A Splash of Pops

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Keith Lockhart might very well be the Backstreet Boy of classical music. With good looks, a ton of energy, and--most importantly--popular appeal, he leads the Boston Pops Orchestra through disc after disc of Americana compositions (and the odd Celtic title). A Splash of Pops is more of the same. The Boston Pops get downright patriotic by playing everything from Paul Simon's "America" to "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy," along with a few classical compositions (for example, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture). It's a light affair loaded with saccharine energy, but a few surprises (the overture to State Fair and the new "With Voices Raised," commissioned from the authors of Ragtime: the Musical) are thrown in to keep things interesting. For another sampling of Americana-based classical music, fans should seek out Leonard Bernstein conducting Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring with the New York Philharmonic. It's one of America's greatest recordings and a truer testament to the country's musical wealth. --Jason Verlinde

Tracks:

The Star-Spangled Banner
Liberty Fanfare
Doodletown Fifers
State Fair: Overture
America
Lift Every Voice And Sing
With Voices Raised
National Emblem March
Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy
America the Beautiful - Denyce Graves
1812 Overture
The Stars And Stripes Forever

Amazon.com

Keith Lockhart might very well be the Backstreet Boy of classical music. With good looks, a ton of energy, and--most importantly--popular appeal, he leads the Boston Pops Orchestra through disc after disc of Americana compositions (and the odd Celtic title). A Splash of Pops is more of the same. The Boston Pops get downright patriotic by playing everything from Paul Simon's "America" to "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy," along with a few classical compositions (for example, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture). It's a light affair loaded with saccharine energy, but a few surprises (the overture to State Fair and the new "With Voices Raised," commissioned from the authors of Ragtime: the Musical) are thrown in to keep things interesting. For another sampling of Americana-based classical music, fans should seek out Leonard Bernstein conducting Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring with the New York Philharmonic. It's one of America's greatest recordings and a truer testament to the country's musical wealth. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

5 stars? More like 50 stars!.......2003-06-16

Keith Lockhart has continued behind the heels of John Williams at the helm of the Boston Pops Orchestra in extraordinary fashion since 1995. Anyone who has been privileged to see him conduct the Boston Pops can feel the enthusiasm he has for the orchestra's traditions and legacy- and for classical music. This theme certainly holds true for this CD. I have been collecting a set of good CDs for my 4th of July outdoor parties for the past few years and this one delivers in grand style.

I purchased this CD shortly after its release. The jewel cover alone will put a smile on your face and set the tone for summer's light-hearted, relaxed attitude. The front cover picture is of Mr. Lockhart, complete in tuxedo, splashing into a pool of water and the back cover picture of him in a BPO t-shirt and Hawaiian shirt being kissed by a stuffed clown fish he's holding with a pair of barbecue tongs. Fun, fun, fun! Bravo, Mr. Lockhart!

All the "classics" one would expect to hear for the patriotic holiday are here: "The Star Spangled Banner and "America The Beautiful (The Tanglewood Festival Chorus singing these two songs will give you the chills), "The 1812 Overture" (I can almost "see" the fireworks as BPO plays the finale), and "The Stars And Stripes Forever" (One cannot pass through the 4th of July without hearing at least one John Phillip Sousa song!).

The rest of the album is equally as entertaining with goodies like "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy." Others will also rouse your patriotic fevor such as: "Doodletown Fifers" (Fifes on the 4th? Of course!) and "America" (Paul Simon's wonderful song.) One of my favorites is "With Voices Raised." The Boston Pops plays background as the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, The Boston Pops Choir, and The Boston Gay Men's Choir sing and speak eloquent quotes from famous Americans as Abigal Adams, Martin Luther King, Fredrick Douglas, President John F. Kennedy, and Shirley Chisholm.

I have collected five CDs that get playtime over Independence Day through the day and evening. Ever since I purchased "Splash of Pops," though, it seems to get a bit more airing each year. You'll be dazzled and feel proud, happy, and content everytime you listen to it. Mr. Lockhart has produced some wonderful albums with the Pops Orchestra and he has certainly continued with this collection of songs.

America's Best Proove It.......2000-06-19

This is truly a Boston Pops recording at its best. Keith Lockhart and the Pops are definetly my favorite Orchestra, and with this CD I am reminded of exactly why. This Orchestra brings to life the power and passion that was ment in the writing of this music. I especially like "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The Pops and the Chorus truly bring out the joy and pain felt by African Americans throughout the years. And I also very much enjoy "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Few Orchestras can swing like the Pops.

All in all if you love the power and emotion of Orchestras, than you will love hearing America's Orchestra earn its name. Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra out do themselves this time.

Unbelievably totally terriffic.......1999-08-18

This is almost a good as being in Symphony Hall in Boston or on the Esplanade with the stars overhead. The quality is outstanding; you are there! A must have especially if you like patriotic song. Don't hesitate...run!

Keith does it again! A definate winner!.......1999-08-07

Bravo! The young and handsome Keith Lockhart is wonderful. Not only does he look adorable on the c.d. covers, but he is also bringing even more poularity to this already famous ensemble. I always look forward to seeing his fourth of July program on t.v. and now I get to hear it any time I want to. This is the third album of him conducting the B.P.O. I own and I'll keep buying them. This is the ultimate album for Americans and patriotic folk. I strongly recommend it to all as a fan of Keith and a faithful New Englander (even though I now reside in the south).

get Kunzel instead.......1999-07-14

I don't understand the fascination with this young conductor. Everything he's doing has been done better by Erich Kunzel. If your not familier with Kunzel's work then try his name in amazon's search engine. He's made over 60 albums, most of them for Telarc, an American record company that makes the best sounding cd's available today

Average customer rating:

5 stars? More like 50 stars!
Gordon

A Splash of Pops
Boston Pops Orchestra
Manufacturer: Bmg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005L8EH
Release Date: 2001-06-20

Tracks:

Star Spangled Banner - Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus
Liberty Fanfare
Doodletown Fifers - Boston Pops Orchestra,
Overture to State Fair
America
Lift Every Voice and Sing - Boston Pops Gospel Choir, Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus
With Voices Raised [World Premiere Recording]
National Emblem March
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
America the Beautiful
1812 Overture
Stars and Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

5 stars? More like 50 stars!.......2003-06-08

Keith Lockhart has continued behind the heels of John Williams at the helm of the Boston Pops Symphony in extraordinary fashion since 1995. Anyone who has been privileged to see him conduct the orchestra can feel the enthusiasm he has for the orchestras's traditions and legacy- and for classical music. This theme certainly holds true for this CD. I always wanted a good set of songs for my 4th of July outdoor parties to help set the mood and this one delivers in grand style.

All the "classics" one would expect to hear for the patriotic holiday are here: "The Star Spangled Banner" and "America The Beautiful" (the Tanglewood Festival Chorus singing the words to these two songs will give you chills), "The Overture of 1812" (I can almost "see" fireworks as BPO plays the finale), and "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (One cannot pass through the 4th of July without hearing one John Phillip Sousa song!!).

The rest of the album is equally as entertaining with goodies such as "Boogie-Woggie Bugle Boy." Others will also rouse your patriotic fevor such as "Doodletown Fifers" (Fifes on the 4th? Of course!), and "America," (Paul Simon's wonderful song). One of my favorites is "With Voices Raised." The Boston Pops plays background as the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, The Boston Pops Choir, and the Boston Gay Men's Chorus sing and speak eloquent quotes from famous Americans as Abigal Adams, Martin Luther King, Walt Whitman, President John F. Kennedy, Fredrick Douglas, and Shirley Chisholm.

I have collected five CD's that get playtime over Independence Day through the day and evening. Ever since I purchased "Splash of Pops," though, it seems to get a bit more airing each year. You'll be dazzled and feel proud, happy, and content everytime you listen to it.

My only complaint with the import version of this CD is the price. The playlist is identical to the good ol' American RCA Victor CD, which is available at a substantially lower price.

Gordon.......2002-07-07

Wonderful cd containing many of the Boston's Pops most famous and patriotic tunes newly recorded under Keith Lockhart with great sound quality. It was a great album to listen to with the volume turned up on July 4th.

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