Early in the Morning

Early in the Morning

Track Listings

 
1. Doing the Best I Can
2. Summer Holidays
3. My Only Love
4. Electric Blue
5. Coastline
6. Questions
7. Just Keep Giving Your Love to Me
8. Early in the Morning
9. Bet You Didn't Know That
10. A Time and a Place
11. Reprise

Editorial Reviews

From the Artist
Christoph been playing piano and keyboards for several years. He's played the organ and piano in church, played keys in Jazz, Fusion, R&B, Blues, Alternative and Soukous bands, and dj'ed house music. His breadth of experience has enabled him to forge his own distinct style of composition and performance, that ranges from lush ear candy, to upbeat and edgy, all within the realm of the New Adult Contemporary genre.

Product Description
Smooth Jazz keyboardist Christoph Josquin's debut CD presents his interpretation of the many different influences he's had over the years. Some special guests appear on the project, adding guitar and sax to round out the "Early" Smooth Jazz package.

Early in the Morning

Early in the Morning,Christoph Josquin,SONIGLOBE

Jazz

Music

jazz

music
The Lark in the Morning: The Early Years
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • steeleye span collection
  • A Correction
  • Much improved sound quality but.
  • Hark!........ I hear a new and beautiful sound being born!
  • Much improved sound quality
The Lark in the Morning: The Early Years
Steeleye Span
Manufacturer: Castle Music UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British FolkBritish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
Folk RockFolk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. Below the Salt
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ASIN: B0000A55U9
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

  1. Calling-On Song
  2. Blacksmith
  3. Fisherman's Wife
  4. Blackleg Miner
  5. Dark-Eyed Sailor
  6. Copshawholme Fair
  7. All Things Are Quite Silent
  8. Hills of Greenmore
  9. My Johnny Was a Shoemaker
  10. Lowlands of Holland
  11. Twa Corbies
  12. One Night as I Lay on My Bed
  13. Blacksmith
  14. Cold, Haily, Windy Night
  15. Bryan O' Lynn/The Hag With the Money [Jigs]
  16. Prince Charlie Stuart
  17. Boys of Bedlam
  18. False Knight on the Road

Tracks:

  1. Lark in the Morning
  2. Female Drummer
  3. King
  4. Lovely on the Water
  5. Rave On
  6. Gower Wassail
  7. Jigs: Paddy Clancy's Jig/Willie Clancy's Fancy
  8. Four Nights Drunk
  9. When I Was on Horseback
  10. Marrowbones
  11. Captain Coulston
  12. Reels Medley: Dowd's Favorite/10 Float/The Morning Dew
  13. Wee Weaver
  14. Skewball
  15. General Taylor

Album Description

2003 compilation combines the UK folk band's first three albums, 'Hark! The Village Wait' (1970), 'Please To See The King' (1971), & 'Ten Man Mop Or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides Again' (1971). Includes 12-page booklet with liner notes by the band members, photos & credits. 33 tracks. Castle.

Album Details

34 Track Compilation of Early Recordings which Includes the Band's First Three Album plus Three Rare Recordings.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars steeleye span collection.......2007-05-25

This has all my favorites of steeleye span. I have collected most of their tapes over the years and now glad to have the best on CD.

5 out of 5 stars A Correction.......2006-07-08

"A Music Fan" said: "... the impact of Steeleye Span has been widespread both in rock where they were the first band to incorporate medieval influences in rhythm and texture and among international groups for whom their use of traditional folk tunes set a groundbreaking example ..."

Actually, i think that you'll find that that distinction pretty much belongs to the previous band founded by bass player Ashely "Tyger" Hutchings, Fairport Convention.

Doesn't matter -- this is great stuff.

4 out of 5 stars Much improved sound quality but........2005-06-18

Yes the sound quality is much improved, but the vocals were recorded with a little over driven crunch when the vocals are loud. The older more flat mastering of the songs hides this a little better. But with this being said I still think it is a good buy. You can always turn down your treble a little to cover this if you find it annoying.

I already have these albums from the original CD releases and The improvement in sound clarity is for the most part great for a recording made over 30 years ago.
As a bonus, the set includes a great track "General Taylor".

5 out of 5 stars Hark!........ I hear a new and beautiful sound being born!.......2005-06-09

You might want to get "Lark in the Morning" if you don't have the 1st 3 Steeleye albums - all 3 remastered on 2 cd's for about $11.00 is a nicely packaged steal (other great bands from the era should consider this quality/helpful/convenient format - how about the next three Steeleye's for vol. 2?)!

Steeleye's first album (which I originally wrote this review for) truly is something special! Every song on here is great...too bad that this line-up didn't get a more thorough work-out since the magic is flying everywhere on this recording, and having BOTH female singers makes this one SOAR (though the male vocals are spot-on as well)!

The Blacksmith version on here may be one of my favorite songs I've ever heard in this genre. Other beautiful songs like Fisherman's Wife, Dark-Eyed Sailor, Lowlands of Holland, All Things Are Quite Silent, and One Night as I Lay on my Bed have such great harmonies, melodies and energy (some rock! I'd love to see Tull record a couple of these) that they stick with you long after the cd shuts off. Black-leg Miner is such an energetic and trippy string-whacking and cool vision of a new musical style, I am amazed...even that heavy accent really adds to the song (Bluegrass musicians should check this out). Is there a better way to start a new band and album than the Calling On Song? I could go on and on with other songs on HARK!

This album is just wonderful from beginning to end, do yourself a favor and let this soak into your soul, you won't regret it. Cross-over appeal is broad with this band. I should further explore Terry and Gay Wood's music to see if this magic was created on other recordings of theirs. I know it was on the (also great) later Steeleye albums (this album has drumming which gives it a familiar feel, although they tried it without drums after this album for awhile).

Now for this review, the next two great albums need at least some comment to reassure the unconvinced that it was no fluke - THE MAGIC CONTINUES! Please To See The King starts the "new" sound with the cranked up strings and dulcimer minus Terry & Gay Woods but adding Martin Carthy and Peter Knight (two incredibly talented musicians and singers). So many excellent songs here that getting into them all would be daunting, let's just say that they are ALL great and this package is a blast to listen to all-through.

I imagine this band sometimes as hairy-feet Hobbits smoking long-bottom leaf cranking their wired, crazy little electric instruments to the Shire's delight at the great harvest festival - Mordor quakes at the power of these Middle-Earth minstrels, Orcs and Goblins run for their lives...fun thought anyway! Thanks for the gift of your music Steeleye members past and present. The world would feel more empty without it. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars Much improved sound quality.......2005-01-14

Most Steeleye Span fans will already have these albums from the original CD releases. The question may be, should I spend the money to get this package. My answer is a resounding yes!
The improvement in sound clarity is phenomenol. Its like hearing these albums for the first time again (especially the first two.)
As a bonus, the set includes the track "General Taylor" previously only available on the compilation "Individually And Collectively"
So Early in the Morning: Irish Children's Songs, Rhymes & Games
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • enchanting voices, learn new insights to irish people
So Early in the Morning: Irish Children's Songs, Rhymes & Games
Clancy Children
Manufacturer: Tradition Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000058RG
Release Date: 1997-07-22

Tracks:

  1. Mitty Matty Had A Hen
  2. Shelly Kee Bookey
  3. A Big Ship Sailing
  4. Rain, Rain
  5. When I Was Young
  6. Three Gray Geese
  7. Tom, Tom
  8. The Red Fox
  9. Frosty Weather
  10. Oliver Twist
  11. Mammy, Mammy
  12. Seotin Seo
  13. Frog In The Well
  14. See Saw
  15. She Didn't Dance
  16. As I Went Up An Apple Tree
  17. Around To The Butcher's Shop
  18. Paddy On The Railway
  19. Oh Rodger Rum
  20. There Was An Old Man At The Fair
  21. Goodie On A Saucer
  22. One, Two, Three
  23. Dance To Your Daddy
  24. Old Nanny Witch
  25. King Of The Castle
  26. O-Row Shay
  27. Jeremiah, Blow The Fire
  28. Wall Flowers
  29. I've Come All The Way From Dublin
  30. Coming To Work, Sir
  31. Bread Rhyme
  32. Postman, Postman
  33. A Man Of Trouble Deed
  34. Are You Ready For A War?
  35. The Wren Song
  36. Sally Go 'Round The Moon
  37. Old Nanny Gray
  38. Why Don't You Get Johnny's Supper?
  39. Ahem, Ahem
  40. She Can Knit
  41. Soldier, Soldier
  42. All Along
  43. Oro My Little Boat
  44. As I Roved Out
  45. Paper Of Pins
  46. The Rattlin' Bog

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars enchanting voices, learn new insights to irish people.......1999-07-21

This CD is really helpful if you would like to learn new songs for children, the voices are full of laughter and fun ( even when singing about war or the devil) If you collect children's music, or children, this is a must for your collection. With 46 traditional songs on the recording you can't miss.
Sing Ye Heavens - Hymns for All Time
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • What can I say !
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • Another Rutter Keeper!
  • worship of god made mostglorius in this cd
  • Heavenly Music
Sing Ye Heavens - Hymns for All Time
Cambridge Singers , and John Rutter
Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004WGEZ
Release Date: 2000-08-02

Tracks:

  1. Hymns From The Psalms: O God, Our Help In Ages Past
  2. Hymns From The Psalms: The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
  3. Hymns From The Psalms: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
  4. Invocations: Veni, Creator Spiritus
  5. Invocations: Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending
  6. Invocations: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
  7. The Eucharist: Pange Lingua
  8. The Eucharist: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
  9. Passiontide And Easter: Vexilla Regis
  10. Passiontide And Easter: Drop, Drop Slow Tears
  11. Passiontide And Easter: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
  12. Passiontide And Easter: Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
  13. Folk Hymns: Be Thou My Vision
  14. Folk Hymns: All Things Bright And Beautiful
  15. Folk Hymns: Morning Has Broken
  16. Folk Hymns: Amazing Grace
  17. Folk Hymns: We Plough The Fields, And Scatter
  18. Evening Hymns: Glory To Thee, My God, This Night
  19. Evening Hymns: The Day Thou Gavest, Lord Is Ended
  20. Thanksgiving And Dedication: Eternal God
  21. Thanksgiving And Dedication: Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation

Amazon.com

It's good to have the clean-vowelled, fresh-voiced Cambridge Singers back in action with composer John Rutter, who demonstrates once again his considerable talents as a choral director. Here, he also had his work cut out arranging 15 of the tracks (and composing one other). Divided up into various categories, such as "the Eucharist" and "folk hymns," this album will delight the confirmed hymn enthusiast, provided that he or she doesn't insist on the pure, as-written product. Rutter's reworkings range from the bold and brassy (occasionally deliciously over the top--what would Martin Luther have thought of the naughtiness in "A mighty fortress is our God"?) to those of harp-accompanied simplicity, not least in the charming lines of "Be thou my vision." Several tasteful descants are models of their kind. There are some surprises at which to chuckle. For example, not the expected brass and organ job on "We plough the fields and scatter," but a dainty, tripping harp accompaniment to the familiar melody, such as Haydn might have wedded to a Scottish folksong. Occasional numbers might be too saccharine for some tastes, but there are cunningly placed samples of Gregorian chant, Tallis, and Gibbons to provide contrast and cleanse the palate. --Andrew Green

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars What can I say !.......2007-02-15

Having listened to this twice... It is difficult to find words for something so Glorious. It doesn't almost hurt, but I almost exploded in heavenly rapture several times.
You will need to get two. It is not music that you will want to keep to yourself.

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-02

'The hymns heard on this disc span over 15 centuries of the history of Christian Europe, and have been chosen simply to make up a varied program which can be pleasant to hear.' Some items are accompanied by organ, some by harp where a lighter sound was more appropriate. Some are unaccompanied as in the Gregorian hymns, and five of the grandest hymns are given festival arrangements using brass, timpani, percussion and organ. Although the perspective of this album is Anglican,it must be noted that the Anglican hymn tradition has been notably eclectic. Hymnody is forever changing. 'This album does NOT attempt to reflect the most recent changes-the emergence of pop and folk-influenced worship songs and choruses has been well taken care of elsewhere, and time alone will tell whether there is any lasting worth in this most drastic upheaval of worship style.' Therefore, it is timely to reflect upon the immense riches of hymns built up over so many centuries, when they are at great risk of neglect. John Rutter has produced an amazing number of arrangements as well as original songs, and they are all first-rate. Choirs throughout the world (who are skilled enough to sing them)take great pleasure in working with his selections, and audiences, regardless of listening experience seem to enjoy them. They are tuneful, clever and unusual!!!
The Cambridge Singers number : 10 female sopranos,2 male and 4 female altos, 7 tenors and 8 basses. They sing extremely well with clear consonents and well-shaped vowels and plenty of gusto. I miss the boy sopranos that usually sing in the British choirs, but that's only a personal preference, and it surely is not Rutter's preference, because I have never known him to make use of them. A truly inspiring recording, nonetheless.

5 out of 5 stars Another Rutter Keeper!.......2003-02-17

Rutter has won many fans throughout the world for his passionate, creative yet tasteful contributions to church music. Here is a hymn collection with several traditional choices along with Rutter originals.

Several comprise Rutter's remakes, which is most cases are very diginified and not at all distractive to the thrust of the original. The orchestration is superb, and the Cambridge Singers of course provide outstanding choral might.

Well worth consideration to the church music collection.

5 out of 5 stars worship of god made mostglorius in this cd.......2002-04-30

i was 1st introduced to john rutters music on a radio program... when i 1st heard the arrangement of christ the lord is risen today presented in this cd i pictured a grand celebration of the solemn mass of the resurection of our lord and pictured in particular the grand procession i pictured this being celebrated... this hymn and cd does as best as humanly possible represent the great glory of god and does as its title suggests sing with the heavens and for you fellow traditionalists this is a strongly recomended cd

5 out of 5 stars Heavenly Music.......2001-10-15

The hymns of SING, YE HEAVENS represent 1500 years of music in the Christian church. Pure and rich are these hymns by the Cambridge Singers with their perfect diction that leaves nothing for improvement and their tone quality that envelops the listener. The beauty of the harp, the organ, and the brass adds to the pleasure this CD brings to the listener's ear and heart.
Susan Graham - Songs of Ned Rorem
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • One last touch of Paris (but oversold by the critics)
  • wonderful perforance of excellent songs
  • Classic Rorem Songs!
  • Come To Pop, Baby!
  • Worthy indeed - a gem
Susan Graham - Songs of Ned Rorem
Susan Graham , Martin Martineau , and Ensemble Oriol
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004R9BK
Release Date: 2000-04-04

Tracks:

  1. Sonnet [Bynner]
  2. Clouds [Goodman]
  3. Early In The Morning [Hillyer]
  4. The Serpent [Roethke]
  5. Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal [Tennyson]
  6. Opus 101 [Bynner]
  7. I Strolled Across An Open Field [Roethke]
  8. To A Young Girl [Yeats]
  9. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair [after Foster]
  10. Ode [de Ronsard]
  11. For Poulenc [O'Hara]
  12. Littlle elegy [Wylie]
  13. Alleluia
  14. Look Down, Fair Moon [Whitman]
  15. O You Whom I Often And Silently Come [Whitman]
  16. I Will Always Love You [O'Hara]
  17. The Tulip Tree [Goodman]
  18. The Wintry Mind [Bynner]
  19. I Am Rose [Stein]
  20. The Lordly Hudson [Goodman]
  21. O Do Not Love Too Long [Goodman]
  22. Far - Far - Away [Tennyson]
  23. For Susan [Goodman]
  24. A Journey [Glaze]
  25. Sometimes With One I Love [Goodman]
  26. Love [Lodge]
  27. Orchids [Roethke]
  28. Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening [Frost]
  29. Do I Love You More Than A Day [Larson]
  30. Ferry Me Across The Water [Rossetti]
  31. The Sowers [Bynner]
  32. That Shadow, My Likeness [Whitman]

Amazon.com

Contemporary composer Ned Rorem is typically likened to an American Schubert (living in Paris) for the fecundity, emotional range, and quality of his songs (though this represents only one facet of a prolific career). And Rorem's masterful 1998 cycle Evidence of Things Not Seen would seem to justify that reputation, as does this marvelous anthology from the Rorem songbook of the past half-century. The composer is fond of dividing musicians into the "German" and the "French," clearly identifying himself with the latter for the elusive sparkle and subtle play of shadows that characterize his art. What other kind of sensibility could "through-compose" Gertrude Stein's "I Am Rose" in a deftly perfect 27 seconds? Fortunately, American lyric mezzo Susan Graham intuitively understands this expressive aspect, as does pianist-partner Malcolm Martineau. Graham is constantly attentive to the marriage of music and text in the 32 songs here and phrases their little worlds into being with grace and wit. She can shade to a sweet vanishing point or allow her voice to blossom, orchidlike, into a dazzling profusion of colors. Few of these songs, which draw on the poetry of Walt Whitman, Theodore Roethke, Frank O'Hara, and many others, last more than two minutes. But their resonance lingers, whether in the haunting "Opus 101"--with its lean but potent string trio scoring--or the enigmatic "That Shadow, My Likeness" from Whitman. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars One last touch of Paris (but oversold by the critics).......2005-10-11

Ned Rorem is the last survivor, since the death of Virgil Thompson, of the long reach that Paris exerted over a generation of American expatriate composers, many of whom drifted overseas between the wars to study with the legendary Nadia Boulanger. Rorem's songs sometimes have American folk roots, but mostly he writes chansons, and like their French counterparts, his are crystalline, spare, sophisticated, and precisely defined emotionally.

If he were more tlaneted he might have wirtten masterpieces, but mostly this sounds like Samuel Barber on skim milk. Rorem often sets minor, if not trivial poetry. His lyrical gift is modest. But there's no doubt that he has been neglected, largely because of his stubbornly tonal conservatism, and now that tonality is repsectable again, he is being accorded last-minute honors. I'm glad for him, and his best work, which consists of his multi-volume memoirs, has added much to American culture. But even when skillfully sung by an artist of the caliber of Susan Graham, a hour's worth of Rorem's tiny jewel-like chansons is about twice too much at one sitting.

5 out of 5 stars wonderful perforance of excellent songs.......2005-01-20

I'm a neophyte to Ned Rorem's work. To be honest I purchased this CD because I really enjoy listening to Susan Graham. Although I really love hearing Ms. Graham's opera performances, I find it refreshing to hear her singing something in English. I also appreciate how she's taken time to perform something other than opera. Susan Graham's performance of Ned Rorem's songs has me seeking out other performances of his work.

5 out of 5 stars Classic Rorem Songs!.......2004-05-18

Susan Graham has a remarkable mezzo voice and sings Rorem as though she really is a sounding board for the composer. Kudos to her and this CD comes highly recommended to newbies to Rorem songs and those many die-hard fans!

3 out of 5 stars Come To Pop, Baby!.......2004-03-12

Recently, I heard Susan Graham on Garrison Keillor's "Prarie Home Companion" show. Wow! I didn't know who she was, but she had so much humour, verve and style while singing some show tunes, and that incredible voice. I rushed to amazon but all the English language songs I could find seemed to be on this album of Ned Rorem music. Well, whatever the weight lieder songs carry for the Germans, it seems that art songs in English mean songs you can't snap your fingers to, can't slap out a beat to and would never, ever, sing with your friends. I know, I know, I'm a Philistine, but please, Ms. Graham, give us an album of American popular classics, show tunes and the like. When I listened to you on Mr. Keillor's show, if I had been a bell, I'd have been ringing too! You are simply great. Don't let the classical music fans have all the fun. Throw a little our way too. Pretty please.

5 out of 5 stars Worthy indeed - a gem.......2002-08-27

I cannot disagree with "A Music Fan"'s panning of this CD. Having first purchased the Hearing CD which he/she references, I reached the conclusion that Rorem's music was too knotty and "20th century" for repeated listenings and enjoyment. This CD with Susan Graham completely reversed my opinion. The songs are indeed chosen to be accessible, but they are much more than that. They are, simply stated, lovely. This is a disc I will play again and again, and has caused me to investigate many other Rorem CDs. I just came on line to buy it as a gift for a friend. Rorem deserves his due, and this disc gives it to him.
Song of America
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • It's lovely - But not newly recorded!
  • Yet another compilation
  • how precious!
  • Disappointing Duplication
  • If you like this sorta thing
Song of America
Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Charles Naginski , Ned Rorem , American Traditional , Elinor Remick Warren , Kurt Weill , Haydn Wood , Michael Parloff , Jay Ungar , Armen Guzelimian , Craig Rutenberg , David Alpher , Evan Stover , Garrison Keillor , and Mark Rust
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BernsteinAll Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Foster, StephenFoster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Korngold, Erich WolfgangKorngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | 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
Hampson, ThomasHampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Folk | 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
Similar Items:
  1. The Very Best of Thomas Hampson
  2. Christmas with Thomas Hampson
  3. Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson
  4. American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
  5. Leading Man

ASIN: B000BGR0TW
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

  1. As Adam Early In The Morning
  2. Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)
  3. Shenandoah (Traditional)
  4. Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
  5. Danny Deever
  6. Roses Of Picardy
  7. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (1854)
  8. Hard Times Come Again No More (1854)
  9. Molly, Do You Love Me? (1850)
  10. An Old Song Resung
  11. Tomorrow (When You Are Gone)
  12. The Erie Canal (Traditional)
  13. We Two
  14. The Nightingale (Traditional)
  15. Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
  16. Luke Havergal
  17. To What You Said
  18. Look Down Fair Moon
  19. Dirge For Two Veterans
  20. Ethiopia Saluting The Colors

Amazon.com

Thomas Hampson is a persuasive advocate for these treasures from the Library of Congress' vast collections, so this CD's generous sampling leaves you wanting more. It covers the American songbook in all its variety, from traditional "folk" items like Shenandoah to Stephen Foster to the immigrants Erich Korngold and Kurt Weill to Leonard Bernstein and contemporary composers. Hampson adjusts his flexible, light baritone to fit each song. The voice is full and resonant on Danny Deever, simple and direct in 19th-century traditional songs and ballads, and nuanced in songs like Ned Rorem's "As Adam Early in the Morning," one of several on the disc with texts by Walt Whitman. A standout is the last song in this recital, one that leaves you with thoughts about music, history, and our nation's continuing issues, "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," by Henry Burleigh. Most of the selections are performed with piano accompaniment, but several are with a small ensemble of traditional instruments. A word of caution: everything was recorded in the 1990s and presumably was available piecemeal on previous releases, although few are likely to have more than a handful of these 20 gems. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars It's lovely - But not newly recorded!.......2006-10-04

I don't think this recording deserves One Star ratings or that the artist deserves such crude bashing. And re: Hampson's eye-colour.... Uh, these aren't lenses? He has blue eyes. I met him many times and...indeed, they are dark blue.

Anyhow, this is what Hampson is focusing on right now, American song. While those aren't exactly my thing I have to say that he sings them beautifully. I wish he'd stick to that rather than heavy Verdi and Wagner which his voice isn't right for.

1 out of 5 stars Yet another compilation.......2006-06-13

I am a huge Tom fan. I go to his concerts and buy all of his CDs. I must say that I have been disappointed by this CD because it's entirely made of old recordings. There's a new photo on the cover, but that's all that is new here. So if you've bought your share of Tom CDs over the years, you want to check out the track info before you guy this one.

Now, Tom has been on tour and I STRONGLY recommend that you go see him next year when he comes through your city.

The other thing really annoying is that on the CD where you'd expect information about the music or the recording co., you instead get a large warning label from the FBI on pirating.

1 out of 5 stars how precious!.......2006-05-08

Thomas Hampson swoons and croons to monotonous effect throughout this tired collection; again displaying his ego and faux scholarship in ample measure. Oi-vay, what a disaster! And what is with the blue contact lenses in the Jacket phot? Hampson's eyes are brown. What an unbelievably vain Diva!

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing Duplication.......2006-01-17

I have not even heard the album, and I will not. Although I revere Mr. H. in just about everything he does, especially in song and Lieder, I am very disappointed that so many of these songs appear on other cds of which I already have about 19 of him. I think he and the producers should have chosen totally NEW material for this instead of drawing on his past achievements. I have no reservations about his performances, for I have seen him at the Met in opera and at Carnegie Hall in Mahler. I value them and all of his past cd productions.

3 out of 5 stars If you like this sorta thing.......2006-01-17

Here Mr. Hampson is in his element. Unlike his less than viable attempts at Opera, Mr. Hampson is a thorough and intelligent singer of songs. His affectations, so fully inappropriate in bigger operatic literature, work well with the intimate nature of these sweet and personal songs. If you are Hampson fan, this album will thrill you.
DEBUT ~ Nathan Gunn - "American Anthem" from Ragtime to Art Song / Kevin Murphy
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • okay
  • A promise about to be fulfilled
  • Amazing collection - amazing voice.
  • Amazing recordings
  • First Rate Singing!
DEBUT ~ Nathan Gunn - "American Anthem" from Ragtime to Art Song / Kevin Murphy
Nathan Gunn , and Kevin Murphy
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BarberAll Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Barber: Prayers of Kierkegaard/Bartok: Cantata profanna/Vaughan Williams: Dona nobis pacem
  2. Brahms: A German Requiem (New English Adaptation)
  3. John Adams: Shaker Loops; The Wound-Dresser; Short Ride in a Fast Machine
  4. Bernstein: Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah"; Concerto for Orchestra "Jubilee Games"
  5. Prokofiev - War and Peace / Bertini, Gunn, Kit, Mamsirova, Gouriakova, Brubaker, Paris Opera

ASIN: B00000IWW3
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

  1. Shenandoah
  2. Brother Can You Spare A Dime?
  3. Early In The Morning
  4. The Lordly Hudson
  5. At Howard Hawks' House
  6. Holding Each Other
  7. The Lass From The Low Countree
  8. Recuerdo
  9. Nocturne
  10. Sure On This Shining Night
  11. Fur (Murray The Furrier)
  12. Over The Piano
  13. Black Max (As Told By The De Kooning Boys)
  14. Slugging A Vampire
  15. Two Little Flowers
  16. General William Booth Enters Into Heaven
  17. The Lamb
  18. I Wonder As I Wander
  19. At The River
  20. Long Time Ago
  21. Lean Away
  22. American Anthem

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars okay.......2007-01-05

I heard wonderful things about this recording... but was a little disappointed. It is good, but nothing spectacular.

4 out of 5 stars A promise about to be fulfilled.......2006-12-17

Not all of EMI's Debut seeries make it to the U.S., but since this one features an American singer, it did (as did the one featuring rising pianist Jonathan Biss). Nathan gunn is certainly well kn0wn now, after high-profile Met appearances in The Magic Flute and Harbison's An American Tragedy. The past few years have seen him mature, even though his voice will never be heroic. Gunn is very well suited to songs, although he makes a moving (and physically handsome) Billy Budd.

Her he sounds a little stiff, and he cannot carry off the numbers that re comic (Bolcom's Fur) or popular (Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?), but his straightforward masculinity works extremely well in Gene Scheer's Holding Each Other, he has enough poetry for Barber's Sure on This Shining Night, and just enough savoir faire for Rorem's Early One Morning. The voice itself isn't intrinsically beautiful, which may in the end mean that Gunn falls behind young counterparts like Gerald Finley and Simon Keenlyside, both of whom he resembles. Even so, this is a nice debut, and one can say that gunn's promise is being fulfilled.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing collection - amazing voice........2006-02-22

Nathan Gunn has chosen a collection of mostly obscure songs and has applied his remarkable baritone voice to music not usually in the operatic repetoire. What results is a CD of depth, some humor, and extraordinary listenability. It's nice to see one of my favorite opera stars branch out. Bravo!

5 out of 5 stars Amazing recordings.......2006-01-02

I first listened to this recording at the recommendation of a voice teacher and I am eternally grateful. I strongly recommend this album. Nathan Gunn is an extremely talented singer. As a singer myself (also a baritone like Nathan Gunn) I find much in his voice to model.

Nathan Gunn has an extremely beautiful voice, superb technique and execution, and has a very natural sound. There is an old steriotype of opera as sounding forced or artificial, but Nathan Gunn does a great job of avoiding this. He does a great job of communicating the "story" of the song to the listener, and I frequently found myself taken to the world of the song. Listening to many of his songs are like opening a good book and Nathan Gunn takes you there.

Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars First Rate Singing!.......2005-12-20

I only recently discovered Mr. Gunn, but after hearing this recording, it makes me wonder why his name has eluded me for so long. Simply put, Nathan Gunn sings like a god! His voice is pure, and hypnotically beautiful to listen to. Turn on this CD and you will be wrapped in the most luxurious blanket of sound--his phrasing is impeccable, and his dynamics are wonderfully varied without being affected. His recording of Barber's "Nocturne" is haunting. "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" shows he isn't afraid of low notes, and the ending has some of the most spectacular high notes I've ever heard from a baritone. The Copland songs are also well done, as are the two John Jacob Niles selections. I wasn't familiar with Gene Scheer's songs prior to this CD, but they are all quite remarkable, though most especially "Lean Away" and "American Anthem." This is the best addition to my CD collection in a long time. I'm only saddened by the fact he doesn't have more recordings available. Mr. Gunn, I know you're busy with your opera schedule, but for those of us who can't make it to New York to see you in person, please record another CD!
At Home with the Trapp Family Singers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A pleasant surprise
  • The original sound of their music.
At Home with the Trapp Family Singers

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
LiederLieder | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Deutsche Grammophon: MusicDeutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers
  2. The Original Trapp Family Singers
  3. Volume 1
  4. The Von Trapp Children, Vol. 2
  5. Christmas With the Von Trapp Children

ASIN: B000AMJDVU
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

  1. Ev'ry Year Brings Something New
  2. The Farmer's Boy
  3. Waltzing Mathilda
  4. The Lone Prarie
  5. An Eriskay Love Lift
  6. Early One Morning
  7. Trio
  8. In Einem Kuhlen Grunde
  9. Kuckuck Hat Sich Zu Tod Gefallen
  10. Muss I Denn (Zum Stadtele Hinaus)
  11. Innsbruck, Ich Muss Dich Lassen
  12. Alt-Niederlandische Tanze
  13. Es Wollt Ein Jagerlein Jagen
  14. Vocal Yodel
  15. S'Dirndl Is' Wunderschon
  16. Two Austraian Dances
  17. Auf Der Alm
  18. Hatt I Di
  19. Spinn, Spinn Marie
  20. Der Gru
  21. Die Hochalm
  22. Little Terzetto
  23. Andreas Hofers Abschied Vom Leben

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A pleasant surprise.......2007-03-08

I'm one of those The Sound of Music addicted, having lost the track of how many times I've seen it whatever the format is. Therefore, it was basically for curiosity that I've bought this CD. It's a fine recording that takes you to a typical, cosy family reunion. The male voices are not impressive and I wouldn't include the flute solos in the CD. But the final result is very pleasant, excellent to listen in the car while you're driving in the countryside (before lunch, of course).

5 out of 5 stars The original sound of their music. .......2006-01-15

The original von Trapp Family's twenty years of touring and performing internationally had finished, and Maria Augusta von Trapp had written their story in three books and begun several decades of missionary work in New Guinea by the time "The Sound of Music" hit Broadway, and Julie Andrews later sang about her favorite things in a top-earning film. I don't know if the original von Trapp Family benefitted from show and film royalties; they certainly deserved to, for they worked very hard perfecting, under their conductor Dr Franz Wasner, their natural ensemble and music-making talents.

The results may be heard in this first-class CD reissue of recordings they made in New York in 1952 and 1956. The family amassed a large repertoire, collecting items while touring, for example "Waltzing Mathilda" from Australia. The selection here includes a cross-section (loosely titled "Folk Songs") and some of their instrumental items involving recorders, cello and harpsichord. Perhaps the items from their rich Austrian culture are the most satisfying.

This is the second DGG CD release of their recordings. Duration 52 minutes. I recall from my LP collecting days, that there are enough Trapp Family recordings to fill a third CD. I look forward to it.
Ned Rorem: Selected Songs
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great vocal virtuosity
  • Confuzzled
  • An American Composer of Art Song
  • more German than Rorem
  • delightful art songs
Ned Rorem: Selected Songs
Ned Rorem , and Carole Farley
Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Susan Graham - Songs of Ned Rorem
  2. Rorem: The End of Summer, Book of Hours, Bright Music
  3. Rorem: Three Symphonies
  4. Rorem: Flute Concerto; Violin Concerto
  5. The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. 1

ASIN: B00005QISU
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

  1. The Waking
  2. Root Cellar
  3. My Papa's Waltz
  4. I Strolled Across An Open Field
  5. Memory
  6. Orchids
  7. The Serpent
  8. Night Crow
  9. Snake
  10. Lilltel Elegy
  11. The Nightingale
  12. Nantucket
  13. Lullaby Of The Woman Of The Mountain
  14. Love In A Life
  15. What If Some Little Pain...
  16. Visits To St. Elizabeth's
  17. Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
  18. Spring
  19. See How They Love Me
  20. Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal
  21. I Am Rose
  22. Ask Me No More
  23. Far-Far-Away
  24. Early In The Morning
  25. Alleluia
  26. Such Beauty As Hurts To Behold
  27. Sally's Smile
  28. Youth, Day, Old Age, And Night
  29. O You Whom I Often And Silently Come
  30. Full Of Life Now
  31. As Adam Early In The Morning
  32. Are You The New Person?

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great vocal virtuosity.......2005-04-07

This is a great recording, by two great artists. Carole Farley is the ideal singer for Ned Rorem's songs. She spell out every
word and every nuance, giving each song and every poem their full character. The songs are a revelation. I recommend this recording without hesitation.
Christoph (Berlin, Germany)

3 out of 5 stars Confuzzled.......2004-01-03

While these song are GREAT...I cannot get over Carole Farley; her voice is so affected (kind of like a sprechstimme; overly dramatic...). I love the fact that Rorem himself is playing the piano, and as a singer, the catalogue of songs is good to have...but cant say I could ever manage getting over Farley's affectation. There are far superior recordings out there.

5 out of 5 stars An American Composer of Art Song.......2003-04-02

American popular song, whether standards, show tunes,jazz, blues, or rock, is one of our country's most visible artistic achievements. American classical (or Art) songs are much less known. Ned Rorem (b. 1923) is probably the greatest American composer in this unfamiliar medium. Rorem is sometimes dubbed the "American Schubert."

This disc features 32 of Ned Rorem's songs for voice and piano. Soprano Carole Farley is the accomplished singer, and Ned Rorem himself plays the piano. The disc is special because it features settings of the works of American poets. The CD begins with 9 settings of poems by the mid-twentieth century poet, Theodore Roethke, and concludes with settings of 5 poems by Walt Whitman. The disc also includes settings of poems by William Carlos Williams, Gertrude Stein, and Paul Goodman, among others. Thus the disc combines in a special way American creative effort in poetry and in music.

Rorem's songs are declamatory in style. Typically, the voice line delivers the text of the poetry in a sort of chant. The relationship between the voice line and the piano is far from Schubertian. Generally, the piano takes a separate line and accentuates the voice by means of large chords or by runs or by other comments and punctuation on the voice. The texts are well set and the music is effective. There are some unusual harmonies with jazz and blues influences. Rorem's piano accompanyment on this disc gives the recording a sense of authenticity -- we get a good idea of how the composer wants his songs to be conveyed.

The disc includes excellent program notes and texts of all the songs. Naxos has received deservedly high praise for its "American Classics" series which makes much music written by Americans available on CD at a low price. This disc includes some lovely, little-known songs. It is an excellent introduction to the American art song and to the music of Ned Rorem.

3 out of 5 stars more German than Rorem.......2002-07-20

I've been a Rorem fan since hearing a highschool friend perform some of his work in her college recital. His startling, atonal songs were an instant revelation. For years there were few reliable CDs of his vocal work. A scandal considering his reputation rests more on his art songs and chamber music than on his orchestral pieces. This Naxos entry of a wide overview of his best songs is thus quite welcome, due largely to its availability, wide distribution and professional packaging (he's had some shoddy issues before with incorrect liner notes, etc.; the challenge of the low budget).

I can't call myself an unalloyed fan of soprano Carole Farley however. Her delivery here recalls the speak-singing style of German 12-tone composers (a specialty of hers), and can sound melodramatic, especially when she rushes the more delicate passages.

I prefer Rorem's softer, more melodious French side, the one that descends from Impressionism and is more warmly emotive. While Farley loses the shading of some of the more fragile songs, she is well-suited to the longer, more forceful pieces. I've heard many readings of "Early in the Morning" (one of Rorems most popular songs) by male and female vocalists, and its tale of wistful nostalgia is muted by Farley's direct approach. However, she nails "My Papa's Waltz," a fractured setting for a Roethke poem about a frightened child forced to dance with a drunken father. Here her acting skills come to the fore, and she perfectly captures the tipsy madness of the song. Rorem can be quite theatrical himself on occasion. She does almost as well with "See How they love me," a ballad with a regular pace that allows her assertive style to breathe.

At any rate it's great to hear these lovely songs in a recent (2000) recording, accompanied (rather emphatically, but perhaps he's matching his theatrical singer) by Rorem himself.

The similar Susan Graham album is more to my taste, but this is a more than competent bargain set.

4 out of 5 stars delightful art songs.......2002-01-02

rorem's songs are amazing, and naxos has done well
to group them by poet. the complete settings of roethke
are particularly compelling and edgey.

carole farley's voice is lovely, but her phrasing
and willingness to push her voice seems
a big departure from the styling of art songs i've
heard by poulenc and somers.

this takes some getting used to- at least 3 or 4 complete
listen-throughs in my case. her voice is almost jazzy,
kind of like early recordings by holly cole.

anyway, rorem accompanies her on piano so obviously
this reading fits with his intent; his playing is also delightful.

one small quibble- although there are 32 songs, the CD is
57 minutes- brief by naxos standards.
Henry Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 1
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Essential Purcell compositions
  • The entire set is outstanding
Henry Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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  2. Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 3
  3. Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol 6 /King's Consort * King
  4. Henry Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 7
  5. Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol. 11

ASIN: B000002ZR3
Release Date: 1993-11-19

Tracks:

  1. O Sing Unto The Lord: Symphony
  2. O Sing Unto The Lord: O Sing Unto The Lord A New Song...
  3. O Sing Unto The Lord: Sing Unto The Lord And Praise His Name...
  4. O Sing Unto The Lord: The Lord Is Great And Cannot Worthily Be Praised...
  5. O Sing Unto The Lord: O Worship The Lord In The Beauty Of Holiness
  6. O Sing Unto The Lord: Tell It Out Among The Heathen That The Lord Is King
  7. O Praise God In His Holiness: Symphony
  8. O Praise God In His Holiness: Praise Him In His Noble Acts...
  9. O Praise God In His Holiness: Praise Him Upon The Well-Tuned Cymbals
  10. Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem: Symphony
  11. Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem
  12. Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem: Be Thou Exalted, Lord, In Thine Own Strength
  13. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: Symphony
  14. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: To Tell Of Thy Loving-Kindness...
  15. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: O Lord How Glorious Are Thy Works...
  16. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks: For Thou, Lord, Hast Made Me Glad...
  17. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: O Give Thanks Unto The Lord...
  18. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: Who Can Express The Noble Acts Of The Lord...
  19. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: Remember Me, O Lord...
  20. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: That I May See The Felicity Of Thy Chosen...
  21. O Give Thanks Unto The Lord: Blessed Be The Lord God Of Israel...
  22. Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears: Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears...
  23. Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears: We Acknowledge, Lord, Our Wickedness
  24. Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears: Do Not Abhor Us, For Thy Name's Sake...
  25. My Beloved Spake: Symphony
  26. My Beloved Spake: For Lo! The Winter Is Past...
  27. My Beloved Spake: And The Time Of The Singing Of Birds Is Come...
  28. My Beloved Spake: Symphony
  29. My Beloved Spake: My Beloved Is Mine And I Am His.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Essential Purcell compositions.......2004-10-07

According to the liner notes, this first volume contains works that span throughout the whole (short) career of Purcell. Even his earliest anthems written when he was a teenager demonstrate that he was a genious from the beginning. The King Purcell demonstrates a composer at the same level as Bach in talent and depth.
The performances could not be bettered. The singers, choir and orchestra bring their all to these pieces.
The 11 volumes are expensive but really belong in every classical music lover's collection. Buy as many as you can afford.

5 out of 5 stars The entire set is outstanding.......2003-01-16

While some of the works are superior to others the entire set is great in the realm of production. Mostly all of these pieces are just superb and if you are someone who enjoys English Baroque then you absolutely MUST purchase these cds. If you enjoy complex, melancholic or heroic music then I urge you to purchase this cd and the rest of the volumes in the set...you won't be disappointed.
The Trees They Grow So High
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • NOT for Brightman fanboys :)
  • A great showcase for Sarah's exceptional tone
  • Sarah in Recital
  • Folk songs are not suited to The Divine Sarah's voice
  • Unique and Distinct Voice Quality
The Trees They Grow So High

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrittenAll Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
Britten, Sir BenjaminBritten, Sir Benjamin | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Brightman, SarahBrightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000007PJB
Release Date: 1998-09-01

Tracks:

  1. Early One Morning
  2. Come You Not From Newcastle?
  3. Sweet Polly Oliver
  4. The Trees They Grow So High
  5. The Ash Grove
  6. O Waly Waly
  7. How Sweet The Answer
  8. The Plough Boy
  9. Voici Le Printemps
  10. The Last Rose Of Summer
  11. La Belle Est Au Jardin D'amour
  12. Fileuse
  13. Dear Harp Of My Country!
  14. Little Sir William
  15. O Can Ue Sew Cushions?
  16. Oft In The Stilly Night
  17. Quand J'etais Chez Mon Pere
  18. There's None To Soothe
  19. Oliver Cromwell

Album Description

52 minute long collection featuring 19 folk songs arranged by the late Benjamin Britten, including 'Early One Morning','Come You Not From Newcastle?' and 'Sweet Polly Oliver'. Full digital recording with Brightman accompanied only by pianist Geoffrey Parsons. 1998 EMI release.

Album Details

Originally Released in 1988 as "The Trees …", this Recording Was Reissued with an Alternate Title in 1995: "Early in the Morning". Re-released in 1998 under Current Title; Features the Handy Piano Work of Geoffrey Parsons and Arrangements by Benjamin Britten. Includes the Original Track ("Early in the Morning"), "The Last Rose of Summer" and Many More.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars NOT for Brightman fanboys :) .......2007-05-14

Guys, if you don't know, what it is - besides the obvious - don't buy it. I almost regretted the purchase and started to enjoy it only after I overcame the shock. On this LP Sarah Brightman sings English songs that were popular in the XIX century and the musical tastes changed since then rather dramatically. So check out the samples first!

5 out of 5 stars A great showcase for Sarah's exceptional tone .......2007-01-29

While other people may think this collection of songs does not do Sarah's voice justice, I strongly disagree. Indeed, if anything her New Age-sounding albums (such as Luna or something or other) I find horrendous and I think they completely scatter the good qualities of her voice. Not so in this album. True, the songs here are not well-known nor are they decorated with operatic frills which Sarah has the well-known ability to perform, but there is a different beauty here, my friends. The legato, angelic quality of Sarah Brightman's voice can truly be heard in these simple melodies, light and free from the heavy chains of pulsed pop and mediocre attempts at an Enya-like portrayal. THESE songs she sings well, THIS is one of her better albums, and HERE is her beautiful sound which I missed in some of her other albums.

5 out of 5 stars Sarah in Recital.......2006-06-08

I believe I own all of the CDs Sarah Brightman has put out and yes, this one is quite different from all the others she's done.

In this CD she sings (in a strictly classical style) some of the many British folksongs collected and arranged by Benjamin Britten; she is accompanied here by only a piano. Thus if you like classical singing and traditional Brit folksongs, then this is the CD for you. If you're wanting something more pop, hip, musical-theatrical, or celtic--look elsewhere.

Sarah has developed her voice over time and this CD is a good example of how all those singing lessons have paid off as she has a beautiful classical voice (amply evident on this CD) as well as the big, full belt style she delivers in musical theatre production numbers (on other CDs).

This is a great CD for these reasons, but not one for the masses.

2 out of 5 stars Folk songs are not suited to The Divine Sarah's voice.......2005-08-24

When Sarah sings in her soprano voice, I describe her voice as "liquid silver notes of perfection." However, even though her voice sounded lovely, it isn't suited to folk songs and folk singing.

I am definetely a fan of English/Irish/Scottish folk songs and have a fairly large collection of them, but this album will be one of those albums I rarely play.

Because she does have such a gorgous voice, it has the effect of making these songs sound, for lack of a better phrase, artificial and somewhat forced. I think her voice might be a little too trained and operatic, even though she is not an opera singer, for these kinds of songs.

In other words, I think her voice might be too good to sing such simple songs, which is not meant to cast aspersions on people who have lovely voices and sing folk songs. Examples of these would be the Angel of Riverdance, Katie McMahon and Connie Dover! Both of these womyn have high, lovely, voices but they don't sound as trained as Sarah does.

So I can't really reccomend this album.

5 out of 5 stars Unique and Distinct Voice Quality.......2005-02-25

There's a gallery of professional singing Sopranos today, and each has her own specific strengths, history of accomplishments, recognition and influence. The uniqueness that Sarah Brightman presents the listener and viewer is that of a totally dedicated artist who has expanded and refined her voice in an area that other Sopranos haven't - youthfulness, diction, control and width. Starting at an early age she succeeded and excelled in a variety of styles and genres. On this CD, with the simple piano accompaniment that enhances her distinctiveness, she's able to maintain the most melodious range, diction and duration. She enhances the meaning of the folklore (whether English or French) and the classics, as it has not been done before. The selection of music pieces offers and tests her voice skills exceptionally well. Any voice student and expert must not miss the opportunity to identify the voice features that Sarah Brightman's talent offers. Her voice uncovers Soprano skills that usually remain hidden.

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