The Best of the Season

The Best of the Season

ASIN: B000002TU4

Track Listings

1. Joy to the World

2. Silver Bells

3. Little Drummer Boy

4. Coventry Carol

5. White Christmas

6. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

7. I'll Be Home for Christmas

8. Do You Hear What I Hear?

9. Coventry Carol [Brass Quintet]

10. Christmas in Killarney

11. O Holy Night

12. Winter Wonderland

13. Go Tell It on the Mountain

14. Coventry Carol [Choral]

15. Christmas Song

16. O Come All Ye Faithful

17. Christmas Wishes

18. Away in a Manger

19. No Room at the Inn

20. We Three Kings

See all 25 tracks on this disc

Tracks:

Mass of the Children
Look at the world (1996)
To every thing there is a season (1997)
Wings of the morning(2002)
A Clare Benediction (1998)
I will sing with the spirit (1994)
Musica Dei donum (1998)
I my Best-Beloveds am (2000)
Come down, O Love divine (1998)

Album Description

This is the FIRST ALL NEW RECORDING OF JOHN RUTTER'S MUSIC IN TEN YEARS! "Mass of the Children was written in late 2002 and early 2003. The occasion of its first performance in February 2003 was a concert in New York's Carnegie Hall involving children's choir, adult choir, soprano and baritone soloists, and orchestra. I had always wanted to write a work combining children's choir with adult performers, not only because I find the sound of children's voices irresistible but also because I wanted to repay a debt. As a boy soprano in my school choir I had been thrilled whenever our choir took part in adult works with children's choir parts, such as the Mahler Third Symphony and the Britten War Requiem, and years later I remembered this experience and wanted to write something that would give children a similar opportunity to perform alongside adult professionals". From the notes - John Rutter

Customer Reviews:

Mass of the Children.......2006-03-24

My daughter is performing this work with her high school chorale. She is the main listener, and is totally enamored with this particular recording.

A Brilliant Masterpiece.......2005-12-24

After being able to perform this piece myself, I know that is is just amazing! I reccomend it to anyobdy who likes spiritual, uplifting music.
Nice work, Mr. Rutter!

Britten-lite :(.......2005-03-30

I contemplated on this 3-star rating for a bit, especially after reading all the 4- to 5-star ratings preceding this. John Rutter is a terrific and charismatic choral conductor and writer. His editing on Fauré's Requiem really galvanized the popularity of that work, not to mention his own very heart-felt Requiem setting as well. Speaking of Requiem settings, my bone to pick about the "Mass of the Children" work is such that it emulates (albeit in a heart-felt and sincere fashion) other large-scale works that involve orchestral, treble and mixed choruses, very specifically Benjamin Britten's unforgettable War Requiem. I couldn't help but feel a bit slighted by the last few pages of "Mass of the Children" and its much diluted rendition of the War Requiem's counterpart conclusion. I think those famliar w/ the Britten will know what I mean. It's hard not to draw a comparison because the similarities are striking yet determinedly contrived.

In any case, I do understand that the participants and "target audience" are perhaps less lofty than that of the Britten. According to the score inscription, this was "written at the inviation of Peter Tiboris and MidAmerica Productions."

There are other anthems on this CD that offer a nice addition. I think the Clare Benediction is a stand-out as a great latter-Rutter anthem, with a characteristically satisfying, fluent and "inevitable" cadences towards the end.

Outstanding!.......2004-12-27

As an avid choral enthusiast, and having performed The Mass of the Children, I can say that this is one of Rutter's finest works. Without a doubt, Rutter truly allows his soul to shine through in this masterpiece. The children's choir is fabulous, and the music gives me chill bumps whenever I hear it. I highly recommend this album!

Beautiful!.......2004-09-11

I sing with my school choir, and was blessed to be able to perform the Mass of the Children with the school. It is a beautiful mass-- the lightness of the childrens voices with the power of the adult choirs make a moving and powerful mass. The orchestra is stunning, just enough to add beauty to the piece. Rutter's Mass of the Children is a must-have for any person who enjoys this type of music.

Average customer rating:

Alias Soundtrack
i want the album!...
Another Excellent Follow-up to Alias' Season 1 Soundtrack
Not very exciting, I must say.

Alias - Season Two
Michael Giacchino
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Alias
Alias - The Complete Fourth Season
Authorized Personnel Only (Alias)
Alias - The Complete Fifth Season
Alias: 2006 Wall Calendar

ASIN: B00065JTBK
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

Main Title (:27)
On the Train (2:59)
Mother of a Mother (1:38)
Rabat (2:22)
Over the Edge (3:03)
Emilys Eulogy (3:06)
Fond Memories (2:16)
Post A-Mortem (1:32)
Syds Best Alias Yet (3:44)
Going Down? (:51)
Sydney Implores Dixon (2:40)
Aftermath Class (4:14)
Sarkavator (:33)
Im So Promoted (2:28)
Im So Screwed (2:47)
Im So Demoted (1:39)
Inferno (2:33)
Do I Have To Do Another Eulogy? (6:16)
Something Fishy (2:37)
Sloanes Revelation (2:48)
Hitting the Fan (4:20)
Balboa and Clubber (1:10)
Almost Two Years (4:58)

Amazon.com

Fueled largely by the endlessly inventive original music chronicled in the first anthology from the hit TV series Alias, young composer Michael Giacchino's rising star quickly led to big screen success via his first major feature, Pixar's computer animated superhero spoof The Incredibles. The composer's rich eclecticism -- one that spans a thumping, contemporary techno club-savvy and brassy winks at the 60's spy-jazz canon in just its opening few cuts -- is still one of the major delights on this collection of cues from Alias' second season. But its second half largely becomes a more dramatically focused, if no less creatively restless showcase for Giacchino's orchestral writing, the scale of which impressively belies its small-screen origins. Its rare to hear TV music that evokes everything from the brooding classicism of Samuel Barber and Bernard Herrmann to more contemporary scoring masters like Goldsmith and Barry -- with a forceful nod to mixmeister Paul Oakenfold in the bargain -- but it's all here on this compelling showcase for one of film music's most promising new stars. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Featuring more of composer Michael Giacchino's thrilling music — sort of a techno/club take on the classic James Bond sound. Giacchino's scores for the episodes of Season 2 received even greater acclaim than his first 22 episodes. Also included is the heart-stopping main title theme composed by series creator J.J. Abrams.

Customer Reviews:

Alias Soundtrack.......2007-03-10

It came well packaged and was what I had ordered. Unfortunatley I didn't realize this was the orchestral soundtrack as I was looking for the soundtrack of songs they included in each episode. Good service though.

i want the album!..........2005-04-20

yes the score is very good but i think an album with a couple of songs heard on the show would be great to.trough the 4 seasons of the show,they featured a lots of great tunes from really talented artists (sarah maclachlan,u2,cat stevens,jet,etc...).SOi think the show deserves to have it own album like the rest of the TV shows of our time.The only thing i hope is that if they make one,they won't use those which totally not suit the spirit of the show like sex and the city and summerland soundtracks!...
the ideal soundtrack would be:
jet:last chance
kate bush:this woman's work
stars:going,going,gone
matt beckler:from the summer
hathaway:there's something better
daniel lenz:spy
josh canova:almost ran
the crystal method:starting over
U2:bad
jude:you all...everybody
debbie wesberg:home
michelle featherstone:stay
sarah maclachlan:worlds on fire (alias mix)
so what are you waiting for?!...

Another Excellent Follow-up to Alias' Season 1 Soundtrack.......2005-03-13

This is more wonderful music from soundtrack composer Michael Giacchino. There is a greater number of slower-paced, melancholy tracks than on the first season soundtrack, but it's a great progression nevertheless. The high-speed action techno tracks remain exciting as usual, while the slower ones are quite emotive. Unfortunately, like with the previous soundtrack, the music from the show's closing credits is not included (though the same melody is peppered throughout both CDs). Here's hoping for future soundtrack releases for Seasons 3 and 4!

Not very exciting, I must say. .......2005-03-13

As a huge Alias fan, I was ecstatic when I got this soundtrack. Sadly, the majority of it consisted of slow, sad songs that were honestly pretty boring. I was looking forward to more loud and exciting songs, but there's probably only about 4 or 5 of those on here. If you like all the musics on Alias though, I'd say go for it!

Average customer rating:

Brilliant collection of Anne's Christmas music
Annie Shines
Great traditional music
Anne does a great job
This will become a Christmas classic for you and your family

The Best of the Season
Anne Murray
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas Portrait
What a Wonderful Christmas
Christmas Wishes

ASIN: B000002TU3
Release Date: 1995-11-07

Tracks:

Joy To The World
Silver Bells
The Little Drummer Boy
The Coventry Carol
White Christmas
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Do You Hear What I Hear?
The Coventry Carol (Brass Quintet)
Christmas Is Killarney
O Holy Night
Winter Wonderland
Go Tell It On the Mountain
The Coventry Carol (Choral)
The Christmas Song
O Come All Ye Faithful
Christmas Wishes
Away In A Manger
No Room At The Inn
We Three Kings
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
This Season Will Never Grow Old
Born In Bethlehem
Mary's Little Boy Child
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant collection of Anne's Christmas music.......2003-10-22

Anne recorded two seasonal albums in the eighties - Christmas wishes in 1981 and Anne Murray Christmas in 1988. This compilation contains all the tracks from those two albums plus one extra track, The season will never grow old..

Among the classic Christmas songs that everybody knows, I particularly like her version of Silver bells, but Anne is also in top form on Joy to the world, Little drummer boy, White Christmas, It came upon the midnight clear, I'll be home for Christmas, Do you hear what I hear, O holy night, Winter wonderland, Go tell it on the mountain, The Christmas song, O come all ye faithful, Away in a manger, We three kings, Mary's boy child and Silent night.

Those classic songs are great and it's good to hear Anne sing them, but for me it is the less obvious songs that make this collection particularly special. Christmas wishes, my favorite song here, is an outstanding song that deserves to become a standard but seems destined not to be. Christmas in Killarney is an up-tempo Irish song that Anne clearly enjoys singing. No room at the inn is a traditional song that is rarely heard. Sweet little Jesus boy is a great song that will be familiar to Kenny Rogers fans as he recorded it twice. The season will never grow old is a cover of a Rita MacNeil song. Born in Bethlehem is also excellent.

This is a magical Christmas collection that covers all aspects of Christmas. Most of these tracks have since appeared on the more recent double CD, What a wonderful Christmas, so you won't need both collections.

Annie Shines.......2002-03-28

This is quite a long CD and not only features the typical Christmas fare, but also some gospel tunes. This is Christmas must have. Her voice is in top form. Overall excellent album.

Great traditional music.......2000-12-21

This is one of my favorite Christmas CDs. Anne Murray is a great singer and sings each song in a traditional and pleasant manner (no weird renditions). And with 25 songs, it's one of the most complete CDs I've ever seen from an artist. I would recommend this CD to anyone who wants "normal" Christmas music sung as it was meant to be!

Anne does a great job.......2000-10-08

I have this CD and just love it. It is very relaxing to listen to, and has a good variety of great songs. Anne sings the songs in her own unique way that makes them all special.

This will become a Christmas classic for you and your family.......1999-11-14

Anne Murray has a wonderful way of warming your heart through song. Her classic rendition of Christmas carols will delight your family and friends and add special sentiment to the season. If you have ever purchased a Christmas CD only to go home and be disappointed with the artists "personal" version, you will be pleasantly surprised here. Anne Murray sings these carols as they were meant to be, as you remember them from days gone by - modest, warm and joyful. You will certainly enjoy these beautifully done songs.

Average customer rating:

Good, not great
Indeed it is.
Wonderful!
This really is the Best of Babylon 5!

Best of Babylon 5

Manufacturer: Sonic Images
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Babylon 5: Messages From Earth (Compilation From TV Series)
Babylon 5: Sleeping in Light
Babylon 5 (Compilation From TV Series)
Babylon 5: In The Beginning (1998 TV Movie)
Babylon 5: The Long Night (TV Series Episode)

ASIN: B00005NVYJ
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Main Title 2nd Season
The Geometry Of Shadows III
Sheridan & Father
Mobilization
The Big Battle
The Signal
Awakening
Countdown
Main Title 3rd Season
Into The Abyss
Begin To Attack The Shadows
Emergency Treatment
The Geometry Of Shadows II
The Geometry Of Shadows I
Main Title 4th Season
Main Title 5th Season
Dying Station
Bonus Theme

Customer Reviews:

Good, not great.......2007-01-07

There are some gems on this CD. Most of the music is nondescript when you listen to it; it is much more suited to being the background music of a TV show, of course. In other words, it's not like regular music you get on a regular commercial band's CD. In my opinion, the best songs are the Main Titles, in particular the 5th season.

Indeed it is........2007-01-05

With his compositions Franke shows how much he understands the B5 universe
of JMS. A true epic.

Wonderful!.......2001-11-05

This is a wonderful sound track. Chirstopher Franke catches the mood of the series with his music and it sounds even better when you listen to a recording, away from the episodes. Buy this.

This really is the Best of Babylon 5!.......2001-11-04

Thank you to Christopher Franke and Sonic Images for The Best of Babylon 5! Although I have most of these tracks on other B5 CD's, I really enjoyed this one because of the consistently great music. I would rank this one as excellent, along with my other two favorites, Babylon 5 Volume 2, "Messages from Earth" and the episodic CD, "Sleeping in Light." Two tracks deserve special mention: Track 2 is (I believe) a reworking of music from the album Babylon 5 Volume 1. With the "Battle of the Line" music in the background, Chris Franke adds new ideas to enhance the musical experience. The other notable track is the last one, Track 18 "Bonus Theme." This is a fabulous new track, which I understand was written for the (unfortunately never released) Babylon 5 CD-Rom game. This is six minutes of great music, that cannot be mistaken for anything other than "Babylon 5-style" music. It's a thrilling piece, which alone makes me glad I bought the CD. Let's hope we get the same quality offering with the "Legend of the Rangers" movie soundtrack, which I hope will be released next year.

Average customer rating:

TENACIOUSLY TALENTED
Smoothjazz.com Review

Reason, Season or Lifetime
Kai Alece
Manufacturer: G-Rod Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0006IXP4Y
Release Date: 2004-11-15

Tracks:

River
I Want You
Reason, Season or Lifetime
Slow Down
Blue Skies
Didn't Know
Tell Me
Your Love
Too Soon, Too Fast

Album Description

The album is centered around encouraging you to find yourself and it uses a smooth jazzy groove and moving lyrics to accomplish this.

Customer Reviews:

TENACIOUSLY TALENTED.......2005-07-30

When I first heard Kai Alece sing RIVER, I was instantly taken by her powerfully beautiful voice; and, was EXCITED and EAGER to hear more. I could hardly wait to purchase her CD! She sings EVERY SINGLE SONG with such charisma and ease, like an artist painting a picture. Each lyrical stroke leaves an indelible impression. Her remake of Marvin Gaye's I WANT YOU is simply INCREDIBLE. Kai Alece is talented beyond her years!!!

Smoothjazz.com Review.......2004-11-17

It's always exciting to discover a bright, new, shining light in the world of music, especially when it's someone with so much talent and such a vivid future as this young woman. Kai Alece's voice and style smoothly cross over musical terrains including pop, soul, and jazz. Her debut release, REASON, SEASON OR LIFETIME, is a very strong collection of performances that are comparable to Smooth Jazz favorites, Brenda Russell, Oleta Adams and neo-soul sensation, Alicia Keys. Definitely check out "River" and "I Want You" (Yes, the Marvin Gaye tune) and you'll hear exactly what I'm talking about. This young Floridian hadn't even considered music as a career until college, and then started working in earnest on her first album only after finishing the Pharmacy program at Florida A&M and becoming a registered Pharmacist. Other than the Marvin Gaye tune, all songs on this album were either written or co-written by Kai, and revolve around a central theme, expressed very eloquently in her own words: "I find that things and people exist in my life for a reason, season, or lifetime, and my job is to identify their purpose and move forward." With that kind of outlook, and the talent she displays on this album, Kai Alece should be looking forward to not just a season, but to an entire lifetime of musical success! ~Scott O'Brien

Average customer rating:

Season of Death

Manufacturer: Haunted By Angels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA303M
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Average customer rating:

Trak List:

Holy Night: Best Of The Season

Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B0000CNY34
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Customer Reviews:

Trak List:.......2007-06-05

1- Deck the Halls- Vienna Boys Choir
2- A Mighty Fortress is Our God- Placido Domingo w/Vienna Boys Choir
3- Hallelujah Chorus- Robert Shaw Chorale
4- O Holy Night- Benita Valente & Philadelphia Singers
5- For Unto Us a Child is Born- Philadelphia Singers
6- Silent Night- Ambrosian Singers with National Philharmonic Orch.
7- Wassail Song- Ralph Hunter Choir
8- Twelve Days of Christmas- Hugo and Luigi with their Children's Choir,
9- Come to the Manger- Augustana Choir
10- The First Noel- Ambrosian Singers
11-Angels from the Realms of Glory- The Living Voices
12- In the Bleak Midwinter- Augustana Choir

Average customer rating:

Carols of Christmas Past
from Solo Piano Publications
Really Big Shoes
Mystical Christmas Journey
A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!

Carol: A Christmas Journey

Manufacturer: Really Big Shoes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Paint the Forest Winter

ASIN: B0000C9ZA8
Release Date: 2003-09-03

Tracks:

A Virgin Most Pure
Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents
Children's Song of the Nativity
Carol of the Birds
The Wexford Carol
Huron Carol
The Boar's Head Carol
Joyeaux Noel
Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella
The Dutch Carol
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Poverty
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

Carols of Christmas Past.......2003-12-24

If you're tired of Christmas songs after hearing so many of the same ones over and over and are ready for something new here is the solution.
Zola Van's beautiful melodies give the Christmas spirit a new dimension. Carols from past centuries, seemingly lost in time, are brought to the present and surely must sound more beautiful than ever before.
These selectins are calming and soothing to the nerves. Highlights here are "Huron Carol", "The Boar's Head Carol" and "The Dutch Carol". But every song is played with remarkable excellence. For those longing to hear something more familiar, the timeless carol "Silent Night" completes this magnificent set of piano solos.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2003-11-08

When I slipped "Carol: A Christmas Journey" into my CD player, I expected to hear a collection of the usual Christmas pieces and carols with Zola Van's inspired solo piano interpretation. She had told me that this album was going to be different, and different it is! What sets "Carol" apart from other collections is the darkness and moodiness of the album. At first, it seemed almost bleak, but the more I listen, the more I hear the hope and anticipation in the music. Most of the carols are extremely old, going as far back as the twelfth century, and come from various European countries and traditions (one is Indian/Canadian). Van really did her homework on this album, researching the origins of the music as she collected the songs, and writing a short history of each piece in the liner notes. With all of the Christmas music I listen to and teach, I was amazed that I was familiar with only a small number of the carols, and because the collection is so unusual, I would think it would be easy to listen to it year-round without feeling silly about playing a Christmas album in, say, April while you're preparing your taxes!

The three familiar carols are "Coventry Carol," "Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella," and "Silent Night," all played lovingly true to the originals, but with fresh interpretations. "A Virgin Most Pure," is a hauntingly beautiful carol that tells of the prophecy and of three journeys to Bethlehem. Van's use of heavy chords in the deep bass of the piano accentuates the mystery and darkness of many of the pieces, this one included. "Children's Song of the Nativity" is a bit lighter, full of innocence and questions about traveling to Bethlehem - how far is it? what will we do when we get there? - a very sweet vignette. My favorite track is probably the darkest one of all, "Huron Carol". The words come from Huron droning, and were set to an Indian/Canadian tune by a Jesuit missionary who taught the Huron and Wendot in a wilderness outpost in Quebec. Van does an exquisite job with this piece - to the point that you can almost feel the chilling winds blowing through it. "The Boar's Head Carol" is a bit lighter and more festive. "The Dutch Carol" comes from about 1599, and is delicate, melancholy,and very beautiful. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is probably the most upbeat piece - a dance that servants and peasants would perform for their employers' entertainment.

A very unusual collection of holiday music, "Carol" is certainly an antidote for too much Santa Claus. It makes you realize how far back our holiday traditions go, and the vastly different ways in which Christ's birth has been celebrated over the centuries. Historically, this is a fascinating collection - I learned so much from the liner notes. Musically, it is a spiritual and introspective journey to hear these haunting melodies played with such care and emotion. Zola Van has done an outstanding job with this album. Just be aware that this is not a happy-go-lucky album of "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

Really Big Shoes.......2003-11-01

What I liked most was the powerful, suspenseful style of play, swirling with emotion, her embellishing style radiating a natural grandeur. I also liked the way her arrangements seemed to get to the heart of these Christmas melodies without being too precious. Her realization seemed to be much more about integrating Christmas into her musical vision than about trying to be a part of the sweet, tinkling chorus we'll be hearing soon enough. And it should be noted that she applied her style to a relatively unusual selection of carols, so there were significant segments where I could enjoy Christmas music without it being something I've heard over and over.

I found her treatments to be both relaxing and moving. And mind you, this--with the stereo on the fritz and my boombox at Lost Pines with my wife on a training mission--was first heard on the tinkly little computer speakers. I soon had to graduate it to the DVD player in the den to get the full surround, but its power is evident whatever the volume or acoustics.

I like this one a lot.

--Richard Banks, Christmasreviews.com

Mystical Christmas Journey.......2003-10-19

"I am a simple traveler. I am transported adrift a gentle, melodic seduction across hundreds of years to this place. Here in a shroud of feudal protection is common man, with reasoning and conduct conforming to his day, desperately seeking beauty, purity, and gentleness in an otherwise brutal world. Beyond dark stone walls of medieval thought, the allure of the beautiful virgin and the child-king's humble birth is the cherished focus of desire and intrigue." ~Zola Van

I first heard Zola Van's radiant music on a CD titled "The HeartAid Project." Her music captures hope, wonder, kindness and beauty. The fluidity of the fragile notes are balanced by the strength and depth of the message. Crisp, delicate and heart-felt notes mingle with images of Christmas memories and dreams.

There are lesser-known carols you might be hearing for the first time and a few beloved favorites that have survived in the hearts and minds of people across the centuries.

1. A Virgin Most Pure - Poignant and delicate rendition of an Old English carol.

2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents - A 16th Century English carol with familiar strains and has grief and love intertwined.

3. Children's Song of the Nativity - A piece filled with questions and expectation. "How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room lit by a star?" Zola plays this piece with precision and deep understanding. It is pure and beautiful.

4. Carol of the Birds is from Bas-Quercy, France. The peasants of the time told legends of enchanted animals who could speak on Christmas Eve. I can see birds swooping and soaring and following the "noel star."

5. The Wexford Carol is an Irish Carol known as the "Enniscorthy Carol."

6. Huron Carol is an Indian/Canadian tune - One of my favorites because it almost foretells sadness. Zola shows the full force of her interpretation as she alternates between spectacular lightness of hand and rich intensity. Zola has truly captured a moment in time with exquisite detail.

7. The Boar's Head Carol - A piece to take your breath away. The notes almost seem to be floating through the air like an invigorating breeze.

8. Joyeaux Noel - A French Carol sung at New Year's in the 1400s. Zola captures mystery and magic. You will recognize this sweet dream of new beginnings and hope for the future. This piece might delve into your memory and remind you of your most beautiful Christmas memories. I love how Zola tantalizes the listener with tiny raindrop notes and then just sends a downpour of notes to refresh your spirit.

9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella - A 15th Century French Provincial Carol with a playful twist. In the depth of night I can see little torches swirling in circles as Jeanette playfully dances instead of hurrying with the torches. There is a touch of humor here. It is as if time stops and this song could play forever.

10. The Dutch Carol - The beauty here is a solitary angel flying high above the earth. In the stillness of the night you can here "How sweet is love." The most comforting carol on this CD. It wraps you in warmth and you almost feel protected from all harm. Zola's playing dissolves all stress, this is a piece you could easily fall asleep to. As beautiful as a lullaby with a depth of caring that speaks of love and sweet dreams.

11. Ding Dong Merrily on High - A lighthearted piece. The emphasis here seems to be a joyous celebration.

12. Poverty - Spectacular depth and understanding. Zola shows her sensitivity in this interpretation. I hear a message so subtle it almost begs not to be explained but only to be felt with the heart. Perhaps this piece mostly evokes a sense of awe. We gaze at the tiny gift sleeping in the straw and are amazed at how a small child could be the hope of the world.

13. Silent Night - Instantly recognizable and a combination of all we love at Christmas Time. Zola plays this carol with an intricate beauty befitting this captivating story of heavenly peace.

Truly, I've never heard a collection of piano solos so delicate in magical beauty. Zola Van's music will quickly capture your heart. The universal messages of hope, peace and love have been captured in her interpretations of each carol. I highly recommend "Carol: A Christmas Journey" for the Holiday Season or anytime when you need a musical escape. It is timeless in its appeal and is a much needed escape from the harried pace of the holiday season or everyday life.

You may also enjoy "Paint the Forest Winter," and "River to River Trail: The Hike."

~TheRebeccaReview.com

A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!.......2003-10-14

I have had the pleasure and priviledge of listening and reviewing Zola Van's 2 previuos releases. I am proud to say the the third release is just a entertaining as the other 2. Zola Van's talent seems with out limits in this release.

There are 13 tracks, totaling over 50 minutes of some of the best piano music out there today. The complete collection of Christamas music has you listening to all time favorites like Silent Night, which is my personal faovrite on this album.

You have some lesser known releases such as Carol of the Birds and the Wexford Carol. Even though the music is lsated for the holiday season, and it would make a perfect holiday gift, this cd could and should be listened to almost any timeof the year.

Having been given the rare oppurtunity to hear music that not only calms the situation but also relaxes you at the same is one of life simple pleasures. This recording is gentle in sound but large in volume as the music will resonante for more that just the Winter season.

Customer Reviews:

Gloria for the 2nd time, The Best grand recording !!!.......2001-10-18

This CD is highly recomended the grandeure of the work is done perfecly by the wallace collections and the polyphony itself. The most dramatic recording of anthems of rutter, happy to listen too a happy recording.

Sweet but sturdy.......2001-07-02

The music of John Rutter consistently provokes mixed reactions amongst musical circles. There are those who cannot stand it, seeing it as tasteless and even annoying; some enjoy certain aspects of his output but do not love it all; some can find nothing but praise for it. As one who has performed various works and arrangements of his, I feel that it certainly can be overly 'saccharine' in the light of the other serious classical music being written today - yet it is unfailingly well-written, offering genuine challenges to those who perform it. And beyond all the sugary melodies and soupy harmonies, Rutter is capable of producing moments of real heart-wrenching emotion. Indeed, it says much of him that he can create memorable, 'hummable' tunes in an age wherein such a skill is perhaps looked upon as anachronistic.

It certainly says much of Rutter that this is now the second disc that the elite Hyperion company have devoted entirely to his music. Those who know and love his "Requiem" through its many commercially-available recordings will recognise many similar elements in "Gloria," obviously a more exubrant and joyful concert work, which is presented here with an effective scoring for organ, brass and percussion. It is at a glance reminiscent of a concerto, with three movements (two loud and fast ones, sandwiching a slower central movement) and recurring themes that are tossed between chorus and accompaniment. The opening is immediately characteristic of Rutter: the combined rhythms and fanfare-like motifs make it sound almost like the opening to some hit musical, and contrast is provided by utterances of unaccompanied chorus in which harmony is the most interesting element. The second movement - "Domine Deus" - features a gently undulating, flute-like solo from the organ, which is worked through gentle brass chorales and beautifully crafted sung passages, with a genuinely moving use of solo sopranos and altos. The third movement - "Quoniam tu solus sanctus" - brings back the boppy nature of the first movement, and quite startlingly includes what appears to be a fugue in the chorus parts! As a whole, it is easy to see why this work is not perhaps as popular as the "Requiem," but it is no less full of worthwhile things to listen out for.

The rest of the disc is made up of various church pieces, several of which are widely used as church anthems throughout England and beyond - "As the bridegroom to his chosen" and "Thy perfect love" are especially popular for their memorable tunes. Two of the unaccompanied works are quite arresting: "Come down, O love Divine," with its echoes of Herbert Howells and 'open ended' concluding cadence, and the tiny "Clare Benediction," dating from Rutter's time as Director of Music at that Cambridge College Chapel - for this, he provided his own text and the result is as potent as any large-scale choral masterpiece could be. There are also a few that are less well-known, and indeed one which has only recently been premiered - "I my Best-Beloved's am," first performed by Polyphony under Stephen Layton. These pieces (with the exception of "Praise the Lord, O my soul" and "Te Deum," which are accompanied by the same forces as in "Gloria") feature Rutter's own orchestrations, which can either heighten or ruin their effectiveness, depending upon your point of view - I was hoping to hear these with organ accompaniment, as they would be heard in a typcial church service. On the other hand, these arrangements show a fine sense of orchestral colour and demonstrate Rutter's penchant for making his music as useful as possible to all manner of performers, whether they specialise in the church or the concert platform.

Polyphony make light work of this programme. The works with organ, brass and percussion, recorded in the generous but subtle acoustics of Winchester Cathedral, suffer slightly from a poor balance: I am surprised that Hyperion were unable to save the choir from being drowned in the loudest and most climactic moments, wherein we lose not only the words but (nearly!) the voices themselves. Then again, the problem might also have been solved by augmenting the choir with extra singers - Polyphony is after all a chamber choir, whereas "Gloria" was clearly intended for choral societies with hundreds of massed voices. The anthems fare much better: recorded in the dry acoustics of a London church, supported by the small but potent forces of the City of London Sinfonia, Polyphony really get to the heart of these pieces. Stephen Layton directs well too - fast pieces are treated with vigour whereas the slower and more intimate ones are allowed to 'breathe' in a natural way that avoids sounding "hammy."

If you're approaching Rutter for the first time, I wouldn't recommend starting with this disc; the "Requiem" is a far better work to begin with. However, if you're already a 'Rutterphile,' then there is no reason to hesitate: this makes for rewarding listening.

Bravo!.......2001-06-15

Being a fan of John Rutter, I found this new recording, on Hyperion label, of the Gloria and sacred music, one of the best yet. The choir and orchestra are to be commended on the delicate and yet vibrant performance. The Polyphony choir, though only consisting of about 25 voices, produces a powerful and well rounded sound. I really enjoyed this recording and it was great to hear a few new anthems. The sound was very clear and the choir's annunciation was well articulated, so that you hear every word. I have most of his works and a great admirer of the Cambridge Singers, though I will put this Hyperion recording there, right next to John Rutter's choir. I was pleased to hear that the organ, especially in the Gloria and Te Deum could be clearly heard, but not dominating the voices or the orchestra. A very balanced sound throughout. The Wallace Collection, added to the City of London Sinfonia, gave that very `Ruttorian' brassy sound. Very impressive! This wonderful recording is a real joy to listen to. Bravo!!!

Idol Chatter: Best of American Idols, Season 3 (karaoke)

Average customer rating:

Idol Chatter: Best of American Idols, Season 3 (karaoke)
Various
Manufacturer: Just Tracks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Karaoke | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

American Idol Greatest Moments

ASIN: B00066ZUM6
Release Date: 2004-10-15

Tracks:

I Believe (Fantasia Barrino)
Summertime (Fantasia Barrino)
Chain of Fools (Fantasia Barrino)
Don't Cry Out Loud (Diana DeGarmo)
Me and Mrs. Jones (George Huff)
If You Don't Know Me By Now (La Toya London)
Circle of Life (Jennifer Hudson)
Neither One Of Us (Jennifer Hudson)
Midnight Train To Georgia (Jasmine Trias)
Over The Rainbow (Kimberly Locke)
Betcha By Golly Wow (Leah Labelle)
You Are Everything (John Stevens)
My Girl (Jon Peter Lewis)
You Make Me Feel Brand New (Amy Adams)
Killing Me Softly (Kimberly Caldwell)
Summertime (Gershwin Arrangement)

Product Description

Title: I Believe; Artist: Barrino, Fantasia; Track: 1| Title: Summertime; Artist: Barrino, Fantasia; Track: 2| Title: Chain Of Fools; Artist: Barrino, Fantasia; Track: 3| Title: Don't Cry Out Loud; Artist: DeGarmo, Diana; Track: 4| Title: Me And Mrs. Jones; Artist: Huff, George; Track: 5| Title: If You Don't Know Me By Now; Artist: London, La Toya; Track: 6| Title: Circle Of Life; Artist: Hudson, Jennifer; Track: 7| Title: Neither One Of Us; Artist: Hudson, Jennifer; Track: 8| Title: Midnight Train To Georgia; Artist: Trias, Jasmine; Track: 9| Title: Over The Rainbow; Artist: Locke, Kimberly; Track: 10| Title: Betcha By Golly Wow; Artist: Labelle, Leah; Track: 11| Title: You Are Everything; Artist: Stevens, John; Track: 12| Title: My Girl; Artist: Lewis, Jon Peter; Track: 13| Title: You Make Me Feel Brand New; Artist: Adams, Amy; Track: 14| Title: Killing Me Softly; Artist: Caldwell, Kimberly; Track: 15| Title: Summertime (Original Gershwin Arrangement); Artist: Barrino, Fantasia; Track: 16|

Album Review:

Album Review

Album Review