Magic Bird (The Early Years)

Track Listings

 
1. Jandarmul
2. Of, zac
3. Ia uite-o, zau
4. Nu vine mindru, nu vine
5. Am ibovnic la Mizil
6. Am iubit si am iubesc
7. Invirtita de pe Tirnave
8. Geaba ma mai duc acasa
9. Cine iubeste si lasa
10. Nici acela nu-i ficior
11. Iarna grea, muierea rea
12. Foaie verde trei rozete
13. Cand m-am dus la insurat
14. Foaie verde trei pribori
15. Cand o fi la moartea mea
16. Se sterge mindra pe frunte
17. Lelita circiumareasa
18. Si-ar fi batut Dumnezeu
19. Nunta tiganeasca

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Maria Tanase represents the soul and spirit of popular Rumanian music in the 20th century. Her deep, rich voice has become immortalized in the distinguished contribution she has made to the Rumanian folk tradition. Tanase's powerful performing style, with its unique cosmopolitan culture of a Bucharest, which in the 30s and 40s people called "Paris of the East". In her life's work, Tanase gave the Rumanian folk tradition an extended lease on life. This together with her enormous personal appeal, led to her becoming a revered idol of the Rumanian people.

Product Description
All the songs on this CD were cut beween 1936 and 1939, mostly in the summer and autumn of 1939.

The first studio recordings by the Lifa Company were mainly composed of folk-songs which until that moment Maria Tanase, standing on the threshold of a great career at that time, had only sung in the company of her closest friends. Later in the Columbia studio on the Strada Udricani, Maria Tanase, together with Miticia Matsa's ensemble, cut recordings of the "Mahala" song about a gypsy wedding, "Nunta Tiganeasca" and a version of "Cine iubeste si lasa". Likewise, in 1936 she recorded a first ver- sion of "Invirtita de pe Tirnava". Maria Tanase recorded her next works, which also included a romantic song and two tangos in the autumn of 1936 with Heinz Sandauer's orchestra at the Columbia studio in Vienna. After great success in sales Maria Tanase, together with Costica Tandin' s ensemble, incorporated other works from her repertoire including "Ia uite-o, zau" and "Nu vine mindru, nu vine" for the globally active Columbia record company, On her radio debut in Febuary 1938 she brought Ion Matache's ensemble with her into the studio. The formation of the violinist, Ion Matache, at that time included two violists, a double-bassist, a cymbalist and a cobza player. On later recordings she was accompanied by Constantin Bugeanu' s ensemble on accordion and clarinet, e.g. on "Si-ar fi batut Dumnezeu". At that time Maria Tanase did not have a fixed ensemble. According to the occasion and venue, in addition to the ensembles already mentioned, those of the violinists Petrica Motoi, Ilie Radulescu, Victor Predescu and Costica Tandin were engaged. Ilie Radulescu's band originated from the south Romanian town of Pitesti which, together with Arges, was one of the centres of Romanian "Lautari" music at that time. Maria Tanase also had her first successes with Ilie Radulescu' s troop on the stage of the Alhambra revue theatre as an interpreter of folk-songs and couplets written in the spirit of Romanian songs. In 1938 Maria Tanase could be heard singing with Petrica Motoi's ensemble in the Luxandra restaurant, where she appeared every evening to perform folk and gypsy song after completing her other concert obligations.

Magic Bird (The Early Years),Maria Tanase
The Glory (????) of the Human Voice
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • reviving an old memory
  • So BAD she's GOOD
  • my ears and belly hurt
  • A must for all music lovers
  • Florence's voice caused my dog to shake in fear.
The Glory (????) of the Human Voice
Florence Foster Jenkins
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
$7.99 and Under$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Bach, Johann SebastianBach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Delibes, LéoDelibes, Léo | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Gounod, CharlesGounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Mozart, Wolfgang AmadeusMozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Muse Surmounted: Florence Foster Jenkins and Eleven of Her Rivals
  2. Florence Foster Jenkins & Friends: Murder on the High Cs
  3. The Anna Russell Album
  4. Encore?
  5. Nightingale - Der Holle Rache [Germany]

ASIN: B000003F97
Release Date: 1992-04-14

Tracks:

  1. Die zauberflote: der holle rache
  2. die musikdose
  3. Like A Bird
  4. lakme: ou va la jeune hindoue?
  5. Serenata Mexicano
  6. la perle du bresil: charmant oiseau
  7. pavlovich biassy
  8. die fledermaus - la chauve-souris: Adele's Laughing Son - Air d'adele - 'mein herr marquis'
  9. Valentine's Aria (Ere I leave my native land)
  10. Jewel Song (O Heavenly Jewels)
  11. salut, demeure chaste et pure (Emotions Strange)
  12. Final Trio (My Heart Is Overcome With Terror)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars reviving an old memory.......2007-06-08

This is a recording of an old vinyl which was in my collection. It was good to see that it was available, on CD, just as I remembered it sounding
Thanks.

3 out of 5 stars So BAD she's GOOD .......2007-04-21

This is the most remarkable singing in all of recorded history. So BAD she's GOOD, Florence Foster Jenkins bankrolled herself into mini-stardom selling out her invitation-only once-a-year recitals until she became so legendary, she sold out Carnegie Hall to an audience snickering into their handkerchiefs. These recordings showcase that as BAD as Jenkins is, she gets WORSE . . . brilliantly so! With sensitive and serious accompaniment, Jenkins' voice is like a cross between a clucking chicken and a squeak toy played by Rusty Hinge. Each tune reveals a new vocal weakness (at best) or a deeper absurdity (at very best); these selections are a Punk miracle of self-delusion. I am grateful to all the brave reviewers who gave 5 stars 'cause they're right in its essential laughter factor; if you have a funny bone you cannot NOT laugh while listening to this lady sing!

4 out of 5 stars my ears and belly hurt.......2007-04-11

My ears hurt from this absolutely abominable performance, and my belly from laughing.

5 out of 5 stars A must for all music lovers.......2007-01-05

I first heard this album (LP) about 20 years ago on the radio. I recently recalled it and did a search on Amazon and to my amazement it and other titles were available. I purchased this disc for my wife's Christmas present 2006. We both cannot stop laughing every time we listen to it. I highly recommend this disc to anyone who loves the classics and has a hidden desire/dream that one day they too will be discovered and perform in large concert halls to utter amazement of the audience. Buy it, you won't regret it.

5 out of 5 stars Florence's voice caused my dog to shake in fear........2007-01-02

This woman's voice was so bad that my dog started to shake in fear...then he ran and hid in my parent's room. I gave my friend the cd as a Christmas present and she said it ruined her Christmas. I, on the other hand, have never laughed so hard at someone's lack of musical ability! I've never heard anyone sound so horrible! Now, I don't want to give her all the credit..because when I heard Thomas Burns sing I FELL TO THE GROUND AND LAUGHED UNTIL I CRIED! I guess that's why I am giving it 5 stars. Anything that can make me laugh until I cry is worth its weight in gold!!!
Instruments of the Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material!
  • Beginner or Expert
  • Very Informative and Enjoyable
  • Frank's view
  • Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra
Instruments of the Orchestra
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Hungarian National Philharmonic OrchestraHungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Moscow Philharmonic OrchestraMoscow Philharmonic Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Blowout Box SetsBlowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 20% OffMore Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Hungarian National Philharmonic OrchestraHungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Moscow Philharmonic OrchestraMoscow Philharmonic Orchestra | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
InstrumentalInstrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Op34; Simple Symphony Op4
  2. The Mahler Symphonies: An Owner's Manual (includes 1 CD)
  3. The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Book & CD)
  4. Study of Orchestration, Third Edition
  5. The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven

ASIN: B00006O0NT
Release Date: 2002-12-03

Tracks:

  1. Overture To 'Tannhauser'
  2. Domna, Pos Vos Ay Chausida
  3. We Don't Merely Use Instruments, We Play On Them. And They Play On Us.
  4. Hungarian Dance No.7
  5. The Violin Is One Of The Most Tender And Beautiful Instruments Ever Invented.
  6. Violin Concerto In D Major (Adagio)
  7. But For A Long Time It Was Seen As The Instrument Of The Devil.
  8. The Soldier's Tale: Triumphal March Of The Devil
  9. The Manipulative Seductiveness Of The Gypsy Violin.
  10. Csardas Music
  11. The Violin And The Initiation Of Nature
  12. The Four Seasons (Spring, Mvt 1)
  13. Birds Are Again Evoked In The Second Concerto, Especially Music's Natural Favourite.
  14. The Four Seasons (Summer, Mvt 1)
  15. Like The Devil, The Violin Is A Master Of Disguise.
  16. Old Viennese Dance No.3 'Schon Rosmarin'
  17. The Menacing Sensuality Of Ravel's Tzigane: A Very Different Side Of The Violin:
  18. Tzigane
  19. Do We Now Have The True Measure Of This Instrument? Not Just Yet.
  20. Caprice No.24
  21. The Many Effects Of The String Tremolando: Brandenburg Concerto No.4 (Last Mvt)/From Joy To Fright/Quartettsatz In C Minor/The String Tremolo Practically Spells The World Agitato.
  22. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No.7)
  23. Prokofiev's Tremolo In Romeo And Juliet Should Not Be Heard Just Before Bedtime.
  24. Romeo And Juliet: Act IV
  25. Vivaldi Use It To Illustrate The Shivering Of Travellers Crossing The Ice.
  26. The Four Seasons (Winter, Mvt 1)
  27. The Violin Muted
  28. Clair De Lune
  29. The Gentleness Of Muted Strings Persists Even When A Whole Orchestra Plays.
  30. Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major, K.467 (Slow Mvt)
  31. The Pizzicato Violin
  32. Pizzicato Polka
  33. In Prokofiev's Second Violin Concerto, The Accompaniment Is Pizzicato.
  34. Violin Concerto No.2 In G Minor (Slow Mvt)
  35. Varieties Of Pizzicato: Colas Breugnon (The People's Feast)/Now A Drier, Leaner, Hungrier Pizzicato. There's Not A Lot Of Comfort Here./Capriol Suite (Tordion)/The Use Of Pizzicato As 'Percussion'/Romeo And Juliet (Act I)/Mahler Used Pizzicato...
  36. The Planets (Mars - The Bringer Of War)
  37. The Technique Of Double-Stopping Enables The Violin To Play Duets With Itself./Sonata No.3 In C Major For Unaccompanied Violin (Fugue)/Now A Later Example Of The Same Technique
  38. Hungarian Dance No.4
  39. Double-Stopping Is A Standard Feature Of A Lot Of Folk Music.
  40. The Four Seasons (Autumn, Mvt 1)
  41. Now The Same Technique, But The Sound Might Have Come From Another World.
  42. Bolero
  43. Double-Stopping Can Only Approximate The Sound Of A Real Violin Duet.
  44. Cadenza To The Violin Concerto By Brahms
  45. Now Compare That With A Real Violin Duet.
  46. Forty-Four Duos (No. 1: Teasing Song)
  47. Another Duo By Bartok, Demonstrating The Violin's Rich Lower Register
  48. Forty-Four Duos (No.2: Maypole Dance)
  49. And Now What May Be The Most Beautiful Accompanied Violin Duet In History
  50. Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
  51. The Soul Of The Violin Is In Song; But What About This Weird Passage?
  52. Violin Concerto No.1 In D Major (Mvt 2)
  53. The Use Of Harmonies In The Orchestra Can Be Both Magical And Unsettling.
  54. Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 1, Opening)
  55. Tchaikovsky's Use Of Harmonics In The Sleeping Beauty Is Both Strange And Darling.
  56. The Sleeping Beauty (Act II, No.15: Entr'Acte)
  57. Ravel's Harmonics In Mother Goose Effect A Magical Transformation.
  58. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
  59. Stravinsky's Harmonics In The Firebird Transport Us Almost Into Another World./The Firebird (Introduction)
  60. The Natural Upper Notes Of The Violins Have A Unique Emotional 'Grab'.
  61. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Of The Afterworldsmen)
  62. Still In Their Upper Register, The Violins Unleash The Energy Of A Young Colt.
  63. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No. 4)
  64. Elsewhere, Britten Uses The Same High Register To Create A Very Different Mood.
  65. Four Sea Interludes (Dawn) From 'Peter Grimes'
  66. To End This Outing With The Violins, A Charming Little Elfin Dance
  67. Elfenreigen

Tracks:

  1. Introduction To The Viola
  2. Viola Concerto (Mvt 1)
  3. Khatchaturian Gets A Very Different Sound From It: Fuller, Fruitier, More Exotic.
  4. Gayane Suite No.1 (Armen's Solo)
  5. Very Nearly The Whole Of The Violin's Upper Register Is Also Available To The Viola.
  6. Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'
  7. The Viola Can Bring A Special, Rich Twanginess To Pizzicato That The Violins Lack./Don Quixote/Berlioz Drew Sounds From It That Retain Their Metallic Strangeness Even Today.
  8. Harold In Italy (Mvt 4)
  9. The Muted Viola: Intimate, Gentle, Poignant In Dvork
  10. Cypresses (No.9)
  11. The Massed Violas Of The Modern Symphony Orchestra In Mahler
  12. Symphony No.4 (Mvt 3)
  13. The 'Period' Viola In Bach
  14. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 (Last Mvt)
  15. The Cello: A Voice Of Unique Nobility
  16. Suite No.1 For Unaccompanied Cello (Prelude)
  17. Brahms And The 'Soul' Of The Cello
  18. Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat Major (Mvt 3)
  19. Most Orchestral Composers Tend To Emphasize The Cello's Lower Register.
  20. Cantata 'Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben', BWV 147 (Soprana Aria: Bereite Dir, Jesu)
  21. In The Time Of Beethoven The Cello Remained As Fundamental As Ever.
  22. Symphony No.3 'Eroica' (Finale)
  23. But The Cello Is Not Condemned To Spend Its Life In The Basement.
  24. Elfentanz, Op.39
  25. Not Only In Recital Showpieces Like That Is The Cello Is Used In Its Highest Register.
  26. The Protecting Veil (Opening)
  27. A Cello With An Identity-Crisis: The Pizzicato Flamencan
  28. Flamenco
  29. Double-Stopping In The Lower Reaches Of The Cello's Range
  30. Solo Suiet For Cello And Piano (Sardana)
  31. It's In The Middle Register That The Cello Really Comes Into Its Own.
  32. Oriental Dance, Op.2 No.2
  33. It Was To The Cellos That Beethoven Gave Two Of His Most Famous Themes./Symphony No.5 (Mvt 2)/Still More Famous Than That Theme Is This One From The Ninth Symphony.
  34. Symphony No.9 (Finale)
  35. Introduction To The Double-Bass
  36. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Elephant)
  37. But The Double-Bass Can Be Intensely Expressive And Graceful.
  38. Elegy No.1 In D Major
  39. The Range Of The Double-Bass Is The Greatest Of All The String Instruments/Allegro Di Concerto, 'Alla Mendelssohn'/And It's Also Capable Of Very Considerable Virtuosity.
  40. Capriccio Di Bravura
  41. Double-Bass Solos In Orchestral Scores Are Rare But Often Memorable./Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 3)/In His Third Symphony Mahler Makes A Very Different Use Of The Instrument./Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1)
  42. The Double-Bass Muted In Prokofiev/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Kije's Wedding)/In Another Work Prokofiev Uses The Double-Bass To Enhance The Winds./Romeo And Juliet (Act III)/And He Combines The Bass Clarinet With A Shivering Tremolo From The Double-Basses....
  43. Symphony No.5 (Mvt 3)/So Much For The Strings/On Now To The Winds

Tracks:

  1. The Antiquity And Magic Of The Flute
  2. Prelude A L'Apres-Midi D'Un Faune
  3. The Versatility And Agility Of The Flute
  4. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor (Badinerie)
  5. The Flute In Fifteenth-Century Spain
  6. Sa'Dawi
  7. Other Flutes: The Bass And Alto
  8. Chamber Music No.II
  9. The Piccolo - Aptly Named
  10. La Naissance D'Osiris (Mvt 6)
  11. From A Piccolo Of The Eighteenth Century To One Of Its Descendants In The Twentieth
  12. Suite No.1 For Small Orchestra (Valse)
  13. A Variety Of Techniques
  14. Chamber Music No.II
  15. Flutter-Tonguing. But Tchaikovsky Got There Eighty Years Before.
  16. The Nutcracker (Act II, No.2: Scene)
  17. From The Transverse To The Vertical: The Baroque Recorder
  18. Recorded Suite In A Minor (Menuet II)
  19. An Unfamiliar, Early Vision Of The Instrument
  20. Naelden, Naelden
  21. The Bachian Oboe
  22. Cantata 'Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott', BWV 80 (No.7: Duetto)
  23. Introduction To The Cor Anglais Or 'English Born'
  24. Symphony No.9 'From The New World' (Mvt 2)
  25. The Loneliness Of The Cor Anglais
  26. The Swan Of Tuonela
  27. The Cor Anglais Joins The French Horn In Haydn.
  28. Symphony No.22 'The Philosopher' (Opening)
  29. Introduction To The Oboe D'Amore, Beloved Of Bach - But Also Of Ravel
  30. Bolero
  31. The Clarinet Family: Boxing The Compass, From The Depths Of The Bass Clarinet.../The Egyptian (Violence)/...To The Raucous And Squealy.../Taras Bulba (The Death Of Ostap)/...To The Shrill And Complaining...
  32. Petrushka (No.8: Peasant With Bear)/...To The High Sprits Of A Playful Puppy./Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)/And To The Downright Jazzy/Romeo And Juliet (Act II)
  33. As The High Clarinets Tend To Be Loud, So The Bass Tends To Be Soft:
  34. Gayane Suite No. 1 (Mvt 5)
  35. The Bass Clarinet Is Used By Most Composers Mainly As A Colouring Agent.../Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/...But It Does Occasionally Get A Whole Tune To Itself./Iberia (Almeria).
  36. The Range Of The Normal Clarinet Parts Goes Quite High...
  37. The Snow Maiden (Scene 5: Melodrama)
  38. ...And Quite Low.
  39. Peter And The Wolf (The Cat)
  40. The Clarinet As Concerto Soloist
  41. Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
  42. But That's Not The Instrument Mozart Wrote It For; This Is:
  43. Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
  44. Introduction To The Saxophone
  45. Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 4)
  46. The Soprano Saxophone Has Quite A Different Feel To It.
  47. L'Arlesienne Suite No.1 (Minuet)
  48. The Little Sopranino Sax Goes Even Higher.
  49. Bolero
  50. The Most Famous Use Of The Saxophone Is In An Orchestration By Ravel.
  51. Pictures At An Exhibition (The Old Castle)
  52. The Saxophone Can Be Quite Contagiously Good-Humoured.
  53. Sax-O-Phun
  54. The Puffa-Puffa Image Of The Bassoon
  55. Peter And The Wolf (Grandfather)
  56. The Bachian Bassoon, In Accompanimental Mode
  57. Cantata 'Weichet Nur, Betrubte Schatten' ('Wedding Cantata'), BWV 202 (Aria No.1)
  58. Bizet Leaves The Puffa-Puffa Image Out, Allowing The Bassoon To Sing./Carmen Suite No.1 (Les Dragons D'Alcala)
  59. And Ravel, Also In Spanish Mode, Does Likewise.
  60. Bolero
  61. The Bassoon As A Voice Of High Seriousness, Indeed Desolate Loneliness
  62. Symphony No.3 (Opening)
  63. The Eerie Bassoon In Its Highest Register
  64. The Rite Of Spring (Opening)
  65. Stravinsky Now Draws On Its Lowest Register, Lonely And Melancholy.
  66. The Firebird Suite (1919, Berceuse)
  67. The Bassoon As Concerto Soloist, Avoiding All Exaggeration
  68. Bassoon Concerto In G Minor (Finale)
  69. The Deep-Voiced Contra-Bassoon, As A Fairy-Tale Beast
  70. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
  71. The French Horn Under Its Woodwind Hat
  72. Wind Quintet, Op.43 (Last Mvt)
  73. Now A More Prominent Role, In A Woodwind Quintet From An Earlier Era
  74. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Mvt 2)
  75. The Horn In Harmonious Blend With Strings In Another Quintet
  76. Horn Quintet, K.407 (Finale)

Tracks:

  1. The Trumpet As Virtuoso Soloist
  2. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Last Mvt)
  3. The Special Brillance Of Paired Trumpets
  4. Concerto In C For Two Trumpets, RV537 (Mvt 1)
  5. The Ceremonial Trumpet
  6. Fanfare For The Common Man
  7. Trumpets And Drums - An Incomparable Alliance
  8. Messiah (The Trumpet Shall Sound)
  9. The Versatility Of The Trumpet, From The Most Public To The Most Lonely
  10. Piano Concerto In F (Slow Mvt)
  11. The Trumpet As The Voice Of The City/An American In Paris/The Trumpet As Recruitment Officer/The Soldier's Tale (The March)/The Trumpet As Swaggerer
  12. Carmen Suite No.2 (Habanera)
  13. The Trumpet As The Voice Of Strength And Courage
  14. Carmet Suite No.2 (Toreador's Song)
  15. The Trumpet Muted/Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Opening)/The Trumpet As The Voice Of Weariness
  16. Billy The Kid
  17. The Trumpet As Character Actor
  18. Pictures At An Exhibition (No.6)
  19. The Trumpet As The Voice Of God
  20. Mass In B Minor ('Et Exspecto')
  21. The Birth Of The Trombone
  22. Aenmerckt Nu Hier
  23. The Birth Of The Brass As A Family
  24. Canzon 12 In Double Echo
  25. The Trombone In The Eighteenth Century
  26. Trombone Concerto In B Flat Major (Finale)
  27. The Tone Of The Tenor Trombone/Romance For Trombone And Organ/The Memorable Voice Of The Bass Trombone/Requiem (Mvt 2)/But The Bass Trombone Is More Than An Instrumental Bullfrog.
  28. Hosannah
  29. The Trombones Become Part Of The Orchestra.
  30. Symphony No.5 (Finale)
  31. The Wagnerian Trombone:/Overture To 'Tannhauser'
  32. The Trombone As Caricaturist
  33. Pulcinella (No.19: Vivo)
  34. The Trombone As Raspberry/Concerto For Orchestra (Intermezzo)
  35. The Horn And The Hunt
  36. Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495 (Finale)
  37. The Challenging Horn Of The Baroque
  38. Abaris Ou Les Boreades (Menuet)
  39. The Scarcity Of First-Rate Players In Handel's Time
  40. Walter Music (Minuet 1)
  41. The Horn As Magician/The Firebird Suite (1919, Finale)
  42. Horns And The Sound Of Nobility
  43. Overture To 'Tannhauser' (Opening)
  44. The Special Sound Of The Horn In Its Higher Register
  45. Mass In B Minor ('Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus')
  46. The Trumpet-Like Sound Of Massed Horns
  47. Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1, Opening)
  48. The Tuba - Unfairly Maligned?
  49. Symphony No.6 (Mvt 3)
  50. The Tuba Perfectly Cast By Ravel
  51. Pictures At An Exhibition (Bydlo)

Tracks:

  1. Introduction. And We Begin With A Bang.
  2. Fanfare For The Common Man/The Bass Drum On The Battlefields/Wellington's Victory, Op.91 (Opening)
  3. At The Opposite Extreme Is The Triangle.
  4. Piano Concerto No.1 In E Flat (Scherzo)
  5. Categories Of Percussion: Tuned And Untuned. The Side Drum
  6. Overture To 'La Gazza Ladra' - The Thieving Magpie (Opening)
  7. The Side Drum In An Effective But Unexpected Role/Clarinet Concerto (Mvt 1)
  8. The Tambourine. One Of The Oldest Instruments In The World
  9. Den Hoboecken Dans
  10. Even Older Is The Originally Oriental Gong.
  11. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
  12. No Single Instrument Can Match The Gong In Evoking The Breaking Of Waves./Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'/But Gongs Don't Have To Be Struck To Be Effective.
  13. Gymnopedie No.2
  14. The Cymbals Are Generally Discovered Early In Life./The Sanguine Fan/And They Do More Than Clash Together Loudly. They Can Be Clashed Together Softly./Studio Example: But They Needn't Be Clashed Together At All/Studio Example: They Can Be Lightly...
  15. Other Untuned Percussion Instruments Include The Whip.: Piano Concerto In G Major (Opening)/And Here Are No Fewer Than Twenty, Cracked By Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Act I, Scene 5)
  16. More Versatile Than The Whip Are The Wood Blocks.../Studio Example/...Which Crop Up All Over The Place In Twentieth-Century American Music.
  17. Rodeo (Hoe-Down)
  18. Related To The Wood Blocks, By Sound, Are The Castanets./Jota Aragonesa/But The Castanets Were Also Used By Monteverdi Back In The Seventeenth Century.
  19. Scherzi Musicali (Damigella Tutta Belle)
  20. A Still Earlier Example From Fifteenth-Century Spain
  21. Yo M'Enamori D'Un Aire
  22. The Birth Of The Bongo
  23. Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story'
  24. From The Streets Of New York To The Blacksmith's Shop/Il Trovatore ('Anvil Chorus')
  25. Desert-Island Decibels: Grand Canyon Suite (On The Trail)/Arcana
  26. From One Vegetable To Another: The Humble Squash, Or Marrow/Huapango
  27. Onwards To The Tuned Percussion. First, The Timpani
  28. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Introduction)
  29. But The Drum Roll Can Be More Effectively Frightening Than The Big Bang.: Symphony No.2 'Resurrection' (Mvt 3)
  30. Not One Drum Roll, But Many/Grand Canyon Suite (Sunrise)/Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)
  31. Taking Advantage Of Tunability
  32. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Mvt 2)
  33. The Russian Composer Rodion Shchedrin Takes A Downward Turn./Carmen Suite (Changing Of The Guard)/Tuned, Yes; But For The Truly Melodic We Must Look Elsewhere.
  34. Introducing The Glockenspiel/Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
  35. Saint-Saens And The Xylophone
  36. The Carnival Of The Animals (Fossils)
  37. Ravel And The Xylophone
  38. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
  39. Introducing The Marimba/Carmen Suite (First Intermezzo)
  40. Introducing The Vibraphone
  41. The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Narange Dolce)
  42. The Vibraphone Goes Russian.../Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)/...And Is Joined By The Marimba./Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
  43. Introducing The Hungarian Cimbalom
  44. Folk Dances
  45. The Cimbalom And The Symphony Orchestra
  46. Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 3)
  47. Introducing The Tubular Bells
  48. Hary Janos Suite (Viennese Musical Clock)
  49. A More 'Up-Front' Approach From Rodion Shchedrin
  50. Carmen Suite (Introduction)
  51. But The Bells Can Also Make The Sinister Even More Sinister./Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
  52. Introducing The Celeste
  53. The Nutcracker (Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy)
  54. Magic, In The Use Of Collective Percussion
  55. Miroirs (La Vallee Des Cloches)
  56. Plucked Instruments: The 'Undercover Percussion'/Carmen Suite (Scene)
  57. A Prime Case In Point Is The Harp, Irresistible To The Romantics./The Nutcracker (Act II, No.1: Scene)/The Non-Solo Harp As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Hungarian Rhapsody No.1
  58. The Traditionally Subservient Role Of The Harpsichord In The Baroque Orchestra
  59. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Slow Mvt)
  60. The Piano: King Of The Tuned Percussion/Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Mvt 3)/And A Quarter Of A Century After That:
  61. Petrushka (Russian Dance)
  62. The Anti-Romantic Piano As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra
  63. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Last Mvt)

Tracks:

  1. Keyboard Instruments In The Orchestra - The Most Powerful Of Them All:
  2. Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Finale)
  3. But Things In Handel's Day Were Very Different.
  4. Organ Concerto In B Flat, Op.4 No.3 (Last Mvt)
  5. The Organ Is Difficult To Classify.
  6. An Unexpected, Organ-related Guest
  7. Concerto Pour Zampogna (Last Mvt)
  8. Peasant-Fancying... And A Touch Of The Roaming Cowboy
  9. Les Miserables (Drink With Me)
  10. Outside Artefacts And The Power Of Association
  11. Mahler's Sleighbells
  12. Symphony No.4 (Opening)
  13. A Roll-Call Of Some Unusual Guests/The Typewriter/Parade
  14. Chains, And More/Integrales/An American In Paris/Sandpaper Ballet
  15. Purpose-Built Oddities: Wind Machines/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Opening)
  16. Don Quixote (Variation VIII)
  17. National Calling Cards: The Guitar For Spain/Concierto De Aranjuez (Finale)
  18. And The Guitar's Poor American Relative, The Banjo/Washington Breakdown
  19. And Poorer Still, The Mouth Organ/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Packing Up)
  20. The Balalaika For Russia/Romeo And Juliet (Act II: No.14)
  21. The Maracas For Mexico/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (El Desayuno)
  22. The Bongos And Congas And A Whole Wealth Of Other Drums For Africa And Central America/Studio Example
  23. The Sitar Of India/Evening Raga: Bhapoli
  24. The Accordion For France (Especially Paris)/Paris Canaille
  25. The Zither For Vienna/The Third Man (Theme)
  26. The Cimbalom For Hungary/Folk Dances
  27. The Guitar As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Rondena
  28. There Are Whole Orchestras Of Balalaikas./Sveit Mesiats
  29. The Effect Of The Wordless Human Voice, Used Purely As An Instrument/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
  30. Nocturnes
  31. Instruments And the Imitation Of Nature. The Clarinet As Cuckoo
  32. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Cuckoo)
  33. The Flute As An All-purpose Aviary
  34. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aviary)
  35. The Oboe As Duck
  36. Peter And The Wolf (The Duck)
  37. The Recording Of Reality. Does It Work As Well?
  38. The Pines Of Rome (The Pines Of The Janiculum)
  39. The Recording Of Reality Electronically Reborn In New Guises
  40. Cantus Articus - Concerto For Birds And Orchesra (Mvt 2)
  41. Beethoven Turns Avian: Cuckoo, Nightingale, And Quail
  42. Symphony No.6 'Pastoral' (Andante Molto Mosso)
  43. Some Improbable Casting: The Violin As Braying Donkey
  44. The Carnival Of The Animals (Persons With Long Ears)
  45. A Truly Orchestral Hee-haw To Be Reckoned With
  46. Overture To 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
  47. A Thunderstorm In A Million
  48. Symphony No.6 'Pastoral (Allegro-Allegretto)
  49. the Instrumental Depiction Of A Silent World
  50. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aquarium)
  51. Saint-Saens' Menagerie Takes A Curtain Call.
  52. The Carnival Of The Animals (Finale)

Tracks:

  1. The Grouping Of Instrumental Families. An Additive Approach. First, Two Violins
  2. Forty-Four Duos (No.4)
  3. A Great Contrast, Of Both Pitch And Character: Violin And Viola
  4. Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat Major, K.424 (Finale, Vars 1 & 2)/Studio Example
  5. Arrival Of The Standard String Trio: Violin, Viola, And Cello
  6. String Trio In B Flat (Menuetto)
  7. The String Quartet: Two Violins, Viola, And Cello
  8. String Quartet In F, Op.18 No.1 (Mvt 3)
  9. The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Viola
  10. String Quartet No.5 In D, K.593 (Adagio)
  11. The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Cello
  12. String Quintet In C (Mvt 3)
  13. The String Sextet: Two Violins, Two Violas, And Two Cellos
  14. String Sextet In B Flat (Mvt 2)
  15. The String Octet: The Standard String Quaret Times Two
  16. Octet In E Flat, Op.20 (Mvt 1)
  17. Double The String Octet: A Fully Fledged String Orchestra
  18. String Symphony No.2 (Finale)
  19. The Massed Strings Of A Symphony Orchestra
  20. Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis
  21. Contrasts Of Pitch And Instrumental 'Colour' In The Woodwind Section
  22. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Theme)
  23. In The First Variation It's The Horn That Gets The Lion's Share.
  24. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 1
  25. In Variation Two The Torch Is Handed To The Bassoon.
  26. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 2
  27. In Variation Three The Oboe Leads.
  28. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 3
  29. Variation Four: Conversation Before Returning To A Solo-dominated Texture
  30. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 4
  31. And Variation Five is Dominated By The Clarinet.
  32. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 5
  33. The Next To Be Featured Is The Virtuoso Flute.
  34. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 6
  35. Individual Farewells And A Closing Chorus
  36. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 7
  37. A Mixed Group: Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, String Quartet, And Double-Bass
  38. Octet In F (Mvt 3)
  39. The Early Classical Symphony Orchestra Of Haydn And Mozart
  40. Symphony No.29 In A, K.201 (Finale)
  41. Strings, Wind, But No Brass. What Haydn And Mozart Never Knew
  42. Canzon 28
  43. Beethoven's Fifth: Two Horns, Two Trumpets, And Three Trombones Join The Team.
  44. Symphony No.5 (Finale)
  45. From Beethoven To The Massive Orchestras Of Berlioz, Wagner, And Mahler
  46. Beethoven Changed The Face Of The Symphony And The Orchestra Forever
  47. Symphoy No.6 'Tragic' (Mvt 1)
  48. The Cult Of Orchestral Elephantiasis Reaches Its Peak.
  49. Symphony No.1 'Gothic' (VI: Te Ergo Quaesumus)
  50. When Large Doesn't Necessarily Mean Loud: Debussy
  51. Images (Gigues)
  52. A Crisis Of Confidence; The Orchestra's Survival Hangs In The Balance, But It Still Develops. The Ondes Martenot:
  53. Turangalila Symphony (Chant D'amour 1)
  54. The Advent Of The 'Early Music' Movement Brings A New Vitality And Freshness.
  55. Balle De Xerxes (Gavotte En Rondeau)
  56. Computer And Synthesiser: Friends Or Foes?
  57. Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
  58. A Speculative Look Ahead/Mass In B Minor ('Dona Nobis Pacem')

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material!.......2007-04-04

This set lends itself to greatly enhancing one's knowledge of the orchestra, instruments in it, and their usage. I am a huge music buff, and I still picked up a great deal I previously did not know. I highly recommend this for all who wish to understand the origin of music, as well as the processes that are employed to create music!

5 out of 5 stars Beginner or Expert.......2007-03-12

This CD is excellent for the beginner or expert! To be able to haear the instrumets separately and then together really provides a good education. and/or refresher. The book thaty comes with the CD is alomost worth the price by itself!

5 out of 5 stars Very Informative and Enjoyable.......2006-11-20

Whether you're a music novice or pro, "The instruments of the Orchestra" is a very worthwhile purchase. The 7 CDs, with a total of 8 hours, are expertly narrated by Jeremy Siepmann. He's a great speaker, very much like the late Leonard Bernstein was. Mr. Siepmann takes you on an unforgetable musical journey covering the origins and use of the various orchestral instruments throughout musical history. The balance between his narration and a wealth of musical examples, which range from snippets to entire movements, is superb. The comprehensive enclosed booklet is excellent and faithfully follows the 7 CDs in content. Even with my 40+ years of music training I still learned new things from this wonderful collection. Considering the excellence of the content, and a cost that translates to about $5 per disc, this collection is a great value. Grab it, you won't regret that you did. Five solid stars!

3 out of 5 stars Frank's view.......2006-08-19

This boxed set of CD's with booklet achieved all I had hoped that it would. There are good samples of individual instruments and well done commentary on each. The only drawback was that some of the samples were too brief and could have been longer, hoiwever I guess this fits in with time constraints of the medium. It has given me a lot of clues as to future purchases of CD's for listening to individual instruments. Altogeth a satisfactory purchase and a welcome addition to my collection.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra.......2003-11-08

I've listened to classical music for years and am interested in composition. I bought this CD set to learn how an orchestra and its instruments work. I thought the CDs would be a nice but boring lecture. They aren't! Not only are they FUN but they are informative as well. I learned a huge amount from each CD and couldn't wait to listen to the next one.

The narrator and writer is a great speaker and holds your attention well. He is definitely knowledgeable. He provides musical examples for each point he makes, so you get to "hear" what he just talked about. I'd say the CDs are about 65% music and 35% narration. You'll learn about the range of instruments, some history, different ways to play them, how they sound, and how they are used in the orchestra. This CD set was a great learning experience and is sold at such a low price!

I recommend this CD for those who want to learn about classical music and those who know about it but are interested in learning more about the inner workings of an orchestra. You'll learn much useful information. For instance, the Rite of Spring (with that eerie start) is written for bassoon! I never knew a bassoon could sound like that but now I do.

The one complaint I have is the last CD. This deals with the orchestra. I wanted more of a tour of how the orchestra has been used through history up to the present. Instead, it was a tour of how different groups of instruments sound. I thought it could have been better. The other 6 CDs are excellent.
The Classical Child at the Opera
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent teaching tool
  • I have only one complaint about this CD
  • What every kid (and parent needs!)
  • What's Opera Doc?
  • Lots of Fun Music
The Classical Child at the Opera

Manufacturer: Classical Child
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Humperdinck, EngelbertHumperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music
CategoriesCategories | Toys & Games | Action Figures | Activities & Amusements | Arts & Crafts | Bikes, Skates & Ride-Ons | Construction, Blocks & Models | Dolls | Electronics for Kids | Games | Hobbies | Kids' Furniture & Room Décor | Learning & Education | Music | Party Supplies | Play Vehicles | Preschool | Pretend Play & Dress-up | Puzzles | Sports & Outdoor Play | Stuffed Animals & Toys | Toy Figures & Playsets
Browse RefinementsBrowse Refinements | Refinements | Toys & Games | Characters | Gender (target_audience_browse-bin)
Similar Items:
  1. Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children
  2. World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!
  3. Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
  4. Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
  5. Mozart's Magnificent Voyage

ASIN: B00000J29D
Release Date: 2001-05-04

Tracks:

  1. Children's March [From Carmen]
  2. Doll Song [From Tales of Hoffmann]
  3. Anvil Chorus [From II Trovatore]
  4. Bird Catcher Am I [From the Magice Flute]
  5. Papagena! Papagena! Papagena! [From The Magic Flute]
  6. Pa, Pa, Pa, Pa [From the Magice Flute]
  7. Flower Duet [From Lakm
  8. Largo Al Factotum [From the Barber of Seville]
  9. Three Little Maids from School [From the Mikado]
  10. Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze [From the Mikado]
  11. Tit-Willow [From the Mikado]
  12. Brother, Come Dance With Me [from Hansel and Gretel)
  13. I Am the Little Sandman [from Hansel and Gretel)
  14. Children's Prayer [from Hansel and Gretel)

Album Description

OPERA IS FOR EVERYONE and so, The Classical Child At the Opera was created to give children a taste of the magic, majesty and humor of this glorious art form. Well-known songs and arias have been selected that appeal to young sensibilities, while easy-to-follow English translations bring these delightful stories and characters to life. Care has been taken by the singers to present the music in a way that is light hearted and accessible sometimes gentle, sometimes raucous, but always positive and engaging.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent teaching tool.......2006-05-10

I use this CD is my classroom for a wide variety of activities including art instruction for which it is ideally suited. It is hard to recommend this CD enough! Thanks for putting it together.

5 out of 5 stars I have only one complaint about this CD.......2006-04-16

My one complaint is that after I listen to this CD, the catchy tunes get stuck in my head! And then I want to keep listening to it more and more. I love the selections on this CD, the fact that the songs are in English (I always wondered what the "Figaro, Figaro, Figaro" song was about!), and that a little background is given to each piece as well.

5 out of 5 stars What every kid (and parent needs!).......2004-02-06

All I can say is my family LOVES this CD! We have a blast singing along, dancing, etc. It's made opera a new discovery for all of us.

3 out of 5 stars What's Opera Doc?.......2003-03-29

No, this isn't Bugs Bunny's version of opera. It is, however, an excellent introduction to opera, for young and old alike. The the translations to English are quite clever, and the singers' voices are, for the most part, excellent and clear (overly florid voices can be such a turn-off). Grant Doyle, the baritone, is a particular stand-out: rather than sing "at" you, he manages to convey humor and emotion in his parts... you can almost *see* the funny bird catcher, Papageno, in the three songs from Mozart's "Magic Flute", which happent to be my 5-year old's favorite tracks. Doyle's turn as Figaro in "Largo al Factorum" from "The Barber of Seville" is pure joy. The children's chorus in "The Children's March" from "Carmen" is also delightful, and Gabriella Santinelli's(?) voice as the doll from Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffman" is simply amazing.

As much as I enjoy this album, I question the inclusion of the last three songs, which come from "Hansel and Gretel". The voices on the songs are of the overly florid nature, and I can see my daughter lose interest. I think it would have been more interesting to include more "Carmen," or arias from other such popular operas "Rigoletto" or "Aida". Or if the album needed to end on a slower note, the overcoat song from "La Boheme."

IAC, I have caught my daughter humming bits and pieces from the operas. Even I have managed to amaze people by correctly identifying the Flower Duet from "Lakme"! I strongly recommend this album.

5 out of 5 stars Lots of Fun Music.......2002-11-29

Our baby seems to enjoy this operatic CD almost as much as her parents enjoy it. Maybe she doesn't even really hear it, but she does see her parents acting silly and singing along to the catchy opera songs. I think we'll be listening to this one for many years to come. You'll probably really enjoy this CD if you have an appreciation for opera already.
Only Opera CD You'll Ever Need
Average customer rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not worth buying!
  • Don't waste your money
  • Perfect for "drop the needle" style tests
  • A CD with Attention Deficit Disorder
  • This sucks...
Only Opera CD You'll Ever Need

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BarberAll Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BernsteinAll Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by FlotowAll Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HerrmannAll Works by Herrmann | Herrmann, Bernard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Humperdinck, EngelbertHumperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MascagniAll Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MussorgskyAll Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SmetanaAll Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by StraussAll Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Hadley, JerryHadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
San Francisco Symphony OrchestraSan Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CzechCzech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RussianRussian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Most Famous Opera Arias
  2. The Most Famous Opera Duets
  3. The Best of Italian Opera
  4. The #1 Opera Album
  5. The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000003GA0
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

  1. Antony & Cleopatra: 'Give Me My Robe' - Leontyne Price
  2. Fidelio: 'In des Lebens Fruhlingstagen...' - Ben Heppner
  3. Fidelio: Act II Quartet: 'Ach, du bist gerettet...' - Deborah Voigt
  4. Norma: 'Casta Diva' - Rosa Ponselle
  5. Candide: 'Glitter And Be Gay' - Harolyn Blackwell
  6. Candide: 'Make Our Garden Grow' - Jerry Hadley
  7. Carmen: Flower Song - Placido Domingo
  8. Carmen: Habanera - Rise Stevens
  9. Carmen: Toreador Song - Robert Merrill
  10. Les pecheurs de perles: Duet: 'Oui, c'est elle, c'est la deesse...' - Robert Merrill
  11. Mefistofele: 'Ecco il mondo' - Samuel Ramey
  12. La Wally: 'Eben, ne andro lontana' - ONLY OPERA CD YOU'LL EVER NEED
  13. Lakme: Bell Song - Lily Pons
  14. L'Elisir d'Amore: 'Una furtiva lagrima' - Tito Schipa
  15. Lucia di Lammermoor: 'Chi mi frena in tal momento...' - Carlo Bergonzi
  16. Lucia di Lammermoor: 'Spargi d'amaro pianto' - Anna Moffo
  17. Martha: 'M'appari tutto amor' - Jussi Bjoerling
  18. Porgy & Bess: 'Summertime' - Leontyne Price
  19. Porgy & Bess: 'Bess, You Is My Woman' - William Warfield
  20. Andrea Chenier: 'Come un bel di di maggio' - Ben Heppner
  21. Romeo et Juliette: Juliette's Waltz; 'Je veux vivre' - Ruth Ann Swenson
  22. Salammbo: Aria - Kiri Te Kanawa
  23. Hansel & Gretel: 'Suuse, liebe Susse - Helen Donath
  24. I Pagliacci: 'Vesti la giubba' - Enrico Caruso
  25. Cavalleria Rusticana: 'Viva il vino' - Jussi Bjoerling
  26. Cherubin: 'Lorsque vous n'aurez rien' - Dawn Upshaw
  27. Manon: 'Ah! Fuyez, douce image' - Richard Crooks
  28. Cosi fan tutte: 'Come scoglio immoto resta' - Leontyne Price
  29. Don Giovanni: 'La ci darem la mano' - Edith Mathis
  30. Don Giovanni: 'Deh! vieni alla finestra' - Ezio Pinza
  31. Don Giovanni: 'Non mi dir' - Carol Vaness
  32. Le nozze di Figaro: 'Non piu andrai...' - Alan Titus
  33. Le nozze di Figaro: 'Porgi, amor' - Carol Vaness
  34. Le nozze di Figaro: 'Deh vieni, non tardar' - Bidu Sayao
  35. Die Zauberflote: 'Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon' - Fritz Wunderlich
  36. Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Zdislawa Donat
  37. Die Zauberflote: Papageno - Papageno Duet - Christian Boesch
  38. Boris Godunov: 'I v ljutomgore, nisposlannom Bogom...' - Alexander Kipnis
  39. Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle - Montserrat Caballe
  40. La Gioconda: 'Cielo e mar' - Beniamino Gigli
  41. La Boheme: 'Che gelida manina' - Giuseppe Di Stefano
  42. La Boheme: 'Mi piaccion quelle cose...' - Licia Albanese
  43. La Boheme: 'Fremon gia nell'anima' - Luciano Pavarotti
  44. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song - Judith Blegen
  45. Gianni Schicchi: 'O mio babbino caro' - Angela Gheorghiu
  46. Madama Butterfly: 'Ah, ti serro palpitante' - Placido Domingo
  47. Madama Butterfly: 'Un bel di' - Leontyne Price
  48. Manon Lescaut: 'Donna non vidi mai' - Jussi Bjoerling
  49. La rondine: 'Chi il bel sogno di Doretta - Anna Moffo
  50. TOSCA: 'Recondita armonia' - Placido Domingo
  51. TOSCA: 'Vissi d'arte' - Irina Oudalova
  52. TOSCA: 'E avanti a lui...' - Zinka Milanov
  53. TOSCA: 'E lucevan le stelle' - Mario Lanza
  54. Turandot: 'Signore, ascolta' - Renata Tebaldi
  55. Turandot: 'In questa reggia' - Birgit Nilsson
  56. Turandot: 'Nessun dorma' - Jussi Bjoerling
  57. Dido & Aeneas: 'When I Am Laid In Earth' - Leontyne Price
  58. Il Barbiere di Siviglia: 'Largo al factotum' - Robert Merrill
  59. Il Barbiere di Siviglia: 'Una voce poco fa' - Roberta Peters
  60. Samson et Dalila: 'Mon coeur s'ouvre' - Christa Ludwig
  61. The Bartered Bride: 'Wenn ich das einmal erfahre' - Teresa Stratas
  62. Elektra: 'Agamemnon' - Inge Borkh
  63. Der Rosenkavalier: 'Ist ein Traum' - Erna Berger
  64. Salome: 'Nicht in der Welt...' - Inge Borkh
  65. Eugene Onegin: Lenski's Aria - Placido Domingo
  66. Eugene Onegin: Tatiana's Letter Scene - Leontyne Price
  67. Aida: 'Celeste Aida' - Jussi Bjoerling
  68. Aida: 'Ritorna vincitor!' - Leontyne Price
  69. Aida: 'Gloria all'Egitto' - John Alldis Choir
  70. Aida: 'O patria mia' - Leontyne Price
  71. Un Ballo in Maschera: 'O docezze perdute! O memorie...' - Robert Merrill
  72. Don Carlo: 'Dio, che nell'anima infondere' - Placido Domingo
  73. Ernani: 'Emani, involami' - Leontyne Price
  74. La forza del destino: 'Or muoio tranquillo...' - Robert Merrill
  75. La forza del destino: 'Pace, pace mio dio' - Zinka Milanov
  76. Nabucco: 'Va, pensiero' - Oleg Reshetkin
  77. Otello: 'Credo' - Tito Gobbi
  78. Otello: Willow Song - Leonie Rysanek
  79. Otello: 'Niun mi tema' - Jon Vickers
  80. Rigoletto: 'Qesta o quella' - Alfredo Kraus
  81. Rigoletto: 'Caro nome' - Anna Moffo
  82. Rigoletto: 'La donna e mobile' - Jan Peerce
  83. Rigoletto: 'Bella figlia dell'amore' - Alfredo Kraus
  84. La Traviata: Brindisi - Montserrat Caballe
  85. La Traviata: 'Di provenza' - Sherrill Milnes
  86. La Traviata: 'Sempre libera' - Eleanor Steber
  87. La Traviata: 'Addio del passato' - Anna Moffo
  88. Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus - Moscow Classical Chorus & Ensemble
  89. Il Trovatore: 'Di quella pira' - Placido Domingo
  90. Il Trovatore: 'Tacea la notte placido - Leontyne Price
  91. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlicht leuchtend' - Set Svanholm
  92. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries - Staatskapelle Dresden
  93. Die Walkure: Wotan's Farewell - Lawrence Tibbett
  94. Siegfried: Song Of The Forest Bird - Norma Sharp
  95. Gotterdammerung: 'Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort' - Kirsten Flagstad
  96. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus - Robert Shaw Chorale
  97. Lohengrin: 'In fernem Land' - Lauritz Melchior
  98. Tannhauser: 'Dich teure Halle' - Waltraud Meler

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Not worth buying!.......2007-05-29

I found this recording basically worthless. It contains only very short excerpts of the song. Not enough to get into and enjoy!

1 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money.......2007-01-18

This is the worst purchase I have ever made. It is a truly dreadful piece of work.I was so disgusted with it that I threw it into the trash can.

5 out of 5 stars Perfect for "drop the needle" style tests.......2006-11-19

If you want to hear full recordings of arias, then this disc is not for you. It plays only tidbits of 99 arias. Contrary to the title, this is definitely not the only opera disc you'll ever need. You shouldn't take it seriously. This disc has next to no value for an opera neophyte. But for opera fanatics, there has never been a better test of your knowledge of operatic repertoire and singers. It's a great challenge for opera buffs. Sit down with your opera loving friends for an hour, play this disc, and try to be the first to identify the singer, composer, opera, and piece. If you're a music professor, this disc would make for an awesome pop quiz. Find out how well your students really know their opera repertoire.

1 out of 5 stars A CD with Attention Deficit Disorder.......2006-10-02

I don't know anyone who would enjoy this CD. It will drive opera fans nuts with a hundred exerpts that run about 30 seconds each, then fade out without the singers even finishing a single verse. It's more like an index of arias, or a volume of teasers that hucksters might use to sell opera CDs.

I never realized how much Bernstein's "Glitter and be gay" sounded like Delibes' "Bell Song" until I heard 35 seconds of one, followed 23 seconds of the other.

Maybe the TV show 'Jeopardy' could use this CD. 'What is "Hush little baby don't you..."??'

What a waste of beautiful voices and great music. 38 seconds of Enrico Caruso, followed by 31 seconds of Jussi Bjoerling, followed by 38 seconds of Dawn Upshaw.

My copy is going to go sailing into the wastebasket as soon as I finish this review.

1 out of 5 stars This sucks..........2006-03-31

I should only blame myself for not checking out more reviews... this is a CD filled with short, little snippets of great operas songs... and I mean SHORT, LITTLE snippets of 30 seconds or so, each. Don't buy this CD... it is a complete rip off... and that is saying ALOT since it is only $4.00... Again, my fault for not reading the reviews but I trusted that something called a "Music CD" would actually have complete songs... What else does this company offer? A "Music CD" that only has the intros or applause tracks to great songs...?

Move on to something else... Amazon has a great selection... just not this one.
Florence Foster Jenkins & Friends: Murder on the High Cs
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Must be heard to be believed
  • This is the definitive FFJ!
  • Sounds Like A Vacuum Cleaner Ingesting An Owl
  • comedy classic
  • The "joke", never funny, is now painfully shabby
Florence Foster Jenkins & Friends: Murder on the High Cs
John Charles Thomas , John Charles Thomes , Robert Merrill , Alexander Kipnis , Ezio Pinza , Florence Foster Jenkins , Jack Barnett , Earl Cahn Sammy / Brent , Felicien David , and Leo Delibes
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Romberg, SigmundRomberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NostalgiaNostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Glory (????) of the Human Voice
  2. The Muse Surmounted: Florence Foster Jenkins and Eleven of Her Rivals
  3. Nightingale - Der Holle Rache [Germany]
  4. "Jonathan & Darlene Edwards - Greatest Hits, Vol. 2"
  5. Jonathan and Darlene's Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000AE7AO
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

  1. Queen of the Night Aria [From The Magic Flute]
  2. Serenata Mexicana
  3. Musical Snuff Box
  4. Like a Bird
  5. Bell Song [Lakme Dub]
  6. Charmant Oiseau [Perle du Brl]
  7. Adele's Laughing Song [Die Fledermaus]
  8. Biassy [Prelude XVI]
  9. Valse Caressante
  10. Little Jack Horner - Alexander Kipnis
  11. Sing a Song of Sixpence - John Charles Thomas
  12. Blue Danube - Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra, Josephine Tumminia
  13. Little Old State of Texas - Ezio Pinza, The Sons of the Pioneers
  14. Fireman's Bride [Up in Central Park] - Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Merrill
  15. Song's Gotta Come from the Heart - Jimmy Durante, Helen Traubel
  16. Real Piano Player - Jimmy Durante, Helen Traubel
  17. Please Don't Say No [Thrill of a Romance] - Lauritz Melchior

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Must be heard to be believed.......2006-04-09

Even the brilliant Judy Kaye in the recent play "Souvenir" about Ms. Jenkins couldn't quite match the unique sound of this singer, although she came close. For those who like this sort of thing, this is the real thing. The sound on this Naxos CD is superior to RCA's "Glory of the Human Voice??" which covers most of the same territory. The Naxos CD also restores the piano intro to the Bell Song and the heretofore rare Valse Caressante of which only a few pressings are known to exist.

That said, the rest of the (non-Florence) cuts are mostly forgettable. More kitch than camp. Annoying music abounds but the in the realm of the truly, stupendously awful Florence Foster Jenkins remains in a class by herself. No one can really compete with Ms. Jenkins on her own camp grounds and there is no sense in trying. The one exception being the sung "Blue Danube" with Josephine Tumminia and the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra which falls in the "what could they have been thinking?" department.

Personally a little of this sort of thing goes a long way. The Faust Travesty on the RCA set holds a bit more interest (but not all that much). I think a more interesting compliation would consist of "straight" renderings of the various arias and pieces contrasted with Madame Florence's so the listener may fully savor what she achieves in these performances.

Florence gets five stars but the rest of it gets a minus one, so it ends up with four.

5 out of 5 stars This is the definitive FFJ!.......2005-01-09

A fellow reviewer has not paid close attention to the contents of "Murder On The High C's": this release actually contains every recording that FFJ made. She recorded 9 arias and released them on 5 78's (the fifth, "Valse Caressante", was split), all of them gathered here for the first time. What this album omits from the previous cd release ("The Glory??? of the Human Voice") is the arias by an almost equally incompetent baritone. "Murder..." more than compensates for this with the inclusion of some unbelievably tragic recordings by artists who could actually sing but found themselves saddled with shockingly bad material; it's an absolute feast for those who love outsider music. The 'nursery rhyme' songs provoke bewilderment, the swing version of "Blue Danube" must be heard to be believed, and the excellent liner notes accurately describe Lauritz Melchior's valiant performance of "Please Don't Say No" as "the single worst recording of anything ever made by an opera star who should have known better". "Murder On The High C's" is an insanely delirious treasure.

3 out of 5 stars Sounds Like A Vacuum Cleaner Ingesting An Owl.......2004-10-15

Florence Foster Jenkins was a socialite who enjoyed singing in vast disproportion to her musical talent. This CD has some of her greatest works (so to speak) although the disc pales in comparison to her masterwork "The Glory (????) of Human Voice." (In fact several of the songs on this CD are available on that recording.) Particularly ear-shattering are "Musical Snuff Box" (watch out for that last note if you have pets, they will seriously dislike it), "Bell Song" which is essentially a series of a cappella pentatonic scales by and large, and finally the unique rendition of "Valse Caressante" (which was actually released as a single!) which will leave any listener in a near delirium.

In short, these rare Jenkins masterworks are amazing and hilarious. I can't recommend them highly enough to anyone even mildly curious about outsider music. Why the three star rating? It is certainly not due to Florence's participation, rather due to the packaging. The cover boasts "Florence Foster Jenkins and Friends." Little will most people suspect that the "friends" make up about half of the CD, and are totally unrelated to Jenkins except for possessing no musical talent. Some of the songs are merely boring (like the Jimmy Durante selections), and some are quite laughably funny like the dreadful "The Fireman's Bride," and "Please Don't Say No." Finally there is the real puzzler from the "what were they thinking?" file, "Little Jack Horner," an operatic retelling of the classic children's tale. The other reason I only give this disc three stars is because four of the nine Jenkins' songs are available on "The Glory (????) of Human Voice." I had expected different material on this CD.

The bottom line is that this CD is for Florence Foster Jenkins completists. (Ponder that.) People who want more exposure to Florence should buy her delightful "The Glory (????) of Human Voice," which I can't recommend highly enough.

5 out of 5 stars comedy classic.......2004-05-27

In the summer of 2003, I had the luck of hearing Florence's recordings. Even though no one is quite sure whether she meant to be funny or not, listening to her cds always puts me in the best mood. Hearing her try to reach those high notes and missing terribly is the funniest thing in the world!! My family and I love Florence!!!

1 out of 5 stars The "joke", never funny, is now painfully shabby.......2004-03-07

It is sad that a person who apparently had too much money and time to waste could have done so in preserving for an unsuspecting posterity such awful sounds. The so-called friends who flocked by invitation to her concert to relish an event of mockery were at least as much to blame as the poor woman herself for having encouraged such eccentric egocentricity.

The whole matter stinks of making fun of a person afflicted by illness. What a cruel species we were - and still are.
The Mozart Variations
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Peaceful and calming for parents and children
  • Very Moving For the Soul Touches the heart
  • Breathtakingly Beautiful, but not for the musical snob...
The Mozart Variations

Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
QuintetsQuintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
VariationsVariations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Classical (c.1770-1830)Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Classical Instrumental MusicClassical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Bach Variations: A Windham Hill Sampler
  2. Adagio: A Windham Hill Collection
  3. Different Mozart
  4. Prayer: A Windham Hill Collection
  5. The Impressionists: A Windham Hill Sampler

ASIN: B00000JH87
Release Date: 2000-04-04

Tracks:

  1. The Magic Flute: 'So Must We Two Forever Part?'
  2. 4 Variations On Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
  3. Theme From Symphony #40 -
  4. Menuett #6
  5. Exsultate Jubilate
  6. Et In Carnatus Est - Mass In C Minor-
  7. Adagio From The Piano Concerto #23
  8. Allegro From The Serenade No. 13 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusic'
  9. Adagio
  10. Bird Catcher's Song (Der Vogelsanger) From The Magic Flute-
  11. Motet 'Ave Verum Corpus' -
  12. Allegretto
  13. Andante From Sonata in F -
  14. Adagio From The 'Dissonant' Quartet In C -

Amazon.com

Stately and subdued, Mozart Variations joins The Impressionists and Bach Variations as interpretive projects involving Windham Hill artists and a gathering of guest performers. The disc's overall mood is largely reverential, though its periodic departures from tradition are surprisingly successful. Mike Marshall's mandolin-driven "Allegro from the Serenade #13 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusic'" is a dignified charmer, and William Coulter's Celtic embellishments give "Theme from Symphony #40" a lively, unexpected spin. John Lee Sanders engineers perhaps the album's biggest left turn by applying a restrained soprano saxophone to "Et In Carnatus Est (from Mass in C Minor)." Arrangements that most effectively intertwine classical and contemporary influences: a lovely rendering of "Menuett #6" by pianist Liz Story and Paul McCandless's adaptation of "Motet 'Ave Verum Corpus'" for wind instruments and acoustic guitar. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Peaceful and calming for parents and children.......2001-03-15

We picked this up after sampling several of the cuts here at Amazon. We were interested in a way to introduce our 1+/- year old to classical music and add to our drive and naptime repertoire. We couldn't be happier with this CD. The variations reflect the enormous talent and creativity of those arranging and performing on the CD and underscore how timeless music can be! If you like Classical, Jazz, NewAge or Eclectic, this will fit well in your collection!

5 out of 5 stars Very Moving For the Soul Touches the heart.......2000-07-24

I recommend This Album for everybody

5 out of 5 stars Breathtakingly Beautiful, but not for the musical snob..........2000-05-13

Mark my words. This is one of the most beautiful recordings I have ever heard. This is NOT new age, so don't let the label fool you. These are thoughtful variations of some of the most recognized Mozart pieces performed by some of the best contemporary musicians on earth. Most are virtually unrecognizable except for the famously faithful themes running throughout. Lots of historic Windham Hill stable musicians are represented here, along with some hugely talented "guest" artists. The Turtle Island String Quartet, Liz Story, Mike Marshall, Paul McCandless and Michael Manring bring their usual excitement to everything they play, but my favorite piece has to be "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" by the L.A. Guitar Quartet. If their interpretation of this early Mozart doodle fails to draw an eye mist or a lung gasp, then you must be dead! This is too good to languish at the bottom of the Amazon pit. Buy this and live a little.
Kirke Mechem: Symphonies nos. 1 & 2 / The Jayhawk
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Kirke Mechem: Symphonies nos. 1 & 2 / The Jayhawk

    Manufacturer: Russian Disc
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000001LLR
    Release Date: 1995-02-07

    Tracks:

    1. Overture, Op. 43
    2. Sonata: Lento Molto, Allegro Moderato, Lento Molto
    3. Quodlibet
    4. Canzona Con Variazioni: Grazioso Un Poco Andante
    5. Rondo: Allegro
    6. Comodo. Allegro, Adagio
    7. Intermezzo: Adagio
    8. Theme And Derivations: Allegro
    Magic of the Chinese Flute
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Magic of the Chinese Flute
      Tseng Yung-Ching
      Manufacturer: Arc Music
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Chinese Bamboo Flute Music
      2. Classical Chinese Folk Music
      3. Masterpieces of Chinese Traditional Music
      4. An Inconvenient Truth

      ASIN: B000067NU7
      Release Date: 2002-05-21
      Tchaikovsky: Symphony 5/Sleeping Beauty
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Tchaikovsky: Symphony 5/Sleeping Beauty

        Manufacturer: Magic Master
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
        All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
        All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
        ASIN: B00000JBGP
        Release Date: 1999-06-15

        Tracks:

        1. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: I. Andante - Allegro con anima
        2. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: II. Andante cantabile con alcuna licenza
        3. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: III. Valse - Allegro moderato
        4. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: IV. Finale - Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace
        5. Dance Of The Princess Aurora
        6. The Sleeping Beauty, Music From The Ballet Op.66: Mazurca
        7. The Sleeping Beauty, Music From The Ballet Op.66: Puss-In-Boots And The White Cat
        8. The Sleeping Beauty, Music From The Ballet Op.66: The Diamond Fairy : Pas de quatre
        9. The Sleeping Beauty, Music From The Ballet Op.66: The Blue-Bird And The Enchanted Princess
        10. The Sleeping Beauty, Music From The Ballet Op.66: Valse
        11. The Sleeping Beauty, Music From The Ballet Op.66: Sarabande
        12. The Sleeping Beauty, Music From The Ballet Op.66: Apotheosis
        Janácek: Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs
        Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
        • Moravian songs, via Janacek, Godar, Bittova and Skampa
        • Skampa Quartet is great - the singer... yikes
        Janácek: Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs
        Leos Janacek , Iva Bittová , ¿kampa Quartet , Vladimír Godár , and Skampa Quartet
        Manufacturer: Supraphon
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        Janácek, LeosJanácek, Leos | ( J ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
        Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
        Experimental MusicExperimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. Elida
        2. Cikory

        ASIN: B00061X9YC
        Release Date: 2005-03-01

        Tracks:

        1. Tuzba (Desire)
        2. Stst'/Steadiness
        3. Lavecka (Bench)
        4. Stesk (Woe) - Skampa Quartet
        5. Obrk Mileho (Lover's Likeness)
        6. Svatba Kom (Gnats Wedding)
        7. Kouzlo (Charm)
        8. Slib (Promise)
        9. Orisek Lovy (Hazel Nut) - Skampa Quartet
        10. La (Love)
        11. Jablunka (Apple Tree)
        12. Jabucko (Sweet Apple)
        13. Co Je to Za Nebe (What Sky)
        14. Safva C (Alderman's Daughter)
        15. Cervenab(Little Red Apples)
        16. Dobr(Good Hunt)
        17. He Warden)
        18. Kony Mil [My Lover's Horses]
        19. Kv MilodejnLove Herbs)
        20. Pcko (Posy)
        21. LoucenMilou
        22. Jindy a NynThen and Now)
        23. T (Uneasy)
        24. VzknMessage)
        25. Belegrade (Belgrade) - Skampa Quartet
        26. Milenec Vrah (Lover Killer)
        27. Pomluva (Calumny)
        28. LoucenParting)
        29. Sirota (Lonely Soul)
        30. Osamel Alone)
        31. Komu Kytka (For Whom the Posy)
        32. Z Od Mil (Love Shining)
        33. Polajka (Thyme)
        34. Kol(KolTown)
        35. Psano (Love Letter)
        36. Karafi(Carnation)
        37. Rozmarsemary)
        38. Pamy (Mementos)
        39. Zpevulenka (Tender Little Tune)
        40. Nejistota (Uncertainty)
        41. Kukacka (Cuckoo)
        42. Zahrcka (Fence)
        43. Muzikanti (Musicians)
        44. Vernost' (Faithfulness)
        45. Bolavlava (Headache)
        46. Osud (Fate)
        47. Daleko ProvdanWedded Far Away)
        48. Budk (Wakening)
        49. Dobrada (Sound Advice)
        50. Slzy echou (Tears of Comfort)
        51. Koukol (Corncockle)
        52. Kalina (Guelder Rose)
        53. Pohreb Zbojnv

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Moravian songs, via Janacek, Godar, Bittova and Skampa.......2006-05-09

        This is a unique recording of Janacek's transcriptions of Moravian folk songs. Originally for piano and voice, they have been transcribed by Slovak composer Vladimir Godar for string quartet and (occasionally) three-voice male chorus. Here they are performed by renowned Czech singer and violinist Iva Bittova, accompanied by the Skampa Quartet and chorus. The effect is not so much of classical liede, but of authentic eastern European "popular" songs - the sonority of the string quartet adds to this in no small part. Janacek would be proud.

        2 out of 5 stars Skampa Quartet is great - the singer... yikes.......2005-07-28

        I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into when I bought this CD. I love Janacek, I love folk songs... how could I go wrong? Iva Bittova! I was concerned that she would have a 50yr old woobly voice, but instead what exists is a thin VERY nasal tone... perhaps she should be singing traditional Bulgarian music! The voice is expressive, just ugly.
        The recording quality is not very good, either. On many of the tracks, Iva seems to be muffled and in the background of the recording.
        Really - dont waste your time and money, unless you really would just like to have a recording of over 50 Janacek songs.

        World Music:

        1. Malafemmina [Import]
        2. Mann Ke Manjeere [Import]
        3. Marcas de Ayer [Import]
        4. March of the Jazz Guerillas
        5. Master Serie [Original recording remastered]
        6. Master Serie, Vol. 2 [Import]
        7. Modern Favorites [Import]
        8. Moderna Tradição [Import]
        9. Moscou [Import]
        10. Nada Brahma

        World Music

        world music

        World Music

        Viva La Vida [CD-single] [Import]

        Best-Loved Classics 14

        Cruzin' the Music Highway

        Positive Energy

        Dancemaniax [Import]

        Cross Over the World

        Crown of Creation

        Closure

        Concert for Peace [Live]

        Catharine Crozier: At Grace Cathedral

        Body Talk [Import]

        Coloriage [Import]

        Chromed Out [Explicit Lyrics]

        The Sky Is Crying the Legendary Fire: Enjoy Sessions

        The Rough Guide to Cumbia