How's Your Heart
How's Your Heart
ASIN: B00005PUKD
Editorial Reviews
Christopher Powers, WORT FM
This is a fine band with a whole lot of heart. Glad they're still recording.
Product Description
"Bluegrass Now" had this to say about this album; We're living in the golden age when technology allows a California band like Clay County to be heard throughout the world. "How's Your Heart?" showcases the song crafting and vocal abilities of their lead singer, Susan Nikas. "Dancing in my Kitchen" is a light-hearted mood lifter. "The Gift of Life" is a musical doctrine that will enhance your life. Naturally, western bluegrass will include a regional theme--"Cowboy Song"--with some family history probably added to this original. Two traditional numbers are include:"Little Liza Jane" (with new lyrics added")and the inspirational "Just a Few More Days".
"Just one More Love Song" has become a favorite of mine, while "Got Milk" will make you smile if you've heard the old admonition (dealing with men, cows, and free milk) most parents give their daughters. How's Your Heart is bluegrass in the tradional vein--no mind bending instrumentals, just pleasant ballads by an engaging vocalist accompanied by capable musicians. Dennis Caplinger also deserves recognition for his Dobro, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin input throughout...How's Your Heart will open your heart to a range of delights.
How's Your Heart
How's Your Heart,Clay County,Clay County,A Bluegrass Band performing original material written by singer-songwriter, Sue Nikas
Average customer rating:
- Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
- Top Shelf
- TERRIFIC CD'S
- Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
- Great Compilation!
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Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Manufacturer: Sony
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Binding: Audio CD
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Similar Items:
- The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
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ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19 |
Tracks:
- Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
- Swanee- Al Jolson
- When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
- A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
- My Man- Fanny Brice
- Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
- If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
- Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
- Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
- Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
- Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
- Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
- Body And Soul- Libby Holman
- Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
- Night And Day- Fred Astaire
- Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
- Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
- You're The Top- Ethel Merman
- Summertime- Anne Brown
- September Song- Walter Huston
- My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
- It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
- Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
- Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
- Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake
Tracks:
- New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
- If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
- Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
- There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
- How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
- Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
- Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
- Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
- Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
- Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
- Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
- Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
- Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
- Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
- Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
- Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
- Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
- I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
- Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
- The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
- Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
- Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence
Tracks:
- Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
- I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
- Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
- My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
- Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
- Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
- Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
- Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
- I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
- The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
- Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
- What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
- As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
- Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
- People- Barbra Streisand
- Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
- If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
- Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
- The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
- If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
- Open a New Window- from Mame Voice
Tracks:
- Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
- Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
- I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
- The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
- Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
- I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
- I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
- We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
- Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
- Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
- Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
- One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
- All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
- Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
- Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
- Come Follow The Band
- Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
- And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
- The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia
Tracks:
- Memory- Betty Buckley
- I Am What I Am- George Hearn
- Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
- Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
- The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
- You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
- The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
- Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
- With One Look- Glenn Close
- On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
- Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
- Seasons Of Love-
- Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
- I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
- Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
- Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
- Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
- I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
- Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30
Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.
Top Shelf.......2007-01-04
This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.
TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23
THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14
This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway
Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17
If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway
Average customer rating:
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100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration
Manufacturer: Castle Music UK
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Similar Items:
- A Heritage of Hymns: Classic Recordings of the Great Songs of Faith and Inspiration
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ASIN: B00008GEKT
Release Date: 2003-04-14 |
Tracks:
- Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
- Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
- Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
- O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Tracks:
- Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
- Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
- He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
- O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
- This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
- How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
- O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
- Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir
Tracks:
- Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
- Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
- Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Tracks:
- Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
- Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
- God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
- O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
- Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
- Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Tracks:
- Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
- While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
- O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
- O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
- Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
- Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
- First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
- Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
- Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
- Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
- On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
- Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
- Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Album Description
Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.
Customer Reviews:
The picture.......2006-12-11
I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.
Average customer rating:
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Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites
Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
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Similar Items:
- Favourite Welsh Choirs
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ASIN: B0009SOFXG
Release Date: 2005-08-01 |
Tracks:
- Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Dies Irae
- Men of Harlech
- You'll Never Walk Alone
- Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
- Old Folks at Home
- Il Liza Jane
- Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Vergine Degli Angeli
- Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
- My Hero
- God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- German Mass/Gloria
- German Mass/Sanctus
- Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
- All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Arwelfa
- Invictus
- Softly as I Leave You
Tracks:
- Diolch l'R L
- Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
- Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
- Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
- Memories of Martha
- I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
- Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
- Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
- Creation's Hymn
- In the Spirit!
- Shall We Gather at the River
- Nos a Bore
- Very Best Time of Year
- Soon Ah Will Be Done
- Thanks Be to God
- Flower That Shattered the Stone
- Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
- Where Shall I Be?
- Bywyd y Bugail
- Lord's Prayer
Tracks:
- Ave Maria
- Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
- She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
- Cymru Fach
- Nidaros
- Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
- Watching the Wheat
- Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
- Misbles/Stars
- Rachie
- Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
- There Is a Balm in Gilead
- Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
- My Lord, What a Mornin'
- Bryn Myrddin
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
- Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
- Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
- Ride the Chariot
- Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir
Tracks:
- Y Nefoedd
- Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
- Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
- By Babylon's Wave
- I'm Gonna Sing
- Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
- Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
- Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
- Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
- That's All I Want from You
- Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
- Give Me Jesus
- Just a Closer Walk with Thee
- My Wish for You
- Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
- Mose in Egitto/Prayer
- Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
- God's Choir in the Sky
- Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
- Smilin' Through
Tracks:
- Calon Lan
- True Love
- Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
- Aberystwyth
- Comrades in Arms
- Cats/Memory
- They Led My Lord Away
- State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
- When I Fall in Love
- Let's Face the Music and Dance
- Windmills of Your Mind
- How Soon
- Non Nobis Domine
- Rhythm of Life
- Kalinka
- Sound an Alarm
- Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
- Turandot/Nessun Dorma
- Christus Redemptor
- Ann Evening's Pastorale
Album Details
Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.
Average customer rating:
- I waited for this for five years
- Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
- ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
- SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
- A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans
|
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Similar Items:
- Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
- The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
- Evita (Original London Cast)
- Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
- Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)
ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20 |
Tracks:
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
- Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
- Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
- Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
- Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
- Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
- Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
- Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
- Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
- Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
- Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
- Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
- Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
- Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
- Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
- Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Tracks:
- Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
- Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
- Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
- Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
- Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
- Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
- Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
- The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
- The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
- The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
- The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
- The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
- Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
- Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
- Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
- Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
- Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
- Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman
Tracks:
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
- By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
- By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
- By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
- Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
- Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
- Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
- Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
- Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
- Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
- Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
- Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
- Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
- The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
- The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
- The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
- The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir
Tracks:
- Oh What A Circus - David Essex
- Memory - Betty Buckley
- The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
- All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
- Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
- Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
- Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
- As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
- The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
- With One Look - Petula Clark
- You Must Love Me - Madonna
- The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
- A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
- Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
- No Matter What - Boyzone
- The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
- Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
- Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church
Tracks:
- Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
- Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
- I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
- Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
- Try It And See - Rita Pavone
- Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
- Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
- John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
- What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
- Disillusion Me - Gary Band
- The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
- Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
- It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
- It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
- Magdalena - Tony Christie
- Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
- Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
- I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
- I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
- Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers
Album Description
Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance
Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love
Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game
CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church
Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers
Customer Reviews:
I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30
Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.
The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.
I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.
There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."
But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.
First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.
Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?
On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?
The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).
There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.
With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?
Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.
In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.
Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10
Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21
Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.
Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.
Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:
* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.
* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.
* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.
* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.
* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.
Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.
SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19
"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.
A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21
This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!
Average customer rating:
- Great set of wartime rarities
- Cure for the Blues
- Standard Transcription Collection
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(Not) Your Standard Spike Jones Collection
Spike Jones
Manufacturer: Collector's Choice
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Similar Items:
- Strictly for Music Lovers
- Spike Jones - Greatest Hits
- Fonk
- Spiked!: The Music of Spike Jones
- The Spike Jones Story
ASIN: B00007JR3K
Release Date: 2003-04-08 |
Album Description
Holiday blues comin' on? Well, put a spike in `em! Here's the zaniest, wildest and just plain sickest Collectors' Choice Music exclusive yet79 tracks from Spike Jones and his City Slickers! These represent Spike's complete Standard Transcription sides, but these tunes are anything but standard; Mr. Jones brought his full bag of tricks for these non-commercial recordings (made in Hollywood during the early `40s). Add to that the fact that most of these have never been on CD or even LP, and any lover of Spike's mayhem-filled mixture of laughs and hot licks is going to flip over this set! Notes and great pictures accompany this 3-CD walk on the wacky side from the greatest novelty band of all time.
Customer Reviews:
Great set of wartime rarities.......2003-05-14
Spike Jones was the king of the novelty song performers, with hits like "Der Fuehrer's Face" and the parody version of "Sheik of Araby" becoming huge hits during World War II. This is a swell 3-CD set, gathering a full eighty-one of Jones' best tracks from his 1940s heyday, drawn from an extensive archive of radio broadcasts made for the Standard Transcription service. The tightness of his City Slickers band is amply demonstrated in these manic, kookily orchestrated performances. Toots, squonks, blatts and bleats whiz by at lightning speed, as one daffy song after another will delight devoted fans. Amazingly, Jones had the unusual, almost unique ability to perform a repertoire almost entirely made up of comedic material, and yet still be quite listenable and engaging. His jazz chops were hardly in question, and from time to time Jones would dash off a non-novelty ballad or two, just to give the rubes something to think about. Of course, just as often he would perform a song that *sounded* like a straight ballad, but would turn out to be another goof. (One great example of this is the sultry "Serenade To A Jerk," sung in slinky, burlesque tones by Myrtle Horwin.) This collection may seem a little overwhelming, but like his studio recordings, these radio performances have a certain brilliance and joie de vivre about them that will leave you enchanted. Definitely worth checking out!
Cure for the Blues.......2003-04-25
Here's the zaniest, wildest and just plain sickest Collectors' Choice Music exclusive yet-79 tracks from Spike Jones and his City Slickers! These represent Spike's complete Standard Transcription sides, but these tunes are anything but standard; Mr. Jones brought his full bag of tricks for these non-commercial recordings (made in Hollywood during the early `40s). Add to that the fact that most of these have never been on CD or even LP, and any lover of Spike's mayhem-filled mixture of laughs and hot licks is going to flip over this set! Notes and great pictures accompany this 3-CD walk on the wacky side from the greatest novelty band of all time.
Standard Transcription Collection.......2003-04-12
This collection has remastered material from the large stack of Standard Transcription discs from the early 1940's. There are many songs not recorded on RCA, many on the theme of wartime ("48 Reasons Why"), and the quality is excellent. The packaging is threadbare but this is an essential CD package for true music lovers.
Average customer rating:
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Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
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Similar Items:
- Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
- Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
- The Warmth of the Sun
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- White Nights
ASIN: B000B8I93Q
Release Date: 2005-10-18 |
Tracks:
- Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
- Summertime
- I Could Write a Book
- It Never Entered My Mind
- I Can Cook Too
- Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please
- If I Loved You
- My Heart Belongs to Daddy
- Thou Swell
- I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
- There's No Business Like Show Business
- South American Way
Tracks:
- Shall We Dance
- Ohio
- Luck Be a Lady
- Mack the Knife
- There's a Small Hotel
- Once in Love with Amy
- Yodel Blues
- Lazy Afternoon
- There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love
- You're Just in Love
- Now Is the Time
Tracks:
- Impossible Dream
- Love Makes the World Go 'Round
- Try to Remember
- Put on a Happy Face
- I Say Hello
- Happiness
- She Loves Me
- What Kind of Fool Am I?
- Shy
- Consider Yourself
- Poor Little Person
Tracks:
- Magic to Do
- They're Playing My Song
- I Don't Know How to Love Him
- I Won't Send Roses
- Good Morning Starshine
- Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
- Hard Candy Christmas
- Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
- Won't You Charleston with Me?
- Applause
Tracks:
- Phantom of the Opera
- Memory
- On My Own
- Muddy Water
- How Could I Ever Know
- American Dream
- I Know Him So Well
- Dr. Jazz
- Me and My Girl
- Suddenly Seymour
Tracks:
- Mamma Mia!
- Popular
- Seasons of Love
- Oh, the Thinks You Can Think
- Whatever Lola Wants
- Crazy
- How Deep Is Your Love
- Stars
- People Like Us
- I Go to Rio
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- Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty
- So Fashionable, and So Disappointing
- A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal
- Wait! Before you buy...
- La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener
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Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock
George Frideric Handel , Arleen Auger , Anne Sofie von Otter , Trevor Pinnock , The English Concert & Choir , Michael Chance , Howard Crook , and John Tomlinson
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Similar Items:
- Handel - Messiah / Ameling · A. Reynolds · Langridge · Howell · Marriner
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ASIN: B0000057DB
Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Messiah: Part One - 1. Sinfony (Grave - Allegro moderato)
- Messiah: Part One - 2. Accompagnato : Comfort Ye My People
- Messiah: Part One - 3. Air : Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted
- Messiah: Part One - 4. Chorus : And The Glory Of The Lord Shall Be Revealed
- Messiah: Part One - 5. Accompagnato : Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts
- Messiah: Part One - 6. Air : But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming
- Messiah: Part One - 7. Chorus : And He Shall Purify
- Messiah: Part One - 8. Recitative : Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive
- Messiah: Part One - 9. Air and Chorus : O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings
- Messiah: Part One - 10. Accompagnato : For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover
- Messiah: Part One - 11. Air : The People That Walked In Darkness
- Messiah: Part One - 12. Chorus : For Unto Us A Child Is Born
- Messiah: Part One - 13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
- Messiah: Part One - 14. Recitative: There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field - Accompagnato: And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord - 15. Recitative: And The Angel Said Unto Them - 16. Accompagnato: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel
- Messiah: Part One - 17. Chorus : Glory To God In The Highest
- Messiah: Part One - 18. Air : Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion
- Messiah: Part One - 19. Recitative : Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind
- Messiah: Part One - 20. Air : He Shall Feed His Flock
- Messiah: Part One - 21. Chorus : His Yoke Is Easy, His Burthen Is Light
- Messiah: Part Two - 22. Chorus : Behold The Lamb Of God
- Messiah: Part Two - Air : 23. He Was Despised
Tracks:
- Messiah: Part Two - 24. Chorus : Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
- Messiah: Part Two - 25. Chorus : And With His Stripes We Are Healed
- Messiah: Part Two - 26. Chorus : All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
- Messiah: Part Two - 27. Accompagnato : All They That See Him
- Messiah: Part Two - 28. Chorus : He Trusted In God
- Messiah: Part Two - 29. Accompagnato : Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart
- Messiah: Part Two - 30. Arioso : Behold, And See If There Be Any Sorrow
- Messiah: Part Two - 31. Accompagnato : He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land
- Messiah: Part Two - 32. Air : But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul
- Messiah: Part Two - 33. Chorus : Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
- Messiah: Part Two - 34. Recitative : Unto Which Of The Angels
- Messiah: Part Two - 35. Chorus : Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him
- Messiah: Part Two - 36. Air : Thou Art Gone Up On High
- Messiah: Part Two - 37. Chorus : The Lord Gave The Word
- Messiah: Part Two - 38. Air : How Beautiful Are The Feet
- Messiah: Part Two - 39. Chorus : Their Sound Is Gone Out
- Messiah: Part Two - 40. Air : Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage
- Messiah: Part Two - 41. Chorus : Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder
- Messiah: Part Two - 42. Recitative : He That Dwelleth In Heaven
- Messiah: Part Two - 43. Air : Thou Shalt Break Them
- Messiah: Part Two - 44. Chorus : Hallelujah
- Messiah: Part Three - 45. Air : I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
- Messiah: Part Three - 46. Chorus : Since By Man Came Death
- Messiah: Part Three - 47. Recitative : Behold, I Tell You A Mystery
- Messiah: Part Three - 48. Air : The Trumpet Shall Sound
- Messiah: Part Three - 49. Recitative : Then Shall Be Brought To Pass
- Messiah: Part Three - 50. Duet : O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
- Messiah: Part Three - 51. Chorus : But Thanks Be To God
- Messiah: Part Three - 52. Air : If God Be For Us
- Messiah: Part Three - 53. Chorus : Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain --- Amen
Amazon.com essential recording
This is a terrific performance of Messiah. Not only are the soloists all superb, but Trevor Pinnock completely contradicts the image of many period instrument performances as small-scale, scrappy affairs. Indeed, he invests the choruses with as much genuine Handelian pomp as Beecham at his most extravagant. The trumpets really blaze, and the timpani thunder, and everyone simply has a great time. A joyous performance, just right for the holiday season. --David Hurwitz
Amazon.com
Trevor Pinnock meets with mixed success in this account of the Messiah with the English Concert & Choir and soloists Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook, and John Tomlinson, recorded and released in 1988. Its strengths are the strengths of the early-music movement in general. The size and distribution of the instrumental and vocal forces are optimal, which means that textures are clear and balances apt. Rhythms are nicely pointed, though often, in Pinnock's case, not quite well enough sprung. Tempos are well chosen; for example, "All we like sheep"--which turns out to be one of the set's best numbers--is a real bourré, and Pinnock animates it in just the right way. But the performance often seems workmanlike and unemotional, weighed down in too many instances by the humdrum work of the chorus. The alto section in particular, which is half male and half female, sings timidly and is constantly swallowing its entrances. Bass soloist John Tomlinson is a further drag on the effort. He has the right idea--that there's an Italian opera hiding behind all this biblical imagery--but his cottony sound is out of place, a misguided attempt to mimic Nicolai Ghiaurov. His usable range is less than a tenth (he croaks the low G's and F-sharps), and his diction is horrible. "Thus spake the Lord" is strangled, and when, in "The trumpet shall sound" Tomlinson gets to the words "we shall be changed," one can't help wishing that he had been changed too, right before the sessions started. --Ted Libbey
Customer Reviews:
Ladies & gentleman: The Lord'n Savior, God Almighty.......2007-06-13
Handel's Messiah is my favorite piece of classical music. Of the two versions that I had I only have left this one, and it is not the best (the other had been a cheap recording whose author's name I forgot too). This version seems to lack a little enthusiasm from the voices; too melancholic. Anyway, this is the first review of any music that I write, and probably will be the last too, so I just want to leave my impression of how I feel when I hear these solemn and heavenly sounds. One feels so raised to the heavenlies... I can almost sense the presence of the Lord Almighty up yonder among the clouds, and me being carried in solemnity to meet Him. Far away are the buzzing sounds of earthly chores. The air is fresh and clean as we are raised above the valleys, and we come to meet God's elected amid the singing, stronger and stronger. Jubilant, bathed in the glorious rays of the Savior's Light, we come together and sing: Glory to God, glory to God, praise and glory for He is coming...
So Fashionable, and So Disappointing.......2007-02-01
This would be a great 21st Century Reader's Digest version of Messiah, if such a thing existed any more. Handel did as much as he could, but really, the performers still have to do something besides posture, which, by the way, seems to me to characterize many performances these days. Fashionable, but musically deficient.
Specifically: John Tomlinson sings like he thinks he IS God, instead of singing about Him. Heavy, cumbersome, and overblown. May I add boorish?
Arleen Auger has a very sweet voice. And??
Despite the program notes insisting that certain segments of this Messiah are given to "the contralto", Anne Sofie von Otter is NOT a contralto. Not even close.
The male alto can barely sustain a legato line - why he insists upon throwing in those complicated, badly-performed embellishments I can't figure. Well, I can, but I'd really rather not say.
Wake up, choristers!! It's 'For Unto Us A Child Is Born," not "Oy, I have to go to the grocery store today."
Boy do I regret having spent almost $40 on this one. Thank goodness I have the Colin Davis to console me.
A nice combination of period nad tradiitonal.......2006-12-17
This 1988 recording sits between the euqally English, euqally period-ifnluenced Hogwood and Garidner. Of the three, Hogwood sounds more 'authentic' because it uses boys in the chorus and singers schooled period practice. By comparison, Pinnock's soprano, Arleen Auger, and mozeeo, Von Otter, are essentially modern singers--gorgeous ones, of course, Gardiner is far more anemic in his conducting and uses a scrwny-sounding orchestra, so if that's more authentic, so be it. Of the three, Pinnock gives us more traditional music values in his emotional expression and instrumental timbres.
The competiiton is mushc stiffer now than in 1988, but Pinnock's reading has survived the test of time. He is not a genuinely inspired conductor--sadly, Messiah has become a cottage industry that excludes most big-name talents--but neither are Gardiner and Hogwood. (For sheer musicality, I tend to put my money on Andrew Parrott, Robert King, Marc Minkowski, Niklaus Harnoncourt, and Rene Jacobs.) But he's certainly good eough. The reason I haven't given five stars is that the male soloists aren't first-rate, and in particular the Wotan voice of John Tomlinson sounds cavernous in the bass arias. Add to that Pinnock's tendency toward tepidness, and what you end up with is a very good but not great performance.
Wait! Before you buy..........2006-05-28
... This Messiah has recently been re-released at a much cheaper price. Go back and look for the DG "The Originals" release, which is being sold new for under $12.
La mas bella y fidedigna interpretacion que se pueda obtener.......2004-12-29
Soy uno de los mas fanaticos seguidores de Handel y de su obra El Mesias... He escuchado muchas versiones de esta genial e impresionante obra del maestro Handel y, sencillamente no me queda mas que recomendar esta interpretacion, bajo la batuta del maestro Trevor Pinnock. Se nota la exigencia con que esta version se interpreto, dentro el contexto del arte barroco y la magnificencia de la pronunciacion del ingles de la epoca. La orquesta se luce impresionantemente desde la obertura... y le da a cada movimiento, toda aquella fuerza y a la vez delicadeza requerida en el sentimiento que aplica en cada uno de los textos biblicos escogidos por el guionista Jennens. El Coro del English Concert es arrebatador y demuestra maestria en la interpretacion de cada una de las arias que le corresponde. La soprano Arleen Auger, la puedo definir como un angel cantando y resulta ser una caricia a los oidos, a la vez que es capaz de arrancarle a uno las lagrimas por lo excelso de su magia interpretativa. El tenor Crook, aunque no es un tenor con tesitura para canto barroco, es realmente habil y agil al momento de interpretar los melismas caracteristicos de este brillante periodo musical. El contratenor Michael Chance, es fenomenal y quiera Dios que yo tenga el honor de conocer a este genio del canto: "But who may abide..." interpretado por Chance en esta version, es como para caer en extasis. La contralto Anne Sophie von Otter..., tiene una voz oscura y redondeada..., tambien resulta una caricia a los oidos y su "If God be for us..." es desbordante, capaz tambien de hacerle a uno derramar lagrimas por su belleza interpretativa. El bajo Tomlinson..., es barbaro!!! (Soy bajo-baritono en el Coro de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica...) A pesar de su voz tan oscura, es tremendamente agil cuando le toca cantar los melismas y es genial al alcanzar la tonalidad brillante en las partes de notas altas y agudas...; por ejemplo: "The people that walked in darkness..." y "Why do the nations..." Tengo seis años de experiencia, interpretando musica coral y tengo que decir que espere esos seis años, desde 1999, para felizmente cantar esta obra "El Mesias". Ha sido fantastico finalmente lograr este objetivo..., la espera valio la pena y debo admitir que mi inspiracion ha sido sin duda alguna, la version que puede usted encontrar en este disco compacto. Doy gracias a todos los que intervinieron en esta grabacion (al maestro Trevor Pinnock, al English Concert and Choir y a los solistas ya mencionados), en nombre mio y en nombre del maestro Handel.
Average customer rating:
- "top film scores of the 1960's ~ Percy Faith"
- Born Free/Windmills of your mind
|
Born Free/Windmills of Your Mind
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Similar Items:
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ASIN: B000060OXV
Release Date: 2002-02-19 |
Tracks:
- Georgy Girl
- Somewhere My Love (Lara's Theme From "Dr. Zhivago")
- A Man And A Woman
- This Hotel
- And We Were Lovers (Theme From "The Sand Pebbles")
- The Wishing Doll
- Born Free
- This Is My Song
- Alfie
- Song From "The Oscar"
- A Time For Love
- How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
- Theme From "The Fox"
- Funny Girl
- The Windmills Of Your Mind
- Star!
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Customer Reviews:
"top film scores of the 1960's ~ Percy Faith".......2004-02-18
If you are a collector of Percy Faith, you must run out to your local music store and pick this one up ~ "Plays The Academy Award Winner Born Free and Other Great Movie Themes" (originally released on Columbia Records CS 9450 in 1967) and "Windmills of Your Mind" (originally released on Columbia Records CS 9835 in 1969) ~ following the formula of previous Columbia Records releases featuring Faith's classic style of sweeping strings and haunting arrangements, they've come up with two more winners.
Master of arranging, Faith's formula is so natural in keeping the arrangements fresh and new with his distinctive style ~ his tasteful treatment always highlights the quality of the composition ~ ultimately making them a hit all over again. Remember the days when you could turn on the radio and hear Percy Faith with many familiar pop standards ~ when you put this compact disc on your player, get ready for the "Percy Faith Touch" sprinkled with pure magic over the orchestration and leaves you simply in that unforgettable mood.
Top performances inclusive for the twenty two tracks of film score themes ~ "A MAN AND A WOMAN" (Barouh/Lai), "A TIME FOR LOVE" (Webster/Mandel), "ALFIE"(David/Bacharach), "AS LONG AS HE NEEDS ME" (Lionel Bart), "BORN FREE"(John Barry), "CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG" (Richard M. Sherman/Robert B. Sherman), "ELVIRA'S THEME" (Percy Faith), "FOR LOVE OF IVY" (Russell/Quincy Jones), "THEME FROM "THE FOX" (Lalo Schlfrin), "FUNNY GIRL" (Merrill/Styne), "GEORGY GIRL"(Dale/Springfield), "THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER" (Peggy Lee/David Grusin), "HOW ARE THINGS IN GLOCCA MORRA?"(Harburg/Lane), "THE LION IN THE WINTER"(John Barry), "SONG FROM "THE OSCAR" (Evans/Livingston/Percy Faith), "THEME FROM "THE SAND PEPPLES" (Bricusse/Goldsmith), "SOMEWHERE MY LOVE(Lara's Theme from "Dr. Zhivago")"(Webster/Jarre), "STAR" (Cahn/Van Heusen), "THIS IS MY SONG" (Charles Chaplin), "THIS HOTEL" (Keating/Quine), "THE WINDMILLS OF YOUR MIND" and "THE WISHING DOLL" (David/Bernstein) ~ notice two of the selections were composed by the man himself Percy Faith! Impressive line up of top movie songs that will surely satisfy the appetite of all "film-score-buffs" and Percy Faith fans...gotta love it!
Total Time: 63:41 on 22 Tracks ~ Collectables 7428 ~ (2/19/2002)
Born Free/Windmills of your mind.......2002-03-02
Another perfect reissiue by collectibles music,This album contains themes from movies.Most of these songs have been unavailable by Faith since Lps went out.This album contains such songs as somewhere my love, this hotel,And we were lovers,This is my song,Alfie,How are things in Glacca Morra and many more.All of these songs are beautifully done Faith style.The album empasizes just his orchestra.Their's no chrous here.The original liner notes to born free are included in the bookelet as well as pictures of Faith probebly from born free under the clear cd holder.The liner notes to Windmills of your mind are not included.If your a collector of Percy Faith's music you have to get this cd since many of these songs are on cd for the first time.
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Life Upon the Wicked Stage
Carole Cook , Jerome Kern , Grant Geissman , David Stout [trombone] , Dan Fornero , John Fumo , Brock Peters , James Anderson , Jane Lanier , Lauren Kennedy , Linda Michele , Marissa Jaret Winokur , Melissa Errico , Reece Holland , Robert Morse , Rod McKuen , Roger Rees , Ronnie Franklin , and Steve Orich
Manufacturer: Lml Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B0000658H9
Release Date: 2002-05-07 |
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- Beecham's noisy Messiah
- The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!
- Comfort Ye!
- Familiarity hasn't bred much affection
- Thanks to Jon!
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Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham
George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi
Manufacturer: RCA
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ASIN: B000003FB8
Release Date: 1992-07-14 |
Tracks:
- Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
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- Messiah: Recit: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
- Messiah: Air: But Who May Abide (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
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- Messiah: Recit: Then Shall The Eyes (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
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Amazon.com essential recording
Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal
Customer Reviews:
Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23
Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.
This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.
There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.
While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.
My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.
The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16
We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.
Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.
The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.
For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06
Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30
If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.
Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02
I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.
In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.
Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08
This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"
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