Sempre Amore

Sempre Amore

ASIN: B000004019

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Soprano saxophonist Lacy and pianist Waldron have been working together since the 1950s and share an unusual gift for musical depth, long evident in their duet explorations of bop tunes and their recurring dialogue on the music of Thelonious Monk. This 1986 recording is devoted to tunes by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, Ellington's long-time collaborator, and what beautiful tunes they are. Lacy and Waldron touch on some frequently played pieces, like the swinging "Johnny Come Lately" and the beautiful "Prelude to a Kiss," but they've dug deeply into the songbook for seldom-played numbers like "Sempre Amore," "Azure," and "Smada." There isn't a note wasted in these masterful etchings, demonstrating a theme can be explored to its limits by being refined to its essence. --Stuart Broomer

Tracks:

Son Vergin Vezzosa - Paul Plishka
Eccomi... Oh! Quante Volte
Mira, O Norma
Santo Di Patria... Allor Che I Forti Corrono... Da Te Questo
Contro Un Cor Che Accende Amore - Nicolai Gedda
Che M'apporti? - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Quel Sangue Versato Al Cielo S'innalza - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Vorrei Spiegarvi, Oh Dio, K.418
Amor, Op.68 No.5

Tracks:

Martern Aller Arten
E Strano! E Strano!
Ah, Fors'e Lui
Follie! Follie!
Sempre Libera
Ces Murs Silencieux - Pardonnez-moi, Dieu De Toute Puissance - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Toi! Vous! - Oui! Je Fus Cruelle Et Coupable! - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
N'est-ce Plus Ma Main? - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Robert, Toi Que J'aime
Tu Ne Chanteras Plus?
Chere Enfant Que J'appele
Meine, Lippen, Die Kusen So Heiss
Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
Always Through The Changing

Customer Reviews:

RIP, BEVERLY SILLS 1929-2007.......2007-07-03

The great American diva's passing was announced today.

This wonderful CD set is a perfect compilation of her art as can be found anywhere. Her finest roles and performances are captured here, most of them derived from the Westminster/Audio Treasury recordings from her prime. Listening to them again demonstrates to me why she was so special, and such an inspiration to music lovers everywhere.

Brava Sills!.......2007-02-02

A very nice compilation of Sillsiana. The different cuts on this CD provide a nice illustration of her work. Let me briefly describe my response to a sampling of the works on this CD:

Bellini, I Puritani, "Son vergin vezzosa." Wonderful. Sutherland owns this--but so does Beverly Sills. Contemporary sopranos such as Netrebko and Gruberova have also sung this on their respective CDs, and while their product is nice, it simply does not compare. Sills is remarkably agile with her voice; the trills are well done; she cleanly hits high notes; the overall effect can only be described as wonderful.

Bellini, Norma, "Mira, o Norma". This is smoothly sung and very melodic. The technique that she exhibits does not overwhelm the music.

Rosini, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, "Contro un cor che accende amore." Again, her agile voice is well deployed. The florid singing is well done.

Donizetti, Roberto Devereaux, "Che m'apporti." Her clean, light voice matches well with this aria. Smoothly sung. Her "Quel sangue versato al cielo s'innalza," which follows, is well done. High notes cleanly hit, a smooth line.

Verdi, La Traviata, "E strano. . . .Sempre libera." Again, what agility! In "Sempre libera," she reveals a rich voice and, again, wonderful agility. This is an animated version of one of Verdi's showcase pieces.

Lehar, Giudetta. "Meine Lippen." A lot of fun! This is smoothly sung.

In the final analysis, this is a nice potpourri of Beverly Sills' repertoire. Those not familiar with her work will find this a nice entree to her oeuvre; those familiar with her will find this a good compilation.

Sills fits my bill.......2006-03-13

This recording is another in an all too small CD collection of Sills recordings. I eagerly await more.

The Great American Soprano.......2005-10-01

This is a great collecition featuring arias from the Classical and Romantic periods. Fabulous!!!!!

My Favorite Woman.......2005-08-05

I would have to say that when I first heard Beverly Sills sing, I was entranced. I couldn't take my eyes off of her and I became angry at any rustling around me, because I was afraid I would miss one note. It was so addictive....that is what she is....addictive! A c.d. will never properly capture her style. She is an amazing leader in opera, taking it into a new frontier and I believe this c.d. showcases that.

Average customer rating:

superb
Oh my Gosh, Josh!
a true star
Floodgates of the Heart
Disappointing...

Josh Groban
Josh Groban
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Closer
Awake
Josh Groban in Concert (with Bonus DVD)
Il Divo
Andrea Bocelli - Amore

ASIN: B00005RGNI
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Alla Luce Dal Sole
Gira Con Me
You're Still You
Cinema Paradiso (Se)
To Where You Are
Alejate
Canto Alla Vita - featuring The Corrs
Let Me Fall
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
Un Amore Per Sempre
Home To Stay
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (w/Lili Haydn)
The Prayer - featuring Charlotte Church

Amazon.com

There are worse things in life than making your acting debut on the much ballyhooed season finale of Ally McBeal, though teen operatic baritone Josh Groban doesn't seem destined to encounter them anytime soon. As the awkward high school student-client who asks the typically romance-jinxed Ally to his senior prom, Groban performed this debut album's "You're Still You" (adapted from film-composing legend Ennio Morricone's Academy Award-nominated score for Malèna, with lyrics by Linda Thompson) as a heart-tugging, literal showstopper. The young phenom was just 17 when veteran producer-writer David Foster tapped him to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at rehearsals for the 1999 Grammys, where Groban found himself suddenly dueting with Celine Dion.

Indeed, such were his fortunes that the young Foster protégé was forced to drop out of Carnegie Mellon when professional commitments--including this record--interfered. And if this collection tends to hew sometimes uncomfortably close to Foster's own MOR sonic instincts, the material offers enough challenges to display Groban's talent and the potential of his warm, mature voice: a lyrical take on another Morricone classic, "Cinema Paradiso"; melancholy readings of Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night" and Albert Hammond's "Alejate"; masterfully dramatic takes of the Neapolitan "Alla Luca Del Sole" and "Canto Alla Vita," the latter featuring the Corrs. Many of Groban's performances here, including a neo prog-rock-opera take on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (with Lili Haydn), seem both bigger and bolder than their precious musical frameworks, a telling hint that Grand Opera can't be far from his grasp. As said earlier, there are worse things in life. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

superb.......2007-07-05

What a voice, what an artist, what a man.
Underestimated in Europe. His concert on 21 May 2007 in Amsterdam was superb!

Oh my Gosh, Josh!.......2007-07-03

I love Josh Groban's music! It is romantic, mellow and beautiful :)
This CD has two songs on it that are very unusual. I believe both are from Cirque de Soleil, and draw you into the music--warning-- While driving, do not close your eyes!

a true star.......2007-06-24

First saw and heard Josh on the Tv and was blown away by his talent! it was about a year later that I found out who he was and bought the first album and can honestly say that I have never tired of his work. Every song is magical and he is truely wonderful. Have since purchased all his work and have also had the priviledge of seeing him live in concert in Glasgow/Scotland and was amazed. such a talented young man with a truely magical voice

Floodgates of the Heart.......2007-06-05

This CD played almost constantly in my wife's car for several years. Josh Groban's voice is so gentle and can go from gentleness to anthematic, almost operatic, textures. He sings in Italian effortlessly. The orchestration on "Cinema Paradiso" is enthralling with its emotional reach, powerful even with lyrics beyond my understanding. "To Where You Are" is one of the most gorgeous songs. Knowing how it moved my wife in the years before breast cancer proved stronger than her body, it touches me now, "Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, if only for awhile to know you're there; a breath a ways to where you are." The song opens the floodgates of my heart. The Corrs were on Groban's 143 label when this release came out in 2001 and join him on the upbeat "Canto Alla Vita." Groban makes an interesting selection with Don McLean's "Vincent," polishing the melody to a fine sheen in ways that surpassed the original. Listening to Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is like being in a sonic cathedral with Groban's voice matching the grandeur of the music. With Charlotte Church on "The Prayer," Groban concludes the set with the Carole Bayer Sager/David Foster composition that makes one contemplate the eternal, "Lead us to a place, find us with your grace, give us faith so we'll be safe." Groban's first CD enhances with repeated listening by virtue of the depth of musicianship and performance. I listen to it now hearing the music that moved the one I love to tears. It does the same for me. I hope it touches you too. Bravo!

Disappointing..........2007-05-31

Each song he sings is special with his voice...but this CD is disjointed and grasping. Couldn'the producers put together a cohesive CD that flowed from one song to the other? This is my first Josh CD and quite frankly I'll need to think twice before purchasing a second.

Average customer rating:

In case you couldn't go to the concert. . .
Young Josh
The Best I've Ever Heard Live!!
Josh Grobin DVD/CD
Fantastic concert....Josh Grobin is outstanding!

Josh Groban in Concert (with Bonus DVD)
David / Sager, Carole Bayer Foster , John Williams , Don MacLean , Johann Sebastian Bach , Walter / Crokaert, Lara Afanasieff , Adolphe Adam , Daniel Ezralow , Angie Stone , Lili Haydn , and David Foster
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Vocal Pop | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Closer
Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD)
Josh Groban
Awake
Awake (Special Edition, CD/DVD)

ASIN: B000077ZIG
Release Date: 2002-12-03

Tracks:

Un Amore Per Sempre
Alejate
The Prayer (feat. Angie Stone)
For Always
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (feat. Lili Haydn)
Broken Vow
O Holy Night

Tracks:

Alla Luce Del Sole (Video)
You're Still You (Video)
Vincent (Starry Starry Night) (Video)
Gira Con Me Questa Notte (Video)
Un Amore Per Sempre (Video)
Alejate (Video)
Broken Vow (Video)
To Where You Are (Video)
Cinema Paradiso (Video)
For Always (Video)
Home To Stay (Video)
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Video)
Canto Alla Vita (Video)
The Prayer (feat. Angie Stone) (Video)
Let Me Fall (Video)

Amazon.com

Josh Groban in Concert has all the ingredients to be a long-running PBS staple: a young (21), good-looking performer with a golden voice; songs in Italian and Spanish for the crossover crowd (i.e., Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman) and pop and movie songs for the mainstream; guest stars galore (David Foster, John Williams, Angie Stone, Andrea Corr, Lili Haydn); a large orchestra; and striking but not obtrusive visual effects. The centerpiece of this DVD-CD combo (also available in a DVD keepcase) is the 80-minute concert DVD, filmed in Pasadena in October 2002 and featuring numerous songs from Groban's debut CD, including "You're Still You," which catapulted him into stardom when he sang it on TV's Ally McBeal. There are also two new songs--the ballad "Broken Vow," with Groban accompanied by Foster, and "For Always," with the orchestra conducted by John Williams, who wrote the song for the Steven Spielberg film A.I..

The 37-minute CD offers seven songs performed in the concert (including the two not on the previous CD, "Broken Vow" and "For Always"), plus "O Holy Night." The DVD has excellent picture and sound (PCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS), interviews, and backstage footage, and the combination with the CD is an excellent value. Groban's fans, of course, will consider it a treasure at any price. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

In case you couldn't go to the concert. . ........2007-05-12

In case you couldn't go to the concert . . . buy this CD/DVD set. This is a good overall product. The DVD is seamlessly pieced together from three concerts. The concerts were awesome due to the lights, musicians, song introductions, and of course - Josh's voice, presence, and energy.

Young Josh .......2007-04-12

This cd and dvd collection is valuable to anyone collecting Josh Groban music. The dvd is nicely done and gives a little insight into his family (parents and younger brother) with the special features. Nice, clean, family entertainment which is such a rarity nowadays. This young man's voice is exceptional - God has truly blessed him with such a voice, and to see him perform is a gift as well. My family truly enjoyed this bonus.

The Best I've Ever Heard Live!!.......2007-04-10

He has the most beautiful voice!! I love seeing him live! Worth the money to hear him over and over again!!!

Josh Grobin DVD/CD.......2007-04-02

I ordered this concert DVD/CD for my Mom who is a new fan of Josh Grobin's and she loved both the concert footage and the songs on the DVD.

Fantastic concert....Josh Grobin is outstanding!.......2007-02-22

I have been a Josh Grobin fan since I heard "You Lift Me Up", and I have not been dissapointed with his CD's ever since. I was excited when I got this DVD and it definitely did not dissapoint. He chooses his songs wisely and each song in this concert is full of emotion and depth. The CD compliments the DVD well and is always a favorite. From "Broken Vow" to "Oh Holy Night" each song is sung by this master singer.

Highly Recommended!

Average customer rating:

HOW DO YOU SAY,"WOW," IN ITALIAN?
Just buy it.
Teamo, Andrea Bocelli
A new style from Andrea.
Not happy with delivery (or non delivery) of this item

Andrea
Massimo Varini , Ensemble of Bologna , London Session Orchestra , Andy Duncan , Leo Z. , Rosario Jermano , Dave Arch , and David Arch
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Romanza
Cieli di Toscana
Sogno
Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung

ASIN: B00063M112
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Dell'Amore Non Si Sa
L'Attesa
Un Nuovo Giorno
Tu Ci Sei
Sin Tu Amor
Libert
Per Noi
Le Parole Che Non Ti Ho Detto
Sempre O Mai
In Canto
Quante Volte Ti Ho Cercato
When A Child Is Born
Go Where Love Goes

Amazon.com

It's no mean feat being the world's foremost crossover artist--a task that risks alienating two disparate audiences and everyone in between--but somebody had to do it, and Andrea Bocelli again walks that artistic tightrope with impressive deftness. The title may imply a casual intimacy (indeed, the singer admits to taking a more "hands-on" approach to the album's conception and production), but it's a collection that nonetheless continues to expand on the Italian tenor's ambitious internationalism. His collaboration "Sin Tu Amor" immerses his voice in the Gipsy Kings' own rich Iberian folk-pop fusion with compelling results, while "Where Love Goes" (a musical focal point of the film Lazarus Child), his English language duet with 11-year-old prodigy Holly Stell, achieves an almost liturgical grace. "Tu Ci Sei" (You Are There) continues in the romantic vein of his familiar theme "Con Te Partiro" (Time to Say Goodbye), while the single "Dell' Amore Non Si Sa" (With Love You Never Know) features Bocelli in a signature dramatic tour de force collaboration with arranger Mauro Malavasi, the accomplished producer of the singer's Romanza and Sogno albums. Bocelli's shrewd taste and vocal prowess here not only again redeem an oft-maligned genre, but elevate it considerably in the bargain. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

HOW DO YOU SAY,"WOW," IN ITALIAN?.......2007-06-22

BEFORE I START, LET ME SAY, THAT I AM A DANCE CLUB GUY AND THAT, ORDINARILY, THIS IS NOT MY KIND OF MUSIC. OF COURSE, I LAUGH AS I SAY THAT, AS, APPARENTLY, A NEW DOOR HAS OPENED IN MY LIFE, THANKS TO THIS MAN.
A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD HEARD ANDREA DO, "CON TE PARTIRO," ON A PBS SPECIAL AND MY EYES FILLED WITH TEARS THAT ANY HUMAN COULD MAKE SUCH SOUNDS. I WAS ASTOUNDED; MORE ASTOUNDING, STILL, WAS TO HEAR THIS ALBUM AND FIND THAT HIS VOICE HAD ACTUALLY VASTLY IMPOVED OVER TIME. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? " CON TE..," PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE QUALITY OF THIS WORK; THE TRACKS ON THIS CD ARE PERFECT, FULL, RICH, AND MORE MOVING THAN ANYTHING I HAVE EVER HEARD. I HAVE HAD IT A WEEK, NOW, AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LISTEN TO ANYTHING ELSE FOR VERY LONG, AND I PLAY IT OVER AND OVER. IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE I HAVE BEEN AFFECTED LIKE THIS BY ANY VOCAL CD. IF HE NEVER RECORDED AGAIN HE WOULD HAVE MADE A MARK ON THE WORLD OF AUDIO NEVER TO BE ERASED OR FORGOTTEN. WHAT A VOICE! WHAT SONGS! THE CUT, "LIBERTA," ABSOLUTELY KILLS ME WITH FEELINGS OF JOY AND MARVEL. I HAVE EVEN TAKEN UP STUDYING ITALIAN BECAUSE OF IT.
TREAT YOURSELF, AND A GOOD FRIEND, TO THE SOUNDS ON THIS CD. SIT AND WATCH A SUNSET WITH IT ON... I MEAN NOW!

Just buy it........2007-05-30

If you like soft music that make's you feel up beat, just order a Andrea Bocelli CD. Listening to his CD's after being at work all day, is like having an option in life to hear and be somewhere else.

Teamo, Andrea Bocelli .......2007-03-08

One of his best. Need the lyrics translated from the Italian to the English inside the casing next time. Nonetheless, Mr. Bocelli has a beautiful voice. It made my wife and all my female co-workers swoon when they listened to it.

A new style from Andrea........2007-02-24

There were some ugly songs in here.(I absolutely hate to say that about anything Andrea.)But the good far outshone the bad.
Un Nouvo Giorno stunned me the first time I heard it.It was so unlike anything I had heard from Andrea- very pop.But it soon grew on me.
Liberta is amazing.Very catchy and upbeat.
Sempre O Mai is my favorite.It keeps its tempo up and has the best of Andrea and pop.Great song.

So this album was really a double album with pop and classical songs interspersed.A good mix from the master.

Not happy with delivery (or non delivery) of this item.......2007-01-16

When I ordered this on 12/04/2006 they said I would have it before Christmas. Then right before Christmas the delivery date was changed to mid-January. So I had to cancel my order and go, at the last minute, buy it at a store because it was a Christmas present. I wasn't happy about it and won't be buying from amazon for the holidays any longer.

The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias

Average customer rating:

Great to hear the Great Tenor
A childhood memory
Great collection.

The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Match Point
Italian Songs: The Digital Recordings
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
Great Caruso
The Very Best Of Maria Callas

ASIN: B000003EOH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Rigoletto: Questa o quella
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
L'africana: O paradiso
La Juive: Rachel, quand du Seigneur
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi; Celeste Aida
Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
La Favorita: Romanza: Spirto gentil, ne' sogni miei
La forza del destino: O tu che in seno agli angeli
Otello: Ora e per sempre addio
Les pecheurs de perles: Je crois entendre encore
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
Faust: Salut, demeure chaste et pure
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
Serse: Ombra mai fu (Largo)
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira

Amazon.com

There's a plethora of single-disc Caruso collections, but this one's the preferred choice for opera fans who treasure this golden- voiced epitome of Golden Age singing. It's a Greatest Hits collection to beat all Greatest Hits collections. Selections span Caruso's career, from the lyric effusions of 1906-7 to the darker-voiced later recordings, including one of his last records, the 1920 La Juive aria, "Rachel, quand du Seigneur," which he invests with a heartbreaking poignancy that hasn't been bettered. Caruso shines brightest in the Italian repertory, capturing the pathos of Vesti la Giubba, the insouciance of the Duke's Rigoletto arias, and the hero's dilemma in Celeste Aida, among much else. But everything here is wonderful--great music, great singing. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Great to hear the Great Tenor.......2007-04-11

I am impressed how well these almost 100 year old recordings have been transfered to CD. Of course they aren't perfect but considering their age it is still a miracle. It is nice to hear Caruso in his prime and not on a scratchy vinyl. I would recommend this to any lover of Caruso's singing.

A childhood memory.......2006-05-28

I do not really know Opera. I am writing this review because I remember hearing Caruso's voice coming from a seventy- eight on an old Victor gramophone in my paternal grandparents house. The power and lyric quality of the voice struck me so strongly especially in 'Pagliacci'. The phrase has been with me, and comes back occasionally through all the years.
Caruso was then, and I believe still is considered at the very top of operatic singers. And it is a remarkable experience to hear so many years later , and in a stronger and clearer way sounds which one heard long ago in childhood, and have for years only lived in the mind.

Great collection........2000-11-04

This CD is an older RCA release, but still one of the best! A great introduction to Caruso.

Average customer rating:

Nectar of the Gods
So Soothing
An excellent addition to your collection

Vivaldi for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart for Relaxation
Beethoven for Relaxation
Chopin For Relaxation
Bach for Relaxation
Rachmaninoff for Relaxation

ASIN: B000059SV2
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Concerto in D, RV 93: Largo
Concerto in G, Op. 10 No. 4: Largo
Concerto in F, RV 544: Largo
Trio in C, RV 82: Larghetto
Concerto in G minor, Op. 10 No. 2: Largo
Concerto in A minor, RV 357: Largo e sempre piano
Concerto in G, RV 413: Largo
Concerto in D minor, RV 535: Largo
Concerto in G, RV 436: Largo
Concerto in C minor, RV 197: Adagio
Concerto in D minor, RV 540: Largo
Concerto in A minor, RV 419: Andante
Concerto in A minor, F.I. No. 61: Largo
Concerto in G, RV 532: Andante
Concerto in D, RV 403: Andante e spiritoso
Concerto in D, RV 429: Andante
Concerto in E flat, RV 408: Largo
The Four Seasons, Op. 8: Winter: Largo

Customer Reviews:

Nectar of the Gods.......2007-05-12

Bought this for my husband who enjoys this type of music for relaxation- He loves it

So Soothing.......2006-12-28

This CD is so soothing that I have yet to hear the entire CD! I turn this CD on before I go to bed at night and am relaxed and sleeping before more than three songs have played. I'm not a musician so I cannot write about melodies or tempos or even the accuracy of the interpretation... I understand none of those, but I do know that I love playing this CD every night as I drift off to sleep.

An excellent addition to your collection.......2001-08-27

I own quite a few of the ".. for relaxtion" CD's, and this is one of my favorites. Mellow strands of Vivaldi are the perfect reading companion, great study music, and provide an excellent conversation background. This soothing compostion of Vivaldi's works is an excellent addition to any collection, as well as a great place to begin one.

Average customer rating:

Landmark Soprano. An essential work for opera listeners.
Terrific introduction to the art of Callas
Callas was the greatest
Great starter CD
The epitome of divinity

Maria Callas - La Divina
Giacomo Puccini , Vincenzo Bellini , Georges Bizet , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Camille Saint-Saëns , Giuseppe Verdi , Charles Gounod , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Pietro Mascagni , Amilcare Ponchielli , Tullio Serafin , Georges Prêtre , Nicola Rescigno , Franco Ghione , Antonino Votto , Maria Callas , Alfredo Kraus , Ebe Ticozzi , Giuseppe di Stefano , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala , Orchestre National de la R.D.F. , Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra , and Lisbon Orquesta Sinfonica del Teatro Nacional de San Carlos
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

La Divina 2
Maria Callas: La Divina 3
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century
Maria Callas: The Legend

ASIN: B000002RT6
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Madama Butterfly: Un bel di, vedremo (Atto ll)
Carmen: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Acte l)
La Wally: Ebben? ne andro lontana (Atto l)
Il Barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa (Atto l)
Norma: Casta Diva (Atto l)
Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix (Acte ll)
Rigoletto: Caro nome (Atto l)
La Traviata: Sempre libera (Atto l)
Romeo et Juliette: Je veux vivre dans ce reve (Acte l)
La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi (Atto l)
Don Giovanni: Mi tradi quell'alma ingrata (Atto ll)
Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi lo sapete, o mamma
La Gioconda: Suicidio! (Atto lV)
Gianni Schicchi1: O mio babbino caro
Turandot: In questa reggia (Atto ll)
TOSCA: Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore (Atto ll)

Amazon.com

If you want to know the reason behind all the fuss about Maria Callas, buy this CD. Callas's great gift was not purity of tone or emission, reliability, or sheer loveliness; it was, rather, her ability to change her vocal color and style to suit not only particular periods of opera but to get under the skin of the individual characters she portrayed. Here you will hear the 18-year-old Butterfly imagining the return of her beloved; the sultry, adult Carmen seducing all around her; the youthful Wally telling her cruel father that she will go off into the cold wilderness rather than give up her boyfriend; the sly Rosina planning to outfox her guardian; the priestess Norma performing a sacred rite; Dalila wrapping Samson around her little finger and more; Gioconda contemplating suicide when all hope is gone; Gilda recalling the name of the boy she's just fallen for; and the icy princess Turandot reliving the rape of her ancestor and swearing that no man will possess her. And you'll believe them all. At times Callas's vocalism is a bit wiry (Juliette sounds stressed, for instance); but, in all, this is like a visit with 16 women, all of them interesting, and all of them great singers! --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Landmark Soprano. An essential work for opera listeners........2007-05-26

Maria Callas may be the only female 'superstar' working in my lifetime. In the 1950s and early 1960's, she had all the star power and paparrazi draw of Jackie and Marilyn, far outstripping the fame to the world at large of her primary rival, Renita Tibaldi. I am not an expert, or even an experienced amateur at evaluating operatic sopranos; however I've listened to several of the modern crop, and while the newbies probably do a better job of keeping on key, none of them can match the drama emoted by Ms. Callas on any given aria. All three releases are especially good buys, as they all run to over 72 minutes; however the recording quality does show its early (pre-multitrack, pre-digital) recording technology. Each is as good as the next regarding content, but 2 and 3 are a bit better in sound quality.

Terrific introduction to the art of Callas.......2007-04-24

This album is entitled "Divina," not to be confused with "Divina 2," itself a very nice example of Callas at her best. This CD samples a variety of her roles, indicating the range of her art. A few examples. . . .

"Un bel di" from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" is very well done. She displays a rich voice and a passionate rendering of this aria. At greater volume, her voice remains under control and attractive sounding (something that does not always occur as her career developed further).

The "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" is normally a mezzo soprano work. However, Callas features a good lower tone, and it works pretty well here. She shows nice breath control, too. The orchestral backing is exceptional.

"Sempre libera," from Verdi's "La Traviata," is a soprano's dream. Here, though, Callas' voice is not as attractive as in other cuts. There is some harshness with higher notes. Alfredo Kraus' singing, by the way, is most attractive. There is some unpleasantness with Callas technique in this work, although there is a nice characterization as well (this is the price you pay for Callas). She shows off some nice runs, but zero in the way of trills (some other sopranos display nice trills in this piece).

Finally, a very well done version of "Si, mi chiamano Mimi" from Puccini's "La Boheme." Sweet sounds at the outset. She seems to capture the character well. Smooth singing, done well.

Thus, a good introduction to the art of Maria Callas. There are cuts here that feature some of the wondrous nature of her work. There are other cuts where one hears some unattractive aspects of her singing and one wonders about her technique. But, in the end, this is a good representation of the work of Callas.

Callas was the greatest.......2007-02-06

It's amazing how the anti-Callas claquers continue to thrive. I'll side with Leonard Bernstein, who labeled Callas "The Bible of Opera," and who described her 1952 performance of La Sonnambula under his baton as "pure electricity." Unfortunately, recordings don't do justice to any artist, given the lack of spontaneity and a full audience, as well as a host of other reasons. Even Callas withheld many recordings from release because she was her own worst critic and they did not meet her high standards. I've been listening to opera for over 30 years and although I can appreciate the artistry of Tebaldi, Sutherland, Sills, Freni, Carteri, Moffo, Price, etc., some of whom had better pure voices, there was none that could match Maria's intensity, passion, range, personality, acting ability and pure emotion. Callas could sing bel canto colaratura but drop down to a near-mezzo voice that included many dramatic roles.

The Callas bashers will always be with us, but thankfully they will always be in the tiny minority. True connossiers of opera know there never has been and never will be as great a singer as La Divina.

Great starter CD.......2005-11-24

As simplistic as this sounds, this is a perfect CD if you know you like opera, but don't know exactly what you want to hear. You'll definitely recognize some of the more popular arias, and will grow to love the others.

The epitome of divinity.......2005-03-31

Divine and then some.
A unique mezzo voice delivering a 'one-two-three punch': one in the gut, one in the heart and one in the head.
The listener instinctually senses all she imparts-regardless of French,Italian,German literacy or opera knowledge.
Her gifts were many-the 'voice'(simultaneously:sharp,buttery,bright and dark),inimitable phrasing,timing,dramatic intensity and versatility.
A fine jumping off point for Callas neophytes and Opera 'sissies' who say they don't like Opera, but never really listened to any.
For all of us already converted, I say turn it up!

Average customer rating:

Great CD and Voices.
The young tenors.
UNEXPECTED
Pop Op
Fabulous!

Duetto

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Salvatore Licitra - The Debut
Alessandro Safina
Sometimes I Dream
Follow Your Heart
Summer

ASIN: B00009QG9Z
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

Oltre La Tempesta
Siempre Adorarla
Odissea
Il Volo
Fantasma D'Amore
Dovunque Sarai
Solo Amore
Maria
Son Gli Occhi Tuoi
Je Crois Entendre Encore
Mia Per Sempre
Viaggio
Vita Mia
Au Fond Du Temple Saint
Beyond The Storm (Oltre La Tempesta)

Amazon.com

The Italian Salvatore Licitra and the Argentinian Marcelo Alvarez are, arguably the two most exciting, promising (they're in their 30s), big-voiced, bread-and-butter (or steak-and-potatoes) "Italian" tenors around. Yhey have proved themselves on the stages of the great opera houses of the world and on recordings. This CD is designed to present them to a wider audience--it is clearly meant to appeal to Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli fans. And, in fact, it succeeds. These guys have glorious voices: Licitra's is darker and somewhat heavier than Alvarez's, but the latter's shine is irresistible; one might compare them to Domingo and Pavarotti, respectively, to make that point. Neither has any problem throughout his entire range; each has big, secure top notes, and there's an innate musical intelligence at work at all times. Opera fans will relish the fantastic singing--listening to them trade high B naturals in the CD's third song, "Odissea," is thrilling--but will probably be disappointed by the music. It's soupily arranged, sentimental background drivel with catchy melodies (parts of "Salut demeure" from Gounod's Faust show up in something called "Son gli occhi tuoi," complete with a stellar high C from Alvarez), and even the gorgeous duet from Bizet's Les Pêcheurs de Perles (one of two "classical" pieces on the CD, if one doesn't count an instrumental piece by Bach to which trite lyrics have been added) has been re-arranged to include a tinny chorus, when singing it as written would have been a magnificent treat. Their voices are bathed in a phony-pop glow which will please the Bocelli market while continuing to horrify purists. Yet it is impossible not to be bowled over by the singing--a few off-pitch-at-low-volume moments and a mess of a "Je crois entendre encore" aside. In short, two high-power, world-class operatic tenors in their prime, singing, for the most part, music in which the treacle level is obnoxiously--even dangerously--high. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Great CD and Voices........2005-10-18

I love tenors and Italian music. Groban, Safina, Bocelli, Frangolis. These two men are in their category, and one of them even sounds like Safina. Very pleasant to listen in the car and in my office. I can listen more than once a day. You have to listen more than once. Don't expect to fall in love from the first sound.

Some critisizm:
a)One of the tenors is using to much vibrato, since it's popera... otherwise it's sounds great.
b)Duetto needs to be a Tenor - Soprano. These two guys should make separate CDs with two ladies. Groban does it very well!

The young tenors........2005-09-12

The amazing part of this album is that two young tenors can make as much music as three tenors (Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti) have in the past. Salvatore Licitra and Marcelo Alvarez are the future - there is a balance in how they sing together, adding strength to rather than competing with one another.

UNEXPECTED.......2005-08-09

I bought this CD on suggestion from Amazon.com...I am thrilled with the music. The songs are emotional, beautiful, and well done. It was a great choice.

Pop Op.......2004-05-15

Their voices blend well and the opera duets are a little out of the ordinary. Unfotunately,they have been orchestrated with a Hollywood flair and sung with synthetic flamboyance. What a pity that it is only nice background music. I had hoped for excitement.

Fabulous!.......2004-02-24

I LOVED this CD. I'm a fan of tenors, but not a serious student of their voices, so I can't attest to the flawlessness of phrasing, etc. However, I found the music to be soulful and stirring, and Licitra and Alvarez's voices full and rich. I have given this CD to everyone I know - my parents, cousins, great aunts and friends, even my massage therapist, and everyone has enjoyed it. I listen to it often, pretending to sing along!

Cecilia Bartoli - An Italian Songbook (Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini)

Average customer rating:

Lovely rendition of Italian songs
Best 'Italian' Selection yet.
Salon pieces to delight the listener
The Italian Songbook......
che bella..

Cecilia Bartoli - An Italian Songbook (Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Bartoli, Cecilia | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Cecilia Bartoli - If You Love Me (Se tu m'ami ), 18th-Century Italian Songs
Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski
Cecilia Bartoli - The Vivaldi Album / Il Giardino Armonico
Cecilia Bartoli - Live in Italy / Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Cecilia Bartoli - Mozart Arias

ASIN: B0000042H2
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Bel Canto Songs: Aragonese
Bel Canto Songs: Vaga luna che inargenti
Bel Canto Songs: II barcaiolo
Bel Canto Songs: Ah! rammenta, o bella Irene
Bel Canto Songs: L'abbandono
Bel Canto Songs: Or che di fiori adorno
Bel Canto Songs: Malinconia, ninfa gentile
Bel Canto Songs: Amore e morte
Bel Canto Songs: Bolero
Bel Canto Songs: La conocchia
Bel Canto Songs: II fervido desiderio
Bel Canto Songs: Torna, vezzosa Fillide
Bel Canto Songs: Vanne, o rosa fortunata
Bel Canto Songs: Dolente immagine di Fille mia
Bel Canto Songs: La farfalletta
Bel Canto Songs: A ma belle mere
Bel Canto Songs: Per pieta, bell'idol mio
Bel Canto Songs: Me voglio fa 'na casa
Bel Canto Songs: L'esule
Bel Canto Songs: La danza (tarantella napoletana)

Amazon.com

The Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli is one of the most charming and talented singers to appear on the scene in recent years, and this collection of Italian songs by three great opera composers--Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini--is a most deserving bestseller. There are many small pleasures in the selections, which reflect the bel canto predilections of their authors, and Bartoli renders them artfully. Some will be familiar even to casual listeners (Rossini's La Danza, the famous tarantella); others will be new to most, but equally deserving of a hearing. The sensitive and skillful accompaniment is by conductor-pianist James Levine. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Lovely rendition of Italian songs.......2007-03-11

The booklet coming with the CD says of Cecilia Bartoli that she "is justly famous for her coloratura mezzo-soprano voice and her interpretations of Rossini and Mozart." This CD features her lush voice taking on songs of three great Bel Canto composers--Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti. Some might think of these as trifles, but the singing and musicality is rich and the songs evocative. The piano accompaniment is by famed conductor James Levine, and he does a splendid job.

Some sampling of the songs. . . . The CD begins with a song by Rossini, "Aragones." This is lushly sung; Bartoli has a wondrously rich and textured voice. The pace is contemplative, altogether consistent with the words of the song, the reflection of a disappointed lover. Well done.

Donizetti's "Il barcaiolo" is also well done. Bartoli shows her vocal agility in this tune. This is a spirited song, and her coloratura technique animates her rendition. There are segments sung forte, showing the power of her voice. There is a nice soft closing to the song, so she ranges from forte to piano.

Bellini is represented, too. His "Vaga luna che inargenti" is a pleasant love song. Bartoli sings this tenderly, creating a melancholy spirit, fitting the song's words.

To close, there is Rossini's wonderful tarantella, "La danza." Levine plays at a quick pace, as he must for this spirited song. Bartoli shows great vocal agility and strong breath control (this is a tough song to get right!). A wonderfully spirited version. She even takes a pass at a trill toward the close. All in all, most satisfying.

Thus, this represents a nice CD, showing Bartoli's skills with the songs of some of the great Bel Canto composers. An album that is a lot of fun to listen to!

Best 'Italian' Selection yet........2006-06-16

'An Italian Songbook' by mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and accompaniest extraordinare, James Levine is the best of the three collections of Italian material from Bartoli I have reviewed to date. Much of this may be due to Levine, but I believe it is more due to the quality of the material selected. All songs are by 'heaviweights Vincenzo Belline, Gaetano Donizetti, and Gioachino Rossini. It is certainly not due to a difference in the quality of Ms. Bartoli's singing, which is uniformly beautiful throughout.

This would be my first choice for Italian material with only piano accompaniment. For a very first Bartoli album, see her 'flagship' recording, 'Cecilia Bartoli' where she is backed by full orchestra and chorus.

Salon pieces to delight the listener.......2006-03-13

Italian art song never became the serious and high form of art that it did within Germany, and hasn't the same place in culture that the French mélodies had. Rather, Italian operatic composers wrote lighter vocal pieces with fairly simple piano accompaniment, designed to be performed in a more intimate setting. One hears immediately the Bellini line (so familiar to those who love Bellini's operas) in his songs - ditto with the Donizetti and Rossini songs.

This in no way robs the songs of immense charm. It would be easy to perform these songs without a great deal of thought, simply making them sound "pretty". But Cecilia Bartoli never does that - she always gives everything, voice, intelligence, musicality, to her performance.

That is what makes this recording so superb. I can see there are some less-than-satisfied reviewers - I am surprised by the comments. For rest assured, there is no vocal difficulty here at all. Cecilia Bartoli's voice is in superb condition throughout, and her interpretation is of course second to none. Having recorded "Vaga luna" myself, I would be the first to say if I thought anything was lacking in Ms Bartoli's performance - but there's nothing adverse I can say at all. It's simply gorgeous singing, with immaculate phrasing, an intensely personal approach, and some of the most beautiful sounds you're likely to hear.

It is hard to imagine anyone being disappointed by this recording. The comments made about squally sound are not just unfair, they're totally inaccurate. I remember purchasing this CD on the very day it was released in Australia, and it's a firm favourite of mine.

In all... delightful.

The Italian Songbook.............2005-12-09

...........sung like a string of pearls. I have never heard "Vaga luna che inargenti" sung so beautifully radiant and lucid. What a contrast when listening to her mournful "L'abbandono" where she sounds so utterly sad and full of melancholy. Brilliant vocal colouring here. "Malincolia, ninfa gentile" is sung with the appropriate pathos but without gimmicks and tricks. Utterly gorgeous Bellinian line. "II fervido desiderio" is sung with just the right amount of yearning and passion. "Per pieta, bell'idol mio" finds her beautifully charming and endearing, who could say no to her? The closing piece, "La Danza" is a tasty little song that suits her to a T. In my humble opinion every young voice student should not only study the Italian Songbook but own this in order to hear how it's done. This is still my favourite Bartoli album.

che bella.........2004-12-23

Cecilia Bartolia is such a refreshing singer in the current state of vocal affairs. For one thing, she is a serious student of the music she sings, and scorns all the 'popera' and crossover artists. She has sought out plenty of unknown/lesser known material to record (Salieri, Vivaldi, Gluck, etc). In the CD in question she does wonderful work with these Italian pezzi. Her voice is now dark, now breathy, now intense, always altered to reflect the words she is singing. Her vocal agility and control are simply remarkable. Pay no attention to the Bartoli nay-sayers, she is a first rate singer.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Collection With Exquisite Vocals
Why is this beautiful set so low in Amazon sales?

Baroque Adagios
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Guitar Adagios
Cello Adagios
Evening Adagios
Vivaldi Adagios
Violin Adagios

ASIN: B00005UWKY
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

Pachelbel: Canon
Vivaldi: Winter: Largo
Albinoni: Adagio
Gluck: Dance of the blessed spirits (Orfeo)
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Bach: Concerto for 2 violins in D minor
Marcello: Oboe Concerto in D minor
Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus: Cum dederit delectis
Handel: Concerto grosso in A minor: Larghetto affteuoso
Handel: Organ Concerto "The cuckoo and the nightingale": Larghetto
Bach: Sleepers awake (excerpt)
Tartini: "The Devil's Trill" Sonata: Larghetto affetuoso
Bach: Obo Concerto in F: Siciliano
vivaldi: Concerto for 2 oboesin D minor: Largo
Corelli: Concerto grosso in D: Largo
Bach: Keyboard Concerto in A: Larghetto
Bach: Goldberg Variations: Aria
Handel: Ombra mai fu (Largo) (Xerxes)
Vivaldi: Nulli in mundo pax sincera (excerpt)

Tracks:

Bach: Air on a G string: Orchestral Suite No. 3
Handel: Lascia ch'io pianga
Vivaldi: Spring: Largo
Bach: Keyboard Concerto in D: Adagio
Albinoni: Oboe Concerto in D minor: Adagio
Bach: Cello Sonata in G minor: Adagio
Handel: Concerto in B flat for Harp & 2 flutes: Larghetto
Bach: Violin Concerto in A minor: Andante
Bach: Brandenburh Concerto No. 5: Affetuoso
Pergolesi: Stabat Mater: Stabat Mater
Bach: Arioso: Cantata, BWV 156
Vivaldi: Concerto in G for 2 Mandolins: Andante
Bach: Concerto for Oboe & Violin: Adagio
Vivaldi: Autumn: Adagio molto
Telemann: Oboe Concerto in D minor: Adagio
Scarlatti/Avison: Concerto grosso in D: Largo
Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in A minor: Largo
Croft: Ground
Purcell: Dido's Lament (Dido and Aeneas)

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Collection With Exquisite Vocals.......2005-09-18

I could not agree more with the review written by Frank T. Manheim. All I would add to his comments are that the recording quality is excellent, and that there are, amongst all of the wonderful selections on this CD, two vocal selections that I found deeply moving. On the first CD, there is a powerful, yet at the same time delicate performance of Vivaldi's In Nisi Dominus, by Andreas Scholl. I had never heard this selection of Vivaldi before buying this CD and don't have other performances to compare it to, but Scholl's performance was so moving, as was the accompaniment of the musical instruments on this track, that I listened to it several times in a row. I did the same with Janet Baker's performance of Dido's Lament, by Henry Purcell, on the second CD of this 2 CD set, listening to her haunting passionate voice over and over again. As with Vivaldi's In Nisi Dominus, I had never heard this composition, nor in fact any composition by Henry Purcell before buying this CD. The emotional depth and intensity that Janet Baker brings to her performance is very deeply moving. This is, fittingly, the last track on CD 2, ending this collection on a musical and emotional level, or rather, summit, that will leave you with eyes closed, thinking of the stars. As a result of having heard Janet Baker's performance on this compilation, I bought the full recording of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. In fact, I bought several CDs of music by Henry Purcell after hearing Dido's Lament.

As Frank Manheim writes in his review, this CD can either be put on as background music, or it can be listened to intently, savoring every note. Although the title of this CD set has the work "Adagios" in it, this is no mere easy listening experience. There is plenty of musical passion on both CDs. This is a wonderful 2 CD set. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in classical, and especially, Baroque music.

Why is this beautiful set so low in Amazon sales? .......2005-09-15

While classical music is achieving a resurgence in the UK and Finland, in the U.S. the meager proportion of classical music among record store and department offerings still reflects classical's waning status. What we do find even in drugstores and supermarkets is inexpensive "mood" collections like "Romance", "Spring", "Melancholy", etc. I have no problem with this - some of the unnamed orchestras or soloists aren't bad although recording quality may disappoint.

"Baroque Adagios" is a big cut higher for both enjoyable listening, as well as background music for social occasions. The Baroque period simply overflows with memorable slow movement gems - both well-known, and rarely heard. The famous Italian tenor, Beniamino Gigli, confessed that many of his most favorite pieces came from the Italian baroque and earlier. Music of the earlier times combines emotional and melodic appeal with a restraint and depth that makes it wear well on many hearings. The only risk for background music is that the gorgeous melodies and resonant sonorities will draw people away from what they might otherwise do.

The choice of repertory is rich and varied, but this collection is particularly noteworthy for its long list of famous soloists and conductors. Besides Janos Starker, these include Heinz Holliger, Andras Schiff, Henryk Szeryng (in the Bach Double Concerto in D minor), Thurston Dart, Enrique Fernandez, Christopher Hogwood, Karl Munchinger, Neville Marriner, and many others.

I can think of few ways to better dissolve stress than to put this recording on a player and relax into a comfortable easy chair - or or put it into a car CD player on a longer trip. It makes a thoughtful present for both knowledgeable classic buffs and newcomers to classical music.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music