Songs for a Dreamer

Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser Editor
"Songs For A Dreamer" (Lionel Standish compact disc LSCD 7255) is a jewel of a find-a New Age wonderment assembling relaxing, mesmerizing montages of romance, restfulness and reflection. Performed by guitarist Lee Eisenstein and world-class musicians, "Dreamer" is the kind of album that sweeps the listener into a landscape of dreamlike visions, the kind hospitals ought to use to drift you into and out of surgery. Largely instrumental, the disc showcases artistry with panache:the marriage of instruments known (flutes, synthesizers, pipes, soprano sax) and unusual (ocarina, nose flute) yields enchantment. "Voices In The Wind", the lead track, sets off the journey with a hushed eloquence and precision of style. That nurturing, gentle style permeates much of the intinerary" "Blue Skies" soars like an eagle-up and away- in a flight limited only by your imagination; "Mediterranean Sunset" paints a vivid portrait of amour from abroad; "Marlene's Dream" projects a wondrous nocturnal quality. Eisenstein's guitar posture in classical, but the tone is definitley New Age, with a stunning synergy of emotions and instruments. Though recorded in Hawaii, the disc has strong international appeal. There are elements of Brazilian and Cuban rythms, hints of Hawaiian percussion, and loads of exotic flutes and rhapsodic guitars. Singer Malia Elliot, of Leon and Malia, surfaces on vocals on "Memories Of Spain" and "Morning in Paradise", and other familiar folks also have solos, including Bailey Matsuda on "Mediterranean Sunset" and "Tears of Gold", Susan Gillespie on flute for "Song For A Dreamer". A group from the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Compline Choir performs a Gregorian chant on "Ways of Love." If you're hunting for "mood music", this one is a must.

Product Description
Award winning guitarist/composer Lee Eisenstein and internationally acclaimed friends have crafted an exquisitely beautiful and inspired musical experience. Come fly through blue skies over a morning in paradise to the beauty of a Mediterranean sunet. "Songs For A Dreamer" is truly a magical musical adventure. Featuring classical, 12 string and lazer guitars, exotic flutes, soprano sax, fantastic and surreal "new age" orchestras, Brazillian, Cuban and Hawaiian percussion, Gregorian chant and much more.

Songs for a Dreamer

Tracks:

Opening Solo Violin
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Hard Times Come Again No More
The Voice Of Bygone Days
Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
That's What's The Matter
Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
Gentle Annie (1856)
Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals

Average customer rating:

Amid fine work, a new star!
Stephen Foster Would Be Proud
Foster at his simple best
Well-rounded and convincing

Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Songs by Stephen Foster, Vol. 1-2
Swanee: The Music of Stephen Foster
Stephen Foster's America
Stephen Foster Song Book
American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason

ASIN: B0000049NP
Release Date: 1995-07-28

Tracks:

The Glendy Burke
Nelly Was A Lady
Melinda May
The Soree Polka
The Moustache Song
O Willie, Is It You, Dear?
Mr. & Mrs. Brown
Gem From Lucia No.1
Wilt Thou Be Gone?
The Voices That Are Gone
Ole Black Joe
Maggie By My Side
Camptown Ladies
Hard Times
Gems From Lucia No.2, No.3
The Shanghai Chicken
Beautiful Dreamer
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Away
Nelly Bly
I Dream Of Jeannie
O Susannah & Some Folks

Customer Reviews:

Amid fine work, a new star!.......2004-09-28

Baird, Russell and Van Buskirk give fine performances in a splendid
program, but tenor Frederick Urrey [his Foster recording debut?] is a sensation! A glorious voice, with a perfect command of style in
operatic, ballad, ensemble and even comic scenes, his Melinda May is breathtaking, his Beautiful Dreamer is the best on records, his
duets charm and his drunken husband is a gas! He has it all!! In my 25 years of total immersion in Foster and his era, I have never
even dreamt of hearing an artist of such stature. Foster was said to have a fine voice and to sing his music better than any other.
I pray we now hear more of SF's songs as he must have sung them!

Stephen Foster Would Be Proud.......2004-02-26

Linda Russell is a remarkable woman. I have every CD she has done and I've never been disappointed in the high quality recordings she releases. I consider her every bit of an historian as the authors of history books.
This collection of Stephen Foster tunes, one of two that Russell has partaken in, is a rousing collection of the musical sounds of the mid-19th century. Soprano Julianne Baird and tenor Frederick Urrey join in with Ms. Russell's alto vocals to make a truly remarkable ensemble (including the musicians playing the mountain dulcimer, fortepiano, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, recorder, and accordion - all on authentic antique instruments). All combined show off the genius that Stephen Foster was - the 19th century's top songwriter who wrote music for ALL time, not just his time.
But if it wasn't for the musical reenactors (on CD at least) of Russell and company many of these long lost gems might have stayed hidden, sadly unheard. Some choral music, a feel of opera, a bit of traditional folk all mixed together to make what I feel is an authentic piece of musical history.
Here's hoping that Linda Russell and friends continue in the making of traditional music - Christmas and popular.
Ms. Russell, do you ever tour? We'd love to see you here in Michigan!

Foster at his simple best.......2002-01-22

What a delicious surprise this little album is, and from the ..... date, it appears to have been around for a few seasons, but is utterly new to me. I am a Julianne Baird fan from the get-go, but was pleasantly taken aback at her appearance on an album of American songs with folk balladeer Linda Russell (who plays dulcimers, mountain fiddles and all manner of country instruments and sings with the earthy texture of Judy Collins). But as usual Baird finds a way to integrate her own exquisite sensibilities and artistry into the assignment and makes a touching case for the simple and heart-rending Foster tunes--this is, after all, "early music" in which she excels--American "Early Music." Tenor Fred Urrey is another find and he likewise blends wonderfully into the surroundings. In fact, the three diverse artists hit their stride in a haunting trio rendition of Old Black Joe. Keyboard and string instruments have a ghostly and authentic ring to them as well. indeed, after the pompous and overblown Foster CDs of better-known opera singers in the bins today, this is so welcome. A treasure!
Get it today.

Well-rounded and convincing.......2000-10-27

This is an excellent rendition of Stephen Foster's songs, capitalizing on the duality inherent in the repertoire: the beautiful parlor ballads and the rowdy folk-inspired tunes. Especially remarkable is the fact that the performers bring to the music the "early music" sensibility (Julianne Baird is renowned as a performer of Elizabethan lutesongs)--this sensibility urges the performers to be as historically accurate as possible, performing on original/reproduction instruments. Also of note is the fact that it is a collaboration between classical and folk musicians: soprano, alto, tenor, fortepiano, fiddle, mountain and hammered dulcimers, harmonica, recorder, and accordian. Linda Russell (alto, mountain dulcimer) is lyrical and moving with her "folkie" voice, perfectly complementing the other "cultivated" voices and grounding them on the occasions they come together in poignant harmony.

Tracks:

Songs By Stephen Foster: Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Songs By Stephen Foster: There's A Good Time Coming
Songs By Stephen Foster: Was My Brother In The Battle?
Songs By Stephen Foster: Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair
Songs By Stephen Foster: If You've Only Got A Moustache
Songs By Stephen Foster: Gentle Annie
Songs By Stephen Foster: Wilt Thou Be Gone, Love?
Songs By Stephen Foster: That's What's The Matter
Songs By Stephen Foster: Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway
Songs By Stephen Foster: I'm Nothing But A Plain Old Soldier
Songs By Stephen Foster: Beautiful Dreamer
Songs By Stephen Foster: Mr. & Mrs. Brown
Songs By Stephen Foster: Slumber My Darling
Songs By Stephen Foster: Some Folks
Songs By Stephen Foster: We Are Coming, Father Abraam, 300,000 More
Songs By Stephen Foster: Linger In Blissful Repose
Songs By Stephen Foster: There Are Plenty Of Fish In The Sea
Songs By Stephen Foster: Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Songs By Stephen Foster: The Soiree Polka
Songs By Stephen Foster: Better Times Are Coming
Songs By Stephen Foster: Katy Bell
Songs By Stephen Foster: The Hour For Thee And Me
Songs By Stephen Foster: Summer Longings

Customer Reviews:

Time Capsule.......2006-11-30

The voices and instruments, like the songs, are straight from the mid-19th century. If you want to be transported back in time 150 years to a wonderful parlor performance of Foster's songs, this is the album to do it. The voices are marvelous and trained, and one must imagine that the strict phrasing and style are what one would have expected at the time. The cheap upright piano is perfect.

But the one perfect moment for me is the ONLY good extant rendition of "Was My Brother in the Battle?". Accompanied on a harmonium or pump reed organ, if this song doesn't tempt a tear, you simply aren't a romantic.

Very highly recommended.

Unexpected.......2005-11-26

Quality of this recording is fantastic! Performances are superb! However, they don't fit being an example of Foster's music and times. I was expecting banjos and a Mississippi Sound - therfore, very, very disappointed in this CD and consider and a waste of money. Be sure to LISTEN to a few examples to match what you are looking for and what the CD offers. I, unfortunately did not listen before I bought. I rate this low only because my expectations were shattered. This IS a fine CD if opera styles are ok for an example of this southern, 1800's composer's work.

An album to treasure.......2004-09-23

The landmark Library of Congress album, now on enhanced CD. Years
ago, I went on a six-months field assignment to a remote area of
Africa, where I could take only what music I could carry in a vest
pocket. I chose a tape player and two albums: a recital by Perlman
and this album on tape, and was content. If you love American
music, sung poetry, beautiful singing and deeply moving musicality,
this is an album you will treasure for a lifetime.

A classic recording of American songs.......2004-08-22

What can I say that hasn't already been said below? I only wanted to reiterate how wonderful this album is and assure the reader the sound is spectacular on CD. This is a live recording, and intentionally so, as the idea was to create a "parlor" experience as these were parlor songs to be sung by family and friends around the old upright piano. I especially liked the comment about the upright piano which, indeed, does croak and clank throughout the performance adding a note of "authenticity" without becoming obtrusive.

If only Ms. DeGaetani had graced my parlor...

The sessions of sweet silent thought stirred.......2003-11-22

I have never heard such unadulterated extraworldy sound emanate from two human voices and what would otherwise be firewood (the period instruments played by Gilbert Kalish). It stirs profound patriotism and a deep sentimentality for our early days when a civilized people pined to find virtue by examining its own body-- the north and the south, the small town, the simple flag, and the beauty of gentile manly and womanly love expressed through equisite song. There is no other music I would rather hear 'when summoning up the remembrance of things past.' The ghost of the early American parlor will prick your skin through these simple hymns and you may escape for a moment our troubled and busy times.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous, Natural Sound.
SImply Untrue
an extra star for all the guest artists
An Homage to a Great Artist
superb vocals

The Very Best of Thomas Hampson
Marc Barrard , Thomas Hampson , Csaba Airizer , Georges Bizet , Charles Wakefield Cadman , Stephen Foster , Charles Gounod , Edvard Grieg , Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Imre (Emmerich) Kalman , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Franz Lehar , Gustav Mahler , Jules Massenet , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Gioachino Rossini , Franz Schubert , Robert Schumann , Johann II Strauss , Ambroise Thomas , Giuseppe Verdi , Richard Wagner , Carl Maria von Weber , Antonio de Almeida , Antonio Pappano , Eugene Kohn , and Fabio Luisi
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Song of America
No Tenors Allowed: Famous Duets for Baritone and Bass
Arias - Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert
Samuel Ramey - Operatic Arias
Leading Man

ASIN: B0006VYEI2
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

La Ran La Lera...Largo Al Factotum
O Sainte Medaille...Avant De Quitter Ces Lieux
Ce Breuvage...Vision Fugitive
C'est Toi...Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Placido Domingo
La Fatigue Alourdit Mes Pas...Comme Une Pale Fleur
Ecoute!...Dieu, Tu Semas Dans Nos Ames
C'est Mon Jour Supreme
Tout Est Desert...Son Regard
Ove Son Io?...Vada In Fiamme
Perfidi! All'Anglo Contro Me...Pieta, Rispetto Amore
Di Provenza Il Mar, Il Suol
E Sogno? O Realta?
Komm!
Der Garten Des Herzens
Lied Des Venezianischen Gondoliers
Le Lazzarone
L'Ultimo Ricordo

Tracks:

Mein Sehnen, Mein Wahnen
Wo Berg' Ich Mich?...So Weih' Ich Mich Den Rachgewalten
Wie Todesahnung...O Du Mein Holder Abendstern
Gruss Op.48 No.1
Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
Die Rose, Die Lilie
Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
Ich Grolle Nicht
Gute Nacht
Die Post
Blicke Mir Nicht In Die Lieder
Ich Atmet' Einen Linden Duft
Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
Von Der Schonheit
O Vaterland, Du Machst Bei Tag
Als Flotter Geist
Komm, Zigany
An Old Song Re-Sung
At Dawning (I Love You) Op.29 No.1 - Armen Guzelimian
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Beautiful Dreamer

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous, Natural Sound........2007-08-04

Thomas Hampson, like Bryn Terfel, is a favored baritone for a reason. He has accomplished the natural tone and beautiful phrasing that all singers strive for throughout their carreers. The only way I could possibly see where the writer of the previous negative review was coming from is if he had been taught to sing in the early twenitieth century when the throaty, dark tone and unnatural phrasing and pronounciations were in vogue. This is an excellent recording of an excellent musician.

SImply Untrue.......2006-08-16

The previous review is simply a gross falsification. I have been an obsessed opera fan for a long time, and Thomas Hampson is a truly special singer. He is not the possesor of the largest or most interesting voice, which he will tell you and indeed says so all the time. His commitment to text, his willingness to search out parts to fit his voice, and his dedication to art song make im invaluable to Americans as a ture Troubador. His light Baritone was ideally suited to Figaro and to Valentin and the art song he loves. He must stretch to sing Verdi, where his voice sounds dry and small but many singers have chanced Verdi at their peril, and his innate ablity to inhabit a song, here evidenced in Di Provenza overcomes fact that it is out of his fach. You misinformed opinion of Hampson is mean and strangly bitter. I love Opera, but I do not love every singer, which doesn't mean I debase their very artistic existance. I have seen Hampson live, and have loved him (in Thias) and somewhat disliked him (in Simon Boccanegra) As for him being pretentious, somwetimes I find him mannered, but always charming. SOmetimes Intellectualism can appear pretentious, but surely you wont hold an opera singer to the charge that he must be unintellectual. what a vitriolic review, please buy this Cd, it merits repeated listening to a true American SINGER,

an extra star for all the guest artists.......2006-05-08

The title of this album is an oxymoron. Or a sick joke. I can't decide. Sure he has made millions by luring the uninitiated listener into his web of deceit and conceit, but don't be fooled any longer. How fortunate Hampson has been to sing for and with great artists to shoulder his heavy load.

An Homage to a Great Artist.......2005-10-30

EMI is wisely creating a series of recordings to gather the moments of artists that showcase the very reasons they become so highly regarded. Usually these collections are produced late in careers or even posthumously, but in the case of THE VERY BEST OF THOMAS HAMPSON the artist is still one of the more active and premiere singers of our day. Yet while he doesn't still perform all of these inclusions, it is wonderful to have excerpts from various successful recordings to remind us of the artistry that Hampson represents.

The two disc set includes arias from operas: Rossini's 'Il barbière di Siviglia', von Weber's 'Euryanthe', Gounod's 'Faust', Massenet's 'Hérodiade', Bizet's 'Les Pêcheurs de perles' (in duet with Placido Domingo), Thomas' 'Hamlet', Verdi's 'Don Carlo', 'Il Travatore', 'Macbeth', 'La Traviata', and 'Falstaff', Korngold's 'Die Tote Stadt', and Wagner's 'Tannhäuser'.

But the rewards of a Hampson recording must include his impeccable career as a lieder stylist and on this recording are excerpts from Schumann's 'Dichterliebe', Schubert's 'Winterreise', Mahler's 'Rückert Lieder' and 'Das Lied von der Erde', as well as songs by Meyerbeer, Rossini, Grieg, Kalman, and Lehar. And very importantly there are examples of American songs that Hampson has always emphasized in his recitals. Works by Stephen Foster, and two extraordinary works with the brilliant accompanist Armen Guzelimian - 'An Old Song Re-sung' by Griffes and 'At Dawning' by Charles Wakefield Cadman - round out this fine survey.

Not usually a collector of such 'recombinations', for this listener this album is so very fine that it deserves the attention of all those who appreciate the artistry of Thomas Hampson - then and now. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

superb vocals.......2005-08-07

Mr.Hampson really gets the chance to showcase his wonderful baritone voice in this "Best of" collection which includes excellent selections from his various other CDs. I like the diversity of the selections featuring operatic arias,works from classical composers, and folk songs. For Thomas hampson fans, as well as fans of the baritone voice, this CD is for them.

Average customer rating:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!
Yet another compilation
how precious!
Disappointing Duplication
If you like this sorta thing

Song of America
Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Charles Naginski , Ned Rorem , American Traditional , Elinor Remick Warren , Kurt Weill , Haydn Wood , Michael Parloff , Jay Ungar , Armen Guzelimian , Craig Rutenberg , David Alpher , Evan Stover , Garrison Keillor , and Mark Rust
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Very Best of Thomas Hampson
Christmas with Thomas Hampson
Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson
American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Leading Man

ASIN: B000BGR0TW
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

As Adam Early In The Morning
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)
Shenandoah (Traditional)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
Danny Deever
Roses Of Picardy
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (1854)
Hard Times Come Again No More (1854)
Molly, Do You Love Me? (1850)
An Old Song Resung
Tomorrow (When You Are Gone)
The Erie Canal (Traditional)
We Two
The Nightingale (Traditional)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Luke Havergal
To What You Said
Look Down Fair Moon
Dirge For Two Veterans
Ethiopia Saluting The Colors

Amazon.com

Thomas Hampson is a persuasive advocate for these treasures from the Library of Congress' vast collections, so this CD's generous sampling leaves you wanting more. It covers the American songbook in all its variety, from traditional "folk" items like Shenandoah to Stephen Foster to the immigrants Erich Korngold and Kurt Weill to Leonard Bernstein and contemporary composers. Hampson adjusts his flexible, light baritone to fit each song. The voice is full and resonant on Danny Deever, simple and direct in 19th-century traditional songs and ballads, and nuanced in songs like Ned Rorem's "As Adam Early in the Morning," one of several on the disc with texts by Walt Whitman. A standout is the last song in this recital, one that leaves you with thoughts about music, history, and our nation's continuing issues, "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," by Henry Burleigh. Most of the selections are performed with piano accompaniment, but several are with a small ensemble of traditional instruments. A word of caution: everything was recorded in the 1990s and presumably was available piecemeal on previous releases, although few are likely to have more than a handful of these 20 gems. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!.......2006-10-04

I don't think this recording deserves One Star ratings or that the artist deserves such crude bashing. And re: Hampson's eye-colour.... Uh, these aren't lenses? He has blue eyes. I met him many times and...indeed, they are dark blue.

Anyhow, this is what Hampson is focusing on right now, American song. While those aren't exactly my thing I have to say that he sings them beautifully. I wish he'd stick to that rather than heavy Verdi and Wagner which his voice isn't right for.

Yet another compilation.......2006-06-13

I am a huge Tom fan. I go to his concerts and buy all of his CDs. I must say that I have been disappointed by this CD because it's entirely made of old recordings. There's a new photo on the cover, but that's all that is new here. So if you've bought your share of Tom CDs over the years, you want to check out the track info before you guy this one.

Now, Tom has been on tour and I STRONGLY recommend that you go see him next year when he comes through your city.

The other thing really annoying is that on the CD where you'd expect information about the music or the recording co., you instead get a large warning label from the FBI on pirating.

how precious!.......2006-05-08

Thomas Hampson swoons and croons to monotonous effect throughout this tired collection; again displaying his ego and faux scholarship in ample measure. Oi-vay, what a disaster! And what is with the blue contact lenses in the Jacket phot? Hampson's eyes are brown. What an unbelievably vain Diva!

Disappointing Duplication.......2006-01-17

I have not even heard the album, and I will not. Although I revere Mr. H. in just about everything he does, especially in song and Lieder, I am very disappointed that so many of these songs appear on other cds of which I already have about 19 of him. I think he and the producers should have chosen totally NEW material for this instead of drawing on his past achievements. I have no reservations about his performances, for I have seen him at the Met in opera and at Carnegie Hall in Mahler. I value them and all of his past cd productions.

If you like this sorta thing.......2006-01-17

Here Mr. Hampson is in his element. Unlike his less than viable attempts at Opera, Mr. Hampson is a thorough and intelligent singer of songs. His affectations, so fully inappropriate in bigger operatic literature, work well with the intimate nature of these sweet and personal songs. If you are Hampson fan, this album will thrill you.

Mountain Songs: A Cycle of American Folk Music

Average customer rating:

Mountain Songs Magic

Mountain Songs: A Cycle of American Folk Music

Manufacturer: Music Masters Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000FN1
Release Date: 1994-12-20

Tracks:

Barbara Allen
House Carpenter
He's Gone Away
Hush-You-Bye
Cindy
The Cuckoo
Fair And Tender Ladies
Quicksilver
Will-O'-The-Wisp
To A Wild Rose
A Deserted Farm
The Smile Of Contentment And Love
Jennie's Own Schottische
Beautiful Dreamer
If You Only Have A Moustache
Children's Song No.2
Orpheus And His Lute
Waltz
We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder
Ll Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant

Amazon.com

Robert Beaser has arranged eight folksongs from the American South for flute and guitar--actually, for the performers who play them on this disc. His treatments vary from simple settings to more complex elaborations, but they are always done with the kind of respect for his material that stamps him as an American Bartók. This is a truly lovely cycle, supplemented on the CD by such congenial material as Stephen Foster songs and MacDowell Woodland Sketches, all arranged by Eliot Fisk. Paula Robison and Fisk are both outstanding virtuosi on their instruments, and they have played together enough so that their teamwork is impeccable. This disc isn't challenging listening but it is very satisfying. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Mountain Songs Magic.......2001-07-30

This is music for my soul. Paula and Eliot could not have changed a note or an inflection. I first heard these songs in the early 90's and have never forgotten. Flute and Guitar and 'American' music are right here. I am so happy to have found it on CD now that I search the net. As a flutist - I recognize technique and heart - and Paula has them. No one should miss this!

Average customer rating:

"Eloquent, Exquisite, Exciting"
A Gem!

Dreamer: A Portrait of Langston Hughes
Darryl Taylor , William Warfield , Maria Corley , Erik Santos , and Patricia Terry-Ross
Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | 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 Voice of Langston Hughes
The Negro Speaks of Rivers: Art Songs by African-American Composers
You Can Tell the World: Songs by African-American Women Composers

ASIN: B00006I9HH
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

My People - William Warfield
Heart
Island
The Weary Blues - William Warfield
Litany
A Black Pierrot
March Moon
Negro - William Warfield
The Negro Speaks Of Rivers
My People
Song To The Dark Virgin
Evil - William Warfield
Joy
Lonely House
Minstrel Man
Sunday Morning Prophecy - William Warfield
In Time Of Silver Rain
Carolina Cabin
Madam And The Census Taker - William Warfield
Lovely, Dark And Lonely One
Sylvester's Dying Bed - William Warfield
Sandman/Birth
Bound No'th Blues
To Artina
Down Where I Am
The Dream Weaver/Bouquet
Still Here - William Warfield

Customer Reviews:

"Eloquent, Exquisite, Exciting".......2004-08-18

"Dreamer" is unquestionably the finest recording of original songs by black composers available today. The singing of tenor, Darryl Taylor is superb and demonstrates a vocal beauty, musicianship, and interpretive sensitivy that is rarely equaled. The selection of poems of poet laureate, Langston Hughes is first rate, and even more important, the songs themselves are original, varied and well written. I think every listener will find "Dreamer" an exciting musical experience, and I predict for Darry Taylor a distinguished career as an interpreter of art songs. For the Naxos price, buy two albums and give one to a friend!

A Gem!.......2002-10-17

This collection is a gem! Langston Hughes was a very "musical" poet who was inspired by a variety of forms, from jazz to classical. His poetry in turn inspired a whole generation of composers, thirteen of whom are represented here in fifteen art songs. Additionally, eight Hughes poems are read by William Warfield.

A Quiet Thing; David Daniels & Craig Ogden

Average customer rating:

Star-crossed Crossover
a voice teacher and early music fan
Crossing Over in Dreamy Style....David Daniels Scores Again
Reveries
Food for the Soul

A Quiet Thing; David Daniels & Craig Ogden
David Daniels , Craig Ogden , Alec Wilder , John Harold Kander , Gabriel Faure , Franz Schubert , Johann Sebastian Bach , Leonard Bernstein , Stephen Foster , Harold Arlen , John Dowland , and Vincenzo Bellini
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Similar Items:

David Daniels - Serenade
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Été
Handel: Opera Arias; David Daniels
Handel: Oratorio Arias
Sento Amor; David Daniels;

ASIN: B0000AC8MR
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

A Quiet Thing
Blackberry Winter
So Pretty
My Shining Hour
Pampano Verde
Con Amores, La Mi Madre
A La Caza
Come Again, Sweet Love
Flow, My Tears
Music For A While
Vaga Luna, Che Inargenti
Malinconia, Ninfa Gentile
Ma Rendi Pur Contento
Ave Maria
A Simple Song
Ave Maria
Beautiful Dreamer
Shenandoah
Plaisir D'Amour

Amazon.com

On this record, David Daniels, one of our finest, most sought-after countertenors, adds a wide variety of styles, from Italian bel canto, popular classics, and American art- and folksongs to his signature Renaissance and Baroque repertoire. He appears to be equally at home in all of them, naturally adapting his vocalism, phrasing, diction, and delivery to each idiom, while his uniquely beautiful voice retains its pure, floating quality and intense expressiveness. His astonishing breath control lets him spin and sustain endless phrases; his middle range is dark and warm, his top bright and radiant. (Hearing those ringing E-flats, Es and Fs from a male voice never ceases to surprise.) The program seems aimed at including something for everybody, but reversing the usual route, arrives at the European 15th century by way of the American 20th, opening with John Kander's title song and songs by Alec Wilder, Harold Arlen, and Leonard Bernstein, who is represented by the frighteningly contemporary anti-war protest "So Pretty" and a song from "Mass." Three beautiful Spanish Renaissance songs and three famous English songs by Dowland and Purcell are followed by three luxuriously romantic, intimately caressing ones by Bellini; the program ends with three popular favorites, two American, one French. The only false note is struck by two overly familiar versions of "Ave Maria": Gounod's, a skillful extraction of a fine melody from Bach's C-major Prelude (sung here in D-flat), and Schubert's, a setting of Ellen's prayer from Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake." Craig Ogden's otherwise excellent guitar arrangements of the original piano and lute accompaniments are less successful here; the texture is too thin to support and sustain the intensity of the music. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Star-crossed Crossover.......2007-03-13

There are many fine ways to hear David Daniels -- the Handel arias CD for instance, or the unique and wonderful performance he delivers on the DVD of Handel's Theodora. This CD, as other reviewers have declared, is half wonderful, half awful. "Innocent" music has to be sung by innocent voices. The Berlin Philharmonic can't play mariachi, Mick Jagger can't sing Danny Boy, and David Daniels shouldn't sing Shenandoah.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-01-29

My problem with this disc has nothing to do with David Daniel's singing; rather it has to do with the line-up of songs. Some of them simply do not suit his voice. I really don't want to hear him singing:"My Shining Hour"-"A Simple Song"-"Beautiful Dreamer" or "Shenandoah"; and I'm not really fond of hearing the "Ave Marias". Not that he didn't do justice to them;he did! But the remainder of the selections were perfect for him and I think the contrast between the 2 genre is hard to take. The great songs on the album are great indeed:the 3 songs by Bellini;the 2 songs by Dowland;2 songs by Purcell and Martini's "Plaisir d'amour". I would still buy the album for these songs alone for they are performed with skill and emotion.

Crossing Over in Dreamy Style....David Daniels Scores Again.......2004-08-05

When I realized Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand covered the first two songs on this CD, I had to admit I was a bit worried that "A Quiet Thing" would be one of those crossover albums that famous opera singers need to do to please their management companies. But leave it to countertenor David Daniels to continue venturing into new territory for his rarefied voice type. Although Baroque-loving traditionalists may balk at his choice of repertoire this time, he paints a broad musical canvas along with guitarist Craig Ogden, encompassing American folk, English and Spanish renaissance, Italian bel canto, two versions of "Ave Maria", and even some Tin Pan Alley. This could have been an unwieldy smorgasbord for a lesser singer, but never underestimate Daniels' vocal dexterity, incredible coloratura and superb taste. Daniels and Ogden have really turned this program into a cohesive vision full of simply beautiful music wonderfully realized through voice and guitar - probably the best such coupling I have heard since Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening's "Pleasures of Their Company" more than a decade ago.

Standout tracks include Alec Wilder's melancholy "Blackberry Winter", a contemporary piece which ranks right up there with any of Daniels' much-revered Handel arias; John Dowland's "Come Again, Sweet Love", so familiar yet perfect for his voice; the one-two Americana sequence of "Beautiful Dreamer" and "Shenandoah"; and the title track by John Kander, which he sings with a languid quality that adds dimension to its original meaning. Such flights of vocal beauty make one wonder when he will tackle the Sondheim songbook. This is a terrific album, ideal for those who want an introduction to not only the countertenor voice but also the artistry of David Daniels.

Reveries.......2004-04-04

A QUIET THING: Songs for Voice and Guitar is a unique, idiosyncratic, irresistible collection of songs that span from contemporary melodies from Broadway to English lute songs to versions of Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod and Schubert) to American folksongs. And as if this variety of communication weren't enough, these songs are performed by countertenor par excellence David Daniels and the subtle and sensitive guitarist Craig Ogden. Both performers are intensely musical, intuitive interpreters of poetry and melody line and offer popular ballads from the stage of today with as much sincerity as bel canto songs of Bellini and the other-worldly Dowland and Purcell. For those unfamiliar with the countertenor oeuvre then this is a beautiful introduction to that vocal quality. David Daniels is internationally celebrated for his resurrecting the original countertenor roles in Handel operas and his voice has more power on the opera stage in this unfamiliar vocal range than those many regular tenors. Not being a fan of crossover recordings (big opera stars singing Broadway show tunes) I admittedly approached this album with reservation. But listening to these two men changes all that. Here in this aptly titled collection Daniels proves that his soft and quiet range is just as admirable as his 'big role arias'. The collaboration between Daniels and Ogden is clear and pitch perfect and the result is a recital - no, salon - of intimately communicated moments. An album to treasure.

Food for the Soul.......2004-03-02

Having everything from Marylin Manson and The Offspring to Rossini and Offenbach in my CD collection, I'm certainly not a die-hard classical music fan. Driving home one night (stuck in peak-hour traffic) I heard "A Simple Song" (tack 15 from this album) on the radio. It was just so simple, so peaceful and joyous. I had never heard of David Daniels, but I bought the album and have listened to it constantly. It is superb. Even if you think you don't like the counter-tenor (male alto) voice, try this album, you won't regret it.

Average customer rating:

A truly awesome voice!
What a fabulous Tenor!!!!!

A Richard Crooks Serenade

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Richard Crooks in Songs and Ballads
Only a Rose: The Art of Richard Crooks In Song
The Stanford Archive Series: Richard Crooks

ASIN: B000001HKI
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

The Student Prince: Ser: Overhead The Moon Is Beaming - Richard Crooks/Lewis James
Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life
The Song Of Songs
When You're Away
Rio Rita
Only A Rose
Because
I Bring A Love Song - Richard Crooks/Edna Kellogg
Vienna, City Of My Dreams
Only My Song
Gipsy Moon
Macushla
Smilin' Through
If I Should Send A Rose To You
The Holy City - Richard Crooks/Herbert Dawson
Songs My Mother Taught Me - Richard Crooks/Frederick Schauwecker
Beautiful Dreamer - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge
Oh, Susannah! - Richard Crooks/The Balladeers Male Qt/Frank La Forge/Ralph Colicchio
Ah, May The Red Rose Live Alway - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge
Ser - Richard Crooks/Frederick Schauwecker
Be Thou Faithful Unto Death

Customer Reviews:

A truly awesome voice!.......2000-06-02

"A Richard Crooks Serenade" is a marvelous sampling of one of the greatest singers America had produced in the 30's and 40's. One gets to witness that honey Crooks sound in such classics as Ah, "Sweet Mystery of Life" (catch that magnificent High C at the end), "Macushla", the three Stephen Foster songs, and "If I should Send a Rose to You" (sort of Crook's theme song). This entire CD is a gem, but some REAL standouts are "The Holy City", "Because", "Be Thou Faithful Unto Death" (from the seldom performed St Paul by Mendelssohn). "Be Thou Faithful" will literally tug at your heartstrings. The "Serenade" from The Student Prince is a masterpiece of fine singing (Crooks, by the way, was Romberg's original choice for the lead role in this operetta). Crooks' voice literally pours out in this recording of "Serenade", culminating in two excellently placed High C's (the only real serious competition to Crooks on this song, in my opinion, is the great Mario Lanza). Crooks was one of the primo American Tenors of the 30's/40's era, displaying a technique and style that was unmatched, and after examining this CD, one will surely understand why. By all means, treat yourself to this recording and see what truly great singing is all about.

What a fabulous Tenor!!!!!.......2000-05-24

If one has not had the oportunity of hearing the great voice of Richard Crooks, they have really missed out. Richard Crooks possessed an intense lyricism that is unmatched today. Crooks' "Serenade" from The Student Prince is sheer perfection (singing it in the original key, not lowered a whole step, like most Tenors), culminating on two very vibrant High C's. It is interesting to note that Crooks was Romberg's original choice for the role of Karl Franz (the lead) in the Student Prince, but, due to opera commitments, was unable to debut the role. This is a performance rivaled only by the great Mario Lanza. Other musical highlights on this CD are "Macushla", "Song of Songs", "The Holy City", and "Ah Sweet Mystery of Life". "Ah May the Red Rose live Alway" is sure to bring a tear to one's eye. A nuance on "Ah Sweey Mystery of Life" finds Crooks soaring up to a High C at the end (a feat one finds no other Tenor attempting on any other recording) and with Crooks, it works well. Crooks' "Because" is the standard by which all others are measured. One of the real finds on this disk is Crooks' "Be Thou Faithful unto Death" from the rarely performed "Paul" by Felix Mendelssohn. What heartfelt singing this truly is. Crooks genuinely excelled in this music and one simply MUST purchase this CD to listen to a true master. So if one is not that familiar with the incomparable voice of Richard Crooks, treat yourself and puchase this recording now! This collection is pure enjoyment from the Student Prince "Serenade" to the final selection "Be Thou Faithful unto Death". A real gem.

The Westminster Choir Sings Familiar American & British Folk Songs

Average customer rating:

easy listening

The Westminster Choir Sings Familiar American & British Folk Songs

Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers
Sea Shanties
Songs Of The South/Songs Of The Sea
Irish Folk Songs

ASIN: B000003J87
Release Date: 1994-07-22

Tracks:

17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Danny Boy
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Annie Laurie
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: O Waly, Waly
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Turtle Dove
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Alister McAlpine's Lament
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Ca' the Yowes
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: O Dear! What Can the Matter Be?
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Polly Wolly Doodle
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Old Folks at Home
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Beautiful Dreamer
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Comin' Through the Rye
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Loch Lomond
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Flow Gently, Sweet Afton
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Shenandoah
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: My Lord, What a Morning
17 Familiar American And British Folk Songs: Great Day