotional response.

This is due in no short measure to the wonderful performance Robert White gives. Rather than being merely technically accurate, White actually gives each of these songs a life of their own. He achieves this effect by getting inside not only the words, but the feelings involved.

Some of the highlights for me are: the lovely and memorable "Rose Marie," Ewazen's setting of Blake's "The Tiger," a moving version of "The Lord's Prayer" and the haunting "Never More Will the Wind."

Samuel Sanders is a worthy musical companion to White. His playing is reciprocally lovely and introspective. The notes are extensive and informative as well.

Tracks:

The Student Prince: Ser: Overhead The Moon Is Beaming - Richard Crooks/Lewis James
Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life
The Song Of Songs
When You're Away
Rio Rita
Only A Rose
Because
I Bring A Love Song - Richard Crooks/Edna Kellogg
Vienna, City Of My Dreams
Only My Song
Gipsy Moon
Macushla
Smilin' Through
If I Should Send A Rose To You
The Holy City - Richard Crooks/Herbert Dawson
Songs My Mother Taught Me - Richard Crooks/Frederick Schauwecker
Beautiful Dreamer - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge
Oh, Susannah! - Richard Crooks/The Balladeers Male Qt/Frank La Forge/Ralph Colicchio
Ah, May The Red Rose Live Alway - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge
Ser - Richard Crooks/Frederick Schauwecker
Be Thou Faithful Unto Death

Customer Reviews:

A truly awesome voice!.......2000-06-02

"A Richard Crooks Serenade" is a marvelous sampling of one of the greatest singers America had produced in the 30's and 40's. One gets to witness that honey Crooks sound in such classics as Ah, "Sweet Mystery of Life" (catch that magnificent High C at the end), "Macushla", the three Stephen Foster songs, and "If I should Send a Rose to You" (sort of Crook's theme song). This entire CD is a gem, but some REAL standouts are "The Holy City", "Because", "Be Thou Faithful Unto Death" (from the seldom performed St Paul by Mendelssohn). "Be Thou Faithful" will literally tug at your heartstrings. The "Serenade" from The Student Prince is a masterpiece of fine singing (Crooks, by the way, was Romberg's original choice for the lead role in this operetta). Crooks' voice literally pours out in this recording of "Serenade", culminating in two excellently placed High C's (the only real serious competition to Crooks on this song, in my opinion, is the great Mario Lanza). Crooks was one of the primo American Tenors of the 30's/40's era, displaying a technique and style that was unmatched, and after examining this CD, one will surely understand why. By all means, treat yourself to this recording and see what truly great singing is all about.

What a fabulous Tenor!!!!!.......2000-05-24

If one has not had the oportunity of hearing the great voice of Richard Crooks, they have really missed out. Richard Crooks possessed an intense lyricism that is unmatched today. Crooks' "Serenade" from The Student Prince is sheer perfection (singing it in the original key, not lowered a whole step, like most Tenors), culminating on two very vibrant High C's. It is interesting to note that Crooks was Romberg's original choice for the role of Karl Franz (the lead) in the Student Prince, but, due to opera commitments, was unable to debut the role. This is a performance rivaled only by the great Mario Lanza. Other musical highlights on this CD are "Macushla", "Song of Songs", "The Holy City", and "Ah Sweet Mystery of Life". "Ah May the Red Rose live Alway" is sure to bring a tear to one's eye. A nuance on "Ah Sweey Mystery of Life" finds Crooks soaring up to a High C at the end (a feat one finds no other Tenor attempting on any other recording) and with Crooks, it works well. Crooks' "Because" is the standard by which all others are measured. One of the real finds on this disk is Crooks' "Be Thou Faithful unto Death" from the rarely performed "Paul" by Felix Mendelssohn. What heartfelt singing this truly is. Crooks genuinely excelled in this music and one simply MUST purchase this CD to listen to a true master. So if one is not that familiar with the incomparable voice of Richard Crooks, treat yourself and puchase this recording now! This collection is pure enjoyment from the Student Prince "Serenade" to the final selection "Be Thou Faithful unto Death". A real gem.

Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 5, Famous Song Cycles

Average customer rating:

"the evidence of a great witness"

Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 5, Famous Song Cycles

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 4
Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 3 (1922-1942)
Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Volume 1
Shostakovich: Complete Songs 2 - The Last Years
Dmitri Shostakovich: The Golden Age (Complete Ballet) - Gennady Rozhdestvensky

ASIN: B0007IO6DC
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Lament For A Dead Baby
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Caring for Mum and Auntie
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Lullaby
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Before A Long Separation
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Warning
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Father Abandoned
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Poverty Song
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Winter
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Good Life
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: A Girl's Song
From Jewish Folk Poetry, a vocal cycle. Op.79: Happiness
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Truth
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Morning
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Love
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Separation
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Wrath
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Dante
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: To The Exiled
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Artistry
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Night
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Death
Suite to Words by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op.145: Eternity

Customer Reviews:

"the evidence of a great witness".......2007-01-19

These five volumes of Shostakovich's Complete Songs are simply astonishing. If admirers have with good reason found the private voice of the composer in his string quartets, there's another, perhaps more intimate voice to be found in his songs. Let this review stand for the entire collection - each disc yields generous returns. An entirely Russian production recorded in Russia, this is estimable treasure. If you love Shostakovich's music, the breadth of revelation found throughout these discs is overwhelming. Here is Shostakovich the man, genius, survivor, sufferer - but never victim. The works themselves are no less than a kind of eternal definition of art, an all-encompassing humanity borne by one man to our lasting benefit. The singing performances are uniformly excellent, as are the production values on every level, with fine sonics. Among the Russian singers who contribute, soprano Victoria Evtodieva, mezzo Liudmila Shkirtil, and the mighty bass Fyodor Kuznetsov stand out. Most of the songs are set for voice and piano. The cycles and a number of other songs use orchestration of varying details. Pianist Yuri Serov, besides distinguished playing, provides insightful commentary with each disc, ideal remarks full of detail - the title of this review is taken from his notes on 'The Anti-Formalist Raree Show', which he hails as '...a striking document of that bygone era, the evidence of a great witness.' What more fitting could be said of these amazing musical works and their composer? Full translation of every song text is included in each of the discs.

Average customer rating:

At Work with Power Clasics

Power Classics! Volumes 1-10

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Carmen: Les Toreadors - POWER CLASSICS!
Slavonic Dance No.8 In G Minor, Op.46 - POWER CLASSICS!
L'Arlesienne: Farandole - POWER CLASSICS!
Symphony No.3: 3rd Movement, Ziemlich schnell - POWER CLASSICS!
Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Death And Funeral Music - POWER CLASSICS!
Symphony No.3 In E Flat, Op.97: Rhenish: 1st Movement - POWER CLASSICS!
Piano Concerto No.1 In B Flat Minor, Op.23: 3rd Movement: Allegro con fuoco - POWER CLASSICS!
Symphony No.1: Titan: 2nd Movement - Kraftig bewegt - POWER CLASSICS!
The Prophet: Coronation March - POWER CLASSICS!
Hungarian Rhapsody No.1 - POWER CLASSICS!

Tracks:

Toccata In D Minor
Symphony No.5 In C Minor: 1st Movement: Allegro con brio
Swan Lake: Mazurka
Mastersingers Of Nuremburg: Overture
Coppelia: Czardas
Faust: Allegro vivo
Symphony No.4 In A Major: 1st Movement: Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op.16: 1st Movement: Allegro molto e marcato
The Damnation of Faust: Rakozy March
The Rhine Gold: Entry Of The Gods Into Walhalla

Tracks:

Ride Of The Valkyries
Hungarian Dance No.5 In G Minor
Sylvia: Cortege de Bacchus
The Nutcracker: Trepak - Russian Dance
Bartered Bride: Overture
William Tell: Soldiers' Dance
Symphony No.1: 3rd Movement: Scherzo
The Flying Dutchman: Overture
Espana
Totentanz

Tracks:

Lohengrin: Prelude To Act 3 - POWER CLASSICS!
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March - POWER CLASSICS!
Marche Slave, Op.31 - POWER CLASSICS!
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 - POWER CLASSICS!
Swan Lake: Danze hongroise Czardas - POWER CLASSICS!
Flight Of The Bumble Bee - POWER CLASSICS!
Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - POWER CLASSICS!
Symphony No.9 In E Minor 'New World': Third Movement, Scherzo - POWER CLASSICS!
Tannhauser: Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - POWER CLASSICS!
Symphony No.5 In E Minor: Finale. Andante Maestoso - POWER CLASSICS!

Tracks:

Ruslan And Ludmilla - Overture
The Bartered Bride: Polka
Symphony NO.4 In E Minor: 3rd Movement: Allegro giocoso
Coriolan Overture, Op.62
Symphony No.4 In A Major: Italian: 4th Movement - Saltarello presto
Bocklin Suite: Bacchannal
The Valkyries: Magic Fire Music
Piano Concerto No.1 In E Flat Major: 3rd Movement: Allegro marziale animato - Presto
Symphony No.2: 3rd Movement: Scherzo. Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No.9: From The New World: Finale - Allegro con fuoco

Tracks:

The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction
Snegurochka: Dance Of The Tumblers
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Minor, Op.21, No.3: Allegro vivace
Symphony In G Major, No.4: Allegro ma non troppo
Chowanschtschina: Dance Of The Persian Slaves
Coppelia: Slavonic Folk Melody
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Dance Of The Apprentices & Entrance Of The Masters
The Bartered Bride: Furiant
Symphony No.6: Tragic: II. Scherzo. Wuchtig
The Nutcracker: Waltz - Finale & Apothese

Tracks:

Mlada: Cortege
Piano Concerto No.1 In E Flat Major: I. Allegro maestoso
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz
Soroshintsy Fair: Gopak
Symphony No.0 In D Minor: Ill. Scherzo. Presto
Organ Concerto Op.137: Ill. Finale. Con moto
Symphony No.7 In D Minor: Ill. Scherzo. Vivace
L'Arlesienne: Pastorale
Nocturnes: Fetes
Symphony No.1 In C Minor: IV. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio

Tracks:

Slavonic Dance No. 1 In C Major
Symphony No. 3 'Scottish': III. Vivace non troppo - Mendelssohn
Homage March
Swan Lake: Dance Espagnole - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Ill. Allegro giocoso
Coppelia: Festive Dance And Waltz Of The Hours
A Night On Bald Mountain
A Life For The Tsar: Krakoviak
Slavonic Dance No. 3 In A Flat Major
Symphony No. 4: Finale: Allegro con fuoco

Tracks:

The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture
Symphony No.3 in D Minor: IV. Presto vivace
Sylvia: Prelude - Les Chaseresses
Prelude On 'B - A - C - H'
Symphony No.8 In C Minor: II. Scherzo. Allegro moderato (excerpt)
Sheherazade: I. Lento - Allegro non troppo
Euryanthe: Overture
Swan Lake: Waltz
Symphony No.2 In C Major: II. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No.2 In A Major: Allegro deciso - Marziale - Allegro animato

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In G Minor: I. Allegro non troppo - POWER CLASSICS!
Hungarian Dance No.1 In G Minor - POWER CLASSICS!
Carmen: Bohemian Dance - POWER CLASSICS!
Chowanschtschina: Intermezzo - POWER CLASSICS!
Symphony No.3 'Rhenish':: IV. Lebhaft - POWER CLASSICS!
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Major Op.83: II. Allegro Appassionato - POWER CLASSICS!
L'Arlesienne: Carillon - POWER CLASSICS!
Symphonie Fantastique: IV. Allegretto non troppo - POWER CLASSICS!
Eugen Onegin: Waltz - POWER CLASSICS!
Husitska: Overture, Op.67 - POWER CLASSICS!

Customer Reviews:

At Work with Power Clasics.......2000-01-20

Using the 10 CD set of Power Classics over the past five years while "working" daily on Nordic Trak has been a great help. The relatively short segments break up the workout and provide a welcome support for my efforts. The variety of selections available relieve boredom although, I must admit, when one selection finishes I can now mentally hum the next intro. I recommend this set highly for any strenuous workout program.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Voice From The Past
Chaliapin - Prima Voce

Prima Voce: Chaliapin

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | 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

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Feodor Chaliapin Sings Russian Music, Vol. 2
Chaliapin: A Vocal Portrait
The Very Best of Boris Christoff
Ponselle Prima Voce
Cesare Siepi: Classic Recitals - Operatic Arias for Bass

ASIN: B0000037JO
Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

Boris Godounov, Pimens Narration
The Demon, Do Not Weep, Child
Mashenka
Sapphische Ode
The Song Of The Flea
Oh, Could I In Song Tell My Sorrow
Boris Godounov, Varlaams Song
Don Carlos, Dormiro Sol
Sadko, The Varangians Merchant's Song
The Son Of The Volga Boatman
Prince Igor, Galitzky's Song
Boris Godounov, Boris' Monologue
Faust, Vous Qui Faites L' endormie
Don Giovanni, Madamina
A Life For The Tsar, Susanin' s Recitative & Aria
La Boheme, Vecchia Zimarra
Pilgrim's Song
Mefistofele, Ave Signor
Mefistofele, Son Spirito Che Nega
Don Quichotte, Death Scene

Tracks:

Boris Godounov, Boris' Monologue
Boris Godounov, Clock Scene
Boris Godounov, Farewell Prayer And Death
In Questa Tomba Oscura
Prince Igor, Khan Kontchak' s Aria
Folk Song, Down The Petersky
Aleko, Aleko's Cavatina
Faust, Un, Rat...Le Reau D'or
Nochen' ka
Rusalka, The Miller' s Aria
Persian Love Song
Russlan And Ludmilla, Farlaf's Rondo
Elegie
Twofold Litany
Chanson De La Mort De Don Quichotte
The Song Of The Flea

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Voice From The Past.......2006-07-27

This two-disc set gives a good overview of the great Russian Bass singer. It has a total of 36 selections, and covers the years 1911 to 1936.

With a voice of tremendous range and power, Chaliapin could also sing softly and with feeling. A very flexible instrument that comes through the old recording technology of the 78 record era. A good example of the pure physical gifts of his voice is 'Farlaf's Rondo' by Glinka. A 'patter' song, with words and syllables sung rapidly and seemingly without taking a breath. As if the performance wasn't difficult enough, Chaliapin speeds up the tempo at the ending of the rondo! It shows the breath control he had, and while the singer seems to be none of the worst for wear, I was left breathless just listening!

Two selections, Boris' Monologue from 'Boris Godounov' and 'Song of The Flea', by Mussorgsky, are represented by two different performances. This gives a good idea of the breadth of Chaliapin's art, as each performance of the same work is full of nuance and artistry. It is hard for me to pick which performance I like best. As with any great artist, each time a work is performed it is not just a repitition, but a unique recreation.

The transfers naturally have much surface noise, as all are from the 78 rpm record era. I have most of these recordings on transfers to LP's and the noise is much more apparant than on the CD transfers. With older recordings such as these, any transfers and 'cleaning up' of the sound can only go so far. If too much of the noise from the originals is 'cleaned up', the recording can lose presence. Whomever engineered the transfers to CD has hit a happy middle ground. The background noise is still there, but not so annoying as on LP, while the sound of the actual music and Chaliapin's voice seems much more alive.

What I have read about Chaliapin says that he was not only a great singer, but a great actor also. The two do not always go together, for a great voice in opera can make up for a lack of acting ability. To have both talents rolled into one is rare. Contemporary accounts of Chaliapin's operatic performances comment as much on his acting as his singing. There arevideos of his film performance in Ibert's Don Quichotte, which I want to see when I have the chance.

If you're passion is the human voice, you must hear Chaliapin. It is not possible to say he or anyone else was the best. But these recordings show he was a consummate artist, and are well worth exploring.

Recommended.

Chaliapin - Prima Voce.......2006-03-18

The recordings are old but the only way one can hear a legend!

The selections are excellent and the quality is as one would expect from this vintage recording.

I enjoy going back to hear these voices and this is the only way to understand the history

Music For Queen Mary-A Celebration Of The Life And Death Of Queen Mary

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
Joy and sadness perfectly combined
Good music, okay performances

Music For Queen Mary-A Celebration Of The Life And Death Of Queen Mary

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Kirkby, Emma | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

The Coronation of King George II / The King's Consort · Robert King
Glorious Sound of Brass

ASIN: B000002AP6
Release Date: 1995-04-04

Tracks:

Anthem: I Was Glad
Anthem: Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem
Whilst He Abroad Does Like The Sun
The Sullen Years Are Past
Stript Of Their Green Our Groves Appear
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Symphony
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Chorus: Now Does The Glorious Day Appear
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Verse: Not Any One Such Joy Could Bring
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Tenor Solo: This Does Our Fertile Island With Glory Crown
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Chorus: Now Does The Glorious Day Appear
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Bass Solo: It Was A Work Of Full As Great A Weight
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Countertenor Solo: By Beauteous Softness Mixt With Majesty
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Verse: Her Hero, To Whose Conduct And Whose Arms
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Verse: Our Dear Religion
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Tenor Solo: No More Shall We The Great Eliza Boast
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Symphony
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Chorus: Now With One United Voice
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: O Dive Custos - Elegy On The Death Of Queen Mary
ODE FOR QUEEN MARY'S BIRTHDAY: Incassum, Lesbia - The Queen's Epicedium
The Queen's Farewell. March
The Queen's Farewell. March
March
THE BURIAL SERVICE: I Am The Resurrection (Morley)
THE BURIAL SERVICE: Thou Knowest, Lord (Purcell)
THE BURIAL SERVICE: Canzona (Purcell)
THE BURIAL SERVICE: I Heard A Voice (Morley)

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-01-27

Purcell compositions for Queen Mary span the whole of her brief reign. He provided music for her coronation, on April 11,1689; for the formal celebraton of her birthday on April 30 each year; and for her funeral, on March 5, 1695. At the coronation of William and Mary his 'I was glad' was one of 9 anthems performed during this ceremony. Purcell, in his position as Abbey Organist had tailored the music with precision. The opening passage is in stately block chords-straightforward for the choir to co-ordinate while proceeding along the nave, and arriving in their places just in time to watch the conductor for the closing bars. Later in the service the 2nd anthem by Purcell was sung:"Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem",
The centerpiece of this disc is the Ode for Queen Mary's birthday"Now does the glorious day appear" and glorious it is!!! It is divided into 14 sections; some solos, some duets and some choruses. It was easily the finest royal ode he had as yet composed, and also the most richly scored; laid out for five part strings, the violas being divided. Thanks to this exotic scoring, the ode abounds in moments of gorgeous opulence. For Mary's funeral services (she died at the age of 33) Purcell composed 3 pieces all included in this disc and all memorable.
The performers include Westminster Abbey Choir; the New London Consort; soloists: sopranos Emma Kirkby and Evelyn Tubb-countertenor Michael Chance-tenor Ian Bostridge-basses Stephen Richardson and Simon Birchall. All of this under the direction of Martin Neary.
The notable distinction of this recording is as follows and I quote from the accompanying jacket:"Complete music for Queen Mary's funeral, newly assembled and edited, and performed in Westminster Abbey by the Abbey Choir for the first time since 1695". The recording is beautifully adorned inside and out, and the sticker on the outside proclaims that it is music featured in the Westminster Abbey Funeral service fo Diana, Princess of Wales.

Joy and sadness perfectly combined.......2000-02-19

This CD is subtitled "A Celebration of the Life and Death of Queen Mary" and it thus divides into two sections. To begin with, we hear a number of works written for the Queen during her life, among which are short songs by John Blow (including "The sullen years are past" which has never been recorded before) and a massive setting of one of many odes for the royal birthday celebrations by Henry Purcell - "Now does the glorious day appear," which is a sweeping and powerful work with a variety of ground bass arias, duets, recitatives, choruses and orchestral symphonies - all making for a fine and rewarding listening experience.

In the second section, the focus moves onto music written during the mourning period after Queen Mary's death. Purcell continues to prove himself the greatest composer of the time, in his semi-sacred songs (in Latin) mourning her death, and in the music he wrote for her funeral. This section is indeed a highlight of the disc as it attempts, in a very scholarly way, to recreate the funeral in the Abbey as it might have sounded in 1695, with the Funeral Sentences by Thomas Morley interspersed with Purcell's own material and a number of Farewell Marches for trumpets and drums only.

The members of the Abbey Choir under Martin Neary do an admirable job of stepping into the shoes of their forebears under Purcell; accompanied by the period instrument-equipped New London Consort, the sound is truly magnificent. In addition, a number of prestigious soloists appear, including Emma Kirkby and Ian Bostridge (undoubtedly key performers for capturing the purity and delicacy of this music), Michael Chance (who seems a little under-utilised), Stephen Richardson (a rich and profound bass voice if ever I heard one) along with members of the Abbey Choir itself. Of special note- one does not often find a choral CD on which all three senior musical officials at the cathedral (Organist, Assistant Organist and Organ Scholar) are heard playing, but this is one such recording: Martin Baker and Stephen Le Prevost fill in organ continuo parts in various places, as does Dr Neary himself (who also plays the harpsichord for most of the solo pieces).

Arc of Light have done it again- a recording of extreme loveliness, going right down to the packaging which features some beautiful artistry (in fact, the main cover photograph is given an explanation in the booklet notes owing to the special way in which it was produced). A true gem in all respects.

Good music, okay performances.......1999-03-26

This disc presents a somewhat eclectic collection of music devoted to Queen Mary (mostly by Purcell, but by some other contemporaries as well). Despite the common theme I couldn't get rid of the feeling that the pieces didn't "click." Neither did the soloists sound at ease. Michael Chance, perhaps, deserves the most praise. But alas, some of the pieces that he normally sings (e.g. Incassum Lesbia) were given to sopranos, who couldn't do them nearly as much justice. The voice of one of the sopranos kept cracking up (don't know which one: the past-her-prime Emma Kirkby or whoever-she-is Evelyn Tubb). Ian Bostridge is undeniably a great performer, mainly known for his brilliant lieder interpretations. I don't want to say that baroque is not his cup of tea because he is vocally well suited to this repertory. Yet I didn't think he was as great in Purcell as many of his countrymen, such as John Mark Ainsley, Charles Daniels or Mark Padmore (to the extent one recording is enough of a basis to judge, which perhaps it is not). I don't want to be unfair, but I've heard Purcell performed better. This is not a bad recording, just not the best.

Soul Music:

Soul Music

soul music

Recommended Music:

Heads Up: The Best of the Lively Ones, Vol. 2

Music by Irwin Swack and Max Lifchitz

Palomine

Always, Never and Forever

California Melodies

Raising Fear

Opening Doors

Mozart: Concertos for violin No4; Symphony No33

Nevermind! Glitterhouse Is 20! [Import]

Maytime

Many Sides of Toshiko [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Mambo

Los Exitos Romanticos del Año: Bandas Vs. Grupos

Erich Kunzel - Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) / Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

The Collector's The Threepenny Opera