Resoundingly entrancing,
Product Description
Aldoush & the Human Exchange create an exotic new sound on their CD "The Child Within", combining ancient Persian folk music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms. Their arrangements pass through many different genres, blending traditional Persian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles.
The result is a sound that contains both the raw effervescence of true Persian village music and the uncanny communication found in a well-rehearsed jazz band. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation- winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year, this music is a must for multiculturalists and world music enthusiasts alike. Listen and be enchanted.
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Tamburak, Nazanin, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Six-string Fretless Bass, Synthesizer, Synth Programing, Percussion, Tumbak, Daf.
The Child Within
The Child Within,Aldoush & Human Exchange,X Dot 25,Int'l & World Music,Persian,Pop
Average customer rating:
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Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000029YJ Release Date: 1997-12-09 |
Tracks:
- Balm in Gilead
- Chassidic Chant
- Quiet Flows The Don: From Border To Border
- Quiet Flows The Don: Oh, How Proud Our Quiet Don
- Elijah, Op. 70: The Lord God Of Abraham
- The Purest Kind Of Guy
- Joe Hill
- The Peat-Bog Soldiers
- The Four Insurgent Generals
- Native Land
- Song Of The Plains
- Cradle Song
- Within Four Walls
- By An' By
- Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
- John Henry
- Water Boy
- My Curly Headed Baby
- Mah Lindy Lou
- Wagon Wheels
- The House I Live In
- Showboat: I Still Suits Me
- Sylvia
- Showboat: Ol' Man River
- Porgy And Bess: It Ain't Necessarily So
Amazon.com
There was nothing like the Robeson sound, ever. To describe his deep, rich, perfectly equalized instrument is futile. Go instead to "Balm in Gilead," the opening track, and see if you can listen to the last pianissimo phrase without falling to pieces. Robeson was at his best when the music was slow and the words contained spiritual or social messages. Faster, lighter fare like Kern's "I Still Suits Me" or Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" find the serious-minded singer out of his element, lacking irony and swing. "Old Man River," though, gets a simple, dignified treatment. It's Songs of Free Men, though, that will just keep Robeson's artistry rolling along, especially in Sony's astonishing transfers. --Jed DistlerCustomer Reviews:
Robeson on wax.......2007-06-19
The voice, the sound quality and the interpretation.......2004-09-24
A Voice from the 40s, often dated, often moving.......2002-09-01
No one need have any fears about the mono sound quality. The orchestra in the second half of the program is at times a little dwarfed by Robeson's voice, but it generally sounds clean and colorful, and the great artist's voice rings like no other.
Robeson at his best.......2000-05-12
In response to a previous question: Robeson's performance of Danny Boy (Londonderry Air) can be found on the Vanguard LP entitled "Robeson" (VRS-9037).
some of the greatest songs of the last century.......2000-05-05
Average customer rating:
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Rigoletto
Manufacturer: The Pinnacle Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000267NUM |
Product Description
Titles include: Tale of Rigoletto, Let Me In, Magic of the Mansion, The Curse, Night Escapades, Porter's Problem, Gabriella's Song, Singing Montage, April Child, Bonnie Chooses to Stay, The Beast, Ransacking the Mansion, The Melody Within, May He Rest in Peace, Finale He's Back/Let Me In, Reprise The Melody Within/The Curse.Customer Reviews:
"Music boxes have within" ("The Melody Within") "We've heard the tale since we were young," ("The Curse".......2007-05-18
This music is worth far more than 5 stars!!!
A friend gave me her copy of the VHS when I was about 14. I watched it, and was blown away by the stunning music and singing - in particular, "The Curse". Because I have been taking singing lessons I looked on the Internet, trying to find the sheet music, but could only find "The Melody Within", which is another magnificent song. I bought it.
My singing teacher recommended that I sing "The Melody Within" in a concert she was organising.
I WISH I COULD FIND THE SHEET MUSIC FOR ALL THE OTHER SONGS!!!!!!!!!!!!! In particular, "The Curse" and "April Child", which are truly BEAUTIFUL songs, and the guy who sings them............WOW!!!!! WHAT A VOICE!!!
TRACKLISTING:.......2005-09-01
2. Let Me In (Music: Kurt Bestor, Performed by Ivey Lloyd)
3. Magic of the Mansion
4. The Curse (Music: Kurt Bestor, Performed by Joseph Paur)
5. Gabriella and Ari
6. Night Escapades
7. Porter's Problem
8. Gabriella's Song (Performed by Tracey Williams)
9. Singing Montage
10. April Child (Music by Chance Thomas & Kurt Bestor, Performed by Joseph Paur)
11. Bonnie Chooses to Stay
12. The Beast
13. Ransacking the Mansion
14. The Melody Within
15. May He Rest in Peace
16. Finale: He's Back/Let Me In (Music by Kurt Bestor & Sam Cardon)
17. Reprise: The Melody Within/The Curse (Music by Kurt Bestor & Sam Cardon. Performed by Ivey Lloyd and Joseph Paur)
WHY THE HECK AM I GETTING NO-HELP VOTES FOR PROVIDING A TRACK LISTING?
Music that is a must for classical .......2005-06-13
AWESOME!!!.......2005-01-04
Wonderful Music.......2004-12-16
The themes were lovely, haunting and familiar. Many songs, particularly The Curse and A Song Within were beautiful to the point of bringing tears to your eyes, and shivers down your spine.
Lovely music to accompany a fairy tale come true!
Average customer rating: |
Peace In The World: Music For The Child Within All Ages
ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00009KDL5 Release Date: 2003-03-31 |
Tracks:
- Peace In The World
- I Created (All Of Me)
- Breathing
- My Special House
- The Strongest Tool
- Choices
- I AM Brave
- Living Example
- I AM Centered
- Everything I AM
Album Description
Each song is a "Lesson in Living" designed to appeal to the child within all ages. Sample lyrics from each song include: "The outer world will reflect back your inner peace and that's a fact," "I created all of me, some of it I cannot see," "Let your breathing be your guide to all your feelings deep inside," "My body is my special house, I build it with my mind," "The strongest tool that I can find is inside of me, within my mind," "I listen to my inner voice, to keep my power, that's my choice," "I am brave as you can see, nothing in the world frightens me," "You are a living example, what do you want to teach?" "I am centered, I am calm, I am right where I belong," "I am color shape, and tone, from mountaintop to smallest stone," "I am the best that I can be..." Amazing reviews from people 0-90 years young!
Average customer rating:
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Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
English National Opera Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000056KNC Release Date: 2001-02-27 |
Tracks:
- Act I.: Prld - Barry Tuckwell
- Act I., Scene 1: Wearisome Labour! - Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 1: Hoiho! Hoiho! - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 1: Well, There Are The Pieces - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 1: A Whimpering Babe - Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 1: Much You've Taught To Me, Mime - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 1: I Found Once in The Wood - Gregory Dempsey/Alberto Remedios
- Act I., Scene 1: And Now These Fragments - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 1: He Storms Away! - Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 2: Hail There, Worthy Smith! - Norman Bailey/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 2: I Sit By Your Hearth - Norman Bailey/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 2: What You Needed To Know - Norman Bailey/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 2: The Fragments! The Sword! - Gregory Dempsey/Norman Bailey
Tracks:
- Act I., Scene 3: Accursed Light! - Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 3: Hey There! You Idler! - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 3: Have You Not Felt Within The Woods - Gregory Dempsey/Alberto Remedios
- Act I., Scene 3: Give Me These Pieces - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 3: Notung! Notung! Sword Of My Need! - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act I., Scene 3: Hoho! Hoho! Hohi! - Alberto Remedios/Gregory Dempsey
- Act II.: Prld - Barry Tuckwell
- Act II., Scene 1: In Gloomy Night By Fafner's Cave I Wait - Derek Hammond-Stroud
- Act II., Scene 1: To Neidhohl By Night I Have Come - Norman Bailey/Derek Hammond-Stroud
- Act II., Scene 1: Not My Plan! - Norman Bailey/Derek Hammond-Stroud
- Act II., Scene 1: Fafner! Fafner! You Dragon, Wake! - Norman Bailey/Derek Hammond-Stroud/Clifford Grant
- Act II., Scene 1: Now, Alberich! That Plan Failed! - Norman Bailey/Derek Hammond-Stroud
- Act II., Scene 2: We Go No Further! - Gregory Dempsey/Alberto Remedios
- Act II., Scene 2: So He's No Father Of Mine - Alberto Remedios
Tracks:
- Act II., Scene 2: Could I But Know - Alberto Remedios
- Act II., Scene 2: See My Mother - Alberto Remedios
- Act II., Scene 2: Ha Ha! At Last With My Call - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant
- Act II., Scene 2: Who Are You, Youthful Hero - Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios
- Act II., Scene 2: The Dead Can Tell No Tidings - Alberto Remedios/Maurine London
- Act II., Scene 3: Hehe! Sly And Slippery Knave - Derek Hammond-Stroud/Gregory Dempsey
- Act II., Scene 3: Tarnhelm And Ring, Here They Are - Alberto Remedios/Maurine London/Gregory Dempsey
- Act II., Scene 3: Be Welcome, Siegfried! - Gregory Dempsey/Alberto Remedios/Derek Hammond-Stroud
- Act II., Scene 3: You Lie There Too, Mighty Dragon - Alberto Remedios/Maurine London
- Act III.: Prld - Barry Tuckwell
- Act III., Scene 1: Waken, Wala! Wala! Awake! - Norman Bailey
- Act III., Scene 1: Strong Is Your Call - Anne Collins/Norman Bailey
- Act III., Scene 1: You Unwise One, Learn What I Will - Norman Bailey
- Act III., Scene 2: I See That Siegfried's Near - Norman Bailey
Tracks:
- Act III., Scene 2: My Woodbird Fluttered Away - Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 2: Young Man, Hear Me - Norman Bailey/Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 2: Child, If You Knew Who I Am - Norman Bailey/Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 2: With His Spear in Splinters - Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 3: Here in The Sunlight - Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 3: Come, My Sword! - Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 3: Hail, Bright Sunlight! - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 3: Siegfried! Siegfried! Glorious Hero! - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 3: And There Is Grane, My Sacred Horse - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
- Act III., Scene 3: Oh! I Cared Always - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
Customer Reviews:
Goodall's Siegfried.......2007-06-22
"Do you know what Wotan wills?".......2007-06-12
TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Boulez's Ring: 13 hours, 40 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Haitink's Ring: 14 hours, 10 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.
Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.
Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.
Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: nothing is faster than andante. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.
Boulez: Here it is, folks - the controversial Centennial Ring. To fit the Ring Cycle in the industrial age, Boulez gives it a very Schoenbergian, Bartokian atmosphere. Much of his tempi are very quick, very Bohm-like, though they're still not as fast as Bohm. Keep in mind, though, this live Ring works only if you hear AND see it (the DVD's work best).
Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".
Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.
Haitink: This might be seen as a disappointment. If you want great conducting, then this is for you. If you want a persuasive array of singers, look somewhere else. Haitink's conducting saves this work from being a total flop. There is nothing quite like his Rheingold & Gotterdammerung ("Siegfried's Rhine Journey" is a bit forced, but magnificent nonetheless).
Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.
ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.
Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.
Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.
Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act Two Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.
Boulez's Bayreuth Festival: While it doesn't really pack the same punches as Bohm's Bayreuth, it still delivers a stunning performance. Orchestral interaction between characters (Ex. Siegfried's motifs mixed in with Mime's motifs) fares better than Berlin's and English National's. Rhine maiden motifs are given more wit, while the Dragon motifs are played with less eeriness. Beauty makes up for the irritatingly quick "Wotan's Farewell".
Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Boulez's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are heard clear in this Ring. The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.
Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.
Haitink's Bavarian Radio Symphony: This may very well be like Metropolitan, only this sounds much more poignant. The strings sound better and the percussion sound clearer. The leitmotivs are almost never screwed up. First scene of Rheingold will take one's breath away.
Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.
SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).
Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.
Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".
Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.
Boulez: If you watch Donald McIntyre on the Centennial Ring production, then you can tell that he's a fine "industrial" Wotan. If you just hear him on CD, then you'll be disappointed. His diction is weak, his emotions are forced, and his voice sounds robotic. The DVD's will do.
Levine and Haitink: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's and Haitink's Ring.
Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.
-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.
Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).
Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."
Boulez: How can anyone not be impressed by the Brunnhilde of Gwyneth Jones? One can almost feel her excitement during Siegfried Act Three, and her fear in Walkure Act Three. Her weakest point is probably during her Gotterdammerung Prologue (a bit too stressed).
Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.
Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).
Haitink: Hmph. I was hoping that Eva Marton would do well here. I was seriously let down by her strained singing. She does okay in "Annunciation of Death", but she is at her worst in "Immolation".
-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm, Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Peter Hoffman for Boulez, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, Reiner Goldberg for Haitink, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jeanine Altmeyer for Boulez, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, Cheryl Studer for Haitink, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Three exceptions, though: Goldberg and Schunk don't sound heroic enough, and Norman for Levine doesn't sound young and innocent enough.
-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.
Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.
Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.
Boulez: Is Manfred Jung a good tenor? Yes. Is he a good Heldentenor? NO. He doesn't have that heroic voice like Windgassen and Remedios. Again, the DVD's are your safest bet.
Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.
Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. Levine should've chose Kollo or Jerusalem when he recorded his studio Ring.
Haitink: Have you ever seen Siegfried Jerusalem on the Levine/Metropolitan DVD? Well, here he is again, and this time, he sings with more valor and enthusiasm. Bravo!
-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").
Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.
Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.
Boulez: What we have here is the weak Alberich of Hermann Becht. When he's in Nibelheim, the authority isn't there. When he's in the Neid-Hohle forest, the creepiness isn't there. And when he's near the Gibich house, the misery isn't there. Even on DVD he's unsatisfactory.
Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.
Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.
Haitink: No offense, but Theo Adam as Alberich? Come on . . .
-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.
Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.
Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.
Boulez and Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent Mime, VERY fun to listen to. There is much humor and eccentricity in his voice, and that's what makes his dwarf much more compelling than Dempsey's dwarf. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.
Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. He is equal to Zednik when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.
Haitink: Peter Haage sounds like he's entertaining young kids. His version of Mime is a bit childish, and the dark humor that the dwarf brings out sounds-over-the-top here. Nonetheless, he is still entertaining to listen to ("Wer halfe mir?" has never sounded better).
Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.
-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on during the Trilogy.
Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Again, another Loge that's marred by lack of cunning.
Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. He has the wit, the craftiness, and the untrustworthiness that the character deserves. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.
Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.
Boulez and Haitink: I can summon Heinz Zednik's performance in just three words: Brilliant Beyond Belief!
Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt and Zednik depend only on vengeance and deviousness, Stolze only imagination and deviousness, Windgassen and Svanholm only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.
Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.
Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Zednik. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.
-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings. Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). Anja Silja is the most memorable Freia (Bohm), while Kurt Moll makes the most fabulous Hunding yet (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm, Goodall, and Boulez. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.
CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation, Neuhold's Badische version, and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss, etc.), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the industrialized Boulez, the truthful Janowski, the unhurried Levine, the abnormal Haitink, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.
The Box Set: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Rhinegold (Part 1): Wagner: The Rhinegold
-The Valkyrie (Part 2): Wagner: The Valkyrie
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
Slow and steady wins the race.......2007-02-07
For me, this whole cycle is desert island material because the English translation is just superb. Fine singing and marvellous playing from the ENO orchestra.
Absolutely better than you think, the best of Goodal's Ring!.......2005-05-03
Better than you might think...........2002-03-17
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Leo Smit: 33 Songs on Poems of Emily Dickinson
Manufacturer: Bridge ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00000JIRG Release Date: 1999-07-20 |
Tracks:
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 1. I Was The Slightest..
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 2. Through Lane It Lay...
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 3. It Troubled Me As...
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 4. The Childs Faith Is New
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 5. Softened My Time's...
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 6. Papa Above!
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 7. We Talked As Girls Do
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 8. They Shut Me Up In...
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 9. I Cried At Pity--Not At
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 10. Let Us Play Yesterday
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 11. A Loss Of Something...
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 12. Good Morning...
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 13. Up Life's Hill With...
- Cycle 1, Cholde Emilie, 14 Songs About Memories & Fantasies Of Childhood: 14. I'm Ceded--I've...
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 1. I Was A Phoebe--Nothing More
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 2. The Bird Her Punctual Music Brings
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 3. The Earth Has Many Keys
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 4. The Bobolink Is Gone
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 5. A Train Went Through A Burial Gate
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 6. I Cannot Dance Upon My Toes
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 7. Upon His Saddle Sprung A Bird
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 8. Better-Than Music!--For I--Who...
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 9. Bind Me--I Still Can Sing
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 10. Within My Garden, Rides A Bird
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 11. Heart, Not So Heavy As Mine
- Cycle 2, The Celestial Thrush, 12 Songs About Music & Birds: 12. I Shall Keep Singing
- Cycle 6, The White Diadem, 7 Songs About Poets & Poetry: 1. I Reckon--When I Count At All
- Cycle 6, The White Diadem, 7 Songs About Poets & Poetry: 2. I Dwell In Possibility
- Cycle 6, The White Diadem, 7 Songs About Poets & Poetry: 3. The Martyr Poets--Did Not Tell
- Cycle 6, The White Diadem, 7 Songs About Poets & Poetry: 4. The Poets Light But Lamps
- Cycle 6, The White Diadem, 7 Songs About Poets & Poetry: 5. I Would Not Paint--A Picture
- Cycle 6, The White Diadem, 7 Songs About Poets & Poetry: 6. To Pile Like Thunder To Its Close
- Cycle 6, The White Diadem, 7 Songs About Poets & Poetry: 7. Me--Come! My Dazzled Face
Album Description
Leo Smit has an impressive pedigree as an American composer and musician. A virtuoso pianist, he has worked closely with such legends as Stravinsky, Balanchine, Copland and Stokowski. He has set more that 75 of Emily Dickinson's poems to music, grouping the works into cycles about related subject matter. The disc contains the world premiere recordings of three of those cycles- Childe Emilie- Memories and Fantasies of Childhood, The Celestrial Thrush- Songs of Music and Bird, and The White Diadem- Songs About Poets and Poetry. Smit's songs display great sensitivity to Dickinson's very personal world, and reflect the poet's emotional range by adopting an extremely colorful palette. The songs frequently veer from the simple and tonal to more rhythmically complex and chromatic settings, always alert to word and mood.
Average customer rating:
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John McCormack: The Acoustic Victor and HMV Recordings (1912-14)
Manufacturer: Romophone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000061K8 Release Date: 1998-02-10 |
Tracks:
- Maire, My Girl
- Like Stars Above
- Take, O Take Those Lips Away
- A Child's Song
- Asthore
- A Farewell
- My Commander As Envoy Bids Me Come
- I Know Of Two Bright Eyes
- Eileen Aroon
- The Wearing Of The Green
- The Rosary
- The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls
- Silver Threads Among The Gold
- T'eri Un Giorno Ammalato
- At Dawning
- Dai Campi, Dai Prati
- Giunto Sul Passo
- Mi Par D'udir Ancora
- Nirvana
- There Is a Flower That Bloometh
- My Dreams
- Sweet Genevieve
- I'll Sing Thee Songs Of Araby
- Where The River Shannon Flows
- Silver Threads Among The Gold
Tracks:
- Within The Garden Of My Heart
- Dear Love, Remember Me
- Chiudo Gli Occhi 'Il Sogno'
- Molly Brannigan
- A Foggy Dew
- The Low Back'd Car
- Sospiri Miei, Andate Ove Vi Mando
- Say 'Au Revoir', But Not 'Goodbye'
- Mother O' Mine
- Down In The Forest
- Votre Mere Avec Moi Sortait De La Chapelle
- I Hear A Thrush At Eve
- Goodbye
- A Little Love A Little Kiss
- Questa O Quella
- Nearer My God To Thee
- Eileen Allanah
- Goodbye, Sweetheart, Goodbye
- Le Portrait
- Angel's Serenade
- Le Nil
- Beneath The Quivering Leaves
- Ave Maria, D.839
- Ave Maria 'Meditation On J.S. Bach's Prelude In C'
Customer Reviews:
When looking for "the most".......2001-05-14
A superb McCormack collection.......2000-10-21
Simply the Best.......2000-01-27
Average customer rating:
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Songs for Free Men 1940-1945
Manufacturer: Pearl ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000000WRW Release Date: 1997-05-20 |
Tracks:
- Ballad For Americans
- Spring Song
- Oh, Give Me Your Hand
- Chee La!
- Fengyang
- Chinese Soldiers Song
- Riding The Dragon
- 'Quiet FLows The Don': From Border To Border
- 'Quiet Flows The Don': Oh, How Proud Our Quiet Don
- 'No For An Answer': The Purest Kind Of Guy
- Joe Hill
- The Peat-Bog Soldiers
- The Four Insurgent Generals
- Native Land
- Song Of The Plains
- Op. 1 No. 5: Cradle Song
- Within Four Walls
- Anthem Of The USSR
- The United Nations
- By An' By
- Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
- John Henry
- Water Boy
- Go Down Moses
- Balm In Gilead
- Nobody Knows De Trouble I've Seen
- Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho
Customer Reviews:
This is the voice of Free Men...........2001-11-03
Robeson championed the cause of the working man through his music. Joe Hill is one of my favorites, in which Paul sinks down to the vocal depths with an astounding ease. The Song of the Plains is a rouser, and, if I remember correctly, it's sung in two languages. The Ballad For Americans is here, and it's a classic... and, for me, it's the very definition of America and the great spirit and soul of its people and its greatness. By and By is one of my favorite spirituals, and this is the version I remember. Who sang spirituals with as much richness and depth of feeling as Paul Robeson? Maybe Marian Anderson, whose voice was unique and whose life broke through so many barriers.
This is an album for those who love freedom and the many races who seek it. God bless Paul Robeson for his incredible contribution to humanity.
Average customer rating:
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The Tomato Collection: the Big Album
Various Artists Manufacturer: Cooperfly Books (and Music), Inc. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000524A2 Release Date: 2000-10-15 |
Tracks:
- Introductions
- Introductions
- Introductions
- Introductions
- Frogs and Toads
- Jacob's Poem
- Stronger Pushers
- Natalie
- Noonies
- Joe
- A Tree Without a Trunk
- The Sun Will Always Float
- Concert of the Blind
- Well Hey
- 29 Cookies
- How to Cook an Egg
- Norwood
- Opening Gifts
- Art Poem
- Broken Sled
- Broken Sled
- Sleeper People
- Cookie Batch
- Natalie
- Afraid Too?
- Little Low One
- The Couch
- Pumpkin Belly
- Quitter
- Page 30 Poems
- Stuck with a Frown
- Eyebrow Trick
- Alpabet Rain
- Up and Down Frowns
- Positively Absolutely
- Dinner
- Best Poem Ever
- Natalie
- Sun and Moon
- Little Man Jay
- Moogie Monster Man
- Call Turals
- Impressions of Each Other
- To My Family and Friends
- Grouchy
- Remote Control
- Natalie
- Sweet Pea Emily
- Thanks
- Magooie and Achoogie
- Magooie and Achoogie
- Magooie and Achoogie
- Magooie and Achoogie
- Other Side Inside
- Wholly See
- Sloppy Sloopy Slop
- If Everyone was just Like Me
- Natalie
Album Description
Each and every poem of The Tomato Collection now as a song! Over 50 musicians in the eclectic variety of music for children of all ages. From Jazz to Rock, from Ballads to Loud and Crazy, everyone will find something to enjoy on this CD.Customer Reviews:
This music will get your kids dancing!.......2003-05-09
I promise...you want this........2001-08-09
-Sam Wilkinson Third Grade Teacher Middleville, Michigan
You've never heard anything like it!.......2001-04-17
There is no way to describe it other than wonderous, fresh, and original. Get this album. I have it. You should too.
I don't even know Kevin. I only know what he did is good and Kevin I hope you keep doing it for a long time.
Get two copies, because you will want to turn your friends onto it - whether you or they are kids or adults. My kids love this album, and so do I.
Yay!
but don't take my word for it...check it out for yourself!.......2000-12-19
A remarkable achievement.......2000-12-18
Average customer rating: |
A Matter of Time: A Collection of Lullabies and Love Songs
Jim Harmon Manufacturer: GVP Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00023949I Release Date: 2004-04-19 |
Tracks:
- Brahms' Lullaby (Instrumental)
- Circle Game
- Close Your Eyes
- St. Judy's Comet
- A Matter of Time
- House at Pooh Corner
- What a Wonderful World
- Lucky Day
- Daddy's Baby
- For Baby
- Hush Little Baby
- Music is You
- When You Wish Upon a Star
- Lullaby and Goodnight
Album Description
Enjoyed by adults and children alike, "A Matter of Time" is a musical oasis of timeless lullabies and love songs that celebrate the wonder and beauty of the child within us all.
Average customer rating:
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The Child Within
Angelina Manufacturer: Angelina Productions ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002NV022 Release Date: 2004-07-07 |
Tracks:
- Breathe
- Baby Mine
- Pure Imagination
- Lord You Have My Heart
- Cloud-Shadows
- I Love You Lord
- Garden Song
- For Aubrey, Jesus Loves Me
- The Lamb
- Christopher Robin Saying His Prayers
- As I Kneel
- Evensong
- My Deliverer
Album Description
A thought provoking collection of songs and lullabies with a common theme of innocense, love of God and life, creative imagination and childlike spirituality.Customer Reviews:
Angelina's Latest Treasure.......2004-07-28
World Music:
- The Real Louisiana
- The Red & Green Suite, Vol. 4 [Import]
- Tinde Du Tassill N'ajjer [Import]
- Tis Ras [Import]
- Tribal Winds: Music From Native American Flutes
- Une Vie Comme Un Roman [Import]
- Varieta [Import]
- Vol. 1-X Dot World Sampler
- Volume 1 [Import]
- X Dot Jazz Sampler, Vol. 1
World Music
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Something Else!:The Music of Ornette Coleman
Giggerig Party Total, Vol. 2 [Import]
I Grandi Successi Originali [Import]
Flute Music From Paris 1920-1960
Favor of My Friends 2003 [Import]