Debussy: Melodies [Import]

Track Listings

1. Beau Soir

2. Mandoline

3. L'ame Evaporee

4. Les Cloches

5. Green

6. Chevaux De Bois

7. Le Jet D'eau

8. La Mer

9. Le Son Du Cor

10. L'echelonnement Des Haies

11. De Soir

12. Le Temps A Laissie Son Manteau

13. Pour Ce Que Plaisance Est Morte

14. En Sourdine

15. Fantoches

16. Clair De Lune

17. Les Ingenus

18. Le Faune

19. Colloque Sentimental

20. Aupres De Cette Grotte Sombre

See all 22 tracks on this disc

Tracks:

O mio babbino caro (from 'Gianni Schicchi')
The Girl With Flaxen Hair (from Preludes, Book I; La fille aux cheveux delin: Prelude for Piano L 117/8)
Nocturne in C sharp minor (Op Post)
The Swan (from Carnival of the Animals)
Serenade (from 'Schwanengesang' song cycle for voice and piano, D 957
Casta Diva (from 'Norma')
Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K. 467
Nocturne from Quartet for Strings No. 2 in D Major: 3rd movement
Dance of the Blessed Spirits (from 'Orfeo ed Euridice')
Songs My Mother Taught Me, song for voice and piano B104/4 Op 55/4
Pur ti Miro (from 'L'incoronazione di Poppea')
Elegie (Elegie 'O doux printemps d'autrefois' for voice and piano)
Traumerei ('Kinderszenen' for piano, Op 15, No. 7 'Dreaming')

Amazon.com

Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi opens the disc, with Bell delicately accompanied by a harp and spinning the long melody with great sensitivity. Bellini's "Casta diva" from Norma lives up to its reputation as the epitome of bel canto in Bell's hands; his violin sings. The middle movement of Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto takes well to the violin, and Debussy's "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is played with great warmth and sensuality. It would be easy to turn a recital like this into treacle, but Bell is wise enough to realize that the music is already sweet enough and he plays with great reserve and a minimum of sentimental slides. The light accompaniments always support, with woodwinds prominent but used with grace. This CD, in short, is a beauty: a fine gift, a lovely mood setter. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Romance of the Violin.......2007-07-16

While it's not my very favorite Joshua Bell CD, this is a pleasure to listen to!

End of the Day.......2007-06-08

I am a Joshua Bell fan, and this album is the one that I enjoy with my dessert, it calms me at the end of the day, and makes me think of my 6 year old granddaughter's visit. She has to have music on during meals at her home. Usually it is some kid stuff, but I do not have anything like she has at home, so I chose to play Joshua Bell during our dinner. When I placed the dessert before her, she looked up at me and said: "This music is so beautiful, I want to play the violin just like that". What more could I say.
He is inspiring, and she is right. This album is beautiful.

Wonderful!.......2007-05-30

I play this for my grandson to nap by. It is so relaxing and wonderful!

Over and over and over...........2007-05-17

That's how I want to play this CD! It's a wonderful line-up of rich, mellow, captivating compositions played with a warmth and vibrancy that is seldom heard. Joshua at his very best. You won't be disappointed.

Non-standard CD format.......2007-04-22

The music on this CD deserves five stars, but the CD itself is a non-standard format that doesn't work on all players. There's a tiny warning on the back of the CD. You won't notice the warning until you discover that the CD doesn't work on your player. My Macintosh computer wouldn't read the non-standard format so there was no way for me to listen in my office or put the music on my iPod.

A friend's PC was able to read the CD and make a copy in standard format that can be read on any player, including my Mac. The story had a happy ending, but I can not comprehend why the publisher chose the oddball CD specification.

The music is excellent and worth the trouble of making a copy, but the publisher really shouldn't make you go to that effort just to listen to a CD that you paid for.

Average customer rating:

Elegance at the piano
VALUE FOR MONEY
Good bang for the buck.
Really good price.

Piano Favorites

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000UVY
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

Fantasie Impromptu in C-sharp minor, OP.66
Waltz No.15 in A-flat, Op.39
Rondo all turca from Sonata in A, K.331
Minuet in G
Traumerei Op.15 No.7 (from Kinderzenen)
Un sospiro
Etude in C-sharp minor, Op.10 No.4
Etude in G-flat, Op.10 No.5
Humoresque, Op.101 No.7
'Fur Elise' (Bagatelle Wo0.59)
Claire de lune (Suite Bergamasque, No.3)
Golliwog's Cakewalk (Coin des enfants, No.6)
Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op.3 No.2
Melody in F, Op.3 No.1
The Cuckoo
La fille aux cheveux de lin (from Preludes Book I)
Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op.64 No.2
Waltz in G-flat, Op.70 No.1
Jeux d'eau
Gymnopedie No.1 (Lent et douloureux)

Customer Reviews:

Elegance at the piano.......2007-06-16

I grew up listening to Moura Lympany's playing, especially Litolff's Scherzo. Never could understand how a person could play with absolute control at high speed. In this recording, most (though not all - the Etude in C# minor an obvious exception)of the music is more laid back, and played with great grace and with the controlled touch of a pianist at the peak of her career.
The ambience of the recording is a wide open one, giving us the full clear sound that makes listening to a grand piano to enjoyable.
If you enjoy listening to good piano music, this is a recording that you will enjoy a great deal.

VALUE FOR MONEY.......2006-08-24

Dame Moura is my favourite pianist. Her great style and sublety of expression comes out in all her recordings. this CD is the best value for money ever!!

Good bang for the buck........2005-12-07

I was killing some time in the store the other day and was in the mood for a cheap CD for the car for the ride home. I ran across this and saw a few recognizable titles so for about $5 I figured I'd take a chance. I'm fairly impressed, I wasn't crazy about some of her dynamics in Un Sospiro plus her little added frill in there but still enjoyed it...I'd learned that piece myself years back, still can't play it and probably never will! Another piece I've known for years is the infamous Rachmaninov Prelude in C#m. Again, I wasn't crazy about some of the dynamics of her style but she still nails it without a hitch. Then I got to some other interesting pieces, I love the Debussy Golliwog's Cakewalk...really sticks in your head. Sort of a classisized (?) ragtime and it's cool enough that I'm going to dig through my music and see if I don't have it somewhere. I thought the Chopin Etude in C#m was absolutely fabulous, she just cooks through it from beginning to end. I probably have the music for that too...I'm not even going to attempt it! ;-) In fact, I liked all the Chopin she plays here, it seems she had a real flair for his music. Without going on forever here I'll just say that there are several tracks I listen to extensively on here and I'm fairly impressed. For a lousy $5 how can you go wrong? Just buy the thing! I'd never heard of her before so I just did a little 'net searching and I'm saddened to find that she just passed away about 8 months ago at age 88, truly a loss to the classical music world. In any case, even at twice the price I doubt anyone would be disappointed with this CD.

Really good price........2002-06-15

This is a great CD and you can't beat the price. These piano compositions are great for restful backgroud music after a hard day. I want to get a second one for when this one wears out.

Average customer rating:

25 Piano Favorites
Good for the price.....
Wonderful relaxing and soothing music
The Sound Quality Really Bugs Me
Good Disc for the Price

25 Piano Favorites

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000058I3
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Minor (Introduction)
Brahms: Rhapsody In G Minor Op. 79, No. 2
Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 15 In C (I. Allegro)
Schubert: Moment Musical No. 2
Dvorak: Humoresque No. 7
Debussy: Prelude 'La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin'
Grieg: 'Butterfly' From Lyrical Pieces
Chopin: Etude In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 12 'Revolutionary'
Scarlatti: Sonata In E
Debussy: Clair De Lune
Rubenstein: Melody In F
Rachmaninoff: Prelude In C-sharp Minor, Op. 3 No. 2
Paderewski: Menuett
Chopin: 'Military' Polonaise
Liszt: Liebestraum
Chopin: Etude In E, Op. 10 No. 3 'Tristesse'
Scriabin: Etude, Op. 8 No. 12
Beethoven: Minuet In G
Mozart: Sonata No. 11 In A 'Rondo All Turca'
Debussy: Rrie
Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini (Variation No. 18)
Schumann: From Kinderszenen (1. Von Fremden Landern Und Menschen)
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor (II. Romance)
Chopin: Waltz In D-flat, Op. 64 No. 1 'Minute Waltz'
Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue (Finale)

Customer Reviews:

25 Piano Favorites.......2007-01-09

This is my favorite classical CD since it is geared to a wide audience. Many of my friends and acquaintances enjoy it, too.

Good for the price............2005-11-30

I listen to this CD while reading or when I need inspiration to play the piano. There are many classic pieces here that will have many recognizable sections to the non classical music fans. The sound quality is not amazing but the essence and technical difficulty of these pieces can still be heard. Most of the songs are under 5 mins and there is a mix of faster and slower tempos.

This is a bargain bin CD that you usually see at Fry's Electronics. There are more detailed and comprehensive collections out there but for 5 bucks this isn't bad and you basically get what you expect. There are much better classical CD's out there of course but for a beginner compilation album, this one has a great price.

Wonderful relaxing and soothing music.......2005-09-02

This cd of piano classics has become one of my favorites. Since I am a full-time student and work out of my home the music relaxes me during times of rest.

The Sound Quality Really Bugs Me.......2004-08-26

This is a good intro CD to famous piano pieces. However, the sound quality is really *poor*. Of course, what do you expect for the price? I'm sure there are better Piano Sample CDs out there that sound much better. It's worth the extra money, trust me.

Good Disc for the Price.......2004-01-19

A good compilation of excerpts from the rich and vast piano repertoire. Sure they are merely excerpts and are meant to just introduce the piano to someone unfamiliar with the instrument or classical music, but that doesn't mean that an experienced person can't just pop it into the CD player and enjoy.

While there's no classic recordings here or big names, most of the tracks are well played and acceptable in sound quality. There are some interesting pieces here that are unfamiliar to most, such as the Dvorak Humoresque or the Paderewski Minuet, as well as classics such as the Debussy Clair de Lune or the Mozart Concerto.

Tracks:

Apres un reve, Op. 7 No. 1
Sylvie, Op. 7 No. 3
Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8 No. 1
Lydia, Op. 4 No. 2
Le papillon et la fleur, Op. 1 No.1
Mandoline, Op. 58 No. 1: 5 Melodies de Venise
Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
Les berceaux, Op. 23 No. 1
3 Chansons de Bilitis: I. La flute de Pan
3 Chansons de Bilitis: II. La chevelure
3 Chansons de Bilitis: III. Le tombeau des Naiades
Fetes galantes: I. En sourdine
Fetes galantes: II. Fantoches
Fetes galantes: III. Clair de lune
Nuit d'etoiles
Beau soir
Fleur des bles
La Belle au bois dormant
Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison
BANALITES: I. Chanson d'Orkenise
BANALITES: II. Hotel
BANALITES: III. Fagnes de Wallonie
BANALITES: IV. Voyage a Paris
BANALITES: V. Sanglots
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: I. Montparnasse
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: II. Hyde Park
Les chemins de l'amour - valse chantee

Customer Reviews:

Lovely.......2005-08-30

I recommend this to any art-song lover, and really, anybody at all. Gens does an excellent performance of a great collection of beautiful French songs. Her voice is enjoyable all the way, she has great expression, and a convincing mastery of the genre.

An unexpected glimpse of happiness........2001-07-21

Stendhal wrote that "the sight of anything extremely beautiful, in nature or in art, brings back the memory of what one loves, with the speed of lightning. That is, ... all that is beautiful and sublime in the world takes part in the beauty of what one loves, and this unexpected glimpse of happiness immediately fills the eyes with tears. This is how love of the beautiful and love give each other life." This is what Ms. Gens will do to you when you listen to this CD.

Enchanting recital of French Melodies.......2000-07-07

This is a most enjoyable release, all the more so because Veronique Gens, who is generally considered a baroque specialist on the lyric stage, may well be a torch-bearer of the elusive art of the French song in the coming decades. The voice of Gens, which is solid and well-integrated with an alluring dash of vibrancy embedded therein, is eminently suited to the repertoire represented in this new Virgin Classics release. Her secure technique (just a hint of strain in one or two high notes) also renders it possible for her to fine down her voice in the ending of phrases to a charming effect. Being a native French speaker certainly helps, too. Although hers is perhaps not the most strongly-etched of readings, she is able to inflect the text intelligently, and her subtle but heart-felt stresses on particular words not only serve to illuminate the poetic prose, but also meld beautifully with the notes that she sing.

The CD opens with songs by Faure, and while Gens may not possess the charm and naturalness of utterance of Maggie Teyte, whose recordings of Faure's songs are, in the opinion of this reviewer, unsurpassable, she can conjure up the right kind of feeling for every song as no one can. Her tempo for the popular "Apres un reve" is a trifle too laid back. Yet, she conveys to perfection the dream-like quality of the song, as well as the sense of confusion and regret at awakening. Her singing of "Le papillon et la fleur" is delightfully vivid, and her evocation of the feeling of sadness being kept in restraint in "Les berceaux" makes the performance both intimate and touching.

The Debussy group is no less impressive. Despite the innovative idiom in which most of these songs are composed, Gens is able bring them off effortlessly and stylishly. She is in total command whether in the serenity of "Beau soir", the romanticism of "Nuit d'etoiles", the rustic charm of "Fleur des bles", or the harrowing grimness of "Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison", the last one composed when Debussy was being haunted by the atrocities of the Great War. In "Fetes galantes I", although the vocal and piano parts are often independent of each other, Gens's remarkable interpretation succeeds in unifying the two strands into a picturesque and colourful whole. The "3 Chansons de Bilitis", which are composed very much in the style of PELLEAS ET MELISANDE, also find an ideal interpreter in Gens where, blessed with a keen sense of rhythm, she succeeds in propelling the texts forward with musical grace and dramatic import. She would surely make a wonderful Melisande.

The Poulenc is equally fine. The young soprano is able to do full justice to the diverse moods in "Banalites", which, according to Olivier Opdebeeck, who penned the CD notes, is composed in a "part-melancholy, part-joyful tone with a barb of irony which the composer identified in the poet". The "2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire" are sharply contrasted, one (Montparnasse) languid and brooding and the other (Hyde Park) gusty and piquant. Gens's singing of "Les chemins de l'amour", a cross between a Viennese waltz and a cabaret song, is loveliness itself and provides a delicious end to an enchanting recital.

The major reservation that this reviewer has involves the accompaniment of Roger Vignoles. While he is able to provide secure support for the singer, his playing is uncharacterful and even bland. Besides, the piano tone seems to be rather thin at times. Nonetheless, this should not detract one from the sensuous beauty of Gens's performance. This reviewer hopes that Virgin Classics would be encouraged by the success of this release so that they can present this most promising singer in further volumes of French songs by, say, Chausson, Ravel and Duparc.

Nuit d'toiles - Melodies Francaises/ Gens, Vignoles.......2000-06-13

Not being a professional, but loving the genre of French melodies I'll avoid technical commentary; I have become a collector of these in recent years and find this one extremely satifying and appreciate the variety this CD presents.

An Outstanding Vocal Performance.......2000-05-01

This ranks as one of the very best recordings of French 'melodies' that I have yet heard. Unlike most other singers, Gens gives the words drama and meaning. Too many singers perform these works in a detached 'artistic' manner that often makes them all sound almost alike. I say this not to belittle Gens' voice (which is superb), but to indicate that this disk will take you beyond the 'standard' interpretations of these works. I had a chance to compare one of the melodies with another recent recording by Schafer, another singer whom I respect Both were being featured in a local record store. It was hard to realize they were actually singing the same piece. I recently saw Gens perform much of the same program at a recital in NYC. This was the best recital I had heard in a very long time (I go to many). The disk is almost as good. It suffers a bit from a very unnatural recorded sound: the microphone is much too close to the singer and the piano is much too forward. Also the accompaniest in NYC was clearly better. Nevertheless, it would be hard to find a better recorded performance. The more I listen to the disk, the less I notice these drawbacks. The choice of repetoire is also well done. I particularly liked the Debussy 'Trois chansons de Bilitis.' She ends with 'Les chemins de l'amour' which Poulenc wrote for Jean Anouilh's play 'Leaocadia'. This has become very popular outside the normal recital circuit. If you get only one disk of French melodies, this is the one to get.

Average customer rating:

Nothing but hits

Essential Hyperion, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
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ASIN: B00004RITB
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Customer Reviews:

Nothing but hits.......2001-01-31

As with their first collection of label highlights, Hyperion's new two-disc collection provides a broad sampling of their exceptional catalogue and performers. Particularly rewarding are the selections from Beethoven (Scherzo from String Trio in C minor, op 9 no 3, performed by the Leopold Trio) and Thomas Tallis (Salvator mundi I, performed by the Winchester Cathedral Choir), but experienced and novice listeners alike will find much to enjoy on these discs. It's also a good value--more than 2 1/2 hours of music for less than $10.

Essential Piano: The Ultimate Piano Collection

Average customer rating:

Essential Piano: The Ultimate Piano Collection

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00076YNIC
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Aria - Andras Schiff
II. Adagio Sostenuto - Zoltan Kocsis
Grande Valse Brillante In E Flat Major, Op.18 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Traumerei, Op.15 No.7 - Radu Lupu
Consolation No.3 - Jorge Bolet
Gymnopedie No.1 - Pascal Roge
Adagio - Stephen Kovacevich
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Julius Katchen
II. Andantino Semplice - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Melody In F Major, Op.3 No.1 - Shura Cherkassky
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
II. Andante - Radu Lupu
Moment Musical No.3 In F Minor - Radu Lupu
Bagatelle In A Minor, WoO 59 (Fur Elise) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Waltz In D Flat Major, Op.64 No.1 'Minute' - Jorge Bolet

Tracks:

Clair De Lune - Pascal Roge
Romance (Excerpt) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
II. Adagio Cantabile - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Golliwogg's Cake Walk - Pascal Roge
Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.90 No.3 - Radu Lupu
Rondo Alla Turca - Andras Schiff
II. Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Fruhlingrauschen (Rustle Of Spring) - Joseph Cooper
Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
II. Andante - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Nocturne, Op.33 No.1 - Pascal Roge
II. Andante - Cristina Ortiz
Sevilla - Alicia De Larrocha
Liebestraum No.3 - Jorge Bolet

Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov)

Average customer rating:

A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers
Masterful
Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!
Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet
What in the world...????

Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov)
Gabriel Fauré , and Claude Debussy
Manufacturer: Decca
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ASIN: B00005AWIA
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

Clair De Lune, Op. 42 No. 2
Mandoline, Op. 46 No. 2
Apres Un Reve , Op.58 No.1
Soir, Op. 83 No. 2
Nell, Op. 18 No. 1
Beau Soir
Mandoline
Apparition
Chansons De Bilitis: I - La Flute De Pan
Chansons De Bilitis: II - La Chevelure
Chansons De Bilitis: III - Le Tombeau Des Naiades
Nocturne
Nachtgebet
Selige Nacht
Pierrot Dandy
Ruhe, Meine Seele!, Op. 27 No. 1
Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 No. 5
Leises Lied, Op. 39 No. 1
Leise Lieder, Op. 41a No. 5
Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
Zdes Khorosho, Op. 21 No. 7
V Molchani Nochi Taynoy, Op. 4 No. 3
Rechnaya Liliya, Op. 8 No. 1
Son, Op. 38 No. 5
Eti Letniye Nochi, Op. 14 No. 5
Ne Poy, Krasavitsa, Op. 4 No. 4

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Soprano Renée Fleming's mastery of a wide repertory extends to the more rarefied world of song on this disc. A French group opens the disc--11 songs by Fauré and Debussy that are often elusive, wedded to a style of intimacy not always comfortable for non-French opera singers. Fleming's not completely at home in them, often overinterpreting songs whose style is too fragile and understated for such an approach. Still, she offers many moments of rapturous singing, such as the way she floats the last word, "mystérieuse," of Fauré's "Après un rëve," tingeing it with eroticism.

"Mandolin" appears in two versions, Fauré's gently swinging one balanced by Debussy's bouncier take. The Rachmaninoff set also fascinates, her sensuous voice bringing its own rewards. Best of all are the German lieder by Joseph Marx and Richard Strauss. This is closer to home for Fleming, and one senses an ease in her singing that digs behind the words to the meaning of the poems. The Marx set is the highlight, perhaps because his songs are the least familiar here. They're also things of great beauty, and Fleming makes the most of the dreamily sensuous "Selige Nacht" and the twisted, nightmarish waltz of "Pierrot Dandy." The Strauss songs are as good: to cite one highlight, Fleming's rapt inwardness makes "Ruhe meine Seele" compelling. Her voice is never less than drop-dead gorgeous, and she's neatly accompanied by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. A feast for Fleming fans. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers.......2007-06-08

It was thrilling to hear songs from Rachmaninov on this album. And the Strauss and Marx pieces give almost a contemporary feel (considering they ARE almost contemporary composers).

Thibaudet plays with a sensitive, emotional touch and was a wonderful choice as a pianist on this album.

My reason for a less than perfect scoring was due to the almost harsh edges of Renee Fleming's singing due to her unyielding control. For a voice so full of warmth and depth to be so forcefully held back, the result is a tension that the ear pushes to resolve, but never does. I wonder how she would sound if she would allow more freedom in her voice.

Masterful.......2007-03-22

Apart from an occasional very slight diction problem this is a masterful recital disc that belongs in the very highest echelon.

Fleming combines an highly imaginative approach with an equally appropriate chameleon like adaptation of the coloration of her voice to each of the individual composers. Thibaudet, who performs all of the featured composers in his piano repertoire is an ideal accompanist.
The recording is colorful and provides a flawless balance between voice and piano.

In all, a masterful must.

Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!.......2005-10-30

This is a CD that every household should have. Masterful piano playing and even more masterful singing make this CD exquisite. Yes, I'm quite partial to Diva Fleming, but let's face it, America hasn't had a soprano with such skill in an awfully long time. Listen to her breath control on track 8 - OY! The closing number "Ne Poy, Krasavitsa" gets me every time. Here she starts to wail pretty heavily, ending the climactic powerful phrase with a wallop of a high A and then proceeds to float, pretty effortlessly, a string of beautiful pianissimo notes. If you can sit and listen to that one piece (itself, worth the price of the album) and not be moved, then you, my friend, have no soul.

Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet.......2004-07-12

A perfect disc for a midsummer's evening - or for any season of the year for that matter - NIGHT SONGS is one of those too rare recitals that is based on a theme, executed by musicians who not only are able to stand on their own but who are also able to commit to each other in a true collaboration. This is an intelligent, eloquent selection of songs by varied composers all of whom wrote languorously about the night and its mystery. From Faure's 'Apres un reve' to Debussy's 'Beau soir' through some newly discovered treasures by Joseph Marx like 'Nocturne' and 'Selige Nacht' to the better known repertoire of Strauss and Rachmaninov which gives us newly rethought versions of 'Ruhe, meine Seele!' and 'Cacille' as well as the indescribably beautiful Rachmaninov songs. Fleming and Thibaudet are in fine form and the communication in the various languages is strong. Only one quibble of significance here: the miking is so close to the singer that it often covers what usually is a perfect blend of piano and voice. Bit perhaps that is the fault of my system....

What in the world...????.......2002-08-08

For two reasons.

First, may I ask, why was this CD given anything other then 5 stars? What does a person have to do to become liked these days? Bye their hair purple and sing through their noses? (Like Brittney Spears?)

This is an amazing CD!

Reneé's french singing is beautiful, and amazing. She really has the correct tone for french songs!

The german was also lovely. However, it is nothing Reneé did wrong, I just like french songs better then the german.

Buy this CD and be amazed.

Average customer rating:

wonderful

TIMELESS IS... WELL, TIMELESS!

He's Done It Again!

Soundscapes

A Timeless Classic!!

Timeless

Manufacturer: Equity Digital
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music
Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Atmospheres

The One I Waited For

Christmas at Our House

Allure of Sanctuary

My Secret Heart: Romantic Meditations for Ambient Piano

ASIN: B0006DNJKE
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Simply Satie
Serenade
Nocturne
Clair de Lune
Prelude
Love's Dream
Consolation
The Poet
The Emperor's Adagio
Waltz
Lullaby

Album Description

"Amazing", "Exquisite", "Gorgeous", and "Very Highly Recommended" are some of the words used by New Age diva Kathy Parsons in her review of Michael Dulin's piano and keyboard CD, "Timeless", on the Equity Digital label. Following two previous chart-topping solo releases of original tunes, with "Timeless" pianist/composer Dulin turns his attention to reinventing the classics - 11 of your favorite classic melodies, to be exact, transformed by Dulin into what will surely become your favorite "New Age" classics. This CD is vintage Dulin, with lots of original touches, and that polished and sensual sound that has made his music so popular. "Timeless" is a must-have for fans of New Age, Contemporary Instrumental, OR classical music.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful.......2007-06-09

This is an amazing compilation of music. Clare de Lune is one of my all-time favorite pieces but this whole CD is amazing.

TIMELESS IS... WELL, TIMELESS!.......2007-02-16

WOW, THIS BEAUTIFUL MUSIC CD IS WONDERFUL, I HAD A BETTER TIME LISTENING TO IT THAN WATCHING BROTHER THEODORE'S LIVE SHOW AT THE 13TH STREET THEATER IN NEW YORK CITY'S GREENWICH VILLAGE. GREAT CD, PERFECT TO MAKE LOVE BY...WITH THE LIGHTS DOWN LOW & A BOTTLE OF MOET WHITE STAR CHAMPAGNE.

He's Done It Again!.......2007-01-10

WOW! I first heard Michael Dulin on the internet and became a fan. His arrangements are so fresh and transcending. I feel like I'm listening to his soul journeying through each piece. Thank you, Michael, for allowing me to journey with you.

Soundscapes.......2005-09-20

I first heard this cut on Soundscapes on my Direct TV. I looked it up and Amazon had it! I have played it for dinner parties, cigar smoking, fine wine drinkin and am just plain happy I was spontaneous to use some of my credits to treat my life to some wonderful music.

A Timeless Classic!!.......2004-11-11

Michael Dulin brings New Age genre to its Classical roots with his 2004 release, "Timeless". Dulin provides us with a wonderful selection of tracks written by some of the greatest composers of all time. Listeners not familiar with the Classical geniuses of the 18th and 19th Century will be surprised with some of the compositions that we hear everyday in use with TV commercials and movies. Composers such as Debussy (Clair de Lune), Beethoven (The Emperor's Adagio), Bach (Prelude) and many others. My personal favorite is Simply Satie by French composer Erik Satie. (I've always wondered who composed this music because I heard the group, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Saxophonist Gato Barbieri perform this same melody on their albums.) Once again, as he did with previous CD reviewed by us, Dulin showcases his great talents as an arranger and pianist. His strong aesthetic attention to detail in the production is a testament to this outstanding recording. I recommend this CD to anyone who would like to rediscover the Classics.

Average customer rating:

Great playing, great listening

The 20th-Century Cello

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Matt Haimovitz: Goulash
Matt Haimovitz - Mozart The Mason
György Ligeti Edition 1: String Quartets and Duets - Arditti String Quartet
Bartok: Violin Concertos, Viola Concerto, 6 Duo for 2 Violins, Violin Rhapsodies; Yehudi Menuhin
Truls Mørk ~ Britten - Cello Suites 1-3

ASIN: B0009A420A
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Canto Primo: Sostenuto E Largamente
I. Fuga: Andante Moderato
II. Lamento: Lento Rubato
Canto Secondo: Sostenuto
III. Serenata: Allegretto (Pizzicato)
IV. Marcia: Alla Marcia Moderato
Canto Terzo: Sostenuto
V. Bordone: Moderato Quasi Recitativo
VI. Moto Perpetuo E Canto Quarto: Presto (Sostenuto)
I. Fantasia: Andante Epressivo E Con Molto Rubato
II. Tema Pastorale Con Variazioni/Tema: Grazioso E Delicato/Variation I: Un Poco Piu Animato/Variation II: Allegro Possibile E Sempre Pizzicato/Variation III: Poco Adagio E Molto Espressivo/Coda: Tempo Primo
III. Toccata: Largo E Drammatico-Allegro Vivace
I. Massige Achtel
II. Sehr Bewegt
III. Ausserst Ruhig
I. Un Poco Indeciso
II. Andante Sostenuto
III. Vivace
Prologue: Lent
Serenade: Moderement Anime. Fantasque Et Leger
Finale: Anime
Lento Maestoso-Largamente
I. Dialogo: Allegro
II. Scherzo-Pizzicato: Allegretto
III. Elegia: Lento
IV. Marcia: Energico
V. Moto Perpetuo: Presto

Tracks:

I. Praludium: Vivace
II. Adagio
III. Fuge: Allegro
I. Lebhaft, Sehr Markiert. Mit Festen Bogenstrichen
II. Massig Schnell, Gemachlich. Durchweg Sehr Leise
III. Langsam-Ruhig
IV. Lebhafte Viertel. Ohne Jeden Ausdruck Und Stets Pianissimo
V. Massig Schnell. Sehr Scharf Markierte Viertel
Espressivo Assai-Tempo Giusto-Piu Lento-Calmo
I. Declamato: Largo
II. Fuga: Andante
III. Scherzo: Allegro Molto
IV. Andante Lento
V. Ciaccona: Allegro
I. Prelude: Allegro Energico-Molto Meno Mosso E Misterioso-Tempo I-Tranquillo
II. Dialogue: Andante-Piu Mosso E Poco Stringendo-Tempo I
III. Scherzo: Allegro
IV. Berceuse: Lento E Dolce
V. Fantasy: Con Fantasia
VI. Epilogue: Adagio Molto
I. Preludio: Andante, Rubato
II. Fuga-Burletta: Allegro Moderato
III. Sarabanda: Lento Molto
IV. Giga: Prestissimo
I. Psalm 93: Moderato
II. Cantillation: Moderato

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso Ma Appassionato
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Molto Vivace
I. Introduzione (Lento)
II. Marcia (Allegro)
III. Canto (Con Moto)
IV. Barcarolla (Lento)
V. Dialogo (Allegretto)
VI. Fuga (Andante Espressivo)
VII. Recitativo (Fantastico)
VIII. Moto Perpetuo (Presto)
IX. Passacaglia (Lento Solenne)
Four Russian Melodies: Mournful Song (Under The Apple Tree): Molto Semplice/Autumn: Vivace/Street Song (The Grey Eagle): Pesante/Grant Repose Together With The Saints: Lento
Intime, Comme En Parlant
(Introduktion)-Vivace
I. Dialogo: Adagio, Rubato, Cantabile
II. Capriccio: Presto Con Slancio

Customer Reviews:

Great playing, great listening.......2005-08-12

This set has wonderful qualities on quite a few levels.

What you have here are clear modern renditions of pieces by some of the best known composing names of the last century, recorded in modern sound by one of my personal favorite cellists around today. Haimovitz always brings a very clearheaded yet informed approach to his readings (Not to mention daring- I highly recommend his readings of the Bach Solo Cello Suites) but I think what impresses me most of all here is his musicality and sense of structure. A few of these works could quite easily be reduced to meaningless gibberish by a lesser musician, but Haimovitz sails through them with assurance and style. He seems to have very clear ideas about the way things should sound... but moreover, he sounds like he's having fun, and it comes across.

I would highly recommend this set even at regular price, but for 3 CDs at midprice, it can't be beat.

Bidu Sayao: Opera Arias and Brazilian Folksongs

Average customer rating:

mesmerising
great stuff
Brazilian's Soprano
The most charming voice you will ever hear!
Perfection!

Bidu Sayao: Opera Arias and Brazilian Folksongs
Bidu Sayao , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Reynaldo Hahn , Henri Duparc , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Charles Koechlin , Ernest Moret , Francisco Ernani Braga , Fausto Cleva , Pietro Cimara , Erich Leinsdorf , Paul Breisach , Leonard Rose , and Milne Charnley
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Sayao, Bidu | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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La Damoiselle elue / Opera Arias
Rarities
Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras Nos. 1, 2, 5 & 9 / ORTF National Orchestra, De Los Angeles
Bach Bachianas / Arleen Augér, The Yale Cellos of Aldo Parisot
Villa-Lobos: Complete Music for Solo Guitar

ASIN: B0000029PG
Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

Bachiana brasiliera no.5 Aria
Romeo et Juliette: Je vieux vivre
Faust: Roi de Thule
Faust: Jewel Song
Manon: Je suis encore tout etourdie
Restons ici: Restons ici...Voyons, Manon
Adieu, notre petit table
Obeissions
Si mes vers avaient des ailes
Chanson triste
L'Enfant Prodigue: L'annee en vain chasse
De fleurs
L'Enfant et les sortileges: Toi, le couer de la rose
Si tu le veux
Le Nelumbo
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Nigue-nigue-ninhas
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Capim di Pranta
Folk Songs Of Brazil: O kinimba
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Sao Joao da ra Rao
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Engenho Noval
Folk Songs Of Brazil: A Casinha pequenina
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Meu boi barroso
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Ogunde uarere

Amazon.com

Bidú Sayão's silvery, impeccably tuned voice was small in size, but rich in nuance, shading, and emotion. Her recording of the Villa-Lobos Bachiana Brasileira No. 5 is justly famous, unmatched for lightness and sensuality. Few have dashed off the Jewel Song from Faust with similar insouciance or imbued the last phrases of Manon's "Adieu , notre petite table" as touchingly as Sayão does here. Her French song interpretations glow with charm and style, and a previously unreleased snippet from Ravel's L'enfant et les sotilèges makes one regret she never recorded the entire role, Sony's transfers are more lifelike and three dimensional than previous issues. A delectable disc. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

mesmerising.......2007-05-10

I first heard her voice on a Met compilation and became intrigued enough to buy this CD.
I love her voice...its so simple, unfussy and pure and yet so very unique. you know its her from the first few notes on.
I love her Manon, probably more so than Sills or Fleming. Her voice reminds me of De Los Angeles, but is different.

1. Beau Soir
2. Mandoline
3. L'ame Evaporee
4. Les Cloches
5. Green
6. Chevaux De Bois
7. Le Jet D'eau
8. La Mer
9. Le Son Du Cor
10. L'echelonnement Des Haies
11. De Soir
12. Le Temps A Laissie Son Manteau
13. Pour Ce Que Plaisance Est Morte
14. En Sourdine
15. Fantoches
16. Clair De Lune
17. Les Ingenus
18. Le Faune
19. Colloque Sentimental
20. Aupres De Cette Grotte Sombre