Buenos Aires [Import]

1. Bienvenida Seas

2. Montevideo

3. Altas Cumbres

4. Todas Las Mujeres Del Mundo

5. El Fin De La Noche

6. Buenos Aires

7. Vacaciones En El Faro

8. Todos Queremos Estar Con Todos

9. Orillas

10. Camino A La Paz

11. Sos Verano

Buenos Aires,Antonio Birabent,Bmg,Latin

Music

jazz

music

Jazz

Average customer rating: Music ALIVE! Full Circle With Kremer's Eight Seasons Rapturous "Eight wonders" From the River Plate (Rio de la Plata).

Vivaldi and Piazzolla: Eight Seasons Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Kremer, Gidon | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hommage A Piazzolla Happy Birthday Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Tracing Astor Tango: Zero Hour ASIN: B0000206A4 Release Date: 2000-02-29

Tracks:

1. 'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
2. 'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Largo
3. 'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
4. Verano Porteno: Summer In Buenos Aires
5. 'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Allegro Non Molto
6. 'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Adagio
7. 'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Presto
8. Otono Porteno: Autumn In Buenos Aires
9. 'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
10. 'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Adagio Molto
11. 'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
12. Invierno Porteno: Winter In Buenos Aires
13. 'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro Non Molto
14. 'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Largo
15. 'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro
16. Primavera Portena: Spring In Buenos Aires

Amazon.com

Despite global warming, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is more popular than ever. But it still seems strange that Gidon Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica ensemble--a group that continues to stun us with riveting performances of lesser-heard works--would tackle the tried-and-true baroque masterpiece. Luckily, Kremer inventively separates each Vivaldi season with a corresponding composition from Astor Piazzolla's Four Seasons Suite, making for fascinating comparisons. Kremer's performances of the Vivaldi are remarkable, sounding solid and fresh. And like an infectious Broadway musical, Piazzolla's seasons always seem on the verge of a giddy dance number. Kremer really gets to show off on these tango-inspired pieces, but he's charming throughout. The programming probably won't make this your reference Four Seasons, but for those who love their Vivaldi in small doses or fans of Kremer's Tango Ballet disc, this is a must-have. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Music ALIVE!.......2006-03-12

I really know hardly anything about Argentinan music or Kremer, but I bought this album after I became enraptured with the spring and summer suites at a ballet. My local company created a piece inspired by the works of expatriate artist Amaranth Ehrenhalt and set to alternating Vivaldi and Piazzola selections. I was amazed by how Vivaldi's Seasons took on new life. Everything was vivid and fluid and meshed perfectly with the dance. I recommend this--you can truely feel the seasons alive in all of their glory.
BTW: Rio de la Plata means River of Silver.

Full Circle With Kremer's Eight Seasons.......2005-10-19

Gidon Kremer has been building himself quite the reputation as an interpreter of the music of the late and great Argentine musical polymath, Astor Piazzolla. Here he takes the very well-known Four Seasons of Vivaldi and stands them up to the Four Seasons of Piazzolla and the result is an aural delight.
Most who are reading this are probably curious about this CD for one of two reasons: either they are Vivaldi fans, or they are Piazzolla fans. But who says that being a fan of one has to exclude the other? After you listen to this, you are likely to become a fan of the music of both composers and of Gidon Kremer as well if you were not already.
Being a huge Piazzolla fan,I never tire of hearing different interpretations of one of his most important works. The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires may be born of tango, but it is much more than that. It is a masterful marriage of classical elements with those of tango. Piazzolla could do many things with music and what he has created with his Four Seasons is an electrifying blend that will stand the test of time.
And so here is Gidon Kremer with yet another skillful and faithful interpretation of the both the spirit and the letter of Astor Piazzolla's music, cleverly juxtaposed with that of one of the Old Masters. Kremer brings us full circle with his presentation of the Four Seasons sequences of both composers, beginning with Vivaldi's La Primavera (Spring) and after a musical journey through the year, ending with Primavera Portena (Buenos Aires Spring) so that we finish where we began.
Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica do a virtuoso job throughout. Though I am a partisan of the music of Piazzolla, I enjoy Kremer's interpretation of Vivaldi as well. If you know and love this music as I do, then Eight Seasons merits an esteemed slot in your CD collection.

Rapturous.......2004-07-21

Parts of this recording are so beautiful that when I listen while working, I have to pause what I am doing and close my eyes. I don't remember how I ended up buying this CD (it certainly wasn't planned), but I am so grateful.

My rabbit hates it though. When I listen to it at home, he stamps his feet. So I can only listen to it at work. :(

"Eight wonders".......2003-02-24

Gidon Kremer's musical explorations were very famous from the beginning and during the last few years he is gaining almost a "classical superstar" status. I was a little suspicious about those beautifully packaged CDs with sort of "trendy" and almost too interesting sounding titles for serious classical achievements. BUT!! I couldn't be more wrong. "After Mozart" or "Eight Seasons" seem to be some of the most inspiring recordings I've heard. While listening to "Eight Seasons" at "concert" levels in a privacy of my room, I felt "goose bumps" for several times and I had to laugh out of pleasure, thinking: this is SOOO good. Gidon Kremer and his "baltic fresh" Kremerata Baltica are pursuing and tacking the pure essence of music. Programming the mix of Piazzola and Vivaldi doesn't seem extraordinary anymore. It is pure music, pure joy. Technical bravura and excellent sound are only side things. Tango nuevo - widely popularized music form and one of the most (ab)used baroque masterpieces join as one in a fresh and artistically meaningful entity. What more can we wish for ?
Piazzola sounds energetic and powerful and Vivaldi the freshest out of numerous interpretetions. Mixed in an interesting sequence they form a new "Opus".

I also strongly recommend "After Mozart" with its mixture of contemporary music and timeless, for many "godlike" Mozart. A recording that makes him human and even more divine at the same time.

From the River Plate (Rio de la Plata)........2002-11-10

The River Plate, an akward translation from the spanish "Rio de la Plata", is the widest river on the world. It both separates and bonds Buenos Aires with Montevideo, capitals cities of Argentina and Uruguay respectively. If I could ask Billy Joel how would he name this river, I think that much alike his excellent album "River of Dreams", he would call it "River of Tango".
Yesterday night I attended Mr. Kremer and the Baltic Kamerata's performance, where in addition to Mahler's 10th Adaggio, they played these "eight seasons". I think that for Mr. Kremer and his ensemble, coming to play to South America and precisely to the birthplace of tango, could be a "tour the force".
Well, he & the Kamerata were magnificient, classy. He kept us on our feet, applauding, for more than fifteen minutes.
This CD has capture the thrilling of his live performances.It is the kind of recording that becomes a milestone in our "audio memory", as Mr. Karajan liked to say. Enjoy it.

Average customer rating: Totally different sound than what you hear everyday easy listening Grand Hotel Buenos Aires- F. Aubele Fantastico! Warm, cool, and fantastic

Gran Hotel Buenos Aires Federico Aubele Manufacturer: Eighteenth Street ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Folk | Latin Music | Styles | Music Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bajofondo Tango Club Emigrante Versions Brazilian Girls Narco Tango ASIN: B0001DMUNQ Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

1. Ante Tus Ojos
2. Postales
3. Despertar
4. El Amor De Este Pueblo
5. Esta Noche
6. Diario De Viaje
7. Mona
8. Salvacion
9. Contigo
10. Malena
11. Un Lugar
12. Besos De Sal

Amazon.com

Young Argentine guitarist Federico Aubele became transfixed with the music of Astor Piazzolla even as he listened to the cool lounge sounds of Thievery Corporation and the Six Degrees label. Incredibly, he put these influences together for an exceptional debut album entitled Gran Hotel Buenos Aires. It's produced by the Thievery guys, but one gets the sense that this really came from Aubele. He surrounds his downtempo beats delicate acoustic guitar figures, an array of sexy women singers (all vocals are in Spanish), and a rich tapestry of sounds and tones. Pushing flamenco and various styles of Latin music to the fore, he also draws upon dub and ambient, and it's the grace of this hip fusion that puts Aubelle up there with such genre benders as Manu Chao and the Gotan Project. Highlights include the upbeat "Ante Tus Ojos" and the rich Latin groove "Esta Noche," but the album is strong from beginning to finish. A truly impressive first effort. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Totally different sound than what you hear everyday.......2006-10-21

On a recent vacation to Maine, we were taking our time seeing the sights and stopped along the way in Portsmouth, NH. Federico Aubele's Gran Hotel Buenos Aires was playing while we were strolling though a downtown furniture store. I was totally mesmerized by the sound. Aubele's style is like nothing I have heard before. The sales person showed me the CD cover and told me it was available at a music store next door. I immediately went to the music store and bought it. The sound is interesting and unusual, and different from everything you hear commercially. I like it a lot.

easy listening.......2006-09-01

this CD is great for those long car rides or just for some easy listening. also great for a small kick-back with friends.

Grand Hotel Buenos Aires- F. Aubele.......2006-07-24

Great cd. Nice mix of Argentine-Spanish music.
Good for dancing!
Recommended!

Fantastico!.......2006-03-25

This music haunts me since I first heard it in Manoa over a year ago. I was in a CD shop when I heard them playing this and immediately bought it. I play it still and love it every time. The descriptions of it as down tempo flamenco and such are more or less accurate. I would just add that it is great, individual, highly melodic latin music. One of the best CDs of any genre i have heard in years. Buy it by all means!!!

Warm, cool, and fantastic.......2005-12-25

Though Aubele is first and foremost a guitar player, he has created a warm and inviting record that crosses electronica, dub, and Latin guitar music while capturing the sound and atmosphere of Buenos Aires. Aubele's songs are melancholy, sunny, free-spirited, and celebratory. And always at the center of most tracks is Aubele's hypnotizing guitar. Even though the sultry female vocals are sung in Spanish, one doesn't have to understand the language in order to embrace and fall in love with this wonderful record. If I could give this six stars, I would do so in a heartbeat.

Average customer rating: Love It! Tantalizing Tango Boring Nice for dancers

Tantalizing Tangos of Argentina Buenos Aires Tango Orchestra Manufacturer: Legacy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Argentina | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Argentina | South & Central America | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Tango | Latin Music | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | South & Central America | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | South & Central America | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Tango | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Tango | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Tango | Latin Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 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 Similar Items: The Best Tango Album in the World, Ever! Bailemos Tango!: A Century of Tango on the Dance Floor The Tango Fundamentals - Volume 1: Basic Elements The Tango Fundamentals - Volume 2: Basic Caminadas 20 Best of Classical "Tango Argentino" ASIN: B00000I0GW Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

1. Amigo Cavano
2. Un Bandeon En La Noche
3. Romenza
4. Tatihou
5. Nini Tango
6. Gina
7. Cancion De Ave Maria
8. J'ose Encore Aimer
9. El Perro Chiquitin
10. Cuesta Abajo
11. Muneca Monera
12. La Casita Del Lago
13. Yira Yira
14. Maipu

Customer Reviews:

Love It!.......2007-05-17

I am learning the tango and this CD is perfect introduction to the pantheon of tangueros! Excellent selections of tango standards and milonga favorites.

Tantalizing Tango.......2006-02-04

The CD has nice songs. The only drawback is that only dramatic tangoes are included but not milongas and tango waltz

Boring.......2006-01-17

This music is boring. All tangos have the same tempo. No milongas. What a shame! Trying to do routines to this music would be a waste of time. This CD sounds like background music in a lounge.

Nice for dancers.......2003-07-20

The price is temptimg and the music great. If you are a tango dancer dont think about it. If you are a piazzola fan forget it.
I guess the word classic tangos suits it fine plus the production is really good. A non-regreting buying choice i made.

Average customer rating: Piazzolla brazillian version Bland music Master piece Don't Be Fooled Superb collection

Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Manufacturer: Milan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Argentina | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Tango | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night (Tango Apasionado) Tango: Zero Hour Vivaldi and Piazzolla: Eight Seasons The Best of Astor Piazzolla La Camorra ASIN: B0001FGAWQ Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. Spring Of Buenos Aires
2. Summer Of Buenos Aires
3. Autumn Of Buenos Aires
4. Winter Of Buenos Aires
5. Fugue 9
6. Years Of Solitude - Paulo Sergio Santos
7. Libertango - Chiquinho Do Acordeon
8. Tristango - Chiquinho Do Acordeon
9. Novitango - Chiquinho Do Acordeon
10. Deus Xango - Paulo Sergio Santos

Customer Reviews:

Piazzolla brazillian version.......2007-05-18

Only Astor Piazzolla could equal himself. A bandoneon virtuoso playing his own works, nobody could do better than him. However Four Seasons of Buenos Aires deserves a place of honour in the cd collection of Piazzolla's fans.

Bland music.......2007-05-07

I heard this piece at a concert and loved it. However, this recording had none of the fire and passion of the concert. I returned it.

Master piece.......2005-12-29

The right balance between classical, popular, contemporany music this CD is a fascinating interpretation of Piazzolla best works in a Brazilian way bringing together some of its best talented musicians.
The extraordinary performances of Rio Cello Trio and the Orquestra de Cordas Brasileiras makes this CD unforgettable.

Don't Be Fooled.......2005-03-05

Milan Records owns the rights to a lot of the later Piazzolla canon, and since his death has steadily been mining its holdings with a number of CD reissues and compilations that are readily identified as Milan's by the similarity of the cover art used. Don't be fooled by the Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, however. While it is a fine recording, Piazzolla does not appear on it as anything but the composer.
I didn't read the back of the CD cover before I bought it and so when I opened it, I was surprised to find that the cover had fooled me into thinking Piazzolla was featured. I played it anyway, prepared for the worst, as many offerings of Piazzolla compositions turn out mediocre at best. At first, it seemed like my fears were confirmed, but after several listens I warmed to the music.
Those familiar with AP's "Four Seasons" sequence know that they are among the most classically oriented of his works and have only the slightest connection to tango. But they also know that when performed by Piazzolla and one of his musical formations, that they are among the most powerful of his longer works. Anyone taking on the task of interpretation had better know well what the heck they are doing or risk making musical fools of themselves.
This interpretation of the "Four Seasons" is done by a Brazilian orchestra that in my view started rather weakly. It isn't until "winter" (Invierno Porteno) was reached that the power and majesty of the music comes to fruition.
From there on out, the rest of the CD is quite good. My favorites of the remainder are the three parts of the "Libertango" sequence that they performed and which features some excellent mandolin work and Deus Xango, which closes the recording with a jazzy rendering oddly reminiscent of some of the old CTI-era jazz recordings.
The weakness of the start drops a star, but its the rest of the recording which puts this in the recommended category for anyone who loves the music of Astor Piazzolla.

Superb collection.......2004-05-04

Superb collection of Piazzolla's 'new tango': four ear-bending modern arrangements followed by an array of traditional performances. Because of its versatility and constant quality, this disc easily lets itself play from start to end and over again. Four seasons for the ear indeed.

Average customer rating: Wonderfully captivating music by the tango master When styles mix Explains It All To Those Wounded in Love Great sex music! Comes from the heart! Piazzolla's Unofficial Interpreter

Hommage A Piazzolla Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Kremer, Gidon | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Tango | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tracing Astor Vivaldi and Piazzolla: Eight Seasons Tango: Zero Hour La Camorra Piazzolla: Tango Ballet, Concierto Del Angel, Tres Piezas Para Orquesta De Camara / Kremer, Glorvigen, et al ASIN: B000005J48 Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

1. Milonga En Re
2. Vardarito
3. Oblivion
4. Escualo
5. Histoire Du Tango: Cafe 1930
6. Concierto Para Quinteto
7. Soledad
8. Buenos Aires Hora Cero
9. Celos
10. El Sol Sueno (Hommage A Astor Piazzolla)
11. Le Grand Tango

Amazon.com essential recording

Gidon Kremer, who plays the standard violin repertoire so well, has remained a restless explorer of music. Here is his first album of Piazzolla arrangements, introduced by a moving and perceptive assessment of Piazzolla by composer John Adams. Kremer has completely steeped himself in the spirit of the tango, and of Piazzolla's transformation of this music into concert works. The selection (mostly larger-scale Piazzolla works), the varied arrangements, and the compelling quality of the playing make this one of the best albums of this music not involving the composer's own performances. And if you love it, you'll be glad to know that Kremer's second Piazzolla album is also available. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully captivating music by the tango master.......2005-10-25

I was introduced to the music of Astor Piazzolla by the more than great violinist Gidon Kremer when he played a virtuosic tango as an encore. Whenever a rich new vein of wonderful music is opened to me, well, it makes for a bright and happy day. Not long after I picked up this CD and I can recommend it to you highly. This is more than just tango dance music, these are serious and contemplative compositions that use the Tango as the vehicle just as the classical and especially Baroque composers used their dance music for instrumental compositions. The music is full of mood, sensuality, rhythm, lush harmonies, dissonance, love, and pain. It is a music of contrasts and never gets too fussy or complicated. It wears its heart on its sleeve and draws us in because it is so charming.

Each piece has its own varied ensemble and the musicians in that ensemble also arrange the music for that track. Kremer leads from the violin in all of them, after all it is his album and his hommage to Piazzolla. However, the instruments used depend on the musical materials and mood of the piece. The piano is used quite a bit, and at times there are wind instruments. The bandoneón is required in tango, as well. It is a kind of concertina that was developed and made in Germany, but adopted in Argentina for the Tango. It has a wonderfully reedy sound and is played with buttons on each side of the bellows. Depending on the model, the note can change or stay the same whether you are pulling the bellows out or pushing them in, but in all of them there are two voices always at the octave and gives the bandoneón its characteristic sound.

The only composition not by Piazzolla is a very interesting tango included as a tribute to the master entitled "El sol sueño" by Jerzy Peterbushsky.

This is good music and a very enjoyable change of pace.

When styles mix.......2005-09-07

I bought this record following a live performance by Gidon Kremer et al. at the Verbier Festival. The mixture of classical music with a dose of jazz on a Latin base produces an interesting result that is quite surprising at first. However, the more one hears, the more the result grows on the listener, just as at the live show where the audience, somewhat stunned at the outset, gave a standing ovation at the end.

Overall, the mélange is pleasant, chill listening to be appreciated by fans of any of the three styles of music.

Explains It All To Those Wounded in Love.......2005-01-16

Ever have a moment where you loved someone so much you hated him?

Ever have a relationship you could not get out of your mouth, your mind, your heart, your system, but that you knew was over and done with forever and ever, and you'd never even see the other again?

Ever feel so happy you wanted to cry? No, sob? Wrenching, wracking sobs? From happiness, now.

Yes?

Have I got a CD for you: Hommage a Piazzolla, featuring Gidon Kremer.

Like many, I suspect, I have a mixed relationship to tango. When I put on a tango CD, I fear I'll be hearing something that sets my teeth to jangling and makes me want to slap someone in the face.

This isn't that. You could listen to most of this while sitting perfectly still, on a window sill, in fact, with the lights down low in your apartment, as you stare out at the rain-slicked city at night. A drink sits on a nearby table, unfinished...you have no will to finish it.

(It's hard not to imagine these things while listening to this music; really, it's all so poetic, cinematic, irresistable.)

At some point, though, you're probably not going to be able to sit still any more, and you'll have to put that rose in your teeth and cut a few moves.

Tango often sounds, to we non-Argentinians, like a parody of itself.

This CD does not.

Rather, when I put it on, not at all sure what to expect, I had one of those epiphanies that art can give you.

I had been brooding over a vexed relationship, one I did not understand, but knew was hurting me, not with any immediacy, but like a sore tooth that could stand to go a few more months before you get over your fear of the dentist to get it fixed.

What bugged me most of all was that I did not understand what was hurting. Rationally, I had no reason to feel troubled.

I put on this CD, with the relationship way in the back of my mind, and I just, immediately thought, "That's it. This music is explaining it all; this music is articulating everything."

Not bad.

This kind of music, music that allows in the true bittersweet of life, the unsolvable, the passion, is all too rare. If music that addresses those qualities is what you crave, this CD might be just what you need.

Great sex music! Comes from the heart!.......2004-07-21

The music and perforamance are so sensually played and achingly beautiful, the hairs on my neck and arms stand up on end. Listen to the opening track and tell me this is not great sex music. Yes, tango is a very sensual art form and this CD is great for those very intimate moments. Of course, sex aside, the music is nothing short of a miracle unto itself. That I was to discover this CD just last year meant I was without it for 7 years since it was released. My life is richer for this and other Piazzolla works done by Kremer.
This CD has become one of those "island" CDs that you would take if you wer so to become deserted on one. You should be so lucky!

Piazzolla's Unofficial Interpreter.......2001-04-12

I first became aware of this CD several years ago as its melancholy strains wafted through the air of a bookstore through which I was browsing. My ears perked up...Piazzolla!!! Upon inquiry, I was shown the CD and I immediately purchased a copy. I couldn't wait to get home and listen to it at elevated volume. What a recording!! Kremer has captured and distilled the essence of Piazzolla's music. Every song is a masterpiece and nearly all of my favorite mid-period Piazzolla compositions are contained within. A special treat is the magnum opus which closes the set, a 12-minute rendering of Le Grand Tango with just Kremer's violin and the restrained passion of Vadim Sakharov's piano to lead your mind into another musical dimension. Gidon Kremer has since recorded a number of Piazzolla-related CDs and in so doing has set himself up as the unofficial interpreter of El Maestro's music. If you like Piazzolla, you are sure to enjoy this CD. I give it my highest recommendation.

Average customer rating: The best of latin music through Domingo's voice Classic Latin American tunes beautifully sung and produced,

De Mi Alma Latina Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ramirez, Ariel | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Domingo, Placido | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Spain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: De Mi Alma Latina, Vol. 2 100 years of Mariachi Por Amor Por Fin Juntos Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time ASIN: B000002SLF Release Date: 1994-09-13

Tracks:

1. Aquellos ojos verdes
2. La flor de la canela - Que nadie sepa mi sufrir - Amarraditos
3. Nosotros - Contigo - Sin ti
4. De Mexico a Buenos Aires
5. Se me olvido otra vez
6. El Humahuaqueqo - Caballo viejo - Moliendo Cafe
7. Delirio - Alma llanera
8. Solamente una vez - Veracruz - Noche de ronda
9. Manha de carnavaz - Aquarela do Brasil
10. Sabras que te quiero
11. Alfonsina y el mar - Gracias a la vida
12. Lamento Boricano - Vereda Tropical
13. Como ayer
14. Perfidia - Frenesi - La ultima noche
15. Adios
16. Por Amor - Asi como te buscaba - Yo vendo unos ojos negros

Customer Reviews:

The best of latin music through Domingo's voice.......1999-08-10

This CD goes wherever I go, it is with no doubt, the queen of my collection. Medleys are wonderfully orchestrated and arranged and every song makes you travel anywhere between Mexico and Buenos Aires. Here, Domingo's voice is more like a musical instrument than anything else and each song you'll discover a new instrument. Honestly, I would personally award it six stars.

Classic Latin American tunes beautifully sung and produced,.......1998-12-11

Domingo's love for traditional Latin American music shines throughout this CD. A selection of great "standards", beautifully arranged and recorded by one of the world's great voices. "De Mexico a Buenos Aires," written by Domingo's son is the one original song on the recording and is one of many highlights here. I have listenned to this CD countless times over the past two years and it remains a delight.

Average customer rating: One-dimensional tango Kneel in the Church of Tango This is a Tango Bar. Outstanding! Tango for the world

Tangos Among Friends Daniel Barenboim , Rodolfo Mederos , and Héctor Console Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brazilian Rhapsody The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night (Tango Apasionado) Los Tangueros Soul of the Tango: The Music of Astor Piazzolla Tango: Zero Hour ASIN: B000000S97 Release Date: 1996-08-27

Tracks:

1. Mi Buenos Aires querido
2. Verano porteno
3. La moza donosa
4. Don Agustin Bardi
5. Tzigane tango
6. Invierno Porte o
7. Aquellos tangos camperos
8. Adios Nonino
9. El Dia que me quieras
10. Primavera portena
11. A Fuego lento
12. Otono porteno
13. Contrabajeando
14. Bailecito

Customer Reviews:

One-dimensional tango.......2007-03-04

While the technical aspects of this recording are beyond question, the nostalgic point of view the performers have chosen transforms these beautiful tangos in whinny pieces.... Tango is about melancholy, that's true, but it's also about machismo, and lacks anything but power.

These fine interpretations are nice to listen to as background music, but don't convey the power of the tango, and so, I must recommend anything else if you are looking for an introduction to this complex music. Piazzola's original pieces, for example, will knock your socks off, compared to the interpretations featured here. The only song I found to be worth on its own, is not a tango, but a beautiful danza by Alberto Ginastera. I have heard many versions of that song and this one is my favourite one by far....

Kneel in the Church of Tango.......2004-01-01

There may not be candles or pews or stain glass windows, but the realm of Tango has become an object of reverence for many. Most people have only heard the orchestral versions of this type of music and that is unfortunate. The original tango was a song - not a dance.

ALthough Piazzolla has made Tango accessible for the masses (and transformed it into a new creature in the process) it is Gardel and Salgan who hearken back to the roots of the movement. These are sultry tones, languid, erotic, passionate and exquisite. It is almost impossible to select any one as a favorite so I'll conclude that they all deserve a prize.

This is a Tango Bar........2002-12-13

Now you will know what it's like to sit, tears filling your already-empty glass, in a Tango Bar in Buenos Aires on a lonely night.

Outstanding!.......2002-03-04

This album contains the most beautiful, refined, and expressive tango performances I have ever heard. Not only that, but you CAN dance to them! The accordian playing here is truly fine and sensitive. Barenboim's sense of timing and rubato is always expressive, never excessive, and seems contagious to the rest of the ensemble. I listen to this over and over again and never get tired of it. An unexpected bonus to this double bass aficionado was Contrabajedo's inclusion on this CD. Bravo! You need to buy this CD immediately.

Tango for the world.......2002-03-02

This is music at its best: relaxing, precise, melodic, thoughtful, romantic, and entertaining all at once. You will never get tired of this album. If you enjoy the finer things in life, this is a MUST. There is not a single annoying piece in the whole album. I rate it among my favorite albums of all time. Truly timeless. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: I waited for this for five years Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT! A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever Various Artists Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Broadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection Evita (Original London Cast) Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD) ASIN: B00005R5UJ Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
2. Memory - Betty Buckley
3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
10. With One Look - Petula Clark
11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
15. No Matter What - Boyzone
16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Average customer rating: Simply Breath-Taking full of energy worth savouring Versatile virtuoso outshines musically uneven material A Towering Musical Achievement Beautiful Harp Album

Crossing the Stone Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Corea, Armando Chick | ( 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 Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reich, Steve | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | 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: Harpist Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi Because I Love You So Karl Jenkins: Requiem Free ASIN: B0000AM6IX Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

1. Mountain Dance
2. Harpers Bizarre
3. James
4. Crossing The Stone (Tros Y Garreg)
5. Prelude From Partita No. 3
6. Third Movement From Electric Counterpoint
7. Eternal Dream
8. The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba From Solomon
9. Cafe Vamp Latino
10. Spain
11. Buenos Aires Hora Cero
12. Clair De Lune
13. Prelude In C/Ave Maria
14. Thingamujig
15. Suo Gan
16. Palladio (1st Movement)

Customer Reviews:

Simply Breath-Taking.......2007-03-05

Being a harpist myself, I can truly admire Catrin Finch's talent, style and choice of music selections for her first album.

Some songs are truly a revelation for the harp as an instrument using New Age style accompaniment, while there are still pieces with a classical vibe.

Well Done!

full of energy worth savouring.......2004-12-13

The artist is able to deconstruct the traditional image of harp as an instument. The texture and the hue of the music is rich and full of lustre. very creative and versatile.

Versatile virtuoso outshines musically uneven material.......2004-02-01

There's a reason Charles, Prince of Wales, revived a long-dormant (since 1871) tradition and presented Catrin Finch a Royal Appointment as his harpist. At age 23 she is a remarkable talent, with pristine technique and a fluency in the languages of both classical and contemporary music.

If only the material on her debut disc were equal to her talent.

While Finch is extraordinary, the music is a mixed bag of modern jazz/pop tunes, re-tooled classical favorites, and several hit-and-miss arrangements by Finch's musical partner, composer Karl Jenkins.

It's all starts and stops, ups and downs. In the jazz/pop genre, Dave Grusin's infectious "Mountain Dance" and the relaxed groove of Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays' "James" are perfectly suited for harp, while Chick Corea's "Spain" just never catches fire. Among the contemporary, experimental compositions, Jenkins' minimalist but tuneful "Harpers Bizarre" is far more interesting than Steve Reich's "Third Movement from Electric Counterpoint" - a tedious ostinato that never develops into anything. In a more traditional vein, "Crossing the Stone," taken from Jenkins' double harp concerto, is a rich, lovely setting of a Welsh folk tune, but two other selections from the concerto - "Eternal Dream" and "Caf? Vamp Latino" - don't relate musically at all. And while Finch, unaccompanied, is flawless on Bach's "Prelude from Partita No. 3," her performance of Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" is marred by the decision to include some noisy Middle Eastern percussion, as is Debussy's "Clair de lune" by an intrusive, soporific voice-over.

On the upside again, Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria" and the Welsh lullaby "Suo Gan" team Finch nicely with solo voices (though countertenor Terrance Barber's vibrato is perhaps an acquired taste), and Jenkins' "Thingamujig" is a fun, lively jig.

Concluding the album, the first movement of Jenkins' "Palladio" (featured for years in TV commercials for DeBeers diamonds) in a dull dance remix has none of the energy of the original version for string quartet and is a totally gratuitous inclusion.

From Finch's liner-note comment that "I've never really been stuffy about classical music ... I'm open to everything, really," it's apparent that some tracks are an attempt to make a "classical" instrument more accessible to listeners of contemporary music. Again, Finch is terrific, but listeners would be better served by a recording of the harpist that displays her virtuosity in a single genre - whether classical, contemporary or experimental - instead of this hodgepodge.

Give the performer five stars, the material two, and look forward to hearing this talented young artist for many years to come.

A Towering Musical Achievement.......2003-10-29

While biographies disguised as reviews are tiresome, some background is in order, in this case. At the age of 23, Catrin Finch has been playing the harp for 18 years. She was appearing on British television and with major orchestras by the time she was 10, and was appointed the Royal Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales (a.k.a. Prince Charles) at the age of 20. Bottom line: This lady has more than enough credentials to be regarded as a major musical talent.

But does having a long list of credentials translate to making a great album? In this case, you bet it does. On "Crossing The Stone," Catrin Finch combines piles of technical expertise with surprising and even stunning musical choices. Sure, she covers classical music (such as Bach's 'Prelude from Partita #3' and Handel's 'The Arrival of The Queen of Sheba') brilliantly, but you'd expect that from an alumnus of The Royal College of Music. But would you expect to hear a piece by jazz pianist Dave Grusin done on the harp? How about music by guitarist Pat Metheny, or a Chick Corea composition?

Catrin Finch is an incredible talent, and she has created a beautiful, eclectic album that demands (and will receive) repeated listening. Unfortunately, it's also an album that you probably won't find in your local music store. This album has not received a lot of publicity, and I have yet to walk into a CD store and find it sitting on the shelf. Save yourself a lot of tedious shopping: buy it here and now.

Beautiful Harp Album.......2003-08-26

I first heard Catrin Finch on a free sample CD I received and when I listened to it, I couldn't believe that the instrument that she was playing was the harp! It was so vibrant and full of life. It felt like I had opened the windows and let the sun shine in. The harp is the world's oldest - and most difficult instrument, but in Ms. Finch's power it is sounds both contemporary effortlessly played. It is a wonderful buy for any appreciate of music, and the most electric harp album ever produced.

Average customer rating: Good stuff! Unique!!! Good collection. Simply Excellent! Laid back intrigue

Frequent Flyer: Buenos Aires Various Artists Manufacturer: Kinkysweet ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music | Ambient | Dance Pop | Disco | Drum & Bass | Electronica | Freestyle | Techno-House | Trance | Trip Hop House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Frequent Flyer: Rio de Janeiro Frequent Flyer: Kingston Jamaica Frequent Flyer: Mile High Club Frequent Flyer: Red Eye Frequent Flyer: Bombay ASIN: B0006SSNOQ Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

1. GOTAN PROJECT - Santa Maria (Tom Middleton's Cosmos mix)
2. SAUL COSENTINO - Ultimatum (Digitalcoya remix)
3. 4 HERO - El Viaje
4. BAJOFONDO / CAMPO FT. VERONICA LOZA - Naranjo en Flor
5. CARLOS LIBEDINSKY - Un Paso Mas Alla
6. BAJOFONDO / LUCIANO SUPERVIELLE FEAT. ADRIANA VARELA --Perfume (Campo remix)
7. DUBLEX INC. - Tango Forte
8. ULTRATANGO - Asi Sea
9. HI PERSPECTIVE - Adios Nonino
10. TANGHETTO - Alexanderplatz Tango

Tracks:

1. G-SPLIFF - Viego Abasto (Cobbled Street mix)
2. CELDA & SONJA - Hablando Tango
3. THIEVERY CORPORATION - Bario Alto
4. ASTOR PIAZZOLLA - El Tango (Hi Perspective Remix)
5. CARLOS LIBEDINSKY - Otra Luna
6. FEDERICO AUBELE - Postales
7. TRIPSSONO - Del Plata
8. MR TEA - No Tengo Tango
9. TANGHETTO - Una Llamada
10. ASTOR PIAZZOLLA - Verano PorteNu Spirit Helsinki mix)
11. GOTAN PROJECT MEETS CHET BAKER - 'Round About Midnight

Album Description

The greatest dance music producers are influenced by the rhythms of many cultures. The Frequent Flyer series focuses on those locales around the world that have had a profound influence on dance music and Buenos Aires is our next destination. The elegance of Europe and the spirit of South America live side by side in Buenos Aires. This is a city where the sun shines brightly, where people speak passionately and of course where the Tango reigns supreme. Now a new generation of musicians have taken the traditional sounds of the Tango and mixed them with the beats and instrumentation of electronic music to create a whole new, captivating sound.

Customer Reviews:

Good stuff!.......2007-04-01

Kinkysweet, the label that produces the Frequent Flyer compilations among others, says, "...for those... who still have a passion for dance music, but whose lives don't necessarily include late night clubbing." I couldn't agree more. I used to go to "Raves" and was into bangin' Techno etc. but as I've gotten older, my tastes have changed. Kinkysweet sets an older & more "sophisticated" tone for this and other compilations and/or DJ mixes. This is more a comment on the series as a whole, as opposed to specifically "Buenos Aires". (Although, "Frequent Flyer: Buenos Aires" is very good.) So far the series is pretty much in the Deep House and Downtempo vibes, usually Disc 1 is mellower and the second disc picks up the pace. Anyway, the whole point is that these CD's are meant to be listened to at a coctail party, BBQ, siting by the pool on vacation reading a trashy novel, or just driving.
I engineer live music at a brewery and while the band sets up, or during set breaks, most often people ask me what I'm playing. Usually it's something from the Frequent Flyer series...

Unique!!!.......2006-02-02

What a great CD, can't get enough of it, what a mix of great Lounge Music with a very delight sound to your ears of Tango, (Argentinean folk music.) Just Great, Unique!!!

Good collection........2005-08-11

This cd has a various ranges of music not all techno, dance or electronic but a mix bag of sounds and tunes. I found the latin background really worked with the rest of the sounds on each track. The vocals were very sexy and made the music either lounge like or foot tapping enjoyable. My favorite tunes were:
SAUL COSENTINO - Ultimatum; great sounds
BAJOFONDO / CAMPO FT. VERONICA LOZA - Naranjo en Flor; great vocals
BAJOFONDO / LUCIANO; great vocals.
MR TEA - No Tengo Tango; great vocal slow.
Enjoy.

Simply Excellent!.......2005-03-13

Some of the songs on this compilation can be found on other CDs, bu t the flow from one song to the next is pure genius!
Cd 1 has more of a bit than CD 2, but don't get me wrong here...they are both gems of the genre!

Laid back intrigue.......2005-02-05

I've been listening to this for two work days straight -- and it keeps getting better. Smooth, laid back but the tango overtones give it a little something extra. Excellent! (Also -- no problems playing on a computer using iTunes).

Jazz Music:

1. Cafetin De Buenos Aires [Import]
2. Carrousel [Limited Edition] [Import]
3. Cieli Di Toscana (Italian/Spanish Language Edition)
4. Colección de Oro
5. Cornelio Reyna
6. Corridos a la Mexicana
7. CSNZ [Import]
8. Cuando el Amor Se Da
9. Cuba Bella [Import]
10. De Pelicula

Jazz Music

jazz music