Secret Heart

Secret Heart

ASIN: B000063IUF

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A brief look at the background of singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers offers a fair explanation for his broad and resilient jazz pedigree. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, he studied clarinet first and then drums, playing in a succession of rock bands in high school. This experience allowed him to stay open for diverse sources of material and develop his own writing. Discovered and signed in 1991, Stigers mixed originals, standards, and covers by such contemporary writers as Elvis Costello in his repertoire. Secret Heart continues with the same confident mix of material that he's explored over the past decade. Songs by Randy Newman, Ron Sexsmith, and Steve Earle intermingle agreeably with numbers by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, and Henry Mancini. In addition, his own writing is solidly represented with the bluesy sashay of "How Could a Man Take Such a Fall" and the laid-back shuffle of "Swingin' Down at 10th & Main." --David Greenberger

Tracks:

Ladies In Lavender
Olga
Teaching Andrea
Fantasy For Violin And Orchestra
Meditation From Thais
Our Secret
On The Beach
Introduction And Tarantella Op. 43
The Letter
Zabawa Weselna (Polish Dance)
Stirrings
Potatoes
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
A Broken Heart
Two Sisters
The Carnival Of Venice

Amazon.com

The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its quiet, emotional dignity via neo-classical orchestral arrangements that feature real life young virtuoso Joshua Bell on solo violin. Hess' intimate original compositions form a virtually seamless tapestry with the story's requisite classical repertory choices, which range from Massenet and Debussy to Bell's delightful variations on Paganini's "The Carnival of Venice." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Ladies in Lavender Soundtrack.......2007-05-13

I love this CD. The music carries you away and it is wonderful to go to sleep by. It was such a great movie and the music is delicious.

Ladies in Lavendar - Movie Soundtrack.......2007-03-29

The violin music is wonderful! I knew I wanted a copy of this soundrack when I saw the movie on DVD. Joshua Bell in a wonderful artist.

Ladies In Lavender CD.......2007-03-19

The film "Ladies In Lavender" is touching and a tear jerker, but, so well done. Having the film on DVD was not enough, I needed to have the CD to play when I am driving. The violin virtuosity of Joshua Bell is magnificient and so pleasing to hear when relaxation is desired.

LADIES in LAVENDER.......2007-02-19

This is the most amazing and beautiful CD I've heard in a long time. Joshua Bell excells on his violin with this touching and haunting music. I listen to it often.
Sarah

Loved the Movie and Love the Soundtrack.......2007-02-16

Saw the movie recently and loved it. Loved the music even more. That's why I bought the CD and am just thrilled with it.

Average customer rating:

If You Love Classical Music, This CD Is For You
Probably Decca's best "Adagios" set
One of the best CDs you'll ever own
Sublime!
GREAT MUSIC

Movie Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005OC0D
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Platoon: Adagio For Strings - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra/David Zinman
Elvira Madigan: Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major, K.467 - Radu Lupu/English Chamber Orchestra/Uri Segal
A Room With A View: O Mio Babbino Caro (Gianni Schicchi) - Renata Tebaldi/Orch Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino/Lamberto Gardelli
Dangerous Moonlight: Warsaw Concerto - Cristina Ortiz/Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Moshe Atzmon
Dances With Wolves: John Dunbar Theme - Hollywood Bowl Orchestra/John Mauceri
Raging Bull/Godfather III: Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana) - National Philharmonic Orchestra/Gianandrea Gavazzeni
Brief Encounter: Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor: Adagio Sostenuto (Excerpt) - Jean-Yves Thibaudet/The Cleveland Orchestra/Vladimir Ashkenazy
The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe - Prague Philharmonia/Nick Ingman
The Piano: The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
The Gadfly: Romance - Alexander Kerr/Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Riccardo Chailly
Amadeus: Serenade In B Flat Major, K.361 'Gran Partita': Adagio - Members Of The Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields/Neville Marriner
Sunday, Bloody Sunday: Soave Sia Il Vento (Trio) (Cosi Fan Tutte) - Lucia Popp/Brgitte Fassbaender/Tom Krause/Vienna Haydn Orchestra/Istvan Kertesz
Diva: Ebben?...Ne Andro Lontana (La Wally) - Renee Fleming/London Philharmonic Orchestra/Charles Mackerras
Hannah And Her Sisters: Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor, BWV 1056: Largo - Andras Schiff/Chamber Orchestra Of Europe
Immortal Beloved: Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor 'Moonlight': Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Carrington: String Quintet In C Major, D956: Adagio (Excerpt) - Weller Quartet
Amadeus: Lacrimosa (Requiem) - John Alldis Choir/BBC Symphony Orchestra/Colin Davis

Tracks:

Billy Elliot: Scene (Opening Of Act 2) (Swan Lake) - Orchestre Symphonique De Montreal/Charles Dutoit
Life Is Beautiful (La Vita E Bella): Barcarolle (The Tales Of Hoffmann) - L'Orchestra De La Suisse Romande/Richard Bonynge
Dead Poets Society/Picnic At Hanging Rock: Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.73 'Emperor'... - Vladimir Ashkenazy/The Cleveland Orchestra
Hilary And Jackie: Cello Concerto, Op.85: Adagio - Moderato (Excerpt) - Julian Lloyd Webber/Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Yehudi Menuhin
Out Of Africa: Clarinet Concerto In A Major, K.622: Adagio - Jack Brymer/London Symphony Orchestra/Colin Davis
Children Of A Lesser God: Concerto In D Minor For 2 Violins, BWV 1043: Largo, Ma Non Tanto - Henryk Szeryng/Maurice Hasson/Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields/Neville Marriner
Frankie And Johnny: Clair De Lune - Eastman-Rochester Pops Orchestra/Frederick Fennell
Cinema Paradiso: Nuovo Cinema Paradiso - Prague Philharmonia/Nick Ingman
Death In Venice: Symphony No.5: Adagietto - Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti
Seven: Suite No.3 In D Major, BWV 1068: Air - Stuttgarter Kammerorchestra/Karl Munchinger
The Shawshank Redemption: Che Soave Seffiretto (Letter Duet) (The Marriage Of Figaro) - Kiri Te Kanawa/Lucia Popp/London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti
Fatal Attraction: Un Bel Di (Madama Butterfly) - Renee Fleming/London Philharmonic Orchestra/Charles Mackerras
Ordinary People: Canon In D Major - Stuttgarter Kammerorchester/Karl Munchinger
Truly, Madly, Deeply: Cello Sonata In G Minor, BWV 1029: Adagio (Excerpt) - Janos Starker/Gyorgy Sebok
Shine: Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.3 No.2 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
On Her Majesty's Secret Service: We Have All The Time In The World - Prague Philharmonia/Nick Ingman

Customer Reviews:

If You Love Classical Music, This CD Is For You .......2007-01-10

This compilation of movie themes is one of the most pleasurable CD's you'll ever own.

Probably Decca's best "Adagios" set.......2006-07-26

I say "probably," since it's hard to outdo its "Beethoven Adagios" set. I've only bought a few of these "Adagios" sets because, looking over the track listings of so many, there's just so much overlap. Here, you get the best single collection of the bunch. Here, I was introduced to Addinsell's "Warsaw Concerto," and for that alone it was worth the price. But let's not forget a significant number of other gorgeous classic adagios: Beethoven's "Emperor" concerto (used in a gorgeous film, "Picnic at Hanging Rock"), Bach's "Air on a G String," Mahler's Adaghietto from Symphony no. 5, some obligatory Mozart, the Barber adagio, Debussy's Claire de lune, and - oh lovely! - Schubert's String Quintet in C. Then there are much-appreciated entries (Cinema Paradiso, Gabriel's Oboe) from a personal favorite composer, Ennio Morricone, one of the actual official film composers (as distinct from long-dead composers whose music was used in film) used for this collection, along with a couple from another personal favorite, John Barry. (You'd really need to get Barry's own set of "adagios," titled "Moviola," to get his best, e.g., the title theme to "Out of Africa" and to "Somewhere in Time." For Morricone, the master of the romantic adagio in the past century, go with "Itinerary of a Genius" or individual soundtracks like "Legend of 1900," "Lolita," "Once Upon a Time in America," "Once Upon a Time in the West," and others.)

A couple drawbacks to this set: (1) The adagio from Rachmaninov's 2nd is truncated to a mere 4 minutes. For this, one is well advised to purchase a CD with the entire concerto, or get a full version of just the adagio elsewhere (Decca does include a full version on its "Romantic Adagios" collection). (2) So much from so many composers is included, that there is too little room for more Beethoven. I'd prefer the adagio from the "Pathetique" sonata to the "Moonlight" one which was included here. For Beethoven adagios, you need the "Beethoven Adagios" set as an accompaniment (where you get, among other things, adagios for the op. 130 string quartet, the 6th symphony, the violin concerto, piano concerto no. 3, the 7th symphony, and the romance for violin no. 2, op. 50). If you're a fan of Mozart music often used in the movies, there's the "Mozart Adagios" set and/or the "Amadeus" soundtrack.

I'm a "purist" as to a few works; I'd rather hear the entirety of the "Emperor" concerto than merely the adagio, for instance. In plenty of other cases, an adagio movement is heard just fine as a stand-alone work; plenty of the most beautiful music is used for adagio movements, as these sets make clear enough.

One of the best CDs you'll ever own.......2003-03-23

This is an excellent selection of music. I listen to it every chance I get. It is great just to put in your CD player on "repeat" and allow it to soothe and inspire you for a few hours, for an evening, or an for entire day.

One reason I chose it was that I was looking for music that could simply be a nice background noise for when I'm working on things that require reading and concentration. I wanted music that would not be a distraction, and this does a good job. It is also great to listen to when doing almost anything, like even cleaning the house or doing laundry. I will admit though, that listening to the selection from Swan Lake might make you want to dance around the living room.

Also, besides the obvious ones that everybody knows (Beethoven's 5th, or Canon in D, etc.) I do not know enough to distinguish specific songs from their composers, which is why I was hesitant to buy a classical CD soley of one artist because once I got it I may not have liked it or been familiar with any of the songs. That is why I picked Movie Adagios because I knew it would be a selection of some of the best classical music from the movies, which it is.

Sublime!.......2002-09-08

Of course, I'm nuts for classical music and classic movies, so this compilation of music featured in some of the most famous movies ever made is an absolutely ideal CD.

Filmmakers have been raiding the classical music files since the days of the silents in order to heighten the mood of a scene and provide a greater emotional impact. Barber's Adagio for Strings has been used not only in "Platoon", as this CD lists, but also in "The Elephant Man". While there's only a small snippet of Rachmininoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 here, it's worth remembering that the entire piece is used throughout the magnificent "Brief Encounter" to heighten the impact of the romance. Mozart's Trio (Cosi fan tutte) was brilliantly used in "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" to comment on a complex romantic triangle.

There are also 5 pieces written directly for the screen, two by Ennio Morricone (the haunting Gabriel's Oboe from "The Mission" and the exquisite Nuovo Cinema Paradiso from "Cinema Paradiso"), two by John Barry (a lovely version of We Have All the Time in the World from the James Bond classic "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and the elegiac John Dunbar Theme from "Dances With Wolves") and one by Michael Nyman (The heart asks pleasure first from "The Piano").

I love this CD, to relax with, to read with, and just immerse myself in the spectacular sounds of genius.

GREAT MUSIC.......2001-12-03

This is a great classical piece for the lovers of classical, as well as the ones who may hate it. These Adagios CDs get beter and better each time there is a new release. I must warn you there some good as well as some bad ones. There is a certain Adagio flavor for everyones. At the present I have others, but the ones I truly enjoy are Violin Adagios, The Piano Adagios and this one. This compilation is great for reading. Furthermore this CD can be great evening music... for sleeping.

Those of you who have not got on board with the ADAGIOS, please get on board the next time you go to your favorite music store. You may be surprised at how you have enriched yourselves with great music for your listening pleasure.

You may want to check other reviews here at Amazon under my section in the customers reviews.

Thanks

TRIPP

My Secret Heart: Romantic Meditations for Ambient Piano
Average customer rating:

Seductive and Ethereal

This cd is amazing, perfect for massage

A Piece of Heaven

Most Powerful Music Yet

Soundscape for True Romantics

My Secret Heart: Romantic Meditations for Ambient Piano
Michael Whalen
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Real Piano: A Collection

ASIN: B00074CC6E
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

I Have Loved You For A Thousand Lifetimes
Hands Of Silk
Tantric
Two As One
Your Eyes In The Candlelight
Addicted To You
For You
Moonglow
Swimming In A Lovely Sea Of You
Love's Secret

Amazon.com

With song titles like "Swimming in a Lovely Sea of You," one might expect Michael Whalen's My Secret Heart to be as deep in the schmaltz as Yanni playing a candlelight étude for Linda Evans. The fact that he avoids a saccharin overdose is one of the few minor successes on this album of ambient piano compositions. Taking cues from artists like Harold Budd and Suzanne Ciani, Whalen orchestrates a series of romantic mood pieces full of deeply echoing piano and electronic effects that shimmer in the background. Like Ciani, he wears his heart on his keyboard. Unlike Budd, however, he lacks the emotional austerity and distance that would allow his music to speak at a deeper level. Although Whalen spends most of his time doing nature documentary soundtracks and jingles, he does have a gift for ambient space, as evidenced by his albums Nightscenes and Like Rain Through My Hands. My Secret Heart fits in as a minor extension of these works, but the maudlin inscriptions--"Two as One" or "Addicted to You"--wouldn't pass muster on a Hallmark Valentine's Day card. Absent any irony, they trigger an automatic gag reflex that's only slightly overcome by music that deserves better. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Seductive and Ethereal.......2006-05-07

I was immediately mesmerized on hearing this on Soundscapes. Michael Whalen has composed and performed the most haunting and lingering piano sounds I have heard in a long time. You feel each piano note deeply, sometimes holding a breath not wanting to miss its penetrating moment. It is not only seductive it is intoxicating. I have played it for listening and for dining, all my friends and guests are captivated by it.

This cd is amazing, perfect for massage.......2006-02-21

I am a LMT and I purchased this cd for song #1- I overheard on XM radio. This cd is awesome. I never get tired of it. It is perfect for relaxation. I play it at home and at work.

A Piece of Heaven.......2005-02-13

From the moment I first heard Michael Whalen's new CD, "My Secret Heart", I was absolutely captivated. I adore this CD. The music is quite beautiful and evocative, it is as if Michael captured a piece of Heaven in his hands, and it spilled forth and transformed into this beautiful music.

Most Powerful Music Yet.......2005-02-10

"My Secret Heart, romantic meditations for ambient piano" is by far Whalen's most ambitious and revealing project to date. Imagine all your deepest, darkest secrets hanging out for the world to see? Well, that is what is embodied in this album.

From the first track, "I Have Loved You For A Thousand Lifetimes," Whalen succeeds at what I think is the fundamental goal of this album: to make the music accessible and inviting to the listener. Even deeper: to show a side of Michael that few people get to see-a vulnerability, a longing, an HONESTY...who hasn't wanted to express these emotions???

Whalen has chosen exactly the right notes, at the right time, giving ample time for each shimmering note to breathe. More important, the simplicity of this CD invites you into Michael's world, which is about music he cares about expressing-because of who he is, and what he believes in.

Soundscape for True Romantics.......2005-02-09

This CD is a must have for all of you true romantics out there. It provides a beautiful sonic backdrop that is perfect for moments when you want to escape life's stresses. Michael's ability to create beautiful melodies entwined with electronic processing, makes for a rich sonic tapestry that is at times sad, yet stirring nonetheless. "I have loved you for a thousand lifetimes" is a standout, with a gorgeous melody. It is also the song for which the video was created. Outstanding! I thoroughly enjoyed this CD.

Average customer rating:

Curtis is Still at it!
Gets better and better..
A Must See Performance
AMAZING...
Curtis does it again !

Secret Heart
Curtis Stigers
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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All That Matters: The Best of Curtis Stigers
Brighter Days

ASIN: B000063IUF
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

How Could A Man Take Such A Fall
It's So Hard Living Without You
Days Of Wine And Roses
Hometown Blues
My Foolish Heart
You're Driving Me Crazy
Secret Heart
Down With Love
Swingin' Down At 10th & Main
Sweet Kentucky Ham
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
Body And Soul

Amazon.com

A brief look at the background of singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers offers a fair explanation for his broad and resilient jazz pedigree. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, he studied clarinet first and then drums, playing in a succession of rock bands in high school. This experience allowed him to stay open for diverse sources of material and develop his own writing. Discovered and signed in 1991, Stigers mixed originals, standards, and covers by such contemporary writers as Elvis Costello in his repertoire. Secret Heart continues with the same confident mix of material that he's explored over the past decade. Songs by Randy Newman, Ron Sexsmith, and Steve Earle intermingle agreeably with numbers by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, and Henry Mancini. In addition, his own writing is solidly represented with the bluesy sashay of "How Could a Man Take Such a Fall" and the laid-back shuffle of "Swingin' Down at 10th & Main." --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Curtis is Still at it!.......2006-02-20

I went to high school with Curtis and still brag on him to this day! (not only because he is handsome!) The only person that I know that could pick up and instrument or a sheet of music and make incredible music the first time he touched it! Curtis was incredible 22 years ago, and still amazing today! I show my children him in the year book, then go to and listen to his music, they are amazed that I knew him!. You go Curtis! Remember the #1 winning Capital Singers years!

Gets better and better.........2003-02-20

I adore this cd, and have seen Curtis Stigers live several times during 2002. I also had a chance to see him sing some new material at Brighton, UK on February 14, 2003, when he performed with the amazingly talented Stacey Kent (if you've never heard of her, GO .. check her out) in a live broadcast for BBC Radio2. We were treated to several tracks from "Secret Heart" and a stunning performance of "When I Fall In Love", that Nat King Cole classic. I also urge anyone out there with chance to see Mr. S. to grab it, one day tickets will be like gold-dust!

I've been around from the very beginning also, and as one other reviewer has stated, without this influence from Curtis returning to his jazz roots I would never have been drawn towards the world of jazz, now I cannot get enough - Stacey Kent being another bright light for the future.
Enjoy .. new cd should be out in the spring of 2003 and a tour to follow!

A Must See Performance.......2003-01-20

I saw Curtis Stigers sing live at the Oak Room in the Algonquin Hotel in New York City and I was blown away! I have become an over night fan of his music and urge everyone to go see him in New York City. He plays many of the songs from his latest CD with a few fun surprises. He will be there from mid January to early February.

AMAZING..........2002-11-11

Curtis continues to amaze me with his vocal and song writing talent. I have been a Curtis fan from the beginning (10 years now?!) and he has now opened a whole new world to me with his transition to jazz. Even met him and talked with him in Boston at Sculler's. He is genuinely a nice man, very patient and kind with all of us crazy fans...

Curtis does it again !.......2002-05-18

I Have been a Curtis Stigers fan from the very beginning and my first reaction when I
heard Secret Heart was yes he's done it again. This is another fine album from a man
that refuses to compromise on the quality of his music.

As well as some great standards and songs from more contemporary songwriters,
Curtis demonstrates his own talent for songwriting with Swingin' Down At 10th &
Main and also with How Could A Man Take Such A Fall which was co-written by Larry
Goldings.

This is a Jazz orientated album and I think this style
allows Curtis to really show what he is capable of as a musician so if you like his
previous albums then you will like this.

Above all I felt this album had a real feel good quality about it which is helped by
Stigers relaxed and easy manner which comes across in the music and is also a pleasure
to watch if you ever get the chance to see him perform live.

Tracks:

Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
Summertime
I Could Write a Book
It Never Entered My Mind
I Can Cook Too
Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please
If I Loved You
My Heart Belongs to Daddy
Thou Swell
I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
There's No Business Like Show Business
South American Way

Tracks:

Shall We Dance
Ohio
Luck Be a Lady
Mack the Knife
There's a Small Hotel
Once in Love with Amy
Yodel Blues
Lazy Afternoon
There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love
You're Just in Love
Now Is the Time

Tracks:

Impossible Dream
Love Makes the World Go 'Round
Try to Remember
Put on a Happy Face
I Say Hello
Happiness
She Loves Me
What Kind of Fool Am I?
Shy
Consider Yourself
Poor Little Person

Tracks:

Magic to Do
They're Playing My Song
I Don't Know How to Love Him
I Won't Send Roses
Good Morning Starshine
Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
Hard Candy Christmas
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
Won't You Charleston with Me?
Applause

Tracks:

Phantom of the Opera
Memory
On My Own
Muddy Water
How Could I Ever Know
American Dream
I Know Him So Well
Dr. Jazz
Me and My Girl
Suddenly Seymour

Tracks:

Mamma Mia!
Popular
Seasons of Love
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think
Whatever Lola Wants
Crazy
How Deep Is Your Love
Stars
People Like Us
I Go to Rio

Arleen Auger - Love Songs / Dalton Baldwin

Average customer rating:

Arleen Auger and Dalton Baldwin-Love Songs
Voice of experience
Auger at her best
Hidden Treasure
Gorgeous, sensitive music

Arleen Auger - Love Songs / Dalton Baldwin
Frank Bridge , Benjamin Britten , Pietro Cimara , Aaron Copland , Sir Noel Coward , Stefano Donaudy , Stephen Foster , Charles Gounod , Eduoard Lippe , Frederick Loewe , Gustav Mahler , Joseph Marx , Fernando J. Obradors , Jaime Ovalle , Francis Poulenc , Roger Quilter , Franz Schubert , Robert Schumann , Oscar Straus , Richard Strauss , Joaquin Turina , Dalton Baldwin , and Arleen Auger
Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000006VP
Release Date: 1992-05-22

Tracks:

Love Songs: Pastorale
Love Songs: Del Cabello mas sutil
Love Songs: Azulao
Love Songs: Standchen
Love Songs: Selige Nacht
Love Songs: Fleurs
Love Songs: Stornello
Love Songs: Music, When Soft Voice Die
Love Songs: Je t'aime
Love Songs: Love's Philosophy
Love Songs: Widmung
Love Songs: Du bist wie eine Blume
Love Songs: Das Rosenband
Love Songs: Liebst du um Schonheit
Love Songs: Cantares
Love Songs: How Do I Love Thee?
Love Songs: I'll Follow My Secret Heart
Love Songs: Serenade
Love Songs: Liebe Schwarmt auf allen Wegen
Love Songs: Love Went A-Riding
Love Songs: Why, No One to Love
Love Songs: O del mio amato ben
Love Songs: The Salley Gardens
Love Songs: Heart, We Will Forget Him
Love Songs: Before I Gaze at You Again

Customer Reviews:

Arleen Auger and Dalton Baldwin-Love Songs.......2007-01-29

A lovely collection -very varied. Arleen Auger has a beautiful voice and Baldwin's accompaniment is wonderful. The 3rd track, by Jayme Ovalle, is, as it says in the accompanying notes, bewitching, and is actually the reason I bought the CD.

Voice of experience.......2006-01-28

There isn't much I can add to the praise bestowed on this album by earlier reviewers. I do think though that a special poignancy is undeniable since Auger's voice, while still beautiful, clearly is not that of a young singer. Her maturity makes her interpretations of these love songs all the more touching. I've probably played this CD a dozen times through the years, far more than any other in my collection. It remains consistently and deeply satisfying.

Auger at her best.......2005-04-26

This is a disc that I recommend to my graduating seniors/graduate students who are pursuing a graduate degree or career options in Vocal Performance.
From the standpoint of technique, Auger is practically flawless---"harsh" is not a word I equate with Ms. Auger's singing. She and Dalton Baldwin are impeccable performers on this disc. All the material was wisely chosen and presented, including one of the slowest "O del mio amato ben's" and one of the slowest "Salley Gardens", indicative of the beautiful breath control this artist had. I have to take exception to one of the comments made by one reviewer, of the "lack of sesitivity to the music that most classical singers possess". This is plain ignorant. This reviewer clearly does not understand the great artistic endeavor that classical singers have to have with Song literature---only a non-singer could have said this. Our finest classical singers of memory have all been outstanding musicians. They also have texts to interpret in many languages. I, as a singer-performer-teacher take great umbrage at comments like this which serve only to degrade the richness of so much repertoire.
I too hated the untimely passing of this fabulous singer. She is one of four famous women singers who all died at the age of 53. I think this disc was recorded not to long before she passed away and does reflect her "goodbye" to her audience. However the disc will remain as timely as the repertoire in it.
Marcia M.Baldwin, Gig Harbor, WA.
Professor Emeritus, Eastman School of Music, Rochester,NY

Hidden Treasure.......2003-11-04

This recording is possibly one of the best examples of beautiful singing one will ever find. The repertoire, the artfulness, the line and the sheer beauty of Miss Auger's voice is a rare find. I've just recently purchased another copy as I loaned mine to a friend who begged to keep it! One note on the cover - this new cover art seems to imply this CD is some light version of 1970's Montovani romance music. Nothing could be further from the truth. Though the previous jacket (a photo of Miss Auger on pale pink) did look dated, I hope the next pressing of this (& I'm sure they'll be many more to come!) will give this collection the class packaging it deserves. This is a collector's item. Enjoy!!

Gorgeous, sensitive music.......2001-06-15

So first of all, ignore the cheesy cover art and album title. This is a beautiful collection of songs, beautifully performed. Since I concur with the other reviews that laud Auger's performance (though don't forget the accompanist Dalton Baldwin, who is also outstanding), I'll add only the comment that there is a certain melancholy surrounding a lot of the songs and performances that (a) I find haunting and appealing, and (b) you would never know simply from looking at the album.

Tracks:

The Rainy Day
Ariette
When Far From Her
Empress Of Night
The Secret
Ecstasy
Within Thy Heart
Sleep, Little Darling
Night
Forgotten
Dearie
Far Awa'
The Year's At The Spring
Ah, Love, But A Day!
I Send My Heart Up To Thee!
Come, Ah Come
Canzonetta
I Did Not Say
We Three
June
I Ask The Bird
Go Not Too Far
Shena Van
Baby
Hush, Baby Dear
A Prelude
O Sweet Content
An Old Prayer
The Funeral Wreath
The Candy Lion
A Thanksgiving Fable
In The Twilight
The Host
May Flowers
I Sought The Lord
Though I Take The Wings Of Morning

Album Description

One of America's most prolific and successful composers, Mrs H. H. A. ("Amy") Beach was one of the first women composers whose works were as highly regarded as those produced by men. Best known during her lifetime for her well-crafted songs and short piano pieces, she was also the first American woman to compose in the larger forms. Beach's 117 art songs span the whole of her compositional career. By incorporating musical ideas from many cultures and musical traditions within a late-Romantic framework, Beach's songs show her skillful craftsmanship and profound understanding of text.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2004-11-11

I take private voice lessons from Kathie Kelton and she is amazing! She brings Amy Beach's music to life! I strongly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys listening to classical and operatic music. The music is so beautiful it will give you chills! Fantastic!

Average customer rating:

From Solo Piano Publications

Secret Spaces
Craig Urquhart
Manufacturer: Heart Earth Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000Q66H8M
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Tracks:

Secret Spaces
Contemplation
Reunion
Cathedral Pines
Along the Seine
Romance
Embrace
Venetian Snowfall
Forgiveness
Meditation
Virginia Mountain Morning

Customer Reviews:

From Solo Piano Publications.......2007-05-30

"Secret Spaces" is pianist/composer Craig Urquhart's seventh album of original piano solos, and clearly demonstrates Urquhart's magic, velvet touch on the piano keys. Urquhart's belief in the healing power of music and nature is expanded on this album to the more personal emotional level. Reflective, contemplative, and extraordinarily intimate, the music is quietly soothing throughout the album. Classically-trained from an early age, and the late Leonard Bernstein's personal assistant in his final years, Urquhart brings a wealth of musical and emotional experience to his music, keeping it direct and uncluttered without being simplistic. Flash is completely unnecessary when the emotions conveyed are this clear. More meditative than melodic, the music is hypnotic and calming. And the sound of that piano - pure listening heaven!

"Secret Spaces" begins with the title track, gently setting the tone of the album. Warm, with a hint of mystery, it's an invitation to a musical exploration. "Contemplation" is very fluid and introspective - a stream of thought given the freedom to meander. "Cathedral Pines" suggests the sanctuary nature can offer our lives. Reverent and hymn-like, it also reflects on the majesty of these wondrous trees. "Romance" has a graceful, dreamy elegance tinged with bittersweetness - a beauty! "Venetian Snowfall" conveys the quiet peacefulness of falling snow and the sparkle of light dancing on the whiteness on the ground. "Forgiveness" is sad but hopeful, reaching out, and giving solace to both the giver and the recipient. As the pitch of the notes gradually rises, you can sense that both people are being uplifted and finding redemption - very moving and evocative. "Meditation" is a soothing balm for a tired or troubled mind. "Virginia Mountain Morning" is the most traditionally melodic piece on the album. Refreshed and renewed, it offers a new beginning and sense of optimism. It's a gorgeous piece and a wonderful conclusion to a standout album.

"Secret Spaces" is my favorite of Craig Urquhart's albums so far. Very highly recommended!

My Secret Heart - Songs of Parlour, Stage and Screen

Average customer rating:

Almost too much lavender and roses, but a delight anyway
Mr. Heppner Must Have A Large Parlour!
He can keep his secret to himslef
What a 'crossover' album should be!
This cd has left me speechless, wow!

My Secret Heart - Songs of Parlour, Stage and Screen
Ben Heppner , Vittorio Giannini , Ernest Charles , Ivor Novello , Sir Noel Coward , Eric Coates , Teresa Clotilde del Riego , Mana-Zucca , Ernst Seitz , and Haydn Wood
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Ben Heppner - Great Tenor Arias
Ideale: Songs of Paolo Tosti
Heppner Sings Wagner
Ben Heppner - German Romantic Opera
Ben Heppner - Airs Francais / LSO, Myung-Whun Chung

ASIN: B00002JXEC
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Let All My Life Be Music
Sing To My Heart A Song
Let My Song Fill Your Heart
Love Is My Reason For Living
Someday My Heart Will Awake
I'll See You Again
We'll Gather Lilacs
Bird Songs At Eventide
Homing
I Love Life
The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
Roses Of Picardy
I'll Be Seeing You
Serenade
Love Me Tonight
Be My Love
The Desert Song
I'll Follow My Secret Heart

Amazon.com

With his 1999 Met triumph as Tristan--the most taxing of all Wagner's tenor roles--Canadian singer Ben Heppner has fully earned his heralded position as the great new Heldentenor of our time. His Lohengrin is a signature role, while his album German Romantic Opera has been nominated for a Grammy. Yet Heppner also commands tremendous versatility--and of a much more engaging character than that of the typical crossover effort--using his powerful, bronze-tinged tenor to tender and charming effect in My Secret Heart. This is a collection of songs roughly from the period between the two world wars, when music began to reach mass audiences via radio and screen. Many of these are almost forgotten gems--emblems of a vanished era--but once had wide cultural currency: the World War II hit "We'll Gather Lilacs," the radio show Family Hour's theme tune "Let My Song Fill Your Heart," and the oft-recorded 1919 ballad "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." Heppner, with his sturdy beauty of tone and sweet, natural-sounding vibrato, breathes new life into this genre. He handles the idiom's unabashed schmaltz with charm and brings a lilting urbanity to two Noël Coward tunes, with especially bittersweet refinement in "I'll Follow My Secret Heart." --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Almost too much lavender and roses, but a delight anyway.......2006-08-29

These are beloved popular songs from our grandparents' generation that are redolent of lavender an tears. Their sentimentality couldn't be more out of fashion, but Ben Heppner steps forward, like Mario Lanza before him, to offer thrills amidst the honeyed scents. He's totally sincere, and you'd have to be Alberich or Don Pizarro to react with anything but a melting heart. God, I'm falling into the same vocabulary as these songs. No need to blush, though, with such a great singer at hand.

Mr. Heppner Must Have A Large Parlour!.......2005-02-22

I purchased this CD after hearing Mr. Heppner in recital singing "Homing" for an encore. This small gem written by Teresa Del Riego is a haunting song about loneliness. We learn from the notes-- they are very informative with bios on the composers included here as well as the words to the lyrics-- that she composed this ballad in 1917, the year her husband was killed in France just before the ending of World War I. There are other lovelies here as well: "I Love Life", "We'll Gather Lilacs", "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" as well as music by Noel Coward, Sigmund Romberg and Rudolf Friml. Heppner also sings "I'll Be Seeing You." It's such a relief to hear someone other than Liberace do that number since it was the song that he always used to close his television show in the 50's and unfortunately made into a syrupy cliche.

Mr. Heppner says these are songs of the parlour, stage and silver screen. His glorious voice which appears to be a combination of steel and gold fills a recital hall easily. He would need a huge parlour to sing in as well.

This CD is quite wonderful. There are no dull cuts. Since the songs are all about love, this would make a great February 14 gift.

He can keep his secret to himslef.......2003-12-13

This is OBNOXIOUS, this dude should be in operas. i am speechless, he is one loud mouthed dude!

What a 'crossover' album should be!.......2001-09-01

In general, I hate it when classical singers make 'crossover' recordings. Usually the singer has no idea how to sing 'pop' material in anything like the proper style - even someone who is singing it because he or she genuinely likes the music and not just to milk cash from the unsuspecting masses. But there are always exceptions to a rule, and this CD is one of them. Ben Heppner here scales down his huge operatic voice and shows his 'secret heart', a more intimate side of his musical personality.

There is no question that Heppner is one of the greatest tenors of our age. He is often compared with his fellow Canadian Jon Vickers (with whom he shares much of his repertory) but especially here, he is beginning to remind me more and more of Jussi Bjorling, and I can think of no higher compliment. Part of this is because Bjorling actually sang quite a bit of repertory similar to what Heppner sings here, but more importantly, both voices have an ideal combination of power and sweetness. Heppner's is essentially a very lyric voice despite its large size, and he is capable of great tonal beauty and sensitivity. This not only makes his Wagner, Giordano, and Berlioz very special, but makes him equally adept with the gentle little gems he sings on this disc. He is helped somewhat by the fact that these songs, most of which were written in the very early part of the 20th century, are a lot closer to the 'classical' style than more modern pop. But what really makes Heppner perfect for this material is his total identification with the texts, his tenderness, and his utter sincerity. Also, his diction is superb - you won't need the printed texts to understand what he is singing. In the hands of a lesser singer, some of these old fashioned songs would be absolute treacle. But an artist like Heppner can raise up even 'substandard' compositions and give them the aura of greatness.

In the more upbeat songs, Heppner sings with the thrilling, heroic tone that has made him in demand in every opera house in the world. He makes 'Let All My Life Be Music' into his personal mission statement. 'Homing' was also a favorite of another great Wagnerian tenor, namely Lauritz Melchior. 'I Love Life!', complete with splendid high C, is sung with enough cheer and vigor to bring anybody out of a depression. But this repertory is often gentle and introspective, and Heppner can also easily fine down his voice to a splendid pianissimo, drawing you in and enticing you to pay attention as opposed to banging you over your head like many other tenors do. Ivor Novello's 'Love is My Reason For Living' and Ernest Charles' 'Let My Song Fill Your Heart' are light, gracious Viennese waltzes. The familiar 'Roses of Picardy', 'Bird Songs at Eventide' and 'I'll Be Seeing You' are also sung sweetly and caressingly. Two more Novello songs are among the best tracks on the album. 'Someday My Heart Will Awake', is soft, gentle, and nostalgic, rising to a passionate conclusion. 'We'll Gather Lilacs' is obviously a love song from Heppner to his wife Karen (to whom the entire album is dedicated), full of yearning and deeply moving.

The operetta selections are even more special. In the Serenade from 'The Student Prince', which is alone worth the price of the CD, Heppner makes something truly thrilling of the declaration 'Oh, hear my longing cry!/Oh, love me or I die!', and ends with not one but two spectacular high Cs. What a pity that the chances of him ever recording the entire operetta are so slim! The cajolingly sung title song from 'The Desert Song' is almost as fine, as is 'Love Me Tonight' from 'The Vagabond King'. Finally, the title song 'I'll Follow My Secret Heart', with yet another brilliant high C, makes a splendid finish to this very enjoyable album.

I should also give credit to noted composer and orchestrator Jonathan Tunick for his warm, rich, and perfectly scaled arrangements of these songs. Like Heppner, he finds the perfect mood for each piece and never engages in schmaltz that one might expect from some of this material. The only complaint I have about this disc is the one I have about many contemporary CDs - why is there only 54 minutes of music on a medium that can hold almost 80 minutes? There are assuredly more than 18 songs Heppner could have recorded in this vein. I would have liked to have seen more operetta items in particular. Although I suppose they couldn't have recorded the Drinking Song from 'The Student Prince' as well as the Serenade without a chorus, it would have been nice if 'Deep In My Heart, Dear' had been included. Still, the quality of what is there far outweighs the quantity. The excellent documentation, in German and French as well as English, includes a personal note from Heppner, biographies of all the composers as well as Heppner and Tunick, and complete song texts. The cover shows Heppner surrounded by red velvet, designed, amusingly enough, by Red Herring Productions!

Whether you're an opera lover who wants to hear a great tenor in a lighter mood, or a fan of early 20th century popular music who is curious to see what it sounds like sung by a genuinely great voice, this disc is essential. It is an excellent introduction to Heppner's artistry if you haven't experienced it before, and after listening to it you might want to try some of his opera CDs, both solo recitals and complete recordings. There are few voices that could serve as a better introduction for a neophyte to the wonderful world of opera. If only more 'crossover' singers (both classical and pop) had Heppner's musical integrity...

This cd has left me speechless, wow!.......2001-02-18

Air give me air, I need lots of air, air, air.......This cd has caused me a lot of adverse breathing.

The things that I have read about Ben have been very true. He really is a lot more than I ever bargained for. He is THAT GOOD.

I need to go out on a limb and say that he is the best tenor I have ever heard. In my wildest dreams I never thought anyone could be that good.

For this cd Ben choose to sing a lot of standards. Bravo! This is my kind of music. Ben did an excellent job crooning us with his golden voice. He knew when to hold back and when to sing at full strength. This is marvelous how he worked each song to get the full meaning out of it.

The only complaint I have is there was not enough of the good olde songs that I wanted to hear Ben sing. I know it's hard to please all the people all the time and I understand where Ben was coming from.

Tracks:

Serenata
Estrellita
Elegie
Weisst Du Es Noch?
The Old Refrain
When Night Desends, Op.4, No.3
Barcarolle
Ideale
Danny Boy
Ombra Mai Fu
Serenade
Berceuse
None But The Lonely Heart, Op.6 No.6
Morgen, Op.27, No.4
Oh, Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair

Customer Reviews:

Two greats: both have seen better days.......2007-04-16

Putting two great musicians of the stature of Domingo and Perlman together must have sounded like a fine idea-- no doubt joining these musical giants should produce musical fireworks. Unfortunately the final product offered on this disc is rather drab. The recording lacks focus and is generally musically hollow.

No doubt both Domingo and Perlman offer the listener flashes of how great they both are, but neither is interested in exploring the subtle nuances of each musical selection. Pieces such as Massenet's "Elegie," Manuel Ponce's "Estrellita," and Tosti's "Ideale" are beautifully lilting pieces, which are not (except for moments in the Massenet) served well by the rather over-stated performances of both men. Pieces such as Romberg's "Serenade" from The Student Prince and Kalman's "Weist du es noch?" fare better, as they fit Domingo's operatic temperament and Perlman's virtuoso sensibilities. But even these seem to be mere show pieces devoid of depth. I found the tenor-violin rendition of the Barcarolle from Les contes d'Hoffman unpleasant, and Danny Boy equally so.

The over-miking of both performers does not help matters much, and in Domingo's case only served to amplify some strained moments in his top range.

The disc as a concept is also rather problematic. A recital album of any sort should have some sort of shape and texture-- this recording does not offer a readily decipherable one, save for a vague chronological relationship among the pieces (except for a Handel aria!), and the variety offered. As far as variety is concerned, the track listing "kindly" offers the listener explicit references to the many languages Domingo sings on the disc (6-- Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, and Italian).

No doubt fans of both gentlemen will want to have the disc, but both have seen much better days. Still, it is true that a mediocre performance by two giants reveals certain hidden treasures that listeners looking to buy this disc will be able to horde.

(This recording, in my opinion, hovers between two and three stars, but I give it the benefit of the doubt and round up)

Two masters of music.......2003-01-28

Wow! What can I say? It is so obvious who rules the stage when it comes to violin virtuosos. Itzhak Perlman takes my breath away every time I hear his bow touch a violin and to be playing with one of the world's best vocalists alone shows some accomplishment. Of course... it goes without saying that Domingo is probably THE BEST tenor of this lifetime. My personal favorite on this CD is the "Offenbach". I've heard this piece sung and played by many artists, but none of them come close to this recording and it truly touches your heart and soul. This CD has definitely become a favorite of mine and I cannot seem to put it back in its CD case! This album is definitely worth getting for one's self and I would even say it is also a very nice gift idea, that even non-classic listeners would appreciate.

Ten Stars!!!.......1999-07-27

BothItzhak Perlman and Placido Domingo are two of the most sophisticated and gifted musicians that ever graced our sad world with their presence. For whatever they do we should be eternally grateful. Both artists often ventured in the world of popular music, which goes to show just how diverse and open-minded they are. Every time they had something new to say as to the music, and attracted new legions of fans. Perlman's excursions into jazz and Domingo's explorations of modern Latin music are widely known and appreciated and loved by many. Here they combine their extraordinary forces to bring to us a relatively "conservative" repertoire, yet they do with such skill and class, the familiar selections sound fresh and enchanting. Don't underestimate the level of difficulty, though. Notice the two Rachmaninov songs, arranged splendidly for tenor and violin. (Btw, the song "O Cease thy singing, maiden fair" is usually performed by bass (baritone) and piano.) They include a Richard Strauss lieder "Morgen", a feat, not even attempted by other Italian opera-trained tenors, a nice surprise that attests to Placido Domingo's infinite talents. Massenet's "Elegie" is full of passion and melancholy, and Kalman's "Kome, Zigane" sparkles with gypsy rhythm and intensity. Among the other gems are Handel's "Ombra mai fu" and Tosselli's "Serenade" on which Placido and Itzhak display their flawless virtuosity and sincere love for the music. This is the most wonderful and unusual album, a true revelation. Thank you, Placido and Itzhak, the world is a better place thanks to you.

Together is exactly right.......1999-07-18

Together is the most stirring, evocative album anyone could ever wish to hear. Itzhak Perlman's renditons of Estrellita, Danny Boy, actually each of the selections draws the listener along the strings of his bow and sends them soaring. Placido's voice blends magically with the notes of the violin in such a way that you realise both 'instruments' are being played by a master musician.

Great for casual listening.......1999-06-01

This disc is great for casual listening. The pieces featured are light and easy on the ears. Domingo and Perlman combined beautifully in these well-arranged pieces. Sound quality is also good. However, this is not a disc for serious listeners or collectors.

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