Sacred Songs

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Sacred Songs, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, Hector Berlioz, Leonard Bernstein, Gabriel Faure, Cesar Franck, Charles Gounod, George Frideric Handel, Engelbert Humperdinck, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Siegfried Ochs, Francis Poulenc, Max Reger, Franz Schubert, Spiritual Traditional, Andreas Delfs, Susan Graham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Renée Fleming, Mark O'Connor, 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard, Cantata, Choral, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Vocals, German/Austrian Romantic Opera, Mass, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Modern Mass, Opera, Oratorio, Requiem/Requiem Section, Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard, Sacred Choral Music, Sacred Music for Soloist & Chorus, Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble, Vocal

The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs
Average customer rating:

Still yourself...

A Most Relaxing and Peaceful Collection

A Deeply Worshipful Album

personal worship

One of his best

The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs
Fernando Ortega
Manufacturer: Curb Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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Hymns & Meditations

Storm

Hymns of Worship

The Breaking of the Dawn

Fernando Ortega

ASIN: B000IHYWAY
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

Grace And Peace
All Flesh Is Like The Grass
Let The Words Of My Mouth
Open My Lips
Come, Let Us Worship
All Creatures Of Our God And King
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Oh God, You Are My God
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
There Is Power In The Blood
Sing To Jesus
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us
Doxology

Album Description

A mixture of hymns and new songs composed by Fernando Ortega with simple and thoughtful arrangements. Produced by Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek) and featuring background vocals by Alison Krauss, Susan Ashton, Vince Gill, Dan Tymniski, Marsha Skidmore, Jonathan and Amanda Noel, and others.

Customer Reviews:

Still yourself..........2007-07-06

Still yourself... and listen to this fine work by Fernando Ortega. As you listen and think of excellent and noble things you will experience Grace and Peace in your world-weary soul. In fact if you see Fernando's name on it - - buy it. Like all of Fernando Ortega's music, The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs does not disappoint!

A Most Relaxing and Peaceful Collection.......2007-07-01

This album was my first introduction to Fernando Ortega, and I'm absolutely hooked now. This has to be one of the most peaceful and relaxing collections I have ever heard. The melodies are beautiful and the words are so simple and pure (most are direct quotes from scripture). I even use it in my 3 year-old son's bedroom for lullabies. These songs make you think and reflect on God and His Son. I particularly like how Fernando blends scriptures from the Old and New Testaments into one song (Let the Words of My Mouth). I am an oncology nurse, and at the end of a stressful work day, I can listen to this in my car, and I am instantly refocused & refreshed. I wholeheartedly recommend this album - you won't regret it!

A Deeply Worshipful Album.......2007-02-24

I have grown to love Fernando's work. As I get older, I enjoy his music--it really draws me into God's presence, especially as I'm reading the Word or praying. Not all Christian music does that for me, but Fernando's does.

This album is wonderful, its pensive, thoughtful. I really sense that Fernando means what he says, that he's deeply into the music and not just creating another CD.

I really recommend this CD, it really helps draw you into the heart of God.

personal worship.......2007-02-09

A great CD for personal worship time. Fernando Ortega does a great job to perpare your heart for worship.

One of his best.......2007-01-12

If you like Fernando Ortega's past works, you'll love this new edition. It has everything and more than the old stuff. Very spiritual and beautiful music.

Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung

Average customer rating:

Beautiful music
Andrea Bocelli-Sacred Arias
An "experience" of sacred arias more than "listening" of sacred arias
amazing talent
Perfect arias for the perfect voice

Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung
George Frideric Handel , Giulio Caccini , Charles Gounod , Franz Schubert , Cesar Franck , Gioachino Rossini , Giuseppe Verdi , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Pietro Mascagni , Louis Niedermeyer , Franz Xaver Gruber , John Francis Wade , Jean-Paul Lecot , Myung-Whun Chung , and Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Romanza
Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Sogno
Cieli di Toscana
Andrea Bocelli - The Opera Album ~ Aria

ASIN: B00002ND9N
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Caccini/Mercurio: Ave Maria
Mascagni: Sancta Maria
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Rossini: Cuius animam
Verdi: Ingemisco
Mozart: Ave verum
Wagner: Der Engel
Handel: Ombra mai fu
Niedermeyer: Pieta signore
Rossini: Dominus Deus
Schubert/Mercurio: Mille Cherubini in coro
Gruber/Mercurio: Silent Night
Wade: Adeste Fideles
Gloria a te, Cristo Ges

Amazon.com

When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Sacred Arias, the release of which coincides with the first English-language biography of the singer. These performances are filled with the singer's phenomenally well-known vocal signature: his flair for long, sweetly floating high notes and the gentle sense of cadence he brings to a melody. It's a mistake to compartmentalize Bocelli into a singer of "operatic" versus "popular" styles: in truth his approach is at heart the same. Lack of color and control in his phrasing remains a drawback, but the emotional empathy Bocelli evokes is never in doubt. The arias collected here sample some of the most famous devotional pieces: Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Mozart's transporting "Ave Verum," as well as an arrangement of "Silent Night" in which Bocelli tries out his English. There's also a decidedly odd choice of bedfellows for a program of "sacred" music, such as a song from Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder (whose "angel" is the object of an overpoweringly erotic attraction) and Handel's figurative ode to a tree, "Ombra mai fu." Still, Bocelli sings with an unfeigned directness that is sure to expand his already enormous following even further. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful music.......2007-01-12

This is my second copy of this CD, I burned the first one out!!
Andrea Bocelli has a very gorgeous voice that is a gift from above. His voice is not affected or braggadoccio but naturally magnificent. I could and do start my day listening to this spiritually uplifting CD almost everyday. It is a wonderful way to get off to a pleasant peaceful start, but also a nice way to come home in the evening if you have a CD player in your car. I highly recommend it to all.

Andrea Bocelli-Sacred Arias.......2006-08-25

Excellent listening. Voice quality and tone is superb. Brings tears to my eyes when I envision listening to this in a church setting.

An "experience" of sacred arias more than "listening" of sacred arias.......2006-04-28

I bought this CD's special edition with DVD, and I am impressed by bocelli's singing in this album. I have heard many voices singing sacred songs, and christmas songs, but very few singers can achieve the "sacred atmosphere" that bocelli devotes when he sings. He may not have a "strong" voice as opera singers, but I think singing these sacred songs, devoting the "sacred atmosphere" to the audience is much more important, the voice actually is just a tool that helps a singer to achieve the result. For real, I have heard some CD by some chorus that perform sacred arias, but they did not move me as much as this CD does, mostly not even close. Personally I like "O come all ye faithful", "silent night", all "ave maria"'s, "domine deus", "cujus animam" the most. When I listen Bocelli's singing I focus on what he tries to devote in singing more than his voice color, because in terms of voice color he surely cant be compared with pavarotti or domingo, so why compares? The way of listening him and listening real opera singers is different man. But the reason I gave only this CD four stars is that I have heard several sacred arias from this album performed by his voice teacher, the legendary tenor Franco Corelli. I tried not to compare both...but I cant, not because Bocelli sings bad, he is already excellent, just Corelli is TOO excellent that cant be described by human language (well I think even Pavarotti is not even close to Franco Corelli, but this is just my opinion). Anyway if you want to "experience" the true beauty of sacred arias, this CD is highly recommended. And this is also a very good sacred aria album for beginning listeners who want to broaden their musical taste to sacred arias.

amazing talent.......2006-03-25

worth the price the songs are breathtaking and talent is indescribable

Perfect arias for the perfect voice.......2006-03-04

These are just terrific. How does Andrea acheive the range he does, and the power he has, without sounding too heavy or too light? His voice sounds like the perfect voice for these perfect arias.

I have noticed one concern with the CD. I have heard several clicks scattered here and there in the songs -- but the CD is clean and I feel confident it is not the machine. Has anyone else noticed this?

Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan

Average customer rating:

lovely music, but . . . . .
Anna Magdalena Notebook-- a treasure trove of Baroque music
Music for Bach's Katy
Charming and beautiful
Bach's wifes' collection of her favorite pieces

Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan
Lorraine Hunt , and Nicholas McGegan
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Classical Express
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Music of Peter Lieberson: Rilke Songs, The Six Realms, Horn Concerto
Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs

ASIN: B000056F7M
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Minuet I & II
Gigue
Aria: 'Bist Du Bei Mir', BWV 508 Stl - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
Aria: 'Willst Du Mein Herz Mir Schenken', BWV 518 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
Solo Per Il Cembalo
Polonaise In G Minor
March In D Major
March In E Flat Major
Rondeau In B Flat Major
Chorale: 'Wer Nur Den Lieben Gott Lasst Walten', BWV 691
'Goldberg' Variations: Aria, BWV 988
Recitative: 'Ich Habe Genug', BWV 82 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
Aria: 'Schlummert Ein', BWV 82 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
Aria: 'Gedenke Doch, Mein Geist', BWV 509 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Prelude No. 1 In C Major, BWV 846
Polonaise In G Major
Polonaise In D Minor
Polonaise In G Minor
Polonaise In F Major
Two Minuets
Musette In A Major
'Menuet Fait Par M. Bohm'
Minuet In G Major

Customer Reviews:

lovely music, but . . . . ........2007-07-03

No one doubts that Bach's music is beautiful, and so many of the pieces in this album, favorites of his second wife, are lovely. Here are my objection. First of all, nowhere on the outside of this CD does this indicate that these are only *highlights* of the Anna Magdelena notebook. Furthermore, many of the tracks (from French Suites #1 & #2, from the Well-Tempered Clavier, from the Goldberg Variations) are pieces I already own in high quality recording by virtuosi. This CD does not limit itself, say, to pieces that Bach composed originally for this collection; in other words, there is nothing scholarly about the pieces that were chosen for these highlights. Rather, it is essentially selling a "Bach's Greatest Hits" kind of CD under a more respectable name. For those whose classical collections consist primarily of "Greatest Hits" collections of various composers, you might as well toss in this CD. For the discriminating collector, though, interested in collecting serious works by Bach, this CD is entirely unworthy.

Anna Magdalena Notebook-- a treasure trove of Baroque music.......2006-03-20

This is music for contemplating number and time and not realize you are doing that. These pieces from Anna Magdalena Bach's notebook are a significant part of the history of western culture, and the music is brilliant, lucid, and passionate. Just as, I suppose, Bach's wife was. Played on harpsichord and clavichord, the work-- not all by Bach-- seems rigourously, mysteriously modern, and the anonymous "Musette in A Major" one could even say had in it the roots of ragtime piano. Last but not least, it's quite possible that Lorraine Hunt Lieberson can never be less than sublime.

Music for Bach's Katy.......2005-03-31

Luther had his Katy who supported him and the Reformation magnificently and faithfully. Bach who was real student and follower of Luther's, had his second wife, Anna Magdalena who was so much for him and his family and music.

Here great notebook of the music she enjoyed immensely so we can as well.

Especially fond of harpsichord music, this has marvelous selection of that, but fond of Rondeau in B-flat major. Minuet in G major is one of my favorites. New to me are the Arias, especially "Bist du bei mir" and ""Ich habe genug". If you're not conversant in German, do go on the website the liner notes provides and get the translation in English for these are marvelous testimonies of their faith in words and song.

Charming and beautiful.......2004-12-13

This CD is a collection of music from the notebook of Bach's wife, who was a singer. It includes dances, arias and other favorite songs. Most of the pieces range from peppy little dance tunes(like Musette in A Major) to delicate baroque airs (like Prelude no.1), all played on the harpsichord, clavichord or cello. The pieces that really stand out are the arias, sung beautifully by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson in German. Most are religious, but there is one that is a nice love song "Willst du mein Herz mir schenken." The website on the back of the liner notes has the lyrics for the arias and they are worth reading. Besides the fact that this is good music, it also provides interesting insight into Bach's life and family and the liner notes have some interesting information about Anna and her notebook. This is a charming collection of music that is a great and cheap addition to any classical music collection.

Bach's wifes' collection of her favorite pieces.......2001-06-10

Yes Music of JS Bach chosen by his wife who was a singer. This collection is a lovely and beautifully performed collection of harpicord and intimate pieces that were Anna's most cherished favorites composed by her husband. What a lovely addition to any chamber music lovers collection. It affords not only wonderful selections but a rare window into the behind the scenes aspect of Bachs life and the commanding role music played in his and his family's life. The performances range from delicate to sublime and are beautifully recorded. It is an amazing bargin to have such an esoteric collection of Bachs' work so well done and so cheap. My god run and get the whole series; I have and when I want a perfect day I just pile them in my CD and press the forward button. The result is a day of glorious music on a scale to be both background as well as a breathtakingly elegant listening experience.

Average customer rating:

I hate to be rude, but . . .
Outstanding
Sacred Songs
My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far
Inspiring and beautiful

Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AM6OXK
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Jesu bleibet meine Freude
Dank sei dir, Herr
Ave Maria, D839
Laudamus te
Panis Angelicus
Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
Simple Song
Pie Jesu
Domine Deus
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
Abends will ich schlafen gehn
L'Adieu des bergers
Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers

Average customer rating:

Very pleased
Sumptuous and mellow
One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals
A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal
A wide variety

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RPZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
English Madrigals: Were I A King
English Madrigals: Come Again
English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May

Customer Reviews:

Very pleased.......2007-06-10

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. True, I could have listened on line before buying but that would have taken the fun out of the purchase. Besides, I really didn't care for the CD the first couple of times I listened but now I really love it. It's not something to listen to all the time but given the right circumstances e.g. a small gathering of friends, it's perfect. If I'd listened to online, I wouldn't have purchased it.

Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28

The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions.

One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27

Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection.

This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.

Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.

This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.

A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16

With 35 tracts to enjoy you're sure to find a couple of favorites. I gave this CD 4 of 5 stars compared to 5 stars for the King's Singers World Madrigal Tour CD. If you prefer all your songs in English, this will be your 5 star CD. Tract 32 "Come again" is my favorite due to the surperb tenor lead and melodic development. Compared to many polyphonic early music styles (1300s-1485), this era (1500-1610) provides many memorable melodies.

A wide variety.......2000-04-28

This is an excellent sampling of English madrigals. This presentation, given by an older roster of the Singers, is a nice introduction to the world of the madrigal, and English madrigals in particular.

Average customer rating:

I love it when a plan comes together
Love this crossover album!
Two great tastes taste great together
Earth Magic
Finally got around to this one...

Sacred Songs
Daryl Hall
Manufacturer: Buddha
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IPVW
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Sacred Songs
Something In 4/4 Time
Babs And Babs
Urban Landscape
NYCNY
The Farther Away I Am
Why Was It So Easy
Don't Leave Me Alone With Her
Survive
Without Tears
You Burn Me Up I'm A Cigarette
North Star

Customer Reviews:

I love it when a plan comes together.......2007-07-06

Reading the various reviews of "Sacred Songs," it is easy to spot the "Hall" fans and the "Fripp" fans. Hall's fans are surprised by the experimental nature of the album, while Fripp's are surprised at Hall's experimentation. Personally, I have a dichotomous investment in "Sacred Songs." As a kid with a single-speaker record player in 6th grade, the first record I ever owned was H2O, and the subsequent tour was the first concert I ever went to. However, my musical tastes grew through the years, and by the time I graduated from High School I was a dedicated King Crimson fan. In short, I am an honest fan of both Fripp and Hall, and the potential of their collaboration both confounded and fascinated me.

The difficulties associated with the release of "Sacred Songs" is well-documented elsewhere, but let it be said that the world is a better place because this album is available. Hall's incredible musicianship and vocal prowess shines though on this album in ways that was absolutely impossible in the confines of his collaboration with Oates. However, Hall's ability to collaborate reveals unexplored common ground with Fripp. The result is an album with the "blue-eyed soul" that Hall's vocals epitomize driven by Fripp's chunky, riff-driven musical conception.

In some ways, this is a "missing link" album between "Red" and "Discipline." It always seemed that the steps that it took to get from Greg Lake to John Wetton were relatively small. However, the steps from Wetton to Belew seemed to be large. Hall's vocal approach on "Sacred Songs" sits beautifully between the two. For reference, check out "Something in 4/4 Time," "Why Was It So Easy?" and "Without Tears." These tunes cause the mind to reel at the potential of a `78 Crimson with Hall on vocals. His song-driven approach and soulful singing undoubtedly influenced Fripp's lineup choices in the early 80s, resulting in the fortuitous inclusion of Belew.

The Lowdown: This is a great album for fans of both Hall and Fripp. While it does not have the same degree of experimentalism that is usually associated with Fripp, it also does not have the same polished pop sensibilities that define Hall's work. Instead, it lies right in the middle of these two, like some long-lost David Bowie album. For me personally, it's a match made in heaven.

Love this crossover album!.......2007-07-04

"Sacred Songs" was part of a trilogy of great if unlikely collaborations (between Hall, Fripp and Gabriel) that came out in 1980 (which also included Robert Fripp's first solo album "Exposure" and Peter Gabriel's 2nd solo album (with the "Scratch" cover). In it's own way, Daryl Hall's surprising album holds up very well to those other art-prog rock classics. One part Todd Rundgren, One part Frippertronics and one part Hall and Oates, "Sacred Songs" is the most accessable of the three, and yet adventurous for such a pop-friendly act as Hall. Included are a couple of bonus gems from Fripp's "Exposure" album in which Hall guests on vocals: the punky "You Burn Me Up I'm a Cigarette" and the Dreamy "North Star". One worth having.

Two great tastes taste great together.......2007-05-26

The mash-up of blue-eyed soul popster Daryl Hall and experimental art-rock guitarist Robert Fripp was a wonderful experiment in late 70's excess. Better yet, the final product stands the test of time. It's still fresh, original, catchy and listenable.

Daryl Hall + Robert Fripp. Two great tastes that taste great together. Like topping summer fruits with balsamic vinegar, sometimes two disparate flavors form a delicious concoction. Same with Hall and Fripp. Daryl Hall's powerful, soul-powered voice was being under-used on the Hall & Oates records of that era. Given the chance to let loose, Hall is more than up for the task.

Hall's vocals run the gamut. From the straightforward rock of "Something in 4/4 time," and the quiet, resigned melancholy of "Babs and Babs," to the over-the-top (and somewhat dated) punkish histrionics of "NYCNY," to "Without Tears," arguably the best ballad of the entire Daryl Hall canon, this pairing works. Even if you have the vinyl LP, upgrade to the CD for the pure-Fripp bonus track "You Burn Me Up I'm a Cigarette." It's a long road there from "Sara Smile."

Hard to believe, in retrospect, that Daryl Hall's record label held back this record because it was too "experimental" and too "challenging" for the Daryl Hall John Oates. It was not released until Hall & Oates went into their commercial trough sometime in between the lifeless, by-the-numbers pop of "Along the Red Ledge" and their commercial rebirth on "Voices." Fripp's influence (but not presence) is also keenly felt on the terrific and terribly under-rated "X-Static," a new wave experiment that sounds even better nearly 30 years after its release.

Earth Magic.......2007-03-15

What happens when music is created solely for artistic and personal reasons? The answer, according to Robert Fripp in his incisive, cynical liner notes accompanying this remarkable record, is that the record gets shelved for almost three years. As Fripp observes, "there's only one thing worse than a record company that takes no interest in your work: a record company that takes an interest in your work."

This challenging collaboration is a fine bookend to the creative work Hall and Oates did with Todd Rundgren and Utopia on the slightly superior War Babies. Coming off the record company pressures and compromises that resulted in Beauty on a Back Street, Hall sought out former King Crimson guitarist and music renegade Fripp to reawaken his muse -- boy did it work.

Fripp's guitar loops and effects are an acquired taste, but their songwriting efforts produced several stand out tracks: the record company indictment, "Something in 4/4 Time," could have been a hit, but the boys purposely spiked it with Fripp's angular, experimental guitar break. Oddly, the song would not have worked without it.

More typical Hall efforts include "Why Was It So Easy," a Philly soul ballad with beautiful vocals; "Survive," with great guitar and hooks (again slightly skewed by Fripp's loopy effects in the background); and the introspective, very personal final track, "Without Tears."

Also included are two protopunk tracks off of Fripp's Exposure, the highlight being "You Burn Me Up I'm A Cigarette," with the line up that would ultimate morph into early 80s Crimson.

The record company had no reason to bury this record for three years. Again, Fripp is instructive: "The main feature of business interests surrounding a successful artist in control. The creative impulse cannot be controlled by business, but the artists can. And also their work. So, when an artist moves into creative process, business gets nervous: creativity unsettles the status quo, and the status quo gets threatened."

Bravo to Hall and Fripp for unsettling the status quo; and thank you Buddha for pulling this one out of the vaults.

Finally got around to this one..........2006-12-11

Like most of the folks who've posted reviews on this, I'm thrilled with the CD. The story behind its making nearly eclipses the music itself, which is unfortunate, because it is an excellent piece of work as-is, though the 'Frippery' gets a little heavy at times. Yes, there WERE a couple of potential singles here. If the RCA execs had bothered to listen to the whole thing they might have noticed that before shelving it for nearly three years. Anyway, here you have some of Daryl Hall's best demonstrations of vocal range, and some great elements of his songwriting coming long before the juggernaught that 'Hall & Oates' would become in the early 80's. Without Fripp's involvement and encouragement with this project, 'Hall & Oates' might not have taken that next step.

Average customer rating:

What is all the hype about?
great cd
My girls listen to this every night
I would give it more than 5 stars....
Great CD: soothing music by best performers. Worth every penny.

Baby Sleep

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sweet Dreams
Build Your Baby's Brain
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ASIN: B000005E5H
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Tracks:

Scenes Form Childhood: Foreign Lands And People
Scenes Form Childhood: Dreaming
Scenes Form Childhood: Child Falling Asleep
Dream Of Children: Andante
Dream Of Children: Allegretto Piacevole
Sicilienne
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The Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - Tchaikovsky
Notebooks Of Anna Magdalena Bach: Minuets 4 and 5
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Album Leaves: Cradlesong
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Album for the Young: Sweet Reveries - Tchaikovsky
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Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major: Larghetto
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Amazon.com

I think this music is intended for adults, though the photo on the cover is of a sleeping baby. In any event, Schumann's work, Scenes From Childhood, Op. 15, featured here is more likely to bolt you out of bed than put you to sleep, as the mike is far too close to the piano being played by Cyprien Katsaris. Purcell's Adagio from The Indian Queen is magnificent, performed by John Elliott Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists. The Weird Award goes to triple harpist Tim Hobrough and lutenist Stephen Barber for their bizarre, spiky rendition of Minuets Nos. 4 and 5 from the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach. I would like to meet Bill Holland, producer of all these Atlantic Records classical compilations. He's programmed Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 on three different CDs, billed alternately as sensuous, romantic, and now here: good for a long snooze. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

What is all the hype about?.......2007-07-09

I purchased this CD on the basis of the reviews written on Amazon. I have to say I am terribly disappointed. My son hates the CD, I listened to it and I am not all that impressed either. It is ok but nothing like described by other users.

great cd.......2007-06-26

We play this cd every night at bedtime. It not only helps my baby stay asleep, but helps me fall asleep. The only issue I have is that one of the tracks near the end of the cd is a little louder than the tracks before it, so I just make sure I keep it on very quiet and it's wonderful.

My girls listen to this every night.......2006-11-10

My girls (ages 3 & 5) have a hard time winding down at night. We have a regular bedtime routine (bath, snack, teeth brushing, books, hugs), but they still take forever to settle down and sleep. Adding this CD to the bedtime routine has really helped.

I would give it more than 5 stars...........2005-11-18

I had this CD when my daughter was born 5 years ago, and it gave us such a soothing environment in which to bond during quiet times. We also put it on shortly before we'd put her down to sleep, and by 6 weeks she was sleeping through the night in her own crib. I think it was her sanctuary, and the music helped her feel comforted. We've since then completely worn out the CD (she listened to it through her 3rd year), and will have to buy a new one for our next little addition (coming soon!). I found it on this site and just listened to the samples from each track. Aahhh... very soothing for Mommy, too!
I also plan to get it as a baby gift for a friend. :)

Great CD: soothing music by best performers. Worth every penny........2005-08-05

I listened to this CD countless times ever since I first bought it from BMG music service back in 1997. Compositions of this CD are popular classical hits. That is, you will likely recognize at least some of them if you listen to the sampler.

What sets this CD apart is supreme music performance. Every composition is performed flawlessly, with real feeling and passion. There is a good reason why this CD that was released in 1997 is still around and costs over ten dollars. This reason is called quality.

Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley

Average customer rating:

A musical treasure-box
a beautiful journey into melancholy

Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley
John Dowland , Anthony Rooley , Emma Kirkby , Christopher Wilson , The Consort of Musicke , Colin Tilney , Anthony Bailes , Jakob Lindberg , Nigel North , Glenda Simpson , Peter Holman , and John Donne
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5
William Byrd: Consort Songs
Bach: The Landowska Recordings
Britten Conducts Britten
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ASIN: B000004CYV
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

First Booke Of Songes: I. Unquiet Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: II. Who Ever Thinks Or Hopes Of Love
First Booke Of Songes: III. My Thoughts Are Wing'd With Hopes
First Booke Of Songes: IV. If My Complaints Could Passions Move
First Booke Of Songes: V. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
First Booke Of Songes: VI. Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
First Booke Of Songes: VII. Dear, If You Change
First Booke Of Songes: VIII. Burst Fourth My Tears
First Booke Of Songes: IX. Go Crystal Tears
First Booke Of Songes: X. Think'st Thou Then By Thy Feigning
First Booke Of Songes: XI. Come Away, Come Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XII. Rest Awhile, You Cruel Cares
First Booke Of Songes: XIII. Sleep, Wayward Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: XIV. All Ye, Whom Love Or Fortune Hath Betray'd
First Booke Of Songes: XV. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me
First Booke Of Songes: XVI. Would My Conceit
First Booke Of Songes: XVII. Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
First Booke Of Songes: XVIII. His Golden Locks
First Booke Of Songes: XIX. Awake, Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XX. Come, Heavy Sleep
First Booke Of Songes: XXI. Away With These Self-Loving Lads

Tracks:

Second Booke Of Songs: I. I Saw My Lady Weep
Second Booke Of Songs: II. Flow My Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: III. Sorrow, Stay
Second Booke Of Songs: IV. Die Not Before Thy Day
Second Booke Of Songs: V. Mourn, Mourn, Day Is With Darkness Fled
Second Booke Of Songs: VI. Time's Eldest Son
Second Booke Of Songs: VII. Then Sit Thee Down
Second Booke Of Songs: VIII. When Others Sing Venite
Second Booke Of Songs: IX. Praise Blindness Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: X. O Sweet Woods
Second Booke Of Songs: XI. If Floods Of Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: XII. Fine Knacks For Ladies
Second Booke Of Songs: XIII. Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: XIV. Come Ye Heavy States Of Night
Second Booke Of Songs: XV. White As Lilies Was Her Face
Second Booke Of Songs: XVI. Woeful Heart
Second Booke Of Songs: XVII. A Shepherd In A Shade
Second Booke Of Songs: XVIII. Faction That Ever Dwells
Second Booke Of Songs: XIX. Shall I Sue
Second Booke Of Songs: XX. Toss Not My Soul
Second Booke Of Songs: XXI. Clear Or Cloudy
Second Booke Of Songs: XXII. Humour Say What Mak'st Thou Here

Tracks:

Third Booke Of Songs 1603: I. Farewell, Too Fair
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: II. Time Stands Still
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: III. Behold A Wonder Here
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IV. Daphne Was Not So Chaste
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: V. Me, Me, And None But Me
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VI. When Phoebus First Did Daphne Love
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VII. Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VIII. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IX. What If I Never Speed?
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: X. Love Stood Amazed
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XI. Lend Your Ears To My Sorrow
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XII. By A Fountain Where I Lay
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIII. O What Hath Overwrought
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIV. Farewell, Unkind
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XV. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVI. Fie On This Feigning!
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVII. I Must Complain
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVIII. It Was A Time When Silly Bees
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIX. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XX. What Poor Astronomers Are They
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XXI. Come When I Call

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: I. Disdain Me Still
A Pilgrimes Solace: II. Sweet Stay Awhile
A Pilgrimes Solace: III. To Ask For All Thy Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IV. Love, Those Beams That Breed
A Pilgrimes Solace: V. Shall I Strive Wih Words To Move?
A Pilgrimes Solace: VI. Were Every Thought An Eye
A Pilgrimes Solace: VII. Stay, Time, Awhile Thy Flying
A Pilgrimes Solace: VIII. Tell Me, True Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IX. Go Nightly Cares
A Pilgrimes Solace: X. From Silent Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XI. Lasso vita mia
A Pilgrimes Solace: XII. In This Trembling Shadow Cast
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIII. If That A Sinner's Sights
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIV. Thou Mighty God
A Pilgrimes Solace: XV. When David's Life
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVI. When The Poor Cripple

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: XVII. Where Sin Sore Wounding
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVIII. My Heart And Tongue Were Twins
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIX. Up Merry Mates
A Pilgrimes Solace: XX. Welcome Black Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XXI. Cease, Cease These False Sports
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Lachrimae Pavane
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can Shee
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: The Frogge
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Frog's Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavana And Galiarda
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana Lachrymae
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can She Excuse
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavion Solus cum sola
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Dowland's Almayne
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Piper's Paven And Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavan Lachrymae

Tracks:

Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: I. The Lamentation Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: II. Domine ne in furore
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: III. Miserere mei Deus
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: IV. The Humble Suit Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: V. The Humble Complaint Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VI. De profundis
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VII. Domine exaudi
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Gementes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Tristes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Coactae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Amantis
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Verae
Lachrimae: Mr. John Langton's Pavan
Lachrimae: Mr. Nicholas Gryffith His Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir John Souch His Galiard
Lachrimae: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
Lachrimae: Mr. Giles Hobies Galiard
Lachrimae: The King Of Denmark's Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall
Lachrimae: Mr. Henry Noell His Galiard
Lachrimae: The Earl Of Essex Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Bucton His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. George Whitehead His Almand
Lachrimae: Captain Digorie Piper His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Thomas Collier His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mrs. Nichols Almand

Tracks:

Sacred Songs: Sorrow, Come!
Sacred Songs: I Shame At Mine Unworthiness
Sacred Songs: An Heart That's Broken And Contrite
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 38: Put Me Not To Rebuke O Lord
Psalms: Psalm 130: Lord To Thee I Make My Moan
Psalms: Psalm 104: My Soul Praise The Lord
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 134: Behold And Have Regard
A Prayer For The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
Instrumental Music: Solus cum sola pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Galliard
Instrumental Music: Pipers Pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Lady Rich Galliard
Instrumental Music: Earl Of Essex Galliard
Instrumental Music: If My Complaints
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae Doolande
Instrumental Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home
Instrumental Music: My Lord Chamberlaine His Galliard
Instrumental Music: Comagain
Instrumental Music: Pavan Lachrymae
Instrumental Music: Sorrow Stay

Tracks:

Lute Music: Preludium
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Can She Excuse
Lute Music: Dr. Case's Pavan
Lute Music: Melancholy Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Smith, His Almain
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: A Dream
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: The Queen's Galliard
Lute Music: Coranto
Lute Music: Resolution
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux Galliard
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: Mr. Dowland's MIdnight
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: Loth To Depart
Lute Music: The Most Sacred Queen Elizabeth, Her Galliard
Lute Music: The Earl Of Essex, His Galliard
Lute Music: Pavan
Lute Music: John Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Aloe
Lute Music: The Lady Clifton's Spirit
Lute Music: What If A Day
Lute Music: Mr. Giles Hobie's Galliard
Lute Music: Come Away (Song arrangement)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Lachrimae (Basic Version)
Lute Music: Galliard To Lachrimae
Lute Music: [Jig]
Lute Music: Galliard On 'Wasingham'
Lute Music: Complaint (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Mignarda (Galliard)
Lute Music: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens (Pavan)
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: A Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Piper's Pavan
Lute Music: Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Laiton's Almain
Lute Music: Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Lute Music: Tarleton's Jig
Lute Music: Walsingham (ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Sir Henry Guilforde, His Almain
Lute Music: Pavan (Related To 'Lachrimae')
Lute Music: Mr. Langton's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Clifton's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almain)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Go From My Window (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Pavana Johan Douland
Lute Music: Mrs. Brigide Fleetwood's Pavan (Solus sine sola)
Lute Music: La mia Barbara
Lute Music: Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral (Pavan)
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Farewell Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)
Lute Music: Farewell (On The 'In Nomine' Theme)
Lute Music: The King of Denmark's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux's Jig
Lute Music: Mrs. Nichol's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lord Strang's March
Lute Music: Mrs. Winter's Jump
Lute Music: Can She Excuse (Galliard)
Lute Music: The Shoemaker's Wife, A Toy
Lute Music: Mrs. Norrish's Delight
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Thing (Almain)
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Nothing
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: Solus cum sola
Lute Music: The Lord Viscount Lisle, His Galliard
Lute Music: Orlando Sleepeth (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Robin (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Galliard (On A Galliard By Daniel Bacheler)
Lute Music: Forlorn Hope Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: The Lady Russell's Pavan
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Sir John Langton's Pavan
Lute Music: Earl Of Derby, His Galliard
Lute Music: A Coy Toy
Lute Music: Fortune My Foe
Lute Music: [Almain]
Lute Music: Mr. Knight's Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Souch His Galliard
Lute Music: Tarletone's Riserrectione
Lute Music: The Lady Rich, Her Galliard
Consort Music: Lachrimae Pavan
Consort Music: Can She Excuse Galliard
Consort Music: Captain Piper's Pavan And Galliard
Consort Music: The Frog Galliard
Consort Music: Round Battell Galliard
Consort Music: Fortune My Foe
Consort Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Consort Music: Katherine Darcie's Galliard
Consort Music: Tarleton's Jigge
Consort Music: Almain a 2
Consort Music: Mistress Nichols Almain a 2
Fullsack And Hildebrandt: Auserlesener Paduanen und Galliarden: Susanna Fair (Galliard)
Haussmann: Rest von polnischen und andern Tanzen: Mistress Nichols Alman a 5
Opusculum: Mr. John Langton Pavan And Galliard
Opusculum: La mia Barbara Pavan and Galliard
Opusculum: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae Pavan and Galliard

Tracks:

Consort Music: Mistress NIchols Almain
Consort Music: Volta a 4 ('Ioh. Douland')
Consort Music: Were Every Thought an Eye
Consort Music: Lady If You So Spite Me
Consort Music: Pavan a 4
A Musicall Banquet: I. My Heavy Sprite (Anthony Holborne)
A Musicall Banquet: II. Change Thy Mind Since She Doth Change (Richard Martin)
A Musicall Banquet: III. O Eyes, Leave Off Your Weeping (Robert Hales)
A Musicall Banquet: IV. Go, My Flock, Go Get You Hence (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: V. O Dear Life, When Shall It Be? (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: VI. To Plead My Faith (Daniel Bacheler)
A Musicall Banquet: VII. In A Grove Most Rich Of Shade (Guillaume Tessier)
A Musicall Banquet: VIII. Far From Triumphing Court
A Musicall Banquet: IX. Lady, If You So Spite Me
A Musicall Banquet: X. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
A Musicall Banquet: XI. Si le parler et le silence (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XII. Ce penser qui sans fin tirannise ma vie (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIII. Vous que le Bonheur rappelle (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIV. Passava Amor su arco desarmado (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XV. Sta notte mi sognava (Anon. Italian)
A Musicall Banquet: XVI. Vuestros ojos tienen d'Amor (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XVII. Se di farmi morire (Domenico Maria Megli)
A Musicall Banquet: XVIII. Dovro dunque morire? (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XIX. Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XX. O bella piu (Anon, Italian)

Customer Reviews:

A musical treasure-box.......2006-09-10

Both the music and this actual product are masterpieces. John Dowland's collected works here - covering 12 compact discs - exhibit the depth and power of this composer, a composer who many now regard as suffering from clinical depression. I doubt that the issue of the diagnosis of Dowland's depression can ever be settled, however, it is certainly obvious from his music, so completely on display here, that he was a man with very dark depths and corners in his mind. Dowland's various manifestations and "takes" on his own tune, "Flow my tears"/"Lachrimae" are here. This tune has haunted me ever since I first heard it when I was a child. It seems to sum up Dowland's feelings - at least Dowland seems to have thought so.

The First, Second, Third and Fourth Bookes of Songes, A Musicall Banquet, the keyboard transcriptions, all the lute music, consort music are here and virtually everything else written or supposedly written by John Dowland. Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke perform this music with style and feeling throughout. This 12 CD set is something of a monument to the ensemble - I only wish they'd finished their collection of Monteverdi madrigals, which was equally good (La Venexiana are currently doing a magnificent job of recording all Monteverdi's books of madrigals for the GLOSSA label).

This is an expensive set, however, you will probably never need to buy another John Dowland CD again after buying and listening to this collection.

I bought this CD set on a mild Summer evening of 1998 and listened to it while sitting in my sun room - which a glorious orange sunset in progress, and a glass of wine. It brought back so many memories.

a beautiful journey into melancholy.......2001-06-15

I'm amazed at how many people tend to associate John Dowland's music with a tragic sense of drama. While no doubt this is art highly based on sadness, the "tragic" sense of it is more a legacy from the Romantic period. During the Renaissance, however, sadness was undestood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life. That is also the reason why Shakespeare's tragedies appear more sophisticated than his comedies.

Tracks:

A Piece Without Title - Dowland
Pavana - Dowland
Mr Knights Galliard - Dowland
My lord willobies wellcome home - Dowland
The frogg galliard - Dowland
A Fancy - Dowland
My Ladie Riches galyerd - Dowland
The Lady Laitons Almone - Dowland
A Dream (Lady Leighton's Paven) - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
Orlando sleepeth - Dowland
What if a Day - Dowland
Mrs Winters Jumpp - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
M. Giles Hobies Galiard - Dowland
Dr Cases Pauen - Dowland
Mellancoly Galliard - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
Mistris Whittes thinge - Dowland
Go from my windowe - Dowland
Almain - Dowland
Mrs Whites Nothing - Dowland
Pavan - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
Farewell - Dowland

Tracks:

My lady hunnsdons puffe
Solus cum sola
Suzanna Galliard
Sir John Smith his Almain
Sweet Robyne
Dowlands first galliard
Master Pypers Pavyn
Captain Digorie Piper his Galliard
As I wen to Walsingham
Monsieur's Almaine
Mrs Brigide fleetwoods paven alias Solus sine sola
Dowlands Galliard
Farwell (As
Captain Candishe his Galyard
Aloe
Can she excuse
A Coye Joye
Mrs vauxes Gigge
Mrs vaux Galliarde
Sir Henry Guilforde his Almaine
Mignarda
Lachrimae
Sir John Souch his galliard
Fantasia

Tracks:

The most high and mightie Christianus, the fourth King of Denmark, his Galliard
Sir John Langton his Pavin
Mr. Langtons galliard
A Fancy
A Pavan
The most sacred Queene Elizabeth, her Galliard
Mrs. Cliftons Allmaine
The Right Honourable the Lady Cliftons Spirit
tarletones riserrectione
Tarletons Willy
fortune my foe
The Queenes galliard
Wallsingham
A Galliard (on Walsingham)
Dowlands Adew for Master Oliver Cromwell
The Right Honourable Ferdinando Earle of Darby, his Galliard
Lord Strangs March
Mistresse Nichols Almand
forlone Hope fancye
Mr. Dowlands Midnight
Semper Dowland semper dolens

Tracks:

Preludium
A Fancy
Lachrimae
Galliard to Lachrimae
A Fantasia
An Almand
Pavana
The Right Honourable Robert, Earl of Essex, his Galliard
A Galliard (on a galliard by Daniel Bachelar)
My Lord Wilobies Welcom Home
The Shoemakers Wife. A Toy
The Right Hounourable The Lord Viscount Lisle, his Galliard
Coranto
A Galliard
The Lady Russells Paven
Galliard (on Awake sweet love, set by Fr. Cutting)
The Frog Galliard
Come Away
La mia Barbara
Loth to Departe

Tracks:

A Fancy
Pavana Dowlandi Angli (Mylius #2)
Doulands rounde battell galyarde
Pavin
The Erle of Darbies Galiard
Mistris Norrishis Delight
A Jig
The Erle of Essex Galliard
Galliard
Une Jeune Fillette
Gagliarda
Pavana Lachrimae
Squires Galliard
A Fancy
Hasellwoods Galliard
Sir Thomas Monson, his Pavin
Sir Thomas Monson, his Galliard
Almande
Sir Henry Umptons Funerall
Captayne Pipers Galliard
A fantasie

Amazon.com

Dowland did for lute music what Haydn did for the string quartet and Beethoven the piano sonata. The finest lutenist and songwriter of his age--he composed several of the greatest hits of the late 16th and early 17th centuries--the surviving lute works constitute a sort of encyclopedia of the possibilities of the instrument. There are song arrangements, dance pieces, tributes to the composer's friends, even a musical self-portrait. Much of the music is fashionably sad. Lute songs generally deal with the agony of lost love, and Dowland's most popular tune was called Lachrimae (Tears). Paul O'Dette is simply the best lutenist alive. These five discs are available together at a special price, or separately. A reference edition. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-03-31

If you are a fan of the music of John Dowland, you must own this CD. The playing is outstanding to say the least.

It's not heavy breathing.......2006-08-22

It's great that O'Dette gives us the complete solo works, of course. I have the common reaction to O'Dette: his technique is flawless, his performance unengaging.

Others have remarked on the "heavy breathing" noticeable on the recordings -- it's not heavy breathing, but the movement of his fingers on the gut strings making that sound.

Technically good, emotionally bland. .......2006-04-11

Considering the extreme paucity of (especially solo) lute recordings currently available worldwide,
but especially in the US, this set becomes an essential "must have" for all lovers of the lute.
Yet it somehow disappoints.
I am sure that Paul O'Dette is brimming over with virtuousity and a technical expertise
that I am hardly one to pass sound judgement upon.
But the recordings have a flatness and monotony;
the songs are rendered with precision, but seem to lack feeling, empathy, or enthusiasm throughout the offering.
It is an impressive compendium, and I'm glad I purchased it.
There are very few lutenists out there producing any music at all, so Mr. O'Dette should certainly be praised
for delivering such a substantial feast to our ears.
It just should have had more flavor.
Where is Konrad Ragossnig when you need him?

Highly recommended.......2005-10-23

I bought Volume 1 of this set a couple of years ago. It has become one of my favorite CDs, so I thought I would enjoy the full set. I have not been disappointed. I find the sound quality excellent, the playing superb. The included booklet has a lot of interesting background material. The music is great as background for a dinner party or intimate conversation, but has depth aplenty for concentrated listening. I often listen to it while working at the computer where I swear it improves concentration and productivity!

A few tunes appear more than once as Dowland reused some work, but the arrangements are sufficiently different to be interesting. It is his complete lute works, after all. Some might criticise the set for so