Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Robert Shaw is so dependable a guide to the masterpieces of the choral repertory that it's safe to say you can't go wrong in turning to him for Haydn's greatest work for voices. That's true even in a field crowded with solid alternatives geared to differing tastes. So if you want Haydn's original German text ("Die Schöpfung"), there are excellent performances by von Karajan on DG and Wöldike on Vanguard; for the same, with an extra dash of exuberance, there's Solti on London. If only original instruments will suffice, try Gardiner on Archiv. But for a Creation in English (using Shaw's own superior translation), Shaw rules the roost. It's also the best-recorded version; when the big choruses let loose, this is an audiophile's delight. The soloists are never less than adequate, though no match for von Karajan's starry cast. Shaw's interpretation hews the fine line between drama and lyricism; his middle-of-the road stance lets the music speak eloquently for itself. Even if you have a German-language version, this set will give joy and insights. --Dan Davis

Tracks:

Hallelujah
Ave Verum Corpus K.618
Kyrie Eleison
Passion Chorale
The Shepherds' Farewell
Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
He Watching Over Israel
Dona Nobis Pacem
Hallelujah
Worthy Is The Lamb
Sanctus
Bogoroditse Devo
Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen
The Heavens Are Telling
Rex Tremendae

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-01-12

-gave this as a Christmas gift to my brother-in-law, a church musician. He has listened over & over & thinks it is really outstanding. Thank you!

The heavens are telling.......2005-10-21

This is a very great chorus, and one of Haydn's best as far as i am concerned. The pace, grandness and spirit of the piece all conjure in one's imagination the majesty of heaven, and God's throne. I cannot help but be moved to praise the God of the heavens and the earth.

kanmi ogundipe

Uncle Abe rattles the house with this thing.......2004-11-22

I came home from work one day when my uncle was visiting my wife and myself. He was recently retired from the ministry. He had heard a lot of choral music in his life. My aunt said he had the stereo ( power end of my stereo at the time was an Adcomm 555 amp. conservatively rated at 200 watts RMS per channel) up so loud it was rattling the whole house. I too have come to love this music. I mostly listen to rock and roll; but the way my uncle, and now I, play this thing, it is rock and roll from another era!!!

Sir Robert with ASO and Chorus at their Best!.......2003-11-16

After Mr Shaw spent many years in NYC and Cleveland with RCA Red Label,he came into Atlanta for a big change! Soon he switched to TELARC DIGITAL! I still Joyfully remember our Recording of the Christmas Nativity in Dec of 1975! Sir Robert, conducting with earphones encasing his head shouted: "Stop the taping, there is some Darn Sizzling noise in those Lights!" We may have not heard the word "Damn" lights, that he employed at times!

On both this newer release of TELARC and the older Recording of The Christmas Nativity, there are Bach's Chorale, Break Forth, Dona Nobis Pacem from the B-Minor Mass, Handel's Hallelujah! Plus the exquisite, Shepherds's Farewell to the Holy Family of Berlioz's The Infant Christ!

Those who may not be familiar with Berlioz from both recordings, will be richly rewarded by hearing them plus the Rex Tremendae from Berlioz''s Requiem and the other Kyrie from the Bach B-Minor! Absolutely, no other Christmas Music can ever approach these two splendid recordings, which are the basis of the ASO celebrating every Christmas with "Robert Shaw in the Spirit!"

Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Celestial melodies.......2001-05-27

No matter what mood you are in, the gorgeous chorals will draft you through the paths of holiness, and you will find yourself situated in the Elysium, land of eternal joy, yet you are far from dead. The past grief, weariness, and worries will fade and torture your soul no more. You are set free.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 104 In D Major 'London': Menuetto - Allegro
Harpsicord Concerto In D Major: Vivace
Symphony No. 100 In G Major 'Miltary': Allegretto
Mass No. 2 In E- Flat Major: Great Organ Mass
Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': Vivace assai
Keyboard Sonata No. 48 In C Major: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 45 In F-Sharp Minor 'Farewell': Allegro assai
Violin Concerto No. 1 In C Major: Allegro moderato
Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 96 In D Major 'Miracle': Allegro
Symphony No. 96 In D Major 'Miracle': Andante
Baryton Divertimento No. 107 In D Major: Minuet and Trio
Music Clock
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 45 In F-Sharp Minor 'Farewell': Adagio
Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': Vivace
Symphony No.11 In G Major 'Miltary': Excerpts
Philemon And Baucis: Tenor Aria 'Nemo'
Symphony No. 104 In D Major 'London': Allegro spiritoso
Horn Concerto No. 2 In D Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 101 In D Major 'Clock': Presto; Menuetto (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 94 In G Major 'Surprise': Andante
Symphony No. 96 In D Major 'Miracle': Vivace assai
Symphony No. 101 In D Major 'Clock': Andante
Symphony No. 104 In D Major 'London': Andante
Mass in D-flat Major: Gloria
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 Emperor
The Creation: Chrous: 'The Heavens are Telling'
Austrian National Anthem
Cello Concerto In D Major, Hob. VIIb, No. 2: Moderato
Cello Concerto In D Major, Hob. VIIb, No. 2: Adagio
Cello Concerto In D Major, Hob. VIIb, No. 2: Allegro molto

Haydn: The Creation / Herbert von Karajan

Average customer rating:

Best
All the stars of the 20th century
Fritz Wunderlich's Last Recording: Karajan's Greatest "Creation"
Karajan live or Karajan studio?
Wunderlich stars in this performance.

Haydn: The Creation / Herbert von Karajan
Herbert von Karajan
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Missa Solemnis in D major, op.123
Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000001GXN
Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

Die Schopfung: 1a. Die Vorstellung Des Chaos
Die Schopfung: 1b. Rezitativ Mit Chor (Raphael, Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 2. Arie Mit Chor (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 3. Rezitativ (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 4. Chor Mit Sopransolo
Die Schopfung: Der Dritte Tag: 5. Rezitativ (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 6. Arie (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 7. Rezitativ (Gabriel)
Die Schopfung: 8. Arie (Gabriel)
Die Schopfung: 9. Rezitativ (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 10. Chor
Die Schopfung: 11. Rezitativ (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 9. Rezitativ (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: Chor Mit Soli (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 14. Rezitativ (Gabriel)
Die Schopfung: 15. Arie (Gabriel)
Die Schopfung: 9. Rezitativ (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 17. Rezitativ (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 18. Terzett (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 19. Chor Mit Soli (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)

Tracks:

Die Schopfung: 20: Rezitativ (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 21: Rezitativ (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 22: Arie (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 23: Rezitativ (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 24: Arie (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 25: Rezitativ (Raphael)
Die Schopfung: 26: Chor No. 27: Terzett (G, U, R). No. 28: Chor
Die Schopfung: 29: Orchestereinleitung Und Rezitativ (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 30: Duett Mit Chor (Eve And Adam)
Die Schopfung: 31: Recitative (Adam And Eve)
Die Schopfung: 32: Duett (Adam And Eve)
Die Schopfung: 33: Rezitatuv (Uriel)
Die Schopfung: 34: Schlusschor Mit Soli

Amazon.com essential recording

This classic performance of Haydn's greatest choral masterpiece was beloved tenor Fritz Wunderlich's last recording. He sings all of the arias, but he died before finishing the recitatives, which are here taken by Werner Krenn. The recording is, in addition, one of Herbert von Karajan's finest, vastly better than his later digital remake. His interpretation is straightforward and impressively large in scale, but never pompous or sanctimonious (which was Karajan's big problem in music of a religious character). The truth is, Haydn's consistently fresh and unpretentious invention acts as a positive anesthetic against bombast, and the composer himself once said that thinking of the Creator always made him irresistibly cheerful. With The Creation, Haydn returned the favor. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Best.......2007-06-26

This is a performance to die for. The pace of the music is what sets this appart. Every movement is set at just the right tempo so you can completely enjoy this cast of stars.

All the stars of the 20th century.......2006-03-23

This recording brings all the finest voices of the twentieth century together with one of the finest conductors and orchestras.The sound quality is quite good, however, the overall intonation is quite sharp--a problem we used to have to deal with with LPS. That might also have made the tempi a bit faster than they were at the original performances. Aside from the pitch, the recording serves to remind us of the highest caliber of music making, just one step away from the German romanticist performers of the 19th century.

Fritz Wunderlich's Last Recording: Karajan's Greatest "Creation".......2005-11-22

This stunning recording from Deutsche Grammophone is Karajan's greatest recording of Haydn's Creation (of the two he recorded). In his prime as a conductor, he is musically potent and does not succumb to his usual overly grandiose manner. The singers are doing a heck of a job in their solos and ensembles. Of particular interest is the renowned 40's and 50's German tenor Fritz Wunderlich as the angel Gabriel and as Adam. He is singing in his last studio recording before his tragic death of cancer. Soprano Gundula Janowitz sing with ravishing voice, lyrical and lush, the voice of an angel. Baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau is in his element. He totally fits the baritone part of the archangel Uriel- a big, dramatic but noble and beatiful, God-like voice. Dieskau is in his glorious prime and pulls out all the stops. Mezzo soprano star Christa Ludwig sings the role of Raphael, normally a part given to another tenor. But her dark lower register is enough to make her worthy of the role. Walter Barry is also featured in this recording and his baritone voice is also ingenious. The orchestra is colorful, bringing out all the mystery and religiousity without being overt. The opening Prelude, "Chaos" evokes the Big-Bang and the subsequent formation of suns, stars and planets!! The choruses are magnificent and well-trained. Each of these singes are German, or Austrian, and therefore know how to sing with native pride. For other superb recordings of Haydn's Creation, check out the recording with conductor Antal Dorati and starring the radiant soprano Lucia Popp and incredible baritone Kurt Moll.

Karajan live or Karajan studio?.......2005-10-10

Since no one has compared this studio recording from 1966 (patchwork being added up to 1969) with Karajan's live performance from Salzburg the year before, I thought I'd fill in the gap. This review is posted twice, both here and under the live recording, also on DG.

Sound: Both sets re in excellent sound, although only the studio one is in stereo. The Austrian Radio transcript from Salzburg in 1965 is clear, warm, and detailed mono. The orchestra is set further back than in the studio version, but the soloists often sound closer. In both cases the chorus was the large Vienna Singverein , and their enunciation is muddied compared to smaller choirs. No preference in this regard between live and studio. I did find the original pressing of the studio version a bit too bright and less open than the live broadcast, but that may have been corrected in the new "Originals" reissue.

Soloists: Gundula Janowitz is the ethereal soprano on both recordings and sings almost identically, although in the live recording she opens out to reach the audience, while in the studio she adds a bit more intimacy and nuance. (This is also true of the orchestra.) Fritz Wunderlich performs all the tenor arias and major ensembles in both versions( he died suddenly from a fall in Sept. 1966 before finishing all the recitatives, which are filled in for the studio recording by Werner Krenn). Wunderlich uses his plangent voice with more nuance in the studio, singing out more in the live performance, and I prefer that. The bass is Walter Berry in the studio recording, preferable to Kim Borg in the live one, although not by a huge margin. However, in the baritone role of Adam, the live Hermann Prey is ocnsierably more lyircal and natural than Fishcer-Dieskau in the studio. Christa Ludwig on the studio version sings only one solo in the last chorus. The fact that the live soloists rank ahead of the studio may be a tipping point for some--it was for me.

Conducting: Karajan specialized in this work, as witness his three recordings (I don't own his digital reading from 1982, generlaly acknowledged as inferior), and he could be uncannily similar from year to year (for example, in both these performances the first big Adam and Eve duet takes 10 min., 1 sec., despite the year separating the two). Karajan took a classical approach to Haydn, preferring proportion and balance over excitement, control over spontaneity. In the style he chose, nobody since has excelled these recordings, but there is another way, as shown by Bernstein's two versions, particularly the unmatched drama of the first one from New York on Sony.

In the end, both Karajan readings are so close to each other, even down to sound and soloists, that there isn't much to choose. One might expect the live performance to be more exciting, but in fact that's a split decision as well--quite often Karajan finds more drama and momentum in the studio recording. I pick the live performance mostly to hear Wunderlich in better form and to have Prey in place of Fishcer-Dieskau.

Wunderlich stars in this performance........2005-08-19

I offer a slightly dissenting voice: I do not think that this performance is a 5-star winner. Yes, Wunderlich sings the arias exquisitely well. I find that Fisher-Dieskau has already become mannered in his singing. Yes, this is far better than Von Karajan's later digital version. No, this is not THE recording to have. At last not in my book (as a music historian and teacher). There are more than thirty complete recordings of "The Creation." Much good can be said of many, perhaps most of them. I recommend the following as the best of the lot:

John Eliot Gardiner's performance of the German version on "period" instruments -- superb in every regard, even if his soloists are lesser known.

Eugen Jochum's 1966 stereo recording with the Bavarian State Radio Orchestra and Chorus -- beautifully nuanced, deeply spiritual, and quite a bargain as a Philips Duo. Also the German version.

Rafael Kubelik's recording, also with the Bavarian musicians, on Orfeo. Warmth and clarity, strength and tenderness. Again the German version.

The original English version either by Christopher Hogwood or Robert Shaw, two very different yet equally effective performances.

Whichever version you choose, Haydn will lead you into the depths of Creation at every level of the word's meaning.

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

I love it and I give it as a gift
MarMSED
Diverse range but the songs are butchered...

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics

ASIN: B00002ZZH6
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Average customer rating:

Mensa... whatever
Excellent!
Wonderful piece of music
I'm sold on it
Wow. Just wow.

Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
Franz Joseph Haydn , Donna Carter , John Cheek , Jon Humphrey , Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus , and Robert Shaw
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003CYA
Release Date: 1992-10-27

Tracks:

Introduction The Representation Of Chaos
Recitative: In The Beginning - Chorus: In The Spirit - Recitative: And God Saw The Light
Aria With Chorus: Now Vanished By The Holy Beams
Recitative: And God Made The Firmament
Chorus With Solo: What Wonder Doth His Work Reveal
Recitative: And God Said; Let The Waters
Aria: Rolling In Foaming Billows
Recitative: And God Said: Let All The Earth Bring Forth Grass
Aria: Now Robed In Cool Refreshing Green
Recitative: And The Heavenly Host
Chorus: Awake The Harp
Recitative: And God Said; Let There Be Lights
Recitative: In Shining Splendor
Chorus With Trio: The Heavens Are Telling
Recitative: And God Said; Let The Waters Bring Forth
Aria: On Mighty Wings
Recitative: And God Created Great Whales
Recitative: And The Angels Struck
Trio: In Fairest Raiment - Chorus With Trio: The Lord Is Great

Tracks:

Recitative: And God Said; Let Earth Bring Forth
Recitative: Straight Opening Her Fertile Womb
Aria: Now Shines The Brightest Glory
Recitative: And God Created Man
Aria: In Native Worth
Recitative: And God Saw Everything
Chorus: Fulfilled At Last The Glorious Work - Trio: From Thee, O Lord - Chorus: Fulfilled At Last The Glorious Work
Recitative: In Rosy Mantle
Hymn: By Thee With Grace
Recitative: Now Is Our Duty
Duet: Sweet Companion!
Recitative: O Happy Pair
Chorus With Soloists: Sing To God

Amazon.com essential recording

Robert Shaw is so dependable a guide to the masterpieces of the choral repertory that it's safe to say you can't go wrong in turning to him for Haydn's greatest work for voices. That's true even in a field crowded with solid alternatives geared to differing tastes. So if you want Haydn's original German text ("Die Schöpfung"), there are excellent performances by von Karajan on DG and Wöldike on Vanguard; for the same, with an extra dash of exuberance, there's Solti on London. If only original instruments will suffice, try Gardiner on Archiv. But for a Creation in English (using Shaw's own superior translation), Shaw rules the roost. It's also the best-recorded version; when the big choruses let loose, this is an audiophile's delight. The soloists are never less than adequate, though no match for von Karajan's starry cast. Shaw's interpretation hews the fine line between drama and lyricism; his middle-of-the road stance lets the music speak eloquently for itself. Even if you have a German-language version, this set will give joy and insights. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Mensa... whatever.......2007-02-21

This recording has been regarded as "required listening" for choral musicians and directors. I doubt we will find better choral singing of this piece in our lifetimes. You should have heard it LIVE! To "Mensa Girl," why did you need a recording to help you learn this piece? You are "Mensa," after all.

Excellent!.......2007-01-11

A wonderful interpretation of Haydn's masterpiece - the descriptive language, beautiful solos, and engaging choruses all come together to paint a glorious picture of God's handiwork. I have heard this in the original German but as an English speaker prefer this English translation because of the amazing association between the words and the music.

Wonderful piece of music.......2005-10-23

I was assigned to sing this piece for my chorus class and when I heard it, I was just blown away. I'm not a believer in God, but it truly has a huge impact. The solos were especially mind-blowing.

I'm sold on it.......2004-07-15

I looked around for a new English language version of Haydn's "Creation" to use for practice before I sang in the chorus for my local choral society's performance of Haydn's "Creation" earlier this year. I am not naturally drawn to Robert Shaw or his work, having been disappointed by him in recordings of Poulenc, Bach, Penderecki and other composers.

I wanted a new recording to replace the one I'd been listening to -- Hogwood's version. It was fine in a hyperactive English way. Many of the choruses were taken at presto and the enunciation of his very large group was never very clear. I considered Rattle and borrowed a copy from my local library. After hearing it I dismissed it from consideration, since I would not enjoy it over an extended period. I tried a couple German language versions, too. The famous Karajan has a starry quartet but is a might overdone in my book. Bruno Weil's traversal if forgettable, as is Gardiner. I found someone willing to sell me the Shaw version for $15 which was a good deal even by resale shop standards.

I would agree with almost everything written in the Amazon review of this music and would add this: what makes this version sparkle, aside from lustrous singing by everyone involved, is Shaw's deep understanding of Haydn and his performance method. Above all things, Josef Haydn was a moderate. He loved a good joke and even fell in love once, but his linchpin emotion was temperance and moderation. Performances of his music that go beyond this fail, in my opinion.

Shaw's version uses judicious speeds and an approach that is consistent throughout. His soloists are all exceptional and I would point out the notable contributions of Heidi Grant Murphy and James McGuire as Eve and Adam, respectively. In performing this music this past Easter, I came to a better understanding of the role these two play in the Creation and the role they must have played in Haydn's mind and soul. In particular, the duet with choral accompaniment "By thee with grace" is one of Haydn's most inspired creations, floating above the Earth like fine mist on a humid morning.

Everything about this performance makes it one of the most treasurable venues for this music. On a final note, I must agree with the critical reviewer that was exasperated by Shaw's score changes. This threw me greatly when I first began practicing with the well-known and time-tested Schirmer score. Still, this is a minor quibble in a recording so good in all respects. Unless you seek a German version of want a more dramatic approach, this version should satisfy you for years to come.

Wow. Just wow........2004-04-07

If the current flood of happy-sappy church music and "gentle Jesus" sermons is leaving you a little wistful, buy this cd and crank it up in the car...I guarantee you will be jolted with joy at being reminded of the "almighty" part of God. And until the Mensa member pointed it out, I was unaware that God spoke only German, so I really liked understanding the scripture as sung.

The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

This is awesome!
Awesome CD!!
I absolutely LOVE this!
Vienna Boys do it again
Wow

The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Christmas With the Vienna Boys Choir
Christmas with the Vienna Boys Choir
Angelic Voices: The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir
The Christmas Album: Vienna Boys Choir
Luminosa

ASIN: B00000IGUW
Release Date: 2000-12-06

Tracks:

Mass in C major K. 317 'Coronatoin' Mass: I. Kyrie
Mass in C major K. 317 'Coronatoin' Mass: II. Gloria
Mass in C major K. 317 'Coronatoin' Mass: Ave verum corpus KV 618 - K. 618
Requiem KV 626 (Auszuge) - K. 626: Dies irae
Requiem KV 626 (Auszuge) - K. 626: Lacrimosa
Requiem KV 626 (Auszuge) - K. 626: Agnus Dei
Requiem KV 626 (Auszuge) - K. 626: Lux aeterna
Ave Maria
The Creation: Terzett: 'In holder Anmut stehn'
The Creation: Terzett mit Chor: 'Der Herr ist gross in seiner Macht'
Locus iste
Ave Maria
Abendsegen
Pueri concinite
Messiah: No. 03 Chorus: ' And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed'
Messiah: No. 06 Chorus: 'And he shall purify'
Messiah: No. 42 Chorus: 'Hallelujah'
Messiah: No. 51 Chorus: 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain' - 'Amen'

Tracks:

The Blue Danube
Annen - Polka Op. 117
Walzer - Tales from the Vienna Woods, Waltz
Tritsch - Tratsch Polka
Village Swallows from Austria
Pizzicat - Polka
Morning papers, waltz
Radetzky - Marsch
Thousand and one night, waltz
Heidenroslein
The Magic Flute: Trio
Innsbruck, I must leave thee
Aba Heidschi Bumbeidschi
Edelweiss
Do - Re - Mi

Customer Reviews:

This is awesome!.......2002-12-13

I love this bos set, especially the second one Edelweiss is simply great, it's filled with passion and truly shows the beauty of music.But if you had already bought Ave Maria and Edelweiss please don't buy this one, they are the same, this CD is just perfect!

Awesome CD!!.......2002-06-07

Wow...That was my first word when I listend to this CD.

I like classical numbers more than like traditional songs of
other countries, so the 1st one was wonderful
(Of course as well as the second one.)

When you want to relax, you may choose the 1st one, but
if you want to be excited, choose 2nd one!!

You will feel as if you were out of this world.

I absolutely LOVE this!.......2002-02-20

When I received this album, I found that it was much, much more than I had expected. The angelic, pure, innocent yet DEFINED voices of these boys add the spark to your day. (at least to mine!)

The first CD is absolutely beautiful choral music which is really relaxing. I DO prefer boys' singing to adults, because it just sounds so much better.
When I bought the CD, I wasn't expecting much out of the second CD because I bought it for the first CD's sake, but the second CD turned out to be my real favorite.
Not that I don't adore the first one, but the second one is SO IRRESISTABLY CUTE!! whenever I listen to it, I keep on smiling and going "awww. isn't this cute!"
It is REALLY sweet and fun to listen to. I just LOVE this CDs and want to give 10 stars out of 5, but obviously there are limitations, so..

Well, if you like choral music, you won't regret getting this one.

Vienna Boys do it again.......2001-08-18

Their performance is just superb. If you like classical music. I find this elevating my spirits.

Wow.......2000-09-06

What can really be said about this two CD set except "Wow." The tone quality and emotion contained in the music is incredible, and I don't think there's another boys' choir out there who can match it. The rendition of Schubert's "Ave Maria" alone is worth buying the CD. Amazing. Between the two CD's there is a great variety of music as well, ranging from the soft, sad "Locus Iste," to Johann Strauss' polkas. There is a piece for every mood. These CDs are more than worth the money and rank among the favorites in my collection.

Average customer rating:

Wild Variations of Quality
Wonderful
A real winner with plenty of talent.

Masters of the Voice: Soprano

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Masters of the Keyboard
Masters of the Guitar
Masters of the Bow: Cello
Masters of the Trumpet

ASIN: B0002IQAR2
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Customer Reviews:

Wild Variations of Quality.......2006-12-15

While many selections on this disc are enjoyable, some are absolutely execrable. Leontyne Price's performance of "He shall feed his flock/Come unto him" from "Messiah" is almost unbearably embarrassing to listen to, as is Mirella Freni's horrible "O Mio Babbino Caro." Equally baffling is the choice of Renata Tebaldi's "Un bel di", when there are far better performances of it available. A late recording of Birgit Nilsson's "Komm, o Hoffnung" does not do justice either to her or to Beethoven. One wonders why there are multiple tracks of Joan Sutherland, Cheryl Studer, and Montserrat Caballe, yet equally fine singers such as Margaret Price, Luciana Serra, and Hildegard Behrens are unrepresented. Get a pair of earplugs before listening to June Anderson's off-pitch, shrill quacking, hooting, and shrieking rendition of "Glitter and Be Gay," surely a lowlight of the album.

Wonderful.......2006-07-31

I picked up this cd at the library and it just blew me away! What a great collection! I highly recommend it.

A real winner with plenty of talent........2004-10-06

This 2-CD selection from Deutsche Grammophon, "Masters of the Voce, Soprano" follows a review we did earlier on the "Masters" series for tenors in which we rated the tenor package a success. This offering succeeds on multiple levels as well and proves to be an equally enjoyable listen. DG has put together 30 popular and diverse arias that not only give us a good sampling of some of the finest opera music being performed, but provides a sampling of some of the greatest operatic talent to sing those arias. We state at the outset that when reviewing a CD selection such as this, we don't set out to review the talent; the performers are first in their class and need only be acknowledged. Their work is neither new nor novel here. Rather, it is in the way the package is put together that earns either praise or criticisms - and no other. And that's what we offer here. First, with regard to the technical aspects of the recording: it is as you would expect from a digital transfer - smooth, clear and even throughout. This is a major plus when you consider that the performances were all recorded under differing circumstances, with different orchestras and choruses. Next, there is the selection of music. This can be tricky if not done well, but it was done well here and as a result gives us a pleasurable listening experience that offers continuity - meaning you don't have to sit with a clicker in hand waiting for that one cut that just seems out of place. There's none of that here; it's an enjoyable listen throughout. Lastly, but certainly not least, and what elevates this selection is the diversity of truly superstar singers. Joan Sutherland's lyric beauty truly shines when singing Rossini's "Bel raggio lusinghier" from "Semiramide" and "Ah, je veux vivre" from Gounod's "Romeo & Juliet", and the "Bell Song" from Delibes "Lakme". And it isn't just Sutherland's delivery that gets our attention. Brigit Nilsson's dramatic power in "Battle Cry" from Wagner's "Die Walkure" raises the hair on the back of ones neck. They're all here: Cheryl Studer, Kathleen Battle, Leontyne Price, Renee Fleming, Mirella Freni, Renata Tabaldi, Angela Gheorghu and more. Throughout, "Masters of the Voice: Soprano" offers a nice cross section from the lyric coloratura to the dramatic soprano, and a solid display of technical expertise in the way that the music is blended such that this 2 CD set can be added to anyone's collection with assurance that it will be enjoyed and listed to for years to come - and why not, it's some of the best.

Average customer rating:

It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful.
Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best!
Glorious

Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Choral Masterpieces
Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ
The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics
Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony
The #1 Choral Album

ASIN: B00000DFWF
Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis
Sanctus
Glory To God
Awake The Harp
Gloria
Gloria
Sanctus
Heavenly Light
Aeterna Fac
Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu
Sanctus
Gloria
Alleluia
Sanctus
Magnificat

Amazon.com

This compilation features excerpts from some of the greatest sacred works in the literature--including Bach's Mass in B Minor, Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Missa solemnis, and Verdi's Requiem--all led by Robert Shaw. The selections, from recordings made between 1983 and 1997 by Shaw and various ensembles including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, are presented more or less in order of their composition, from Vivaldi's Gloria to Arvo Pärt's Magnificat. Especially thrilling is the complete "Gloria" from the Missa solemnis, 17 minutes of sheer grandeur, and the Sanctus movements from the Requiems of Verdi and Maurice Duruflé. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful........2007-05-15

I enjoyed this CD very much. It is just beautiful music.

Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best!.......2004-09-20

If Sir Robert were still alive, & breathing, I believe he would be caught-up making music with this awesome, majestic, mystical GLORIA, Sanctus, Hallelujah Masterworks! I lucked-up on this old collection in the few classical CD'S in Best Buy!

At first hearing they sent me back into the 1970's when most of Church Musicians majored in Vivaldi's Gloria, the Sanctus of Bach's B-Minor Mass, the Long, georgeous GLORIA, Missa Solemnis, Beethoven, and incomparable Alleluia by Randall Thompson.

During a visit of Hurricane IVAN'S rushing winds and torrents of rain, I stayed on back roads of Decatur and East Atlanta! Also keeping alert & relaxed listening to Robert Shaw re-inventing his Choral Mystique! In slowly moving traffic of 2++ hours to Fayetteville, I kept alert singing along at 30 mph, wrapped in his quiet heavenly beauty of Koplov's "Heavenly Light!"

That mysteriously spiritual power of glorious choruses provided the same resourceful sounds of his eternal music-making from rehearsals in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Westminster Choir College and Avery Fischer Hall concerts in NYC! (1975-1985)

Only the early 33 1/3 recordings of the Robert Shaw Chorale in his Spirituals and Irish Songs, later Handel's Messiah and Bach B-Minor Mass were forerunners to his awesome listing of repeated Grammy winners, now printed in digital stereo color and sound! Hooray for Sir Robert and his rich chorale legacy... Let's keep them singing for Eternity! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Glorious.......2000-06-30

If I had to choose one conductor to compile exerpts from the greatest masses and works in choral literature and history, I would only bestow that duty to Robert Shaw and his choruses. Once again he displays his uncanny ability to not only choose beautiful music but also perform it in a spellbinding manner. Even with the pieces the average listener has heard or performed, such as Vivaldi's Gloria or portions of Handel's Messiah, one cannot help but become enthralled with the recordings of Shaw's interpretations of those works. Although Shaw never followed through on his early-life ambition to be a minister, I still believe he does so and perhaps to a greater extent through his music ministry. One cannot help but feel closer to understanding what heaven is about after having finished listening to this CD. This is well worth buying for it will live up to the english interpretation of its Latin title: Glorious.

Average customer rating:

Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
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ASIN: B00062FLJM
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating:

Utterly disapointing
Great!
charming
Something for everyone!

The #1 Choral Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Choral Masterpieces
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics
Dies Irae-The Essential Choral Collection
Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ

ASIN: B000060P5G
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, Pensiero - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Choir
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Walter Hagen-Groll
Miserere: Miserere (Abridged) - Sir David Willcocks
Cantata No. 147: Jesu Bleibet Meine Freunde (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Kantorei Der Dreikonigskirche
Ave Verum Corpus, K 618 - Stephen Cleobury
Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell: Il S'en Va Loin De La Terre - St. Anthony Singers
Pavane - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Totus Tuus (Excerpt) - John Nelson
Ein Deutsches Requiem: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Requiem: Sanctus - Charles Dutoit
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor
Song For Athene - Stephen Cleobury
La Damnation De Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae... Tuba Mirum - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes - Handel Opera Society Chorus
Mass In B Minor: Sanctus - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Zadok The Priest - The Choir Of King's College
Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Ode To Joy (Fourth Movement - Excerpt) - Jessye Norman
Requiem: Dies Irae - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Die Schopfung: Die Himmel Erzahlen (The Heavens Are Telling) - Norma Burrowes
Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les Voici, Les Voici - John Alldis Choir
Elijah: Thanks Be To God - Bryn Terfel
Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lubecker Kantorei
Matthaus-Passion (Final Chorus): Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Mefistofele (Prologue): Ave, Signor Degli Angeli E Dei Santi! - London Opera Chorus
Messiah: Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Rule Britannia - London Philharmonic Choir
Jerusalem - London Philharmonic Choir
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire Immortelle - John McCarthy
Faust: Apotheosis - John McCarthy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly disapointing.......2006-12-12

The sound and mixing on these CDs are below anything. It's the type of CD where you constantly have to adjust the volume because some songs are just inaudible and then others come out blaring. Is there anything more annoying? The recording is poor quality. And the interpretations are just bland. A waste of money.

Great!.......2006-02-25

Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition. Thank you.

charming.......2005-05-25

i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time. i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!.......2004-01-11

This double CD is certainly worth the small price. The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors. Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion. But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave!

Music Review:

Goldberg Variations