Graal [Import]

1. Tous Les Secrets Du Monde

2. Va Plus Loin

3. L'alliance

4. Mefie-Toi Des Anges

5. Nuit Des Temps

6. Promesse

7. Fils De Roi

8. L'amour Interdit

9. Vraie Vie

10. Mes Defis

11. Au-Dela Du Silence

12. Le Dernier Aveu

Tracks:

Graal Theatre: Delicato
Graal Theatre: Impetuoso
Chateau De L'Ame: La Liane
Chateau De L'Ame: A La Terre
Chateau De L'Ame: La Liane
Chateau De L'Ame: Pour Repousser L'Esprit
Chateau De L'Ame: Les Formules
Amers: Libero, Dolce, Misterioso
Amers: Sempre Molto Energico, Ma Espresivo

Amazon.com

Kaija Saariaho was born in Helsinki in 1952, one of numerous notable musicians to have come out of Finland recently, a distinction she shares with Salonen, one of her earliest and most steadfast supporters. She studied in Finland, Germany, and Paris, where she became acquainted with the composers of "spectral" music, who focus on music as sound and examine its constituent elements in microscopic detail. This influenced her own writing, which she describes as "more timbral than melodic, more focused on color than line."

Indeed, the two instrumental works on this disc seem created entirely from sound effects and color effects. Graal Theatre is a substantial violin concerto that exploits all imaginable, and many unimaginable, resources of the instrument and demands superhuman tonal and technical acrobatics of the soloist. Kremer, of course, clears all these hurdles with ease and aplomb; the beauty of his tone comes through at every opportunity. These are almost nonexistent in the cello concerto, Amers, in which the soloist is reduced to running, scratching, and squeaking. The five-song set Chateau de L'ame is the most accessible: sung beautifully, it is mainly lyrical, atmospheric, languid, and mournful, with big leaps in the vocal line and much lighter orchestration than in the concertos. The composer confirms that "vocal music written to strong texts seems more emotional," because the words enhance the music and because "the human voice touches us differently than any other instrument." It would have been helpful to know what the songs are about, but unfortunately, the booklet carries no texts, though it includes a long interview with the composer in three languages. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Two superb works along with one marking the end of her finest era.......2005-12-10

Here we have 3 pieces by contemporary Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho performed by each work's dedicatee--Gidon Kremer, Dawn Upshaw, and Anssi Karttunen--and three excellent ensembles--the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir & Symphony Orchestra, and the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra--all conducted by long-time associate Esa-Pekka Salonen. I've been unhappy with Saariaho's recent work, where she has seemingly abandoned electronics and concentrated increasingly on melody, but the music of the early 90s, with its focus on gorgeous timbre and frequent use of electronic possibilities, is a standout of contemporary music. Two works here show Saariaho at her best, but one is the harbinger of her lesser music of today.

All things considered, "Amers" for cello, orchestra, and electronics (1993) is for me Saariaho's masterpiece. With its prominent cello part written for Anssi Karttunen, the two-movement piece can be considered a cello concerto, but the relationship between soloist and orchestra that Saariaho aims for here is richer than any other concerto I've ever heard. While the orchestra bangs out gentle and ghostly ocean-like rhythms ("amers" is a French word for "navigation buoy"), the cello plays "as a sailor charting a course through a sea of sounds". The piece makes use of a special microphone specially developed by IRCAM that is capable of isolating each of the cello's four strings and amplifying or electronically altering each separately, which expands the cello's sound to new levels: furious bowing across the bridge gives bell-like chimes, a sound produced by pizzicato elastically reverbs. Over the course of the work, electronic alterations pull the cello "off-course"; in the first movement, only minor interference occurs, while in the powerful second movement the sound of the cello is violently shaken about. Karttunen and Avanti! give a moving performance that alone serves to make this a highly recommended disc.

I should mention that if you like "Amers" you should check out Saariaho's related "Pres" for solo cello, whose material is mainly taken from the solo part of "Amers" with some additions of even greater beauty, allowing one to concentrate on this particular element of the concerto separate from the orchestral elements.

"Graal Theatre" for violin and orchestra (1994) more closely approaches the concerto tradition than "Amers", but has its own twist: during the first movement instead of a dialogue between soloist and orchestra, the orchestra emulates the material displayed by the soloist. Saariaho puts it that the soloist "leaves tracks" that the ensemble follows. Only in the second movement, "Impetuoso", do we find confrontation. Gidon Kremer performs superbly here as always, and I was impressed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. It is a pity that this performance, recorded in 1996, sat around for five years before being released. A version for chamber orchestra was later written that is featured on a recent Ondine disc and is worth hearing, although I find this original version for full orchestra works better due to its greater percussion.

"Chateau de L'ame" for solo soprano, 8 female voices and orchestra (1996) marks the end of Saariaho's overall concern with otherworldly timbre and the beginning of her disappointing turn to overt melody. The text of these five songs come from Vedic love poems and magical writings from Ancient Egypt. In spite of the divine voice of Dawn Upshaw, I find this music bland. One only has to look at "Lonh" for soprano and electronics of the same year, also written for Upshaw (and wonderfully performed by her on an Ondine disc) to see how limited this new music is. With the certain exception of "Sept Papillions" for solo cello and the cautious exception of her first opera "L'amour de loin", most of what I've heard from Saariaho recently is of considerably lesser quality than what she wrote before.

In spite of the weak "Chateau", however, the two earlier works on this disc are of great elegance and beauty. If you've never heard Saariaho's music before, I'd recommend first trying the discs "Du crystal ...a la fumee/Nymphea/Sept Papillions" or "Private Gardens", both on Ondine. Still, this disc is worth hearing once you've fallen in love with her writing.

Music of shapeshifting beauty.......2002-11-26

The music of Kaija Saariaho was almost too much for me to absorb at once, when I first listened to this disc. This isn't because it's busy or overblown, although there's plenty of detail and sumptuous orchestral beauty to her music. Rather, on the first piece in particular, it's almost as if different moods are overlayed, translucent and continuously shifting from foreground to background,with severe modernist abstraction (which I love, by the way) and lush neo-romanticism bleeding over into one another. Saariaho makes "Graal Theatre"'s continuous transformations work much more subtly than that grasping description makes it sound. The piece has an almost ritualistic quality to it, with the decisively rigorous violin moving with fluid angularity amongst a variegated landscape of orchestral color and occasional tension. "Chateau De L'Ame" is the most accesible piece, with Dawn Upshaw's lovely soprano supported by understated orchestrations that, while beautiful, carry an uncanny tinge. "Amers" closes out the disc with the most obscure music here, with incredible explorations of timbre within a bright sound haze. According to the liner notes, it has more in common with Saariaho's earlier work than the other pieces. After managing to let myself sink into this hauntingly beautiful music, I certainly plan on exploring more of what is available from this amazing composer.

How rich the Nordic realm!.......2002-09-21

Kaija Saariaho is well known to Los Angeles audiences as her fellow countryman and music spiritual partner Esa-Pekka Salonen has provided many performances of this gifted composer's output in the Los Angeles Philharmonic's seasons. It is well to hear these two collaborate on this recording as there is a special affinity obviously present. Saariaho's music is an acquired taste. Not that it is unapproachable on first hearing: she is after all an impressionist of wondrous colors and a titan of orchestration. The acquired taste in this instance is like a reference to drug addicition. Once the listener relaxes with the relative lack of meter and just bathes in the luxury of her created sound, the works beg for encores. Though all three works on this disc are very fine, for me the pinnacle is the song cycle 'Chateau de l'ame' which benefits from the impeccably beautiful art of soprano Dawn Upshaw. This is a song cycle that should stand with Ravel's "Sheherazade" and Berlioz' "Nuits d'ete". Finland remains a rich resource for some of the best music and musicians before us today. Highly recommended.

A must have modern.......2002-06-14

This is a VERY GOOD disc of modern music.

It has is similarities with Salonens own "LA variations" Salonens is in my opinion better) but this is, even if you compare with Salonen a very good disc. Gideon Kremer plays on this and he is fantastic even if I THINK his violin is a BIT too "loud" over orchestra but mayby Saariaho like it that way?

Salonen conducts modern music very good -as usual- and sound is excellent, music is stunning and Cello player Karttunen plays with bravura and Dawn Upshaw singing with grace.

Otherwise this booklet give us, what I think, some kvasi-intellectual nonsence about Saariahos works (Sony "forget" give us more vital info instead about this importent composer). If you could stand that Sony treat modern importent works like this in what I think is a bad manner and listen too this music instead this IS importent modern music and a must have.

Of course this is highly recommended disc but dont forget Salonens "LA Variations"

Beautiful music from Kaija Saariaho.......2002-03-19

Kaija Saariaho has one of the most colorful and expressive orchestral palates out there today. These pieces are amoung her best, especially the final piece Amers. The performances are, I assume, definative. A very important release by one of the most important composers out there.

Average customer rating:

Three works that hold a somewhat minor role in her oeuvre alongside stronger ones
Saariaho's Shimmering Sonic Blossoms
Saariaho's enchanting soundworld

Graal Theater / Solar / Lichtbogen
Saariaho , Storgards , Lintu , and Avanti Cham Orch
Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Saariaho: Private Gardens / Dawn Upshaw
Portrait of Kaija Saariaho
Kaija Saariaho: From the Grammar of Dreams
Kaija Saariaho: Château de l'âme / Graal Théâtre / Amers
Kaija Saariaho: Du Cristal...À la Fumée; Sept Papillons, Nymphéa

ASIN: B000069KMS
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

I - John Storgards
II - John Storgards
Solar - Avanti! Chamber Orchestra
Lichtbogen - Avanti! Chamber Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Three works that hold a somewhat minor role in her oeuvre alongside stronger ones.......2006-04-03

This 2002 Ondine disc contains three pieces by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, whose falling in with the spectralist school in the early 1980s led to a long obsession with timbre as the ultimate component of music. Hannu Lintu leads the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, with a spotlight on violinist John Storgards.

"Graal Theatre", a violin concerto dedicated to Gidon Kremer, stands on the threshold of a new interest in somewhat more conventional writing. While the orchestral writing is concerned mainly with timbre, the soloist's material is often melodic. The work was originally written in 1994 for symphony orchestra, and a recording of this version with Kremer performing can be found on a Sony disc. The version here is a 1997 arrangement for chamber orchestra, which maintains the solo part unchanged but gives a more intimate feel to the work by reducing the remaining instrumentation. All in all, I like the version for full orchestra better, as it features more impressive use of percussion and it is the original version whose recording gives us the powerful work of Gidon Kremer. John Storgards just doesn't excite me as much here. However, when it comes to examining certain details of the original version, this pared-down chamber arrangement is a useful tool.

"Solar" (1993), a composition for a chamber ensemble of twelve players, takes its title from the "heliocentric" nature of its harmonies: the writing forces a harmonic progression towards a fixed point as if by gravitational attraction. This is a less dramatic work than "Graal Theatre", featuring fewer ups-and-downs and staying rather sunny and busy in the first half and restrained in the second. However, it better showcases the obsession with colour of spectralist composers like Saariaho. The work was originally written for the ensemble Champ d'Action, and a recording of their performance is available on a Mode disc, but this Avanti! performance is just as fine.

"Lichtbogen" (1986) comes from a fairly early stage of Saariaho's career and is typical of her output of this time in its use of live electronics and finding inspiration from a single sound. The cracking of a cello harmonic when pressure is applied to the bow was analysed with a computer, transposed to nine instrumentalists and live electronics, and then extended to a full-scale piece. This is a quiet piece where rare bright notes shine over a night sky of subdued ambience--the apt title of the piece comes from the Swedish for the Aurora Borealis. While not as immediately accessible as the first two works, it still offers pleasurable listening.

This disc is probably not the best introduction to Saariaho's oeuvre. The aforementioned Sony disc with the original arrangement of "Graal Theatre" also features "Amers", a real stunner of a cello concerto (with live electronics) that I think is her masterpiece. However, for established fans this disc is worth seeking out.

Saariaho's Shimmering Sonic Blossoms.......2003-11-25

Elegant and unorthodox, organic and uncanny, the music of Kaija Saariaho has an alien beauty that isn't compromised one iota by its resolute modernism. "Graal Theatre", for violin and chamber orchestra, is a luxuriously writhing soundscape, where the impassioned violin part has its great swoops punctuated by splashes of orchestral color. The violin here is much more up front than in the full orchestral version, which is available on Sony Classical's excellent "Chateau De L'Ame" disc of the composer's works (see my review). "Solar" inhabits a similar soundworld. Rather than complementing and dialectically engaging with a soloist, the orchestral layers and clusters of resosnant sound are free to blossom into a lush ambient hazes and florid tangles. Tempo and density vary unpredictably, but these shifts never seem random or arbitrary. These changes are written with subtelty and a balance that seems improbable, in this context. But Saariaho pulls it off. As with Debussy, her music can seem decorative and unrigorous at first. But like the impressionist master, whose lineage (in one of its tributaries) culminates in her Spectralist mentors, Saariaho lets the indistinct quality of much of her material influence the progression of its form. "Lichtbogen", the closing piece, is a compelling demonstration of this talent. Nine musicians, and their live electronic transformations of various sorts, weave a delicate study in tone and texture, with vibrating events rising from crystalline, sustained tones and electronic washes. As with all of Saariaho's work, this is highly original music.

Saariaho's enchanting soundworld.......2003-06-30

This is a fantastic collection of Kaija Saariaho. The featured work is a violin concerto, "Graal theatre," with John Storgards on violin. This is a chamber orchestra arrangement -- the piece was originally composed for full orchestra in 1994, a commission from the BBC, and was premiered at the Proms in London in 1995. The original version has been recorded by Gidon Kremer, with Salonen conducting. On this Ondine disc, the music is performed by the Finnish Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, with Hannu Lintu conducting.

"Graal theatre" is the most conventionally beautiful, lyrical piece I have yet heard by Saariaho. "Graal" means that which is innermost and holiest, while "theatre" indicates that which is extroverted and performing -- the enchanting, elusive quality of the music apparently expresses this contradiction. The other two pieces work backward in time, with "Solar" composed in 1993, and "Lichtbogen," featuring live electronics, composed in 1986, one of Saariaho's early works. They are both wondrous, lovely pieces. Working backwards, the music seems to become structurally simpler, more static, purer, as if dissolving into light. I use the metaphor advisedly, as "Lichtbogen" was inspired by the Northern lights, the aurora borealis.

Alongside "du cristal .. a la fumee," also on Ondine (see my 11/7/02 review), this recording adds to Saariaho's stature as one of the finest of contemporary composers.

Graal
Average customer rating:

Celtic & French -- the perfect combo

Graal
Catherine Lara
Manufacturer: Bmg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0006MLSVC
Release Date: 2005-03-21

Tracks:

Tous Les Secrets Du Monde
Va Plus Loin
L'alliance
Mefie-Toi Des Anges
Nuit Des Temps
Promesse
Fils De Roi
L'amour Interdit
Vraie Vie
Mes Defis
Au-Dela Du Silence
Le Dernier Aveu

Customer Reviews:

Celtic & French -- the perfect combo.......2006-03-28

This is a beautiful and imaginative album. It helps to understand French, but it's not essential -- and besides, the package includes the words, albeit "en francais." It's the legend of the Grail told in music and it's spellbinding. The blend of French lyrics and voices and Celtic rhythms is -- magnifique!

Perceval: La quête du Graal (The Quest for the Grail), Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
My first LA NEF WORK...not my last!
absolutely gorgeous
Enchanting
Utterly charming! An original, magical listening experience!

Perceval: La quête du Graal (The Quest for the Grail), Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Montsegur: La Tragedie Cathare
Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Two-Disc Platinum Series)
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00000K07C
Release Date: 1999-08-17

Tracks:

Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: Prologue - Les fleurs de la foret
Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: Air des Chevaliers
Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: Et quand il les vit en apert
Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: Perceval revient du bois
Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: Biaux fils
Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: Ah! Lasse, comme suis mal baillie!
Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: A manger!
Perceval la quete du Graal: In The Lost Forest: Le Depart
Perceval la quete du Graal: At Arthur's Castle: Ou iras-tu, vallet, dis va?
Perceval la quete du Graal: At Arthur's Castle: Biaux frere, beinvenu soyez
Perceval la quete du Graal: At Arthur's Castle: Vallet, si tu vis sans age
Perceval la quete du Graal: At Arthur's Castle: Mettez les bas
Perceval la quete du Graal: With Blancheflor At Belrepeire Castle: Damoiselle, je fus
Perceval la quete du Graal: With Blancheflor At Belrepeire Castle: Slow Air
Perceval la quete du Graal: With Blancheflor At Belrepeire Castle: Ha, gentil chevalier, merci!
Perceval la quete du Graal: With Blancheflor At Belrepeire Castle: Ainsi malheureuse suis
Perceval la quete du Graal: With Blancheflor At Belrepeire Castle: Amie chere
Perceval la quete du Graal: The Battle Of Belrepeire: A l'ajourner s'en retourna
Perceval la quete du Graal: The Battle Of Belrepeire: Le jor y fut ses fers sentis
Perceval la quete du Graal: The Battle Of Belrepeire: The Arran Boat
Perceval la quete du Graal: The Battle Of Belrepeire: A Jig
Perceval la quete du Graal: The Battle Of Belrepeire: Le depart de Beaurepaire
Perceval la quete du Graal: The Battle Of Belrepeire: Ici a la voie se met

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-05-14

On this very excellent recording 'La Nef' puts forth its own version of the myth of the Grail incorporating elements borrowed from Medieval Play, Baroque Opera, and more contemporary musical styles. An important part of the musical material is drawn from the traditonal repertory of the British Isles from pure and flexible melodies evoking the land of origin and, as with the story of the Grail, perpetuates its true flavor. The listener will hear, not only British tunes, but Scottish, Irish and French melodies. These songs and dances are played on instruments typical of the region of origin (harp,penny whistle, bass viol, early guitar, dulcimers) as well as on instruments of the medieval era (shawn, recorders, santur,percussion instruments). The main character(Perceval) is interpreted by a masculine alto voice (Daniel Taylor), whose particular color and tone evoke the candor and naivete of a young boy. The Lady Widow, the Red Knight, Arthur, the Young Maid who laughs, the Fool, and Blancheflor are characters that Perceval meets on his journey.
'La Nef' is a schooled ensemble who is very knowledgeable about putting together this type of musical composition, and it is really quite enjoyable for there is much variety both instrumentally and vocally. And of course, there is Daniel Taylor, a very fine countertenor who does a wonderful job singing the role of Perceval. I heard him a couple of years ago and knew immediately that he must be studying with Michael Chance, because he has the open, full-bodied sound that is characteristic of Chance (the master of the falsetto). This disc is only 55 minutes and I had to play it again and again before I was satisfied. Just so entertaining!!!!!

My first LA NEF WORK...not my last!.......2007-02-11

This was my very first La Nef cd and let me tell you--- I HAD TO BUY IT ALL! Let me tell you this -- I had to 'specially order 3 of the 4 albums from Tower or Amazon...that's how good La Nef is.

I LOVEEEEE "The Quest" and not just because it's in french. I don't speak French, btw. It's a Renaissance work and a great story - about this poor boy who leaves his mother for adventure with the Templar Knights (or whoever these warrior monks were) to find THE HOLY GRAIL.

The vocals are pure and filling - beautifully performed. The instrumentals are thoroughly moving and truly set the tone for the play. If you are fascinated with the mystery and history surrounding the Templar Knights and their quests - listen to this CD. I think it presents the history, moods and personalities of that time WELL.

absolutely gorgeous.......2007-01-03

Absolutely beautiful voices and enchanting music. Of course I might be a bit prejudiced, my sister (Catherine Herrmann) plays the dulcimers and the part of A Young Maid. You can hear her voice in the track 11 sample, but I'd love this CD even if my sister wasn't part of it. :) It just makes it extra special. I agree with all the other 5 star reviewers. This is a truly magnificent recording. I also love that the booklet that comes with it gives the english translation of the verses side by side with the french lyrics. The whole thing is just perfect! (Volume 2 is wonderful also, you can hear my sister in track 7 on volume 2)

Enchanting.......2004-06-30

I highly recommend this beautiful Dorian recording by La Nef. The traditional period melodies (although some are modified and reworked) played on traditional instruments (harp, early guitar, penny whistle, dulcimer, santur, bass voil, etc..) blend seamlessly with the vocals to tell the story of the young knight Perceval. A real gift for anyone who is interested in the Arthurian legends or time period, medieval music, or just beautiful music in general.

Utterly charming! An original, magical listening experience!.......2002-11-28

On this first volume of "Perceval: The Quest for the Grail", La Nef does not perform medieval music per se, but rather, uses period instruments to play traditional and original melodies in the accompaniment of singers telling a story. While probably stunning as a theatrical performance, "Perceval's" strength as an audio recording lies in the wonderful way in which arranger/lutenist Sylvain Bergeron has chosen or constructed melodic themes for each character so that they flow together, and at key points, function as motets--all layered, one upon another. Track #s 8, 17, 22 and 23 are particularly beautiful and compelling examples of this technique. According to the program notes, "La Nef is now proposing its own version of the myth of the Grail, a somewhat original `collage', which incorporates elements borrowed from Medieval Play, Baroque Opera, and more contemporary styles... An important part of the musical material is drawn from the traditional repertory of the British Isles." The language sung is French, adapted from the text of 12th century writer Chretien de Troyes. The story is a coming of age tale, but the insert points out that "Perceval is [not] a typical hero of chivalry...[He] follows his impulses without a thought for the consequences, abandons his mother, then [his love] Blancheflor, gets within inches of the Grail without noticing anything and is presumptuous enough to leave the court of King Arthur because he finds it overrated"(!) Nonetheless, the music is overflowing with youthful innocence and charm, enhanced by countertenor Daniel Taylor's enchanting performance as Perceval. While this concept is not something that would have grabbed my attention when reading about it, the resulting music is remarkably moving. Don't miss an opportunity to sample this recording, and after you have, BUY IT! La Nef continues the story of Perceval in "Perceval: The Quest for the Grail, Volume 2".

Average customer rating:

Some gems poorly set

The Eternal Harp

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

Tracks:

Traditional Strathspey/Traditional Strathspey/Traditional Reel/The Strathbogie Toast/Mackinnon's... - Kirkmount
Piva - Becky Baxter
Cantiga De Santa Maria No.10: Rosa Da Rosas - Ens Alcatraz/Kitka
Down By The Salley Gardens - Carol Thompson
The Arran Boat - La Nef
A Jig - La Nef
Le Depart De Beaurepaire - La Nef
Surge Cor Lasso - Becky Baxter
Why Did You Not Come To Me? - Ens Polaris
Alleluya, Post Partum - William Taylor/Rob MacKillop/Paul Rendall
Alvorada - Ens Alcatraz/Kitka
The Foggy Dew - Carol Thompson
Orkney Wedding Song - William Taylor/Rob MacKillop/Paul Rendall
Pour Ung Plaisir - Becky Baxter
Zarambeque Criollo - Chatham Baroque/Becky Baxter
Paradetas - Chatham Baroque/Becky Baxter
The Lass Of Humberside - Ens Polaris
Kaingk Dafydd Broffwyd - William Taylor
Caingc Dafydd Brophwyd - William Taylor
Helen Douglas Waltz - Ens Galilei
Beautiful Dreamer - Custer LaRue/Chris Norman/Kim Robertson

Customer Reviews:

Some gems poorly set.......2001-10-11

I own this cd and many of the cds from which these tracks are gleaned. As an introduction to several of Dorian's artists, this cd may be useful. On its own, it is rather uneven and sometimes clashing. The character of individual pieces is not allowed to emerge because of the great variety and inadequate organization. Also, be aware that the pieces do not always represent the character of the original albums, and that these pieces are sometimes not the best from those albums. Also, the harp is not actually very prominent on this album. On the other hand, there is a great variety of harps and styles of music here, some peaceful, some delightful, some annoying.

Average customer rating:

Great Voices Of Canada, Volume 2

Manufacturer: Analekta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000009D2L
Release Date: 2006-10-26

Average customer rating:

E Tales Untold
Graal
Manufacturer: Powerzone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000NA2USW
Release Date: 2007-03-12

Tracks:

Misty Morning
After
Two In A World
Silver Wings
Crash Of Steel
Last Day
Fairylands
Knife Edge
Broken Heroes
Walk Of Clouds

Album Details

The Band Brings Back the Old but Yet Evergreen Sound of the 70's, Influenced by Bands Like Deep Purple and Jethro Tull but also by American Bands Like Kansas. Hard and Immediate Riffs Are Followed by Acoustic Parts, which Lead to Dreaming and Ancient Melodies. A Deep and Warm Vocal Timbre, Creates Interesting Contrasts with Very Rough Guitars. Definitely a Jump Into the Past to Invite You to Discover Once Again the Pure Emotions that Only the Best Hard Rock Can Deliver. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Maurizio Capitini.

Perceval: The Quest for the Grail, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

La Nef continues the story of Perceval from "Volume 1"
a heart-searing second volume
Beautifully done
Time Travelling Made Fun
mysterious and exotic,

Perceval: The Quest for the Grail, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Perceval: La quête du Graal (The Quest for the Grail), Vol. 1

ASIN: B000058TFP
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

The Castle Of The Grail. Ov 'Le Cortege'
The Castle Of The Grail: Tout Le Jour, Sa Voie Tint
The Castle Of The Grail: Ami, Ne Vous Affectez
The Castle Of The Grail: Le Cortege
The Castle Of The Grail: A Slow Air
The Maiden And Her Dead Love: Lasse! Malaureuse
The Maiden And Her Dead Love: Ha! Perceval, Malheureux
The Injured Goose: Trois Gouttes De Sang
The Injured Goose: Brid One Breere
The Injured Goose: Young Man's Lamentation
The Injured Goose: Young Man's Lamentation
Perceval At The Court Of Arthur: Grande Joie Fit Le Roi
Perceval At The Court Of Arthur: Rejouissances 1-2
Perceval At The Court Of Arthur: La Malediction
Perceval At The Court Of Arthur: 5 Ans Passerent
Perceval At The Court Of Arthur: A Scoth Measure
Holy Friday With The Hermit: De Pascha
Holy Friday With The Hermit: Doux Sire, Bien A 5 Ans
Holy Friday With The Hermit: Pascha Nostrum
Perceval's Oath: Chaconne 'Le Serment'

Customer Reviews:

La Nef continues the story of Perceval from "Volume 1".......2002-11-28

While the tone of many of the tracks is a bit darker (Perceval is older now and reflecting on his mistakes), the motets of combined motifs are even more compellingly beautiful than in Volume 1, and track #20 brings it all to a satisfying and multi-layered conclusion. Daniel Taylor returns as Perceval, and the combination of early stringed instruments with tin whistle and recorder continues to evoke an enticing atmosphere hovering somewhere between Celtic, medieval and modern. The name of this Canadian ensemble, "La Nef," is French for "ship", and can also mean that section of a church's interior (the "nave") where people sit or stand to worship. I find it a fitting name, since their music is quite transporting, and were I sitting in a church listening to them perform, as I have done with other early music groups, I would likely be feeling quite worshipful of the quality of their music-making. La Nef has three other releases, also on the Dorian Label: "Montsegur: The Tragedy of the Cathars", "Music for Joan the Mad", and "The Garden of Earthly Delights". These recordings contain more standard, period fare, though well done to be sure. In "Montsegur", Bergeron begins arranging motets to bring together previously-played musical motifs, but it is in "Perceval" that the technique finds full and most satisfying realization.

a heart-searing second volume.......2002-11-15

La Nef and Dorian Recordings have impressed me to no end with their Perceval discs (volumes one and two). Disc two is even more powerful than its predecessor. This disc is possibly my favorite recording in my entire collection.

La Nef is beyond reproach musically. If there is a greater ensemble with greater singers, I have not encountered it. On this disc, Daniel Taylor and Clare Gignac give what for most artists would be performances of a lifetime.

The story of this second volume of Perceval is one that touches on a theme common to many in modern life: Perceval runs around having interesting (some would say bizarre) experiences that gain him increasing fame and respect. Yet in the middle of all this action, Perceval forgets the grounding of his life--his God. The scene between Perceval and the Hermit is one that will stay with the listener for a long time--it sure has stuck with me.

I give volume two of Perceval my highest recommendation.

Beautifully done.......2002-01-07

This is the second part of La Nef's setting of the French Perceval text; buy part one too if you can find it. La Nef has used mostly folk tunes to set the medieval text. They tend to use the same tunes over and over, but the varations are interesting, and the singing and playing are gorgeous. I found it lovely, soothing and uplifting.

Time Travelling Made Fun.......2001-10-24

My girlfriend and I stumbled upon this CD while searching for other CD's in the Classical Music section of a major music retailer. Since always being interested in Medieval art, literature and music, we took a chance(actually she did it!) and we cannot stop listening to this gem. The music and presentation takes one back to the days of Knights and Maidens, Feasts and Battles, Castles and Kings and Queens. It's a very soothing sound with unique instruments and exceptional voices and sung in the beautiful French language....which I happen to be a big fan of!
Fine production and lengthy playing time makes this CD the most economic time travel around!

mysterious and exotic,.......2001-03-22

La Nef took French texts from the story of Perceval and set them to celtic melodies. The arrangements are beautiful and the male vocal performances are remarkable (Ami ne vous affectez, Bird on a Breere, De Pascha). One of my favourite numbers, is "Chaconne". I highly recommend it to all music lovers.