Bouquet [Live]

1. Theme from Star Trek - Phil Woods Quintet

2. Introductory Announcement - Phil Woods

3. Bouquet - Phil Woods Quintet

4. Introductory Announcement - Phil Woods

5. Tune of the Unknown Samba - Phil Woods Quintet

6. Introductory Announcement - Phil Woods

7. Mom - Phil Woods Quintet

8. Willow Weep for Me - Phil Woods Quintet

Bouquet,Phil Woods,Concord Records,Bop,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating:

Compass Rose Bouquet Great Lakes Myth Society Manufacturer: Quack Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Postmarks Armchair Apocrypha Be He Me Sirens Of The Ditch Emotionalism ASIN: B000R7I2BU Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Heydays
2. Summer Bonfire
3. Nightfall At Electric Park
4. Queen Of the Barley Fool
5. March
6. Eastern Birds
7. Stump Speech
8. Midwest Main Street
9. Days Of Apple Pie
10. Raindrops & Roses
11. Debutante
12. The Gales Of 1838

Average customer rating: The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's Ragtime Marvel Complete, but poor quality

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scott Joplin: Piano Rags The Greatest Ragtime of the Century The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 ASIN: B000003QWN Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

1. The Crush Collision March
2. Combination March
3. Harmony Club Waltz
4. Original Rags
5. Maple Leaf Rag
6. Swipesy Cakewalk
7. Reacherine Rag
8. Sunflower Slow Drag
9. The Augustan Club Waltz
10. The Easy Winners
11. Cleopha
12. A Breeze From Alabama
13. Elite Syncopations

Tracks:

1. The Entertainer
2. The Strenouous Life
3. March Majestic
4. Something Doing
5. Weaping Willow
6. Patr Leaf Rag
7. The Favorite
8. The Sycamore
9. The Cascades
10. The Chysanthemum
11. Bethena
12. Bink's Waltz
13. The Rosebud March

Tracks:

1. Leola
2. Eugenia
3. Antoinette
4. The Ragtime Dance
5. Searchlight Rag
6. Gladiolus Rag
7. Lily Queen
8. Rose Leaf Rag
9. Heliotrope Bouquet
10. The Nonpareil
11. Fig Leaf Rag
12. Sugarcane
13. Pineapple Rag

Tracks:

1. Wall Street Rag (1909)
2. Solace (1909)
3. Pleasant Moments (1909)
4. Country Club (1909)
5. Euphonic Moments (1909)
6. Paragon Rag (1909)
7. Stop-Time Rag (1910)
8. Felicity Rag (1911)
9. Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)
10. Kismet Rag (1913)
11. Magnetic Rag (1914)
12. Reflection Rag (1917)
13. Silver Swan Rag (1917)

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin.......2007-06-08

John Arpin does a great job with these pieces. The songs carry a consistent sound and are played very close to as-written, which comes and goes with old ragtime pieces. The stamping on Stop-Time Rag doesn't have a consistent sound to it, can be a little distracting. Everything else is great, overall I think that it's a great buy, I'm very happy with it.

Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces.......2007-05-31

Once again, another performer feels the need to rewrite the music of the King of Ragtime. Scott Joplin spins in his grave each and every time this recording is played.

Again, to those who believe that concert music is meant to be rewritten by each and every performer I ask, is the same treatment also acceptable for Chopin's and Rachmaninoff's music? Would "Moonlight Sonata" sound better if played at twice the tempo and with a reprise of the first Adagio movement thrown in at the end? Obviously, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO!, so why does one of America's greatest composers get such disrespect?

Interpretation is an integral part of every performance. Adding one's own notes, phrases and chords where none should be is not. Randomly changing the structure of the piece is not. Playing a piece at twice the indicated tempo is not.

One the plus side, the depth of this collection is outstanding. Joplin's lesser known pieces like "Harmony Club Waltz" really shine. The recording is decent in quality, although a bit bassy in places.

While its been stated before, I feel its worth repeating: Buy Joshua Rifkin's performances of Joplin in order to hear how the Master intended his pieces to sound.

complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's.......2007-02-14

Although all of the music is terrific it is rather a lot of a similar sound. I think I would have preferred 2 CD's of selected piano works of Scott Joplin. But I did get the music at a good price.

Ragtime Marvel.......2005-10-09

This collection of Scott Joplin's piano music is outstanding. As a lover of ragtime which was a prelude to jazz, I am thoroughly enjoying this collection. If you are not a lover of jazz, you may be a lover of ragtime. Jazz can sometimes be grating on the nerves, whereas ragtime lifts the spirit.

Complete, but poor quality.......2005-09-25

I have been learning some ragtime and wanted to hear more to find other selections to learn. Listened to Maple Leaf Rag, my favorite, first and was disappointed. Listened to others and was more disappointed. Maple flies - much faster than anyone would play it, you can't make out some of the phrases. And talk about ad libs - Tempo, dynamics, embelishments, nuances - I really think he plays some wrong notes too because he's going so fast. It's really a poor recording - and that's just on Maple Leaf. Others with "intros" start quick and then there's a grand pause, not a rest, but nearly a five second break. It's hard to argue how Joplin would have played it, but this is hardly anything I want to try to imitate. The only qualitating factor is the number of songs for the price. A lot of variety of a poor interpretation is only worth 3 stars. if that. Look for Rifkin or a copy that is as written to listen to first, then go for the ad libs and "artistic interpretations"

Average customer rating: Available at retailers for about $18 A classic compilation A dis-service to Joplin Unique Great set

Scott Joplin: His Complete Works Manufacturer: Bescol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin King of the Ragtime Writers Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls Joplin: Treemonisha Scott Joplin: Piano Rags ASIN: B000001RR2 Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

1. Please Say You Will - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Picture Of Her Face - Richard Zimmerman
3. The Great Crush Collision March - Richard Zimmerman
4. Harmony Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
5. Combination March - Richard Zimmerman
6. Original Rags - Richard Zimmerman
7. Maple Leaf Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Swipesy - Cake Walk - Richard Zimmerman
9. Sunflower Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Peacherine Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Augustan Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
12. The Easy Winners - Richard Zimmerman
13. Cleopha - Richard Zimmerman
14. The Strenuous Life - Richard Zimmerman
15. I Am Thinking Of My Pickanniny Days - Richard Zimmerman
16. The Ragtime Dance - Richard Zimmerman
17. A Breeze From Alabama - Richard Zimmerman
18. Elite Syncopations - Richard Zimmerman

Tracks:

1. March Majestic - S. Joplin
2. The Entertainer - S. Joplin
3. Something Doing - S. Joplin
4. Weeping Willow - S. Joplin
5. Little Black Baby - S. Joplin
6. Palm Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
7. The Favorite - S. Joplin
8. The Sycamore - S. Joplin
9. The Cascades - S. Joplin
10. The Chrysanthemum - S. Joplin
11. Rosebud March - S. Joplin
12. Bethena - S. Joplin
13. Leola - S. Joplin
14. Sarah Dear - S. Joplin
15. Binks Waltz - S. Joplin
16. Eugenia - S. Joplin
17. Antoinette - S. Joplin
18. Snoring Sampson - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Gladiolus Rag - S. Joplin
2. Searchlight Rag - S. Joplin
3. The Nonpareil (None to Equal) - S. Joplin
4. When Your Hair Is Like The Snow - S. Joplin
5. Rose Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
6. Heliotrope Bouquet - S. Joplin
7. School Of Ragtime - S. Joplin
8. Fig Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
9. Sugar Cane - S. Joplin
10. Pine Apple Rag - S. Joplin
11. Wall Street Rag - S. Joplin
12. Solace - S. Joplin
13. Pleasant Moments - S. Joplin
14. Country Club - S. Joplin
15. Paragon Rag - S. Joplin
16. Euphonic Sounds - S. Joplin
17. Stoptime Rag - S. Joplin
18. Felicity Rag - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Highlights From Treemonisha - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Real Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
3. Prelude To Act 3 - Richard Zimmerman
4. Frolic Of The Bears - Richard Zimmerman
5. Lovin' Babe - Richard Zimmerman
6. Scott Joplin's New Rag - Richard Zimmerman
7. Kismet Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Magnetic Rag - Richard Zimmerman
9. Reflection Rag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Silver Swan Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Lily Queen - Richard Zimmerman
12. Sensation - Richard Zimmerman

Customer Reviews:

Available at retailers for about $18.......2006-12-21

Excellent collection - but there are re-sellers listed here that are selling this for as much $50 or $60. Yikes, most major retailers are selling this complete set for $18 - so beware.

A classic compilation.......2006-10-07

This collection is one of my most treasured possessions. (My father gave me the original 5-album set in the 70's when it was originally released on vinyl.)

This is the definitive collection of Scott Joplin's work. Richard Zimmerman provides wonderful performances that accurately reflect Joplin's intentions. (As evidence beyond my personal opinion, I submit the recent releases of digital recordings made from Joplin's piano rolls.)

A few points to consider regarding negative comments you may encounter in other reviews:
* This is a digital recording from an analog master. Lack of quality in the recording does not imply a lackluster performance.
* This is a complete collection. Some similarity is due to Joplin re-exploring melodic themes. But some is due to the fact that these are "rags". One might as well complain that all 50's doo-wop (or all 70's disco) sounds the same.
* Many pieces of the period exhibit formal musical structures, such as the marches of John Phillips Sousa. (Both Sousa and Joplin performed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.) Actually, Joplin is responsible for extending the formal boundaries of ragtime to concert waltzes (Bethena) and opera (A Guest of Honor, Treemonisha)
* This is probably one of the few collections which will include selections from "Treemonisha". It is my understanding that after the initial release, one of Joplin's descendants made a copyright claim that was upheld in court. (I presume the issue was that Joplin had to finance "Treemonisha" himself, and therefore the customary performance clearances did not cover those selections.)

For ragtime students and enthusiasts, this is a "must-have" collection at a very affordable price.

A dis-service to Joplin.......2006-02-01

Sadly, the only virtue this set possesses is completeness.

The pianist does not play Joplin's pieces "as written", the piano is of poor quality, and not properly in tune.

This is emphatically NOT the set to buy. A far better set, beautifully annotated and well played on a good concert grand piano, is the complete works played by Guido Nielsen on the Basta Label.

This set is a dis-service to Joplin and his music. He deserves better, and gets it elsewhere.

Unique .......2004-10-19

I have several cd sets of Joplin's music: Rifkin, Arpo, Nielsen, and Zimmerman. All have their excellent qualities. What sets Zimmerman's set apart is the inclusion of excerpts from Joplin's opera, Treemonisha---especially "A Real Slow Drag." Why the other sets do not include excerpts from Treemonisha, I don't know---because they are some of his most beautiful and joyful pieces of music. Of course, you can hear the orchestrated version of Treemonisha in the Houston Grand Opera recording, and it is spectacular. But Zimmerman's piano version, especially of "A Real Slow Drag," is not to be missed.

Great set.......2001-10-16

I guess this will be a rather one sided review. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin since I first learned to play a piano.

I was shocked to see that one reviewer thought it all sounded the same. How silly. All of Frank Sinatra's music sounds like Frank Sinatra. All of Led Zeppelin sounds like Led Zeppelin. So, if the songs were drastically different, I would question if the same author composed them. As it is, though, each song on this set is fantastic!!

I don't know that I have heard of Richard Zimmerman, and I was a little leary as to what I would be getting, I certainly was impressed. Without a doubt the best renditions of "Weeping Willow" and "Bethena" I have heard, and at least a dozen songs I didn't know Joplin wrote.

Without a doubt, this album is fantastic. A very good price, as well.

Average customer rating: Definitely worth a close look! A Perfect Gift Great Music Baroque for Brides-to-be

Baroque For Brides To Be: A Musical Bouquet for Your Wedding Day Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Giordani, Giuseppe | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Marcello | Marcello, Alessandro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Kirkby, Emma | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Classical Wedding 25 Wedding Favorites The Ultimate Wedding Album Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers Bride's Guide to Wedding Music ASIN: B0000041NF Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

1. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
2. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Concerto In D Minor - Siciliano
3. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Water Music Suite No.1 - Air
4. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Oboe Concerto In D Minor - Adagio
5. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Orchestral Suite, No.3 In D - Air
6. Ombra mai fu (Xerxes)
7. Prelude To The Ceremony: Caro mio ben
8. Prelude To The Ceremony: Bist du bei mir (Thou art Near)
9. Prelude To The Ceremony: Sich uben im Lieben ('Wedding' Cantata No.202)
10. Prelude To The Ceremony: Let The Bright Seraphim (Samson)
11. Prelude To The Ceremony: Trumpet Voluntary
12. Prelude To The Ceremony: Canon In D
13. Whrer'er You Walk (Semele)
14. Recessional: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
15. Recessional: Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
16. Recessional: Cantata No.29 - Sinfonia In D
17. Recessional: Rondeay (Suite No.1 - 'Masterpiece Theater' Theme)
18. Recessional: Cantata No.51 - Alleluia
19. Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin)
20. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March (A Midsummer's Night Dream)

Customer Reviews:

Definitely worth a close look!.......2004-06-22

All of the songs on this CD are beautiful, and the CD is even labeled showing their choice of music dedicated to different parts of a wedding, but you don't have to use them as suggested. I arrived to Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary, less traditional than Wagner's Lohengrin but no less thrilling, and I thought it appropriate given the setting of a late a.m. garden wedding. We made our hasty exit to Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, which I have loved since I was a little girl and even though is called "'Arrival' of the Queen of Sheba", it was my wedding and I did it the way I wanted. Do it YOUR way, to music YOU love. It's your day! Good luck!!!!

A Perfect Gift.......2001-07-12

I love this cd! I actually own "Baroque for Bathtime" which is why I thought of this cd for my future sister-in-law. I think it will make a perfect little pre-wedding gift!

Great Music.......2000-02-23

I love this cd! Its probably one of the better buys I made concerning my wedding. Like most people, I have no idea what classical music is appropriate for a wedding, and for the wedding I hope to have. Listening to this cd has helped me make more intelligent choices and be more informed especially when I'm dealing with the church music director. I feel more confident knowing that I am familiar with the choices before me.

The renditions of the music is wonderful too. I always thought the Bridal Chorus from Lohegrin too "common" but listening to the orchestra and choir on this cd has changed my mind--its a beautiful interpretation of the song that's sure to bring a tear or two.

Baroque for Brides-to-be.......1999-12-04

Short and sweet: I am looking for wedding music to be played while guests are being seated, and I'm only having 2 songs sung by actual vocalists. Just listening to the music for reviewing is enough to bring tears to my eyes. My wedding is coming up in April 2000, so there is a lot of emotion going on inside of this bride-to-be. All in all, so far it is a beautiful album.

Average customer rating: The Fascinating Maria Callas Stupenda! A great compilation... wonderful representation of Callas artistry

Maria Callas - Life & Art (2 CD's & Bonus DVD) Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Verdi: Arias by Maria Callas (includes DVD - rare performance of Callas on film) The Passion of Callas Maria Callas - The Callas Conversations (EMI Classic Archive) Callas - A Documentary Plus Bonus / John Ardoin, Franco Zeffirelli Maria Callas - Passion / A Film by Gerard Caillat ASIN: B0002Z83KW Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. Bellini: Norma - Casta Diva (Act I)
2. Donizetti: Anna Bolena - Al dolce guidami castel natio (Act II)
3. Verdi: Il trovatore - D'amor sull'ali rosee (Act IV)
4. Catalani: La Wally - Ebben? ne andrr lontana (Act I)
5. Giordano: Andrea Chinier - La mamma morta (Act III)
6. Puccini: La bohhme - Donde lieta uscl (Act III)
7. Puccini: Tosca - Vissi d'arte (Act II)
8. Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana - Voi lo sapete o mamma
9. Boito: Mefistofele - L'altra notte in fondo al mare (Act III)10. Puccini: Madama Butterfly - Un bel dl vedremo (Act II)
10. Puccini: Turandot - Signore, ascolta (Act I)
11. Puccini: Manon Lescaut - Sola, perduta, abbandonata (Act IV)
12. Ponchielli: La Gioconda - Suicidio! (Act IV)
13. Verdi: Aida - Ritorna vincitor! (Act I)
14. Bizet: Carmen - Carreau ! Pique ! (Card Scene) (Act III)
15. Massenet: Le Cid - De cet affreux combat...Pleurez, mes yeux ! (Act III)

Tracks:

1. Bellini: La sonnambula - Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno...Sovra il sen la man mi posa (Act I)
2. Bellini: I puritani - Son vergin vezzosa (Act 1)
3. Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Regnava nel silenzio...Quando rapito in estasi (Act I)
4. Verdi: Rigoletto - Gualtier Maldh...Caro nome (Act I)
5. Verdi: La traviata - Ah, fors'h lui (Act I)
6. Puccini: Gianni Schicchi - O mio babbino caro
7. Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur - Ecco: respiro appena. Io son l'umile ancella (Act I)
8. Thomas: Mignon - Ah, pour ce soir...Je suis Titania (Act II)
9. Gounod: Romio et Juliette - Ah ! Je veux vivre dans ce rjve (Act I)
10. Gounod: Faust - Un bouquet !...Ah ! je ris (Jewel Song) (Act III)
11. Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust - D'amour l'ardente flamme (Part IV)
12. Massenet: Werther - Werther ! Qui m'aurait dit...Des cris joyeux (Letter Scene) (Act III)
13. Bizet: Les Pjcheurs de perles - Me voil` seule...Comme autrefois (Act II)
14. Saint-Saens: Samson et Dalila - Printemps qui commence (Act I)
15. Charpentier: Louise - Depuis le jour ( Act III)

Tracks:

1. Massenet: Le Cid - De cet affreux combat...Pleurez, mes yeux (Acte III) (DVD)
2. Bizet: Carmen - Prilude; Habanera (Acte I); Entr'acte (Acte III); Siguidille (Acte I) (DVD)
3. Verdi: Ernani - Surta h la notte...Ernani, involami (Atto I) (DVD)
4. Rossini: La Cenerentola - Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto...Non piy mesta (Atto II) (DVD)
5. Verdi: Don Carlo - O don fatale, o don crudel (Atto III) (DVD)

Customer Reviews:

The Fascinating Maria Callas.......2007-01-10

The DVD of her life was the most interesting part. I was really hoping for a wide selection of arias on the CDs, rather than the two full operas that came in the set.

Stupenda! A great compilation..........2006-08-23

First off, I think this is a great compilation of Maria Callas' work. It has a little bit of almst everything. It picks the right records and highlights them quite well. I liked the idea of splitting the album into two discs. One of lighter romantic arias. The other with tragic and dramatic arias. Now, to the point...
I listen to many operas as it is my music of choice. Whenever I find myself at a loss with a certain soprano for either character or tone I always find myself coming back to Callas. Not having the most tonaly beautiful voice she does for me what is more important. She adds life and passion to the music instead of just singing it. She knows the characters and their motivations. This rare feat comes thru in her voice. Capable of singing almost any soprano role from a light lyric coloratura such as Lakme or to the heavy demands of a Wagnerian role such as Norma. Not only does her range impress but her voice was capable of such colors and shades of those colors. She imparts such pathos and depth with her voice. This for me is most important. A singer can have the most tonaly beautiful voice, but if there is no heart and emotion behind it, forget about it. Callas has that in spades. Maybe that is why 30 some odd years after her death I still find myself turning to her for inpsiration.

wonderful representation of Callas artistry.......2006-04-29

This 2 set CD and additional DVD are a great sampling of Maria Callas singing various operatic arias. They demonstrate not only her remarkable vocal range but her ability to perform expressively as well. No artist in my opinion can act today as well as Callas. Callas voice may have been flawed later on during her career, but her ability to act truly makes up for any vocal imperfections. After all, she is the only operatic soprano I know of who possessed not only the natural talent for acting, but the ability to sing anything from mezzo to soprano. If you are a fan of Callas, then I highly recommend this set. Even those not familiar with Maria Callas should hear her perform at least once.

Average customer rating: Great album for a contemporary wedding

A Windham Hill Wedding Album Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day Touch-Windham Hill 25 Years of Guitar The Mozart Variations Windham Hill Signature Series: Piano Sampler The Bach Variations: A Windham Hill Sampler ASIN: B00008RV0C Release Date: 2003-04-15

Tracks:

1. Arioso - Paul McCandless
2. Wedding Rain - Liz Story
3. Canon - James Galway
4. Menuet From Le Tombeau De Couperin - Paul McCandless
5. Processional - Will Ackerman
6. Brandenburg Concerto No.3: I - Modern Mandolin Quartet
7. Loreta And Desiree's Bouquet, Part I - George Winston
8. Gymnopedie No.1 - Tim Story
9. Nocturne From String Quartet No.2 - Turtle Island String Quartet
10. Ave Maria - Paul McCandless
11. If You Believe - Jim Brickman
12. Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 No.1 - Steve Erquiaga
13. Intermezzo From Carmen - Thea Suits-Silverman
14. Ave Verum Corpus - Paul McCandless

Customer Reviews:

Great album for a contemporary wedding.......2006-11-07

This album was perfect for our wedding ceremony. Loved it!

Average customer rating: great collection, old recordings Good Music!! I found it !! A must for anyone who apreciates Ragtime Some wonderful pieces in this collection

Joplin: The Red Back Book / Schuller, Grierson, New England Ragtime Conservatory, Southland Stingers Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Scott Joplin: Piano Rags Knockout Drops The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (finally) Plays "The Entertainer" The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Turn-of-the-Century Cornet Favorites ASIN: B000002SJG Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Red Back Book: The Cascades - Gunther Schuller
2. The Red Back Book: Sun Flower Slow Drag - Gunther Schuller
3. The Red Back Book: The Chrysanthemum - Gunther Schuller
4. The Red Back Book: The Rag Time Dance - Gunther Schuller
5. The Red Back Book: Sugar Cane - Gunther Schuller
6. The Red Back Book: The Easy Winners - Gunther Schuller
7. The Red Back Book: The Entertainer - Gunther Schuller
8. The Red Back Book: Maple Leaf Rag - Gunther Schuller
9. Elite Syncopations - George Sponhaltz
10. Elite Syncopations: Heliotrope Bouquet - George Sponhaltz
11. Elite Syncopations: The Nonpareil - George Sponhaltz
12. Elite Syncopations: The Strenuous Life - George Sponhaltz
13. Elite Syncopations: Binks' Waltz - George Sponhaltz
14. Elite Syncopations: The Sycamore - George Sponhaltz
15. Elite Syncopations: Eugenia - George Sponhaltz
16. Elite Syncopations: Something Doing - George Sponhaltz

Customer Reviews:

great collection, old recordings.......2007-01-09

I am enjoying this CD, though I hadn't expected the recordings to be so old. The sound quality is good, nevertheless. Good choice for a ragtime fan.

Good Music!!.......2005-09-09

Any fan of ragtime music will enjoy this!! It's interesting and enlightening take on ragtime piano.

I found it !!.......2001-05-26

I, too, grew up listening to an old castte tape of this recording. I have been looking for the cd for many years. Why didn't I look for it at Amazon before ?!

This is a recording that makes any moment a pleasant and joyful time. You will never stop listening to it for years and still enjoy every track as the first time. It is so light... You will also enjoy the charming sound of each instrument, and you'll shurely discover a whole new aproach to Joplin's music as a band, rather than the original piano. Of course, the piano versions stand for themselves, but the deep bass lines, the charming flutes, the rithm of drums, you could almost belive it could have originally been written for a band.

A must for anyone who apreciates Ragtime.......2000-01-07

Anyone who apreciates the Ragtime music of Scott Joplin should own a copy of the New England Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble. I grew up listening to an old cassette recording of the Ensemble and was so excited to find that a CD was still available. It is wonderful and exciting to hear Ragtime played by an entire enseble of instuments, rather than just a piano. Once again, a must for any lover of Ragtime.

Some wonderful pieces in this collection.......1999-10-02

Two words..."Bink's Waltz" worth the price of admission here. While an entire CD of these songs begins to feel strident, this music is very evocative--a brave wash of gaiety over sadness. A good addition to any collection of "American" music. Hope the Ragtime Conservatory records more. J. Makil

Average customer rating: Fabulous

Wild Bouquet The Burns Sisters Manufacturer: Fractal Ent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: In This World Out of the Blue Close to Home Seven Is the Number Over the Hills ASIN: B000I5XDZQ Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. Democracy
2. God's Promise
3. Vigilante Man
4. Ella
5. To Live Again
6. Wild Flower Honey
7. Never Loved At All
8. Can't Stand The Rain
9. The Time Of Day
10. Nowhere To Fall
11. Blue Diamond
12. I Am A Patriot
13. Johnny We Hardly Knew Ya
14. Bring Them Home
15. Pie Jesu

Album Description

The Burns Sisters are back with their new release, and have diligently applied their gorgeous and magical three part harmonies. They will be playing selected dates with Arlo Guthrie later this year.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2007-07-12

Every track is superb. Each time I listen I end up with a new favorite on the CD.

Average customer rating: A star among modern Werthers, but there are others Another Smash Hit From The French Opera Specialists ¿El mejor Werther despues de Kraus? Best Werther recording since the 1930s thoughts on "Werther"

Massenet - Werther / Alagna · Gheorghiu · Hampson · Petibon · Courtis · Fouchécourt · Frémeau · LSO · Pappano Jules Massenet , Antonio Pappano , Roberto Alagna , Angela Gheorghiu , London Symphony Orchestra , Tiffin Children's Choir , Thomas Hampson , Patricia Petibon , Jean-Philippe Courtis , Jean-Paul Fouchécourt , Jean-Marie Frémeau , James Savage-Hanford , Pierre Dupont , and Sophie Boulanger Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music 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 Similar Items: Massenet - Manon / Gheorghiu, Alagna, Patriarco, van Dam, Ragon, Rivenq, Panzarella, Koch, Schimmack, Pappano Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano Puccini - Il Trittico / Alagna, Gheorghiu, Guelfi, Guleghina, Gallardo-Domás, Manca di Nissa, Palmer, Shicoff, van Dam, Pappano Massenet: Le Jongleur de Notre Dame Verdi - Simon Boccanegra / Freni, Cappuccilli, Carreras, Ghiaurov, van Dam, Foiani, Teatro alla Scala, Abbado ASIN: B00001ZSVU Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. Werther: Prelude (Orchestra)
2. Werther: Act One: Assez! Assez! M'ecouterat-on cette fois? (Le Bailli, Les Enfants)
3. Werther: Act One: Bravo pour les enfants! (Johann, Schmidt, Les Enfants, Le Bailli, Sophie)
4. Werther: Act One: Alors, c'est bien ici la maison du Bailli?
5. Werther: Act One: Je ne sais si je veille (Werther)
6. Werther: Act One: Jesus vient de naitre!...Chers enfants! (Les Enfants, Werther)
7. Werther: Act One: Ah! comme ils sont meilleurs que moi! (Werther, Les enfants, Le Bailli)
8. Werther: Act One: Arrivez donc, Bruhlmann! (Le Bailli, Charlotte, Werther, Sophie)
9. Werther: Act One: O spectacle ideal d'amour et d'innocence (Werther)
10. Werther: Act One: Monsieur Werther!...Vivat Bacchus, semper vivat! (Le Bailli, Charlotte, Sophie)
11. Werther: Act One: Sophie!...Albert! Toi de retour! (Albert, Sophie)
12. Werther: Act One: Elle m'aime!...Quelle priere de reconnaissance et d'amour (Albert)
13. Werther: Act One: Interlude (Orchestre)
14. Werther: Act One: Interlude (continued) ...Il Faut nous separer
15. Werther: Act One: Mais vous ne savez rien de moi
16. Werther: Act One: Reve! Extase! Bonheur! (Charlotte, Werther)
17. Werther: Act One: Charlotte! Charlotte! Albert est de retour! (Le Bailli, Charlotte, Werther)
18. Werther: Act Two: Prelude (Orchestre) ....Vivat Bacchus! Semper vivat!
19. Werther: Act Two: Allez, chantez l'office (Johann, Schmidt)
20. Werther: Act Two: Trois mois! Voici trois mois que nous sommes unis! (Albert, Charlotte)
21. Werther: Act Two: Un autre est son epoux!
22. Werther: Act Two: J'aurais sur ma poitrine (Werther)
23. Werther: Act Two: Si! Katchen reviendra, je vous dis! (Schmidt, Johann)
24. Werther: Act Two: Au bonheur dont mon ame est pleine...Vous l'avez dit: mon ame est loyale et sincere (Albert, Werther)
25. Werther: Act Two: Frere, voyez! Voyez le beau bouquet!...Heureux! Pourais-je l'etre encore? (Sophie, Werther, Albert)
26. Werther: Act Two: Ai-je dit vrai? L'amour que j'ai pour elle Ah! qu'il est loin, ce jour plein d'intime douceur
27. Werther: Act Two: N'est-il donc pas d'autre femme
28. Werther: Act Two: Oui, ce qu'elle m'ordonne
29. Werther: Act Two: Lorsque l'enfant revient d'un voyage avant l'heure
30. Werther: Act Two: Mais venez donc! le cortege s'approche (Sophie, Werther, Charlotte, Albert)

Tracks:

1. Werther: Act Three: Prelude (Orchestra)
2. Werther: Act Three: Werther! Werther!...Qui m'aurait dit la place
3. Werther: Act Three: Des cris joyeux d'enfants montent sous ma fenetre (Charlotte)
4. Werther: Act Three: Bonjour, grand soeur! (Sophie, Charlotte)
5. Werther: Act Three: Va! Laisse couler mes larmes (Charlotte)
6. Werther: Act Three: Tiens, Charlotte, crois-moi, ne reste pas ici (Sophie, Charlotte)
7. Werther: Act Three: Ah! mon courage m'abandonne! (Charlotte)
8. Werther: Act Three: Qui, c'est moi! Je reviens! (Werner, Charlotte)
9. Werther: Act Three: Ha! bien souvent...Toute mon ame est la!...Pourquoi me reveiller, o souffle du printemps? (Werner)
10. Werther: Act Three: N'achevez pas! Helas!
11. Werther: Act Three: Ah! Moi! Moi, dans ses bras! (Charlotte, Werther)
12. Werther: Act Three: Werther, est de retour...on la vu revenir (Albert, Charlotte)
13. Werther: Act Four: Entr'acte: La Nuit de Noel (Orchestra)
14. Werther: Act Four: Werther! Werther! Rien! (Charlotte)
15. Werther: Act Four: Qui parle? Charlotte, ah! c'est toi!
16. Werther: Act Four: A cette heure supreme, je suis heureux (Charlotte, Werther)
17. Werther: Act Four: Noel! Noel! Noel!...Dieu! Ces cris joyeux (Les Enfants, Charlotte, Werther, Sophie)
18. Werther: Act Four: Ah! ses yeux se ferment!...Non...Charlotte!...je meurs (Charlotte, Werther)

Amazon.com

The modern discography of Massenet's Werther has long been dominated by the (currently out of print) Philips recording starring José Carreras and Frederica von Stade as well as the earlier EMI version with Alfredo Kraus and Tatiana Troyanos. But this EMI newcomer is within shouting distance of greatness, mainly due to conductor Antonio Pappano. Although any Werther succeeds or fails on the strength of its singers, the conductor is a crucial catalyst (on the Philips set, it's Colin Davis, while on EMI it's Michel Plasson) for maintaining the poetic intensity in a drama that can too easily seem like a naive case study in stalking. The Byronic title character essentially practices emotional blackmail on the married woman he loves by never hiding his suicidal tendencies, though one never thinks such mundane thoughts with tenor Roberto Alagna. Although his voice lacks the tenor bloom one might want, he's so at home with the role and the French language that he delivers a characterization full of imagination and immediacy, sometimes bordering on vocal genius. Soprano Angela Gheoghiu's vocal center is too high for this mezzo role, but she makes a vivid impression through the sheer force of her personality. Thomas Hampson gives vocal glamour but surprising dramatic restraint to the role of her husband, Albert. Although the sound quality is somewhat studio bound, Pappano and the London Symphony Orchestra play as if it's a live performance. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

A star among modern Werthers, but there are others.......2006-05-28

The reviewers below have praised this EMI Werther so thoroughly that there's little to add. Gheorghiu is the only soprano besides Victoria de los Angeles (1868, also on EMI) to record this classic mezzo role, and at times one hears the strain as she reaches for the bottom notes. She lacks de los angeles's many emotional shadings, giving us instead a fairly consistent, verismo-tinged passion, but her vocalism as such is thrilling.

Roberto alagna, a native French speaker despite his name, is the only prominent Werther who can claim that distinciton. I've always felt he was much better suited to French opera than the heavier Verdi-Puccini roles that he now sings, and which (shadoes of Carreras) have led to a coarsening of his voice, along with a pronounced wobble and intonation problems. but he is a star, no doubt, and here he brings charisma and style to Wether. He takes care to find many musical shadings throughout, and since the date for this recording is 1998-99, he is nearly in best voice.

Everyone has praised Pappano (are they following the lead of The Gramophone reviewer, who thought he was the best thing here?), but Colin Davis, Georges Pretre, and Kent Nagano had done as well. Pappano;s distinciton is that he is a bit slower, more dleiberate, and self-consciously refined. I'm not sure that's always a great advantage in Massanet, whose music is given to sighs and longueurs--it can use help form an energetic conductor. EMI's recording form London is a bit distant but otherwise quite good.

IN all, this is a gripping peformance that deserves all the praise it has gotten, but it doesn't erase memories of other fine Werthers, an opera that has been amazingly successful on records. The Davis features a remarkable Charlotte in Frederica von stade and a passionate, verismo Carreras in top form (Philips), the Nagano has gorgeous if not quite idiomatic singing from von Otter and Hadley in a more low-key, melliflous style (Erato), and of course there's the classic Pretre version with de los Angeles and Gedda. This only skims the surface, for there is an oustanding live 1977 performance with Domingo and Fassbaender under Lopez-Corbos from Munich (Orfeo). Indeed, when the Amazon reviewer claims that the Plasson set with Troyanos and Kraus on EMI "dominated" the stereo era, he is far from accurate.

Another Smash Hit From The French Opera Specialists .......2006-02-25

Husband and wife singing sensatio Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu, in another stunning EMI recording, dramatically commit themselves to the passionate characters in this now forgotten opera Werther, which quite possibly is Massenet's best work. Although Alagna and Gheorghiu can sing the Italian opera repertoire with aplomb (Tosca, Trovatore, Boheme, Pagliacci, La Rondine) they have proven time and again that their strongest reperotoire is French opera. As soon as their Romeo Et Juliette hit record stores and stage houses, they were immediately hailed as today's finest French opera singers, a rarity. Not only do they possess beautiful voices but they are intensely dramatic and character-driven. Never more so than in Massenet's Werther, a Gothic romantic drama about the tormented love of the titular hero who kills himself. It's drawn from a popular Romantic-Era 19th century novel - The Sorrows of Young Werther. Both Alagna and Gheorghiu are in great vocal shape. They understand the significance of the text and they are blessed with the talents of their champion conductor, Antonio Pappano, who draws out the power in the musical score with the London Symphony Orchestra. All true fans of Alagna and Gheorghiu will want to own this one, as it is indeed their best work yet.

Roberto Alagna has been criticized for his flawed technique- he sings with self-conscious grandeur and often imitates the lyric tones of predecessors Giuseppe Di Stefano and Franco Corelli. He has a nearly "pop" style voice - all razzzle-dazzle, great volume, beautiful tone, but often fails in the more difficult music. He is however, very gifted and intelligent and attempts to sing with as much passion and drama as possible. I for one love what I hear from him, especially in this recording, where he has never sang better. Angela Gheorghiou sings with her usual dramatic diva flair - thrilling high notes, tessitura, chest voice, musicality and all the good things she has used for other great hits like Juliette and Manon. But in this performance, while it is still good, she is not really in her element. This is a mezzo-soprano role. Charlotte, Werther's unattainable love, must sing with mezzo soprano voice in order to seduce Werther a la Bizet's Carmen. While it is definately a role for a high mezzo, it is not for the purely soprano voice of Angela Gheorghiu. You have to be a fan of these two in order to appreciate Gheorghiu's treatment of a mezzzo soprano role. It is basically the same thing as her Carmen, another mezzo soprano role. If you want to hear outstanding mezzo sopranos in Werther check out the dramatic mezzo style of Brigitte Fassbaender who is by far the best intepretor or check out Federica Von Stade who sings a cooler and less intense Charlotte opposite the supercharged Jose Carreras. Pappano does a great job with the music - bloom, brilliance, darkness and this is by far the best modern recording of the opera.

¿El mejor Werther despues de Kraus?.......2004-10-23

Sorprendente acierto de la EMI (la casa para la que grababa Alfredo Kraus, uno de los interpretes de referencia del papel de 'Werther') al confiar a una de las parejas mas activas discograficamente del momento, Roberto Alagna y Angela Gheorghiu, la grabacion de 'Werther' en 1999 (justo el año de la muerte del mitico Kraus)
Y digo sorprendente porque quizas ROBERTO ALAGNA sea el mejor interprete de Werther desde el mitico Kraus. Sus interpretaciones son muy diferentes entre si, ya que Alagna muestra un timbre mas baritonal que el liviano de Kraus y un canto mas afrancesado: Un canto elegante y entregado capaz de llegar a los agudos sin grandes problemas, que hacen de Alagna seguramente el mejor Werther de su generacion (y por tanto el mejor despues de Kraus).
Como Charlotte encontramos a la soprano ANGELA GHEORGHIU, en un papel que aunque habitualmente es cantado por mezzos, le queda francamente bien: la voz doliente y expresiva de Gheorghiu se presta perfectamente a la psicologia de Charlotte, y la quimica con Alagna en los duos de amor (sobra decir que es su esposo en la vida real) es total.
Completando el reparto nos encontramos con los lujos de PATRICIA PETIBON (una Sophie cuyo timbre recuerda mucho al de Natalie Dessay) y el Albert de un THOMAS HAMPSON que es todo sutilidad. El resto del reparto rinde tambien a buen nivel.
ANTONIO PAPPANO dirige a la LONDON SIMPHONY (que suena igual de bien que siempre) y el coro infantil canta con mucha correccion. Si a esto le sumamos un sonido magnifico (podemos oir en algunos momentos incluso los susurros de Pappano a la orquesta), esto nos lleva a pensar que este 'Werther' sea la mas adecuada segunda opcion, despues de tener la obviamente obligada de Alfredo Kraus. Muy buen trabajo.

Best Werther recording since the 1930s.......2000-03-17

I will admit that I am "imprinted" on the Georges Thill/Ninon Vallin recording from the 1930s and no recording since then has even come close. But this recording does. Alagna (who is a native French speaker, in spite of the Italian name) has the diction and, more important, the style to sing poor Werther perfectly. Gheorghiu sings beautifully as well, and there is no problem with the tessitura, in spite of Charlotte generally being more comfortable for mezzos. Pappano is an up-and-coming conductor who does himself proud with this recording. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one.

thoughts on "Werther".......2000-01-07

Perfect casting for the title role... Alagna feels *good* and sorry for himself...no problems there! Just listen to him belt and bleat through "Pourquoi"...it's no wonder Charlotte changes her mind. "Stop whining!"

This CD is worth your money, provided you already like the opera. Personally, Werther's selfishness drives me up a wall.

There's only one major problem: why is Gheorghiu singing a mezzo role? The middle register of her voice is *not* her best of show.

Average customer rating: Lovely Gospel Bluegrass Album

A Beautiful Bouquet Rose Maddox & the Vern Williams Band Manufacturer: Arhoolie Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bluegrass from the Gold Country Mountain Preacher's Child Three Score and Ten Thirtieth Anniversary Special The Little Darlin' Sessions ASIN: B000MM1F50 Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

1. We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder
2. Life's Evening Sun
3. Church In The Wildwood
4. When God Dips His Love In My Heart
5. I Can't Feel At Home
6. Farther Along
7. I'll Fly Away
8. In The Sweet By And By
9. Kneel At The Cross
10. Turn Your Radio On
11. Beautiful Bouquet
12. Take Me In The Lifeboat
13. If We Never Meet Again
14. Swing Low Sweet Chariot

Customer Reviews:

Lovely Gospel Bluegrass Album .......2007-07-09

This is a long-awaited reissue between Vern Williams' fans.
Rose Maddox and the VWB used to perform together quite often, and Rose always wanted to record an LP with the band.
As always, the great Vern Williams singing a high-soaring tenor, with help by his son Del on guitar and vocal, and the great Keith Little on banjo, guitar and baritone vocals. Kevin Thompson holds it all together on the solid doghouse bass, and Ed Neff plays fiddle and also a very interesting second mandolin to Vern.
Highlights of this CD are the long-forgotten "Church In The Valley", "I'll Fly Away", "Take Me In The Lifeboat" and the sweet title track "Beautiful Boquet", where Rose gets to sing with brother Don Maddox.
The atmosphere through the whole CD is very intense, and Keith's banjo is absolutely tasteful, simple backup when needed and solid breaks too!
I am a huge fan of Vern's music, and found this CD accidentally (even tough mine doesn't have the "A" in the title, just "Beautiful Boquet"). It's a regular in my CD player, highly recommended!!!

Jazz Music:

1. Brazilian Serenade [Import] [Original recording remastered]
2. Brother Jack Meets the Boss
3. Brotherzone [Import]
4. Chez Toots
5. Closer to the Source [Import]
6. Cool Struttin'
7. Dansez-Vous Le Bop?
8. Destiny
9. Dizzy's Big 4
10. Doggin' Around

Jazz Music

jazz music