Paris [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Digitally remastered reissue and first time on CD for this cult classic. Formed by ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch and former Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick, their debut album is steeped in mysticism and all things occult. Highlights include the explosive 'Black Book' and the vitriolic 'Religion'. Standard jewel case. 2000 release.

Paris,Paris,Import [Generic],Pop,Rap,Rock

Paris [Import]

Tracks:

I Love Being Here With You
Let's Fall in Love
'Deed I Do
The Look of Love
East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)
I've Got You Under My Skin
Devil May Care
Maybe You'll Be There
'S Wonderful
Fly Me to the Moon
A Case of You
Just the Way You Are

Amazon.com

Recorded at the historic Olympia Theatre in Paris in November 2001, this is Diana Krall's first live album. Backed by her quicksilver combo of bassist John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton, and guitarist John Pisano (on some tracks), Krall's jazz heritage comes through loud and clear on this program of standards, ballads, and bossa novas. On Peggy Lee's "I Love Being Here with You," Bob Dorough's "Devil May Care," and Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon," Krall's snappy, postbop piano playing shows off her debt to Nat "King" Cole and Jimmy Rowles. Her cool contralto vocals are illuminated by the Orchestre Symphonique Europeen, under the direction of Alan Broadbent, as well as the London Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Claus Ogerman. Krall's deep take on Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" is a great choice for an encore, and the CD concludes with Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" (a studio track from a film called The Guru), with tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker and bassist Christian McBride. This collection only hints at what Diana Krall has to offer in the future.--Eugene Holley Jr.

Album Description

Canadian version of 2002 live release includes one exclusive bonus track, 'Charmed Life' & the U.S. bonus track, 'Just The Way You Are' (Studio Version/Billy Joel cover). The first-ever live concert recording from Grammy winning vocalist/pianist Diana Krall, recorded at the Paris Olympia Theatre winter 2002. Here finally, captured in amazing audio quality, is an album showcasing the magic of Krall's concert performances. Krall & her band - perform some of the tunes from Krall's studio recordings, such as 'East of the Sun (West of the Moon)' & 'Devil May Care'. Joined by special guests John Pisano (acoustic guitar) & Paulinho DaCosta (percussion) for several tracks, including the Gershwin's 'S'wonderful'. The Orchestre Symphonique European, conducted by Alan Broadbent with special guest conductor Claus Ogerman, is featured on the upbeat 'Let's Fall in Love' & a haunting interpretation of 'I've Got You

Album Details

Includes Two Bonus Tracks of "Charmed Life" and the Enhanced Track "Look of Love".

Customer Reviews:

Diana Krall in Top Form, Classic.......2007-08-04

Dear John: Letters From a Fan in New York City: An Interactive Book Diana Krall, you got me through my ups and downs with style. This is her best CD, in my opinion. I just recently saw her live in concert, and most of the songs (but not all) were in the concert. This is quintessential Diana Krall. A must-have CD for all her fans. Trust me.

If they let me give ten stars................2007-07-30

....this one would get them. I've written a couple of other five star reviews of Diana's records, and talked about the great material, and beautifully seductive voice. I even discussed the [limited] commercial value of sexy album jackets. It's all true.....

....but this trumps it. Diana in the studio is fabulous, but Diana live, connecting with the audience and her band, goes way beyond that. You can feel the magic. Some singers live don't measure up [no names]. Others, like our dear Carly Simon, have to overcome massive stage fright. [Carly has only one live album, great as it is]... I have no idea how much stage fright Diana has [and stage fright is real; been there, done that. I'm lucky that I actually enjoy the feeling]. Some fortunate singers are actually improved by a real audience. Whatever Diana's feelings, she gives the audience [and us] her all. I've not heard Diana in person, but on this recording we can get the electricity of a special experience.

Diana Krall is a treasure in earthen vessel....a beautiful girl, with a voice for the ages. If you're not familiar with her music, I'm sorry. If you only know her studio recordings, you've GOT to hear this.

Diana Krall at her best.......2007-06-20

Hoppin', jazzy live performance -- my favorite Diana Krall CD.

you know that.......2007-04-12

shush shuh shuh shuh sound that new cordoroy pants make? Well that's what Krall sounds like wiht her sibilant "s". Is she singing through false teeth?

Very Enjoyable and that's all that matters..........2007-02-24

For those reviewers trying to compare Diana Krall to people like Sarah Vaughn... forget it!!! She's not Vladamir Horowitz or the Pope either!!! To give her a low rating based on that is absurd.

This is a very very good Jazz band and Diana Krall swings. She plays well and she does an incredible amount with the voice that the maker gave here. The album is very enjoyable to me and it's a good place to start if you want to hear Diana Krall.

Is she great? That question is so subjective and who cares anyway. One reviewer suggested that calling her great was disrespectful to the great Jazz singers. Popular singers like Diana bring attention to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn and Sinatra etc... People start with Diana and move backward from there... 5 stars from this reviewer!!!

Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris

Average customer rating:

Superb performance of the most moving piece of American classical music
Gershwin/Bernstein: Rhapsody In Blue and American In Paris
A glorious tribute!
A Truly Great Performance
GLORIOUS!

Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain
Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man
Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Saint-Saëns: The Carnival Of The Animals
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos

ASIN: B0000025MH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Rhapsody in Blue
An American in Paris

Customer Reviews:

Superb performance of the most moving piece of American classical music .......2007-07-27

The feeling is that Bernstein truly 'gets' this music, that its pace, its mood really speak to him, and the orchestra. There is a special vitality to the performance here. But of course the heart of the greatness is the music itself. 'American in Paris' is one of Gershwin's finer pieces but 'Rhapsody in Blue' is the gem of all his non-vocal music, and I believe, the greatest of all 'classical'pieces of American music. It has a lyric intensity and beauty a romantic fire that no other piece of American music I know, can hope to reasonably compare with. Many complain, including Bernstein that it is not truly a single organic developing composition but rather a set of set pieces placed one after the other. Nonetheless there are moments in it so beautiful, that they truly take the person in joy to another world in feeling.
What a genius Gershwin had when he wrote this work.

Gershwin/Bernstein: Rhapsody In Blue and American In Paris.......2007-01-16

In my opinion you just can't go wrong with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. I have many of their recordings in addition to many recordings of other orchestras; some great, some not so much...but the New York Phil is cosistently great. This recording is a superb example of Gershwin's writing, thoughtfully reproduced by a fine orchestra. Both the brashness of the pieces and the subtleties are interpreted well by Mr. Bernstein and the orchestra. The soloists are nothing other than excellent. The brass section is easily as strong as the Chicago symphony's famous section, and the strings intonation is superb. The pathos and the humor of both pieces are readily projected by this sensitive orchestra and conductor. I couldn't recommend this recording higher!

A glorious tribute!.......2006-11-22

To play Gershwin accurately demands from the player, the absolute domain of an invisible taste, unsaid in the score. Few pianists (and Bernstein is among them) were able to convey the listener, this savoir vivre, humor, elegance, that idiomatic atmosphere that plainly justifies your effort.

To my mind, there just have been five pianists who have surmounted this peak: Oscar Levant, Jesus Maria Sanroma, Eugene List, Earl Wild and Leonard Bernstein.

So, under any pretext you should miss this invaluable musical gem.

A Truly Great Performance.......2006-08-19

I originally found this record in a used record store and purchased it for $1. This was not too long ago. After listening, i could not believe that this record only cost me $1 and that some idiot actually sold this to a used record store without listening first. I have never heard a performace of Rhapsody In Blue that is as powerful and heartfelt as this one. Bernstain melts into the piano, resulting in a performance that outshines so many Gershwin performances that exist. On the other side of the record is An American In Paris, a textbook tone poem, and i mean this as a great compliment. The images of Paris and a partially homesick/partially jubilant American strolling along exude from every note. When i found these great performances on CD, i snatched up a copy as quickly as i could. GET THIS RECORD. It is truly a Great Performance.

GLORIOUS!.......2006-07-21

This review refers to "Great Performances: Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue/An American In Paris"(CD)

Well, how can you go wrong when Leonard Bernstein, with the help of the Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, conducts(and performs brilliantly on piano)these two George Gershwin greats.You just can't. Even the quality of the CD is excellent.

Rhapsody will carry you away to some other place for a while. From that very first bluesy note, Bernstein and Orchestra will have you wrapped up in all it's jazzy glory. It's music that defines the word greatness and it's THE song I would pick (if I could only pick one) that exemplifies the masterfulness of American composers.

An American In Paris is wonderful. The feeling of a tourist on the loose in Paris is expertly portrayed through this recording. The highs, the lows and all the delights. I felt a part of it all(and I'm a long way from Paris!)

Now, if you have read any of my other CD reviews, you know that right about here is where I complain ,and sometimes even take a star off of my rating, when a CD is too short(considering how easy it is to get music elsewhere these days). But I have to say, even though the total time on this CD is only about 35 minutes, what a glorious 35 minutes it is.
Rhapsody a wonderful 16:26 and American In Paris a Yummy 18:22.
It's music that never gets old. It stands the test of time, and many repeated playings.

So you may want to keep a copy of this in your car. A great way to start your day. Listen on the way to work, and you'll have that "what? me worry?" attitude. Also fabulous for destressing on the way home from a long days work.It just seems to make everything okay.

As I said the CD has a nice quality. It also has a booklet with some notes on how Gershwin came to compose these songs.

Gershwin performed by Bernstein..it was meant to be!
Enjoy it...Laurie

Last Boogie in Paris - The Complete Concert

Average customer rating:

Last Boogie in Paris - The Complete Concert
Johnny Rivers & His L.A. Boogie Band
Manufacturer: Shout Factory
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Live on Sunset Strip (Deluxe Version)
It's Now or Never
Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968
Stand in the Fire
Jack of Diamonds

ASIN: B000ROAL6W
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

Sea Cruise
Over the Line
Barefootin'
Summer Rain
Long Tall Sally
It's Alright
Brown Eyed Girl
Knock On Wood
Rockin' Pneumonia And the Boogie Woogie Flu
I've Just Seen A Face
Stories To a Child
Willie And the Hand Jive
Memphis
Blue Suede Shoes
Baby, I Need Your Lovin'
Walkin' Blues
Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)
John Lee Hooker '74

Album Description

Taped at the Olympia Theatre in Paris at the end of Johnny Rivers' triumphant 1973 European tour, portions of the concert were released the following year by Atlantic Records exclusively for the European tour market as Last Boogie In Paradise. More than three decades after its original release, this classic Johnny Rivers live album is presented in its complete, unedited form, as Last Boogie In Paradise: The Complete Concert. Newly remastered from the original master tapes, with ten previously unreleased tracks.

Average customer rating:

Now you can always have Paris!
Paris, City for Dreamers
French Music for YOUR Home
Cool and seductive.
Great intro to La Chanson Francaise for the novice...

Putumayo Presents: Paris
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

French Cafe
Putumayo Presents: Italian Café
Putumayo Presents: Music from the Wine Lands
Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Brazil
Putumayo Presents: Turkish Groove

ASIN: B000E6UX20
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

Au Cafe De La Paix - Thomas Fersen
Samba De Mon Coeur Qui Bat - Coralie Clement
Dites Moi Tu - Karpatt
Quelqu'un M'a Dit - Carla Bruni
Je Reste Au Lit - Pascal Parisot
Jardin D'Hiver - Keren Ann
Serre-Moi - Tryo
Lettre A P... - Paris Combo
L'ongle - Presque Oui
Ta P'tite Flamme - Amelie-Les-Crayons
Les Pages - Myrtille
Carpe Diem - Aldebert

Product Description

Highlighting artists from the Nouvelle Scene (New Scene), Paris features modern takes on classic French chanson. Thomas Fersen Au Café de la Paix Coralie Clément Samba de Mon Cur Qui Bat Karpatt Dites Moi Tu Carla Bruni Quelqu'un M'a Dit Pascal Parisot Je Reste au Lit Keren Ann Jardin d'Hiver Tryo Serre-Moi Paris Combo Lettre A P... Presque Oui L'ongle Amélie-Les-Crayons Ta P'tite Flamme Myrtille Les Pages Aldebert Carpe Diem

Amazon.com

Many Putumayo compilations fail to capture the essence of a specific region by focusing on music that is simply too polite for its own good. When it comes to the languid charms of French chanson, however, the label has always excelled. An indispensable companion to the previously released French Café Paris focuses on the renaissance of French popular music in the hands of artists such as the raspy voiced Thomas Fersen, supermodel-turned-songwriter Carla Bruni and the ineffable Paris Combo-- arguably, the one group that started the smoky cabaret song revival in the mid-'90s. An air of luxury and languor defines the 12 tracks here, from the breezy bossa nova of Coralie Clément's "Samba de Mon Coeur Qui Bat" ("Samba of my Beating Heart") to the accordion laced atmospherics of Amelie-Les-Crayons and the wistful "Ta P'tite Flamme" ("Your Little Flame"). Judging by this disc, contemporary French pop may very well be one of the most exciting musical movements in the world right now. --Ernesto Lechner

Customer Reviews:

Now you can always have Paris!.......2007-05-15

This is an outstanding compilation of contemporary French artists who have captured that certain "je ne sais quoi" that characterizes the French "chanson" style of entertainment. The music may be "Nouvelle Scène" but it has that timeless evocative quality from the days of Edith Piaf. Putumayo has produced a real classic for lovers of French music.

My only criticism might be that it's too bad that Putumayo does not include the lyrics to the songs!

Paris, City for Dreamers.......2007-04-11

Yowsa! This album touches a deep chord in my soul...suddenly, I am 20 and Paris is PARIS, the city of romance of my youth...bring on ennui and Francoise Sagan...[sigh]

French Music for YOUR Home.......2007-03-25

I listened to cuts from this CD and Putumya's French Cafe and selected this one! I'm So glad I did. It's the perfect French music to play in a home setting if you want to set a "French" atmosphere. I play it when I cook a fabulous French meal and have friends over for dinner. It does not come off as too cafe-like. Rather just gorgeous, melodic mostly soft French music. Some cuts are a bit more jazzy but still great background music. Some typical "cafe" music is just too much with the accordian already!!! This is not and some "older" French music of this style can drone a bit - this is just pretty with soft vocals - just right for getting you in a French mood!

Cool and seductive........2007-03-10

Why is it so easy to sound cool and seductive when singing in French? The language seems to demand a dulcet, husky singing voice that implies the song was composed, practiced and recorded in a bed.
Packed with some of the best, chilled French café songs of the moment, Paris is this summer's essential for barbeques, soirées, dinner parties or possibly just for those hot nights in.

From Coralie Clément singing seductively about the "Samba de Mon Coeur Qui Bat" to the equally seductive Carla Bruni's "Quelqu'un M'a Dit", Keren Ann's "Jardin d'Hiver" -- which she whispers rather than sings -- and Karpatt's caressed and tapped acoustic guitar, this is a compilation of class and smooth charm.

While Paris recalls the heyday of French chanson it is a thoroughly modern mix from the nouvelle scène. It's entirely easy listening -- nothing from the outer reaches of French culture here.

Part of the proceeds from each CD sold goes to Terre des Hommes, who support disadvantaged children around the world, so you can feel good about your purchase while humming along to the catchy tunes.

Great intro to La Chanson Francaise for the novice..........2007-03-06

If you enjoy music of various world traditions, this album is a fun introduction to chanson, the traditional French music style that emerged between the wars. This album gives a nice diverse palate of contemporary artists celebrating this tradition, sometimes straight up and sometimes with a modern twist.
If you like the songs on this album, definitely check out Rupa and the April Fishes. Rupa Marya is an Indian woman living in San Francisco who sings in French; the April Fishes' music is a jazzy eclectic riff off of chanson, and is definitely 5-star. If it weren't enough that she's beautiful and sings like an angel, Rupa in her "free time" is also a medical doctor. Talk about talent. Check 'em out!

Average customer rating:

Good Music to Sleep By
Enjoyment
Best Music to Have on When You Work
Excellent for Massage!
MOZART FOR MEDITATION

Mozart for Meditation

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Beethoven at Bedtime: A Gentle Prelude to Sleep
Debussy for Daydreaming: Music to Caress Your Innermost Thoughts
Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night
Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away
Mozart at Midnight

ASIN: B0000041CD
Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

Flute Concerto No. 1 In G
Piano Concerto No. 23 in A
Horn Concerto No. 4 In E-Flat
Symphony No. 31 In D: Symphony No. 31 In D - Andante
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B-Flat
Violin Concerto No. 4 In D
Wind Serenade No. 12 In C Minor - Andante: Wind Serenade No. 12 In C Minor
Concerto For Flute And Harp I - In C - Andatino
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B-Flat
Symphony No. 34 In C: Symphony No. 34 In C - Andante Di Molto
Fantasia In D Minor

Customer Reviews:

Good Music to Sleep By.......2007-06-08

Well, as far as music for meditation goes, I'm not so sure about this product for that purpose. When I meditate, I tend to need more monotonous sounds to do it by - however, this CD is GREAT for relaxation and sleeping. So I still give it 4 out of 5 stars even though I won't be using it for its stated purpose. Still well-worth the money.

Enjoyment.......2007-05-07

All the pieces are the perfect ones for the relaxation. As a collector I am impressed of the selections chosen for this album.

Best Music to Have on When You Work.......2007-01-22

When I am working and I need to block out sounds to concentrate on what I am doing, I always put on this CD. Besides the fact that it is easy to listen to, it doesn't distract me from my work, and I never get bored or tired of the music. I'm reluctant to purchase a similar album in the fear that it won't be as good as the Mozart Meditation.

Excellent for Massage!.......2006-04-06

I'm a licensed massage therapist, and I absolutely adore using this CD during my sessions! It's a great alternative to the new age-y music styles that are so pervasive in the relaxation music scene -- my clients find this CD soothing & relaxing, and not at all "weird". This music suports a "relaxed but focused" atmosphere -- it serves as excellent white noise in the lobby area, and I even use it at home as a soothing backdrop for reading/ sewing/ paperwork/ etc. Excellent arrangements & clarity -- DON'T MISS!

MOZART FOR MEDITATION.......2005-09-07

Excellent CD. Love to have it playing in the background of my daily schedule. Soothing. Gentle. Contemplative. HIghly recommend it.

Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (1966 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Jaques Brel still lives
Fabulous Show
Jacques Brel lives on through English Translation of his songs
A Little Night Music....
Fine Singer / Actors Do Brel Justice

Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (1966 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Jacques Brel , Ocr , Elly Stone , and Mort Shuman
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Brel Vol. 1 (Master Serie)
Infiniment
Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
The Fantasticks (Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000067AS5
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Tracks:

Marathon
Alone
Madeleine
I Loved
Mathilde
Bachelor's Dance
Timid Frieda
My Death
Jackie
Desperate Ones
Sons Of.
Amsterdam
The Bulls
Old Folks
Marieke
Brussels
Fanette
Funeral Tango
The Middle Class
You're Not Alone
Next
Carousel
If We Only Have Love

Amazon.com

At the time of this show's 1968 Greenwich Village debut, French singer-songwriter Jacques Brel's body of theatrically insightful ballads was already an obscure but deeply influential treasure trove for many American musicians. The revue's success would go on to influence artists as diverse as Leonard Cohen, Bowie (who covered "Amsterdam" shortly thereafter), and Sinatra, and it may even be responsible for one-hit wonder Terry Jacks's revival of "Seasons in the Sun".

More important, the pioneering musical-without-a-book helped introduce Brel's oft-brooding, ever evocative art to a wider American audience--and arguably had an evolutionary influence on Broadway itself. This complete reissue of the 1968 boxed set cast album offers up a rich cross-section of Brel's songs about life, death, and love--and typically sharp-eyed observations about the human follies that season them--deftly performed by a cast that includes Elly Stone, Alice Whitfield, Shawn Elliott, and, crucially, rock pioneer, Brel associate, and co-producer Mort Shuman. This new edition fleshes out the set with the sessions' only unreleased song, a sprightly take on the deliciously cynical "The Middle Class." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Jaques Brel still lives.......2007-04-02

The CD of the original cast is still fresh and still gives Brel's music the most fitting rendition

Fabulous Show.......2007-02-22

This compilation of Brel's songs remains one of my favorite musicals. I would recommend it to everyone!

Jacques Brel lives on through English Translation of his songs.......2007-02-12

Although I've never heard but one Jacques Brel song in French (song by he, himself on the DVD - which is a MUST BUY), I heard this "album" shortly after it came out, in the early 70's. My dad got me turned on to this music and it's stayed with me all these 40+ years. This is very special music to me and I'm thrilled to have both the CD and the DVD.

A Little Night Music...........2007-01-23

I can't explain why I might review this...it's been a long while since listening. Yet it was a show that was transformative obviously not just for me. I'm thinking Bowie and other thoughts that way...and it shaped my hopes and dreams and now, older and not so well, I listened to this tonight at 2AM, not sleeping again, recalling how I heard it then, how I hear it now.
I had a good friend who was in the show for one summer, maybe 79 or 80. Just a sad staging in a little town in Appalachia trying on some Paris. We had a dinner theater in our town, which meant an old building , some tables, small area and a stage kind of and some curtains. Rather ambitious for the town, they staged summer shows of Brel. And other things too, finally. My girlfriend as she often did hooked me into her evenings and I made drinks there as well as gave a few musical efforts and some easily forgotten attempts at choral support. On nights someone didn't show. You actually also made the food and sang the show, in those days for your audience, who tended to tip fairly poorly and be the local lawyers and med school doctors dragged out by wives seeking a cultural night of dinner theater. It was a kind of starving kids for ten bucks sing, act, cook, serve vodka/tonics, smoke and tell you the story of Boheme life while mixing blue cheese from packets of powder and creme in a frenzy preparing to figure out who plays the piano well enough as the player won't being pissed over low wages and a remark made about his big derrière. That kind of a summer. Songs probably wasted on the young.

All that said, it was/is a lovely collection of songs. Even better an experience when you learn and sing the French and can then argue incessantly about the translations and "feel" of the shows on two continents. I loved then to sing them, and find a tune floating in my head tonight from no where-just there- when "No. Love You're Not Alone" actually woke me. The American film was awful, the show best seen in revival and smoky nights in clubs. Then, in 1980 or so, it made my life richer, it's probably a good thing Susanna was such a friend...though I didn't understand, we dragged ourselves to a lot of meaning.And that rather odious experience in the Bahamas.

I think this worthy of time and listening. And a big moon would be cool, to walk on the shore and hear it once more. Think I'll slip out awhile.

Fine Singer / Actors Do Brel Justice.......2007-01-15

In 1966, an American producer named Nat Shapiro introduced Eric Blau to Mort Shuman. Five years earlier, Mr. Shapiro had introduced Mr. Blau and his wife, Elly Stone, to the songs of Jacques Brel. After hearing a recording of one of Brel's concerts, Elly Stone informed her husband that Brel was the greatest songwriter of the 20th century, and she induced him to be the very first to translate Brel into English. Shortly thereafter, Elly Stone premiered Brel's love song, Ne me quitte pas (Don't Leave Me) to American audiences in the off-Broadway revue, O Oysters, along with the first English Brel translation, Carousel, showcasing Brel's melody for La valse a mille temps (The Waltz A Thousand Times As Fast) and loosely translated lyrics.

Unbeknownst to them, about the same time Elly Stone heard her first Brel recording, Mort Shuman was undergoing something of a revelation across the Atlantic. In the midst of a successful career writing rock and roll songs (including hits for Elvis Presley, and the ubiquitous teenage anthem, Save The last Dance For Me), Mort Shuman had been wandering restlessly around Europe, and came to settle for a time in Paris. There, he became acquainted with Brel's music, and, later, with the man himself, and the two became close friends. Shuman convinced Brel that he should be allowed to translate some of his better-known songs into English, and bring them to America. More on the strength of their friendship than Shuman's reputation as a songwriter, Brel agreed, but a problem soon emerged. Although Shuman had mastered French surprisingly well, he was finding the task of translating Brel's songs quite daunting. After several attempts, Shuman found his English versions sorely lacking. He realized that it was not only that he had become too enraptured with Brel's work to find the objectivity required to do them justice, but it also became apparent that Brel's songs reflected too much of the French philosophy and politics to appeal to an American public largely besotted on syrupy, trite love songs.

Shuman returned to America, vowing to find a way to introduce Brel's songs to an English speaking public. By this time, Nat Shapiro had heard Elly Stone perform Eric Blau's first translations of Brel, and wanted more. In November 1966, Nat Shapiro persuaded Mort Shuman to hear Elly Stone perform at Julius Monk's Plaza 9, despite Shuman's reluctance, which derived from his belief that only a male singer could do Brel justice. At a table with Shapiro and a very nervous Eric Blau, Shuman applauded politely. "She's good", he told Blau, "the translations are real good". It must have rankled him somewhat that it was Blau and not Shuman who first successfully translated Brel to English.

Nat Shapiro also had the idea for the perfect venue to introduce Brel to America - an off-Broadway show. Not exactly a revue, since that implied that the songs had been heard before, what eventually took shape was the first "libretto-less" musical, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. In addition to Elly Stone and Eric Blau's enthusiasm for Brel's music, Elly's amazing talent had won Shuman over and convinced him to work with Blau on the translations. Two years later, their labor of love finally introduced Brel's songs to an American public that was as ready for Brel, as Brel's songs were ready for America.

I am somewhat puzzled by the negative reviews by those who insist that Brel's songs can never be appreciated in anything but the original French. When Eric Blau realized, as Mort Shuman had earlier, that Brel's songs could never be translated exactly to American English (steeped as they were in French life and politics), they agreed to go for the next best thing. They opted to translate Brel's songs as closely as they could, but, when this was not possible, they kept Brel's melodies while attempting to retain the spirit of his writing, if not his actual words. What resulted were often very good translations indeed. One only has to compare the French text of songs that became Jackie, the Old Folks, Brussels, the Middle Class, Madeleine or Amsterdam to realize that, for the most part, the narrative and spirit (and sometimes even the lyrics) closely matched Brel's originals. Two additional translations, Song For Old Lovers and My Childhood, which also resembled the originals, were recorded by Elly Stone on her (now very rare) self-titled Columbia album. Miss Stone also recorded Goodbye My Friends for her second album, which was arguably a superior version of Brel's Le Moribond than the dreadful version by Rod McKuen, Seasons In the Sun.

In other cases, the translations altered Brel's songs in such a way as to make them more palatable to American tastes, while retaining Brel's concept. Thus, Jef, a song in which a man tries to cheer up a drinking buddy who has lost a great love, becomes a love song, in which one partner attempts to bolster the melancholy spirit of their beloved. In fact, some would argue that the beautiful prose of No Love You're Not Alone not only equals the poetic imagery of Brel's original lyrics quite adequately, they are actually an improvement. Conversely, When We Only Have Love was transformed from a love song to an anthem for brotherly love, yet did not destroy Brel's concept or his "poetry", but successfully built on it. Brel, by the way, often pointed out that, in his culture, it would be unforgivably vain for a songwriter to compare himself to a poet. To the French, poetry is not only a much higher art form than songwriting, Brel did not consider songwriting an art at all, but merely "a craft". All told, there are, in fact, only a few songs in this show where the lyrics, content, spirit, tone and / or subject matter were completely altered from Brel's originals.

When the show premiered in Canada, the creators were terrified that they would be taken to task by the French Canadian press for daring to present Brel in English there, as Brel is highly prized in Canada. Instead, it was the English Canadian press who savaged the show. But the French Canadian journalist, Rudel-Tessier (a bi-lingual writer, quite familiar with Brel in French) stated flatly that, although in translating the work, some of Blau / Shuman went in and some of Brel came out, he found it marvelous to have Brel in English at all. And, he gently chided his peers by pointing out that, while Shakespeare is quite popular in French, the Bard will never be quite the same in French as he is in English. So, to those who say you cannot appreciate Brel's songs in anything but French I reply, this show was written for those who never have, and never will, understand a single word of French. Does anyone really think that those who only speak French should be deprived of Shakespeare?

Even if none of this were true, I would like to point out that Jacques Brel himself, armed with exact French translations of the English lyrics, personally approved every song that was written for the show before the decision to produce it was finalized.

Besides, the passion and reverence that these performers feel for Brel and this material is evident in every song, and to those who claim that this show is an insult to Brel, I answer that it's an insult to the efforts of this fine cast to suggest that they had anything but his best interests at heart, and, as someone who is quite familiar with Brel in French, I believe they succeeded brilliantly. And as fine a songwriter as you can argue that Brel is in French, well, Elly Stone is equally as fine a singer in any language, and I bemoan the fact that she virtually squandered the balance of her career championing Brel's work, when she could have made a major name for herself, based solely on her own talent. Having seen Elly Stone perform live many times (in and out of this show), I will attest to the fact that, in her prime, she had the most impressive voice I have ever heard in a concert hall.

And in the end, it was Brel himself who gave the supreme complement to this effort. At one point, Eric Blau fretted when, in order to more closely translate Brel's lyrics to la Mort (My Death), he and Shuman had to alter Brel's melody. When they sent the new song to Brel, he responded, "You have improved it; it's better than mine". A year after the show opened, Brel flew in to New York to see it. That night, he led a standing ovation for the performers, and modestly told Blau and Shuman repeatedly that they had not only exceeded his expectations, in many instances, they had improved his work. He also told Elly Stone that she was, "the finest lady performer" he had ever seen (including Piaf, whom she was often compared to unfairly) and he told her that he wanted to write new songs specifically for her. Unfortunately for us, he never had time, but it was a testament to her talent and artistic integrity that Brel offered.

And if Brel himself was pleased with the translations featured in this glorious production, why should anyone quarrel with that?

Average customer rating:

Do You Remember!
dj dimitri transports the love boat into the new millenium!!!
Cocktail Disco is the Perfect Love Music for One's Daily Vacation Get-away
Cocktail Disco
"Greetings ladies and gentleman, welcome to the wonderful world of Cocktail Disco."

Cocktail Disco
Dimitri from Paris
Manufacturer: Bbe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

In the House of Love
Buzzin' Fly, Vol. 4
Those Things
Fierce Disco
Frequent Flyer: Barcelona

ASIN: B000PAAI70
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

Summertime [Original LP Version] - The Blue Velvets
Ocean's Apart [Original 12" Version] - Vast Majority
Never Too Late [Original 12" Version] - Victoria Hubbard Barnes
Girl from Ipanema [Original 12" Version] - Astrud Gilberto
C'est Si Bon [Original LP Version] - Rhoda Scott
It's Got to Be Love [Original 12" Version] - Darcus
Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) [Original 12" Version]
Joy of You [Original 12" Version]
Disco Village [Original 12" Version]
Show You the Way to Go [Original LP Version] - Charlie's Roots
Starfight [Original 12" Version]

Tracks:

What You Need Is My Love [Original 12" Version] - Cindy & Tito Rodriguez
Never Gonna Let You Go [Original 12" Version]
Take Me with You [Original 12" Version] - Ralfi Pagan
Frenesi [Original LP Version] - The Ritchie Family
Lady of the Night (Hey Honey Come Gimme Money) [Original 12" Version]
Canteen [Original 12" Version]
Keep It Up - Nightfall
Little High Things [Original 12" Version]
Something About You [Original 12" Version]
Again [Original 12" Version] - Night People
Baby, I Just Wanna Love You [Original 12" Version] - Jonelle Allen

Customer Reviews:

Do You Remember!.......2007-07-29

Dimitri's best work in some time. A refinement of his classic Latin Jazz style; he really calls out to all who enjoy the best of that Mid Century Modern "Love Boat" Lounge and Disco Style. You can really hear the Greats like "Shirley Bussey" brought out in such an updated magnificence .

Needless to say, I have followed this truely gifted Artist since the beginning of his career in the States and this wonderful compilation really takes you finally on that journey through the craft and evolution of his grasp of the genre.

If you want to become reaquainted with his work or are a seasoned fan of the first "French Revolution" in music please check out the 2nd CD of "Disco Forever".

dj dimitri transports the love boat into the new millenium!!!.......2007-07-25

all hats off to the chairman of the world of underground disco!!! i always knew dimitri had some rare stuff to offer all of us music lovers, but i did not know his disco crates ran this deep!! dj dimirti brings us some songs that i ain't never even heard before, even though i can say that hearing these tunes makes me think i've actually heard them before, lol!! scuh standout tracks include "summertime", "little high things", "disco village", "the girl from ipanema", and what is now becoming my favourite track of all on this compilation, "again", the perfect kind of disco duet with deep male bass 'lou rawls/barry white' type vocals and the most magnificent groove i've ever came across!! there's 2 cd's worth of these gems, so this should make good music to listen to at a social get together, so hop aboard this fancy and elegant love boat full of love, passion, music , and dancing, it's a grown folks cruise you wouldn't want to miss!!

Cocktail Disco is the Perfect Love Music for One's Daily Vacation Get-away.......2007-07-22

This is both ultra classic, i.e, the Girl from Ipenema and Summertime, but the versions are an enchanting remix of a disco beat and lounge, with those so beloved lyrics - and that is not even the best of the two discs.

Dimitri from Paris obviously has selected the most happy and enchanting selections from his personal collection. It is pure love anad heavenly disco. It transcends the decades and makes the love boat come alive. If there is a rave in heaven, this would be playing on the turntables. This music makes you move, puts a smile on your face and is the happiest music heard.

Go on vacation just for this CD - I did- and then relive it on the morning commute.

Cocktail Disco.......2007-07-07

A fantastic collection, easily the equal of Dimitri from Paris' best disco compilations. Feel good music.

"Greetings ladies and gentleman, welcome to the wonderful world of Cocktail Disco.".......2007-06-24

This 22 track, double CD showcases a special sub genre of disco music that in its heyday may have been referred to as "Slease", but now Monsieur Dimitri the king of disco has coined a new name for it in which it will forever be known now to the world as "Cocktail Disco".

Dimitri from Paris (DFP) is no stranger to disco and anyone who has been following his career knows that he is possibly the number 1 de facto leader or ambassador to this genre of music post its rise and fall in the late 1970's. Not surprisingly he continues to favor and deeply supports the genre faithfully, this album is a true testiment to that note.

"And what does Cocktail Disco refer to you may ask?... Rich orchestrations, a touch of Latin influence, the ubiquitous 4/4 Disco beat, and rather over the top vocals... Maybe some would find it Cheesy, I would rather say cheeky and glamorous, something that would be fit for a Broadway musical show."

His two album releases from the "Defected in the House" label showcase the music side he is known for spinning when he is in a live event club space. Here Dimtri returns to the major indie London based DJ label "BBE" in which he also has two prior album releases with. DFP with this record label is oriented with his disco loving side (Both prior albums have disco in the title "Disco Forever" and "The Kings of Disco"). Contrary to what all previous albums were like, this one is different in the fact that it is unmixed but rather compiled. He chose to unalter any of the music to keep them true to their original sound. All the tracks are their full-length versions however and even though they are not mixed or original compositions, they still are very much Dimitri and each song rings his name loudly.

Average customer rating:

Forever Cool
Dean Martin
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Call Me Irresponsible
Home At Last
POISON'D!
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis Collection - Vol. 2 (You're Never Too Young / Artists and Models / Living It up / Pardners / Hollywood or Bust)
Dino: The Essential Dean Martin

ASIN: B000RHRGOO
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Tracks:

Who's Got the Action? - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dean Martin
Ain't That a Kick in the Head - Dean Martin, Kevin Spacey
I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face - Chris Botti, Dean Martin
Baby-O - Paris Bennett, Dean Martin
Who Was That Lady? - Dean Martin
Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone - Dean Martin,
I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me - Dean Martin, Joss Stone
Just in Time - Dave Koz, Dean Martin
Baby, It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin, Martina McBride
King of the Road - Dean Martin, Kevin Spacey
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Shelby Lynne, Dean Martin
Arrivederci Roma - Tiziano Ferro, Dean Martin
Everybody Loves Somebody - Charles Aznavour, Dean Martin
Brahams' Lullaby - Dean Martin

Average customer rating:

Nice songs from this album
Not bad
The best from the three greatest...
Just Like the Real Thing!
Powerful and moving!

The Best of the Three Tenors
Luciano Pavarotti , Placido Domingo , Jose Carerras , Zubin Mehta , and James Levine
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

The Three Tenors Christmas
Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta
Romantica: The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti
The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994
Pavarotti: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B00004UB8A
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

'O sole mio
Funiculi, funicula
Libiamo ne' lieti calici (Brindisi)
Sous le ciel de Paris
Torero quiero ser
Parlami d'amore, Mariu
Manha de Carnaval
Lolita
Dicitencello vuie
Core 'ngrato
Because
You'll Never Walk Alone
Singin' In The Rain
Maria
Tonight
'O paese d' 'o sole
Cielito lindo
Ochi tchorniye
Caminito
La Vie en Rose
Mattinata
Wien, Wien, nur du allein
Amapola
Lippen schweigen
Brazil
Sous les ponts de Paris
Torna a Surriento
Nessun dorma
La donna e mobile

Amazon.com

Back in 1990, three of the world's most celebrated tenors--namely, José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti--combined forces to create the Three Tenors, now celebrated on a best-of CD. They gave their first concert in Rome. The event was recorded and went on to become one of the best-selling classical titles of all time.

This latest release brings together tracks from that night in Rome (including "Nessun dorma" and a competitive rendition of "O sole mio") with music performed in a 1994 concert in Los Angeles and at the 1998 event in Paris where the Three Tenors sang to an audience of thousands with the Eiffel Tower as their backdrop.

The 22 tracks making up The Best of the Three Tenors range from operatic standards, such as the joyful "Brindisi" from La Traviata, to popular songs like "Singin' in the Rain" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" (from Carousel). There are no solos on this disc; each piece is performed by all three singers. And with plenty of applause and cheering to be heard, not to mention the sense of fun in the singers' voices, the disc captures the atmosphere of these extraordinary musical events. --Rebecca Agnew

Customer Reviews:

Nice songs from this album.......2007-07-22

This is the first album I have acquired of the Three Tenors, and it was wonderful. The selections were easy to listen to and familiar to me. None of the heavy operatic selections. It is the best. I will buy more albums of them.

Not bad.......2006-03-18

This is a good recording. If you don't like the 3 tenors, then look else where. It's that simple. These are recordings from concerts where they WERE supposed to show off. This ain't opera. If you want opera, go out and attend one.

The best from the three greatest..........2005-08-11

The first thing we must establish here is that this is not meant to be opera. This is three exceptionally talented tenors enjoying themselves and giving tremendous joy to those listening by singing mostly popular "evergreens" and also some operatic arias. The beauty in music lies in the diversity, in my opinion. One can better appreciate one type of music when one knows about the others. And why should we limit ourselves to listen to just one genre in music. It would be the same as having steak for dinner every day for the rest of your life, wouldn't it? So why should we limit three wonderful tenors to only sing operatic arias for the rest of their lives? If so we wouldn't have "Maria", "You'll never walk alone", "Singing in the rain" or any of the evergreens on this recording and that would be a shame.

There are no solos on the cd. I think I've read somewhere that they felt there had been enough "three tenors cd's" and if they were to release yet another one it would be one containing what the audience demands, the three of them joining forces and performing together in the songs.
The result, in my opinion is highly recommendable. The three voices blend perfectly together. I have to admit that I have a personal favourite among the tenors and that I would never buy an entire recording featuring only one of the two others, but I recognize their talents and -as stupid as it may sound- since they are performing together I can also appreciate the other two. (I like them too, but in smaller doses....)Some people have commented on their problems with mastering the english language. If anything, I think it just adds to their charm. By the way, who is perfect??

The songs on this cd is a mixture of beautiful songs, heartwrenching songs, toe-tapping songs and powerful songs. It's wonderful to just listen to the beauty in the three voices. It's fun hearing Pavarotti pushing his "high-note-button" in "O sole mio" and Carreras and Domingo copying his stunt. I have no idea what they're singing about in "Manha de Carnaval", but boy does it sound romantic...... And "Dicitencello vuie" brings tears to my eyes (even if I'm still left in the dark when it comes to understanding the meaning of the words...) In "Because" Carreras takes my breath away when singing "because God made thee mine, I'll cherish thee...through light and darkness, through all time to be, and pray his love may make our love divine...." (What woman wouldn't like to hear those words..??!?) Their rendition of "You'll never walk alone" should satisfy some of the soccer-fans since it's the anthem of a European football-club and "Nessun Dorma" will probably satisfy the rest of the soccer-fans, being the antheme of the 1998 world soccer championship. In short, there should be something for every taste on this cd.

It's a very "versatile" cd. You can play it almost everywhere. You can sing along to it in the car, you can dance around the house to it while doing your chores, you can put your feet up and unwind after a hectic week. Or you can write an Amazon review while listening to it.... (Feel free to add suggestions of your own here.....)

To make a long story short - a very enjoyable cd!

Just Like the Real Thing!.......2005-07-14

A few years ago I was lucky enough to actually see a Three Tenors concert. The experience was amazing. Later I bought this CD. I was so happy when I listened to it because the CD captures the mood of being present at the concert. I like the variety and every time I play it, I am taken back to my personal experience at the concert. Hearing the audiences on the CD really gets you excited about hearing this amazing trio.

Powerful and moving!.......2004-10-21

I got this CD as a gift and it changed my life! I was always a rocker and liked classical music, but never was much into this genre of music. This album changed all of that. Since getting the three tenors I've found a whole new world out there. Thank you guys!

Average customer rating:

Counting Stars with Lang Lang.
False emotion
dexterity unquestioned
Without soul!
Artistically Improving

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 4

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Lang Lang: Dragon Songs (Plus DVD)
Chopin, Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1
Lang Lang Live at Carnegie Hall
Memory [Includes Bonus CD]
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Paganini Rhapsody

ASIN: B000OYC3FM
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Allegro Con Brio
2. Largo
3. Rondo. Allegro
1. Allegro Moderato
2. Andante Con Moto
3. Rondo. Vivace

Amazon.com

What a beautiful recording! Perhaps the most exciting thing about Lang Lang's playing is that when he plays softly and lyrically, he doesn't sound as if he's holding back; when he opts to stomp and yell, it sounds equally natural. The First Concerto is played with lightness and bounce in the outer movements and is as tuneful as imaginable in the stunning second movement's Largo. The Fourth Concerto is a whole other matter - mature Beethoven - and Lang rises easily to the occasion, playing with potency and handsome tone. The first movement makes us sit and admire his skill, and he is poetic and sensitive in the second movement. It would have been easy for him to run away with the final movement in a blaze of virtuosity, but he sticks to its classical outlines. These are superb performances, and the sonics are gloriously rich. --Robert Levine

Album Description

Lang Lang delivers his first-ever Beethoven recording, a stunning reading of the extensive Concerto no. 4 and the jubilant Concerto no. 1. Even though he has performed this repertoire extensively in concert, Lang Lang waited for the perfect moment and the perfect team to record his first pair of concertos from these milestones of piano repertoire When Lang Lang embarked on his international career, Christoph Eschenbach became one of his first and most enthusiastic proponents - and a mentor and close friend ever since, Eschenbach was the ideal collaborator for Lang Lang's first Beethoven recording. Nimbly supported by Eschenbach's superb Orchestre de Paris, with its tradition of having been the first orchestra ever in France to perform music by Beethoven, Lang Lang's performance gives further proof as to why he is one of today's most acclaimed pianists

Customer Reviews:

Counting Stars with Lang Lang........2007-07-18

The sheer fact that some of those signing in here could decide to down rate this disc by such level reveals how nonsensical the so-called classical music market has become.
I don't care how Lang Lang `behaves' at the pianoforte. These are quite irrelevant to his music, as any seasoned listener would tell. Lang Lang and Eschenbach both embark on what could be called a novel to almost revolutionary course in this recording. Instead of resorting to `copy and paste' of some Gilels, some Kempff, some Pletnev and many others, Lang/Eschenbach work on originality. The result yields plenty of fireworks and impassioned music, showering listeners with unexpected joy note after note.
Lang Lang has managed to present `his' version of Beethoven's two challenging concertos for the pianoforte (compare the LP version of the same two pieces by Eschenbach/Karajan decades ago) in his lusciously youthful style, yet leaving much more in his listeners (not for those who adamantly refuse to `listen', though) to long for his future re-releases of these same pieces, where definitely more new things could and would be said then.
As for the collaboration, however revolutionary in interpretation, however unconventional in expression, both Lang and Eschenbach are never in doubt as to where and when to hold on to the reigns, and when and where to let go, even though at times at the least expected places. The teamwork is almost perfect. The cadenza of the first movement of No. 4 is shatteringly novel, while the third movement is one whole piece of explosive firework blowing the listeners away. The No.4 alone justifies the cost for this disc.
I absolutely look forward to the Lang/Eschenbach collaboration of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, and more others.

False emotion.......2007-07-10

Lang Lang is the worst pianist imaginable. If you want someone who can play the notes, go for it. But there's simply nothing more here. Even worse, he pretends that there is more. Every phrase is unbelievably contrived. It is like someone who apes all the moves of a great actor with none of the substance behind it. Absolutely abominable, atrocious, and offensive playing. Cannot believe that people are taken in by this charlatan.

dexterity unquestioned.......2007-07-07

He can do anything with a piano. All he needes now is to grow into these masterpieces.

Without soul!.......2007-06-10

Does he play Beethoven at all? If you like Beethoven piano concerto, please listen to Backhaus, Schnabel, Fischer or Perahia!

Artistically Improving.......2007-05-23

Lang Lang's technical abilities have overrun his artistic interpretations since the start of his recording career. While that remains a fairly accurate description, this recording shows definite progress. It seems somewhat unfair to denigrate the talents of so dextrous a musician as this young man but there you have it: when you are put on the world stage you are assessed by different standards.

And yet, Lang Lang shows signs of development that are encouraging. His performance of the First Concerto is both lively and exquisitely melodic, except for the occassionally ham-fisted showmanship he is often (and deservedly) derided for. However, the Fourth Concerto seems beyond his artistic grasp. While technically brilliant, it is a soulless and showy performance that displays none of the depth a more mature artist would be capabale of. Beethoven was not a composer known for showmanship but artistry and restraint. These are not qualities Lang Lang is exactly reknown for.

Still, Lang Lang's occassional lyricism can override his more exaggerated tendencies, which makes he and Beethoven quite compatible. This is what makes this CD as effective as it is. Perhaps this young man has received too much acclaim too soon. He needs time to mature as an artist but has so far chosen to present himself to the public at every possible turn. This recording indicates that there is something more to him than has consistently met the ear. Frustrating and encouraging at the same time, Lang Lang's latest CD shows a definite progression in his interpretive skills. It's exciting to think what may be coming in his future.

Finally, the typically exquisite DG sound and fidelity must be acknowledged. Every note and romantic passage is beautifully displayed in a pristine recording of gourgeous beauty. A wothwhile addition to any modern classical collection.

Soul Music:

Soul Music

soul music

Recommended Music:

Peaks [Original recording remastered]

Symphony 5 / Zero Points

The Original Peacock Recordings

The Hyperion Haydn Edition: Symphonies 17 - 21

The Ragged Curtain

Souvenirs: Sublime Music for the Oboe [Import]

The Trio [Live]

Rompiendo Esquemas

Querer Es... 22 Poderosos Exitos

Giovanni Pierluigi Da Palestrina

Spin