Darkness into Light

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Darkness into Light is the title of this new Anonymous 4 CD, and, indeed, many of the works refer to the perils and glory, religiously speaking, of the former and the latter, respectively. Sprinkled within the eight 12th- to 14th-century hymns, all beautifully performed and interestingly varied in tone and use of voices, are four works by the contemporary British composer John Tavener, one of which is receiving its recorded premiere and was composed for Anonymous 4 and the Chilingirian Quartet. It is called "The Bridegroom," and in its 17-plus minutes examines the metaphor of Christ-as-Bridegroom, with the strings standing for Christ and the four voices, in the words of the composer, for "the people of the world, full of that longing which is a kind of Divine eros." Be that as it may, it contains some wonderful high-lying vocal lines, many short, phrases and a series of long-held, fading-out notes. The effect is very interesting and the string quartet adds to the mystery. The other three Tavener works are in the same vein. Whether or not one subscribes to Tavener’s only occasionally convincing brand of religiosity, the performances here--of his music and the rest--are gorgeous, as the Anonymous 4 sing with their usual combination of abundance and absolute purity--an odd combination, but a unique one. The ear is constantly enchanted here, even if one finds the ancient piety more appealing, universal, and convincing than the modern. --Robert Levine

Tracks:

O Lux Beata Trinitas
Jube Domine/In Principio
Come And Do Your Will In Me
Christe Qui Lux Es
Lectio Ysaye Prophete/Surge Illuminare
As One Who Had Slept
Medie Noctis Tempus Est
Vidi Civitatem
The Lord's Prayer
Quinque Prudentes Virgines
The Bridegroom
Inventor Rutili

Amazon.com

Darkness into Light is the title of this new Anonymous 4 CD, and, indeed, many of the works refer to the perils and glory, religiously speaking, of the former and the latter, respectively. Sprinkled within the eight 12th- to 14th-century hymns, all beautifully performed and interestingly varied in tone and use of voices, are four works by the contemporary British composer John Tavener, one of which is receiving its recorded premiere and was composed for Anonymous 4 and the Chilingirian Quartet. It is called "The Bridegroom," and in its 17-plus minutes examines the metaphor of Christ-as-Bridegroom, with the strings standing for Christ and the four voices, in the words of the composer, for "the people of the world, full of that longing which is a kind of Divine eros." Be that as it may, it contains some wonderful high-lying vocal lines, many short, phrases and a series of long-held, fading-out notes. The effect is very interesting and the string quartet adds to the mystery. The other three Tavener works are in the same vein. Whether or not one subscribes to Tavener's only occasionally convincing brand of religiosity, the performances here--of his music and the rest--are gorgeous, as the Anonymous 4 sing with their usual combination of abundance and absolute purity--an odd combination, but a unique one. The ear is constantly enchanted here, even if one finds the ancient piety more appealing, universal, and convincing than the modern. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

The Etheral Tavener.......2006-09-05

I bought this CD a week ago and have listened to it every night at least once. I am a fan of church choral music. This album has some of the most interesting, moving and uplifting music I have listened to. I put Tavener up there with Talis, Gorecki, and the giants of the past.

A Beauty that aches.......2004-02-20

I'm not sure how I just happened upon John Tavener for the first time in my life. Where has he been hiding?

This album struck me much the same way Palestrina's Pope Marcellus mass struck me the first time I heard it. It's the kind of music that makes you lean back with your mouth open; wordless at the music that would be too divinely beautiful to touch if you could see it. It makes me whisper soft praises at the sheer love that God has inspired in certain musicians.

I like the medieval songs interspersed with Tavener's pieces. A perfect combination.

Heavenly music without equal.......2003-12-15

I ordered DARKNESS INTO LIGHT shortly after its release earlier this year, and I have listened to and enjoyed it immensely many time over since. Having recently ordered Anonymous 4's WOLCUM YULE, I was inspired to finally write a review of this masterwork collection of choral music.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT's "subtitle" if you will is MEDIEVAL & MODERN--A MYSTICAL JOURNEY. I could think of no better way to describe the mood these works set: you do feel a sense of mystery and anticipation as you "journey" from one hymn to the next. I use the word hymn in the general sense, as the works have more than just a liturgical or religious sound that comes forth upon listening again and again. I literally get chills and am enthralled in particular by the Tavener selections presented here (Come and do Your will in me is I believe the most beautiful choral work of Tavener's and the most beautiful permformance I have heard from Anonymous 4 ever!)

Anonymous 4 in collaboration with the Chilingirian Quartet lavish great care and passion on these four pieces as they do with the entire album. The Tavener works are certainly the highlight if you are a devoted collector of his music as I am.

Not only is the singing and musicianship of both quartets astounding, the packaging for the CD is itself quite attractive and informative. Harmonia Mundi has placed the CD within a book that opens to display the four-color liner notes booklet. No need to fumble with removing the booklet from a traditional jewel case--a nice touch for those of us who enjoy reading the essays and production notes associated with a classical recording. The booklet is quite handsome, and includes two color plates, one probably attributable to Hieronymus Bosch, and one from the Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, 15th c. France. Also included are librettos in English, French and German.

The 12 tracks are as as follows:

1) Vespers hymn: O lux beata trinitas
2) Jube domine/Lection: In principio
3) TAVENER: Come and do Your will in me (voices & strings)
4) Compline hymn: Christe qui lux es
5) Lectio ysaye prophete/Lection: Surge illuminare
6) Tavener: As one who has slept (voices & strings)
7) Nocturn hymn: Medie noctis tempus est
8) Leccio libri apokalipsis/Lection: Vidi civitatem
9) TAVENER: The Lord's Prayer
10) Alleluia: Quinque prudentes virgines
11) TAVENER: The Bridegroom (voices & strings)
*world premiere recording
12) Hymn for the New Light: Inventor rutili

This album must be heard to be appreciated. Whether you are familiar with Tavener and the quality of Anonymous 4 & the Chilingirian Quartet's recordings, or are new to all this, do yourself a tremendous favor and get a copy now! The production quality is nothing less than superb, as you would expect from Harmonia Mundi and the ladies of Anonymous 4.

This is my personal selection for CLASSICAL MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR.

Completely Enchanted by this Exquisite CD.......2003-11-03

My son played this CD for me this evening and I promptly ordered it online and then continued to listen to the entire CD 5X's! This is the most hauntingly beautiful CD I've heard in years. A long-time fan of Anonymous 4, I am absolutely delighted in what I perceive to be their best recording to date. I enjoyed listening to the 12th-14th c. hymns and absolutely love the new works by Tavener. Since I particularly enjoy listening to Anonymous 4 CD's while at work, I am eagerly awaiting this latest CD to listen to while I work this winter! This CD is inspiring as well as beautiful.

The Bridegroom.......2003-07-19

I haven't actually listened to this entire album yet, but I will buy it just for "The Bridegroom," and I suggest you do the same if you enjoy chant-style vocal music at all. Tavener uses minor seconds all over the place to keep us on the edge of our seat, and his ancient style of chant combined with nouveux harmonies are absolutely exhilirating! Definitely listen to this one!

Average customer rating:

From Solo Piano Publications

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
Michael Stribling
Manufacturer: Leela Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Songs of Hope & Healing
Journey Within
Immersion: Two

ASIN: B000L22UT6
Release Date: 2007-01-01

Tracks:

- Driven
- Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
- Northern Lights
- Letting Go/Afterthought
- Seven Faces of Home
- Ripples of Awareness
- Reflection
- Longing
- Water Nebula
- Glory and Honor/A Glimpse Beyond

Product Description

The follow-up to the #1 debut album (Songs of Hope and Healing), "Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is a collection of 10 new age instrumental compositions that celebrates the journey from our ego-driven nature to higher levels of awareness and consciousness. There's plenty of evocative heart music here, with lush harmonies and moving melodies.

Customer Reviews:

From Solo Piano Publications.......2007-01-19

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is multi-instrumentalist Michael Stribling's follow-up to 2006's chart-topping "Songs of Hope and Healing." I haven't heard Stribling's earlier work, but I sure like this CD! Most of the ten tracks are ambient and spacious, but there are a couple of very rhythmic, uptempo pieces that make you sit up and take notice. The piano appears in several of the pieces, but this is much more of an electronic CD. Stribling's mission is "to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit" (from his website). Stribling calls his label "Leela Music," and "leela" means "divine play," so this music obviously comes from a rich variety of sources. Stribling has been playing the piano since he was seven, and was a percussionist for Johnny Mathis early in his career. After several years working as a studio musician, playing in musical theater, and radio announcing, Stribling went back to graduate school in 1981 and became a marriage and family therapist. After working in that field for many years, life changes brought him back to music in 2005. Lucky us!

The CD opens with "Driven," a piece whose pounding beat and intoxicating rhythm I find completely addicting. In the car, I had the volume up to the point of being almost painful and kept hitting the "repeat" button on the CD player. My piano students could probably hear me coming from several blocks away! Sure to bring a smile and more than a few head bobs! From there, we get down to more serious business. The title track takes us on a journey that begins with the feeling of dark mystery that is non-threatening, but not entirely comfortable. As the piece unfolds, it explores several themes, gradually brightening until it breaks into the light as the darker theme fades out. "Northern Lights" gives the feeling of floating in darkness that is deep, but also very peaceful and beautiful. Various sounds suggest the changing colors of the Northern Lights as they melt from one breathtaking hue to another. Gorgeous! "Letting Go/Afterthought" is much more introspective and melancholy. The middle section of the piece is solo piano, personalizing it even more. One of my favorite tracks is "Longing," which begins with a very simple but compelling rhythmic theme that suggests a plucked stringed instrument. That theme continues throughout the piece as string washes add fullness and color. Becoming more orchestrated as it evolves, the simple theme comes to the forefront from time to time. As feelings of longing are, the piece is tinged with sadness and loss, but is not without hope. Very effective! "Glory and Honor / A Glimpse Beyond" begins on a jaunty, upbeat note. More melodic than most of the works, it also has an infectious rhythm and a playful spirit that segues later to the ambient feeling of crystalline open space and of floating peacefully on air.

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is a fascinating musical journey and one that I really enjoyed. Recommended!

Average customer rating:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!
Great recording!
Good and Bad
This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Christmas at Trinity

ASIN: B00002R16A
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 1 Overture
Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.

From the Darkness into the Light
Average customer rating:

More luz needed

THAT MUSIC FAN REVIWER NEEDS HIS HEAD CHECKED!!!!!!

BOMB ASS C.D

What happened to the Mellow Man??

From the Darkness into the Light
Mellow Man Ace
Manufacturer: Cleopatra
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Latin Rap | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Escape From Havana

The Brother With Two Tongues

ASIN: B00004UETY
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

Cleopatra's Dungeon (Intro)
Is It You
Quillotine Tactics - B Real, , Mellow Man Ace,
Miracles
Promotor Super Estrella
Future Shock
Heaven
Ten la Fe
Bring It Back
Feel Tha Steel - Mellow Man Ace, Sen Dog
Sly Slick and Wicked - Mellow Man Ace, Sen Dog
Cleopatra's Dungeon (Outro)

Customer Reviews:

More luz needed.......2007-01-04

Mellowman Ace offers an album of well above average rap and deserves to be more into the light and less in the darkness. However, he still under-uses his potential to produce genuinely innovative hispanic rap - a bit less Anglo and more 'raza' and he will be onto something. Nonetheless, this CD is well worth listening to in the meantime.

THAT MUSIC FAN REVIWER NEEDS HIS HEAD CHECKED!!!!!!.......2006-04-12

this has to be aces best no doubt, its not pop and definetly not garbage.Cypress hill fans will know who mellow is and others too. This was great from start to finish. Its hard to get hold of , butr i reccomend this to chicano/hardcore rap fans. Its seems to be a mixture of west coast and east coast. Underground and hardcore. Lyrically i was impressed and this album is backed by sen of cypress hill[mellows older brother].
So many great tracks....

BOMB ASS C.D.......2004-04-30

ANYONE WHO THINKS THIS C.D WAS WEAK MUST BE CRAZY I AM A CRAZY FAN OF THE TRUE GODFATHER OF LATIN RAP THE ONE WHO HELP ALL OTHER RAPPER COME OUT IN FORCE ..... THIS C.D WAS GREAT I AM MAYBE ONE IN MANY WHO REALLY ENJOYED IT KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

What happened to the Mellow Man??.......2001-03-30

This cd was a horrible dissapointment. Mellow Man Ace has all but abandoned the bilingual skills and wit he has displayed in the past in an attempt to sound more like a legitimate gangsta. What he sounds like is my neighbor rapping in the shower while hoping his mom does not hear him.

Tracks:

The Faith Of Man
When The Children Come Home
Old Jack Ryan
I Remember Loving You
Lonesome Road
The Coming Of The Roads
wood River
Rockin' In A Weary Land
From The Lambing To The Wool
Ain't I A Woman
Turn Around/The Gartan Mother's Lullaby
Walls And Windows
Peace Must Come

Customer Reviews:

Darkness Into Light.......2007-01-04

This music is like soul food, as odd as that may sound. I haven't heard this album in almost 13 years. My parents raised us on folk and bluegrass, so this album was great. Her voice is pure and strong, and still very tender. I am so thrilled to have found this!!

Average customer rating:

Out of the darkness...into the light

Manufacturer: Charis Records/Eclectica Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0001BVI5O
Release Date: 2000-03-01

Tracks:

Live my life
Psalm 51 (Hello)
The rich fool
Pray away
The woman at the well
The ring on God's finger
Living water
One in the Spirit
10 minutes to midnight
Covered on the cross

Album Description

Original praise, worship and testimonial music.

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light (1987-89)

Average customer rating:

Kick Axe!
the unknown talent of 80's and early 90's hard rock

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light (1987-89)
Lillian Axe
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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Poetic Justice
Lillian Axe
Live 2002

ASIN: B000008HQW
Release Date: 1991-10-22

Tracks:

Dream of a Lifetime
Misery Loves Company
Nobody Knows
Waiting in the Dark
Hard Luck
All's Fair in Love and War
She Likes It on Top
World Stopped Turning
Ghost of Winter
My Number
Show a Little Love

Customer Reviews:

Kick Axe!.......2003-08-02

Lillian Axe is possibly the best little known 80's "hair band" and this CD has most of their best early tracks. From anthems like "Show a Little Love" to power ballads such as "Nobody Knows" Lillian Axe shows they have the licks to be considered in the same class as bands like Slaughter, Firehouse, and other powerhouse pop metal bands. However, they also write non-formulaic songs like "Ghost of Winter" and "World Stopped Turning". If you love 80s metal and are looking for a different band who will blow you away, then buy this album!

the unknown talent of 80's and early 90's hard rock.......2003-07-31

Although they don't have album sales of the big rock acts, these guys can play great music. stevie blaze on the guitar could be compared with neal schon of journey, eddie van halen etc... . the album is excellent for the hair band fan or hard rock lover. It contains excellent guitar licks and fast rock drums. the lyrics are rough and hard at times but it still has class. Its a must have for the Rock fan in you . buy it!!

Average customer rating:

Handel: Messiah (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Hmf Classical Exp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: Cantatas BWV 82 and 199
Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan
Lorraine Hunt - Handel Arias
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson: Handel Arias
Music of Peter Lieberson: Rilke Songs, The Six Realms, Horn Concerto

ASIN: B00005UONC
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Average customer rating:

A Superior CD...A Must Have For All Audiences

From Darkness Into Light
Hartford Virtuosi
Manufacturer: ERM Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000PITZ6W
Release Date: 2007-04-20

Tracks:

String Quartet (Pride & Prophecy)
String Quartet (Porter's Jest)
String Quartet (Shadows of Madness
String Quartet (The Fall of House Macbeth)
Vignettes from American Life (Amerikanisches Lied)
Vignettes from American Life (Nerves)
Vignettes from American Life (Snowfall on a Midwinter's Evening)
Vignettes from American Life (Song of Job)
Vignettes from American Life (Front Porch Rondo)

Product Description

Masterworks award-winning composer Gustav Hoyer's first full length CD contains his stunning "String Quartet in d minor" (performed by the Daughters of Eve string quartet) and his wonderful and moving "Vignettes of an American Life" as performed by the Hartford Virtuosi led by Marcia LaReau. A true taste from the pen of this American original!

Customer Reviews:

A Superior CD...A Must Have For All Audiences.......2007-05-21

This CD is incredible. While we are not classical music aficionados, we were encouraged to purchase this and we have enjoyed it from start to finish. I think we're actually becoming smarter because of it. :)

Seriously though, it is a wonderfully intellectual CD with much to offer to a wide audience. We will be purchasing more for family and friends.