Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4

Editorial Reviews
Gramophone (on Villa-Lobos Piano Music Vol. 1)
"Performed with an immaculate brio, the path is surely set for a major series."

Album Description
Heitor Villa-Lobos was fiercely independent of any one compositional style or influence. The present volume offers three single works and four cycles or suites. Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4, heard on this recording in its original version for piano, interprets the legacy of J.S. Bach in the light of very specific features of Brazil’s traditional music. Children’s Carnival and Francette et Piá, the story of a little Indian boy from Brazil who went to France and met a French girl, are two of several collections inspired by or written for children.

Tracks:

The Nutcracker Excerpts (Tchaikovsky)
The Nutcracker Excerpts (Tchaikovsky)
The Nutcracker Excerpts (Tchaikovsky)
Parade of The Wooden Soldiers (Jessel-MacDonald)
Carnival of The Animals Excerpts (Saint-Saens)
Carnival of The Animals Excerpts (Saint-Saens)
Carnival of The Animals Excerpts (Saint-Saens)
THe Girl With The Flaxen Hair (Debussy)
Hoedown from Rodeo (Copland)
Little Waltz from The Toy Box (Debussy)
Viennese Musical Clock from Hary Janos (Kodaly)
Mother Goose Suite Excerpts (Ravel)
Mother Goose Suite Excerpts (Ravel)
March of the Siamese Children from The King and I (Rogers)
Dreams frin Scenes From Childhood ( Schumann)
March of The Toys from Babes In Toyland (Herbert)
Childhood Games Excerpts (Bizet)
Childhood Games Excerpts (Bizet)
The Toy Trumpet Al Hirt, trumpet (Scott)
The Little Train of Caipira (Villa-Lobos)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Dukas)
Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty (Tchaikovsky)
Lullaby (Brahms)

Customer Reviews:

Just for kids?? No way!!.......2005-04-08

This is wonderful classical music. If the kids like it, great! But, make no mistake about it, this is good for anyone. This is wonderful study music, reading music, or just plain relaxing music. Highlights include "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"; "March of the Toys" (from BABES IN TOYLAND -- the reason I bought this CD); "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"; "The Little Train of Caipira" (no longer little when the music is over); and the audience favorite "Hoedown" (i.e. "Beef, it's what's for dinner!").

If you're into that whole thing of classical music sharpening a youngster's intellect, then this won't disappoint. If you're just into good old fashioned classical music in general, it won't disappoint you either. Also, I highly recommend to both groups the classical CD BUILD YOUR BABY'S BRAIN.

The best classical album for kids!.......2002-12-12

This is a wonderful album. Very high quality, and every selection is beautiful. My daughter (who usually asks me to turn my classical music off) loves to pretend to gallop like a horse during "Rodeo" and march like a soldier during "Parade of the wooden soldiers". This is a pleasure for the whole family!

Great for Preschool Children.......2000-10-12

I use this CD with my preschool music group. The kids love it! This CD enables children learn about classical music without over extending their attention spans.

Average customer rating:

Not all the arias were her best
DIDN'T QUITE FULFIL MY REQUEST
Fair Enough
Fleming's High Points Well Covered in Compilation CD
Beautiful indeed!

Renee Fleming: By Request
Vincenzo Bellini , Alfredo Catalani , Antonin Dvorak , George Gershwin , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Jules Massenet , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Giacomo Puccini , Sergey Rachmaninov , Richard Rodgers , Richard Strauss , Giuseppe Verdi , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Georg Solti , James Levine , Jeffrey Tate , Patrick Summers , Sir Charles Mackerras , Lee Ritenour , Chamber Orchestra of Europe , and Renee Fleming
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000C3ICO
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro
Ebben? ... Ne Andro Lontana
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Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria (Cantilena)
You'll Never Walk Alone

Amazon.com

This is a compilation--plus three previously unreleased selections--of some of the glorious Renée Fleming's finest work, 15 selections covering 13 composers. The rose-in-full-bloom quality of the voice is staggeringly beautiful: Her rendition of Rusalka's "Song to the Moon" is justly famous and is, alone, worth the price of this CD. Other highlights are Marietta's Lied from Korngold's Die tote stadt, an odd arrangement of the aria from Villa-Lobos's Bachianas Brasilerias No. 5, Manon's Gavotte, and a knock-down-gorgeous reading of Gershwin's "Summertime." The three new recordings are of Violetta's big first-act scene from La traviata, which features one of the most perfect trills heard since Joan Sutherland, a thrilling Cäcilie (R. Strauss), and a version of "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is so over the-top that it might make you look away in embarrassment. On the basis of this CD, one would have to acknowledge that Fleming is more interested in--and more successful at--pure singing than she is at character delineation (Butterfly sounds oddly like Wally who sounds too much like Norma), but it's not hard to tell why she's a superstar. Her voice and technique are one in a million. --Robert Levine

Album Details

"by Request" is a Collection of Fleming's Greatest and Most Popular Recordings Including Works by Mozart, Bellini, Pucchini, Verdi and Dvorak. Featuring Recordings from Renee Fleming's Outstanding Decca Discography Together with Two Glorious Tracks Strauss "Cacilie" and Verdi's "la Traviata" a Role Fleming Performed to Critical Aclaim Earlier in 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Not all the arias were her best.......2005-01-15

There is something lacking. Although most of these are indeed her "Best" releases, some things could have been left out. Her O Mio Babbino Caro and her Casta Diva weren't her best efforts at all. Casta Diva, sung to perfection by other revered artists, sounded too breathy and fearful here. It has good chest notes, and it is definitely better than Joan Sutherland's Norma though. Her O Mio Babbino Caro is the usual aria sung in its usual way, without leaving any trace of awe at an ability of a singer to interpret the aria. Rachmaninov's Vocalise was good, and it was great of Decca to release her Song to the Moon on this disc. However, some new additions weren't all that good as well. For example, if you listen to her excerpt from La Traviata, you will find that she sounds like she was singing jazz when uttering out "Gioir!". I think Decca should have issued the live performance version of this instead. That was so much better. Also, they should have showcased more of the bel canto repertoire she had specialized in. That would have made this CD a gem!

DIDN'T QUITE FULFIL MY REQUEST.......2004-11-22

THIS CD DEFINITELY BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN HER REPERTOIRE. SHE IS SOLID, WARM, AND BRILLIANT ON MOST OF THE SONGS. SINCE I OWN MANY OF HER CDS MOST OF THE TRACKS I HAVE IN DUPLICATE. EVEN SO EACH VERSION HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL TO IT. HER "O MIO" IS GREAT BUT GENERALLY I FEEL THAT KIRI TE KAWANA IS A LITTLE CLEARER THAN RENEE. HER "Ebben?...Ne Andrò Lontana" IS ALWAYS BRILLIANT FROM HER HIGH ENDS TO THE NECESSARY LOW NOTES TO FINISH THIS GLORIOUS TRACK. HER COUNTESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STRONG AND POWERFUL CHARACTERIZATION AND HER BUTTERFLY TEETERS ON HAPPINESS AND PAIN. THESE RICH LYRIC ROLES DESERVE A SOPRANO LIKE RENEE. I WAS HOWEVER, VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT SHE ADDED "SEMPRE LIBERA" TO THIS CD AS SHE'S NEVER BEEN A COMPELLING VIOLETTA AND CAN'T EVEN MUSTER THE HIGH "C" WE ALL EXPECT NOW A DAYS. HER RUSALKA IS ALWAYS MESMERIZING AND HER SIMPLICITY ON GLUCK'S "Das Mir Verblieb" WAS AN INCREDIBLE SURPRISE. I FOUND THE OTHER SONGS BORING DUE TO THE FACT THAT I DON'T LIKE THEM AND I KIND OF WISHED SHE WOULD HAVE REPLACED THEM WITH SOME BETTER WORKS. I MISSED HER SOFT AND DEFEATED "AVE MARIA" FROM OTHELLO OR HER FULL BODIED SPOILED MUSETTA IN "QUANDO MEN VO" OR HER RICH SADNESS IN "DOVE SONO"

Fair Enough .......2004-10-01

This is a compilation. I can't say love them I think thatpeople want to be surprised by new things, instead of um things they already own.On the other hand a die hard fan wouldn't mind having an extra cd by their favorite artist.Fair Enough.There was one aria that was new to me"Cantilena Brasileras"by Villa Lobos that was very striking.Her voice flows like an unimpeded stream with a lush vibrato.Like I read in one kid's review "Renee has a silky,creamy, instrument that is very beautiful and caresses the ear",couldn't have said it better myself. I agree. One smart kid!!! One thing that I have to comment on that will not escape is the dull cover picture. Renee get a better photographer;you're far more beautiful than that. I'm sounding like her mother,dear lord! She is a fox!

Fleming's High Points Well Covered in Compilation CD.......2004-09-06

Just one listen to the high points of this disc will make you realize why Renée Fleming is an opera superstar. Covering a ten-year period, this compilation disc covers a most fertile period for Fleming, absolutely one of the world's leading lyric and dramatic sopranos. What is particularly impressive is how many different styles she has covered, ranging from Italian bel canto to French Romanticism to Rodgers & Hammerstein. She effortlessly sings in six different languages, including what sounds like flawless Czech on Dvorak's "Měsíčku na nebi hlubokén" (which goes back to her family roots). Her powerful voice is expressive, almost buttery, which allows the listener to enjoy the coloratura agility she has mastered over the years and the tonal qualities she specifically defines for each aria. This is most evident on my two personal favorites - "Ebben?...Ne scoglio" from Catalani's "La Wally" (which will sound familiar to fans of the French eighties noir film, "Diva") where her crystalline voice complements the increasing power of the melody, and the haunting "Mariettas Lied" from Korngold's "Die tote Stadt".

Fleming also has a good sense of the characters she is portraying, for instance, on the "La traviata" aria, "È stano...Ah, fors'è lui...Sempre libera", one gets a strong sense of Violetta's conflict between the attractions of true love versus the free life of a courtesan. She also gets some sturdy help from tenor Joseph Calleja as Alfredo in this piece. But even in this number, the effect of her daunting runs and trills can be a bit overwhelming. She does keep this in check with the slower-paced tracks like "Casta diva" from Bellini's "Norma", which uses a choir in the background to great effect, and Rachmaninov's lovely "Vocalise". The well-worn "Summertime" from Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" is nicely covered here, and it certainly invites comparisons to even Leontyne Price's definitive version. Fleming ends the disc with a rousing version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone" from "Carousel" that grows a bit too bombastic for listening comfort. Regardless, this disc provides a nice sampling of what this truly great singer has done over the past decade. A treat for her fans and highly recommended for anyone who wants an ideal introduction to her range of talent.

Beautiful indeed!.......2004-07-19

I'm very happy with this CD. She has a lovely voice! And what a fox! ;)

The Most Relaxing Cello Album in the World Ever

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Cello Music
thought it would be better

The Most Relaxing Cello Album in the World Ever

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B0000D9WWR
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

The Swan - Philharmonia Orchestra
Apres Un Reve, Op.7 No.1 - Han-Na-Chang
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Han-Na Chang
I. Prelude - Mstislav Rostropovich
I. Aria - Juliane Banse
III. Largo - Jacqueline Du Pre & Daniel Barenboim
Sicilienne, Op.78.80 - Han-Na Chang
III. Adagio - Jacqueline Du Pre
V. Bourre I-II-I - Mstislav Rostropovich
I. Alegro Non Troppo - Daniel Barenboim
Wiegenlied, Op.49 No.4 - Juhani Lagerspetz
Adios Nonino - Berlin Philharmonica

Tracks:

Elegie in C Minor, Op.24 - Gerald Moore
Four Pieces, Op.78-'Romance' - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Nocturne. Op.19 No.4 - Han-Na Chang
I . Prelude - Jacqueline Du Pre
Intermezzo In A Minor - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Four Pieces, Op.78-'Religioso' - Truls Mork
Minnelied, Op.71 No.5 - Juhani Lagerspetz
Klid, B 182/Op.68 No.5 (Silent Woods) - Han-Na Chang
Feldeinsamkeit, Op.86 No.2 - Juhani Lagerspetz
III. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo - Mstislav Rostropovich
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen - Berlin Philharmonic
Moonlight Serenade - Berlin Philharmonic

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Cello Music.......2006-11-28

Different than what other people say, this is an extremely beautiful Cello CD; check it out for yourself.

thought it would be better.......2006-11-09

i have been ordering from you but this one wasn't good at all

Baby Cello: Soothing Music from 24 Cellos

Average customer rating:

We love this C.D.!
Glorious sound

Baby Cello: Soothing Music from 24 Cellos

Manufacturer: Cala Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Baby Sleep
Sweet Dreams
Golden Slumbers: A Father's Lullaby
Build Your Baby's Brain
Planet Sleeps

ASIN: B0006UYOO2
Release Date: 2005-01-18

Tracks:

The Swan
Ave Maria
Greensleeves
Black Orpheus
The Dove
Vocalise
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
El Condor Pasa
Begin The Beguine
A Child's Folksong
Farewell To Cuba
Songs My Mother Taught Me
Blessing
Satin Doll
The Girl From Ipanema
Coventry Fantasy

Product Description

Baby Cello CD. Soothing Music From 24 Cellos 1. The Swan 2. Ave Maria 3. Greensleeves 4. Black Orpheus 5. The Dove 6. Vocalise 7. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy 8. El Condor Pasa 9. Begin the Beguine 10. A Childs Folksong 11. Farewell to Cuba 12. Songs my Mother Taught Me 13. Blessing 14. Satin Doll 15. The Girl from Ipanema 16. Coventry Fantasy

Customer Reviews:

We love this C.D.!.......2005-04-03

We received the Baby Cello C.D. as a gift, and my husband and I just love it. The music is truly moving in the most uplifting way, and the songs chosen are just beautiful; not at all stuffy. The true test was when our two-year-old, who had not had a nap all day, got completely wired and still would not go to sleep after 10 p.m. She screamed for 20 minutes as we tried to get her down, until I put Baby Cello on, and the screaming stopped instantaneously! She went to sleep to the C.D. without another wimper! We highly recommend Baby Cello for parents and babies alike, and have bought it for other parents with babies that we know. It uplifts, as well as soothes, depending upon what time of day we put it on, and it serves as wonderful dinner music as well. We can't imagine anyone not loving this C.D.! A.and J. Pieri, Albany,CA

Glorious sound.......2005-01-23

I am so pleased with Baby Cello. The sound of this music is utterly glorious. Soothing doesn't begin to describe it. My 2 year old and I love listening to it at all times of day.

Average customer rating:

A Perfect Gem from so many years ago...STILL Available!
Like Finding An Old Friend
A Sweet Piece of Art Work
Haunting Beauty
Superb

Duets with Spanish Guitar

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002S1C
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Entr'acte
Bachianas brasileiras No. 5 - Aria
Ronde
Azulao
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4
O Cacador
Pastorale joyeuse
Tes pontos de santo
Tambourin
Boi-Bumba
Sicilienne
Para ninar
Piece en forme de habanera
Maracatu
Pavane pour une Infante defunte
Passarinho esta cantando
Modinha
Serenade For Strings: Waltz
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Cancion
The Three Cornered Hat: Farruca

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Gem from so many years ago...STILL Available!.......2007-07-18

Wow! I happened to stumble on this listing, and, frankly, had forgotten about it. I was first introduced to this album on LP years and years ago (late 60's?) and quite frankly, it was one of my very favorite albums.

Years passed, and cds came, and it was transferred, and I immediately snapped up a copy of it, again. In these following years, I fear I had completely forgotten about it....shame on me! I am so pleased to know that it is still available, and that I can recommend something that is STILL available to you (which is rare for me to be able to do).

I cannot recommend highly enough that you purchase a copy of this great album to enjoy, over and over again. I guarantee it will become a highlight in your collection. I have taken my copy off the shelf and am listening to it as I type this review. I recommend you go to the little snips above, and listen to # 2, Villa Lobos...that should do it! ~operabruin

Like Finding An Old Friend.......2007-07-14

This album, now in its forty-oddth year, is a treasure. Almeida, Terri, and maybe now also Ruderman have passed on. They were mortals after all. The playing by Almeida and Ruderman just on its own is wonderful, and too magical to be called merely good, or solid, or workman-like. Add the third ingredient of no less than the voice of Salli Terri, and the listener may as well be levitated. Good music takes us perhaps the nearest we can ever get to a ride on a magic carpet. Duets with Spanish Guitar is fine music by a trio of, well, if not genies exactly, flesh and blood beings with extraordinary musical abilities.

A Sweet Piece of Art Work.......2007-05-13

I first heard this recording on vinyl. This CD lives up to the quality first captured in that original recording. Laurindo Almeida requires no review or publicity; he is a legend exceeding Segovia or Montoya. Salli Terri, mezzo-soprano, happily, has no vibrato. When she hits a note, she means it...no wavering somewhere between tones leaving you some subliminal perception of the intended note. She has an absolutely pure, rich voice and a profound comprehension of aesthetics. I have not heard other works by Martin Ruderman, who accompanies on flute, but his skills are notable within this sweet ensemble. A wealth of skill and mastery contained on this tiny CD! I am sure you will be transported.

Haunting Beauty.......2007-03-22

I'm fascinated by the reviews from those who remember this album of long ago. In 1971 my girlfriend and I spent a night in a rustic B&B in Big Sur. The following morning, as we dined on a scrumptious breakfast and the love in each other's eyes, I had to ask the waitress about the music playing in the background. We bought the record as soon as we got home, and I have cherished it ever since. Six additional selections on the CD reissue are almost superfluous. The memories, and the music, are precious.

Superb .......2007-01-08

From beginning to end, I am enthralled by this album. I bought the original LP when it came out over 40 years ago and I also own the CD version. All performers are themselves excellent and they blend wonderfully on a Grammy awarded sound track. The biggest thrill for me is always Salli Terri's Bachianas Brasileiras number five. I have heard many recordings of this Bachianas by the most famous sopranos in the world. Salli Terri's singing of the Bachianas is in a class of its own --absoulutely spine-tingling.

Kiri Te Kanawa - Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne, Villa-Lobos: Bachianas brasileiras

Average customer rating:

Simply beautiful
Simply Sublime
LUSH AND PASSIONATE!
Beautiful!
Only Kiri

Kiri Te Kanawa - Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne, Villa-Lobos: Bachianas brasileiras
Marie-Joseph Canteloube , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Jeffrey Tate , Kiri Te Kanawa , English Chamber Orchestra , and Instrumental Ensemble
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Joseph Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne
Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne
Kiri

ASIN: B00000427R
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

La Pastoura als Camps
Bail ro
Trois Bourr es
Pastourelle
L'Antou no
La Pastrouletta lou Chibali
La Dela ssado
Bour es
Lo Fiolair
Passo pel Prat
Lou Boussu
Brezairola
Malurous qu'o uno Fenno

Tracks:

Chants d'Auvergne: Jou l'pount d'o Mirabel
Chants d'Auvergne: Oi ayai
Chants d'Auvergne: Per l'efon
Chants d'Auvergne: Tchut, tchut
Chants d'Auvergne: Pastorale
Chants d'Auvergne: Lou Coucut
Chants d'Auvergne: Obal, din lo coumb
Chants d'Auvergne: Quand z'eyro petitoune
Chants d'Auvergne: Laut, sur le rocher
Chants d'Auvergne: HBeyla-z-y dau f
Chants d'Auvergne: Postouro, su m'aymo
Chants d'Auvergne: Uno jionto postouro
Chants d'Auvergne: Lou diziou b
Bachianas brasileiras: Aria (Cantilena)
Bachianas brasileiras: Dansa (Martelo)

Customer Reviews:

Simply beautiful.......2005-08-07

Kiri Te Kanawa has one of the most beautiful operatic voices and no cd displays this better than Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne. These folk songs, sung in a french dialect, are sung perfectly by Kiri Te Kanawa. You do not need to understand the language to feel the emotions the songs evoke. This is a simply beautiful cd and Kiri is flawless.

Simply Sublime.......2004-02-27

What is it about these wonderful songs that tend to bring out the best in some of the world's finest sopranos?

There are so many fine recordings of these songs.

The great Frederica Von Stade recorded a quite mesmerizing selection of the Auvergne songs at about the same time as Dame Kiri. There is the lovely recording by the legendary Victoria De Los Angeles, a selection of the songs many of us grew up on.
There is the seminal first complete recording (and then some, as I recall) by the late Natania Davrath, a much under-appreciated artist who, in many ways, is responsible for the popularity these songs enjoy today. Even Anna Moffo recorded a lovely handful of the songs in the 60s conducted by no less than Leopold Stokowski!

And then there is Dame Kiri. We know her. We love her. We have come to expect the best from her. We have come to always expect more from her, in fact, than from just about anyone else.

So unfair. We expect her to jump the musical hurdles of our emotional connections to music and art in a way we expect from few others.

And yet she so seldom disappoints. Is this the absolute best recording of the Chants d'Auvergne ever? Such a personal choice. Who is to say?

I can tell you this, once I heard this truly remarkable set, which has literally sent chills up my back since the the first time I heard it all those years ago, I knew my search for the recording of these songs I would keep near me forever was over.

Here is an interpretation combining, in equal measure, patrician elegance with almost peasant-like eloquence. She renders song after song, some deceptively complicated, with a divine simplicity that simply defies the imagination.

I don't know how Dame Kiri achieved this miraculous feat. It must have come from the heart, because it certainly goes to mine.

And finally, it would be unthinkable not to give credit to the exquisite playing of the English Chamber Orchestra and the always sensitive collaboration of conductor Jeffrey Tate.

LUSH AND PASSIONATE!.......2003-03-09

These traditional songs from the Auvergne region of France, arranged and orchestrated by Joseph Canteloube, are so intensely beautiful that when I requested a classical radio station to play some of them, motorists stopped on the highway to phone in their thanks.

I first heard a selection of these songs 30 years ago, performed by Anna Moffo, and fell in love with them. It's wonderful to find a complete recording of all 5 series on this 2 CD set, sung by Kiri te Kanawa with enormous talent and verve. Whether the mood is passionate, playful, mocking, tender, mournful or-an emotion few composers have ever captured-helpless with pleasure, these pieces have one thing in common: they are the work of a master orchestrator at the height of his powers, using the fullest resources of the modern orchestra. You will not find more beautiful music than this!

Beautiful!.......2001-08-28

In my opinion, this is one of Kiri's better recordings. Her voice, while always gorgeous, is fresh and light here, and her interpretation, while not riveting, is certainly not boring. Musically, this is a wonderful collection, very romantic and lush in sound. A very worth-while recording.

Only Kiri.......2001-07-13

Dame Kiri te Kanawa has just the voice and character to make this music live. Her voice has a spiritual quality (as opposed to a human quality) that suits the fantasy and seductive qualities of the music. However, her characterization is not void of human qualities, a reminder that these are human feelings. The orchestra under Jeffrey Tate copes very well with the virtuosic writing for woodwinds and stratospheric strings. I heard Renee Fleming's recent interpretation of Bailero and the characterization was more human. Their voices are quite similar, but if you want angelic qualities, Kiri is the angel.

Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras (Complete)

Average customer rating:

Brazilian Music Extraordinaire
rare gem
The best introduction to Villa-Lobos available
A Wonderful New Recording of the Great Cycle
A Glowing Performance of the Entire Cycle of Bachianas Brasileiras

Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras (Complete)
the Nashville Symphony
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Kurt Weill: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Lady in the Dark - Symphonic Nocturne
Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras Nos. 1, 2, 5 & 9 / ORTF National Orchestra, De Los Angeles
Villa-Lobos: Complete Music for Solo Guitar
Villa-Lobos: Forest of the Amazon
Villa-Lobos: Choros 1-7

ASIN: B000BK53DI
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

Introducao - Embolada
Preludio - Modinha
Fuga - Conversa (Conversation)
Preludio - O Canto Do Capadocio (Scamp's Song)
Aria - O Canto Da Nossa Terra (Song Of Our Lamb)
Danca - Lembranca Do Sertao (Rememberance Of The Bush)
Toccata - O Trenzinho Do Caipira (The Peasant's Little Train)
Preludio (Ponteio)
Fantasia (Devaneio) (Digression)
Aria - Modinha
Toccata (Picapu)

Tracks:

Preludio (Introducao)
Coral (Canto Do Sertao) (Song Of The Bush)
Aria (Cantiga)
Danca (Miudinho)
Aria (Cantilena)
Danca (Martelo)
Aria (Choro)
Fantasia

Tracks:

Preludio (Ponteio)
Giga (Quadrilha Caipira) (Country Quadrille)
Toccata (Desafio) (Joust)
Fuga (Conversa) (Conversation)
Preludio
Aria (Modinha)
Toccata (Catira Batida)
Fuga
Preludio (Vagaroso E Mistico)
Fuga (Poco Apressado)

Amazon.com

This is a three-CD set that includes all of Villa-Lobos' moody Bachianas Brasileiras. The best known is the fifth, for soprano and eight cellos (well performed here), but there is a wealth hidden among the others. There are dance movements galore; the second builds to a wonderfully percussive and powerful final movement; the eighth, despite an upbeat old folk dance as its centerpiece, has a melancholic warmth that is irresistible. The flute and bassoon duet that makes up No. 6 is rich and expressive, and the solo pianist has his work cut out for him in No. 3. All of them show a use of counterpoint that is truly skillful, and these performances--the only complete, modern set, not to mention at a bargain price--bring out all of the delicacies in the music. A real find. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Brazilian Music Extraordinaire.......2007-01-26

Jose Feghali is a Brazilian pianist, and interprets this music with great artistic flair! The whole recording was a pleasant surprise, since I didn't expect a high level of playing from the Nashville Symphony. I highly recommend this recording as an especially good value for the price.

rare gem.......2007-01-04

Villa-Lobos is a Brazilian composer of the 20th century who deserves more attention. There are relatively few recordings of his works. This complete recording of the 9 Bachianas Brasileiras is a rare pleasure. The Bachianas are considered some of the lighter and easier works of Villa-Lobos and are based on Bach's music. Still, they can't be considered easy listening at first. After a few hearings, however, the music grows on you and you come to realize their beauty.

The best introduction to Villa-Lobos available.......2006-07-23

The Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) was very prolific, composing 12 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 17 string quartets, 14 "Choros," numerous ballets and other orchestral works, and 9 "Bachianas Brasileiras." Although Villa-Lobos' style is firmly nationalistic, his individual works are highly varied, with some pieces being highly structured while others are virtually improvisatory. Likewise, the forces employed by Villa-Lobos vary substantially. For instance, compare the 9 minute Bachianas Brasileiras No. 6 scored for flute and bassoon against the half hour long Bachianas Brasileiras No. 3 for piano and orchestra. However, the scoring of Bachianas is more uniform and the style more traditional in comparison to, say, the Choros, making them a good entry point for those unfamiliar with this composer.

You may ask "What exactly is a Bachianas Brasileiras?" Well, a Bachianas Brasileiras is a multi-movement musical form developed by Villa-Lobos in which the harmonic and contrapuntal traits of Bach are combined with elements of Brazilian music. Each Bachianas can be thought of as a Baroque suite, with each movement containing two titles; one signifying a Baroque form, such as "Toccata" or "Fugue," and a second title borrowed from Brazilian music, such as "Picapu" or "Modhinha." This combination may seem a little strange, but Villa-Lobos combines the two elements naturally. For Villa-Lobos the combination was almost logical, as the traditional music of Brazil is itself very contrapuntal.

What makes the Bachianas attractive are their consistent high level of inventiveness and variety. The tunes are memorable, while the counterpoint and orchestral coloring are highly distinctive. One of my favorites is the second Bachianas, the final movement of which is a depiction of a train chugging through the forests of Brazil. This Bachianas also features some highly memorable trombone and saxophone solos. Yet, undoubtedly the composer's favorite instrument is the cello. The first Bachianas is scored for "an orchestra of cellos" and the fifth (the most popular) is scored for soprano and eight cellos. The composer's characteristic use of this instrument throughout the set creates a sensuous atmosphere.

These works are filled with other interesting tidbits, such as the composer's incorporation of bird calls into several movements (the woodpecker in toccata of No. 3, the blacksmith bird in the chorale of No. 4, with various birds emulated by the soprano in No. 5). The movements of the works range from exciting dance pieces to lamenting arias. The aria of No. 4 is especially lovely. Another favorite is the toccata of No. 7, with its exotic sounding percussion and aggressive orchestral playing representative of improvised singing contests Villa-Lobos heard on the streets of Brazil, with a Bach-like violin line emerging from the texture.

What makes this set, in particular, a must have is the great playing by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra (especially the strings), the Naxos price, and the fact that this release constitutes the complete Bachianas. But, this isn't the only set out there. I can mention that the sound quality here blows the (very poor) sound quality of Villa-Lobos' recordings of certain of these works (dating from the 1950's) clear out of the water. The second, third and fourth Bachianas have been recently recorded by the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra on the BIS label. That recording is very good, and some of the playing by that orchestra slightly cleaner, although I would recommend the Naxos recording over that one, as a starting point, on the basis of completeness.

Fans of twentieth century orchestral music need not hesitate. These colorful, immediately accessible, works will give you years of listening pleasure. Get it.

CD 1: 73:10
CD 2: 40:42
CD 3: 62:22

A Wonderful New Recording of the Great Cycle.......2006-06-16

How wonderful it is to have a fresh, new, all-digital interpretation of the great 9-piece cycle of the Bachianas Brasilieras of Villa-Lobos. We so often hear just the highlights -- the 5th, with soporano and eight cellos, and the "Little Train" of the second -- but here is a thoughtful performance of all these unusual and creative compositions combining the discipline and chromatic transitions of Bach with the untempered wildness and melodic exuberance of Brazil.

While I enjoyed the earlier recording by Alfonso Moreno and the Orquestra Filharmonica de la Ciudad de Mexico on EMI, that recording seems to have all the notes, but not all of the music -- in places it sounds heavy, mechanical, and not imbued with deep understanding of the music. This new recording is a great effort, and it's a shame that this music is so seldom programmed by the major symphony orchestras.

There are a few items I could quibble with -- I don't like the wide vibrato of soprano Rosana Lamosa in the fifth, and the bassoon sound of the unattributed player in the sixth is somewhat muffled, as if played in the French style. But these are really minor points when considered in the light of the overall performance cycle. You have the wonderful cello sound of the Modinha (2nd movement of No. 1 -- "one long sigh" as one reviewer has called it); the excellent trombone solos in the 2nd; an accurate playing of the "Little Train," not a caricature, and still perhaps the best "train" image in music; and I could go on and on.

But let's just stop here and say that this is a really wonderful addition to the Villa-Lobos literature, as well as to all music, and let's hope that others will become aware of the marvelous music of this most prolific Brazilian composer.

A Glowing Performance of the Entire Cycle of Bachianas Brasileiras .......2005-12-17

Heitor Villa-Lobos is probably best known for this cycle of works under the title 'Bachianas Brasileiras' and while certain of these enchanting pieces are standard repertoire ('Toccata - O Trenzinho Do Caipira' and the luxuriously gorgeous 'Cantilena' for soprano and eight celli), the remainder of this startlingly fine composition is rarely heard.

Fortunate we are, then, that Kenneth Schermerhorn and the Nashville Symphony made this complete set. The individual works are varied and disparate in orchestration, sort of a 'Concerto for Chamber Orchestra'! Each piece is never less than fascinating in rhythmic detail and structure and there are some very beautiful melodies strung throughout the cycle.

The total of twenty-nine pieces are comfortably spaced over three discs and the recorded sound is rich and warm. This is an important recording and priced at the level that it is generally affordable! Highly recommended on all levels. Grady Harp, December 05

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company

Average customer rating:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening
Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing.
Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so.
ONE OF MY FAVOURITES
Fans will be delighted!

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company
John Dowland , Manuel de Falla , Charles Gounod , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Enrique Granados , Fini Henriques , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquim Antonio Barroso Neto , Franz Xaver Richter , Anonymous , William Levi Dawson , Robert MacGimsey , Kathleen Battle , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RNM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Music By John Dowland: Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Music By John Dowland: Allemande (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: What If I Never Speed?
Music By John Dowland: Galliard (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: Fine Knacks For Ladies
Ave Maria
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria
Coleccion De Tonadillas: La Maja De Goya
Three Brazilian Songs: Boi-Bumba
Three Brazilian Songs: Azulao
Three Brazilian Songs: Para Ninar
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Cancion
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Nana
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidillia Murciana
Six Spirituals: Ain't Got No Time To Die
Six Spirituals: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
Six Spirituals: Ain't That Good News!
Six Spirituals: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Six Spirituals: This Little Light Of Mine
Six Spirituals: Ride On King Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening.......2007-05-06

Whether you are very familiar with these two artists or have never heard either one, you will delight in this musical collaboration. Only a guitarist of Christopher Parkening's stature could be the ideal accompaniment to the perfection of Kathleen Battle's voice. The music ranges from selections by John Dowland to American spirituals, Bach/Gounod, Villa-Lobos, Granados and some Spanish folk songs. The result is a coherent, soothing and utterly delightful listening experience. You will revisit this album often, and always be glad that you have it. For fans of Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening, I think it is a must.

Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing........2006-01-31

We always enjoyed seeing and hearing Battle in concerts, usually on the television and Parkening has been a favorite guitarist. To listen to these two fine artists in concert is a real treat.

Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so........2005-05-25

I can't imagine these songs being performed with any greater technical brilliance than they are by Parkening and Battle on this CD. Both are virtuosos, him in the guitar, her the voice. Their skill is particularly apparent in the Dowland songs, the "Ave Maria", and the Bachianas brasileiras no. 5 (for me, the high point of the recording), which are all in a formal style well suited to the talents of the performers.

I compare the Brazilian songs to the version recorded by Salli Terri with Laurindo Almeida in the late '50's on "Duets with Spanish Guitar", which I have listened to repeatedly since I first heard it in 1959. Battle's phrasing, enunciation, and vocal skill are far superior to Terri's, but Terri brought a level of emotion to her singing that Battle seems to lack. Where Battle's perfection enhances her superb performances of the Dowland and Villa-Lobos pieces, it seems to detract from her performance of the Brazilian folk pieces.

I find this to be true again in the spirituals - vocal perfection and control detracting from the "soul" required to bring out the "spiritual" feeling. Imagine these same pieces sung by Mahalia Jackson or Aretha Franklin and you'll understand my point.

Parkening's performance has the same quality - technical virtuosity, especially noticeable in his lute-like technique in the Dowland solo - but lacking in emotional depth.

The classical selections are highly recommended, the folk pieces a bit disappointing, but overall an enjoyable recording.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.......2004-03-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BATTLE ALBUMS, HER SWEET VOICE IS ACCOMPAINED BY THE GUITAR VIRTUOSO CHRISTOPHER PARKENING, TOGETHER CREATE A TENDER, DELIGHTFUL & BEAUTIFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS N- 5 HAS IT`S BEST PERFORMANCE IN THIS CD.

Fans will be delighted!.......2003-08-25

Fans, maybe, but I must say I'm not a huge fan of Kathleen Battle or opera or songs in different languages, either. My mom is, though. And through her I have heard Kathleen's best. And her very best (if you ask me) is one of the tracks ON THIS CD titled "Ain't that good news," even though it should be called "Ain'ta dat good news," since that is how its sung. It is a really good song (ask anybody) with a little surprise high-note at the end. If I were you I would (if not buy this CD right here and now) then go to [a book store] and see if their computers will let you hear "Ain't that good news" because that song is great.

Average customer rating:

Exceptional Collection

Bedroom Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Midnight Adagios
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ASIN: B0000BWVBV
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Concerto For Harpischord, Strings, And Continuo No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1056 - Raymond Leppard
Concerto Grosso In B Minor, Op. 6, No. 12 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Pavane For A Dead Princess - Steve Erquiaga
Romance For String Orchestra - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Carnival Of The Animals - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 - Alexandre Lagoya
En Bateau - l'ochestre de la suisse romande
Humming Chorus - BBC Concert Orchestra
Sicilienne - Steve Erquaiaga
Italiana - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Una Furtiva Lagrima - BBC Concert Orchestra
Chanson De Matin, Op. 15, No. 2 - BBC Concert Orchestra
Suite In E Major For Lute, BWV 1006A/1000 - Eduardo Fernandez
Touch Her Soft Lips, And Part - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Suite for Cello Solo No. 3 In C Major, BWV 1009 - Pepe Romero
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Julian Lloyd Webber
Pavane - Nicholas Kraemer
Serenade For Strings In E Major, Op. 22 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro - BBC Concert Orchestra
Cavatina - Goran Sollscher
La Fileuse - L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
Flower Duet (Sous Le Dome Epais) - BBC Concert Orchestra
Pied-En-L'Air - Nicholas Kraemer
Arioso - Steve Erquiaga
Two Aquarelles - English Chamber Orchestra
In Paradisum - Stephen Cleobury
After A Dream - Steve Erquiaga
Suite For Cello Solo No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1007 - Mischa Maisky
My Bonny Boy - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Concerto For Guitar In D Major, RV 93 - Eduardo Fernandez
Un Bel Di - BBC Concert Orchestra
Holbert Suite, Op. 40 - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Concerto For Oboe In D Minor, BWV 1059 - Heinz Holliger
Vissi D'Arte - BBC Concert Orchestra
Sheep May Safely Graze - William Bennett
Fantasia On Greensleeves - William Bennett

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional Collection.......2003-12-31

I have heard many, many classical "mood" collections, and this is one of the best, with many surprise selections.
It is consistently restful and calming.
I recommend it highly.

Average customer rating:

Isabel's voice is enchanting!
A real diamond!
Amazing amazing stuff
Fascinating Program Beautifully Performed

Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Azulão
Manuel de Falla , Enrique Granados , Carlos Guastavino , Xavier Montsalvatge , Fernando J. Obradors , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquin Rodrigo , Catalan Traditional , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Isabel Bayrakdarian , and Jamie Parker
Manufacturer: Musica Viva
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Joyous Light
Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Pauline Viardot-Garcia (Lieder, Chancon, Canzoni, Mazurkas)
Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Cleopatra
Songs Of Spain / De Los Angeles, et al
Mozart: Arie e Duetti

ASIN: B0000DFZY4
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

El Majo Discreto
El Majo Timido
El Tra La La Y El Punteado
La Maja De Goya
La Maja Y El Ruisenor
Song Of The Birds
La Rosa Y El Sauce
Con Que La Lavare?
Vos me Matasteis
De Donde Venis, Amore?
De Los Alamos Vengo, Madre
El Vito
Al Amor
Corazon, Porque Pasais?
La Mi Sola, Laureola
Del Cabello Mas Sutil
Chiquitita La Novia
El Pano Moruno
Asturiana
Cancion
Nana
Jota
Polo
Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
Aria (Cantilena)
Dance/Danse (Martel)
Azulao

Album Description

Following on the enormous success of her first recording for CBC RECORDS - Joyous Light (CBC SMCD 5215) - the stunning young Canadian lyric soprano ISABEL BAYRAKDARIAN turns her attention to the seductive colours and rhythms of Spain and Latin America. The centre piece of this recording is the vocal evergreen, Bachianas Brasileiras # 5 for soprano and eight cellos by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. After winning the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions in 1997, Isabel (who is of Armenian descent) has gone on to make debuts with such international companies as the Metropolitan Opera (New York), Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paris Opera and La Scala (Milan), Semperoper (Dresden) and the Canadian Opera Company (Toronto).

Customer Reviews:

Isabel's voice is enchanting!.......2006-10-12

I had never heard of Isabel Bayrakdarian before. I was looking for a copy of Obradors' "Chiquitita la Novia" and happened to come upon this cd. Am I glad I bought it, in fact, I'm wearing it out. Her voice is like a bright
sunlight. Her interpretations are exquisite. My favorite on the recording is Granados' "La Maja y el Ruisenor".
Brava Isabel!

A real diamond!.......2006-04-13

I heard this voice first time on CBC Radio - from a concert in Toronto. It was magical! Soon after, I had a chance to listen to her in recital and this was an EVENT! Over two thousand people in the concert hall were holding their breath for two hours and it seemed that the hall itself became small and cozy. It was indeed a contact soul to soul.
Isabel has a rare talent that combines beautiful tone, clarity and unbelievable fluidity of her voice, intelligent thinking, good sensitive heart and generous nature. You believe every intonation, every nuance. She is always authentic, always noble and her expressivity is never forced, emotions are never overacted.
This CD captures well her magic voice. And God, she is amazing in pianissimos! That's why to me, the Lullaby by Xavier Montsalvatge with its softness and warmth is the highlight of this recording.

Amazing amazing stuff.......2004-10-07

The only reason I didn't give this disc five stars is because I'm not too crazy about Grandos' "Tonadillas." They aren't bad, but they're an incredibly weak opening group and the piano is a bit bouncy and boppy when compared to the more somber numbers on this disc with the cello ensemble.

I first fell in love with Bayrakdarian's voice on the CD "Joyous Light," a collection of Armenian liturgical music arranged for soprano and orchestra (some of it just solo voice.) This disc intrigued me because of her incredible voice and the somewhat off the beaten path repertoire & instrumentation (soprano, piano & cello ensemble!?!) I was happy to see a young, amazing talent NOT do a disc of Italian or German arias. Her CDs definately seem to explore the lesser known repertoire and that's to be commended, because we get to hear a stellar voice bring some real gems to light. Interesting that soprano's solo disc includes an instrumental piece, but it fits in nicely and is certainly appreciated by this listener.

The first two of the Rodrigo madrigales are arrestingly beautiful. The disc as a whole is sublime. She's definately one to watch. I can't think of another soprano I'd rather hear these days than Bayrakdarian. I'm flying back to my hometown next year to her in concert. It's months & months away and I can't think of another performance anytime soon that I'm looking this forward to.

Fascinating Program Beautifully Performed.......2003-11-21

There's been a lot of buzz lately about a young soprano just emerging up in Canada, a striking-looking young woman still in her twenties, winner of the Met Auditions, who has a burgeoning career in opera and recital. Her name is Isabel Bayrakdarian, member of an Armenian family who immigrated to Canada in 1989. She apparently had a nice untrained voice but didn't begin training professionally until 1993; meanwhile she had gotten a degree in biomedical engineering. But only four years later she won the Met Auditions and a couple of years later recorded a CD of seemingly esoteric Armenian songs that became a runaway best-seller in Canada. She made her Metropolitan début in 2002 in the role of Catherine in William Bolcom's 'A View from the Bridge.' This CD is a recording of a program that had been presented on CBC Radio and featuring pianist James Parker, himself a virtuoso with a solo career, and ten Toronto cellists led by cello soloist and Canadian Symphony principal, Bryan Epperson. And all of it in music by Hispanic composers.

First, the program is well-constructed, alternating vocal/piano music with vocal/cello ensemble music, with cello ensemble music. Timbres are changed often enough that one's ear does not tire. Second, every bit of the program is superbly performed. Pride of place must be given to Miss Bayrakdarian, whose voice is crystalline and yet imbued with a womanly sensuality that well serves the alternately sultry and kittenish Spanish music present here. She sings Granados's delicious 'Four Tonadillas' with the kind of charm that I thought only a native Spaniard could bring to it. She negotiates the agréments and their subtle alterations of intonation so typical of Spanish singing with complete mastery. Late in the program she performs, with the cello ensemble, the ever-popular Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 as well as I've ever heard it. She also inhabits the sung version of Granados's 'La Maja y el Ruiseñor' ('The Maiden and the Nightingale') arranged for the opera he made from his piano suite 'Goyescas.'

The cello group plays Pablo Casals's arrangement of the Catalan Christmas carol, 'El Cant dels Ocells' ('The Song of the Birds'). And they lend a hand in Joaquin Rodrigo's 'Cuatro madrigales amatorios' ('Four Love Madrigals'), with cello ensemble accompaniment arranged (as in others here recorded) by Peter Tiefenbach. I particularly liked the interplay of teasing soprano and sporty cellos in 'Vos me matásteis' ('I die for love of you'), the second of this set, which is then followed by a bang-up performance of the familiar, catchy 'De los álamos vengo, madre' ('I've been down by the poplars, mother').

Fernando Obradors wrote wonderful songs that occasionally get sung by non-Spanish singers--I remember once being entranced by Elly Ameling singing the set recorded here by Bayrakdarian with superb assistance from pianist Parker, 'Canciones clásicas españolas' ('Classic Spanish Songs'). And I must say that at times I hear a hint of Ameling in Bayrakdarian's voice, something I call 'a smile in the voice.' This set is followed by an expert arrangmement, this time by Claude Kenneson, of Manuel de Falla's 'Suite populaire espagnole' that employs the cello ensemble (with some melting solo work by Epperson, their leader) playing three all-instrumental pieces and then accompanying Bayrakdarian in three of the six songs.

The CD is rounded out by Xavier Montsalatge's Lullaby from 'Cinco canciones negras,' the aforementioned Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, and then the song that gives this album its title, Jayme Ovalle's 'Azulão' ('Bluebird'). The latter uses all the forces available here--soprano, pianist, cellists--in a haunting lament: 'Go bluebird, bluebird, companion of mine, go! Go see my faithless love.'

I cannot praise this issue highly enough. Ms Bayradkarian's voice is world-class and she sings with great musicality and feeling. Her accompanists are flawless. The recorded sound is quite good. The unattributed notes are very helpful. There are full translations of all the sung texts.

TT=76:14

Scott Morrison

Music Review: