In Holland [Import]

1. Ouverture: Act De Provence

2. Eleni

3. One Way Wind

4. Give Me Back My Love

5. Red Rose Cafe

6. You Don't Own Me

7. Paloma Blanca

8. No More Boleros

9. On My Own

10. Mon Amour

11. If I Could Only Be With You

12. Sister Mary

13. My Broken Souvenirs

14. Come Waltz With Me

15. Thimame

16. Sailin'home

Tracks:

Harmonielehre: Part I.
Harmonielehre: Part II. The Anfortas Wound
Harmonielehre: Part III. Meister Eckhardt And Quackie
The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot For Orchestra
Two Fanfares: Tromba Lontana - Jonathan Holland
Short Ride In A Fast Machine

Customer Reviews:

Terrific Big Big music.......2007-05-15

Harmonielehre

I heard the St. Louis Symphony womp this puppy out at Carnegie Hall and it's just as great on this CD by Rattle et co. Vast, intricate, sailing, imaginative.

Buy it.

A Must-Have For Lovers of Contemporary Classic Music.......2007-03-28

This CD is a collection of some of the greatest pieces of contemporary classical music by one of the world's greatest living classical composers. The works herein are highly accessible in their intense rhythms, explosive energy, and original construction. It's difficult for me to heap enough praise on these works and this CD.

I bought this because it sounded so good on the radio.......2007-02-06

I heard The Chairman Dances and went right to Amazon to order this. This ia a lovely little gem of a CD, and it is so pleasing to find John Adams, another great modern American composer. I'm also a fan of composers such as Christopher Rouse, for example, and Joe Leniado Chira is my cousin. Modern composers are a precious resource that we should explore, demand more of and nurture. We afficianados would like to see symphony orchestras and ensembles giving more attention to the modern genre. Meanwhile, John Adams has impressed me with this disc. The Chairman Dances is my favorite. I can just see Chairman Mao doing a vigorous foxtrot to this, and Tricky Dick feeling jealous. This might be the music that opened China to the West.

Rattle and roll.......2007-01-12

Slouching back in the old easy chair I was very tempted to write an eloquent review after listening to this recording but why bother, no I
think I'll just go back and listen to it again. Care to join me ?

A Finely Tuned Harmonielehre.......2006-04-02

Should any friend ask what CD to obtain to begin an appreciation for the music of one of our greatest living composers, John Adams, this superb disc with Simon Rattle and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra would surely be at the top of the list. Rattle has selected the various sides of Adams' thoughts and offers performances that are sparkling and rich and very well performed.

For inclusiveness Rattle has elected excerpts from one of Adams operas, 'Nixon in China', in the facile and gently humorous yet tender 'The Chairman Dances', foxtrot for orchestra. For sheer showmanship there is the 'Tromba Lontana, fanfare for orchestra', and the often performed 'Short Ride in a Fast Machine, fanfare for orchestra'.

But the glory of the recording of course is the magnificent orchestral 'symphony' from 1984-85, the 'Harmonielehre'. Though this work has multiple recordings, not the least one being the premiere recording with Edo de Waart and the San Francisco Symphony, Simon Rattle brings to the work his usual insight into architecture that allows the listener to appreciate the splendors of each of the three sections.

But this listener, though long a champion for this masterwork, was still amazed to hear just how magnificently composed is 'Harmonielehre', hearing a live performance with John Adams conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The acoustic of Disney Hall allowed the huge percussion section of drums, gongs, bells, keyboards, triangles, etc and manipulations of each of these sections in the odd ways in which Adams achieves his effects to truly shine. Watching the performance enhances the auditory splendor. Rarely has the emotionally loaded aspect of the work been so revealed. One can only hope that Adams will record this performance to share the miracle. Grady Harp, April 06

From Holland with Love: Waltzes I've Saved for You

Average customer rating:

Simply Breathtaking !
Fantastic!
Pure Viennese Magic!

From Holland with Love: Waltzes I've Saved for You

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart
Roses from the South
Emperor Waltz
Fiesta
At The Movies

ASIN: B00000411X
Release Date: 1996-03-05

Tracks:

Strauss & Co: A Bright Young Man - Along The Wonderful Blue Danube - Roses From The South - Viennese Blood - Lips Are Sealed ...
During Thunder And Lighting
The Third Man
The Second Waltz
Come On Gypsy
Swallows From Austria
Song Of Vilja
The Life Of Artist
Persian March
The White Horse Inn
Vienna, Vienna Just You
Today Angels Come To Vienna On Holiday
My Mother Was A Viennese
Rose From The South

Customer Reviews:

Simply Breathtaking !.......2000-05-14

I have always been a lover of classical music, but had never been truly introduced to the waltz until my wonderful father sent me this CD. After one time through it...I was in love. The romance...the feeling...the images of days gone by. Ladies in long, flowing gowns, men in black tails and white gloves...swirling around a ballroom floor. It's all right there for you to hear. Just lovely. My personal favorite is Song of Vilja, composed by Lehar. I think this to be the most beautiful piece of music ever written. This collection is a must for any lover of the classics....but for waltz enthusiasts, it is Heaven !

Fantastic!.......1999-12-27

I am a great fan of Andre Rieu and his Orchestra and this in possibly their best. I changd the CD's in the changer in my vehicle about once a week but this one usuallly occupies the honored number one spot for months at a time.

Pure Viennese Magic!.......1999-03-01

A wonderful find for any lover of Viennese music, particularly of the "Silver Era" of operetta. Great renditions of operetta fare by Strauss, Lehar, Kalman, Stolz and Benatzky. Also charming Viennese songs, such as "Die Engeln Kommen auf Urlaub Nach Wien," "Meine Mutterl war eine Weanerin," and other "heuriger" wine garden favorites. The whole thing is a delight!

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection

Average customer rating:

Well worth the price
Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
Where's the chicks?!?!
Not quite the ultimate....
Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / Eric Idle, Lesley Garrett, Richard Van Allan, Felicity Palmer, Richard Angas, Bonaventura Bottone, Susan Bullock, English National Opera

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

Average customer rating:

DON'T TAKE US FOR GRANTED
Definetly for the Anglophile

John Williams: Echoes of London

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Queen

ASIN: B0000026EF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

For 2 Guitars: Streets Of London
For 2 Guitars: La Volta
For 2 Guitars: Air On A Ground Bass
For 2 Guitars: Holland Park
For 2 Guitars: Courante
For 2 Guitars: Sarabande/Air
For 2 Guitars: Harmonious Blacksmith
For 2 Guitars: Salut D'amour
For Guitars and Orchestra: A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square
For Guitars and Orchestra: A Room In Bloomsbury
For Guitars and Orchestra: London Pride
For Guitars and Orchestra: A Foggy Day
For Guitars and Orchestra: London By Night
For Guitars and Orchestra: Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner

Customer Reviews:

DON'T TAKE US FOR GRANTED.......2005-01-14

John Williams is a great player of the guitar and no two ways about that. Apart from his solo and individual performances, I recall his duo concerts with Julian Bream. Williams would sit upright, poised, aloof and above-it-all while Bream sweated and laboured, but when it comes to sheer aristocracy as a player I can't think Williams is the equal of the great Bream.

This disc is a very odd medley indeed. Stephen Dodgson's 'Fantasy Divisions' is an original composition for the guitar, and no arrangement is attributed to the three Dowland numbers at the start of the disc, from which I infer that they must be lute works. The others are arrangements either by Williams himself or by Steve Gray, or, in the case of the Lennon/McCartney 'Fool on the Hill', by Leo Brouwer. There is a vague link of 'London' in the music -- obviously Handel's English career happened there and several of the other pieces have the capital's name in their titles, but I would have liked less eclecticism in the choice of music, and I don't believe we would have lost anything by abandoning the half-hearted London theme. The recital starts with mediaeval music, skips to Purcell and Handel and then, via Elgar's ever-fresh Salut d'Amour, to a a complete ragbag of 20th century offerings. Dodgson's modernistic Fantasy Divisions are not likely to share much of a public with Lennon and McCartney, I wouldn't have thought, although I hope Ralph McTell's 'The Streets of London' will appeal to anyone who is not tone-deaf and who has any love of any kind of music at all. In my own view a love of music is a serious impediment to being able to tolerate 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square', although I owe to this production the information that the world owes this work to one Sherwin Maschwitz. Otherwise the Gershwins are here, as is Stanley Myers's Cavatina which was adapted for The Deer Hunter. I own up to an abomination of Noel Coward that turns me off anything bearing his name, and I find that Sandy Wilson's 'A Room in Bloomsbury' was partly responsible, alas, for launching the career of Julie Andrews. There are some orchestral contributions, but the names of the participants, other than the conductors, remain understandably suppressed.

I can forgive just about any compositional atrocity when the performance is of a certain stature. However I have to measure this record against a recently acquired disc of 'Spanish'/Catalan works from Bream, and the playing here just does not seem to me to be in the same class. Maybe Williams deliberately adopts a certain sameness of tone to reflect English pallor, but I suspect that the wonderful creativity and versatility of Bream is just not Williams's way of doing things.

The recorded sound is fine if unexciting, and the liner note moderately informative. We are not told who is responsible for them, and I can't say I feel particularly curious either.

Definetly for the Anglophile.......2001-03-20

For lovers of classical guitar and London, this album is a great addition to a good CD collection.

Tracks:

In The Heat Of The Night
Heart 'N' Soul
Music And Lights
All Night Long
Just An Illusion
All I Want To Know
One More Love
Changes
Bonus Tracks: In The Heat Of The Night (Single Edit)
Bonus Tracks: Music And Lights (Single Edit)
Bonus Tracks: Just And Illusion (Single Edit)
Bonus Tracks: Changes (Single Edit)

Album Details

Widely Considered their Best Work, 'in the Heat of the Night' Was Issued by the R&B / Post-Disco Group Imagination in 1982. Includes the UK and Us Hits 'Just an Illusion', 'Changes', 'Music and Lights', plus the Title Track and Eight More. The Last Four Are Previously Unavailable Single Edits.

Customer Reviews:

Imagination's Best.......2006-04-17

After the crash of disco during the late seventies there was not much to dance about. New Wave was ruling and even disco queen Donna Summer lost her thrown. In Europe disco (or better say dancemusic) did not entirely fanished. People still wanted to dance and some artists (also Donna) try to keep up the torch before Madonna and Shannon renewed disco some years later. Imagination was something special in that respect. Their music was soulfull, swinging, danceable.. but not really disco. The producers duo Tony Swain and Steve Jolley curved a special dance music style: typical bass loops, slow rhythms and vocal arrangements. It is very nice music to listen to or even pre lounge music. It can be called sensual, but in overall really Imagination. Very recognizable. This is the best Imagination album of all. The biggest hit was "Just An Illusion" (recently sampled by Mariah Carey on "Get Your Number") later followed by "Music And Lights" and "Changes". The most fastest song is "Heart And Soul" and there are some good ballads like "All Night Loving" and "One More Love". It's a pity the extras are only the single versions. They could have made it more interesting in adding some discosingle versions which I still have on vinyl.

In the Heat of the Night..........2005-11-16

Personally, I found "In the Heat of the Night" a good disc! I am just biased for "Body Talk (4 stars)." I bought both discs together (just to cover myself!). Believe me, I didn't waste my money! If you can get them for a good price, please purchase "In the Heat of the Night" together with "Body Talk" and run your own comparison. In my view, you won't regret it! Three stars!

Whole Equal To The Sum Of It's Parts!.......2005-03-14

Imagination suffer no sophmore slump at all on 1982's 'In The Heat Of The Night'.The songwriting style remains the same and has actually improved a little.The title song,"All Night Loving" and "All I Want To Know" are fabolous low to midtempo slow grooves but,unlike many attached to terrific melodies!The deep grooves of "Music And Light","One More Love" and the spine tingling "Changes" will indeed give you goosebumps at their smooth,blithe funkiness."Heart N' Soul" is again an excellent example of Imaginations very early grasp on the burgeoning house music style that would explode later in the decade and that they'd already begun to explore on their debut a year earlier.This album is FAR MORE then the equal of the 1981's
'Body Talk' album and I strongly suggest that the two CD's be purchased together-they are the only in-print examples of this groups unique sound and style!After all,they've made a fan out of me for sure!

Like "Old School? Check this out!.......2002-08-16

I first heard of Imagination when their single "Just An Illusion" was being played on the radio during my freshman year. Imagination's falsetto based sound reminds me of the work of earlier groups like Blue Magic & The Delphonics, but definitely with that post disco early 80's synthesized feel. "Just An Illusion" (my favorite cut, also featured in the movie "F/X") has a laid back finger snapping danceable groove. "Changes" is another great cut that will get your head noddin'. "In the Heat of the Night," great music but the lyrics didn't make much sense to me. "Heart and Soul" and "Music and Lights" are also good tunes. "All I Want to Know," "One More Love" and
"All Night Lovin'" sound a little "sleepy" to me but that's just my opinion! Too bad the group's now defunct. Overall, this is a pretty good CD!

Kamen: The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms

Average customer rating:

Thank you Michael Kamen
The Memory That Outlasts the Years
Absolutely Wonderful
Orchestral Kokopelli
Higly enjoyable and very derivative

Kamen: The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Michael Kamen's Opus
Open Range
Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Serenada Schizophrana
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End

ASIN: B000056PRE
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Tracks:

1,000 AD
1,000 AD
The Prayer
The Prayer
Moonlight
Moonlight
2,000 AD
Iris
Cole's Tune
Marking Homework
Rowen
Finale

Amazon.com

Michael Kamen is a multitalented, multifaceted musician. Though originally classically trained, he soon turned to writing in other styles and is now famous mostly for his film scores, several of which have won prestigious awards and nominations. He has been credited with successfully bridging the gap between the worlds of classical and pop music, and The New Moon, commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and Leonard Slatkin to celebrate the new millennium, is described as "his first classical symphony." Inspired by the history of the Anasazi people, Native Americans who lived in the Southwest and vanished 1,000 years ago, and the legacy they left in paintings on the canyon walls, its only "symphonic" feature is the recurrent use of a lead-theme given to the solo flute and solo cello, which symbolize certain characters in the Anasazi story. Unfortunately, the theme, based on a three-note figure, is used mostly in endless sequences. The piece alternates solemn chorales with increasingly wild dances Kamen calls "Scherzos"; the orchestration is lush and overloaded but effective, thanks mostly to the excellent soloists. Mr. Holland's Opus--An American Symphony is drawn from the soundtrack to the film of the same name. Despite its title, it hardly resembles a symphony, and it is difficult to take the bombastic, grandiloquent Finale seriously as representing the masterpiece of the film's protagonist, an idealistic young teacher and ambitious composer. Calling this music "classical" is a condescending misrepresentation and a disservice to its composer. Rather, it should be accepted for itself and its own real qualities: pleasant, singable melodies, simple, tonal harmonies, luxuriant orchestration, spicily rhythmical, humorous Scherzos. Clearly, Michael Kamen writes what's in his ear and heart, and he deserves respect for his courage and honesty. --Edith Eisler

Album Description

Michael Kamen's latest work The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms is a symphonic poem inspired by the history of the Native American Anasazi people who mysteriously vanished almost 1000 years ago. They had lived until then in what's now New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada; and without the wheel or horse, they built complex homes, miles of long, straight roads and astronomical observatories. They also produced wonderful artistic visions on the canyon walls, including Kokopelli, the hump-backed flute player. The title of the album is quoted from an Iroquai Indian who Kamen met as a little boy and symbolizes "a glimpse of the future in the light of the past." As a committed humanist and a devotee to the American Indian, Kamen chose to mark the new millennium with a symphony that tells a story about the past that makes us consider the future with a message of compassion and humanity.

Also on the album is Mr. Holland's Opus - An American Symphony. It has been arranged from the original music composed by Kamen for the critically acclaimed film "Mr. Holland's Opus", starring Richard Dreyfuss. The symphony features Leila Josefowicz on "Cole's Tune" (track 9). It was recorded in London in the Summer of 2000 with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Slatkin.

Customer Reviews:

Thank you Michael Kamen.......2004-04-06

I first discovered Michael Kamen's music when i purchased the soundtrack for "Mr Holland's opus"(A portion of which is on this disc).In an era when tax levies are being failed left and right and music programs are the first to go by the wayside, I wish we could count on his guidance one again, may he rest in peace. His frequent pleas to save music programs will be his true legacy.
On to this delightful disc. New moon in the old moon's arms is a curious blend of styles and time periods that begs to be cranked up on the stero. A true delight for the senses! Right now I am trying to find all of his works for my collection that are still available.

The Memory That Outlasts the Years.......2004-02-19

Let me make it clear--if you want an objective or "expert" review, seek elsewhere, because this won't be it. Rather, this is a very emotional reflection upon the music, its composer, and the value it holds to me. I had the chance to observe Michael Kamen on his Internet forum for a few days before his unexpected death in November 2003, and this certainly seems to capture what I learned about who he was. I feel that even this "fleeting glimpse" accentuates the response I have to this album even more...but it's undeniable that the quality of the work itself has a lot to do with it. I greatly enjoyed listening to this.

I'll start with The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms. Yes--I can hear the influences of other composers in there, most notably (for me), Stravinsky. But it doesn't disturb my listening at all. One must remember what this piece was intended to be--it was commissioned for the millenium. I believe that its purpose was not to push *too* far--but to be a thing that people could connect with, envision. It is inventive, but at the same time *must* appeal to the familiar in order to accomplish its purpose. (The same goes for the Shostakovich-like part in "Marking Homework" in An American Symphony.) That, more than anything, embodies the spirit of Michael Kamen--he was all about bridging the gaps between genres and audiences that to him shouldn't have even existed in the first place. Look at his excellent work in the Metallica S & M project for another shining example of this "bridge-building" work, or the "Finale" of An American Symphony.

As to the symphony itself, I am quite pleased. Just as Michael did, I feel a great connection to the imagery and history of the Southwestern U.S., and particularly through the flute and percussion work I get that sense from it. Some pieces have darker parts in them--but there are also wonderfully bright sections to balance them out, such as a beautiful moment in "In the Moonlight" starting on Track 6 at about 5:35, where I envision seeing a thing that perhaps I feared...that is then revealed to be an object of great joy instead. The peace that comes from that is really very wonderful. The first track on "The Prayer" is also a particularly moving section, indeed the sort of uplifting thing I like as a backdrop for my meditations. The progression of the music throughout is "just unusual enough"--it can't be predicted by a first-time listener, but at the same time it does not go *too* far. I can't explain exactly how, but I can certainly hear certain signatures of Michael's throughout.

This CD also has all five parts of An American Symphony, which appeared in the movie Mr. Holland's Opus. I only saw the movie a few times in the years since it was released, and the *impressions* of the music, even if not the note-for-note particulars, burned themseves indelibly upon my brain. Among my favorites are the powerful "Iris" theme, and the hauntingly beautiful "Rowena". The latter is a tune that, upon seeing the movie a few weeks ago for the first time in years, became instantly familiar the second I heard it again--I felt as if I'd found a tune I'd been seeking for all the intervening time in my own musical meanderings. That, more than anything, ought to serve as a testament to what Michael wrote here. My only wish unfulfilled on this particular CD is that the mesmerising piano rendition didn't appear here. Trust me--it's worth renting or buying the movie to hear, and I hope very much you'll do that along with purchasing this CD.

The "Finale" now has a strange parallel meaning to what it held in the movie. The music program having been cut off suddenly, the students Glenn Holland has had over the years gather to give him a glorious send-off, and to prove to him that his career, even abruptly abbreviated as it was, had a tremendous influence. That influence is the legacy of him that they will carry in their hearts. So it is now with the man who was truly behind that music. The first symphony, too, is about legacy. The Anasazi people who actually created the art that inspired Michael are not here, either. But just as their tradition and their work has survived all these years, so will his, through a form of memory we know as music.

I truly hope you will open your hearts to the music and the memory...to know its power and joy.

--Written in memory of Maestro Michael Kamen

Absolutely Wonderful.......2004-02-17

This CD is fantastic! I bought it because I saw it had an English Horn solo on one of the songs and was starting to learn to play the instument at the time. I was extremely pleased with the rest of the songs as well. They have a very inspiring quality to them and there is not a song on here that is not positively fabulous. A must have for any person who loves classical music. It keeps with traditional motifs but at the same time goes far above and beyond those same motifs. This CD would be a valuable addition to any collection. It is very enjoyable to listen to and relax to the sounds of perfection.

Orchestral Kokopelli.......2003-02-11

For the casual fan of classical music this is perfect bllend of old and new themes. Although for even my non-classical ears it is a bit dense and overly done at times. At times the suite reaches such startling contrasts that you begin to wonder if indeed you are stil listening to the same disc. The build up to crescendos comes crashing down to earth, slowly building softly back up and soaring high in graceful flights of fancy amidst the clouds. In the second movement, "Kokopelli and the Eagle" and "The Prayer," a sense of peaceful tranquility is achieved prior to the transition into "Sunset." Michael Kamden paints pictures on his musical canvas that invoke the spirit of the past, the great southwest civilization of the Anasazi comes to life. When the flute plays amidst the symphonic orchestration it is as though you can envision Kokopelli playfully dancing and leading his people. If you read the song titles and close your eyes you will embark upon a musical journey across time and space. The native American imagery will capture your imagination as the music dances through your head. "Mr. Hollands Opus-An American Symphony" which is featured on the second half of the disc is an eloquent musical statement that is rich and stimulating. It is like having two discs as the music is quite different from the "symphonic poem." Obviously Michael Kamden is able to crossover to audiences oustide of those more attuned to the sublties of classical music. I found the music very relaxing and at times exhilirating. If you are a person who likes classical music but feels a bit intimidated by the scope of the music this disc is right for you. This is a highly entertaining disc with cinematic qualities.

Higly enjoyable and very derivative.......2001-02-05

I found Michael Kamen's on the Decca label (289 467 631-2) very enjoyable indeed but I think I spotted echoes of at least a half dozen other compositions from the past. The press release states that this symphonic poem is "original in sound and spirit but classical in its form." Dedicated as it is to the Native American Anasazi people who were more advanced than were many areas of Europe at the time, this piece uses the feelings of the past (the Old Moon) to foresee the future (the New Moon).

Instantly there spring to mind similarities with "Rites of Spring" and even "Billy the Kid," not to mention "Russian Easter Overture," along with a good dash of "Grand Canyon Suite" and several other works that evoke a mythical past. None of this makes the work any less enjoyable and a good case is made for it by the National Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin. In fact, I highly recommend it.

"Mr Holland's Opus--An American Symphony," which concludes the CD, is a lovely reminder of that popular film; and its four short movements (the longest lasting 4:35 minutes) profit by some classy casting such as having violinist Leila Josefowicz as soloist in the second movement. Very pleasant doings, this time with BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Now if the production people would stop this nonsense of printing the program notes in white over colored patterns so you can go blind trying to read them, we might appreciate the work even more.

Power Shake Live in Holland
Average customer rating:

Parting Gift from A Great Rockabilly Band!

Power Shake Live in Holland

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Big Plans

Breakin' It Up & Breakin' It Down

ASIN: B000N2G1LM
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Album Description

For over 20 years, the Paladins have been a leading force in rockin' Blues and Rockabilly. Their versatile approach to the songs they play (both originals and covers) and the consistent quality of their album releases have assured a large following on both sides of the Atlantic. This concert, recorded at Nijmegen's Kids 'n' Billies Festival, brings you the original line-up at its best. Bryan Fahey, Thomas Yearsley and Dave Gonzalez had a ball that day at the open air stage of the Goffert Theatre and it shows. Live in Holland. Roune. 2007.

Customer Reviews:

Parting Gift from A Great Rockabilly Band!.......2007-08-07

The Paladins have been defunct for several years now, with frontman Dave Gonzales now playing lead guitar for the Hacienda Bros. However, Rounder Records/Europe has come to the rescue of Paladins fans with a belated (circa '04) live recording from the band's appearance @ the "Kid's & Billie's" Festival in Holland. This double-disc CD puts the Paladin's previous live release ("Million Mile Club", now OOP) to shame, featuring a much better sound mix and lots more songs (22, in fact). The set includes a representative sampling of tunes from all of the band's 7 Studio albums, and the musicianship is fine throughout. Dave Gonzales has always sounded best "live" and he does nothing but enhance his rep as a great axman on this rockin' release. Dave also handles his vocals with his usual aplomb, but does hand off to bassist, Thomas Yearsley, for several numbers. Unfortunately, Tommy's singing ability seems to have dissapated in the intervening years between the band's heyday & '04. His turns at the mike are sloppy, off-time & frequently off-key. Not a major drawback, but noticeable, nevertheless. Several songs on the Album Liner Notes are "mistitled" ("Right Track" is called "Treat Me Right"; "Keep On Lovin' Me Baby" is called "Make Me Feel So Good") and one medley of tunes on disc two is listed out of order. Minor glitches! Overall, this unexpected release is a great surprise gift for fans of the band. Put it on & turn it up loud - you'll definitely enjoy it!

What if Mozart wrote "Born to Be Wild"/ The Hampton String Quartet

Average customer rating:

Great CD if you can find it!
Mozart Meets Steppenwolf

What if Mozart wrote "Born to Be Wild"/ The Hampton String Quartet
Richard Henrickson , Regis Iandiorio , Richard Maximoff , John Reed , Jimmy Page , Brian Holland , and Keith Richards
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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HSQ Rides Again
What If Mozart Wrote "Roll over Beethoven"
Take No Prisoners
Sympathy For The Devil
What If Mozart Wrote "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

ASIN: B000003ERH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

White Rabbit
Stairway To Heaven
Stop In The Name Of Love
Honky Tonk Woman
Light My Fire
Sunshine of Your Love
You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling
Born To Be Wild
Good Vibrations

Customer Reviews:

Great CD if you can find it!.......2002-01-30

This is vintage Hampton String Quartet. Recorded while they were still on RCA, this album shows the group's early potential. To see how they have grown, compare the "Stairway to Heaven" on this CD with the "Stairway to Heaven" on HSQ's independent CD "Sympathy For The Devil". The rock string quartets capture the vitality and energy of rock much better than other attempts by classical musicians. A great CD!

Mozart Meets Steppenwolf.......2000-06-22

This is a great CD for studying and working to. It's all of your favorite songs but done classical style which helps improve on mental abilities. I listen to this while I am at work or studying in my dormroom. The Hampton Quartet really pulls through with this one. 4 stars!

Anthology of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, 1960-1970

Average customer rating:

Royal treatment by Concertgebouw

Anthology of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, 1960-1970

Manufacturer: Rco Live Holland
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Percussion | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | 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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0009A412Y
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Customer Reviews:

Royal treatment by Concertgebouw.......2005-08-11

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is captured in a 1960-1970 Anthology in 14 CDS that has some world famous conductors, some famous and not so familiar compositions. I liked Verdi's Falstaff and most of the Germanic composers. There was a British Britten and American Varese. I have trouble enjoying some 20th Century compositions though I have CDs by Siblelius, Ravel, Dutilleux, Hindemith, Shostakovich, Prokoviev, and Stravinsky. My pre-order for the 1950-1960 set may be hard to come by. I plan to travel to Amsterdam and take in the music venues.

Average customer rating:

Sophomore Blues
Different from first but still smooth
Whats going on here?
Their may have been a reason for no album in so long
WHAT HAPPPENED TO THE CROONERS???

Project Plato
Christión
Manufacturer: The Mint Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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Ghetto Cyrano
Journey Of A Gemini
In This Life Together
A Beautiful World
Some Kinda...

ASIN: B000AE8FTO
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Intro
No Place
It's Gonna Rain
Save My Baby
Blackmail (Interlude)
Hustlin' (Outro)
Let 'Em Know
Presidential Suite
Just Move
Never Seen U Before (Interlude)
I've Grown
Crazy Close
My Reason
Slow Motion
Farrah
Grandma's Grove
Broken Streets
Do Ya Dance! (Dedicated To Mr. Wonder)
Supermodel
Where Yo Girlfriend At?

Product Description

CHAPTER I – THE STREETS
1. Intro
2. No Place
3. It’s Gonna Rain
4. Save My Baby
5. Blackmail (interlude)
6. Hustlin’ (outro)

CHAPTER II – THE RELATIONSHIPS
1. Let ‘Em Know
2. Presidential Suite
3. Just Move featuring Bikram Singh
4. Never Seen U Before (interlude)
5. I’ve Grown

CHAPTER III – THE LOVE
1. Crazy Close
2. My Reason
3. Slow Motion featuring Ezra & Allen Anthony

CHAPTER IV – THE JOURNAL
1. Farrah
2. Grandma’s Grove featuring Allen Anthony
3. Broken Streets

CHAPTER V – THE JUKE JOINT
1. Do Ya Dance! (Dedicated to Mr. Wonder)
2. Supermodel
3. Where Yo Girlfriend At?

Format: Cassette

Customer Reviews:

Sophomore Blues.......2007-02-19

I was really excited about this cd since I fell in love with Christion's first album, "Ghetto Cyrano". However, I was severely disappointed. It doesn't even have as much soul as most songs on the RADIO!!! The beats are generic and boring, lyrics sound forced and you can just tell that these guys are no longer singing about stuff they understand or know about. "My Reason"?!?! That song's just cheesy and I only listen to it for a good laugh. And "Where Yo Girlfriend At"? Again, only for a good laugh. Not sure what happened between the first album and this one (other than Allen Anthony's departure), but things just ain't the same. And GW's right, most of the reviews claiming this is a must-buy are from family members, friends, managers, and other business partners. KNyte had something to do with their silly "Let Em Know" video, I believe. Anyway, I hope y'all find this review helpful....if you want a Christion cd, go for the first one. But hey, everyone has their own taste in music and maybe y'all don't care bout listening to the real..... but if you do, then stay far far away from this cd (unless you just want somethin for laughs).

Different from first but still smooth.......2006-05-17

I have been a fan of christion since they first came out. I do admit that this is some what different from the first in terms of the music. I think what makes the songs good are the story lines. I loaded the cd to my MP3 player with the first and compared and it still keeps that street (pimps and players) style to the songs. There are some good tracks that start on chapaters 4 and on. The rest are something that I would say you have to relate to in order to understand. You can notice the difference of A.A not being in the group. As a matter of fact, the best songs on the cd are when he appears on the track. Overall I would say its not a bad CD but if you compare it to the first that was more for the "grown and sexy" then you would not feel it as much. You can also tell that the touch of Jay-Z is not on this release. He played a big part in the story lines they wrote about while Dame Dash selected the tracks. Out of all the tracks I think most would fall in love with Slown Down, and Broken Streets. "My Reason" should be loaded to your romantic selection. If you are someone that can relate to the stories then by all means you will enjoy the tracks. As for A.A I hear he had an album coming out called Oakland International so lets hope that will entice the hears of the ones missing him.

Whats going on here?.......2006-04-19

First, I was really looking forward to this album. I do understand that people have different tastes but "a must have", and "slammin" and "what music has been missing". I think I found all of the fans that think that American Idol is soulful. This is either a really distasteful joke or its the mothers of the artists leaving comments. Im not trying to rip anyone apart but this album bears "NOT ONE" resemblance of the creativity, the production, and vocals that this group once carried. Ok...so Its different. No big deal. But Im just trying to figure out what these people are listening to. All and all, dont take my word for it. And dont take theirs. Buy it for yourself and Im sure it will become clear on whether this is the last Christion album you buy.

Their may have been a reason for no album in so long.......2006-01-25

The original Roc-A-Fella soul brothers are finally back with an album of smoothed out love songs and up-tempo club jams. The Roc fell apart and they moved on to The Mint and deliver a 20-track album with five chapters and mix results. My first thoughts about this album were that it was too long and that has proven to be true upon repeated listens. The other question I have is what the significance is of the chapters. They are trying to tell a story but the songs in each chapter do not always match up with the chapter's title. As far as the music goes, it's just ok. There are lots of R&B/Soul singers out doin their thing and these two are no different. They have the intense sexual songs (Presidential Suite #8) and they have the love song that goes out to the girl they lost (Farrah #15), did they ever stop and think maybe if they were not out trying to freak every girl they might not have lost that one perfect one? The production is nothing special, Kenni Ski does a decent job pulling double duties as singer and primary beat maker. The one thing that it seems these brothers got goin for em is that they can sing. Their harmonies and verses are generally on point and stand out at times, compared to the rest of today's modern so-called "Soul" singers. If you are looking for some real classic type soul music then go check Bilal, but if you want modern R&B with a touch of the classic seventy's sound this album will probably at least wet your appetite.

WHAT HAPPPENED TO THE CROONERS???.......2005-12-14

Christión did some serious croonin' on their debut release "Ghetto Cyrano", bringing us hustlers-need-love-too anthems and street-life grooves reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. Now on their very disappointing follow-up "Project Plato", Christión minus vocalist Allen Anthony have become a bit too mainstream for my taste, sounding a lot like these new kids on the block who beg and whine just to make a dime--y'all know who you are!!! Nothing on "Project Plato" grabbed me, although I'm sure with the current condition of music today it will appeal more to the masses. Every song here lyrically sounds ridiculous and the sexiness seems forced, unlike on "Ghetto Cyrano" when it was natural (obviously due to Anthony's absense). I tried listening for a glimmer of hope on this release--a song that made me fall in love with Christión in the first place, but I simply couldn't. Maybe as I listen to "Project Plato" more, it will grow on me, but that's not likely. I know each artist's release has to progress and shouldn't sound dated. I didn't expect Christión to sound the way they did eight years ago, but you gotta admit at least eight years ago--during the Timberland era--music was music and Christión had it goin' on.

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The Power of the Powerless

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Music and Mantra Companion CD for Kundalini Yoga