Country Symphonies

Country Symphonies

ASIN: B000006K9E

Track Listings

1. Monday Morning Secretary

2. Burning Bridges

3. I Want to Carry Your Sweet Memories

4. I Believe in Music

5. Special Song for Wanda

6. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

7. Woman Without a Home

8. Delta Dawn

9. Wedding Bells

10. Too Many Rivers

11. They Can't Take You Out of Me

Tracks:

Hold Me Up
My Blank Pages
Why Not Your Baby
Time Wraps Around You
Atmosphere
#10
Faster Days
Something's Gotta Give
This Life Is Killing Me
Weird Summer
Star Trip
Keep On Lingerin'

Amazon.com

For the title of their sophomore effort, the three members of Rhode Island's Velvet Crush turned to one of their idols: Teenage Symphonies to God is how Brian Wilson described the songs on the aborted Smile album. Singers and songwriters Ric Menck (formerly the drummer and leader of Chicago's Reverbs) and Paul Chastain (a respected guitar-pop solo artist) don't break any new ground. Their songs are strongly influenced by the Beach Boys, Big Star, and Gene Clark (they cover his "Why Not Your Baby"), and producer Mitch Easter recaptures the jangly sounds of Lets Active and early '80s R.E.M. But like their buddy Matthew Sweet, Menck and Chastain have enough enthusiasm, wit, and hooks to keep things fresh. --Jim DeRogatis

Customer Reviews:

brilliant, but not 5 stars. Possibly 4 and a half??. Ok 83%, that is precision.......2006-03-11

Only reason I am writing this is to disagree with a previous reviewer, penalty(Ca. I guess that is california), on one point. Huge agreement, this is an overlooked classic. Huge agreement, this album could do with a small amount of trimming. However, I believe the trimming should be aimed at one of the slow-mid tempo tracks, one too many I think. 'Something's gotta give' is the hidden pearl in an album of gems, and as for trimming the guitar outro.???????? Nooooooooooo! that guitar outro. turns a great song into a truly special one. That is it. I feel better for getting that off my chest.
Anyway, if you do not know this band and you are a fan of big star, teenage fanclub, the byrds etc. buy this album now, you will love it.

A pop masterpiece.......2005-09-08

This record should have been huge. Great songs, amazing production by Mitch Easter, some of the best musicianship in town--to put it plainly, a masterpiece. The pop renaissance starts HERE.

This album will still hold up when they're gone.......2002-04-28

This is an overlooked gem of an album. It is more than just power pop, and it is more than just a tribute to the great music of the '60s. Yes, there are the Byrds and Brian Wilson touchstones, but Velvet Crush takes their influences and creates something new, fresh and timeless with them. Track by track:

1. Hold Me Up -- just a great, melodic power-pop song. Rocks with the best of 'em.

2. My Blank Pages -- The title is, of course, a Dylan/Byrds takeoff on "My Back Pages," and the tune rocks in similar fashion to "Hold Me Up." Another rocking power-pop song with a great melody.

3. Why Not Your Baby -- VC turns up the twang and does this old Gene Clark song in style. The slide guitar solo at the end is killer.

4. Time Wraps Around You -- Wow...gorgeous, melodic, wonderful harmonies, a classic all the way.

5. Atmosphere -- I'm not too crazy about the melody on this one. One of the lesser songs in my opinion, though it still rocks pretty well. Sounds like it could've been a cutout from Big Star's #1 Record, which is not really a bad thing.

6. #10 -- VC slows things down here with a tender acoustic guitar-based ballad. Very nice.

7. Faster Days -- a wistful medium-tempo song. One of my faves.

8. Something's Gotta Give -- a song by their buddy Matthew Sweet. It sounds just like something that could've been on 100% Fun. Goes on a little too long, with an extended guitar jam at the end.

9. This Life Is Killing Me -- This one just doesn't do much for me. I think it is a little annoying, actually, with a mediocre melody and the "ba ba ba" backing vocals. Thankfully, it's short.

10. Weird Summer -- One of the best songs on the album. Great melody and a jangly feel.

11. Star Trip -- This one could've been a Teenage Fanclub song off their Grand Prix album. Another favorite.

12. Keep On Lingerin' -- The twang returns on this country song. A great ending to a great album.

I knocked off one star for tracks 5 and 9 (especially 9), which I feel are not up to the level of the rest of the songs. But there are no really "bad" tracks on this album. I keep coming back to it over and over. You will too.

AWESOME Country tinged Power-Pop.......2001-06-18

Brian Wilson once referred to the songs of "Pet Sounds" as "Teenage Symphonies to God" and Velvet Crush, showing their true allegiance to 60's pop, comes through "big-time" in their tribute to the Beach Boys, the Byrds and all those other influential, jangly bands of the 60's and 70's (If the CD cover ISN'T a dead-on imitation of so many 60's "STEREO" or "DYNAGROVE" jackets I don't know what is!!! By itself it takes me back to my living room floor in the 60's).

The cover of Gene Clark's "Why Not Your Baby" is nearly worth the CD's price! Add in oughta be hits such as "Hold Me Up", "Time Wraps Around You" and "My Blank Pages" (a clever turn on a Dylan "title" covered by the Byrds) along with the other eight pop-masterpieces on this disc and you've got yourself some real toe-tapping, hum-along, rock'n'roll music.

These guys don't record often, and this one is a must have for lovers of rock melody. Put them on your list of 90's power-pop greats along with Teenage Fanclub, Catherine Wheel and some other "retro-pop" bands recording today. Buy this CD then sit back and enjoy, it may be a while before you put it back in its jewel case!

"Teenage Symphonies" Wraps Around You.......2001-02-01

I don't hand out five star reviews very often but TEENAGE SYMPHONIES TO GOD deserves it. It's beautifully crafted power pop music with a healthy dash of country for good measure. Velvet Crush (like their pal, Matthew Sweet) subversively combines lonely and sometimes bleak lyrics with a brisk backbeat so you'll find yourself bouncing one moment and crying in your beer the next. Hey, that's like life itself, isn't it?

I will admit, however, that much of the praise that has been heaped onto TEENAGE SYMPHONIES has been a little overwrought. It's a tremendous album but it's not a classic the same way, say, PET SOUNDS is a classic. And I often wonder how influential TEENAGE SYMPHONIES is going to be twenty years from now. First of all, a lot of TEENAGE SYMPHONIES is drawn from the past. Think Gram Parsons, a little Big Star, the Byrds... They even cover Gene Clark's "Why Not Your Baby" and album's title is lifted from a quote from everyone's hero, the great Brian Wilson. The album also sounds like a lot like the work of many of VC's contemporaries - Matthew Sweet (who even writes one of the songs here, "Something's Gotta Give"), Teenage Fanclub, the Jayhawks, and even a little like Uncle Tupelo and its offshoot bands, Wilco and Son Volt. But this is all part of the charm of TEENAGE SYMPHONIES. It's not an album you can hear and say "Oh, that's from 1994," or from the 80s, or whenever. This album sounds like it could have come from 1994, 1974, or even 2004. When you think about it, all of the best albums have that timeless feel to them.

So, no, it's not really groundbreaking and no one I know ever argues that it is. There are plenty of artists out there today who are straining to be recognized as "groundbreaking" but they're not really "reaching" anyone, even if they are selling a million albums in the process. They're here today and gone tomorrow. TEENAGE SYMPHONIES TO GOD is a keeper. It is warm, human, and well-made, without an ounce of pretension. It's one of those rare albums where every single track is terrific and it seamlessly covers an entire range of emotions, when so many artists today can't even put together a single effective three minute song. That's why so many people treasure this album, why it made so many "Best of the 90s" lists, and why so many people are giving it five star reviews.

Tracks:

I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Behold, The Sea Itself - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Today A Rude Brief Recitative - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Flaunt Out, O Sea, Your Seperate Flags Of Nations! - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Token Of All Brave Captains - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: A Pennant Universal - Jonathan Summers
II: On The Beach At Night, Alone: On The Beach At Night, Alone - Jonathan Summers
II: On The Beach At Night, Alone: A Vast Similitude Interlocks All - Jonathan Summers
III: Scherzo: The Waves - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O Vast Rondure, Swimming In Space - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): Down From The Gardens Of Asia Descending - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O We Can Wait No Longer - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O Thou Transcendent - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): Greater Than Stars Or Suns - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): Sail Forth - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O My Brave Soul! - Jonathan Summers

Tracks:

I. Lento - Allegro Risoluto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II. Lento - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III. Scherzo (Nocturne): Allegro Vivace - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV. Andante Con Moto - Maestoso Alla Marcia (Quasi Lento) - Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Fantasia On A Theme - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Molto Moderato - Amanda Roocroft
II: Lento Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Moderato Pesante - Presto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Lento - Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Andante Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Finale Con Epilogo Fugato: Allegro Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Preludio: Moderato - Sarah Chang
II: Scherzo: Presto - Sarah Chang
III: Romanza: Lento - Sarah Chang
IV: Passacaglia: Moderato - Sarah Chang
Norfolk Rhapsody No.1 - Sarah Chang
Romance For Violin And Orchestra - Sarah Chang

Tracks:

I: Allegro - Ian Bostridge
II: Moderato - Ian Bostridge
III: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Ian Bostridge
IV: Epilouge: Moderato - Ian Bostridge
In The Fen Country - Ian Bostridge
I: On The Wenlock Edge - Ian Bostridge
II: From Far, From Eve And Morning - Ian Bostridge
III: Is My Team Ploughing? - Ian Bostridge
IV: Oh, When I Was In Love With You - Ian Bostridge
V: Bredon Hill - Ian Bostridge
VI: Clun - Ian Bostridge

Tracks:

I: Prelude: Maestoso - London Philharmonic Choir
II: Scherzo: Moderato - London Philharmonic Choir
III: Landscape: Lento - London Philharmonic Choir
IV: Intermezzo: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Choir
V: Epilogue: Alla Marcia, Moderato (Non Troppo Allegro) - London Philharmonic Choir

Tracks:

I: Fantasia: Moderato - Presto - Andante Sostenuto - Allegretto - Andante Non Troppo - Allegro Vivace - Andante Sostenuto - Tempo I, Ma Tranquillo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Scherzo Alla Marcia: Allegro Alla Marcia - Andante - Tempo I (Allegro) - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Cavatina: Lento Espressivo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Toccata: Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Pesante - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Andante Tranquillo - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

VW Can't miss.......2007-04-01

It would take a lot of effort to make these works anything but wonderful to my ( untrained) ear. I have other versions of Symphonies 3 & 5, Tallis, and Lark, but am not that familiar with the rest. I bought the CD set just to hear them. VW's music goes straight to my soul, perhaps because I was born about 40 km ( 25 miles ) from the composer. These works evoke instant nostalgia. Haintink, the orchestra , soloists, sound fine. I particularly enjoyed Ian Bostridge.

Vaughan Williams the Great European Symphonist.......2004-12-15

2004 Has been a good year for Box Sets of Vaughan Williams Symphonies. Best of the bunch is this one from EMI with Bernard Haitink conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Do not be put off by the lengthy gestation of the project, over 16 years between 1984 and 2000, there is a consistency of interpretation, performance and sound.

Haitink's first recording in the set of the 7th Symphony, the Sinfonia Antarctica is his manifesto. He takes Vaughan Williams out of the cosy world of 20th century British music and the interpretive shadow cast by Adrian Boult and places him in an ongoing tradition of European symphonists. Haitink revels in the richness of the symphony's sound worlds and in the romantic heart which he finds in them all. These are rich, big boned interpretations. Nowhere more so than in this 7th Symphony, from the episodic feast of the first movement onwards, and there is surely no recording with a more appropriate acoustic.

The First in the cycle , `A Sea Symphony" is startling, as conductor, orchestra and singers burn a new way to the heart of this huge work with a searingly intense first movement.

The Second, A London Symphony has many fine recordings. Here the louder passages are brash, boisterous and thoroughly urban. Vaughan Williams loved city life and would surely have approved.

The Third, A Pastoral Symphony is one of the most striking reinterpretations here, and perhaps the hardest to take for traditionalists. Boult's mystical manipulation of blocks of chords with solo instruments floating above them is replaced with lyrical argument.

The furies at the heart of the Fourth Symphony are set free to great effect, as they are in the Sixth Symphony. Haitink excels in the demonic dance music in both symphonies and the jazz elements in the Sixth are enthusiastically articulated

If the interpretation of the Pastoral Symphony is striking, that of the 8th is a complete transformation, and one that convinces. No longer is this a small symphony, here it is the considerable utterance of a master.

The Fifth symphony is its radiant self, but the questions that also inhabit the score are welcomed, giving this performance light and shade.

The Ninth Symphony, sometimes considered a difficult work sounds like a natural summation of Vaughan Williams musical journey. It is a suitable epitaph, autumnal but radiating vigour.

There are a number of filler works here, like the Symphonies some are radical reinterpretations. I am not convinced by this Variations on a Theme of Thomas Tallis. In The Lark Ascending the programme is forgotten and it becomes a one movement concerto with a continuous violin line.

Haitink's interpretations are not for everyone. If you want modern a modern equivalent of Boult with good digital sound choose the Vernon Handley Set on Classics For Pleasure. That also has the benefit of a more generous selection of extra works. If you want to hear exciting modern performances in exemplary sound snap up this bargain box.

Daniel Jones: Symphonies 6 & 9/The Country Beyond The Stars

Average customer rating:

If it sounded better

Daniel Jones: Symphonies 6 & 9/The Country Beyond The Stars

Manufacturer: Lyrita
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Grace Williams: Sea Sketches; Fantasia; Carillons; Penillion
Geoffrey Bush: Overture, Yorick; Music for Orchestra; Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
British Horn Concertos
E.J. Moeran: Sinfonietta; Symphony; Overture for a Masque
Boult conducts Bax

ASIN: B00004XNES
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

I 1 Maestoso 2 Agitato
II 1 Sostenuto 2 Con Brio
III 1 Capriccioso 2 Vivace
I Maestoso-Allegro
II Lento
III Allegro Scherzando
IV Solenne-Con Brio
I A Hymn For Peace
II The Bird
III Joyful Visitors
IV The Morning Watch
V The Evening Watch
VI Cheerfulness

Album Description

"There is much to admire here ... the dark, urgent drama of the Sixth Symphony, the lift-off that Jones's brusquely springy rhythms can attain, above all a sort of hard-won sustained intensity of utterance ... the performances are excellent throughout." -- Gramophone

Daniel Jones (1912-1993) an outstanding composers from Wales. He was also a friend of the poet Dylan Thomas from childhood, and wrote a well-known book about him.

Customer Reviews:

If it sounded better.......2007-06-22

To have back in the market the Lyrita label (and at a reasonable price!) is one of the best things that could happen to collectors. Some of these recordings are so good they belie their age. But not this one. Since under the copyright of this release I see EMI, I would blame it on them. During the 60's and 70's, while Decca/London was recording with incredible sound, EMI/Angel insisted in cutting the bass and blending everything. A pity, since some great performances would have sounded much better. Total lack of vision, sadly.
The music in this CD is good and justifies more hearings, but I am sure it is better than what it sounds here. The performances are not great either. The good news is that this proves how much orchestras, ensembles and choirs have improved in the last 30 years. Perhaps a great label like Chandos might take the Daniel Jones case under their wing. It would be worthwhile.

Average customer rating:

Good, inexpensive Beethoven

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6-9

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro ma non troppo - Awakening Of Happy Feelings On Arriving In The Country
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Andante Molto Moto - Scene By The Brook
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro - Merry Gatheribg Of The Country Folk
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro - Storm And Tempest
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegretto Shepards' Hymn. Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Tempo Di Menuetto
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Allegro, Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Molto Vivace- Presto
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Adagio Molto E Cantabile Andante Moderato
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Allegro Assai Alla Marcia- Andante Maestoso Adgio Ma Non Troppo, Ma Divoto Allegro Energico, Sempre Ben Marcato- Allegro Ma Non Tanto Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

Good, inexpensive Beethoven.......1999-07-10

I was previously familiar with Giulini's version of the ninth which is splendid. Great clarity of sound, lots of tension, and emphasis in all the right areas. I own 32 different versions of this work and this is in the top 5 of those recordings. Kempe's version of the sixth was a revelation. Imaginative and poetic. Best of all, you can't beat the price.

Vaughan Williams, The Complete Symphonies

Average customer rating:

BEST COMPLETE SURVEY
Still the Best
As good as anyone needs--this isn't Beethoven
Consider Supplementing This Core Set
What's the hurry to have 'em all?

Vaughan Williams, The Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems
Strauss: Orchestral Works
Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies
Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead

ASIN: B00004YA0V
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships - London Philharmonic Choir
II: On The Beach At Night, Alone - London Philharmonic Choir
III: Scherzo: The Waves - London Philharmonic Choir
IV: The Explorers - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir
Symphony (Symphony No.1) - London Philharmonic Choir

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Lento - Allegro Risoluto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Lento - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo (Nocturne): Allegro Vivace - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Andante Con Moto - Maestoso Alla Marcia - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Molto Moderato - Margaret Price
II: Lento Moderato - Margaret Price
III: Moderato Pesante - Margaret Price
IV: Lento - Margaret Price
I: Preludio: Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Scherzo: Presto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Romanza: Lento - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Passacaglia: Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Allegro - New Philharmonia Orchestra
II: Andante Moderato - New Philharmonia Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Molto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
IV: Finale Con Epilogo Fugato: Allegro Molto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
I: Allegro - New Philharmonia Orchestra
II: Moderato - New Philharmonia Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - New Philharmonia Orchestra
IV: Epilogue: Moderato - New Philharmonia Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Prelude: Andante Maestoso - London Philharmonic Choir
II: Scherzo: Moderato - London Philharmonic Choir
III: Landscape: Lento - London Philharmonic Choir
IV: Intermezzo: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Choir
V: Epilogue: Alla Marcia - London Philharmonic Choir
I: Overture - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Entr'acte - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: March Past Of The Kitchen Utensils - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Entr'acte - London Philharmonic Orchestra
V: Ballet And Final Tableau - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Fantasia (Variazioni Senza Tema) - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Scherzo Alla Marcia - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Cavatina - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Toccata - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Pesante - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Andante Tranquillo - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Serenade To Music - Norma Burrowes
In The Fen Country - New Philharmonia Orchestra
The Lark Ascending - Hugh Bean
Norfolk Rhapsody No.1 - New Philharmonia Orchestra
English Folk Song Suite - London Symphony Orchestra
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - London Symphony Orchestra
Untitled - London Symphony Orchestra
Untitled - London Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Toccata: Allegro Moderato - Victor Babin
II: Romanza: Lento - Victor Babin
III: Fuga Chromatica (Allegro) Con - Victor Babin
Finale Alla Tedesca - Victor Babin
Introduction - London Symphony Orchestra
Sarabande Of The Sons Of God - London Symphony Orchestra
Satan's Dance Of Triumph - London Symphony Orchestra
Minuet Of The Sons Of Job And Their Wives - London Symphony Orchestra
Job's Dream - London Symphony Orchestra
Dream Of The Three Messengers - London Symphony Orchestra
Dance Of Job's Comforters - London Symphony Orchestra
Elihu's Dance Of Youth And Beauty - London Symphony Orchestra
Pavane Of The Sons Of The Morning - London Symphony Orchestra
Galliard Of The Sons Of The Morning - London Symphony Orchestra
Altar Dance - London Symphony Orchestra
Epilogue - London Symphony Orchestra

Amazon.com

Adrian Boult's credentials in this repertoire are unassailable, and to have nearly all his stereo Vaughan Williams recordings for EMI so elegantly packaged and enticingly priced will be incentive enough for many a prospective purchaser. There's much to treasure here, not least those gently perceptive accounts of the first three symphonies, as well as the Fifth and the Ninth. All the same, the fires burned more brightly on Boult's earlier mono cycle for Decca, and there's some oddly listless orchestral playing to contend with in both the Sinfonia Antarctica and the Eighth, especially. The Fourth and Sixth, too, find the New Philharmonia in less than ideally tidy form. The disc of shorter orchestral items and the gorgeous Serenade to Music offer mostly unbridled pleasure (with Hugh Bean a memorably serene soloist in The Lark Ascending), as does Boult's fourth and final recording of Job, though here, too, tension levels are markedly lower than on either of his mono versions. No matter, for all its ups and downs, the present anthology undoubtedly offers fine value for the money. --Andrew Achenbach

Customer Reviews:

BEST COMPLETE SURVEY.......2006-07-14

The VW symphonies have done remarkably well on disc. Complete cycles by Previn, Haitink and Tod Handley all make substantial claims. Individual symphonies from Richard Hickox, Andrew Davis, Vaughan Williams himself and, of course, 'Glorious John' Barbirolli (as VW christened him) also demand attention. But, if you're looking for a complete overview of the Vaughan Williams symphonic canon (plus quite a lot of substantial extras) then this Boult set is probably still the best all-round recommendation.

Even he has a substantial rival in his earlier self on Decca, conducted under the gaze of the composer who delivers a touching speech of thanks to the players at the end of the pianissimo finale of the Sixth Symphony. This earlier Decca version probably has the edge for urgency and thrust in the quicker movements, but the sound on these later discs benefits enormously from the full warm stereo production typical of EMI in the 70's and also benefits from Sir Adrian's lifetime experience of these works.

In many ways, it is the earlier symphonies that come off best in this series. A wonderfully full-blooded Sea Symphony with a finely disciplined chorus, excellent soloists in John Carol Case and Sheila Armstrong (though she can't eclipse the magical Isobel Baillie in the older Boult set), and a rich Kingsway Hall acoustic get the set off to a fine start. The London Symphony was always special with Boult: he managed to achieve an ideal balance of symphonic thought with the touches of Edwardian period colour. The jingles of the hansom cab in the London fog and the cries of the street vendors come off particularly well here. But don't ignore Hickox's magnificent recording of the substantially longer original version. The Pastoral, too, is beautifully sustained in Boult's hands: the succession of slow, mostly quiet movements always glows with Pastoral intensity for him. Maybe his disciple, Vernon Handley, penetrates deeper into the dark echoes of the composer's experiences as an ambulance driver in the Great War.

The Fourth - "I don't know if I like it, but it's what I meant," in VW's famous quote - is full of barely restrained power, but perhaps would benefit from a bit more urgency at times. The Fifth, arguably the most symphonic of all the symphonies despite the Pilgrim's Progress origins of much of its material, gets an authentically profound performance with the LPO. Maybe we are closer to the Pilgrim origins here than to the symphonic arguments behind their transformations. There is serious competition in this symphony from Barbirolli (his 1st recording), from Haitink and from Handley. Haitink is the most 'symphonic', Barbirolli the most impassioned, Handley probably the most balanced.

The Sixth is fine, suitably violent and desolate by turns, but doesn't quite match Boult's blistering earlier recording. The Antarctica is curiously lack-lustre here - Haitink's is the revelatory performance of this symphony. The Eighth has always seemed to be the special domain of its dedicatee, Barbirolli, who had the key to unlocking its mixture of wild and wonderful orchestration (including "all the 'phones and 'spiels known to the composer") with cryptic symphonic argument. The enigmatic Ninth seems to elude most conductors, including Boult here. Handley comes closest to revealing its dark Hardyesque mysteries.

There are two additional discs of extra stuff, all beautifully played. Specially noteworthy are a Serenade to Music that comes close to matching Henry Wood's original line-up of soloists, Hugh Bean as a magically carolling Lark Ascending, a real rarity in the Double Piano Concerto and a great Job, perhaps the VW work closest to Boult's heart.

This set is excellent value for money and, for a complete collection of the symphonies, probably the best all-round recommendation - though Tod Handley runs it pretty close. Maybe the bonus items tip the balance Boult's way.

Still the Best.......2006-03-20

Done more than 30 years ago, these recordings are still the best available of Ralph Vaughan Williams' orchestral music. The sound is here and there a little dated, but usually strongly competitive with present digital recordings. And the musicianship -- the wisdom of Adrian Boult and the high level of playing and singing -- really carry the day. Teaching a Lifelong Learning Institute on 20th Century Romantic composers this winter, I not only recommended but urged the participants to buy this set.

Vaughan Williams is one of the finest symphonists ever -- a thorough-going craftsman -- whose music connects the English countryside of a hundred years ago to the agonies of war and uproar of the century just past. People will be listening to this music long after the academics have come and gone; and this recording will still be the benchmark.

As good as anyone needs--this isn't Beethoven.......2005-11-01

The British are admirable loyalists when it comes to their own composers. Symphonies by Bax, Arnold, Rubbra, Simpson, and others that are nevre played in the U.S. are daily fare to music lovers in the UK, which heated discussion about the best versions. By comparison, how much do American music lovers argue over the symphonies of William Schuman, Roy Harris, Roger Sessions, Leonard Bernstein, John Harbison, or champion of them all, with symphonies by the dozen, Alan Hovhaness?

Of the British crop, the only works that cross the Atlantic with any frequency are Elgar Sym. #1, Walton Sym. #1, and a handful of the Vaughan Williams nine. Boult's second set of the VW symphonies, in stereo for EMI as opposed to mono for Decca, is all anybody really needs. Some of the performances have been bettered individually--one thinks of Handley's VW First, Bernstein's Fourth, Barbirolli's Second, Stokowski's Fourth and Sixth--but these symphonies aren't masterpieces. Boult has a fine orchestra in the London Phil. and good analog sound from EMI; his readings are dramatic and interesting, if not always deep.

If this were a Beethoven cycle, I'd want three or four alternative sets. Here it's not necessary. You can own all of VW's symphonic output and be assured that each reading is good enough to do justice to the music. Of course, this won't stop British enthusiasts, but for Americans time might be better spent uncovering the shamefully neglected symphonic past--and present--of our native composers.

Consider Supplementing This Core Set .......2005-02-23

My first exposure to V W's symphonies happened back in the 1970's courtesy of Boult's earlier recordings (#1-8 on London and Decca LPs, and #9 on an Everest LP). Later I acquired all of Boult's stereo recordings on Angel LPs. Here we have the latter recordings in their best-ever transfers. Despite strong competition from Handley (EMI) and Previn (RCA), I feel that over-all this Boult set (Boult II) remains THE one to own in good stereo sound. However, Boult's earlier set (Boult I - now available on Decca CDs in top-notch transfers) features even better performances of Symphonies 4, 6 and 9. I own them both, along with a few individual symphony readings by other conductors. Here's a brief summary of the performances:

#1. I won't mince words here: This Sea Symphony is absolutely dazzling, the finest I have ever heard. Boult I was also pretty extraordinary, but Boult II's superb stereo sound and slightly stronger vocal line-up make it a clear first choice.

#2. Boult I is a more energetic performance than Boult II. Sonically, however, Boult II offers a far more vivid listening experience. I am also rather fond of Barbirolli's first recording (on Dutton, paired with his magnificent 8th). My favorite "live" 2nd is a superb Malcolm Sargent reading, available only in an expensive 10-disc set from the Chicago Symphony. That set is well worth owning: it also contains what I feel are the finest-ever recordings of three great Third Symphonies (Mahler's, Prokofiev's and Roussel's), in readings by (respectively) Martinon, Kondrashin and Munch.

#3. Boult II is my favorite here, just ahead of Previn (RCA).

#4. Boult II simply lacks the incredible rhythmic snap and commitment of Boult I, which is my favorite account along with the Stokowski (Cala) and the composer himself (Dutton, paired with Barbirolli's fine 5th). In V W's own reading, the influence of the composer's contemporaries (especially Honegger, Janacek and Roussel) sounds more noticeable than in any other recording.

#5. Boult I and II are both excellent. Despite II's better sound, I think I prefer I's greater exuberance (especially in the 2nd mvt.) Likewise, I am very fond of both Barbirolli readings (Dutton and EMI), but retain a slight preference for the mono Dutton (which also has V W's own hell-for-leather rendition of the 4th).

#6. Boult I is far better than the slightly soggy Boult II: the former is my favorite performance of the work, despite the mono sound. At the end is a touching little speech given by the composer, in which he thanks Boult and the orchestra for their incredible pianissimo playing in the Epilogue: Indispensable. In stereo, the inexpensive Bakels (Naxos) is excellent.

#7. It's almost a toss-up here, but Boult II ultimately wins out on the basis of sound. But Boult I is no sonic slouch, and Sir John Gielgud's stately narration is a handsome dividend.

#8. Here I feel that, while Boult II is clearly superior to Boult I, neither comes even close to matching the classic first studio recording by Barbirolli, to whom the work is dedicated. The latter is coupled on Dutton with Barbirolli's fine #2 (both in stereo). Barbirolli's studio effort is FAR better played than his live 8th on BBC Legends.

#9. Boult I, this time in clear stereo sound (licensed from Everest), is in every way superior to Boult II, which is curiously detached. Unfortunately, the excellent "Job: A Masque for Dancing" that was Everest's discmate has not been retained. That's a pity: nobody ever did it better, although the Boult II is very satisfying.

All of the smaller works included on Boult II (the Boult I set has just the 9 symphonies) receive fine performances. Especially noteworthy is the Serenade to Music: it even eclipses the classic first-ever recording by Sir Henry Wood (on Dutton). In the Tallis Variations, there are wonderful versions worth hearing from Silvestri (EMI), Stokowski (Bridge) and Barbirolli (EMI). Silvestri also recorded a superlative Wasps (EMI).

If recorded sound is your uppermost concern, then Boult II will prove the more satisfying. But if you want to hear Boult's V W interpretations at their finest, then owning both sets becomes essential.

What's the hurry to have 'em all?.......2003-09-24

This is a "bargain," sort of. But Ralph Vaughan Williams is not Beethoven; unless one is VW "completist" one doesn't really need the unifying vision of a great conductor in a recorded cycle of all nine symphonies with the same orchestra. So it's worthwhile & fun to assemble a VW cycle from a variety of sources. I recommend unreservedly the ethereal Boult #3 & #5 (the former with lovely Brit soprano Margaret Price), & his Job Masque & #9 on Everest (the latter recorded the day after VW died). Actually, any of the recordings in this set are fine. But there are others equally accomplished or even better: Hickox & Bryden Thomson on Chandos; Andre Previn on RCA (Sea Symphony with Heather Harper & John Shirley-Quirk); Kees Bakels on low-priced Naxos; Andrew Davis & the BBC Orchestra on Elektra; Bernard Haitink on Angel/Emi; Vernon Handley & the Royal Liverpool on whatever label is issuing them now; orchestra isn't great but the conductor is insightful. Plus the superb David Lloyd-Jones recording of Job for Naxos. There's a couple of stereo Barbirolli peformances out there, too. Because of his creative alliance with the composer, Boult set the base standard for these symphonies, especially in his historic mono recordings, but that doesn't mean he owns them; & in any case he was quite old by the time good stereo sound arrived. & you'll want "high fidelity," not an ancient artifact. Collect your first Mahler & Bruckner cycles the same way. What's the hurry to have 'em all? Have fun with your purchases.

Tracks:

When Pay Day Rolls Around
Sagebrush Symphony
Song Of The Bandit
Ne-Ha-Nee
The Howlin' Pup
Rocky Mountain Express
One More Ride
So Long To The Red River Valley
Coyote Serenade
South In My South
Cool Water
Rainbow Over The Range
Happy Cowboy
The Texas Crapshooter
At The Old Barn Dance
Move Along You Lazy Cattle
Swingin' The Bow
Whoopee Ti Yi Yo
Jubilation Jamboree
Bound For The Rio Grande
Cactus Swing
Ridin' Down The Canyon
Saddle Your Worries To The Wind
Cajon Stomp
Trail Dreamin'

Album Description

The Sons of the Pioneers were in prime form during 1941, when they were artists in residence for the WLS powerhouse in Chicago. During their time in the Windy City, the Pioneers made a series of studio recordings that were never released commercially and thought to be lost until now. Thankfully, we've unearthed the "Symphonies of the Sage" and are quite pleased to offer them for the first time ever. With 25 tracks they offer an abundance of fine music, including renditions of Pioneers classics such as "Cool Water," romanticized portrayals of the West, sagebrush humor and rollicking instrumentals. With great historical liner notes, you're bound to enjoy the musical diversity of the greatest Western group of all time.

Customer Reviews:

A western music delight!!.......2003-02-12

The best of the singing cowboy bands, performing in the prime during a 1940-41 lull in their recording career. These transcription discs have great sound quality and even greater song selection. The brother duo of Hugh and Karl Farr provide excellent lead and backup on fiddle and guitar, the vocals are peppy and precise as always. Fans of the Pioneers sound will have to snap this one up -- it's rare material that's seeing CD release for the first time ever. Very nice... highly recommended!

Another fine Soundies release.......2002-09-24

Soundies' first release of the Sons of the Pioneers' Orthacoustic Transcriptions (from '40-'41) was probably the best Sons' CD until they followed it up with the Essential Collection. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of overlap between the two collections, so this release may no longer be relevant to anyone but the most committed collector. Definitely between the two, I would recommend the Essential Collection. But, if you look at this as 12 unique tracks instead of 25, it becomes a little more palatable. And, the unique songs are really good ones. Nine of them were written by the Sons, and the other three are definitely worthwile.

For another fine Sons release from Soundies, see the Teleways Transcriptions. Unlike the Orthacoustics, these sides were cut during the late '40s. The lineup, however, was identical except for the addition of Ken Carson.

Country Symphonies
Average customer rating:
Country Symphonies
The Statler Brothers
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
ASIN: B000006K9E
Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

Monday Morning Secretary
Burning Bridges
I Want to Carry Your Sweet Memories
I Believe in Music
Special Song for Wanda
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Woman Without a Home
Delta Dawn
Wedding Bells
Too Many Rivers
They Can't Take You Out of Me

Average customer rating:

Teenage Symphonies to God
Velvet Crush
Manufacturer: Creation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000024D8X
Release Date: 2006-05-15

Tracks:

Hold Me Up
My Blank Pages
Why Not Your Baby
Time Wraps Around You
Atmosphere
#10
Faster Days
Something's Gotta Give
This Life Is Killing Me
Weird Summer
Star Trip
Keep on Lingerin'

Album Description

1994 album from U.S. power-pop band featuring 12 tracks. Creation.

The Wonderful World of Classical Music (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

The Wonderful World of Classical Music (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005YKWJ
Release Date: 2000-07-10

Average customer rating:

Daniel Jones: Symphonies 6&9 / The Country Beyond The Stars

Manufacturer: Lyrita
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000ML4UKI

Product Description

1-3. Symphony No. 6 (1964)~~~4-7. Symphony No. 9 (1974)~~~8-13. The Country Beyond the Stars (1958) - Cantata for Chorus and Orchestra.

Album Review:

Album Review

Album Review