Yes, Then Yes

1. Yes, Then Yes

2. Looking Forward

3. Never Forgotten

4. Love Is

5. Starstream

6. Swingin' for the Fence

7. One Heart Calling

8. Runaround

9. Child's Play

10. Time Will Tell

Yes, Then Yes,Nelson Rangell,Grp Records,Crossover Jazz,Instrumental Pop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: Just Say Yes!!! 10 years later and still good !!!!!! Yes For This One Nelson from a Sax Player's point of view! Ne, Oui, Si, Da, Aywa, and possibly Yes also!

Yes, Then Yes Nelson Rangell Manufacturer: Grp Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Truest Heart Nelson Rangell In Every Moment Look Again Playing for Keeps ASIN: B0000001TJ Release Date: 1994-02-01

Tracks:

1. Yes, Then Yes
2. Looking Forward
3. Never Forgotten
4. Love Is
5. Star Stream
6. Swingin' For The Fence
7. One Heart Calling
8. The Runaround
9. Child's Play
10. Time Will Tell

Customer Reviews:

Just Say Yes!!!.......2006-02-08

In the early to mid 90's GRP records had contracted with several up and coming musicians and bands. Not the least of which was Nelson Rangell. He is a superb soprano, alto, and tenor sax player. He also can play the flute and piccolo. The title track maybe the best one on this. Looking foward... is a good song too. This features his soprano sax playing. Never Forgotten... is another wonderful track. Love Is... sounds like a remake to me, but there isn't really any fillers on this CD. Star Stream is a dreamy, yet jazzy song. Swinging For The Fence is a techno-jazz style song. He sounds a lot like David Sandborn on this one! One Heart Calling is sad and a long song, that has a Latin style to it. The Runaround will awaken you if you happened to drift off during the last song. This one sounds a lot like the Rippington's and no wonder...because Mark Portmann and Tony Morales (both of which have been part of the Rippingtons) are featured on it. They along with Chuck Loeb are an integral part of this CD. Chuck also produced a good part of it. Child's Play is another song in which Nelson plays the flute and piccolo. I really like this one. The last track Time Will Tell is a fitting ending to a CD in which you must just say yes, to!!!

10 years later and still good !!!!!!.......2004-10-13

I am now finishing my 2nd review of old NR music. In addition to the other positive comments, know that this CD is as good as anything released today.. Several tunes are still played onthe radio demonstrating their timeless nature in the smooth jazz format. This CD demonstrated tome NR's mastery of the sax. Listening to this again reminded me how much I used to listen to it 7 years ago. The tunes are still as sweet. Pick up a copy since I see the used are going so cheep.

Yes For This One.......2001-04-02

Yes, Yes, Yes for this one. Nelson Rangell definetly scored with this upbeat yet sentimental title. Along with Truest Heart, Yes, Then Yes is Nelson's top. Chuck Loeb once again proved he is the man on "Looking Forward" at Nelson's side. Despite the fact that this is the only title where ALL songs are excellent, the top moments of Yes, Then Yes are the alto solos on "The Runaround" (both the opening solo and the altissimo notes solo at 4min 01sec), the arrangement and soprano licks on "Looking Forward" and Nelson's feeling on "Love Is".

Nelson from a Sax Player's point of view!.......2000-10-28

I am also a sax player and am very impressed by Nelson's talent on the sax. He makes playing the sax look extremely easy, but don't let that fool you. The sax is a hard instrument to play and Nelson's playing definitely fools you! It is evident that NR practices every day. The way he growls on the sax is incredible. He has mastered the "altissimo" notes (those extremely high notes). Some of you have said that he sings with the sax. Yes he does. And let me tell you that I have not heard any singers sing this way. Good job, Nelson, and keep up the good work.

Ne, Oui, Si, Da, Aywa, and possibly Yes also!.......2000-05-04

Yes it's funky, and yes it's jazzy sophisticated music, uplifting to the soul and great party music as well. Nelson has one of the best sounds on the alto sax, and knows how to make it sing.

As nice as the music is, there is nothing particularly special, or of any significance here, just a great collection of songs with good sound quality. The sleeve has three full-page photos of Nelson, and is crammed full of credits and thank yous to just about anyone who has a name.

Then yes, Nelson is a happening musician who definitely deserves prominence by the sound of his playing. Yes whack this into your CD player nice and loud, and enjoy some genuinely good happy instrumental music. Very refreshing to come across an artist like Nelson Rangell.

Average customer rating:

Yes We Can and Then Some Lee Dorsey Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music ASIN: B000008F6M Release Date: 1993-02-23

Tracks:

1. Yes We Can, Pt. 1
2. Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley
3. Occapella
4. Riverboat
5. O Me-O, My-O
6. If I Were a Carpenter
7. When the Bill's Paid
8. Place Where We Can Be Free
9. Hello Good Looking
10. As Quiet as It's Kept
11. Lonely Avenue
12. Games People Play
13. On Your Way Down
14. When Can I Come Home?
15. Tears, Tears, and More Tears
16. If She Won't (Find Someone Who Will)
17. Gator Tail
18. Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?
19. Yes We Can, Pt. 2
20. Freedom for the Stallion

Average customer rating: "The death-doomed alone are destined to look on me." Breathtaking, powerful, accessible, not just an alternative Absolutely Breathtaking! A powerful reading of the most moving opera in the Ring. The power of Wagner's music drama is now fully accessible

Wagner: The Valkyrie Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wagner: The Rhinegold Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English) The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English) Mozart - Don Giovanni / Garry Magee · Cullagh · Banks · Plazas · Shore · Tierny · PO · David Parry ASIN: B00004YU6Z Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

1. Act I: Prld - English Nat Opr Orch/Reginald Goodall
2. Act I, Scene 1: The Storm Drove Me Here - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
3. Act I, Scene 1: This House And This Wife - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
4. Act I, Scene 1: Evil Fortune's Never Far From Me - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
5. Act I, Scene 2: There He Lay, Feeble And Faint - Margaret Curphey/Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios
6. Act I, Scene 2: Through Field And Forest - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
7. Act I, Scene 2: Friedmund No One Could Call Me - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
8. Act I, Scene 2: The Neidings Raided Again - Alberto Remedios
9. Act I, Scene 2: So The Norn Who Dealt You This Fate - Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
10. Act I, Scene 2: I Know A Troublesome Race - Clifford Grant
11. Act I, Scene 3: A Sword Was Pledged By My Father - Alberto Remedios
12. Act I, Scene 3: Are You Awake? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
13. Act I, Scene 3: My Husband's Kinsmen - Margaret Curphey
14. Act I, Scene 3: Yes, Loveliest Bride - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
15. Act I, Scene 3: Winter Storms Have Vanished (Siegmund's Spring Song) - Alberto Remedios
16. Act I, Scene 3: You Are The Spring - Margaret Curphey
17. Act I, Scene 3: Oh Sweetest Enchantment - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
18. Act I, Scene 3: The Stream Has Shown My Reflected Face - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
19. Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund Call Me, And Siegmund Am I! - Alberto Remedios
20. Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund, The Walsung, Here You See! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey

Tracks:

1. Act II, Scene 1: Go Bridle Your Horse, Warrior Maid! - Norman Bailey
2. Act II, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Brunnhilde's Battle Cry) - Rita Hunter
3. Act II, Scene 1: The Usual Storm, The Usual Strife - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
4. Act II, Scene 1: Pretend That You Don't Understand! - Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
5. Act II, Scene 1: Now It's Come To Pass! - Norman Bailey
6. Act II, Scene 1: So This Is The End Of The Gods And Their Glory - Ann Howard
7. Act II, Scene 1: You Never Learn What I Would Teach You - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
8. Act II, Scene 1: What Must I Do? - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
9. Act II, Scene 1: Hiaha! Hiaha! Hoyotoho! - Rita Hunter/Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
10. Act II, Scene 2: Fricka Has Won The Fight - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
11. Act II, Scene 2: When Youth's Delightful Pleasures Had Waned - Norman Bailey
12. Act II, Scene 2: She Refused To Reveal More About It - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
13. Act II, Scene 2: There's More To Tell - Norman Bailey
14. Act II, Scene 2: Yet One Can Accomplish What I May Not - Norman Bailey
15. Act II, Scene 2: But The Walsung, Siegmund - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
16. Act II, Scene 2: Then Siegmund Must Fall In His Fight? - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
17. Act II, Scene 2: I Give You My Blessing, Nibelung Son! - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
18. Act II, Scene 2: No, Have Mercy - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey

Tracks:

1. Act II, Scene 2: So I Obey His Command - Rita Hunter
2. Act II, Scene 3: Rest Here For A While; Stay By My Side! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
3. Act II, Scene 3: Away! Away! - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
4. Act II, Scene 3: Where Are You, Siegmund? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
5. Act II, Scene 4: Siegmund! Look At Me! (Announcement Of Death) - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
6. Act II, Scene 4: And If I Come - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
7. Act II, Scene 4: Then Greet For Me Walhall - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
8. Act II, Scene 4: Woe! Woe! Sister And Bride - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
9. Act II, Scene 4: Two Lives Now Lie In Your Power - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
10. Act II, Scene 5: Charms Of Sleep Are Sent To Still - Alberto Remedios
11. Act II, Scene 5: I Hear Your Call - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
12. Act II, Scene 5: Wehwalt! Wehwalt! - Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey

Tracks:

1. Act III, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Ride Of The Valkyries) - Katie Clark/Anne Evans/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Shelagh Squires/Anne Conoley
2. Act III, Scene 1: Shield Me And Help - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
3. Act III, Scene 1: Hear While I Tell You - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
4. Act III, Scene 1: Pray Suffer No Sorrow For Me - Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne...
5. Act III, Scene 1: Fly Him Swiftly, Away To The East! - Rita Hunter
6. Act III, Scene 1: O Radiant Wonder! (Parting Salute) - Margaret Curphey
7. Act III, Scene 1: Stay, Brunnhild! - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
8. Act III, Scene 2: Where Is Brunnhild? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
9. Act III, Scene 2: Weak-Spirited, Womanish Brood! - Norman Bailey
10. Act III, Scene 2: Here I Am, Father - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
11. Act III, Scene 2: No More Will You Ride From Walhall - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
12. Act III, Scene 2: Did You Not Hear What I Decreed? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
13. Act III, Scene 3: Was It So Shameful - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
14. Act III, Scene 3: I Know So Little - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
15. Act III, Scene 3: You, Who This Love Into My Heart Revealed - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
16. Act III, Scene 3: You Indulged Your Love - Norman Bailey
17. Act III, Scene 3: Unworthy Of You This Foolish Maid - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
18. Act III, Scene 3: You Fathered A Glorious Race - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
19. Act III, Scene 3: In Long, Deep Sleep - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
20. Act III, Scene 3: Farewell, My Valiant, Glorious Child! (Wotan's Farewell) - Norman Bailey
21. Act III, Scene 3: These Eyes So Warm And So Bright - Norman Bailey
22. Act III, Scene 3: Loge, Hear! Come At My Call! - Norman Bailey
23. Act III, Scene 3: Magic Fire Music - Norman Bailey

Customer Reviews:

"The death-doomed alone are destined to look on me.".......2007-06-12

Okay, so we have the Solti, Bohm, Karajan, Levine, Janowski, Goodall, and Sawallisch Rings on the market (I haven't listened to the other Ring recordings yet, sorry to say). And all of these leave me to one conclusion: the many differences lead me to believe that all of these ring sets have their own authenticities and setbacks. And here they are:

TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes

CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.

Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.

Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.

Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: everything is slower than adagio moderato. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.

Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".

Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.

Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.

ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.

Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.

Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.

Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act One Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.

Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Bohm's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are found in this Ring. I can hear harps in Flight of the Valkyries! The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.

Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.

Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.

SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).

Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.

Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".

Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.

Levine: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's Ring.

Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.

-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.

Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).

Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."

Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.

Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).

-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm. Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Two exceptions, though: Robert Schunk doesn't sound heroic enough, and Jessye Norman for Levine's Ring doesn't sound young and innocent enough.

-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.

Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.

Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.

Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.

Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. I don't know Levine should've chose Kollo when he recorded his Ring.

-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").

Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.

Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.

Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.

Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.

-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.

Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.

Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.

Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent mime. He is equal to Schreier when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.

Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.

-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on in the Ring.

Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Still, it's satisfactory, and his "Ihrem ende eilen sie zu" gives great foreshadowing.

Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.

Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt depends only on imagination and deviousness, Stolze only vengeance and deviousness, and Windgassen only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.

Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.

Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Schreier. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.

-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings (maybe not in Swarowsky's version). Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm and Goodall. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.

CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the calculated Janowski, the relaxed Levine, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.


Sir Georg Solti: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti

Karl Bohm: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

Herbert von Karajan: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

Goodall: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Rhinegold (Part 1): Wagner: The Rhinegold
-Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)

Marek Janowski: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

James Levine: Der Ring Des Nibelungen

Wolfgang Sawllisch: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper

Breathtaking, powerful, accessible, not just an alternative.......2005-05-03

This is one of three Walkure's in my collection: the very underrated Leinsdorf, the thrilling Boehm and this one with Goodall. I believe Goodall is right up there with the best of them. Remedios, Hunter and Bailey sing beautifully and with sufficient drama. I'll go out on a musical limb and say I believe Bailey is one of the finest Wotan's on disc. Many will disagree but I think he has the measure of the role, the power to pull it off and a burnished timber that never becomes coarse under powerful climaxes... Remedios may well be the star of the trilogy along with Hunter and Bailey. His Siegmund is beautifully sung and his Siegfried by the way, is no mean stint either. Would that we had tenors that could sing Siegfried without sounding stretched beyond their limits. I am continually puzzled by the bad reviews that the orchestra playing receives from ARG, Classics Today and a few others. The ENO is not a Concertgebouw or Vienna Philharmonic but I think they play beautifully, a few clinkers notwithstanding. For a live show, they do a pretty d..... good job. THe sound from both orchestra and singers is exceptionally fine. This set belong in your collection if you like Wagner and, Die Walkure, in particular. If I had been at the performance in the 1970's I would have come home very happy, satisfied and richer for the experience.

Absolutely Breathtaking!.......2002-09-13

I had long cringed at the thought of this magnificant masterpiece recorded in English. Even after reading several rave reviews on this cylce that I've read by authoritive Wagnerites and critics, I was still skeptical. Finally, I decided to add Goodall's 'Ring' as my third complete cycle (after Solti & Bohm) for one reason: because it was in English and I felt it would enhance my understand of 'The Ring.' In fact, after achieving that "higher understanding" I was planning on selling this set on Ebay. That was, of course, before I heard this magnificant recording.

During the course of my research on 'The Goodall Ring' most of the praised seemed to heighten around 'Siegfried,' which is my absolute favorite of the cycle. That also helped to seal the deal. As the critics said, 'Siegfried' under Goodall is excellent, but not as monumental as Solti's reading, which IMHO is the greatest recording of 'Siegfried.'

The set that stands out, to me, in 'The Goodall Ring' is this recording; The Valkyrie. It is absolutely breathtaking. Not only is it my favorite of this set, it is my favorite Valkyrie recording period (I am very familiar with Boehm's, Solti's, Karajan's, Furthwanglers, Levines, and others). Alberto Remedios (Siegmund here and Siegfried in the last two operas) is truly magnificant. It is the best Siegmund I have heard on disc (and his Siegfried rivals Windgassen). Coupled with Margaret Curphey (Sieglinde), you get the most beautiful and moving duo I have heard on record. The duet in Act I is simply glorious. You also get the bonus of Norman Bailey's triumphant Wotan (and Wanderer too). He has such command and prescene. He sounds like a God. Throw in Rita Hunter, who holds her own as Brunnhilde, Goodall's miraculous conducting, and excellent playing by the orchestra and it all adds up to a stunning recording.

I can only say that in a way it's a shame this set is in English. Were it not, I believe Goodall's 'Ring' would be one of the most talked about, popular, and sought after complete recordings of the cycle. I can only say that I am so happy that I finally opened up to opera recorded in a different language than written.

I have fallen completely in love with Goodall's entire cycle. And, I have fallen in love with 'The Ring' all over again.

A powerful reading of the most moving opera in the Ring........2001-08-30

This performance of *Die Valkure,* the second and most popular opera in Wagner's Ring Cycle, is musically splendid. Its special significance, however, is that it is sung in English. An English performance of the Ring is perhaps more important than that of any other opera(s), because Wagner's libretti are suffused with his ideas about society, fate, justice, and love. Even if (at times) you need to read along to understand what the singers are saying, *hearing* the lyrics in English is truly stirring in a way that performances in your non-native language cannot match.
A particular stand-out on this recording is the Wotan. His timbre, diction, and delivery perfectly embody the troubled god who tries desperately, and in vain, to keep the world under his control. His angst and wrath are utterly convincing.

The power of Wagner's music drama is now fully accessible.......2001-01-30

I have never been a fan of opera in translation, but I must say that Andrew Porter's rendering of The Ring in English is amazing. He uses modern, not archaic, English, and the word choice is so very earthy and Germanic that the noble yet somewhat severe atmosphere of the Teutonic myths is conveyed perfectly. The sound, in other words, is an elegantly Germanic, and totally appropriate for the music and the Story it tells. It is not true that you can't understand the English anyway, because you can understand if you care to pay any attention at all. The translation is lucid, and so it the marvelous singing that conveys it.

Goodall's sense of music drama is lush, and takes some getting used to after the crash-and-burn Solti set, but after a time or two it seems just right. Goodall is not always slower than the rest, either; for example, the famous Ride of the Valkyries that begins Act III is quicker than Solti's surprisingly slow and heavy account. It is the most exciting that I have heard--and I have heard quite a few--but it is not so fast that the power is lost in favor of urgency.

This is not an urgent Die Walkure, and it is all the better for it. Goodall takes the time to actually tell the story, and is sensitive to the drama's needs over what could be called convention. For example, Wotan's Farewell doesn't thunder out after Brunnhilde's final declamation, like in so many recordings; rather, Goodall's interpretation is more dreamy, mysterious, and appropriately trance-like, in keeping with the action on stage.

I own the complete Solti Ring, but I must say I will be the first in line to get each new installment of this remarakable Ring as soon they hit the shelves. If you are new to Wagner, and are willing to make the plunge into a complete Ring, then start with this one and see if you want to continue. This recording is definitely one of the great Rings, and the superb translation will open up the work in ways that following the libretto just won't. I promise that you won't be able to put this one away easily. Get it!

Average customer rating:

Alfred Deller - Portrait of a Legend Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Couperin, François | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0001L1B7Y Release Date: 2004-06-08

Average customer rating: Golden Age Singing A GREAT PERFORMANCE

Bizet: Carmen [Highlights] Manufacturer: Gala ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Solti, Sir Georg | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001XMT Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

1. Carmen Highlights: But We Can't See Carmencita
2. Carmen Highlights: When I'll Love You
3. Carmen Highlights: Tell Me About My Mother!
4. Carmen Highlights: You Mother Was Coming Out Of The Chapel With Me'
5. Carmen Highlights: I See My Mother..
6. Carmen Highlights: Then Tell Her That Her Son Loves Her And Venerates Her
7. Carmen Highlights: Near To The Ramparts Of Seville
8. Carmen Highlights: The Lieutenant!...Attention
9. Carmen Highlights: The Sistrum Bars Jangled
10. Carmen Highlights: I Can Return Your Toast
11. Carmen Highlights: I'm Going To Dance In Your Honour
12. Carmen Highlights: The Flower That You Threw Me
13. Carmen Highlights: No, You Do Love Me!
14. Carmen Highlights: Hey There, Carmen! Hey there!
15. Carmen Highlights: Come With Us Across The Countryside
16. Carmen Highlights: Diamonds, Spades...Death!
17. Carmen Highlights: Speak, Speak again, my beauties
18. Carmen Highlights: I Tell Myself That Nothing Daunts Me
19. Carmen Highlights: So It's You?...Yes, Me

Customer Reviews:

Golden Age Singing.......2001-02-21

In very good live-performance sound, this generous (74 minutes) selection of highlights boasts the finest Carmen cast and conductor I have ever heard in one production. Verrett's is the only performance not duplicated on a commercial set, and she is spectacular--as close to the perfect "Carmen voice" as any I have experienced. Te Kanawa's gorgeous sound is likewise unmatchable, even on her complete recording with the same conductor. Van Dam is perfection, and Domingo even better than one has come to expect. A word about the excerpts: they include all of the big "numbers," as well as enough ensemble work to allow one to fully appreciate the conducting of the great Sir Georg. Considering the modest cost, this disc is unbeatable.

A GREAT PERFORMANCE.......1999-10-29

Verrett is the best Carmen imaginable, Domingo the best Don José, Kiri the best Micaela and Solti it's a grand conductor. The ideal Carmen.

Average customer rating: Amazing almost a 5 star.... We need more bands like this one!

"Within The Arcanum Hall" Visionaire Manufacturer: Millennial Sun ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mystical Dominion (+2) ASIN: B00005A8X8 Release Date: 2000-01-24

Tracks:

1. Silhouette of Mind
2. Visionaire Oath
3. Fragmented
4. Deep Worlds
5. The Myriad Will Culminate
6. While They Sleep
7. Conquest
8. Arcanum Hall
9. Entwined Beneath the Portal Star
10. Vitality
11. Ascension Passage

Album Description

A mesmerizing CD that will put the listener into an unknown world. Masterfuly blending the styles of gothic and doom, with the ethereal sounds of a new age. Visionaire will appeal to many, including those pink floyd fans who wanted something yet a little deeper. And perhaps a little darker.....This band has opened the box of enslavement and cares not for rules or an orthodox style. Unlimited is the only rule in this domain. The vocals are clear and ominous, akin to bands like pink floyd and paradise lost. The guitars range from heavy and dark, to light and airy. The keys soar through ancient dimensions. What lurks behind these 11 songs remains a mystery. Only one thing for sure, you will feel the melody and melancholy sifting through your mind as you're pulled into the world of Visionaire.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2002-12-10

This is an incrediblr piece of new wave, gothic, and doom all combined to fit a moody flowing album. This is all produced, and Performed by James Allin. He writes all the music and lyrics. From the first second you put it on you are overwhelmed by flowing tunes, the lyrics are very poetic, and his vocal rythms fit the album well. Throughout the album there is a constant soft background drumming, for the foreground music. He is reasonably talented in guitar, bass, and drums. But what most amazes me about this album is that it is done by one person. EVERY track is solid, and there is not one moment of boredom on this whole cd, it starts strong with Shillhoette of Mind, possibly my favorite song on this album, and progresses through transitional instrumentals, (Arcanum Hall, and The Myriad Will Culminate are great songs, both involving woman vocals)to the end, last song, Ascension Passage, another great one. The crunching guitar solos often remind me of all tiamat's albums, past there live album(sleeping beauty) and mark high on my favorite disc range. Also it sounds quite like Pink Floyd at its lighter moments with, especially with the poetic lyrics, and usage of rythm in his vocals. I recommend this album to any fan of rock!

almost a 5 star...........2002-07-31

firstly it was a great cd from start to finish reminding quite a bit of Tiamat with their "wildhoney" and "A deeper kind of slumber" sound. The fact that this Visionaire project is done by one man is simply astounding. At first few listens i was wondering a bit about how much I liked this but then it really started growing on me with the moods presented. I would recommend this cd if you really like Tiamats wildhoney and A Deeper kind of slumber as Visionaire fits perfectly into that mold. This cd certainly has the depth and talent to continue where Tiamat left off. I would have given this 4 1/2 stars if I could.

We need more bands like this one!.......2001-04-27

I like this CD a lot. The first song starts off a mood of a depressive floating state of mind and introduces some nice crunchy guitars to add spice at the right times. This is for fans of Goth, Rock, Pink Floyd (you can hear a heavy Pink Floyd influence throughout Visionaire, only make it a little heavier and doomy). "Fragmented" and "Conquest" are heavier songs to snap you away from the moodiness for a while until James comes along and transforms your mind state with his excellent writing and structuring skills. What can I say? This thing needs a few complete listens before you can capture all the depth on here but once you do, the mysteries will unfold! A must have for sure.

Average customer rating:

Revelation Manufacturer: Heartpsalm Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAKRAQ Release Date: 2005-01-01

Average customer rating:

Verdi: Rigoletto; La Traviata; Il Trovatore (Highlights) Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B00009KHY6 Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Prelude - John Wakefield
2. The Glass Let Us Fill - John Wakefield
3. See The Early Rays Of Morning - John Wakefield
4. How Curious!... Ah, Was It He? - John Wakefield
5. I Care For Nothing... I Lived A Wild, Unruly Life - John Wakefield
6. Pure As An Angel - John Wakefield
7. On Me This Wretched Woman - John Wakefield
8. Farewell Then, For Ever - John Wakefield
9. Come, Oh My Dearest - John Wakefield
10. Ah, Violetta! - Elizabeth Harwood
11. Prelude - Elizabeth Harwood
12. I'll Wait No Longer... Shall I Bind Me - Elizabeth Harwood
13. Love To The Heart Is The Fair Light Of Morning - Elizabeth Harwood
14. Gaultier Malde!... Ah, How Dear To Me That Name - Elizabeth Harwood
15. Save Your Highness!... Last Night, Alone - Elizabeth Harwood
16. Race Of Courtiers - Elizabeth Harwood

Tracks:

1. My Father!... On Every Sunday Morning... But One Thing Remains - Elizabeth Harwood
2. Wayward As Thistledown - Elizabeth Harwood
3. Why Need You Be So Coy?... I'm Your Slave, Sweet Girl - Elizabeth Harwood
4. 'Twas My Own Fault - Elizabeth Harwood
5. How Well Do I Recall That Night - Donald McIntyre
6. See How The Shadows Of Night - Donald McIntyre
7. Fierce Flames Are Raging - Donald McIntyre
8. All The Stars That Shine Above Us - Donald McIntyre
9. Oh, Life Has Brught You Sorrow - Donald McIntyre
10. As From That Dread Pyre - Donald McIntyre
11. God Have Mercy Upon The Soul Departing - Donald McIntyre
12. See All The Bitter Tears I Shed - Donald McIntyre
13. Yes, Let Me Sleep... Home To Our Mountains - Donald McIntyre
14. Ah, A Light Is Glimm'ring - Donald McIntyre

Average customer rating:

Out tha Box Mixtape, Vol. 1 DJ E-C.L.A.S.S. Manufacturer: Eagle Eye Entertainment, LLC ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAJURC Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Takeover
3. Dun Came Up
4. Holy
5. Get Saved
6. Trumpets Sound
7. I Am
8. Get Your Walk On
9. Murder
10. Amazing Grace
11. DeFcember
12. DJ E-C.L.A.S.S. Speaks Wit' Her Hands
13. Silent Prayer
14. Serve Love
15. Outro

Average customer rating:

Almost Home Gary Konigsberg Manufacturer: Gary Konigsberg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000CA2ZX8 Release Date: 2003-01-01

Jazz Music:

1. 1959
2. Alone in the City [Import]
3. At Disneyland [Live]
4. Awakening
5. Birthday Party [Live]
6. Bob Scobey's Frisco Band
7. Booker Little & Friend [Limited Edition] [Import]
8. Brooklyn Waters
9. Brotherhood
10. Bunk & Lu

Jazz Music

jazz music