The Lees

The Lees

ASIN: B00029RTNU

Track Listings

1. Don't Miss Me

2. Better Side of Me

3. Only Thing I Need

4. Bring It Back

5. Goodbye Walls

6. Out of Your Life

7. Every Single Day

8. Then There's You

9. Another Dollar

10. One Wish

11. Townie

12. Blown Your Chances

13. Losing My Way

14. Doing It All for You

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Sit Down, John
Piddle, Twiddle And Resolve/Till Then
The Lees Of Old Virginia
But, Mr. Adams
Yours, Yours, Yours
He Plays The Violin
Cool, Cool, Considerate Men
Momma Look Sharp
The Egg
Molasses To Rum
Is Anybody There
Finale

Amazon.com

Evidence that one can make a musical about anything, Exhibit A: 1776. As one might expect, the whole concept of making a musical about the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence was greeted in the late 1960s with, well, ridicule. The show debuted on Broadway in 1969, and three years later, when its run finally ended, it was its producers who had the last laugh. In addition, it toured for an additional two years and beat out Hair (in 1969 yet!) for a Tony Award. This recording, with the original Broadway cast, includes many of the same actors who went on to star in the film, the version with which most audiences today are probably familiar. One notable exception is Rex Everhart, who replaced Howard da Silva at some performances and on this recording. But there's still William Daniels as John Adams, though in some cases his performance is more subdued than it was on film. Musically, 1776 is an odd creation, considering when it came into being. As one might expect, there's a lot of fife and drum going on, especially in the opening number and during "The Lees of Old Virginia." For those less than familiar with the plot, it hinges on the idealism of Adams, who's trying his best to back up the American Revolution with some legislative action, and spends much of his time arguing with either the Continental Congress or God, as in "Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve": "A second flood, a simple famine / Plagues of locusts everywhere / Or a cataclysmic earthquake / I'd accept with some despair / But no, you sent us Congress / Good God, sir, was that fair?" (One could argue that he gets further with God.) While not entirely historically accurate, and containing some rather peculiar numbers (Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams sitting around debating what their new country's national bird is going to be ranks among the oddest), there's no questioning 1776's staying power. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Before Sondheim's COMPANY and after MAN OF LA MANCHA..........2007-04-30

For me, 1776 is a great companion to MAN OF LA MANCHA as one of the most entertaining AND intellectually worthy amalgams of music, lyrics, book, theme, plot, characterizations and dialogue to ever come out of pre-1970's Broadway musical theatre. Each song is like a little gem, and displays the broad range of emotions and ideas with which 1776 brims. Satiric, romantic, hilarious, heartbreaking, disturbing, dark, inspiring, thoughtful, humane, and even a little bawdy, the songs glide and tromp all over the map, as does the show itself. As with LA MANCHA, 1776 broke open the Broadway musical, making it a pitch-perfect example of what can truly make a musical more than a toe-tapping time killer... while never becoming tedious, pompous, windy, or dull. If anything, it crackles with suspense.

And as to the reviewer who was shocked that it would win out over HAIR? Listen to "Mamma Look Sharp" or "Molasses to Rum to Slaves" to hear exactly the play's political and often-unflattering ideological landscape. This was definitely a Vietnam-era play whose content was as disturbingly pertinent, then, as it is, now. And, despite all of this, the score and play never become leaden or preachy. On the contrary, each performance is a gem, and each character is witty and unique. Who knew that history could be a passionate and fun adventure?

Overrated Tony Award Winner.......2006-06-16

How could this musical win the Tony award having as a competitor a play like HAIR which - for many people - stands as an emblematic theatre piece of the 60's? Who remembers a tune out of this musical? On the contrary, "Aquarius", "I Got Life" or "Walking in Space" are still popular and they play all over the world. Even ZORBA and PROMISES PROMISES - both candidates for the award in the same year - have songs that are still remembered. 1776 may wake up patriotic feelings to American listeners which is quite understandable but the music and songs are old-fashioned, overrated and awfully boring.

Brilliant, Definitive and Remarkably Accurate!.......2005-12-18

1776 has become an institution, thanks to the motion picture which was made of this original Broadway show, and which starred most of the cast from the theatrical production. It gets rerun every July 4th week on some movie channel or local station!

William Daniels IS John Adams to many people, and even though the story of the birth of the United States probably wasn't this lyrical and lively, Composer Sherman Edwards was historically accurate in the facts of the tale.

In addition to learning about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this is also love story... in fact two love stories, with John Adams and his wife Abigail, separated by circumstance and interacting only in his mind, and Thomas Jefferson and his wife, Martha, here, played by the big throated (and now legendary) Betty Buckley.

There is also a sense of fraternity, with the members of the Continental Congress grappling with the concept of breaking away from a tyranical ruler. And even though you know the outcome, the story is still filled with tension and excitement in the mechanics of it. Just how DID this country get formed?

The disc's liner notes explain the show's libretto and give you some rare behind-the-scenes info about the creation of the musical, the challenges it faced before becoming the standard that it now is, and a bit about the amazing Mr. Edwards, which is a story worthy of being told as well.

It's an Independence Day must!

Saw this on Broadway .......2005-11-12

Saw this show, with original cast, on Broadway in '69 and it has stayed with me ever since then. Every time I listen to these songs, I laugh. The historical figures (done with some tongue-in-cheek) are highly entertaining and even better if you see the movie. I would recommend the dvd for a great, lighthearted evening, and good family entertainment. You can't miss with this one! A winner on all fronts.

Quite a premise.......2005-07-20

Though it seems an odd choice to write a musical about, it works well. The whole thing seems a bit dated now, it still has great songs. Most dimpressive song, definately "Molasses to Rum". I gave it 4 stars for THAT song.

1776: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997)

Average customer rating:

From someone who despises American musical theater
A Mans Show
Who knew Mr. Data had it in him?
I Love It!
SURPRISINGLY TERRIFIC

1776: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997)

Manufacturer: Tvt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
1776 (1969 Original Broadway Cast)
1776: A Musical Play (Penguin Plays)
1776: P/V/G Vocal Selections
Shenandoah (1975 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000000GU0
Release Date: 1997-12-16

Tracks:

ACT I: Sit Down, John - Brent Spiner/Michael X. Martin/Richard Poe/Tom Aldredge/John Herrera/Tom Riis Farrell...
ACT I: Piddle, Twidle and Resolve - Brent Spiner/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT I: Till Then - Brent Spiner & Linda Emond/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT I: The Lees of Old Virginia - Merwin Foard/Pat Hingle & Brent Spiner/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT I: But Mr. Adams - Brent Spiner/Pat Hingle/Paul Micheal Valley/John Herrara & Daniel Marcus/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT I: Yours, Yours, Yours - Brent Spiner & Linda Emond/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT I: He Plays The Violin - Lauren Ward/Pat Hingle & Brent Spiner/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT I: Cool, Cool, Considerate Man - Michael Cumptsy/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT I: Momma Look Sharp - Erik J. McCormack/Macintyre Dixon & Joseph Cassidy/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT II: The Egg - Pat Hingle/Brent Spiner & Paul Michael Valley/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT II: Molasses to Rum - Gregg Edelman/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT II: Compliments - Linda Emond/Orch/Mark Mitchell
ACT II: Is Anybody There? - Brent Spiner/Orch/Mark Mitchell

Customer Reviews:

From someone who despises American musical theater.......2007-06-04

Okay... wow.

In the Brent Spiner Fangirl Legal Contract, it specifies that said fangirl must purchase any and all vocal recordings containing said Brent Spiner (and that she will not, in any way or at any time, mention how much he sounds like Judy Garland on steroids). Which is why I purchased this CD.

He... ripped... into... this... part. That's the only way I can put it. I was floored from start to finish.

The work, as a whole, is something of a consuming thing. Be prepared to sit in silence for a few minutes after you're done with this one, because after hearing the whole thing, silence will be the only followup that does it justice.

A Mans Show.......2006-07-24

For anyone looking for male songs, or a male show to put on, this is the soundtrack for you. It has great ballads as well as big chorus numbers for the male sex. However the subject matter just didnt grab me by the throat and make me love it. History isnt my thing. That being said, the music and lyrics are great, and worth the money. This is a good one to get if your interested in broadway, but not the Rodgers and Hamerstein style. My favorite songs are "Molasses to Rum" and "Momma Look Sharp."

Who knew Mr. Data had it in him?.......2006-07-05

I saw this musical in NYC and have never been so moved by a Broadway show before. Brent Spiner has a lovely yet commanding voice that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck in parts - you so believe in the rightness of his convictions as Adams. All the performances are first rate, but Spiner really shines.

The argument can be made that this musical was "of its time" meaning the 1960's, but I think the songs still hold up as they entertain as well as educate us. Much of the lyrics and dialogue are authentic.

Highly recommended.

I Love It!.......2006-02-27

The soundtrack will make you laugh, cry and sing along. You'll have goosebumps as you hear the songs of the men and women involved in the creation of our country.

SURPRISINGLY TERRIFIC.......2006-02-23

As a PURIST fan of ORIGINAL musicals, and not one who enjoys all the revivals (which indicates a lack of current writers...no surprise), I was AMAZED at how GOOD this revival is on recording. I am sorry I missed the show in New York.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Performances
Another Great Naxos Recording at a Great Price
Such a great treat!
A wonderful "Florida Suite"

Frederick Delius: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Delius: Orchestral Works
Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring
Delius: Orchestral Works
Holst: Orchestral Works
Delius: Florida Suite RTvi/1; Pieces RTvi/19

ASIN: B0000014E6
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

Florida Suite: Daybreak - Dance
Florida Suite: By The River
Florida Suite: Sunset - Near The Plantation
Florida Suite: At Night
Over The Hills And Far Away
Idylle Printemps
La Quadroone
Scherzo
Final Scene From 'Koanga'

Amazon.com

This interesting Delius disc contains one of his first major works, the Florida Suite. It was while working on an orange plantation in Solano Grove, Florida, that Delius first captured that sense of nature's intoxication that permeates all of his best music. It was also there that he caught the syphilis that would eventually blind him, and later cause his death. Aren't you glad you knew that? Anyway, the other major work is the haunting tone poem Over the Hills and Far Away. The other pieces are short, entertaining, and ephemeral, but they're all performed with great skill and expertise. A very good deal at budget price. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Performances.......2005-01-18

If you like music descriptive a landscapes and the bucolic life, the Florida Suite is certainly what you are looking for. The Florida Suite stems from the time the young Delius spent on a plantation (sent by his father as a possible business future for his son) overseeing orange groves. Fortunately for us, Delius studied music and not business. Delius' father recognized his son's true vocation and sent him to the Leipzig Conservatory to study music; the Florida Suite was written during his student years. The first movement of the suite includes music (known as La Calinda) that was later used in Koanga, so it is appropriate to have the final scene of that opera included in this CD. The third movement recalls the plantation workers after the day is done and the dance they do that has Spanish feel to it. The final movement is a very effective evocation of night. The opera Koanga is set on a plantation in Louisiana, revolving around a slave-girl named Palmyra, which worked well with descriptive music about Florida.

Over the Hills and Far Away is a fantasy-overture. It is a joyous work that evokes a landscape of distant hills. The theme is the subject of several variations. The Idylle Printemps nicely expresses the season of the title and the Scherzo and La Quadroone were part of a larger suite for orchestra (subtitled Rhapsodie floridienne). This music is perfect if you have had a difficult day and want to relax.

The CD is nicely recorded and David Lloyd-Jones is a superb interpreter of Delius' music. Highly recommended.

Another Great Naxos Recording at a Great Price.......2004-05-13

I am not all that familiar with the works of Frederick Delius, and I know I am probably not alone. His opera, A VILLAGE ROMEO AND JULIET is sometimes performed in his native England, but other than seeing a few of his works in the DECCA catalog, I knew little about this composer until Boston's local classical music station, WCRB began playing "By the River" from Delius' FLORIDA SUITE as what they like to call a "track to relax." I fell in love with the piece and wanted to add it to my collection, but had a hard time finding it, until I looked where else but the Naxos catalog and discovered this gem of a recording.. In FLORIDA SUITE, Delius is able to create an American feel to the music using the great attributes of the European classical tradition. The other tracks on the recording likewise demonstrate Delius' gifts as a composer. Delius's sound is a full and majestic one. One of the more curious tracks is an excerpt from his little known opera Koanga. The same techniques that made the other tracks beautiful likewise work in this operatic excerpt.

The English Northern Philharmonia under the direction of David Lloyd Jones honors their countryman well in this work. And, as so often is the case, Naxos delivers quality at a great price

Such a great treat!.......2004-04-06

Frederick Delius' "Florida Suite" has got to be among the finest compositions of all time. Every line of it amply speaks for Delius' strong connection with and subtle appreciation for the myriad aspects of nature. Few works can match its elegant beauty, which is rendered so nicely on this performance. And the wonderful sound quality makes for very satisfying listening.

Among the quick results I've obtained from listening to this CD is a real appetite for the works of Mr. Delius. I read that he abandoned England in his youth for the managment of some orange groves of Florida, which he rather neglected in favor of his music. We are very lucky indeed that both the orange crop-and this sumptuous music-remain vital today. Mr. Delius has gone, but perhaps we will see his like once more, in a better world, to remind us of the power of nature.

A wonderful "Florida Suite".......2001-09-18

Delius, to me, is one of the most underappreciated composers. Often dismissed as a composer of light, impressionistic miniatures, he in fact composed several large scale works of which the "Florida Suite" may be the most famous. Made up of four movements the work contains some of the composers most delightful melodies including the famous "La Calinda" which he would use again in his opera "Koanga". This is its original setting and makes for a wonderful opening to the work. The second movement "By the River", a favorite of Sir Thomas Beecham, contains a wonderful flowing melody that just carries the listener along.

This CD is also of importance to the Delius fan as it contains several works which are recorded for the first time on this CD: Idylle Printemps,La Quadroone, and "Scherzo".

The recording has a wonderful full sound and David Lloyd-Jones, who has previously recorded several acclaimed releases for Naxos, gets excellent performances out of the members of the English Northern Philharmonia.

Tracks:

Overture To Russian And Ludmilla
Procession Of The Sardar From Caucasian Sketches
March From The Love For Three Oranges, Op. 33a
Polovisian Dances From Prince Igor
I. Alborada
II. Variazoni
III. Alborada
IV. Scena Canto Gitano
V. Fandango Asturiano
The Enchanted Lake, Op. 62
Love Theme From Spartacus
Russian Dance (Trepak) From The Nutcracker, Op. 71
Polonaise From Boris Godunov
The Music Box, Op. 32
Hungarian Dance (Gardas) From Swan Lake, Op. 20a

Customer Reviews:

Sonic Slavic Delights.......2007-04-30

Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops have done it again -- a rich trip in sound, this tme in and around Moscow. This CD is exceptionally good in the SACD format, which is what I have. Hearing these Russian warhorses through five speakers and subwoofer, broadcasting six channels, is a compelling experience. The sounds are clean, rich and full; the gentle moments lull one to peace. I doubt I ever have heard a better "Capricio Espangol." The temptation to tweak up the volume more than once has overwhelmed me. Bravo, Tovaritsch Kunzel!

composers.......2007-03-11

Amazon doesn't list the composers, so here you go:

1. Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857) Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla

2. Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov (1859-1935) Procession of the Sardar from Caucasian Sketches

3. Sergei Provofiev(1891-1953) March from The Love for Three Oranges, Op.33a

4. Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) Capriccio Espagnol, Op.34

5. I. Alborada
6. II. Variazioni
7. III. Alborada
8. IV. Scena e canto gitano
9. V. Fandango asturiano

10. Anatol Liadov The Enchanted Lake, Op. 62

11. Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) Love Theme from Spartacus

12. Piotr Llyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Russian Dance (Trepak) from The Nucracker, Op.71

13. Modest Moussorgsky (1839-1881) Polonaise from Boris Godunov

14. Liadov The Music Box, Op. 32

15. Tchaikovsky Hungarian Dance (Czardas) from Swan Lake, Op.20A

I dont' know how this release slipped by me, but I have it ordered now! I'm sure it is up to the standard to the other releases from Erich Kunzel and the CIncinatti Pops. Here's hoping they release a British Pops CD!

Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Metamorphoseon Modi XII

Average customer rating:

Haunting, beautiful, balanced & respectful treatment. Perfection!
Surprising warmth and engagement
Surprising warmth and engagement
Wow! Incredible music.
Great sonics, average performance

Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Metamorphoseon Modi XII

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hindemith: Mathis der maler; Nobilissima Visione; Symphonic Metamorphosis
Respighi: Church Windows, Brazilian Impressions/Simon
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Holst: The Planets; Grainger: The Warriors
Resphighi: Ancient Airs and Dances; Trittico Botticelliano

ASIN: B00004S8A7
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Pines Of The Villa Borghese
Pines Near A Catacomb
Pines Of The Janiculum
Pines Of The Appian Way
Fountain Of Valle Giulia At Dawn
Triton Fountain At Morn
Fountain Of Trevi At Mid-day
Villa Medici Fontain At Sunset
Theme
Modus I
Modus II
Modus III
Modus IV
Modus V
Modus VI
Modus VII
Modus VIII
Modus IX
Modus X
Modus XI
Modus XII

Customer Reviews:

Haunting, beautiful, balanced & respectful treatment. Perfection!.......2007-04-16

Respighi is yet another musician who is overlooked, but who composed beautiful music. Considering the time he spent as a musician and composer (roughly 1899 until his death in 1936) he composed music that could easily be juxtaposed with earlier geniuses such as Debussy, Ravel or Tchaikovsky.
"The Pines" and "The Fountains", Respighi's tone poems, are played superbly with a respect that transcends the technology and settles on your ears like honey on lips.
"Metamorphoseon Modi XII", apparently rare in recording, is a beautiful exploration of theme and variation for orchestra. Each "Modus" is played with exceptional feeling and clarity. These Modi only further cement Respighi's deserved place alongside great composers that went before him.
Jesus Lopez-Cobos and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra have superbly captured the feeling, the emotion of this haunting opus to Rome and, in the Modi, Russian classical harmonies, which in my opinion honor one of Respighi's mentors Rimsky-Korsokov. Other reviews point to Gregorian themes and Richard Strauss' influence in the harmonic techniques, but I believe the Respighi, not just in these compositions, built a library of work that is comporable to any master of figuration, of composition.
The orchestration, tempo and solo work are laid out beautifully and the result is an incredibly relaxing yet somewhat haunting recording. You feel emotion in and from the music. It is breathtaking. A true delight.
Conductor and Symphony should be commended for such a touching interpretation and for the amazing clarity of each instruments contribution to the composition.
The recording is gorgeous, wonderfully mixed, with no background noise and perfect treatment.

***A note - according to the liner notes, The Modi is not readily available in recording, so consider that a treat for yourself when you listen, knowing that not too many others have heard the gorgeous composition.***

A must have addition to any classical library.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS BY RESPIGHI: Respighi: The Birds; Three Botticelli Pictures, and/or Ottorino Respighi: The Ballad of the Gnomes / Adagio with Variations for Cello & Orchestra / Three Botticelli Pictures / Suite in G major for Strings & Organ - The Philharmonia / Geoffrey Simon. "The Birth of Venus" from "Thee Botticelli Pictures" is gorgeous, one of the best compositions I have ever heard.

Surprising warmth and engagement.......2003-07-23

I've been fairly critical of this combination of artists in other reviews (e.g. Dukas) - not for their virtuosity which is ample and amazing, or their discipline, which is awesome, but for a lack of real warmth and engagement.

Now here comes a disc of music which can all too "easily" be played as a sonic spectacular and virtuoso warhorse, music which, lets face it, is really only of the third rank (enjoyable though it is) - and they confound me by bringing warmth and engagement to it all.

Okay, none of these pieces are from Beethoven's ninth, but no-one can listen to the great peaks of the repertoire all the time, sometimes you have to come down and wallow in less challlenging pictures and sounds and this does the job just fine. The Cincinatti players obviously feel the same way, because they seem to be enjoying not just their own skill but the music as well.

And for once, DSD recording helps. Normally its a bit dry for my tastes but this time Telarc has superbly captured both the dry heat of Rome on some days and also the atmospheric sultriness of others.

All instruments (but especially the oboe) are captured well, but a special mention for one moment when the whole violin desk play like larks ascending (I won't tell you where and when, - it should take you by surprise and make you go "ooh" so I wont spoil it).

And its all so physical too, - my body was responding to the sound with not only spine tingles, but tummy wobbles. Without doubt, some of the best recorded sound it has ever been my privilege to hear.

If i was judging the music, enjoyable though it is, then I'd be more critical but for performance and sound, five stars.

Surprising warmth and engagement.......2003-07-23

If i was judging the music, enjoyable though it is, then I'd be more critical but for performance and sound, five stars.

Wow! Incredible music........2002-12-09

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra proves itself worthy of the status associated with being one of a handful of orchestras to reach a prestigious artistic level. The strings have a gorgeous but precise blend, the woodwinds have a kaleidoscopic array of colors, and the brass really come to the fore in the finale of "The Pines of Rome".

The woodwind section in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is stunning. The principal clarinetist plays the delicate solos in the penultimate movement of "Pines" with a warm, rich sound. Special note must also be made for the english horn solo in the finale, which captures the attention of all by way of its seductive, hypnotic character.

Metamorphosen Modi XII displays many different images. All of the soloists in this piece are virtuosos, and it shows.

Overall, an incredible and vivid recording; worthy of high praise.

Great sonics, average performance.......2000-12-29

Soniclly, Telarc has done its usual excelent job of providing a near-perfect (for CD)recording. The performance, however, was just average. While 'Pines' was adequate, I found 'Fountains' to be somewhat flat and lacking in emotion. Having said that, I still recommend this album for the sheer sonic pleasure of listening.

Average customer rating:

I think that the amazon editorial review is at odds with most people's perception
Say you don't care for it, but don't question inspiration!
Ethereal piece
Certainly Good!
A rare and remarkable work

John Tavener: Akathist of Thanksgiving

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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John Tavener: Innocence
Tavener - Total Eclipse · Agraphon / Rozario · Harle · Robson · Gilchrist · AAM · Goodwin
Tavener: Fall and Resurrection

ASIN: B000002A7G
Release Date: 1994-09-13

Tracks:

Akathist Of Thanksgiving: I. Slava Tebie - Kontkion 1 - Ikos 1
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: II. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 2 - Ikos 2
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: III. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 3 - Ikos 3
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: IV. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 4 - Ikos 4
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: V. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 5 - Ikos 5
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: VI. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 5 - Ikos 5
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: VII. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 7 - Ikos 7
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: VIII. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 8 - Ikos 8
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: IX. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 9 - Ikos 9
Akathist Of Thanksgiving: X. Slava Tebie - Kontakion 10

Amazon.com

Tavener, more than other neospiritualists, shuns harmonic movement and thematic development. He especially favors repetition (as does the liturgy of Eastern Orthodoxy, his primary influence), often using only changes in scoring to provide variety. With such a style, it takes a lot of inspiration to keep an hour-long composition interesting--and that's what's missing in Akathist of Thanksgiving. There's an occasional attractive passage for two countertenors (invariably in parallel thirds), but the chorus and orchestra seem to drone endlessly on a major chord. Staying conscious is actually a challenge for a listener. (By the way, photos of the composer looking soulful among icons and candles are becoming intolerable.) Tavener is at his best in shorter works--try the Innocence CD or the gorgeous pieces on Ikos. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

I think that the amazon editorial review is at odds with most people's perception.......2005-10-03

This is one of the most uplifting and moving pieces of Tavener's music. It requires attention on the part of the listener - the amazon reviewer seems impatient and dismissive and I wonder if he has experienced similar before.

I am an ambivalent subscriber to any particular religion, yet I find something very spiritual in Tavener's music. The ever-present bass note, representing the presence of God, provides for me an anchor for being able to absorb and enjoy the music.

Finally, what bearing does an album cover have on this sort of music? The Amazon eviewer seems a little pre-occupied by whatever he was looking at when writing his text.

Say you don't care for it, but don't question inspiration!.......2003-11-27

My god, the review that Amazon provided for this album listing is the most snobbish editorial review I've ever seen on this website. What we have hear is a case of a pair of western ears that are way too stuck on western classical notions of "harmonic movement" and "thematic development." I love western classical music, but I also love "eastern classical" and "ancient" music, and if you judge all music in terms of western classical form, you're really missing something. This music is intended to evoke a certain spiritual state. It's not so much a question of "staying conscious" when listening to music like this, but "raising consciousness"--an esoteric concept to too many westerners. Say you don't like it, or you don't get it, but don't "rip it," on the basis that it doesn't fit into your little box of ideas of what music should sound like, and what its purpose should be.

As far as the composer's inspiration is concerned, yes, there are come cases when you can listen to a piece of music and tell pretty quickly that the only source of inspiration for an artist was a contractual obligation or money. However, in this particular case, I don't think there's any basis whatsoever for questioning the composer's inspiration. Perhaps his inspiration was something a bit beyond the reviewer's grasp.

As far as the cover art, yes, it's cheesy but that's just this particular recording label. Sony's long been known for poor cover art, poor album documentation, and endlessly reshuffling and reissuing their catalog.

I don't listen to this piece often, but on the couple of times a year when I come back to it, I always find it enjoyable and calming. Even if one isn't going to become totally steeped in it, or meditate to it, it makes a very good antidote for a tense mood; or a backdrop for a contemplative mood, or for a gray, misty morning. As someone who appreciates eastern music, I like Tavener's use of modes; and I like the way the music seems to be in a repeated state of moving from darkness to light, like the sun being obscured by clouds and then emerging from them again, without being annonyingly minimalistic. If you listen to music like this when you're tired, it might just put you to sleep...but what's wrong with that? Fellow reviewers, professional or otherwise, listen to music from a place a little deeper than just the ear drums, before you go turning people off on something they might really enjoy. If someone asked me to recommend a "chant" CD, and wasn't insisting on authentic Gregorian chant, I would not hesitate to recommend this one.

Ethereal piece.......2001-06-01

In an age where most composers are composing rambunctousness, academic excursions and general weirdness (some of which is very cool & very worthwhile), it is nice to come across a few composers that still try to do something higher than themselves with their work. Despite what many folks say about Tavener being pretentious (I think its more honesty that other folks can't handle), I think his religious music is sincere.

"Akathist of Thanksgiving" is the epitome of what grandiose choral music should be...profound, austere, joyous and magnificent. The vocals (both solo and chorus) are heavenly and ethereal and lift both the mind and spirit upwards. The string parts provide perfect support for the voice, while the bells and timpani punctuate certain lines with a sublime profundity. Tavener's use of space is excellent (although not up to par with Arvo Part...the master of space.) The spaces really allow certain passages and music phrases to sink in deeper and resonate within. Many people aren't comfortable with Tavener's non-linear development (or non-development as some see it), but that of course, isn't his interest (hence the contempt for his music in "academic" circles.) Tavener's primary interest is the elevation of the soul and even more so the exhaltation of God...which I think this piece achieves greatly.

Certainly Good!.......2000-05-06

I do not agree with the Amazon.com review of this piece of music. Yes the music drones on, but so does Gorecki's 3rd symphony, which is itself a truly dynamic piece. The Akathist is not for the musically declined; it does take heart, and a bit of devotion to listen to this piece of music. I think it is well worth the money. And the artwork IS good. But all of this is just my own opinion.

A rare and remarkable work.......1999-06-11

My initial reaction to "Akathist" was 'wow!' That reaction has not changed, although I must say that I have only ever listened through the entire CD (non-stop) on one occasion. Occasion is certainly the flavour of the piece- written for the occasion of the Orthodox Millennium in 1988, this is one of Tavener's most unconditional statements of faith. Taking as his text the poetry of Archbishop Gregory Petrov, he creates a piece that packs an immense amount of punch with a predictably small amount of material. At times, it does chafe that this is a minimalist composition- 77 minutes is a long time (in fact, according to the booklet, the actual work is just a fraction too long to fit on one CD and had to be edited) and yet there seems to be a completely regular pattern to the work that can start to be a bit boring- tolling bells, glissandi from the (string) orchestra in the loudest sections, scalar motion in most vocal and instrumental lines, and predictable harmonies. Nevertheless, there are many moments in this work that are splendidly ethereal- Ikos 1 (track 1), Kontakion 2 (track 2), and Ikos 9 (track 9) are the most obvious examples of some truly haunting harmonies. Perhaps the true appeal of this recording lies not so much in the music but in its execution. It has to be said that Westminster Abbey Choir and the BBC Singers go very well together, and Martin Neary (as yet the only conductor other than Tavener himself to direct this work) does a magnificent job. This was recorded in live performance (which gives it an extra dimension) and yet the quality of balance between soloists and choir is unfailingly sharp. There are places when the orchestra drowns out the choir (Ikos 9 springs to mind), and one of the most solemn moments (at the end of Kontakion 9) is spoiled by someone coughing repeatedly. Still, this is a CD that I play regularly, and I think that all Tavener fans should have it in their collection.

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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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