| 1. Wide Open Spaces |
| 2. PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) |
| 3. State of Grace |
| 4. Bring It On |
| 5. Cat Paws |
| 6. Katherine |
| 7. Hearts on Fire |
| 8. Moonterrace |
| 9. Island of Temples |
| 10. Deep Ellum |
State of Grace,Jeff Lorber,Polygram Records,Crossover Jazz,Fusion,Jazz,Jazz Music,Jazz-Pop,Pop,Smooth Jazz
Average customer rating:
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State of Grace
The Holmes Brothers Manufacturer: Alligator Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000KLNLDC Release Date: 2007-01-16 |
Tracks:
- Smiling Face Hiding A Weeping Heart
- Close The Door
- (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?
- Gasoline Drawers
- I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You (with Rosanne Cash)
- Bad Moon Rising
- Three Gray Walls
- If I Had A Boat
- Those Memories Of You (with Joan Osborne)
- I Want You To Want Me
- Ain't It Funny What A Fool Will Do
- Standing In The Need Of Love
- I've Just Seen The Rock Of Ages (with Levon Helm)
- God Will
Amazon.com
Elvis Costello made Nick Lowe's "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?" a hard-put question--the Holmes Brothers transform it into a prayer on their spare, passionate tenth album. The disc earns its title by gently framing a clutch of originals and well-chosen covers within their signature blend of old-time gospel singing and roadhouse blues. And zydeco: they transport CCR's "Bad Moon Rising" from the mythic swamps of California songwriter John Fogerty to the authentic bayous of southern Louisiana with an accordion-led arrangement and two-step rhythm. Although these New York City-based juke joint veterans are an electric band, this time out producer Craig Street has surrounded the velvet and grit of their three-part harmonies with acoustic instruments and relaxed tempos. The uncluttered setting magnifies every nuance of their singing, making many of these performances absolutely angelic. And the simpler the better. Their slow, wistful piano-accompanied version of Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me" aches with desire and sadness. Wendell Holmes and Rosanne Cash bare the wounded soul of Hank Williams's "I Can't Help It If I'm Still in Love with You" as they trade verses over acoustic guitars and mandolins. Joan Osborne and Levon Helm contribute guest vocal on other songs, but it's the Brothers' organic union of the spiritual and the corporeal that makes this album so lovely and so thrilling. --Ted DrozdowskiAlbum Description
The Holmes Brothers return with State Of Grace, produced by Craig Street (Norah Jones, Chris Whitley, Cassandra Wilson) who also produced Simple Truths. Noted for their ability to transform songs by legendary writers from The Beatles to Tom Waits to Bob Marley, The Holmes Brothers push that tradition even farther on State Of Grace. They expertly reinvent songs by writers as diverse as John Fogerty (Bad Moon Rising), Cheap Trick (I Want You To Want Me), Hank Williams, Sr. (I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You), Nick Lowe (What's So Funny `Bout Peace, Love And Understanding?), George Jones (Ain't It Funny What A Fool Will Do), and Lyle Lovett (God Will, If I Had A Boat), delivering versions that need to be heard to be believed.For the first time, several of The Holmes Brothers' star friends add talents to the sessions. Levon Helm, drummer/vocalist from The Band, joined by his daughter Amy Helm, makes his first vocal recording since recovering from throat cancer with a heartfelt lead on I've Just Seen The Rock Of Ages. On the Hank Williams classic I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You Wendell trades verses with Rosanne Cash in a mesmerizing performance. And old friend Joan Osborne steps out on a bluesy, storefront church version of Those Memories Of You. The Holmes Brothers interplay of their voices with their guests' is simple, musical magic.
As incredible as they are as interpreters (OffBeat calls them "the best interpretive group working today"), The Holmes Brothers are equally talented songwriters. Exceptional originals Gasoline Drawers, Smiling Face Hiding A Weeping Heart, Close The Door and Standing In The Need Of Love showcase the same true-life stories, depth of feeling, heartbreak and humor found in the timeless songs they choose to cover. With one foot firmly planted in the secular world, The Holmes Brothers layer their songs with rich gospel harmonies and alternately rough-edged and tender vocals, producing what is undoubtedly their richest and most fully realized album.
Customer Reviews:
State of Grace, The Holmes Brothers.......2007-07-02
A very pleasing state it is.......2007-05-14
gasoline drawers.......2007-04-04
A must for your collection.......2007-03-08
Interpretive? Yes. Gospel? No, Blues, Maybe........2007-02-23
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State of Grace
Various Artists Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00004YBZS Release Date: 2000-10-10 |
Tracks:
- Vent Redemptor Gentium - Lisbeth Scott
- Amazing Grace - Lisbeth Scott
- Miserere - The Joyful Company Of Singers
- Veni Creator Spiritus - Lisbeth Scott/Gavyn Wright
- Auguries Of Innocence: Part 1 - Gavyn Wright/David Theodore
- Auguries Of Innocence: Part 2 - Gavyn Wright/David Theodore
- Be Still My Soul - Lisbeth Scott/Paul Schwartz
- Angelica - Lisbeth Scott/Gavyn Wright/Jonathan Williams
- Simple Gifts - Lisbeth Scott/Andrew Findon/Dirk Campbell
- State Of Grace/Miserere (Remix) - Gavyn Wright/Paul Schwartz
Amazon.com
Producer and composer Paul Schwartz thanks many people on State of Grace, but there is one notable exclusion: the 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen. Although these aren't her compositions, echoes of her ecstatic hymns and sequences resound throughout Schwartz's latest electronica-classical opus. He composes his own 21st-century gothic chants, which are sung by the impassioned soprano Lisbeth Scott. Scott is a powerful singer who brings a more emotional, perhaps even lustful, tone to these electro-Gregorian evocations, gliding over synthesizer ministrations and violin from the durable Gavyn Wright. Paul Schwartz was also responsible for the Aria CDs, on which he updated operatic arias with dance beats. State of Grace benefits from the less oppressive rhythmic regimentation, letting these soaring melodies ring out. When Schwartz deviates from his gothic inspirations, State of Grace flags, notably on a predictable rendition of "Amazing Grace," a misguided Celtic take on the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts," and a trio of instrumentals. --John DilibertoCustomer Reviews:
Similar to Mehdi??? .......2007-06-14
For a while this CD never left my rotation, and I play a lot of music. I still get a quick thrill of anticipation when I run across it in my stacks of CDs, and decide to play it again.
This is spiritual music, true, but it is modern vocal/electronica as much as anything. It has a beat, it has soul, it is full-toned and gorgeous. But not too sweet, as the female vocalist puts grit into the tunes. Don't be put off by "Amazing Grace": yes, its that song, but not like you've ever heard it before. The arrangements add a new feel, and counterpoint the melody in an interesting and new way. All the "familiar songs" are like that: e.g. "Gift to be Simple (AKA Lord of the dance, the Shaker song)". The original works are similarly wonderful. You will be amazed.
Paul Schwarz has found a niche that I hope he never leaves. If he can continue to match the quality, beauty, composition and orchestration on this effort, he will become one of my top favorite artists of all time. (Other artists I enjoy: Enigma, Mark O'Conner, David Arkenstone, Acoustic Alchemy, Lesiem, Mars Lasar, Secret Garden, Bela Fleck, Moby, Bill Douglas, Dave Grusin, Fourplay, David Benoit, Angels of Venice, Loreena Mckennit, Andreas Vollenweider to name a very few. Mehdi is OK to go to sleep to.)
The best of Lizbeth Scott and Paul Schwartz.......2007-05-28
Amazing !!!!.......2007-05-14
I took my copy to a friend of mine, who has a B&O system and played the masterpiece for him. He was positively blown away and plays his copy every night.
I just bought a copy of the disc along with the second version, which I am listening to now.
To be treasured.......2007-01-29
My favorite song on the cd is "Be Still My Soul."
Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side/ Stand calm within, the storm of grief and pain/ Trust in thy God to order and provide/ Through every change, His faithful light remains/ Be still my soul, the restful peace within/ Through trying times leads to a joyful end
Be still my soul, the wind and waves sure know/ The voice who ruled them when He dwelt below/ Torment and doubt have slipped into the past/ All darkened mysteries shall shine at last/ His burning sun shall melt the ice of fear/ Lift up your heart, His soothing voice to hear
Be still my soul, when light you cannot see/ And trembling skies speak to the fear in thee/ The face of God illuminates the light/ Amending peace and trust in perfect light/ Be still my soul, when tears fall from above/ You are divine, eternally in love.
Soar!
o8E
Enhanting and Soul-Calming.......2006-02-01
"Be Still My Soul" is like a musical tranquilizer, a heartfelt, beautiful melody that brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it. It makes me feel as if I'm safely enfolded in God's wings and listening to His heart beating just for me.
I'm eager to find more music like this. I highly recommend this if you love soothing, uplifting music.
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State of Grace III
Various Artists Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000J10HE4 Release Date: 2006-11-07 |
Tracks:
- Christe Redemptor
- Agnus Dei
- Beams of Heaven
- Center of my Heart
- Lux Aeterna
- . . .et lux perpetua
- To You
- Listen
- Somnium
- Salve Regina
- Soledad
Amazon.com
The chant craze has been over for a decade, but Paul Schwartz continues with his State of Grace project, setting Latin texts and hymns to modern settings. On the third album in the series, he leads with his strong suit, the powerful, impassioned voice of Lisbeth Scott. She's been the featured singer with State of Grace since the first album, which no doubt led to her being the voice of John Debney's score to The Passion of the Christ. Over a chugging electronica beat, she intones the Latin hymn "Christe Redemptor" like a plea to a lost lover, recalling her performance on "Veni Redemptor Gentium" from the first CD. Scott shines throughout the album, including on the urgent plea of "To You" and the Abbess Hildegard-like strains of "Somnium." Schwartz has a good ear for the ancient, but perhaps it's beginning to sound antique even to him. That may be why the album sounds like such a hodgepodge of neo-gothic pop-classical romanticism. There are orchestral opuses ("Lux Aeterna") and a piano-violin duet ("Soledad"), gospel hymns ("Beams of Heaven") and pop songs that wouldn't sound out of place on a Celine Dion album ("Center of My Heart"). It tends to undermine his initial concept without providing a breakthrough into something new. --John DilibertoCustomer Reviews:
Title is what it is........2007-05-12
Another classic.......2007-02-22
Enchanting, moving, wonderful musical creation........2007-01-30
This guy is good..........2007-01-05
soothing.......2007-01-04
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State of Grace II: Turning to Peace
Paul Schwartz Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000C3GZ0 Release Date: 2003-10-07 |
Tracks:
- Magnificat
- Turning To Peace
- Curacion (Sunlight On Water) - The Joyful Company Of Singers
- Stabat Mater
- Quia Respexit
- Fear Not - Lisbeth Scott
- Et Misericordia - Helen Tunstall
- Suscepit Israel
- Ave Maria - Lisbeth Scott
- Gloria
- Let Me - Lisbeth Scott
Album Description
Paul Schwartz is back with a follow-up to the popular series State of Grace, with State of Grace II: Turning To Peace. Having always been drawn to the great Latin texts that have inspired so many great composers before him, State of Grace II: Turning To Peace is based on two Latin texts: the Magnificat and the Stabat Mater."The Magnificat is taken directly from the Bible, from the Gospel of Luke: it is the prayer of Mary expressing her joy in the knowledge that she will bear the son of God. The Stabat Mater is a medieval poem that describes the sorrows of Mary as her son's life is taken. I wanted to oppose the two images: the rejoicing expectant mother, and the eventual tragedy that overcomes her. These texts and the other songs on the album form a journey from joy, to sorrow, to joy again." Paul Schwartz
With Lisbeth Scott once again lending her vocal talents, this is possibly Schwartz' most beautiful release yet!
Customer Reviews:
Great sequel to 1.......2007-02-22
Beautiful music........2007-02-13
State of Grace II.......2007-02-07
State of Grace II not the "bang" that SG I was..........2006-08-05
WCJ
A Pleasant Recording.......2006-07-24
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Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites
Manufacturer: Castle Pulse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0009SOFXG Release Date: 2005-08-01 |
Tracks:
- Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Dies Irae
- Men of Harlech
- You'll Never Walk Alone
- Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
- Old Folks at Home
- Il Liza Jane
- Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Vergine Degli Angeli
- Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
- My Hero
- God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- German Mass/Gloria
- German Mass/Sanctus
- Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
- All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
- Arwelfa
- Invictus
- Softly as I Leave You
Tracks:
- Diolch l'R L
- Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
- Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
- Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
- Memories of Martha
- I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
- Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
- Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
- Creation's Hymn
- In the Spirit!
- Shall We Gather at the River
- Nos a Bore
- Very Best Time of Year
- Soon Ah Will Be Done
- Thanks Be to God
- Flower That Shattered the Stone
- Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
- Where Shall I Be?
- Bywyd y Bugail
- Lord's Prayer
Tracks:
- Ave Maria
- Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
- She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
- Cymru Fach
- Nidaros
- Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
- Watching the Wheat
- Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
- Misbles/Stars
- Rachie
- Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
- There Is a Balm in Gilead
- Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
- My Lord, What a Mornin'
- Bryn Myrddin
- Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
- Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
- Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
- Ride the Chariot
- Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir
Tracks:
- Y Nefoedd
- Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
- Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
- By Babylon's Wave
- I'm Gonna Sing
- Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
- Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
- Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
- Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
- That's All I Want from You
- Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
- Give Me Jesus
- Just a Closer Walk with Thee
- My Wish for You
- Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
- Mose in Egitto/Prayer
- Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
- God's Choir in the Sky
- Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
- Smilin' Through
Tracks:
- Calon Lan
- True Love
- Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
- Aberystwyth
- Comrades in Arms
- Cats/Memory
- They Led My Lord Away
- State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
- When I Fall in Love
- Let's Face the Music and Dance
- Windmills of Your Mind
- How Soon
- Non Nobis Domine
- Rhythm of Life
- Kalinka
- Sound an Alarm
- Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
- Turandot/Nessun Dorma
- Christus Redemptor
- Ann Evening's Pastorale
Album Details
Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.
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State of Grace
Pierce Pettis Manufacturer: Compass Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005LN2B Release Date: 2001-07-10 |
Tracks:
- Rise From The Ruins
- State Of Grace
- Long Way Back Home
- Georgia Moon
- A Mountaineer Is Always Free
- Moontown
- We Will Meet Again
- Nothing But The Truth
- Crying Ground
- All In Good Time
- Little River Canyon
- Down In The Flood
- I've Got A Hope
Amazon.com
Neo-folkie Pierce Pettis can always be counted on for poetic songs of beauty and passion that arrive at a listener's head and heart at precisely the same time. On State of Grace his low-key compositions, delivered with an easy gait, illuminate the many facets of the Southern experience. All of his references to genteel manners and verandas and Confederate statues might seem like glossy picture post cards, except that Pettis, an Alabaman, also finds the unique truths of a geographic region that's lost much of its identity with the Wal-Mart homogenization of America. Most of his songs, whether steeped in the folk tradition or flirting with blues or rock, carry an undertow of spirituality that promises something more than man's troubles on this earth, and in these endeavors, especially "I've Got a Hope," Pettis manages to bypass cloying sentiment in conjuring something real. As the singer-songwriter puts it, this is an album "peppered with hope." Well said, and well done, too. And yes, with grace. --Alanna NashCustomer Reviews:
Why not the fame he deserves!.......2001-12-10
Also was fortunate to purchase all of his recordings with the now defunct Windham. I am convinced no other artist has the desire and compassion and natural talent for music. Now we can't buy these songs.
I recently saw a solo concert in Indiana and it confirmed this belief. His wife Michele and Pierce travel to small venues ( 100 people ) in their minvan with their dogs and instuments. At a $10 admission charge I am amazed at this compassion--it shows in his songs. He even let me play his guitars!
Though I'm sorry about a 4( there isn't a half star ) rating--it's because I'm comparing it to the beautiful Making Light of It and Chase the Buffalo-Thanks Pierce and Michele-if you ever go to Lvd's Farm in Middlebury, IN- again--I'll be in the first row--Tom Lewis--
More Great Music From Pierce Pettis.......2001-10-27
Another MUST-HAVE CD for your collection !.......2001-10-13
One last note on this album: "Little River Canyon" may just be the best song I'll play on my radio show this year. GET THIS ALBUM NOW! Even better: give this as a present to every friend or family member who appreciates true music. Trust me, they'll be grateful and you'll look like a genius to them!
Dispensation of Grace.......2001-07-29
I could talk about Pierce Pettis, his music, this CD for hours. In short, I'd just say buy this record. Sit down when you have 45 uninterrupted minutes and be carried away to a place that feels so very familiar, so close to home . . . do you remember how the word "home" used to make you feel? Maybe, if you find yourself in a State of Grace, it still can.
SOUTHERN ROOTS EXPOSED.......2001-07-14
IN THESE SONGS,PIERCE EVOKES THE POIGNANCY, SPIRITUALITY AND MEMORY OF HIS ROOTS THAT IS ENTIRELY ENGAGING. IN THE TITLE TRACK "STATE OF GRACE", PIERCE EXPRESSES THE HOMEGROWN, DOWN TO EARTH GENTILITY OF LIFE IN HIS HOME STATE OF ALABAMA. "GEORGIA MOON" IS A BEAUTIFUL BALLAD ABOUT A FIRST LOVE THAT STILL BRINGS MEMORIES OF PAIN AND BEAUTY YEARS BEYOND THE ORIGIN. "MOUNTAINEERS ARE ALWAYS FREE" IS AN ANTHEM TO FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVER EXPERIENCED OPPRESSION. "MOONTOWN" IS A WONDERFUL BALLAD OF THE JOYS OF LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN IN THE SOUTH. "LITTLE RIVER CANYON" IS A SNAPSHOT OF ADOLESCENT LIFE REMEMBERED WITH TENDERNESS AT MIDLIFE AND DESCRIBED ON A CANVAS OF NATURE'S WONDERS. PIERCE'S INTERPRETATION OF BOB DYLANS " DOWN IN THE FLOOD" IS ELECTRIFYING, WITH THE GUITAR PROGRESSIONS,BLUESY VOCALS AND A RAGING HARMONICA. FINALLY, "WE WILL MEET AGAIN" AND "I'VE GOT A HOPE" SPEAK OF PIERCE'S DEEP SPIRITUALITY AND EXPECTATION OF A BETTER PLACE BEYOND THIS WORLD. WHETHER HE IS PERFORMING A LOVELY BALLAD, OR A ROUSING ROCKER, PIERCE SINGS AND PLAYS WITH EMOTION AND DEPTH. THIS IS A NEARLY PERFECT CD. THE SONGS CUT ACROSS VARIOUS GENRES FROM FOLK, TO BLUES, TO ROCK AND BLUEGRASS. THE END RESULT IS A MATURE AND THOUGHTFUL COLLECTION OF SONGS THAT WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART!
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Strauss: Salome
Leonie Rysanek , Hans Hopf et al. , Karl Boehm , and Wiener Staatsoper Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00002ZZ5G Release Date: 1999-11-08 |
Tracks:
- Wie Sch Ist Die Prinzessin Salome Heute Nacht!
- Ich Will Nicht Bleiben
- Wo Ist Er, Dessen Sdebecher Jetzt Voll Ist?
- Ich Will Ihn Ner Beseh'n
- Niemals, Tochter Babylons, Tochter Sodoms
- Wo Ist Salome? Wo Ist Die Prinzessin?
- Salome, Komm, Trink Mit Mir
- Tanz F Mich, Salome!
- Salomes Tanz/Salome's Dance
- Ah! Herrlich Wundervoll!
- Salome, Bedenk, Was Du Tun Willst
- Ah! Du Wolltest Mich Nicht Deinen Mund Ksen Lassen
- Ah! Ich Habe Deinen Mund GekT, Jochanaan
Customer Reviews:
Supreme Salome.......2005-10-19
On this recording though, Leonie Rysanek uses a variety of colors in her voice and she cuts through the orchestra in thunderous fortissimi. She is a perfect Salome, combining the malice with the girlish naivete. Listen to her chilling Final Scene. This is a classic recording and should be on everyone's list. Yes, Wellitsch and Nilsson are terrific in their versions but Rysanek somehow makes Salome a lot more grand and a lot more deeper in meaning. It's a character study opera. Salome, Jochanan and Herodias are the characters we should look at when listening to this opera in order to understand it. It's still a chilling and electrifying opera if the soprano has the voice to carry it out. Leonie Rysanek is one of the greater singers of her time and she essayed the dramatic roles with aplomb- Medea, Sieglende, Lady Macbeth and various other big roles. While she was very comfortable singing in German or German-sung versions of Italian operas, her voice is still a powerful revelation in music. This record should never go out of print or opera lovers will miss out on a Salome of epic proportions. Bohm knew the score well, and he is still a god among German conductors having held the post of conductor at Bayreuth for years. He "made" the careers of Birgit Nilsson and Leonye Rysanek, virtually and his Vienna/German musicians are a force to be reckoned with.
The Voice of Richard Strauss' Dreams.......2003-09-30
Superb.......2003-08-20
The following is my review for Salome conducted by Kempe under Golden Melodram:
This is a miraculous performance of Salome. Leonie Rysanek is simply superb in the name-part. Her big dramatic voice rich and ringing out thrillingly and gloriously at the climaxes. She stands alongside legends Ljuba Welitsch and Birgit Nilsson as the top interpreters of this role. The good thing is that this recording is in outstanding stereo. Everything is clear and you can hear the singers acting naturally and moving around on the stage in a 'live' performance. Leonie Rysanek is also outstanding as Salome in the RCA version under Karl Bohm at the Vienna State opera. That was one of the first few times she performed the part and it is a fabulous and famous performance, lauded to the skies. Here, she is even more experienced and even more dramatic. The RCA version is cheaper than this Melodram and also in excellent stereo. I don't advise buying budget label versions which have bad sound - go for the RCA which is more expensive but has significantly better sound.
However, aside from Leonie Rysanek, the biggest and most urgent reason for acquiring this set is Jon Vicker's stunning Herod, one that almost upstages his Salome, or did he upstage his Salome? You could almost call this opera Herod. He is the best Herod I've ever heard. Every time he enters, it is as if a force of nature, a titanic hurricane, has swept across the stage right in front of your eyes. His enormous dramatic voice hits you like steel rod and you find yourself utterly stunned into submission by the sheer dramatic force that he unleashes upon you. Herod was a role Vickers seldom essayed (his biography only lists one performance of this role) so this recording is an all-important document preserving his incredible Herod, which is like Hercules. Leonie Rysanek as Salome and Ruth Hesse as Herodias seem to have been inspired by his electrifying portrayal of Herod. Fortunately for us, both of them are in exceptionally good voice. Ruth Hesse is highly dramatic as Herodias. Leonie Rysanek, as I mentioned earlier, also seem to have pulled out all stops in her portrayal of Salome, her intense and spine-chilling voice gripping you by the throat in high drama. She lets out a blood-curdling cry before 'Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht...', and when she sings those lines, your hair stands up in unmitigated horror. By the end of the her final scene, you're completely petrified by her dramatic necrophillic outbursts, her enormous and intense voice like waves and waves of tsunami hitting you relentlessly. This version is more expensive than the RCA version but this version has Jon Vickers, and an even more dramatic Leonie Rysanek and the extra dollars are worth it!! By the end, the performers have the audience clapping cherring in wild ecstasy.
I also very highly recommend Birgit Nilsson's Decca set and her Bueno Aires set, and also Ljuba Welitsch's reading with Fritz Reiner or with Karajan. If you love Jon Vickers, get this set. If you love Rysanek, get this set (or alternatively the RCA but that doesn't have Vickers). If you love Salome, get this set (or alternatively Birgit Nilsson's with Solti under Decca). This is Rysanek's Salome and Vicker's Herod. The incentuous Volsung twins from Wagner's Ring incarnate as the incentuous Herod and psychologically perverted Salome. No partnership could be more thrilling in Salome - except perhaps Vickers and Nilsson.
Excellent Remastering.......2003-07-29
Coming to this set, the remastering is excellent. This is actually the second version of this performance that I bought. Opera D'Oro has also released the same performance at a lower price but that version is noisy and the noise interferes with the enjoyment of this performance. I bought this set with some trepidation because I was afraid that I would get the same sound. To my pleasure, I found out that this set has better sound than the Opera D'Oro version. Here Leonie Rysanek's thrillingly huge soprano voice comes through loud and clear with no "haze" to speak of. Kudos to the remastering engineers. This is a STEREO set although not top notch Decca Standard stereo but still, it's far better than the mono sound in many historical recording.
Advice: This set is more expensive. However, BUY THIS!! You derive more enjoyment from listening to this set (for a few dollars more) than the Opera D'Oro version.
It is especially interesting to compare Leonie Rysanek's Salome to Birgit Nilsson's Salome. Two huge voices - but their timbres are very different. I would hate to be without either.
Bohm is peerless!.......2002-07-07
Moreover, I find Rysanek's interpretation very effective in conveying Salome's imperious willfullness and monomaniacal obsession (even though, admittedly, others have sung the role more flawlessly in strictly vocal terms), and Waechter's Jochanaan sings with real conviction. My only complaint musically is that the Herod sounds undercharacterized compared to Stoltz on the Solti recording; however, this is true for all others that I have heard in this role. It is regrettable that RCA did not see fit to include a libretto, but the virtues of this recording make scrounging around for one a worthwhile endeavor...
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State of Grace
Tia Carrere Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000DDV9 Release Date: 1994-03-24 |
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State of Grace
Ennio Morricone Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000008L3V Release Date: 1990-10-01 |
Customer Reviews:
Track Listing !.......2007-07-03
2. Park Ave
3. The Shootout
4. Hundred Yard Dash
5. State Of Grace
6. New Jersey
7. Mott Street
8. The Confrontation
9. Finn
10. Terry Noonan
11. St. Patrick's Day
12. The Backroom
13. Jackie's Death
14. Terry And Kate
15. The Kitchen
16. Bronx Drug Deal
17. Murder In Matty's Bar
18. The First Date
Average customer rating:
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State of Grace
Jeff Lorber Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000004739 Release Date: 1996-06-18 |
Tracks:
- Wide Open Spaces
- PCH (Pacific Coast Highway)
- State Of Grace
- Bring It On
- Cat Paws
- Katherine
- Hearts Of Fire
- Moonterrace
- The Island Of Temples
- Deep Ellum
Customer Reviews:
Jeff Lorber is the "Man".......2001-11-18
Lorber fans - This one's a winner.......2000-02-15
Non-stop fushion.......2000-01-22
Non-stop fushion.......2000-01-22
A must for every jazz collector!.......1999-09-05
Jazz Music: