London Town [Import]

Track Listings
1. London Town    
2. Cafe On The Left Bank    
3. I'm Carrying    
4. Backwards Traveller    
5. Cuff Link    
6. Children Children    
7. Girlfriend    
8. I've Had Enough    
9. With A Little Luck    
10. Famous Groupies    
11. Deliver Your Children    
12. Name And Address    
13. Don't Let It Bring You Down    
14. Morse Moose And The Grey Goose    

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Digitally remastered Japanese reissue of their platinum 1978 album in a miniaturized LP sleeve with the origina l cover art intact & limited to the initial pressing only. 'London Town' reached #2 in the charts & features the #1 smash 'With A Little Luck'. 2000 release.

London Town, Music, Wings, Album Rock, Pop, Pop/Rock, Rock, Rock/Pop, Soft Rock
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great recording, great price. Buy this without question!!!!!
  • CLASSICAL MASTERS
  • Noble Elgar, unbelievable price
  • Great for High School Graduations!
  • Elgar's Greatest Hits at a Rock Bottom Price!
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77
  2. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture
  3. Symphonie Fantastique
  4. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
  5. Chopin: Preludes & Nocturnes

ASIN: B000000UVS
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

  1. Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Theme
  2. Enigma Variations, Op. 36: I. C.A.E. (Caroline Alice Elgar, The Composer's Wife)
  3. Enigma Variations, Op. 36: II. H.D.S.-P. (Hew Daivd Steuart-Powell)
  4. Enigma Variations, Op. 36: III. R.B.T. (Richard Baxtet Townshend)
  5. Enigma Variations, Op. 36: IV. W.M.B. (William Beath Baker)
  6. Enigma Variations, Op.36: V. R.P.A. ( Richard Penrose Arnold)
  7. Enigma Variations, Op.36: VI. Ysobel (Isabel Fitton)
  8. Enigma Variations, Op.36: VII. Troyte (Troyte Griffith)
  9. Enigma Variations, Op.36: VIII. W.N. (Winifred Norbury)
  10. Enigma Variations, Op.36: IX. Nimrod (A. J. Jaeger)
  11. Enigma Variations, Op.36: X. Intermezzo: Dorabella (Dora Penny)
  12. Enigma Variations, Op.36: XI. G.R.S. (George Robertson Sinclair)
  13. Enigma Variations, Op.36: XII. B.G.N. (Basil G. Nevinson)
  14. Enigma Variations, Op.36: XIII. Romanza: (Lady Mary Lygon)
  15. Enigma Variations, Op.36: XIV. Finale: E.D.U. (The Composer)
  16. Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.1 in D
  17. Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.2 In A Minor
  18. Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.3 In C Minor
  19. Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.4 In G
  20. Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.5 In C
  21. Cockaigne (In London Town) - Concert Overture, Op.40

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great recording, great price. Buy this without question!!!!!.......2007-07-08

I stumbled across this little gem for the low price of about $3.00. I almost kept going assuming that the price was an indication of the quality. Glad I looked twice.

This is a wonderful album with respectful treatments and excellent sound quality, performed by the some of the greatest musicians in the world from the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonica Orchestra.

The Enigma Variations, a Theme and 15 short orchestrations that Sir Edward then named after his friends and family based on personality traits, are a wonderful, uncelebrated Opus. I love these pieces. They truly showcase the power of Elgar's compositional style and flair. They certainly rival his more famous Pomp and Circumstance, in my humble opinion. The recording is sharp, well mixed, with no perceivable noise.

As for the Pomp and Circumstance recordings, well done throughout. All 5 pieces are played wonderfully and recorded beautifully with excellent sound mixing and very little, if any, background noise.

Cockaigne Overture is, once again, perfect. Marvelous treatment, wonderful musicianship, excellent sound and quality.

THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE GREATEST MUSICAL VALUE ON THE SHELVES RIGHT NOW. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I ONLY PAID $3.00 FOR THIS RECORDING. I WOULD HAVE GLADLY SHELLED OUT THE OBLIGATORY $15.00 - $20.00 CONSIDERING THE QUALITY OF THIS CD.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU MUST BUY RIGHT NOW, BEFORE THEY COME TO THEIR SENSES AND RAISE THE PRICE!

5 out of 5 stars CLASSICAL MASTERS.......2007-05-12

I BOUGHT THE CD FOR POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE BUT QUICKLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE ENTIRE PIECE. IT IS WONDERFUL!

5 out of 5 stars Noble Elgar, unbelievable price.......2007-05-05

This is not some schlock budget disc, which the price might suggest. Boult was one of the great Elgar interpretors (Barbirolli too) and these performances, especially the inspired Enigma Variations, bring out the very soul of Elgar. Sound quality, by the way, is excellent--warm and rich analog glow.

5 out of 5 stars Great for High School Graduations!.......2007-03-12

I am the Principal of a small private boarding school that opened just last year. We do not have a school orchestra, so when the time came for us to plan our graduation ceremony, I searched all over the web for the traditional music. I heard some awful, piano versions of Pomp and Circumstance #4, and some other lackluster symphonic versions. Seraphim's CD of Elgar's works is by far the best. It is warm, heartfelt, inspiring, rich and incredibly well produced. Perhaps having the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra was the best choice, as they are playing the works of a fellow countryman. Several people came up to me after the ceremony to comment on the music, saying they were extremely moved by the music. Not bad for just playing it over a boombox!

By the way, if you are planning on using this for a graduation, know that you will have to edit out the long introductory passage and figure out how to loop the most famous "graduation" section over enough times to get through your ceremony!

5 out of 5 stars Elgar's Greatest Hits at a Rock Bottom Price!.......2006-09-28

You just can't go wrong with this compilation of Elgar works and this super-cheap price. The performances are full-priced quality. This is a great introduction to Elgar CD. The Enigma Variations will bring tears to your eyes!
London Town
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • one of his best
  • avilable
  • Misplacing the muse
  • Before the Egg
  • The melodies grow on you
London Town
Paul McCartney
Manufacturer: EMI/Parlophone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000721I
Release Date: 1993-06-08

Tracks:

  1. London Town
  2. Cafe on the Left Bank
  3. I'm Carrying
  4. Backwards Traveller
  5. Cuff Link
  6. Children Children
  7. Girlfriend
  8. I've Had Enough
  9. With a Little Luck
  10. Famous Groupies
  11. Deliver Your Children
  12. Name and Address
  13. Don't Let It Bring You Down
  14. Morse Moose and the Grey Goose
  15. Girls' School [*]
  16. Mull of Kintyre [*]

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of their hit 1978 album, which stayed at #2 for six weeks in a row! Features the #1 smash 'With A Little Luck', plus the title hit & the top 30 'I've Had Enough', along with two bonus tracks: 'Mull Of Kintyre' & 'Girls' School'. 16 tracks total. 1993 EMI release. The original was released on EMI/ Parlophone.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Reissue of the Original Album with London Town / with a Little Luck / I've Had Enough and More, plus Two Bonus Tracks Added: Girl's School and Mull of Kintyre.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars one of his best.......2007-06-07

I've always hated With a Little Luck and every one of the dozens of songs he's written that sound just like it. However, I'm Carrying is two minutes of Paul at his melodic best, easily matching the inspiration of Yesterday. Denny's song, Deliver Your Children is a great country-folk song and the title track is also very high quality. Probably one of his best post-Beatles efforts.

1 out of 5 stars avilable.......2007-04-03

I have a couple of friends who don't have a computer. Some CDs they like are not at the stores so I order them from you for them and they pay me back. I bought the Rachmaninoff for myself, one that is very hard to find. I received that, the two McCartney CDs & the Neil Young DVD, O.K.
Thanks...

2 out of 5 stars Misplacing the muse .......2006-12-21

Part of an underachieving four-album run (Speed of Sound, Back to the Egg, Mc Cartney II), London Town shows Mr. McCartney at loose ends. The song fragments don't work. I remember how frustrated I was the first time I heard Backwards Traveller- a short burst of infectious song followed by some uninspiring synth junk.

Earlier in McCartney's career, albums that received mixed reviews--Ram, Wild Life and Red Rose Speedway--all had enough gold in them to satisfy, nevertheless. By contrast, London Town--as well as Back to the Egg--very nearly miss completely.

Fortunately, Tug of War was four years off. But then, another drought until Flowers in the Dirt, and so on...

5 out of 5 stars Before the Egg.......2006-07-07

A Cuff Link...guess Phil Collin's sucess of the 80s was helped alot by this cool sound (Collins is a big Fan of any thing Beatle). Besides the Hits of this album, I really Recomend "Name and Adress", its Brilliant and Respectfull of Elvis (which is why Paul lets it Fall apart, cause the Mimic so Good). Morse Moose is alot of Fun too. Maturity has brought ME even more Insight,Taste, and an appreciation; to Melody+Composition+ Talented Fun, as I am a well experienced Music Lover. Mull of Kintyre and Don't let it Bring you Down, give me a welcomed Mist to my Eyes. Girls School arouses My arousals(Jimmy Durante tone here), even though I Like mature women, and Good Clean Fun....this song Rocks tooo. Bought this with Back to the Egg(Combo Price Premo). Both Album Covers are Worth Framing... also. Oh Yeah !

4 out of 5 stars The melodies grow on you.......2006-03-08

By this time(1978), Paul McCartney had nothing to prove. The man was an ex-member of the biggest group(Beatles) that ever hit the planet. And he had great success with his current band of the time, Wings, in which less than two years prior, they had finished up a world tour.
It stands to reason that anything the man has given us after that world tour was a bonus. He could have retired at this point and not have made a single rcord again.
`Londontown' is expertly crafted pop that we have come to expect from McCartney. Now reduced to a trio of a Macca, Laine, and Linda, Wings came up with a highly listenable album that is vastly underrated. Why? Perhaps music listeners and critics were still comparing subsequent solo/Wings albums to mcCartney`s best effort, `Band on the run, or perhaps some were still comparing to what he had done with The Beatles.
Leave your expectations at the door and hear the album for what it is. A strong album brimming with good ,listenable tunes.
The title track, London town wriiten in collaboration with Denny Laine, has an introspective melody with descriptive, wry lyrics, something you wouldnt expect form McCartney. `Cafe On the left Bank' is more uptempo with desciption of Paris social life.
Im carrying is a beauitiful, tender ballad.
Backwards traveler is amiddle of the road rocker.
`Children Children' is a folk composition wrtitten in tandem with Denny Laine, who is very undervalued as a collaborator with macca.
`Girlfriend' has to be the downright, sappiest song McCartney has ever committed to vinyl. It`s probaly one of the songs critics use as evidence to point out Macca is lightweight. Im not keen on this as you can tell.
`Ive had enough' is an uptempo rocker that makes up for the last track`s emabarassment.
`With a little Luck', which most people probaly know about was the #1 single chockful of the most tasteful synthesizer touches ever employed in a pop song.
`Famous groupies' is a folksie ode to , well, `groupies'. Its mediocre, nothing spectacular.
deliver your children is an uptempo folk number with Denny Laine, once again proving how underrated Laine was as a Wings member. He wasn`t a mere sideman to Macca as critics allege.
`Name and Address' is a song influenced by Macca`s love of 1950`s style rock and roll. It`s reminiscent of that time.
`Don`t Let it Bring You down' seems to be a celtic-folk influenced ballad stating what the title is trying to say to it`s audience.
`Morse moose and The Grey Goose' is probaly the most maligned track on this album, but its rather strong to these ears. It contains some of Macca`s most inspired bass playing. Part funk, part sea chantey sing along, it`s easy to see how people would be turned off by this, but it`s unique and inventive.
Now we get to to the bonus tracks;
`Girl`s School is a smoking ,blistering, grooving rocker, possibly one of the more rockier number s Macca has ever committed to vinyl. It goes to show the man can rock out when he wants to, and he was clearly not the lightweight critcs point him out to be. It was the flip side of `Mull of Kintyre',Macca and Laine`s collaboration of a Scottish waltz also featured here. This was a huge hit worldwide except for America. Why, I do not know.
All in all, a strong album, some tracks are more inspired than others, but on the whole , a very good album from a man who had nothing left to prove even at that time
Elgar: Cello Concerto; Sea Pictures; Cockaigne Overture
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful performances and remastering
  • DuPre at her best
  • Don't even think about buying another performance!
  • Sea Pictures, a life changing event, Lord Elgar, I worship thee!
  • The Definitive Elgar Cello Concerto
Elgar: Cello Concerto; Sea Pictures; Cockaigne Overture

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002VEQGG
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

  1. Concert Overture: Cockaigne (In London Town) Op.40 - Philharmonia Orchestra
  2. I. Adagio - Moderato - Jacqueline Du Pre
  3. II. Lento - Allegro Molto - Jacqueline Du Pre
  4. III. Adagio - Jacqueline Du Pre
  5. IV. Allegro - Moderato - Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Jacqueline Du Pre
  6. I. Sea Slumber-Song - Janet Baker
  7. II. In Haven (Capri) - Janet Baker
  8. III. Sabbath Morning At Sea - Janet Baker
  9. IV.Where Corals Lie - Janet Baker
  10. V. The Swimmer - Janet Baker

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful performances and remastering.......2007-02-19

This legendary Du Pre recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto is certainly one of the titles I've been waiting to see in the Great Recordings of the Century. Du Pre gives a passionate reading of the concerto, capturing all the pathos in this immensely tragic work, with able support from Barbirolli and the London Symphony Orchestra, drawing upon his expertise in this music. Barbirolli and the LSO also ably support Dame Janet Baker in her rendition of the Sea Pictures. Dame Janet sings with a light touch and a tonal beauty that befits the music, and one can hear everyone making the most of this underrated Elgar work and unearthing the many nuances in his depiction of the sea.

You'll wonder what the Cello Concerto and the Sea Pictures have in common besides boasting great performances in this disc. Well, from my reading of it, they both harbour sentiments of unpredictability in life. The Cello Concerto is laden with yearning for a lost world, a world torn apart by the First World War, and the Sea Pictures features some depictions of how the sea destroys love.

As expected, this reissue in the Great Recordings of the Century series offers the best remastering that these performances could ever deserve. They emerge as if they were clean, full and vibrant recordings that sound like they were only recorded yesterday. My only quibble is that the CD producers decided to throw in the Cockaigne Overture, which is a rather frivolous piece in relation to the deep, sober mood of the original record. I know that we must get bang for our dollars with the capacity of a CD, but the Cockaigne really spoils the mood of the other two pieces. Thankfully the listener can programme it out and get to the Concerto and the Sea Pictures.

But don't let this deter you from grabbing a copy of this legendary recording that surely deserves its coveted place in this superb EMI series.

5 out of 5 stars DuPre at her best.......2007-02-19

The Elgar belongs to no other. Jackie may have been a bit high-strung, but there's more emotion in this recording that one can find in any other recording of anything in the universe.

5 out of 5 stars Don't even think about buying another performance!.......2006-09-28

... unless you already have this one and want to appreciate it even more!

This is Du Pre's signature piece and she OWNS it.

And Janet Baker, knowing she is dying of cancer, sings Sea Pictures like there is literally no tomorrow.

This is one of those rare recordings where the planets perfectly align to give you music, performers, recording and MOMENT that together exceed the sum of the parts.

5 out of 5 stars Sea Pictures, a life changing event, Lord Elgar, I worship thee!.......2006-01-01

Hello my name is Marcus. You may remember me from such films as the Flintsto... well I'll save my Troy McKlure impersonation for later. Right now its all about Elgar. Or should I say "SIR" Edward Elgar.

The rules for entry into my own "Immortal Composers Club" are insanely strict. I myself a music instructor, composer recording artist have not even been allowed in the club officially as a member yet. I'm like an apprentice to these masters. Or dare I say I am a "padawan learner" still learning.

The Yoda master of the club is of course J.S. Bach, the Obi-Wan of the club, easily Elgar. Myself a practitioner of the archaic non-commercial art of "Art Song" have been moved to tears a few times by both Elgars Sea Pictures and the flawless mezzo performance on this awesome recording. Everything on the CD is of course great but in my opinion the Sea Pictures is one of the greatest art song cycles in human history.

Myself just completing my first modern art song cycle called " Harmonious Haiku " (which you can check out with any basic Google search,) can greatly appreciate the unfortunately to unappreciated form of Art Song.

Sea Pictures is one of my favorites of the Genre. Forget the movies, forget drug store fiction, put on some Sea Pictures, close your eyes and experience what song writing could have been if not for the L. A. Record companies and the well I can't say "Fab" but you know, those four guys with the hair.

Elgar is how a real Englishman makes music! Ride on Brother! Ride on!

Thank you,
Your friend in great music
~ MarcusUnlimited :)

5 out of 5 stars The Definitive Elgar Cello Concerto.......2005-05-04

This performance is hands down the single best recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto. Other accounts are good -- Tortelier, Navarra, Yo-Yo Ma -- but only one stereo reading was good enough to replace the composer's own historical recording with Beatrice Harrison and that is this one by Jacqueline du Pre. Sir John Barbirolli and the Halle Orchestra accompany the cellist in this definitive 1965 performance, which for all intents and purposes, launched her career. Du Pre's playing has the quality and delivery of a great singer, so it is only fitting that the Concerto be coupled with another legendary performance -- Janet Baker's "Sea Pictures" again with JB and the lads from Manchester. This CD has been available for years as a full-price title, but it is great to see it now at midline in the "GROTC" series. In fact, for more in depth reviews of these performances, including one from esteemed music critic David Hurwitz, you should consult this reissue's predecessor.
East of Angel Town
Average customer rating: Not rated
    East of Angel Town
    Peter Cincotti
    Manufacturer: Sire / London/Rhino
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000RHRGEE
    Release Date: 2007-08-14
    The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Well worth the price
    • Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
    • Where's the chicks?!?!
    • Not quite the ultimate....
    • Great Music - Questionable Selection
    The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
    Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000007OU0
    Release Date: 1998-06-09

    Tracks:

    1. H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
    2. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
    3. H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
    4. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
    5. H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
    6. H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
    7. H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
    8. H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
    9. H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
    10. The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
    11. The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
    12. The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
    13. The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
    14. The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
    15. Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
    16. The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
    17. The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
    18. The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
    19. The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
    20. The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
    21. The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
    22. The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
    23. The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
    24. The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
    25. The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
    26. The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
    27. The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
    28. The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
    29. The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

    I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

    3 out of 5 stars Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

    It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

    In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

    Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

    2 out of 5 stars Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

    It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

    5 out of 5 stars Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

    This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

    4 out of 5 stars Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

    It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.
    Ultimate Copland Album
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Best of the the popular Copland...
    • A Great American Album
    • Must have this one...
    Ultimate Copland Album

    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
    2. Copland: Music for Films
    3. Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man
    4. Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc
    5. Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris

    ASIN: B00002S5EW
    Release Date: 1999-11-09

    Tracks:

    1. Fanfare For The Common Man
    2. From Four Dance Episodes From 'Rodeo': Saturday Night Waltz
    3. From Four Dance Episodes From 'Rodeo': Hoe-Down
    4. From Old American Songs: Simple Gifts
    5. Appalachian Spring: Variations On A Shaker Hymn
    6. From Music For Movies: Grovers Corners (From Our Town)
    7. From Billy The Kid: Introduction - The Open Prairie
    8. From Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
    9. From Billy The Kid: Mexican Dance
    10. From Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
    11. From Billy The Kid: Celebration (After Billy's Capture)
    12. From Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
    13. From Billy The Kid: El Salon Mexico
    14. Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
    15. Appalachian Spring: Allegro
    16. Appalachian Spring: Moderato: The Bride And Her Intended
    17. Appalachian Spring: Fast: The Revivalist And His Flock
    18. Appalachian Spring: Allegro: Solo Dance Of The Bride
    19. Appalachian Spring: Meno Mosso
    20. Appalachian Spring: Doppio Movimento: Variations On A Shaker Hymn
    21. Appalachian Spring: Moderato: Coda

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Best of the the popular Copland..........2004-12-26

    Here's a great introduction to the popular music of Aaron Copland. When "Fanfare for the Common Man" begins, sparks of recognition will fly for most listeners. This song has been everywhere: presidential inaugurations, the olympics, commercials, movies, etc. Some flatten it as hopelessly clichéd, while others find it moving and inspiring. Copland also reprised it in the finale of his Third Symphony. Arguably Copland's most famous piece, "Appalachian Spring" closes the CD. In between, more great Copland: excerpts from 'Rodeo' (apparently the beef lobby has appropriated "Hoe-Down" as one of their themes); a great vocal rendition of "Simple Gifts" and a large chunk of another of Copland's best known works: "Billy the Kid". The only confusing piece is the "Variations on a Shaker Hymn" from Appalachian Spring when the entire Appalachian Spring is already included. Seems slightly redundant.

    Though most of the pieces on this CD were written in the 1930s and 1940s, they tend to evoke the old west. With titles such as "Rodeo" and "Billy the Kid" this shouldn't surprise too many people.

    Copland went on to compose more dissonant and twelve tone compositions later on in his career. These obviously weren't as popular with the public in general as the pieces on this CD. Nonetheless, if this disc whets the appetite, a foray into Copland's less popular works will yield much. It will help to expose the totality of Copland's output. This disc only represents a small portion of his work. Regardless, this disc is a great starting point for getting to know one of the United States' best known composers of the twentieth century.

    4 out of 5 stars A Great American Album.......2004-02-13

    This is a great album representing true patriotic American music. Songs like "Hoe-Down" are lively and energetic and give rememberance to what one can imagine as the true American spirit.

    5 out of 5 stars Must have this one..........2002-09-17

    I like all types of music, I wanted this album because I liked the song "RODEO" that is used on the beef commercials. This CD has made me into a Copland fan. It has many great songs. If you want a CD that says "I am an American." This is it. I am sending copies to a friend in Bombay and Tel Aviv. This is who I am put to music.
    Best of Elgar
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Best of Elgar

      Manufacturer: Naxos
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      Similar Items:
      1. Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36
      2. Elgar: Enigma Variations
      3. The Best of Fauré
      4. The Best of Shostakovich
      5. Best of Prokofiev

      ASIN: B0000014HN
      Release Date: 1997-03-18

      Tracks:

      1. Pomp And Circumstance March In D Major, Op. 39, No. 1
      2. Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Nimrod
      3. Intoduction And Allegro, Op. 47
      4. Cello Concerto In E minor, Op. 85 - Adagio
      5. Salut d'amour, Op. 12
      6. Symphony No. 1In A Flat Major, Op. 55, - Andante nobilmente e semplice (Excerpt)
      7. Serenade For Strings In E Minor, Op. 20: Larghetto
      8. Serenade For Strings In E Minor, Op. 20: Allegretto
      9. Violin Concerto In B Minor Op. 61 - Andante
      10. Pomp and Circumstance March In G Major, Op. 39, No. 4
      11. Cockaigne Overture (In London Town), Op. 40
      Copland: Our Town; The Red Pony Suite; El Salón México; Danzón Cubano; Three Latin American Sketches
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Copland conducts Copland
      • Profound
      • review and comparison with Slatkin's CD
      • Great music, bad orchestras
      • Red Pony Review
      Copland: Our Town; The Red Pony Suite; El Salón México; Danzón Cubano; Three Latin American Sketches

      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      Similar Items:
      1. Copland: Music for Films
      2. Copland: Symphony No. 3; Quiet City
      3. Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
      4. Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man
      5. The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948

      ASIN: B0000026GF
      Release Date: 1990-10-25

      Tracks:

      1. Our Town
      2. The Red Pony Suite - Morning On The Ranch: I. Morning On The Ranch
      3. The Red Pony Suite - Morning On The Ranch: II. The Gift
      4. The Red Pony Suite - Morning On The Ranch: III. Dream March And Circus March
      5. The Red Pony Suite - Morning On The Ranch: IV. Walk To The Bunkhouse
      6. The Red Pony Suite - Morning On The Ranch: V. Grandfather's Story
      7. The Red Pony Suite - Morning On The Ranch: VI. Happy Ending
      8. El Salon Mexico
      9. Danzon Cubano
      10. Three Latin-American Sketches -: Estribillo
      11. Three Latin-American Sketches: Paisaje Mexicano
      12. Three Latin-American Sketches: Danza de jalisco

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Copland conducts Copland.......2003-11-27

      Aaron Copland was, admittedly, NOT a great conductor. Nevertheless, musicians enjoyed working with him, possibly because he was so exuberant and enthusiastic. One friend said Copland might tell musicians to "hit a home run." He certainly wanted the musicians to have fun and it's clear that usually happened. Along the way, Copland did manage to give his interpretations of his own music, setting a standard of how it should be played.

      It's very apparent in Copland's numerous recordings for Columbia (now available on Sony) that the composer left an important legacy. Among the more original American composers, Copland was distinctly American. He enjoyed a fine musical education from Nadia Boulanger in Paris that gave his compositions some added depth. Initially, Copland followed George Gershwin's example and made considerable use of jazz and blues in his works. Copland himself said he felt he soon exhausted the possibilities of popular music and then turned to American folk music.

      A trip to Mexico, where he met and befriended Carlos Chavez, resulted in Copland's first great musical triumph, "El Salon Mexico." It became the only Copland work to ever be conducted by Arturo Toscanini with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. On this CD one has a chance to hear the composer himself conducting this 1936 triumph.

      This writer has long enjoyed Copland's wonderful music for the 1948 Technicolor western "The Red Pony," an adaptation of the John Steinbeck story by Lewis Milestone that starred Myrna Loy and a young Robert Mitchum. The music is such an important ingredient in this classic film. Fortunately, Copland extracted a concert suite from the film score and it is included in this CD.

      Copland wrote other film scores, too, and we get to hear some of the music he wrote for the 1940 film adaptation of Thornton Wilder's very American play, "Our Town."

      The CD includes some additional Latin-influenced works, "Danzon Cubano," which rivals Gershwin's "A Cuban Overture," and "Three Latin American Sketches." These are very colorful, exciting works.

      Perhaps, as some have said, the London Symphony Orchestra and the New Philharmonic Orchestra were not up to par in these recordings. Some of that may have been Copland's fault. Still, these are competent performances and they convey what the composer wanted.

      5 out of 5 stars Profound.......2003-10-31

      Forget what the guy above says about the London Symphony Orchestra's recording of "Our Town." Hands down, the most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard. Moving, surreal, profound. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

      4 out of 5 stars review and comparison with Slatkin's CD.......2003-05-10

      It does seem (and I have heard from professional conductors) that performance standards of orchestras in the 1960s and 70s were not what they are today, but I would not necessarily hold that fact against this CD. While Leonard SlatkinÕs more recent recording with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (on the RCA label) is much more pristine, and the musicians sound much more in tune, I find something in CoplandÕs own interpretation of his music that is missing from SlatkinÕs (still very capable) rendition.

      Comparing the two versions of ÒOur TownÓ, for example, the difference in character is striking. With Copland the tempo is much slower, the intensity is proportionally much greater, and Copland, with a composerÕs sense of intimacy with his score and the music intended behind it, derives more musicality out of each phrase and note than I hear in SlatkinÕs faster-paced performance. The same can be said for the rest of CoplandÕs CD--what the older recording might lack in technical musicianship, it makes up for in greater interpretive depth. While it is aggravating sometimes to hear instruments out of tune (and I am only assuming that what sounds out of tune to me today was equivalently considered out of tune back then), the tradeoff may be worth it for some.

      2 out of 5 stars Great music, bad orchestras.......2000-06-13

      While this is some of Copland's best (and most under-recognized) work, the orchestras represented on the CD are, as a whole, awful. Even the London Symphony orchestra had an off day on "Our Town," and the New Philharmonia Orchestra does a good job of butchering the rest of the CD, particularly "Danzon Cubano." The recording of "Danzon" is quite possibly the worst I've ever heard any symphony orchestra play. While it may be worth the money as a bargain CD, do NOT pay full price for this.

      4 out of 5 stars Red Pony Review.......2000-01-05

      I am currently studying my A-Levels, including a music tehcnology course. One homework was to compose a piece. I played this piece two years ago, and remembered the incredibly difficult timing, and then the satisfaction of getting it right at the start of the Walk to the Bunkhouse. Since I first heard it I kept noticing new sounds, and parts to it. I love it, and keep listening to it again and again, hearing new life in it. Buy this Now!
      The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Bought this for Concerto for Clarinet
      • Aaron Copland: Populist and Conductor
      • Tribute to Lincoln
      • A great way to get your dose of Copland....
      • Well balanced retrospective, -or- Listen to this!
      The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948

      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      Similar Items:
      1. The Copland Collection: Orchestral Works, 1948-1971
      2. Copland: Music for Films
      3. A Copland Celebration Vol. 3
      4. A Copland Celebration Vol. 1
      5. Samuel Barber / Thomas Schippers

      ASIN: B0000027BJ
      Release Date: 1991-01-18

      Tracks:

      1. El Salon Mexico
      2. An Outdoor Overture
      3. Billy The Kid: Introduction: The Open Prairie
      4. Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
      5. Billy The Kid: Prairie Night (Card Game At Night)
      6. Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
      7. Billy The Kid: Celebration (After Billy's Capture)
      8. Billy The Kid: Billy's Death
      9. Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
      10. Quiet City
      11. John Henry
      12. Our Town
      13. Las Agachadas
      14. Fanfare For The Common Man

      Tracks:

      1. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): I. Buckaroo Holiday
      2. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): II. Corral Nocturne
      3. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): III. Saturday Night Waltz
      4. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): IV. Hoedown
      5. The City: New England Countryside
      6. Of Mice And Men: Barley Wagons
      7. The City: Sunday Traffic
      8. Our Town: Grovers Corners
      9. Of Mice And Men: Threshing Machines
      10. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Very Slow
      11. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Fast
      12. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Moderato
      13. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Fast
      14. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Still Faster
      15. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): As At First (Slowly)
      16. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Calm And flowing
      17. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Moderato; Coda
      18. Letter From Home
      19. Danzon Cubano

      Tracks:

      1. Lincoln Portrait: Lento
      2. Lincoln Portrait: Subito Allegro
      3. Lincoln Portrait: 'Fellow Citizens, We Cannot Escape History...'
      4. Symphony No. 3: I. Molto Moderato-With Simple Expression
      5. Symphony No. 3: II. Allegro Molto
      6. Symphony No. 3: III. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
      7. Symphony No. 3: IV. Molto Deliberato
      8. Concerto For Clarinet, Strings, Harp, & Piano

      Amazon.com

      Aaron Copland made numerous recordings of his own music, including an extensive series for CBS during the 1960s and '70s, mostly with London orchestras. He was not an especially proficient conductor--consequently, the performances he conducted often lacked pace and rhythmic punch. His last recordings of his most popular scores have been reissued by Sony on an exceptionally well-remastered 3-CD set. These accounts do a good job of conveying the overall shape of the pieces, and they deliver telling characterizations of many episodes. Details emerge that are lost in some other accounts, and there is an appealing gentleness and sweetness to the approach. But the readings do not have as much grip as those of Bernstein and Slatkin, among others, and in spite of the authority they automatically possess, they are not necessarily preferable. --Ted Libbey

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Bought this for Concerto for Clarinet.......2007-07-14

      The sum is greater than the parts. This is a great Copland collection and shows his diversity. Yet as divers and the three CD are they are all distinctively Copland. Benny Goodman is usually associated with jazz yet he was also diverse in his career. "Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, and Harp & Piano" is a mantra that will carry you to a timeless place.

      An added plus is the many other popular pieces that you know you heard but did not realize it was Copland especially the music from movies.

      You may have to play the set a few times before being able to recognize the different tracks by name. The down side is many of Copland's works are outside of the date range of this collection.

      5 out of 5 stars Aaron Copland: Populist and Conductor.......2005-03-29

      If you want a prime collection of Copland's more accessible works, this is it. Yes, it's true that Bernstein's recordings of individual pieces are often bolder and livelier; but this set offers the composer's own authoritative view of his work, and for that reason alone it is priceless. In addition, it includes virtually all the orchestral pieces he composed during his "populist phase," from El Salon Mexico (1936) to the Clarinet Concerto (1948). You won't find some of these lesser-known gems, such as An Outdoor Overture (1938) or Letter from Home (1944, written--like Rhapsody in Blue--for Paul Whiteman), on typical single-disc Copland compilations. I'd even go so far as to claim this as one of the four indispensable compilations of American instrumental music from the first half of the twentieth century (the others on my list--in case anyone cares--are Joshua Rifkin playing Scott Joplin, Oscar Levant playing Gershwin, and the Blanton-Webster band recordings of Duke Ellington).

      What amazing riches flowed from Copland's pen during the period covered by these three discs! Billy the Kid (1939), Quiet City (1940), Our Town (1940), Fanfare for the Common Man (1942), Rodeo (1942), Lincoln Portrait (1942), Appalachian Spring (1944), and the Third Symphony (1946)--all are here. Some of this music is so familiar, so deeply ingrained in America's cultural consciousness, that we might be tempted to take it for granted. But imagine how much poorer the American concert repertoire would be without it. It's almost impossible, at this point, to conceive of a time when this wonderful music--which is to America roughly what Mussorgsky's music is to Russia, Grieg's to Norway, and Falla's to Spain--didn't exist. It was during the dozen years covered by this collection that Copland pulled away from the pack of his talented contemporaries (Hanson, Thomson, Harris, etc.) and, in a way, but with greater technical sophistication, filled the void left by the tragically early death of Gershwin, whose heyday, 1924-1935, immediately preceded the composition of the works on this collection.

      The ballet music is all presented here in the familiar orchestral suites Copland arranged. Most of the selections are played by the London Symphony Orchestra, although the New Philharmonia and the just-plain Philharmonia get cracks at a few key works. The last-named orchestra, for instance, takes on the biggest piece on the program, Copland's Third, the closest thing American music has to a Beethoven's Ninth (although the work's sublime rhetoric has never completely convinced me--it's neither my personal favorite by Copland nor my favorite American symphony . . . but it sure has its moments). In addition to the fine orchestral playing, another treat is that Henry Fonda narrates the Lincoln Portrait--an almost inevitable pick, given the virtually mythic way his acting style embodied the American spirit and the fact that he had portrayed the sixteenth president in John Ford's classic film Young Mr. Lincoln (1939).

      The set concludes with what, over the years, has become my favorite work by Copland, the Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp, & Piano, written for and performed here by surely the last century's greatest clarinetist, Benny Goodman. This work effects a concise synthesis between Copland's mature style and his earlier jazz stylings from the 1920s; in addition, the searing eloquence of the opening slow movement seems to me the most profound lyrical writing Copland ever achieved. Stoltzman's recording, ironically enough, swings harder than the king of swing's, but this collaboration between the composer and the man who commissioned it is for the ages.

      The only major "populist" scores written after the period this collection covers are the film scores to The Red Pony (1948) and The Heiress (1949). Both can be acquired on an essential Leonard Slatkin CD for RCA. And since this collection doesn't include chamber music, the great Violin Sonata (1943), a kind of more intimate counterpart to Appalachian Spring, will have to be sought elsewhere. (One good option is Gil Shaham/Andre Previn on DG.) A serious Copland collector will also want to grab the other two volumes of the Copland Collection itself. The early set features important works such as the Organ Symphony (1924), Music for the Theater (1925), and the Short Symphony (1932)--but both of the other collections also include long, thorny pieces like the early Symphonic Ode and the late Connotations that can be rather difficult for the average enthusiast to enjoy.

      Most of the essential, universal Copland is to be found on this second installment of the Copland Collection, and I would definitely recommend it as the place to start exploring Copland's magnificent contribution to American music. It has been a wonderful and treasured companion of mine for many years, and it also serves to conjure up a timely and inspiring vision of open prairies, nocturnal cityscapes, and the populist, humane values that America should, ideally, epitomize.

      5 out of 5 stars Tribute to Lincoln.......2001-10-28

      I purchased this set of Copeland CD's because I wanted the Tribute to Lincoln narrated by Henry Fonda. This is a masterful recording especially for Americans in this time. The Tribute sends chills down my spine whenever I her it. My greatest joy however, was how much I have enjoyed all of the CD's in the set. I tend to be much more of a classical listener. I have heard Copeland but not in any organized fashion. This set has brought a new and delightful experience to my listening options.

      4 out of 5 stars A great way to get your dose of Copland...........2000-06-30

      The 2nd of this three CD collection is wonderful. My favorite though is the third one. Doesn't mean this isn't good. This Sony Copland Collection set is worth the money for. Copland is sooo much more then Appalachian Spring, Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo, etc... But you get a lot of typical Copland on these CDs. Songs we all know and love. But there are some unfamiliar good ones too. Concerto for Clarinet took me by storm. So did Letters from Home. Good quality, good booklet, good recording, good playing (how Copland got the London Symphony to play something right I will never know), good everything. It's not perfect because it doesn't compete with THE best Copland like the third CD set of this collection, or the The Tendeer Land. Oh, these three CD sets don't cover all Copland, but it does for the most part. It doesn't have many chamber works, two choral works, and his two operas. You can cover some of those with the full version of Tender Land and of Second Hurricane (which also comes with the choral work, In the Beginning). But this is a good series. I highly recommend it!

      5 out of 5 stars Well balanced retrospective, -or- Listen to this!.......1999-08-11

      Mr. Copland's works, as always, are exceptional This album, which consists of his work both as a composer and as a conductor, brings his music to life in a way no other conductor can. This is a well mastered and well produced work and worth the listen. To hear Arron Copland's music as he intended is wonderfull.
      On the Town
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • Opera voices don't work for musical theater
      • Great Score But A Bit Dated
      • Operatic voices take away the verve and excitement
      • Good Recording
      • Highly competent studio cast recording of the show
      On the Town

      Manufacturer: Polygram Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by BernsteinAll Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Bernstein - Wonderful Town / Simon Rattle (1999 Studio Cast)
      2. James Galway ~ Mozart · Flute Concertos
      3. Girl Crazy (1990 Studio Cast)
      4. Legs Diamond
      5. On the Town

      ASIN: B000001GI4
      Release Date: 1993-09-14

      Tracks:

      1. On The Town: I Feel Like I'm Not Out of Bed Yet
      2. On The Town: New York, New York
      3. On The Town: Presentation of Miss Turnstiles
      4. On The Town: Gabey's Comin' - Pickup Song
      5. On The Town: Taxi Number: Come Up to My Place
      6. On The Town: Carried Away
      7. On The Town: Lonely Town
      8. On The Town: High School Girls
      9. On The Town: Lonely Town - Pas de deux
      10. On The Town: Carnegie Hall Pavane
      11. On The Town: I Can Cook Too
      12. On The Town: Lucky to be Me
      13. On The Town: Times Square: Finale, Act 1
      14. On The Town: So Long, Baby
      15. On The Town: I Wish I Was Dead
      16. On The Town: Ya Got Me
      17. On The Town: Ain't Got No Tears Left
      18. On The Town: Pitkin's Song
      19. On The Town: Subway Ride And Imaginary Coney Island
      20. On The Town: The Great Love Displays Himself
      21. On The Town: Pas de deux
      22. On The Town: Some Other Time
      23. On The Town: The Real Coney Island
      24. On The Town: Finale
      25. Appendix: The Intermission's Great

      Amazon.com

      Three sailors on shore leave chasing after women in the Big City--that's the premise for On the Town, the brilliant, innovative, and electrically vibrant 1944 show by Leonard Bernstein (and Jerome Robbins, Adolph Green, and Betty Comden) that literally overflows with great songs and dance music. This version features a strong cast and three numbers cut from the New York premiere. It's well worth a visit. --David Vernier

      Customer Reviews:

      2 out of 5 stars Opera voices don't work for musical theater.......2006-09-15

      I had to force myself to listen beyond Sam Ramey's first "I feel like I'm not outta bed yet"... why?... it comes down to two things:

      1) When listening to opera singers performing musical theater I always have difficulty understanding "what" they're singing about. Sure, I can hear the words, but the purified sound sands down everything that was gritty and emotional. It's almost like a Musak treatment, taking the raw energy and vitality of the original and softening it for easier listening. This is usually never a problem with original cast recordings which may have less-than-perfect vocal production, but are 100% locked in with singing-saying what the music and words mean TOGETHER.

      2) I find these type of recordings patronizing to the great number of extremely talented musical theater artists who would each bring better interpretations to the studio because they'd have actually performed the parts, on-stage, dancing and acting, for many shows in a row. From an interpretation POV, this recording sounds like it was banged out after a few coachings, a few rehearsals, and a lot of engineering time. That approach seems to belittle the dedicated contributions of music theater artists.

      ==========
      This is supposed to be American Musical Theater, a little rough around the edges, packed with physical/musical/emotional vitality, intelligence, wit, etc. This recording does not convey those attributes at all. It is physically revolting for me to listen to this homogenized, purified, sanitized, corrected, over-engineered, and nonexpressive recording. I'm glad I borrowed it from the library.

      4 out of 5 stars Great Score But A Bit Dated.......2006-03-19

      A wonderful score from Leonard Bernstein detailing three naval soldiers' day of leave in New York City. Even if some of the songs are a bit past their prime, there are still great catchy tunes:

      New York, New York
      Taxi Number: Come Up To My Place (a very catchy duet)
      Ain't Got No Tears Left
      Some Other Time

      This recording, however, is not the greatest. Its poor quality just reminds you of how dated some of the music is, so I recommend you get a different version.

      3 out of 5 stars Operatic voices take away the verve and excitement.......2005-09-21

      Bernstein started a bad trend with his crossover West Side Story, in which Kiri Te Kanawa and Jose Carreras were painfully miscast. But that version has sold very wel over the years, so now we have MTT condcuting a big symphony orchestra and singers like von Stade and Hampson who try their best but feel all wrong. This is a great score, but here the whole sense of naive sailors on shore leave in the big city, plus the special jazziness of Bernstein in the Forties, doesn't come across. These are very sophisticated people trying to ham up WW II period charm--no thanks.

      4 out of 5 stars Good Recording.......2002-08-19

      This is a good recording of this very enjoyable work. The quality of singing is fine and the orchestral work is particularly good. The music itself is really fun and well above the level of the great majority of Broadway musicals, including better known works like Oklahoma. This is the first of a group of excellent musicals; On The Town, Wonderful Town, and West Side Story, written by Bernstein and collaborators in the 40s and 50s. All are excellent and incorporated music and dance in innovative ways. West Side Story is the best known and most performed but I believe that the music in On The Town is the best of the group. All of these musicals, in one way or another, celebrate New York City.

      4 out of 5 stars Highly competent studio cast recording of the show.......2002-06-13

      While the vocal performances here do not match the re-assembled original cast recording of 1960 in terms of dramatic and comedic interpretations, Tilson Thomas' reading of the score is every bit as good as Bernstein's himself in the 1960 recording. In terms of tempi, rhythmns, dynamics and sound this orchestral reading is the twin of Bernstein's. So one asks oneself, why assemble a studio cast to do it over again when the original is so exceptional??? We may never know the answer but the reading which was simulcast on PBS was amusing at moments, thanks to Comeden and Green's narration and filling in synopses of the dialogue lines skipped over, and the performance was well received by the audience. Here it is re-recorded without the audience.

      The only thing I can point to is the inclusion of three numbers dropped out of town before the show's opening - Gabey's Comin/Pickup Song, Ain't Got No Tears Left, and The Intermission's Great. These make up for 7:54 minutes rightfully deemed unworthy of inclusion in the frozen show (especially the latter which is stupid beyond belief - although R&H stole the concept for their Intermission Talk in ME AND JULIET). The nightclub numbers So Long, Baby and I'm Blue are extended 31 seconds and 19 seconds respectively (they were shortened by these 50 seconds to fit onto the 1960 LP release.

      So what do you have here that you don't have on the 1960 cast album? 50 seconds of the original show and 7:54 minutes of songs never used and of less than stellar quality.

      Very little reason to prefer this over the original, especially with the vocal performances not up to par. Small wonder it went out of print rather quickly. Stick to the 1960 recording.

      (For purists, that original LP release was unable to fit two numbers recorded for it onto the two sides of vinyl - DO RE DO and I UNDERSTAND. The former was added when the LP was re-released (to accompany the 1971 revival) and when it made its debut on CD, I UNDERSTAND joined it for a complete recording.)

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