Amen [Live] [Import]

1. Amen

2. Quale Allegria

3. Denis

4. Felicità

5. Nuvolari

6. Mostro - Samuele Bersani

7. Come È Profondo Il Mare

8. Washington

9. C'Era un Ragazzo

10. Attenti Al Lupo

11. Apriti Cuore

Tracks:

Symphony No.25 In G Minor, K.183: 1st Movemen
Stabat Mater: Quando Corpus Morietur And Amen
Bubak and Hungaricus
Serenade For Winds, K.361: 3rd Movement
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Turkish Finale
Symphony No.29 In A Major, K.201: 1st Movement: Allegro Moderato
Concerto For Two Pianos, K.365: 3rd Movement
Mass In C Minor, K.427: Kyrie
Symphonie Concertante, K.364: 1st Movement

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In E Flat Major, K.482: 3rd Movement - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Ivan Moravec
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act III: Ecco La Marcia - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act IV: Ah Tutti Contenti - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Don Giovanni: Act II: Commendatore Scene - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Felicity Lott
Requiem, K.626: Introitus (Eternal Rest Give To Them, O Lord) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Dies Irae (Day Of Wrath) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Rex Tremandae Majestatis (Awe-Inspiring King) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Confutatis (When Those Cursed Enter Flames) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Lacrymosa (Mournful Day) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Piano Concerto In D Minor, K.466: 2nd Movement (Romanza) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Imogen Cooper

Customer Reviews:

A Whitman sampler of Mozart.......2007-05-02

Truth be told, classical music--like most other kinds--is best heard in the program context for which it was written. Yet any time you can get Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and Mozart in the same place at the same time, you can hardly *not* go for it.

Like the famous chocolate sampler, you get a few of each flavor but not all you want of your favorite kind.

How then to decide? Well, viewing the rollicking good movie AMADEUS tips the scales towards buying and enjoying this fabulous, if disordered, compilation of the Mozart greats that went into the making of a movie that forever dissed the composer's rep but also gained him some fans among non-classical-listening movie-goers.

For the price you also receive a superb liner booklet that locates each piece within the film's narrative and says a word or two about the music on its own merits.

A winner for Mozart lovers.

shows some of Mozart's highlight pieces.......2007-04-15

This CD to me pretty much has all of my favoirite songs that he has made, Especially the reqeium. A must listen to Cd that I think any classical music fan will enjoy, I sure did.

Great Price.......2006-03-02

Great price for the product. I am so glad I logged onto Amazon.com for things like this. It arrived faster than expected. I will definitely continue to buy more in the future.

An excellent soundtrack and an excellent film!!.......2005-05-23

Eventhough many kids in school listen to rap and all, I listen to classical. After watching Amadeus, I was moved by the pieces selected to be played in the film. I especially liked Symphony No. 29 1st Movement. Also, when Salieri is at the Archbishop of Salzburg's palace and reads Mozart's piece, Serenade for Winds, is among my favorites. In Serenade for Winds, Mozart creates a very emotional and almost night music feel to it. I was surprised that the director/conductor did not put in a few more famous pieces into the album . . . ex. Symphony No. 40, The Magic Flute, etc. This is an excellent album and anyone who wants to enjoy the genius of Mozart should purchase this. Take it from me, you will enjoy this album immesensely.

If You've Seen The Movie...........2004-06-13

Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart's nervy youthfullness went far beyond his personal life.His choice of music very much reflects
his own spirit.He chose to set to music Le Nozze Di Figaro (a
play largely blamed for starting the French Revolution) put him
somewhat at odds with Emperor Joseph.His tendency (very much in
attendance here) to compose opera's in German at a time when
Italian opera was at it's post popular also made him a bit of a musical rebel of his day.I don't listen to alot of classical music (but certainly I have favorites,notably by Eric Satie) but Mozart's many concereto's,acts of his opera's and so
on demonstrate the youthful composers gift for melody and yes,
even hints at improvisation that set 18'th century Vienna (and
later the world) on fire!And Peter Shaffer was sure to include
acts from Mozarts errie unfinished reqeuim mass towards the end
of this CD.So to fans of the movie with more then a passing interest in classical music will enjoy this!And I think Mozart's
spirit will always be alive in those who choose to challange themselfs to innovate within music and get the public's ear to
stretch!

Average customer rating:

These guys give Coldplay a run for their money!
Ben Folds Five - Great Piano Based Rock
Excellent Album
One of the best albums of the mid/late nineties, and still great.
Ben Folds Five Is The Best

Whatever and Ever Amen
Ben Folds Five
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner
Ben Folds Five
Rockin' the Suburbs
Naked Baby Photos
Songs For Silverman

ASIN: B000002BOJ
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces
Fair
Brick
Song for the Dumped
Selfless, Cold and Composed
Kate
Smoke
Cigarette
Stevens last night in town
Battle of Who Could Care Less
Missing the War
Evaporated

Amazon.com

Think of Ben Folds as Billy Joel minus the Tin Pan Alley heritage and armed with a sweet, wry, slacker ethos. In a guitar-free trio setting, the Chapel Hill smart guy pounds the ivories with gusto while singing a tremendous batch of funny ("Kate"), poignant ("Brick," "Evaporated"), pissed-off ("Song for the Dumped"), and hugely refreshing (all 12 tunes here) songs. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

These guys give Coldplay a run for their money!.......2007-06-25

No, that's no joke, ______, why am I comparing Ben Folds to Chris Martin? Chris Martin dosen't stand a _______ chance. Ben Folds Five dosen't use a single real guitar, instead, the piano is the main instrument. Rest Assured, this isn't a _______ pop cd. That's pretty much my best example, and they use jazz than regular rock, but it still sounds like rock music. This is very depressing at times, but this ain't no ________ emo cd. Ben Folds dosen't whine like a little _______. He can actually sing and dosen't have that I-got-kicked-in-the-balls voice. The bass and drums are put into good music, and they sound full for a trio, as that means they use their instruments to the best ways possible, like Primus does.

No, this does not even resemble Primus (no one does, same goes for BFF). Ben Folds really is a _______ good piano player, not as technical, but musically, he has the goods. He plays some sick solos on the piano, never losing melody. THe rest of the band is great too, of course (_____, I can't remember their names), but Ben Folds is the main star, as if I couldn't be more obvious.

With song titles like "song For The DUmped", obviously close minded idiots will call him emo or some other ______ label, but yeah right. That song actually is pretty funny; the only thing Ben Folds cares about is getting his money back that he wasted on his girlfriend (as well as his black t-shirt, whatever the _____ that means). I like Brick, but people need to lay off on the whole Brick thing. I'm glad I never followed hit singles during the early to mid 90's, so don't get mad at me! None of the songs are bad. There's plenty of variety, so don't expect a whole album of swing jazz. Brick and Song For The Dumped together are an example.

They aren't a new BHG, but I think I will give that matter a rest. This is just good music, and anybody who likes music will probally want to give this a try (I mean real music, so ______ off hop-pop fans).
10/10

Ben Folds Five - Great Piano Based Rock.......2007-03-22

I first discovered Ben Folds Five by randomly clicking the channels on my TV remote control late one Saturday night. I think it was a "Soundstage" performance on PBS that I happened across. My clicker stopped on these guys and I ended up watching the whole show. I had no idea who they were, but they certainly grabbed may attention. After doing a little research discovered it was Ben Folds Five and ended up picking up this album. I am certainly glad I did. I honestly think that Ben Folds is one of the great singer / songwriter / piano men of our time. For those of us old enough to remember Elton John and Billy Joel back when they were young inspired songsmiths, Folds will instantly remind you of these artists. Throw in a biting lyrical sarcasm, similar to Warren Zevon and musical / lyrical chops of Joe Jackson and you get Folds perfect mix of music, vocals and lyrics. This album broke the band big time in the US with the hit song "Brick" that got a ton of radio airplay. Not your typical single, "Brick" lyrically deals with the subject of abortion on a very personal level, and is a great song. The rest of the album is also really great. Folds writing can be depressingly serious or hilariously funny. The band's music is all over the place with the piano being the lead instrument throughout. Highlights include "One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces", "Song For The Dumped", "Stevens Last Night In Town", "Battle Of Who Could Care Less", and "Fair". Although I don't think this is Ben's best album, the whole thing is strong and this is a nice place to start if you are looking for outstanding piano based rock.

Excellent Album.......2007-02-28

Overlooked 90's band in my opinion. This what piano rock should be. You listening, Chris Martin?

One of the best albums of the mid/late nineties, and still great........2006-12-13

I discovered BF5 in high school, back when all we had was their self-titled debut album, but within a year of discovering and loving that album, this baby hit the scene. I've always been baffled that "Brick" received so much more airtime than any of these other tracks. It's a great song, but I wouldn't even put it in my top five for this album - it's also rather uncharacteristically melancholy and doesn't represent this mostly upbeat, funny, energetic, innovative, and just plain bop-able collection of power pop / alternative gems. Clever lyrics throughout and some really great melodic music-writing, bound up in some impressive piano-playing & musicianship (while somehow managing to maintain a slacker-garage feel). It sounds contradictory, but that's how he comes off-- Ben Folds has drawn comparisons to Billy Joel, but at times he sounds more like the love-child of Elton John and Weezer, with a little Joe Jackson DNA thrown in. I *loved* this album back in the day. I played one copy to death in high school and have since rediscovered it some 10 years later. And I'll tell you what - I still love this album. I'm amazed what a shelf life it has for me - unlike a lot of the other stuff from back then I find a little prosaic today (Bjork, Fiona Apple, many other albums I'm too embarrased to mention here). Can't give this album enough stars - makes me smile every time I hear it.

Ben Folds Five Is The Best.......2006-07-29

I was at a family reunion a while back and I was playing the piano when my cousin walked up and was Like "Play one of the songs you wrote" (I've been writing music on the piano for four years now) After I finished she was like "Your music sounds alot like the stuff Ben Folds Five does." And I was like " What's Ben Folds Five?" she told me that they were the best band ever. So I checked them out and then I went out and bought all their CDs. This album has a lot of sad songs like Brick, Evaporated, and Song For The Dumped. Brick is just such a sad song. Evaporated is by far the best song on the album. In addition to sad songs there are also just plain awesome songs like One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn faces and Missing the War. THIS CD IS AWESOME. (:

Average customer rating:

Piano pop.
And don't forget to give me back my black t-shirt
Fantastic!
Good CD
A high quality artist

Whatever and Ever Amen
Ben Folds Five
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Rockin' the Suburbs
Ben Folds Five
The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner
Songs For Silverman
Ben Folds Live

ASIN: B0007TFGXU
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces
Fair
Brick
Song For The Dumped
Selfless, Cold and Composed
Kate
Smoke
Cigarette
Steven's Last Night In Town
Battle of Who Could Care Less
Missing The War
Evaporated
Video Killed The Radio Star
For All The Pretty People
Mitchell Lane
Theme From Dr. Pyser- Brendan O'Brien Studio Version
Air
She Don't Use Jelly- Lounge-A-Palooza Version
Song For The Dumped- Japanese Version

Customer Reviews:

Piano pop........2007-04-23

I had heard their song "Air" on the Godzilla soundtrack I had on cassette when I was in elementary school (don't ask me why I owned it). That song was pretty cool but I didn't really start listening to them. I strayed away from them, actually, because a local artist in my area sounds just like them (and I wasn't a fan of that local artist). It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I heard "Song For The Dumped." That hooked me in. After buying this album I was pleased to see the bonus b-sides they included. Like a lounge version of "She Don't Use Jelly" (originally by The Flaming Lips). All in all, very catchy piano pop.

And don't forget to give me back my black t-shirt.......2007-04-10

Ben Folds' major label debut was a near perfect zinger of power-pop, influenced by everyone from Elton John to Todd Rundgren to The Raspberries. Smart and nerdy and deftly walking the tightrope between the two extremes, "Whatever and Ever Amen" was a CD that took the starch out of angsty grunge and depressing emo-pop.

Fold's newly minted celebrity is given a revenge-of-the-nerds bashing in "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces," as an Elton-styled piano riff floats along under the lyric "if you really want to see me check the papers and the TV/Look who's telling who what to do." Even nastier in the smackdown dept is "Song For The Dumped," where the jilted Folds gives one of the most riotous kiss-offs in pop history. Since the punch line would get my review booted, I won't repeat it here. Just suffice it to say that every geeky guy that got dumped just as you thought you were king of the world will get a good laugh from this particular song.

But Folds also was developing the serious side that eventually blossomed in full on his terrific "Rockin' the Suburbs." "Whatever and Ever Amen" broke through on the strength of "Brick," which chronicled a crushed boyfriend as he takes his pregnant girlfriend to an abortion clinic. The most amazing thing about "Brick" is its utter lack of judgmental tone. It is a classic, and easily one of the best - if not the most unlikely - hit singles of the 90's.

Folds doesn't always hit the bull's-eye, as "Steven's Last Night In Town" and "Cigarette" show. But for most of the original CD's 12 songs, Folds was showing he could put snap into his eclectic brand of pop. As for the bonus material, well, there was a reason they were B-sides. The bands' run through "Video Killed The Radio Star" is pretty good, but The Flaming Lips cover pales after a few listens. Instrumentals and band conversation do not qualify as a "bonus" to me. And if the best you can add is a non-sense take of "Song For the Dumped," then spare me the added material. It's just a distraction from a really great album. Burn yourself the remaster minus the added tracks. You'll enjoy it more.

Fantastic!.......2007-03-10

Ben Folds/Five are one of the few artists (out of tons of genres that I like to listen to) that have risen to the top of the must-have-in-my-library list. This CD is worth more than it costs.

Good CD.......2007-01-11

Well- musical preference is.... just that preference. Purely subjective. I love Ben Folds Five. I'm not going to go into an depth review of this cd though. I say if you haven't heard it find a sample clip somewhere. If you like it buy it, if not don't.

A high quality artist.......2006-08-07

Always heard of them, never familiar with them.

Saw them on soundstage (PBS) and was intrigued. Ben Folds is a Billy Joel but with more of a cutting edge. He is a very real, very high quality artist, pianist, singer and songwriter. The band is great, lots of space between the instruments (just like Cream, J H Experience, Police). The main songs are great and the extras also are interesting.

Besides great piano playing, the bass player is great as well. This is the type of band where you'll want all of their cds b/c they are of high quality. Sounds of the Suburbs is also a great cd.

Ben Folds has a solo/live/piano only album w/his best songs but stick with the recorded versions b/c the bass and drums are vital components of those songs.

Average customer rating:

5 Stars Discounting Recording Problems
Perfect for homeschooling.
In Words & Music
Don't blink

The Story Of Handel

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Story of Bach
The Story of Beethoven
The Story of Mozart
The Story of Tchaikovsky
The Story Of Haydn

ASIN: B000001KCX
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Water Music
Israel In Egupt: 'He Gave Them Hailstones'
Organ Concerto No. 16 In F Major: Larghetto affetuoso
Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
The Faithful Shepherd: Overture
Terpsichore: Overture
Julius Caesar: Aria Of Ptolemy
Sonata No. 1 In B Flat Major For Recorder And Harpsichord: Finale
Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 6: Fugue
Messiah: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted
Rodelinda: Overure
Ezio: Overture
Organ Concerto No. 13 In Major: Larghetto
Water Music: Hornpipe
Fantasia In C Major
Harmonious Blacksmith
Water Music: Andante
Julius Caesar: Finale
Organ Concerto No. 5 In F Major: Allegro
Alexander's Feast: Oveture
Serse: Largo
Isreal In Egypt: He Spake The Word
Larghetto e staccato
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Israel In Egypt: The Horse And His Rider
Messiah: Why Do The Nations
Judas Maccabeus: Hallelujah Amen
Israel In Egypt: And The Children If Israel Sighed
Messiah: Hallelujah
Water Music: Ouverture
Water Music: III. Allegro
Water Music: IV. Allegro
Water Music: VII. Bourree Hornpipe
Water Music: X.
Water Music: XI
Water Music: XVI
Water Music: XVII
Water Music: XVIII
Water Music: XIX

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars Discounting Recording Problems.......2007-05-14

The content is terrific. This CD is one of a series of classical music masters. The only problem is that tracks 38 and later have a lot of distortion/static. I returned thinking it was a problem with the disc, but the replacement disc had the same problem. If not for that, I would have rated 5 stars.

Perfect for homeschooling........2007-01-29

The narratives are short enough to keep your children's attention, the music may be short in some instances but if you're playing it in the background for exposure- it doesn't matter. The price is great and the cheapest you'll find in addition to the 4 for 3 deal. We have all 18 of these cds and don't regret it!

In Words & Music.......2000-07-24

I have found this recording series to be a very helpful introductory teaching device for my young children. It gives a brief history of the composer and samples of the musical style.

Don't blink.......2000-05-03

The music on this CD is all wonderful, and it's a perfect CD toget - if you have the attention span of a soap bubble! Thisis a "sampler" with narrative and very few of thepieces listed are actually played in their entirety. Even pieces which are short to begin with are excerpted. We are given a whole minute of the Hallelujah Chorus and a rousing 45 seconds from the overture from "Ezio". This is a teaching CD which gives some fine examples to support the narration - but they are very short examples. A few bars here and there is all you get.

Sacred Treasures: Choral Masterworks From Russia

Average customer rating:

Inner beauty
Music for the soul
Hauntingly beautiful
Divine Beauty and Peace!
A Soviet version of Russian music

Sacred Treasures: Choral Masterworks From Russia

Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Basso Profondo From Old Russia
Ancient Echoes
Russian Divine Liturgy
Russian Medieval Chant
Russia's Beautiful Religious Songs

ASIN: B000000X8J
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Russian Cathedral Bells
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Great Ektenia
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of Praise
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of the Cherubim
Bortniansky / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
Kedrov / Our Father
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Fervent Supplication
Rospev / The Noble Joseph
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Amen. And with Thy Spirit
Russian Monastic Vespers (excerpt)
Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Bless the Lord, O my Soul
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
Christov / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpts/edited)
Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Our Father
Gretchaninov / I have Chosen the Blissful
Lvovski / Hymn of the Cherubim
Final Bells

Product Description

1. Russian Cathedral Bells
2. Great Ektenia
3. Hymn of Praise
4. Hymn of the Cherubim
5. Hymn of the Cherubim
6. Our Father
7. Fervent Supplication
8. The Noble Joseph
9. Amen. And with Thy Spirit
10. Russian Monastic Vespers
11. Bless the Lord, O My Soul
12. Hymn of the Cherubim
13. Hymn of the Cherubim
14. Our Father
15. I Have Chosen The Blissful
16. Hymn of the Cherubim
17. Final Bells

Format: CD

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Although this collection intends to transport the soul, it has a tremendously potent low-end depth to it that earns high marks indeed in the worlds of vocal and liturgical music. Dmitri Bortniansky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" is performed with a gracefulness that gets a warming fatness from the production, as does Alexander Gretchaninov's "I Have Chosen the Blissful," which travels with a ringing resonance. In a year of fine choral works--check out Sequentia's Hildegard cycle box, 900 Years or Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen for a "something old, something new" mix--this collection is highly valued for its sonic integrity and its excellent anthological mix. --Andrew Bartlett

Amazon.com

Words cannot describe poignantly enough the exquisite, angelic voices that permeate the heart and exalt the soul on Sacred Treasures. The most highly regarded Russian and Bulgarian choirs sing the hymns of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Lvovski, and other composers in the Russian Orthodox Church's tradition of "Divine Worship" (worship through chant). From the first tolling bells that open the CD with a willowy, floating piece from Rachmaninov's Liturgy of St. John, to the final bells closing the door on "Hymn of the Cherubim" (Grigory Lvovski), this CD creates a gentle, distinctly Byzantine glory. The rhythms slowly wisp along while the choirs' baritones, tenors, and sopranos mesh into one expansive blessing. Meant to comprehensively gather not all Russian liturgical pieces but rather hymns that emote an inner tranquility and celestial grace, Sacred Treasures plays like a piece of heaven on Earth. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Inner beauty.......2007-02-07

The sense of beauty emerge within us as these chorals fill the space of our head and heart. A music written by real masters and interpreted by voices rarely heard. Beautiful.

Music for the soul.......2007-01-10

One of the best renditions of the Orthodox Liturgy most famous hymns.

Hauntingly beautiful.......2006-12-28

A terrific production...a wonderful selection; great phrasing. See also "Holy Love" by 'Rossica Choir'

Divine Beauty and Peace! .......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of "SACRED TREASURES III: Choral Masterworks From Russia and Beyond" as well as "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. One reviewer complained about the omission of the final (loud and fast) part of the Cherubic hymns, saying this is the best part, but I completely disagree! I feel that the slow "adagio" sections are by far the most beautiful parts, and that is what you will hear on these CDs.

Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the "Cherubic Hymns" on this CD prescribe) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these albums, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks from Russia"!

A Soviet version of Russian music.......2006-05-29

I admit to some strong bias here, having sung on the recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy available here from the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York. I was in that choir for five years, and our conductor's view of how to properly interpret Russian music became my own.

Because of Stalin's efforts to cleanse the country of the influence of religion, many musicians and composers were sent to Siberia. They were replaced with those from peasant backgrounds. The result was a huge change in how classical Russian music was performed, becoming less subtle, more interested in brute power and flash.

This recording features a massive and powerful choir. But the listener mostly hears a series of vowel sounds, with the consonants lost in the shuffle. Dynamic range is not as large as it could be. Phrasing is largely absent and we hear a steady wall of sound instead. Precision of rhythm is spotty, what consonants we do hear are frequently smeared. Pitch and richness of tone are good, but on high notes, inevitably given the size of the choir, some members strain.

Having performed and recorded Tchaikovsky's Liturgy I am very familiar with the piece. But listening to this recording of excerpts from it I sometimes barely recognized it as the same work. Tchaikovsky gives us great artistry, frequently crecendos and decrecendos on a single phrase. Each choral voice comes and goes like a wave, not all together like a tsunami in all but a few places. The balance of voices is constantly moving.

I encourage you to listen to the samples available here of the Russian Chamber Chorus's recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy, compare the same pieces. This recording is more a Vegas neon version of this great artwork than the fine art it deserves to be shown as. James Oestreich, the New York Times critic, put the Russian Chamber Chorus recording at #4 on his top ten list of classical releases for 2001, and said that if you had not heard it "You only think you know Tchaikovsky."

I hope you give the real Russian classical tradition a listen. It deserves your time, and it will pay you back with a huge amount of pleasure.

Average customer rating:

Miserere
Power of the Human Voice in Concert: Hope for Brotherhood
Bumps, Crashes and Beautiful music
purest music of all
A triumph and yet a pity

Górecki: Miserere

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Henryk Gorecki: Symphony 3 "Sorrowful Songs"
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Górecki: Symphony No. 3 ("Symphony of Sorrowful Songs"); Three Olden Style Pieces
Henryk Gorecki: String Quartet No. 3...songs are sung

ASIN: B000005J2Z
Release Date: 1994-11-15

Tracks:

Miserere - Opus 44
Opus 35
Euntes Ibant Et Flebant - Opus 32
Wislo Moja, Wislo Szara (My Vistula, Grey Vistula) - Opus 46
Szeroka Woda (Broad Waters) - Opus 39 - Lento Malinconico
Szeroka Woda - Non Troppo
Szeroka Woda - Molto Lento - Dolce Cantabile
Szeroka Woda - Lento Sostenuto
Szeroka Woda - Maestoso Espressivo

Customer Reviews:

Miserere.......2006-03-11

Although the CD tends toward the somber, there is a majestic quality to Gorecki's music. The harmonies in Broad Waters are especially stunning.

Power of the Human Voice in Concert: Hope for Brotherhood.......2005-02-24

Henryk Gorecki is able to achieve so much power and transcendence with so very little that his music for unaccompanied chorus stands as a metaphor for we as the global community cold achieve if we believed in the motivation that soars through this selection of music.

MISERERE is a stunning work, a response to the political upheaval in Poland that surrounded the United Peasant Party in 1981 when members of the Rural Solidarity were slaughtered by the militia. In response to this Gorecki immediately composed this work for large unaccompanied chorus which for the first thirty minutes intones the words 'Domine Deus Noster' (Lord our God), first by massive male voices intoning, plea-like, then joined by women's voices in agitation and ultimate reverence, adding only are the very end the words 'Miserere nobis' (have mercy on us). If any listener fails to be moved by this quiet, urgent, sonorous plea for peace, then we as a universal people have much work to do!

Appropriately, MISERERE is followed by a performance of Gorecki's AMEN. Again, this work does not change key, uses only the single word 'Amen' as text, but packs so much power and finally closes with the choral forces closing the 'n' in sustained echo. Following the simplicity of this six-minute work is Gorecki's first work composed for unaccompanied voices - the Psalms setting titled EUTES IBANT ET FLEBANT and is reminiscent of the mood of his now famous "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs". And dating back to the year of MISERERE is his setting of 'My Vistula, Grey Vistula', a brief but compelling setting of the folk music of Poland.

The final work on this very fine recording is a secular setting of Polish folksongs SZEROKA WODA, charming in its simplicity and unfettered by complicated messages or writing.

The Chigago Symphony Chorus and the Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus are impeccably conducted by John Nelson for the first four works and the Polish Folksongs are performed by the Lira Chamber Chorus conducted by Lucy Ding. The sound of the recording is resonant and rich and I must admit that the music speaks so strongly on this recording that I was not hampered by the extraneous sounds mentioned by other reviewers. And there may be a message there about priorities and responses... Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, February 2005

Bumps, Crashes and Beautiful music.......2004-07-02

Beautiful singing. It's unfortunate that some poor guy was made to fold chairs in the room throughout the entire recording. I only wish this was an exaggeration. Listening in the car may alleviate some of the problem . . .

purest music of all.......2000-09-08

'domine, deus noster' (Lord, our God). These words are repeated for almost half an hour in Miserere. I know this can sound boring, it is certainly not the case. The words never sound the same, the music is always evolving. And then, at the end, quietly, the choir sings 'miserere nobis' (save us), creating maybe the purest, most emotional moment in music history I ever heard. It simply is breath-taking.

A triumph and yet a pity.......1999-07-29

On this disc, the Chicago Symphony and Opera Choruses explore three powerful sacred works by this remarkably tranquil composer whilst the Lira Chamber Chorus looks at secular works in his native language. As far as the singing and direction goes, this is a brilliant performance- attuned to the passion and the detail in the music. Although these works are not without their problems- "Miserere" is half an hour long, and "Amen" and "Euntes ibant" both feature harmonies that are (to say the least) harrowing on the ear and on the mind- they are a fine selection indeed. However, if I were Gorecki I would be ready to throttle the producers: the recording is cluttered with background noise such as a door slamming, a heavy vehicle passing (to say nothing about the constant 'dripping' sound that comes through the music particularly early on). Were it not for this, this disc would have my highest recommendation. Nonetheless, I will say that for those who can 'digest' it, this is pure and austere music that is simply written and sensitively performed. In particular, I find "Wislo Moja, Wislo Szara" to be wonderfully haunting and very reflective of the troubled country from which it originates.

Average customer rating:

Simply amazing... and ahead of her time.
Another Star for Paula Cole
I loved this CD!
I Blame Peter Gabriel
A for effort, F for execution

Amen
Paula Cole
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Harbinger
This Fire
Courage
Greatest Hits: Postcards from East Oceanside
A Few Small Repairs

ASIN: B00001P4OQ
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

I Believe In Love
Amen - (with DJ Premier)
La Tonya
Pearl
Be Somebody - (with Tionne Watkins)
Rhythm Of Life
Free
Suwannee Jo
God Is Watching

Amazon.com

Paula Cole's third release is a lesson in sticking to what you know. A trained jazz vocalist, Cole uses this studied vocal styling with great affect. Never overusing her vibrato, she breathes a unique and emotional character into each song with a well-placed whisper, unexpectedly powerful crescendo, or a desperate, aching wail. One moment she portrays a freestyling beat-poet rapper ("Rhythm of Life"), the next a tragically downtrodden blues mamma ("La Tonya"). She also knows how to produce a song. On "Free," sitar uncoils behind a scrim of dark ethereal notions. The title track has bright acoustic-guitar melodies dancing on shimmering synths that resonate like the rim of a crystal water glass caressed by a wet fingertip. Throughout, she builds a foundation of sprawling, blooming musicality adapted from her preceptor Peter Gabriel. But lyrically, Cole slips into her bad habit of harping on the obvious. On "Amen" a DJ's scratch flips a switch in the middle of the song where Cole begins spouting a list of notorious characters in need of repentance, citing Saddam Hussein, Jack Kevorkian, O.J. Simpson, and all Reagan-era republicans. Exhibiting a Jewel-esque naiveté on "Be Somebody," she advises, "In the face of totality, show the other cheek." The lyrics are trite, but after a few listens, they're a minor distraction from the mighty-fine body of music contained in this release. Amen to that. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews:

Simply amazing... and ahead of her time........2007-05-01

I purchased this CD over 8 years ago but I just needed to write a review (my first on Amazon).
One of the greatest pieces of work from an artist I have ever heard. Uplifting, moving, healing, soothing, original, honest... all those words and more can describe this cd. For an artist to speak their truth in this age, is amazing. Paula not only speaks her truth through her music & lyrics on this cd, but it permeates through the listener undoubtly. I love this cd... on the road, on a plane, at home. Just a great piece of work. Thank you Paula for this gift of song.

Another Star for Paula Cole.......2007-04-22

I've been a huge fan of Paula's since high school when "This Fire" was released. Now I own all her albums and am anxiously awaiting her new 2007 release of "Courage".

The album cover is reminiscent of Renaissance angels with halos. However, the insides are open, honest, and real and really have nothing to do with Christianity as the title suggests. The album leaf opens with a quote from The Dhammapada: "The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart." That's exactly where is album comes from. It's unlike her previous albums "Harbinger" and "This Fire". While those were more worldly and carried more angst, "Amen" is a clear view to the heart and soul of Paula Cole.

Track Listing and pieces of verse:

1) I Believe In Love: "And I believe in love/to be the center of all things/and I believe in love to be the way"

2) Amen: "My life is but a short and precious seed/Like three seasons of life in a leaf on a tree/And when I cascade to the ground I will not be done"

3) La Tonya: "The girls all whisper 'hind my back/My baby brother's smoking crack/The boys they want only one thing/And so I give it, don't complain"

4) Pearl (my personal fave on the album): "Hang in there baby, I'm the grain of sand/Becoming a pearl"

5) Be Somebody: "Ignire This Fire inside, this light that is the Truth/Shake off the system's chains, no longer be their foot"

6) Rhythm of Life (like a jazzy, hip-hop song): "Looking within I can see beyond my sight/The cities, the sky, the planets roll by/I awake and die, I awake and die, yeah/That is the rhythm of life"

7) Free: "Oh, the way I'm shut out by your silence/It's the loudest thing I've ever known/You leave me, you leave me hanging"

8) Suwannee Jo: "But Suwannee Jo, you're dark and slow/You dance with a broom and you're filled with ghosts/You smell like liquor and you're high as a hawk/You laugh to yourself"

9) God Is Watching: "Whether it be across the sea/Kosovo, Baghdad, Korea/Or here at home, right under our fingertips/in new slavey systems...God is watching us play our ghetto ways"

I loved this CD!.......2006-11-03

In moments of creativity, you can only hope to put as much of yourself as possible in your work. That's what Paula Cole has achieved with "Amen". In this eclectic mix of funk, pop tunes, and bluesy numbers, you not only hear and feel her struggle for love, inner peace, political righteousness, and a life of spiritual meaning - you want it too. Honestly, there are a few "fillers" in the album, hence the 4 star rating. But with evocative tracks such as "I Believe in Love", "Amen", "Pearl" and "Be Somebody", these "fillers" are forgiven. In short, Paula Cole offers a musical reflection of herself and ourselves as well in our struggle for harmony in our personal relationships, our humanitarian responsibility in the world, and our spiritual balance in the universe.

I Blame Peter Gabriel.......2006-05-08

Waxing pseudo-philosophic ramblings on 1996s 'This Fire', pondering an unsuccessful acclivity toward a Kate Bush hierarchy, I avoided this like a Jewel CD, and I wasn't alone. At not even platinum, it seems that the 2 million or so who were suckered in by its predecessor [thank goodness for promo CDs] knew better the second [or third, but who heard the first one?] time around. Music masochist that I tend to be at times, I finally decided to dive head first, barely surviving this self-prophecy at its most self-aggrandized. My grade: C-

A for effort, F for execution.......2006-04-29

I understand that some loyalists really appreciate this album, and are unhappy with the more critical reviews. I will preface my review by saying that I respect Paula as a singer, songwriter and producer. I enjoyed seeing Paula live in 1998. I feel that I approach the art of music in an honest way; I don't expect musicians to be hit machines, and I appreciate the urge to try new things, new sounds and new ideas. As Joni Mitchell once said, "No one ever said to Van Gogh, 'Paint another Starry Night, man!'"

Having said all of that, I have to say that, in my opinion, this is truly one of the worst albums I have ever heard. The songs are sonically unfocused and Paula's voice largely seems at odds with the backbeats. The songs are also lyrically weak at best and overblown at worst; "LaTonya" in particular is a song filled with good intentions but is entirely too earnest and wholly lacking authenticity; Paula's attempt to embody a downtrodden girl from the projects falls flat.

I would recommend people unfamiliar with her work to look at her first two releases and keep a keen eye out for her, but to avoid this release like the plague.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Average customer rating:

Bach and Handel Treats
Fine recording, but doesn't work for me.
rock on!!!!!
This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Johann Sebastian Bach , George Frideric Handel , Dr. Jerold D. Ottley , Eugene Ormandy , Richard P. Condie , Columbia Symphony Orchestra , Philadelphia Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027YR
Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

Cantata No. 80: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Cantata No. 140: Zion Hears The Watchmen's Voices
Magnificant In D Major, BWV 243: My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord
Cantata No.147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Cantata No. 4: Now Keep We All This Holy Feast
Cantata No. 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: Et Resurrexit
Cantata No. 79: Now Thank We All Our God
Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
Samson: Awake The Trumpet's Lofty Sound
Samson: Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
Judas Maccabaeus: Sing Unto God
Judas Maccabaeus: Hallelujah, Amen
Saul: Welcome, Welcome Mighty King
Saul: David, His Ten Thousands Slew
Israel In Egypt: But As For His People
Israel In Egypt: Sing Ye To The Lord
Coronation Anthem: Zadok The Priest
Messiah: Hallelujah

Customer Reviews:

Bach and Handel Treats.......2000-08-04

The unfortunate thingÑif anything can be said to the contrary about this collectionÑis that is an older recording. As far as authenticity, what was available in the days of Bach and Handel to perform their music, and what they may have had in mind as the formidable way of presenting it to the publicÑas well as to the heavensÑmay be quite different things. Viewed in this way, authenticity may be an abstraction we are not here priviledged to comment on.

I have marveled for years, even when these were two separate LP's, of the power and dimensionality conveyed by the way these works are performed. I still switch from one to another piece as which is my favorite. In this respect, the experience is a hermenutic delight. Any lover or respecter of Bach or Handel would not go wrong by including this collection in their musical library.

When I use the word "treats" in the title, I mean just that: it is a collection of works that one would be hard pressed to find performed together on any available recording. And so I use the metaphor "treat," as if I were given a morsel and then devoured it; and another, and devoured that one, each with a fullness of pleasure and delight, and with soul filling satisfaction.

These indivdual recordings are for the most part masterpieces in and of themselves, and to be able to listen to them as they are performed flawlessly, and in a manner that invites the Spirit of GodÑby saying they are a "treat"Ñis to merely to treat them minimally.

Fine recording, but doesn't work for me........1999-05-07

I love several of J.S. Bach's cantatas, and enjoy hearing them in a variety of ways--period performances, orchestral arrangements, etc. Therefore I'm not one to insist on authenticity. Nevertheless, the chorus here sounds too big for the Bach. Also, the program needs more variety for straight through listening. Chorus after (massive) chorus doesn't work for me.

rock on!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

Average customer rating:

For Children
Utter disappointment
A pale shadow of the original
Brings Back Memories!
Cultural imperialism

Missa Luba: An African Mass

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000412X
Release Date: 1991-02-08

Tracks:

Missa Luba: Kyrie
Missa Luba: Gloria
Missa Luba: Credo
Missa Luba: Sanctus
Missa Luba: Agnus Dei
Vamuvamba
Bwana Ni Nani
Natufurahi Siku Ya Leo
Yesu Wayinyanza
Nyathii Onyuol
Namuvera Jesu
Kaung'a Yachee
Singo Jadolo
Vanga Yohana
Nasadiki - Amen

Customer Reviews:

For Children.......2007-01-18

This album ought to be in the children's section. The performances are innocent and pretty. What a nice way to show a child that world music is nothing to be afraid of!

Utter disappointment.......2006-08-06

Gosh was I happy to have found the Missa Luba again! I heard it first in the 60s and fell in love with it - with the vibrance, the aliveness, the depth of feeling and colour of it. It brought back memories of the time when I heard 40 or so (black) workers in South Africa, singing on their way home from work, and that still is the most beautiful singing I've ever heard. And being a singer myself, I've heard a lot!

And then I listen to the examples: the whole thing has fallen flat on it's face. What a pale, watered-down, emotionless version this is! Like the others: I'll wait till Philips comes to its senses!

A pale shadow of the original.......2006-06-06

Others have already made this point, but I will repeat it. The orginal Missa Luba was a work of great genius. This version is the processed-cheese equivalent. It is musically competent, but sterile and ultimately boring. I can only guess that those who rate it highly have never heard the original, which I have the privilege of owning on LP. If you can't find the original version it might be worth your money to buy this one, but only because it gives an echo of the brilliant original.

Brings Back Memories!.......2005-09-30

The Missa Luba came out at a time when the Roman Catholic Church was just introducing (and allowing) the vernacular to be used in its liturgies.
This particular piece is still exciting and moving, as it uses Kenyan rhythms and lyrics, the fisrt four tracks in Latin, to really "make a joyful noise"!

Cultural imperialism.......2005-08-24

I listened to excerpts of this souless example of cultural imperialism. The original 1968 version was alive, breathing, filled with passion and beauty. It also showed how even the brutality Congo suffered under the Belgians can be transcended, and a white church made genuinely universal by suffering. Christ does become the expression of liberation after enslavement in the original version. This commodified dreck merely turns the music into a saleable item. Phillips should be boycotted until they bring the origianl out. I have CDs of Debussy's music recorded in the 1920s and it is a joy to the ear. It isn't the music quality that counts (to everyon but the turd ears in marketing), but the music. The music is what is liberating.

Average customer rating:

Wondrous gentle music
hauntingly beautiful
The voice of the soul
Divinely Joyous
Breathtaking!!!

Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Joyous Light
Armenian Anonymous , Sahag Bartev , Khacadour Vartabed of Daron , Mekhitar Vartabed of Ayrivank , St. Gregory of Nareg , Gomidas Vartabed , Raffi Armenian , Isabel Bayrakdarian , and Elmer Iseler Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: Cbc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ararat
A Long Journey Home

ASIN: B00005S6VZ
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Tracks:

Where Are You, O Mother
You Are A Profound Mystery
Trisagion - Isabel Bayrakdarian
We Celebrate
Chosen Of God
Joyous Light - Isabel Bayrakdarian
My Heart Trembles
Lord Have Mercy - Isabel Bayrakdarian
Entrance To The Tabernacle
The Fowl
The Mother Of The Lord
Open For Us, Lord - Isabel Bayrakdarian
Be Delighted, O Holy Church
Rejoice, O Holy Church - Isabel Bayrakdarian
You Are The Only Holy One
Doxology
O Gardener
The Lord's Prayer

Customer Reviews:

Wondrous gentle music.......2007-01-10

I first saw Isabel on an SBS programme and was amazed at the glorious sounds she was producing. This album is great, relaxing, full of strength and beauty. My only word of caution would be that unless you are in the right mood it can sound a bit repetitive by the time you get to the end of the album. However, I am very glad that I bought it.

hauntingly beautiful.......2006-08-22

Very beautiful melodies and a gorgeous voice - doesn't vary as much though as a whole cd -
can get monotonous after a few songs

The voice of the soul.......2006-01-01

Growing up in the Armenian church, it was impossible not to be powerfully moved by the music. Isabel Bayrakdarian was clearly also moved in the same way. Her singing is so flawless, yet it conveys the depths of her spiritual feelings. It is wonderful that people who have not been exposed to this music will have a chance to experience its power and beauty.

Divinely Joyous.......2005-09-28

Isabel Bayrakdarian is a certified classical music diva today, an excellent Mozartian, Handelian, songs and lieder recitalist and overall a very bright star in the current line-up of young sopranos. And this is how she started her recorded career- with a disc of Armenian liturgical music.
For me it is actually very refreshing to listen to songs in language that I don't understand at all- and a nice break from the usual Latin, German, and my native ones- but at the same time, knowing that they are sung by someone who understands the texts and has a spiritual connection to them is a nice bonus. (And if you want to explore the meaning behind the sounds, the original Armenian texts and translations are included in the CD booklet...) It's also a new musical experience to my ears- I am used to certain melismatic forms of Indian music, and Soeur Marie Keyrouz records of Byzantine chants, yet this music still sounds quite exotic to me. And, at all times, very beautiful.
Like Gregorian chant in its pure form, it would get somewhat monotonous, if it wasn't for Bayrakdarian's heartfelt delivery. I find that the opening song is my favourite and often end up listening to it over and over again, but the whole album is very addictive. Not all the songs have the same joyous rapture feel- some are melancholy tinged, some are both at the same time. You need to listen to this music to appreciate its strange charms. It's beautiful and deeply spiritual, all in one. It is certainly Sacred Joy for my ears.

Breathtaking!!!.......2002-08-14

This is a stunning recording. Isabel Bayrakdarian's voice is a wonderful clear soprano, rich and warm throughout its range and free of any roughness. Her long familiarity with this repertoire lets her shape each phrase beautifully and, apparently, effortlessly.

The disk derives from a concert that took place in Toronto in September, 2001 commemorating 1700 years of Christianity in Armenia. It consists of 18 pieces of liturgical music. In some Bayrakdarian sings a capella, but in most she is supported by a chamber orchestra. One is aware that this is not western music, but the modes in which it is written are just unusual enough to European ears to be a little exotic while remaining entirely accessible. It's not quite melodic, but not quite chant either. Bayrakdarian's melismas are always sensitive and subtle. The whole effect is soaring, haunting, ethereal, transporting, utterly wonderful.

This is a desert island disk for sure.

World Music: