Tune It In

Tune It In

Tune It In

ASIN: B00004GP2J

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Though he's more of a consistent purveyor of funky and melodic keyboard elegance than an artist labels try to push into the star category, contemporary jazz fans have been tuning in to Tom Grant for over 20 years--long before there was an official name for "smooth jazz." One of the ways Grant kept the music fresh on Tune It In involved dividing the production duties. He produced one tune himself and six with longtime coproducer and cowriter Phil Baker. Grant also called in popular smooth-jazz guitarist and producer Ray Obiedo to help produce the remaining tracks. Grant's very first recording, Mystified, came out in 1976, and he and Baker try their darnedest to capture the fusion vibe of that time on the title track of "Tune It In." Grant floats a joyous melody over a punchy, percussive groove, throbbing bass lines, and Baker's occasional wah-wah guitar spurts. Grant has long been one of smooth-jazz's most endearing balladeers, and the following three tracks feature his eloquence in this area. A cover of 98 Degrees' "Invisible Man" showcases the gently funky bass and seductive tenor sax of the Braxton Brothers, while the balmy, breezy "Generous Heart" finds Grant's melody dancing happily over the warm, tropical guitar cool of Obiedo. Obiedo also produced the swaying, irresistible cover of the Vanessa Williams hit "Save the Best for Last." --Jonathan Widran

From Jazziz
Veteran pianist and composer Tom Grant adds to his quarter-century catalog - and anoints his first CD for Windham Hill - with a title that winks at his weekly disc- jockey gig at a Portland, Oregon smooth-jazz station. His longevity and radio-honed musical instincts pay off with a state-of-the-art smooth-jazz project. The music is bursting with lush, romantic ballads, paced by pretty piano lines and up-tempo numbers, and infused with 21st-century hip-hop rhythms and R&B grooves. Grant is adept at choosing cover songs. He takes boy band "98 Degrees"' "Invisible Man" and gives it a sparkling touch, aided by the "Braxton Brothers" (Nelson on bass and Wayne on tenor sax) and guitarist Ray Obiedo (who also co-produces the song and several others). More magic is mined in Vanessa Williams' hit "Save the Best for Last," with Grant's unhurried playing setting a mellow mood, and in "Black Orpheus," where his jazz vocals are showcased. Grant is not a great singer - he'll be the first to admit it - but he knows his range and chooses songs accordingly. Grant is also adept at killer hooks, which he pulls out for "Mysterious Smile" and "Overnight Sensation," both given luster by percussion - the former with a touch of drum 'n' bass by Peter Michael Escovedo, the latter with a Latin feel supplied by Valerie Day.

--- Brian Soergel, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Tune It In,Tom Grant,Windham Hill Records,Crossover Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop
Seesaw (1973 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • It deserved better
  • SEESAW (1973 ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST)
  • A Broadway nadir.
  • Michele Lee sings Cy Coleman's most underrated score
  • This Seesaw is merely quirky fun
 Seesaw (1973 Original Broadway Cast)
Dorothy Fields
Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Soundtracks4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. I Love My Wife: A Musical (1977 Original Broadway Cast)
  2. The Act (1977 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. On The Twentieth Century (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
  4. Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. A Day In Hollywood, A Night In The Ukraine (1980 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000000PG6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Seesaw - Orchestra & Company
  2. My City - Street Walkers & Company
  3. Nobody Does It Like Me - Michele Lee
  4. In Tune - Michele Lee/Ken Howard/Company
  5. Spanglish - Giancarlo Esposito/Michele Lee/Ken Howard/Company
  6. Welcome To Holiday Inn - Michele Lee
  7. You're A Lovable Lunatic - Ken Howard
  8. He's Good For Me - Michele Lee
  9. Ride Out The Storm - Lamonte Desfontaines/Cecelia Norfleet/Company
  10. Entr'acte - Orchestra
  11. We've Got It - Ken Howard
  12. Poor Everybody Else - Michele Lee
  13. Chapter 54, Number 1909 - Tommy Tune/Ken Howard/Michael Lee/Company
  14. Seesaw Ballet - Orchestra
  15. It's Not Where You Start - Tommy Tune/Company
  16. Finale: I'm Way Ahead & Seesaw - Michele Lee
  17. Bows: It's Not Where You Start - Entire Company

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars It deserved better.......2007-07-05

I've often wondered if I'm the only person alive who saw "Seesaw!" It's been sadly neglected. Michele Lee was wonderful, and it was a great introduction to a guy named Tommy Tune.. The music is very enjoyable. Highly recommended for Broadway show lovers!

5 out of 5 stars SEESAW (1973 ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST).......2007-01-27

I SAW THIS SHOW AND LOVED EVERY MOMENT. I TILL REMEMBER HOW MUCH FUN I HAD. I WAS IN COLLEGE AT THE TIME AND HAD THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SEE IT AGAIN. THE SCORE IS WONDERFUL, TUNEFUL AND MEMORABLE.

1 out of 5 stars A Broadway nadir........2004-09-14

With all due respect to Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, both of whom made major contributions to the Broadway canon, this must be one of the weakest musical scores ever committed to vinyl. Worst of all, it bears no relation to the poignant two-character play on which it is based. Just who was it who wanted that tender little play to be enhanced by a big campy production number starring Tommy Tune?

4 out of 5 stars Michele Lee sings Cy Coleman's most underrated score.......2004-01-28

SEESAW was a musical version of William Gibson's rueful comedy-drama TWO FOR THE SEESAW, which originally starred Anne Bancroft. For the musical version, the leading lady was the delightful Michele Lee (BRAVO GIOVANNI) who earned a Tony nomination for her performance.

The Cy Coleman-Dorothy Fields score includes great numbers like "Nobody Does It Like Me", "In Tune" and the 11 o'clock number "Poor Everybody Else".

The supporting cast includes the always-reliable Tommy Tune, as well as Ken Howard, Cecelia Norfleet and LaMonte DesFontaines.

Highly-recommended for fans of Broadway musicals as well as the incantory Miss Michele Lee. [DRG CDRG6108]

4 out of 5 stars This Seesaw is merely quirky fun.......1999-08-22

Cy Coleman's Seesaw overture is a wonderful start to a wonderfully breezy CD. Most of the chorus numbers are very poor ( Spanglish, Ride Out the Storm), but the spotlighted Michele Lee, Ken Howard, and Tommy Tune are preserved fantastically. Michele Lee's husky voice is capable of making your heart soar and break at the same time. Her comedic timing is wonderful (Welcome to Holiday Inn), her down-on-her-luck song is perfection(Nobody Does It Like Me), and Poor Everybody Else will have you rooting for Michele instantly. Ken Howard is truly a Lovable Lunatic. And Tommy Tune's Tony Award winning performance is captured here with "It's Not Where You Start." It is typically Coleman music, but he is wonderfully aided with Dorothy Fields's lyrics. If you can find it for a discount, don't resist!
The Kings Singers - New Day
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great sound and great song!
  • Along with the Good Vibrations are my favorites
  • My dad loves it
  • Great Album!
  • Beautiful singing; clever arrangements
 The Kings Singers - New Day
John David , Peter Christie , Cy Coleman , Warren Casey , Bob Barratt , John Lennon , Lionel Richie , Don Schlitz , Hal David , George Harrison , Jim Jacobs , Benny Andersson , Paul McCartney , Michel Legrand , Barry Manilow , Ed Welch , Harry Robinson , Daryl Runswick , The King's Singers , Gordon Langford Quartet , and Cliff Hall
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
King's SingersKing's Singers | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
A CappellaA Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
$9.99 and Under$9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
SoundtracksSoundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
ClassicalClassical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$9.99 and Under$9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$9.99 and Under$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
King's SingersKing's Singers | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The King's Singers Original Debut Recording
  2. The Beatles Connection: The King's Singers
  3. Good Vibrations
  4. Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers
  5. Watching the White Wheat: Folk Songs of the British Isles; King's Singers

ASIN: B000002RQO
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. You Are The New Day
  2. Nouveau Poor
  3. Three Times A Lady
  4. What's In A Tune?
  5. You'd Have To Be A Rosie
  6. Can't Buy Me Love
  7. Singapore Girl
  8. 'Sweet Charity': The Rhythm Of Life
  9. The Gambler
  10. It Was Almost Like A Song
  11. Here Comes The Sun
  12. Hush Little Baby, Don't Say A Word
  13. 'Grease': Money, Money, Money-Summer Nights
  14. The Summer Knows
  15. Could It Be Magic

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great sound and great song!.......2007-05-19

I loved the song "A New Day" after hearing it on the radio. I tracked it down and ordered the CD. All the songs are terrific.

5 out of 5 stars Along with the Good Vibrations are my favorites.......2007-05-15

Own it! It's all worth it!
"You are the new day" is my personal favorite song.

4 out of 5 stars My dad loves it.......2007-02-13

If he likes it then I am happy. Not my cup of tea. I like the idea that there where some Beatles tunes. Dad is 57 I am 36 might be the difference in age. NOt sure. Just not my cup of tea

5 out of 5 stars Great Album!.......2006-04-22

I was very amazed when I first heard this album. Their sound is like no other. They are so unique that you can't compare them to other acapella groups.

I can say that their sound is better than a mixed choir because even though the King's Singers is only composed of 6 members. Their sound volume can beat a 30 member choir due to the quality of their voice.

My favorite is "It Was Almost Like A Song" because of the countertenor's very light voice. The baritone part was also awesome as he dominated the scene when he took the melody.

Overall, great album. This has to be one of the King's Singers best albums released. All songs are great that you can't resist missing a moment on listening it.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful singing; clever arrangements.......2002-06-14

I have been a fan of The King's Singers since their debut recording thirty years ago. New Day is one of my favourite albums. It has the terrific optimistic song "New Day," but many other wonderful tracks.

"Can't Buy Me Love" is sung as if it had been written by one of the Renaissance madrigal writers when he was in a very good mood. There are other up tempo tracks like this one, including Abba's "Money, Money, Money" and "The Rhythm of Life," but the CD also includes some romantic, lush singing in songs such as "Three Times A Lady," "The Summer Knows" and "It Was Almost Like A Song."

The clever arrangement of Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic?" begins with an extract from a sombre Chopin Prelude in C minor.

Highly recommended.
Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

    Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Foster, StephenFoster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SibeliusAll Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by ManciniAll Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Favourite Welsh Choirs
    2. Land of Song Welsh Choral Classics
    3. Welsh Choirs: Wonderful Welsh Choirs
    4. Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome
    5. Traditional Songs of Wales

    ASIN: B0009SOFXG
    Release Date: 2005-08-01

    Tracks:

    1. Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    2. Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    3. Dies Irae
    4. Men of Harlech
    5. You'll Never Walk Alone
    6. Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
    7. Old Folks at Home
    8. Il Liza Jane
    9. Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    10. Vergine Degli Angeli
    11. Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
    12. My Hero
    13. God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    14. German Mass/Gloria
    15. German Mass/Sanctus
    16. Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
    17. All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    18. Arwelfa
    19. Invictus
    20. Softly as I Leave You

    Tracks:

    1. Diolch l'R L
    2. Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
    3. Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
    4. Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
    5. Memories of Martha
    6. I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
    7. Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
    8. Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
    9. Creation's Hymn
    10. In the Spirit!
    11. Shall We Gather at the River
    12. Nos a Bore
    13. Very Best Time of Year
    14. Soon Ah Will Be Done
    15. Thanks Be to God
    16. Flower That Shattered the Stone
    17. Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
    18. Where Shall I Be?
    19. Bywyd y Bugail
    20. Lord's Prayer

    Tracks:

    1. Ave Maria
    2. Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
    3. She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
    4. Cymru Fach
    5. Nidaros
    6. Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
    7. Watching the Wheat
    8. Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
    9. Misbles/Stars
    10. Rachie
    11. Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
    12. There Is a Balm in Gilead
    13. Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
    14. My Lord, What a Mornin'
    15. Bryn Myrddin
    16. Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
    17. Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
    18. Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
    19. Ride the Chariot
    20. Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

    Tracks:

    1. Y Nefoedd
    2. Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
    3. Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
    4. By Babylon's Wave
    5. I'm Gonna Sing
    6. Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
    7. Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
    8. Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
    9. Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
    10. That's All I Want from You
    11. Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
    12. Give Me Jesus
    13. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
    14. My Wish for You
    15. Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
    16. Mose in Egitto/Prayer
    17. Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
    18. God's Choir in the Sky
    19. Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
    20. Smilin' Through

    Tracks:

    1. Calon Lan
    2. True Love
    3. Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
    4. Aberystwyth
    5. Comrades in Arms
    6. Cats/Memory
    7. They Led My Lord Away
    8. State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
    9. When I Fall in Love
    10. Let's Face the Music and Dance
    11. Windmills of Your Mind
    12. How Soon
    13. Non Nobis Domine
    14. Rhythm of Life
    15. Kalinka
    16. Sound an Alarm
    17. Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
    18. Turandot/Nessun Dorma
    19. Christus Redemptor
    20. Ann Evening's Pastorale

    Album Details

    Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.
    The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • The Price Club
    • A living legend
    • not your daddy's old timey spiritual
    • Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
    • Great Gospel Stuff
    		 The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Price, LeontynePrice, Leontyne | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    Gershwin, GeorgeGershwin, George | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Gounod, CharlesGounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Schubert, FranzSchubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    AnonymousAnonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Price, LeontynePrice, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection
    2. Leontyne Price Christmas Songs Chants de Noel.Weihnachtslieden Wiener Philharmoniker Herbert Von Karajan
    3. Spirituals in Concert
    4. Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman
    5. Spirituals

    ASIN: B000003FWE
    Release Date: 1997-01-14

    Tracks:

    1. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
    2. Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
    3. His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
    4. 'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
    5. Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
    6. Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
    7. Were You There - Various Artists
    8. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
    9. Deep River - Various Artists
    10. Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
    11. My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
    12. On Ma Journey - Various Artists
    13. A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
    14. Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
    15. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
    16. Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
    17. Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
    18. There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
    19. Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
    20. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
    21. My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
    22. Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
    23. I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

    Tracks:

    1. Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
    2. Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
    3. Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
    4. Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
    5. What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
    6. Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
    7. The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
    8. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
    9. The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
    10. Bless This House - Leontyne Price
    11. I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
    12. Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
    13. I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
    14. Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
    15. Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
    16. America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
    17. Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
    18. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
    19. Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The Price Club.......2005-04-28

    "I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

    "Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

    5 out of 5 stars A living legend.......2005-03-10

    Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

    1 out of 5 stars not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

    Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

    5 out of 5 stars Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

    IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

    4 out of 5 stars Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

    This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.
    Rodgers & Hammerstein: Songbook for Orchestra (Orchestral Suites)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Irresistible
    • "Some Enchanted Evening" with Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops
    • Excellent!
    • Great Arrangments
    		 Rodgers & Hammerstein: Songbook for Orchestra (Orchestral Suites)

    Manufacturer: Telarc
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    Orchestral PopOrchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Lerner & Loewe Songbook for Orchestra
    2. Rodgers & Hammerstein - The Complete Overtures ~ Opening Night / Hollywood Bowl Orchestra · Mauceri
    3. Puttin' on the Ritz: The Great Hollywood Musicals
    4. The Sound Of Music (1987 Studio Cast)
    5. Classics of the Silver Screen

    ASIN: B000003CXQ
    Release Date: 1992-01-28

    Tracks:

    1. Oklahoma!
    2. Carousel
    3. State Fair
    4. South Pacific
    5. The King And I
    6. Cinderella Waltz
    7. Flower Drum Song
    8. The Sound Of Music

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Irresistible.......2005-07-29

    From beginning to end this CD is pure delight. A great recording has great music, a great performance, and great sound; this one scores on all three counts.

    Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicals dominated Broadway in the 1940s and 1950s, and American musical theater has produced no more consistently eloquent and durable voice than Richard Rodgers. From his fertile genius flowed a surprising number of memorable songs, many of which have passed into and become an accepted and beloved part of modern American culture.

    This well-filled CD (77:36) features symphonic arrangements (all but two by Robert Russell Bennett) of the music from Oklahoma (1943), Carousel (1945), State Fair (1945), South Pacific (1949), The King and I (1951), Flower Drum Song (1958), and The Sound of Music (1959). All the great tunes are here in suites from each musical that average 10-12 minutes in length. The arrangements are expert: rich, varied, and colorful. The performances are polished, idiomatic, and irresistible; Kunzel and this orchestra are thorough masters of this kind of material. And Telarc's sound (recorded 1991) is state-of-the-art (engineer Michael Bishop deserves to take a bow).

    In short, there's nothing here to cloud your listening pleasure (the only quibble I can imagine is that some of your favorites may not last long enough), so it's hard for me to envision anyone with ears and a taste for music who wouldn't enjoy this CD. Warmly recommended. Finally, if you like this one as much as I do, you might want to know that the same team has produced a companion volume, the Lerner & Lowe Songbook for Orchestra.

    5 out of 5 stars "Some Enchanted Evening" with Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops.......2003-12-26

    Erich Kunzel's Rodgers and Hammerstein anthology with the Cincinatti Pops Orchestra is one of the best and most ravishing instrumental Rodgers and Hammerstein albums of all time. With sumptuous arrangements and warm, natural Telarc recording, this glorious 77-minute CD presents sweeping, melodic arrangements of over 60 Rodgers and Hammerstein selections, spanning eight scores, and Kunzel allows the Pops to play with a characterful and polished understanding of the Rodgers and Hammerstein idiom. The disc is enough to cheer you up on a dull day and make you smile, and it might even want to make you feel like a convert to Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals.

    This CD has all the scores arranged chronologically. The OKLAHOMA! suite that opens this disc promises a feast for the senses, Kunzel ably evokes the territory's "bright, golden haze" in the way he conducts the various excerpts, until you feel the atmosphere of the country charm of the show, and the love-affair between Curly and Laurey. Then, in CAROUSEL, he ably evokes the pathos of this tragic R&H masterwork, especially in the truncated Waltz, but he leads a wonderfully melodic "June is Bustin' Out All Over" and a devotional "You'll Never Walk Alone." Although this suite does not include Billy's pivotal Soliloquy, it includes "If I Loved You" as an expression of his love for Julie, and within minutes you could be soaked in the ups and downs of the show's mood.

    After a brief STATE FAIR suite, with sweeping renditions of "It Might As Well Be Spring" and "It's a Grand Night for Singing", we are brought into the disc's showstopping highlights. These highlights are the excerpts from SOUTH PACIFIC, THE KING AND I, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. But yet Kunzel conducts the rest of the disc until the various suites amount to a series of showstoppers. These three suites present wonderfully-arranged versions of their many familiar classic songs, with well-played solos. The SOUTH PACIFIC suite presents the songs in chronological order, yet preserves the atmosphere of the show at the same time. Kunzel ably brings out the romance in "Some Enchanted Evening" and "Younger than Springtime," and contrasts it with the exotic and dreamlike "Bali Hai'i" and the comic "There is Nothing like a Dame" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair". Although the suite ends quietly with a reprise of "Dites-Moi" rather than the reprise of "Some Enchanted Evening," within minutes we are swept into the KING AND I suite. Kunzel ably brings out the Oriental pathos in this score, and he captures the warmth of Anna's rapport with the King's Siamese children in "Getting to Know You", and with the King himself in "Shall We Dance." There is also romance in the love ballads "I Have Dreamed" and "We Kiss in a Shadow." Similarly, in the selection from THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Kunzel conducts this until the orchestra soaks itself in the atmosphere of this Austrian R&H score. This SOUND OF MUSIC suite has more of a feel of the score compared to the bonus track on Sony's reissued version of the Broadway recording. You can almost feel as if you are following the progress of the Trapp family and how it lifts its spirits with the joy of music. Kunzel gives us a soaring version of the title song, and spirited versions of "Do-Re-Mi" and "My Favourite Things." He balances it with the open-air quality of "Edelweiss" and "The Lonely Goatherd." Although this suite could have included "Something Good," the love ballad written for the film, the three recollections of the songs that were cut from the movie only last for a while. And, the towering version of "Climb Every Mountain" crowns this portion of the disc, and this sumptuously-produced recording. But, I should also mention the infectuous FLOWER DRUM SONG medley, where Kunzel turns this underrated score into a work of art, until it convinces you to buy the cast recording. And, don't forget about the brief CINDERELLA WALTZ, too, when Kunzel conducts it magically, until you feel like you are in the company of Cinderella and the Prince. He is able to show how this R&H score marked a comeback for R&H after the failiures of Me and Juliet, and Pipe Dream.

    Overall, this glorious Rodgers and Hammerstein recording is guarunteed to make you want to pucker your lips out for a whistle or sing along (to paraphrase another revew for Kunzel's Disney Spectacular disc) - even if this recording is music only, and as long as you know the words to the songs (and you might know a large handful of them already.) There is always a certain magic in this fine CD that makes you feel like you're sitting in the theatre watching these musicals, until it makes you feel like it is truly, to borrow two R&H song titles, "Some Enchanted Evening" and "Something Wonderful" to be in Kunzel's company for this R&H offering. It would certainly be one recording that could make you feel willing to buy the complete cast recordings of the shows. And I guaruntee that it will make you feel willing to pull out your existing copies of the cast recordings to listen to them again. I also guaruntee that it will be a cornerstone in any Rodgers and Hammerstein collection, just as it is in mine. Recommended heartily to any Rodgers and Hammerstein enthusiast and to fans of Erich Kunzel's work. And, you can play it while reading the Richard Rodgers biography, Musical Stages, until Rodgers himself would count this as his favourite disc in the afterlife.

    By the way, most of the arrangements for the suites on this CD were done by the veteran R&H orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett, and it surely adds to the appeal of this recording. This itself is enough to amount to the icing on the cake, since Kunzel conducts them well on here, and since this recording still allows the suites to have the original theatrical atmosphere. And, although this recording is like the Mauceri collection of the Rodgers & Hammerstein overtures in compiling orchestral suites of Rodgers & Hammerstein, I think that I like the Kunzel recording even more because Kunzel has more magic in his conducting of these suites.

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent!.......2003-04-08

    This is one of the best Erich Kunzel/Cincinnati Pops collections we own! A must for Rodgers and Hammerstein fans, too.

    5 out of 5 stars Great Arrangments.......2001-09-02

    This is a first rate album with great arrangments and orchestrations. If you're a Rodgers and Hammerstein fan, you can't afford to miss this specatacular album
    The Songs That Got Away
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • For Fans of Broadway (Sondheim, Hamlisch & Bernstein e.g.):
    • The songs that didn't get away
    • Songs that showcase Sarah's theatrical gifts
    • Good, for Sarah Brightman
    • Pleasant, but not up to standard
    		 The Songs That Got Away

    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BernsteinAll Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Sondheim, StephenSondheim, Stephen | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Brightman, SarahBrightman, Sarah | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Bernstein, LeonardBernstein, Leonard | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Berlin, IrvingBerlin, Irving | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Puccini, GiacomoPuccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Brightman, SarahBrightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Dive
    2. Surrender
    3. The Trees They Grow So High
    4. Fly
    5. As I Came of Age

    ASIN: B000005S0R
    Release Date: 1999-11-16

    Tracks:

    1. Meadowlark
    2. I Am Going To Like It Here
    3. I Remember
    4. Mr. Monotony
    5. Dreamers
    6. Silent Heart
    7. Lud's Wedding
    8. Three-Cornered Tune
    9. If I Ever Fall In Love Again - Sarah Brightman Sarah Brightman
    10. What Makes Me Love Him?
    11. Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
    12. Away From You
    13. If Love Were All
    14. Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman Sarah Brightman

    Amazon.com

    For those Sarah Brightman fans who didn't spring for The Songs That Got Away when it was a pricey import, this domestic release will be a must-buy. Originally recorded in 1989 shortly after she achieved international fame in The Phantom of the Opera, the album spotlights obscure American and British musical theater songs that either were removed from shows or were "lost" when the shows themselves slipped out of the repertoire. (Of course, some of the songs aren't nearly as obscure as they were in 1989--the opening track, Stephen Schwartz's soaring "Meadowlark," has since been claimed by Liz Callaway, Patti LuPone, and Betty Buckley, while Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember"--well suited to Brightman's glasslike tones--is now recognized as one of his most gorgeous and haunting compositions.) Brightman performs well on this diverse collection of entertaining and often lovely songs, including an early draft of Frank Loesser's "Fugue for Tinhorns," here sung as a triple-tracked, lilting waltz, and the Puccini aria "Chi il bel sogno di doretta," which foreshadows her later, more ambitious crossover projects. There's also a tune from Jeeves by then-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber, who produced this album not long before he and Brightman divorced in 1990. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars For Fans of Broadway (Sondheim, Hamlisch & Bernstein e.g.):.......2007-02-24

    This is an interesting and surprising production that showcases the vocal prowess of Sara Brightman. It is not however, representative of the new and highly overproduced vocal productions that constitute her newer recordings. Although this production really allows the listener to hear a very melodic and unencumbered vocal performance, as it is pleasing in it's simplicity, yet meant for the more discriminating listener. Fans of Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Weber, and Richard Rodgers will feel right at home here. For those seeking another major sonic production as in Eden, La Luna, Dive, or The Harem Tour this is not it! My criticism is not of her vocal prowess or production values but the apparently endless array of previously released material offered as a new and different recording. But I suppose that this is rather due to the greedy objectives of of A&M Records just trying to go to the bank, often and laden heavy with dollars. Nothing that any label wouldn't try to do. My advice with Sara Brightman is "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) check the disc carefully for redundancy of tracks within her discography. If you're a fan of this genre of music, you will probably respond quite well to this recording.

    5 out of 5 stars The songs that didn't get away.......2004-02-12

    This is one of my favorite albums by Sarah. She surprised me with her ability to go from light opera to jazz. Here we don't find the over-produced albums such as Harem, just a superbly trained voice. No little girl breathy tunes here, just solid performances. This is the Sarah Brightman that I like to remember and enjoy. If you see this album and you're a Sarah Brightman fan, pick it up and treasure it. I'd like to see her do more of thisgenre, where she showcases her voice. Who ever thinks that Sarah has a small voice will be convinced otherwise by this album.

    4 out of 5 stars Songs that showcase Sarah's theatrical gifts.......2003-12-11

    Before experimental albums like Dive and Fly, as well as the ones where her classically-trained voice enchanted millions, Sarah Brightman did a collection of musical and theatrical songs originally released in 1989, but reissued when she made it big with Time To Say Goodbye. Her vocal style leans towards the theatrical Broadway side, but more mellowed. But on songs like the strings-laden mid-tempo "Meadowlark" from Stephen Schwartz's The Baker's Wife, the way she would later do splendidly interpret Lloyd Webber's songs is in the making. Here are other highlights, including those that were reissued on Sarah's Encore album (2002).

    Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember" is a sad ballad told from the POV of a window mannequin remembering the sights it has experienced throughout the seasons, but the memories are now hazy and at the end, it sings, "At times I think/I would gladly die/for a day of sky."

    Some songs like "Lud's Wedding" from Bernstein's failed bicentennial musical, only seem to work due to Sarah's voice. Ditto for the simple "Three-Cornered Tune." Consisting of three verses, each repeated twice. However, Irving Berlin's "Mr. Monotony", a tune understandably cut from Easter Parade, is not a particularly inspiring song.

    Marvin Hamlisch's "Dreamers" is one of my favourites here, as I have affinity to it, and I'm sure Sarah is one at heart as well. "Only dreamers have wings with which to fly far away", as in their own fantasies, but unfortunately, "sometimes dreamers are forced to leave their dreams far away", i.e. the harshness of reality. However, it paints them in a positive light and states that everyone needs to have some sort of dream "to take time to find treasures and mountains we can climb."

    "Silent Heart" really showcases Sarah's voices, on how some things the heart is best left silent, as in things that really thrill it. "If I Ever Fall In Love Again" is taken from The Crooked Mile and is a nice love song Sarah really wraps herself in.

    "Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta" from Puccini's La Rondine is a great showcase of the operatic voice that would come into full bloom on Time To Say Goodbye. This song would be reissued on Encore.

    "Away From You" by Richard Rodgers, and taken from a musical biog of Henry VIII (!!!). "The clocks are frozen and time's a traveler who's lost his way" is one of the sentiments Sarah conveys effectively. Also reissued on Encore.

    "If love were all, I should be lonely" sings Sarah from Noel Coward's Bittersweet, "If Love Were All" was the one song that stood out for me when I first heard this CD. The ability of a talent to amuse is seen as a solid standing for mental security. A definite standout here.

    From Lloyd Webber's Jeeves, the lush strings of "Half A Moment" features the vocal stylings familiar enough to those who have Sarah's Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection. It focuses on how important the capture of a moment to bright up a future rainy day is. Also reissued on Encore.

    Initially, I dismissed this as the songs that should've stayed away. Although they lack the magical punch of Time To Say Goodbye or La Luna, it's still a worthwhile collection, because Sarah's clear birdlike theatrical/musicals voice makes it all worthwhile.

    2 out of 5 stars Good, for Sarah Brightman.......2003-08-25

    Some people just love Sarah's voice, but I don't see what's so special about it. She sings in two sorts of ways, the first one is lovely, simple, forgetable, and the other sounds like Stitch with a high voice. This CD does her justice, though. A lot of the tunes are catchy and nice (how she sings them could be better) but the one I really like is "Three cornered tune." Now that's a good song! She does not have a particularly bad voice, but nothing interesting - that's for sure. And when she tries to act in her music she sounds even worse! But that's alright. After all, everyone has a different style. A highlight of this CD includes "Mr. Monotony," which, unfortunatly, did not come with lyrics in the CD case. Too bad, because its a great song. At the end of this record, though, she writes about these songs and - wow! It is amazing how many shows that song was taken out of! At one point it said it had Judy Garland singing it, and when I try to imagine her doing it I know that must have been awesome. I really want to hear Judy Garland singing this song sometime. Maybe I'll find it here on Amazon... But anyway, back to Sarah Brightman. The only other thing I can think of to say at the moment is that from what I've heard of her records, this is as good as it gets. And also, the track titled "Dreamers" is nice. I like the tune and she doesn't sing it too bad, either. It would be a good song to be played at a graduation. Only after a while the sound of it gets a little creepy and annoying. And its sticky, too. "Silent heart" is a classic, though she shouldn't sing it twice. For you see, she sings it, and then you think, "Ah, that's a sweet song. Wonderful words, soft tune," and the music gets at a great stoping point and then comes back for an encore (as one of Sarah's other records is titled). And then we have to listen to it all over again - and its not as good the second time. So overall is it good? Yes, it is. Though perhaps not good enough.

    3 out of 5 stars Pleasant, but not up to standard.......2003-06-22

    I love Sarah Brightman's singing and her musical style as presented on Eden and La Luna. This CD is completely different in style from those two. I find it enjoyable, but it is not my favorite. Her singing is nothing special on this CD, it doesn't display her vocal range or talent in the way that her other CDs do, especially her CD "Surrender", her vocals are absolutely stunning on that CD.
    The Songs Of Robert Burns, Volumes 1 & 2
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Your search for good Burns songs has ended
    		 The Songs Of Robert Burns, Volumes 1 & 2

    Manufacturer: Philo Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    Scottish FolkScottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    Traditional FolkTraditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    ScotlandScotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Songs of Robert Burns, Vol 3 & 4
    2. Songs of Robert Burns, Vol. 5 & 6
    3. The Songs of Robert Burns, Vol. 7
    4. The Complete Songs of Robert Burns: Volume 1
    5. The Songs of Robert Burns / Songs of the Hebrides

    ASIN: B0000003VY
    Release Date: 1996-02-20

    Tracks:

    1. Could Kail In Aberdeen
    2. To The Weaver's Gin Ye Go
    3. Wantonness
    4. My Tocher's The Jewel
    5. Charlie He's My Darling
    6. Landy Mary Ann
    7. Amang The Trees
    8. Country Lassie
    9. The De'il's Awa Wi' Th' Exciseman
    10. Johnie Blunt
    11. The Winter It Is Past
    12. A Red, Red Rose
    13. Logan Water
    14. Corn Rigs
    15. Had I The Wyte
    16. Nine Inch Will Please A Lady
    17. Beware O'Bonie Ann
    18. The Cooper O'Cuddy
    19. Sweetest May
    20. A Parcel Of Rouges In A Nation
    21. Auld Lang Syne
    22. Hey How Johnie Lad
    23. Mary Morison
    24. The Dusty Miller
    25. It Was A' For Our Rightfu' King
    26. Sae Flaxen Were Her Ringlets

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Your search for good Burns songs has ended.......2000-01-29

    Jean Redpath sings the "inimitable songs of Burns" as if Rabbie himself is hovering over her shoulder. You're not likely to find too many singers more suited to her material than Redpath. Also, I needs must mention the first-rate musical accompaniments by Serge Hovey. All in all, the seven volume Redpath-Burns series is indispensible for lovers of song everywhere. Way to go, folks.
    We Three Kings
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • We Three Kings
    • 3 Tenors Christmas
    • Beautiful and Amazing
    • These Three Kings Rule!
    • Another Winner
    		 We Three Kings
    Anthony Kearns , Ronan Tynan , and Finbar Wright
    Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Irish TenorsIrish Tenors | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    TenorsTenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
    IrelandIreland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Home for Christmas
    2. Sacred
    3. The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
    4. Heritage
    5. Ellis Island

    ASIN: B0000D9PST
    Release Date: 2003-10-21

    Tracks:

    1. We Three Kings
    2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
    3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
    4. Fairytale Of New York
    5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
    6. Mille Cherubini In Coro
    7. O Holy Night
    8. Silent Night
    9. Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
    10. Winter Wonderland Medley
    11. Mary's Boy Child
    12. Panis Angelicus
    13. Pie Jesu
    14. How Great Thou Art
    15. The Lord's Prayer
    16. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
    17. America The Beautiful

    Amazon.com

    There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they (also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere, the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance, baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway? --Jerry McCulley

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars We Three Kings.......2007-01-16

    The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

    1 out of 5 stars 3 Tenors Christmas.......2007-01-12

    This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.

    5 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Amazing.......2004-12-18

    When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on Amazon I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.

    5 out of 5 stars These Three Kings Rule!.......2004-04-24

    This recording is a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It has power, charm and just enough reverence! Anthony Kearn's "Lord's Prayer" is magnificent! Finbar Wright's "How Great Thou Art" is awe-inspiring! After four years with the "Irish Tenors" poor Mr. Wright still must endure the ignorance of a few "fans", being constantly compared to John McDermott. Finbar took the "Irish Tenors" to a new level, as acknowledged by both Kearns and Tynan. I wonder how long "Ringo" had to endure being compared to Peter Best? Get over it people!

    5 out of 5 stars Another Winner.......2003-12-22

    In their second Christmas album, the three Irish tenors have another very lovely collection of Christmas favorites and a few not so well known. The duets are particularly beautiful and, while I, like other reviewers, would have preferred an all-Christmas album, the American anthems are stirring and well done. My only caveat is the absence of John McDermott, whom I miss. His voice added something less homogenized to the mix and although Finbar Wright has a more operatic tenor voice, I would prefer McDermott if I had my druthers. Nonetheless, this a a grand Christmas album and I recommend it enthusiastically.
    Christmas with Mario Lanza
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Superb Christmas Album
    • Love Mario Lanza
    • Mario Lanza - fantastic
    • Christmas Hymns & Carols: You Do Something to Me
    • Pure hymnal power.
    		 Christmas with Mario Lanza

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Reger, MaxReger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by StradellaAll Works by Stradella | Stradella, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Lanza, MarioLanza, Mario | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    Adam, Adolphe-CharlesAdam, Adolphe-Charles | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Brodszky, NicholasBrodszky, Nicholas | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Gounod, CharlesGounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Gruber, Franz XaverGruber, Franz Xaver | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Handel, George FridericHandel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Mendelssohn, FelixMendelssohn, Felix | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    MusicalsMusicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Lanza: Greatest Hits
    2. The MARIO LANZA Collection
    3. Mario Lanza Sings Songs From The Student Prince & The Desert Song / Romberg
    4. Mario Lanza: At His Best!
    5. You'll Never Walk Alone

    ASIN: B000003EP6
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

    1. Deck The Halls
    2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
    3. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
    4. Joy To The World
    5. O Christmas Tree
    6. I Saw Three Ships
    7. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
    8. Ave Maria
    9. O Holy Night
    10. The Virgin's Slumber Song
    11. Pieta Signore
    12. The First Nowell
    13. O Come All Ye Faithful
    14. Away In A Manger
    15. We Three Kings
    16. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
    17. Silent Night
    18. Guardian Angels
    19. I'll Walk With God
    20. The Lord's Prayer

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Superb Christmas Album.......2007-02-19

    Mario Lanza infuses his characteristic beautiful vocal intensity into this collection of carols and Christmas songs.
    The result is an outstanding album which will bring a lump to your throat and tears to your eye.
    The recordings are old, but the Lanza magic makes this album a must-buy

    5 out of 5 stars Love Mario Lanza.......2007-01-28

    I love Mario Lanza. He is in my top favs. I have wanted this album for ages and it is just as great as I knew it would be. I'll be back to buy more of Mario Lanza.

    5 out of 5 stars Mario Lanza - fantastic.......2007-01-15

    Fantastic voice, wonderful classic Christmas songs. My all-time favourite version of O Holy Night - spine tingling.

    5 out of 5 stars Christmas Hymns & Carols: You Do Something to Me.......2007-01-12

    Wonderful songs, great selections of songs sung by the greatest singer, Mario Lanza.

    5 out of 5 stars Pure hymnal power........2006-12-20

    I have just spent the past six hours listening to snippets of every Christmas CD that I can find on Amazon, and this is the best by far. It's the purest rendition of the best Christmas hymns that are sung in church on Christmas Eve. No inane flourishes, no ignorant alterations, no arrogant amendments, just pure hymnal power. Don't agree? Type "christmas" in the Amazon music search box, listen to all the renditions of all the classic hymns such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and when you are done you cannot but agree that Mario Lanza is not surpassed.

    Update: I am now listening to the full CD and it is better even than I had hoped for. The beauty of Lanza's voice brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
    A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A Mormon Tabernacle Christmas CD
    • Is this the best Christmas album ever recorded?
    • A Perfect Traditional Christmas Album
    • Stunningly beautiful
    • Beautiful...Intriguing...This is Christmas
    		 A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas
    George Frideric Handel , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , John Jacob Niles , Christmas Traditional , Barlow Bradford , Felix Mendelssohn , Franz Xaver Gruber , Craig D. Jessop , John Longhurst , Robert Breault , Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Orchestra at Temple Square
    Manufacturer: Telarc
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Mormon Tabernacle ChoirMormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas
    2. Sing, Choirs of Angels!
    3. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
    4. The Joy of Christmas
    5. Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns

    ASIN: B00004WKD2
    Release Date: 2001-09-25

    Tracks:

    1. Joy To The World
    2. Carol Of The Bells
    3. I Wonder As I Wander
    4. Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?
    5. Masters In This Hall
    6. The First Noel
    7. How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
    8. Pat-A-pan
    9. What Shall We Give To The Babe In The Manger?
    10. One December Bright And Clear
    11. Fantasy On 'What Child Is This?'
    12. Hark! The Herald Angel Sing
    13. Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
    14. Angels From The Realms Of Glory
    15. Silent Night

    Amazon.com

    The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has made more than 20 seasonal recordings since its first one (for broadcast to U.S. servicemen in Europe and the Pacific on Christmas Day, 1945), but none finer than this one, led by the group's newly appointed music director, Craig Jessop. Featuring lush arrangements by Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford, it emphasizes the gentler, more rapturous moods of the holiday, especially in such beautiful settings as Wilberg's of "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?" and "How Far Is It to Bethlehem?" and Bradford's fantasy on "What Child Is This?" Balancing these are several selections in which the choir's blazing, full-voiced splendor shines forth, including Wilberg's festive arrangements of "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as well as Bradford's colorful take on "Pat-a-pan." The choir's singing is magnificent. Listen to the way the men lead off "The First Noel" and to how the full chorus builds the piece to a gorgeous climax, or to the virtuosic job the singers do in the "Carol of the Bells" (with its echoes of Rachmaninoff's The Bells). Impressively backed by the Orchestra at Temple Square, this is a disc to treasure, and a tribute to the admirable work being done in Salt Lake City by maestro Jessop--who now seems poised to inherit the mantle of Robert Shaw. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy or a worthier musician. --Ted Libbey

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars A Mormon Tabernacle Christmas CD.......2007-01-19

    CD arrived in perfect condition; however, the front of the jewel case was cracked.

    5 out of 5 stars Is this the best Christmas album ever recorded?.......2005-12-29

    There have been so many Christmas albums over the years, when I saw this I thought 'Oh no, not another one?' Then I looked at the track titles and saw that this was something different. Among the traditional carols there were many unfamiliar titles (I say this as a foreigner - some may be better known in the USA than in Australia). I decided to buy the SACD version of this release. What a revelation! Where do I start?
    The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is famous for producing very enjoyable choral recordings, usually with a religious theme, but frankly, on an international scale, they do not rate with the best (compare them with some of the better UK symphonic choirs, which is how the Tabernacle choir must be categorized, to see what I mean). But on this album, they have placed themselves well and truly in the international arena. Every aspect of their singing is, to me, perfect - diction, phrasing, musical expression, ensemble, and of greatest importance, a total involvement with and perfect expression of the words and the music. They don't sing about Santa Claus; they sing about the true meaning of Christmas, and mean it. And you really hear how well they sing in the few 'a capella' sections - musical moments that are unsurpassed.
    Then there are the arrangements. These express everything from the implicit grandeur of God coming down to earth, through to the greatest tenderness of the simplicity of his birth as Jesus. All the orchestrations and choral arrangements are completely fresh and unhackneyed, ranging from the most exquisite harmonies through to extraordinarily bold key changes - the people who did these arrangements are amongst the best in the business.
    Then there is the program. This ranges from fresh arrangements of old favourites (sample the fantasy on 'What Child is This?'), to an exploration of the most beautiful unfamiliar songs and carols you will ever hear.
    Finally the engineering. Telarc are famous for the audiophile standards of their recordings, and this is one of their best. The SACD fully utilizes the multiple channels, without resorting to gimmickry. If ever there was a 'you-are-there' recording, this is it.
    In summation: no matter how many Christmas CDs you own; buy this one too. The CD version works well (and remember, if you buy the SACD version - Telarc SACD-60552 - it will play on an ordinary CD player as well), but if you have the equipment to play the multi-channel SACD, you will get an even more rewarding experience.
    All the above may sound over the top, but, as you may have gathered, this release has had a massive impact on me at every level. It is a prize in my collection. The greatest Christmas album ever? Quite possibly.

    5 out of 5 stars A Perfect Traditional Christmas Album.......2005-12-28

    What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger. What an incredible piece, and how well- conducted it is. The music brings tears to my eyes, to be sure. The album is a classic example of how holiday choral music should be performed. This is done with spirit and tenderness.

    If only other orchestras, choirs, and arrangements could be performed as well. Some are, but how often do we purchase an album just to find it not what we like? Fortunately, one can listen to clips of each of the pieces, before purchasing.

    "What Shall We Bring" is becoming now my fondest Christmas song. The performance by the Mormon Choir and orchestra is incredible, to me. I've found other versions of the song, but this version is the finest, by far.

    For those interested about my favorite piece: It is from a traditional Catalonian Carol, translated from Spanish, called, "The Son of Mary."

    5 out of 5 stars Stunningly beautiful.......2005-12-14

    I have heard and enjoyed many recordings from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir over the years. Then, it happened. I heard Joy to the World from this album on the radio and it sent chills up my spine. That never happened. A thrilling arrangement. The other music equally excellent as described. If you have never been big fan of Christmas music, get this album and surprise yourself.

    5 out of 5 stars Beautiful...Intriguing...This is Christmas.......2004-12-09

    The Mormon Tabernacle choir is already known for their beautiful voices of praise. When you add the orchestra of temple square and the spirit of christmas, you receive even more. This CD portrays the birth of Christ. It is beautiful!

    Jazz Music:

    1. Turnaround [Live]
    2. Very Early
    3. Ward Street
    4. West Coast All Stars: Live Sessions [Live]
    5. What's New (Dig) [Import]
    6. 53 West 19th
    7. African Symphony
    8. American Sampler Rag
    9. Angel Eyes
    10. Art of Rhythm

    Jazz Music

    Jazz Music