Handel: Samson

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Samson proved to be one of Handel's most popular oratorios during his lifetime, composed within weeks of Messiah. Thomas Randle sings a commanding title role ("Samson with attitude...: The Independent), with Lynda Russell's vocally seductive Dalila, and Catherine Wyn-Rogers' rich and expressive Micah. Samson opens with a pagan festival and closes with an elegy. Its finale is rightly established as one of the most famous arias of all time" "Let the bright Seraphim in burning row/ Their loud, uplifted angel-trumpets blow."

Tracks:

Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 2. Largo
Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 3. Allegro (moderato)
'Let the Bright Seraphim' From Samson
Sonata A 5 For Trumpet & Strings, T.V. 3
'Sound the Trumpet' from Come Ye Sons Of Art
'Chaconne' from Come Ye Sons Of Art
'Entrada' from The Indian Queen
'Trumpet Air' from The Indian Queen
'Trumpet Tune' from King Arthur
'Trumpet Overture' from The Indian Queen
Sonata A 5 For Trumpet & Strings, T.V. 7
'Eternal Source Of Light Divine'
For Solo Trumpet And Strings, Concert No. 2 - 1. Allegro
2. Adagio
For Solo Trumpet And Strings, Concert No. 2 - 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A blast of brass.......2005-08-18

I first encountered this on cassette, quite by accident. It later became the background for my work at morning at the easel painting watercolours. But this is no wallpaper music. The technical genius of matching separate recordings of different trumpet parts is surpassed only by Marsalis's bright and lively technique. The masters would be pleased. As for the watercolours, I can now stand before them and see the music's influence on paper. Well worth the listening...

Old school Wynton.......2005-08-12

This cd features a lot of Wynton's earlier piccolo playing, which, while perhaps not as brilliant as you'd hear on his Gabriel's Garden album, is slightly more refined and appropriate to the repertoire. That isn't to say he doesn't embellish; The Fasch concerto has some tastefully inserted ornaments. "Let the Bright Seraphim" is as well played with soprano Edita Gruberova as it is in Wynton's later recording with Kathleen Battle. The Purcell selections on the album are probably the best examples of good piccolo playing I've found, particularly the trills. One only need listen to the "Entrada" to see how delicate and refined the playing on the whole album is.

fabulous.......2003-09-28

Marsalis' prodigious talent coupled with the greatest of Baroque brass composers is a combination that cannot be beat! Of course, Anthony Newman takes everything (less the slow stuff, of course) at his characteristic "lively" pace, but Marsalis keeps up. His execution of the ornamentation is awesome! Gotta have this one!

Amazing talent.......2001-04-22

Without doubt, the birthday ode to Queen Anne (Eternal Source of Light Divine) is one of the loveliest pieces ever. Couple that with two of the most accomplished talents in the world, you have a near spiritual moment. Even those with even a passing interest in the classics will find this a stirring expierence. this is true candy for the ear and food for the soul.

Average customer rating:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!
Good Music
A very complete selection of ceremony music!
Comprehensive Classical Selection
Just one note...

A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005YD53
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Vivaldi: Largo Winter
Bach: Air On A G String
Torelli: Trumpet Concerto
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Handel: Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel: Pastoral Symphony
Boccherini: String Quintet, Minuet
Mendelssohn: On Wings Of Song
Liszt: Dream Of Love
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Debussy: Claire De Lune
Satie: Gymnopedie No.1
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Debussy: Arabesque
Bizet: Intermezzo
Elgar: Salut D'amour
Debussy: Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faun

Tracks:

Wagner: Bridal Chorus
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
Gabrieli: Canzon V
Charpentier: Te Deum
Purcell: Trumpet Tune
Mussorgsky: Promenade
Pachebel: Canon In D
Handel: Larghetto
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
Handel: Water Music, Air
Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
Melchior: Adagio
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Faure: Pie Jesu
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
Widor: Toccata
Dubois: Toccata
Walton: Crown Imperial
Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
Faure: Sicilienne
Offenbach: Barcarolle
Faure: Berceuse
Saint-Saens: The Swan
Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

I used these CD's for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

Good Music.......2006-07-05

I bought these CDs for my wedding, in ceremony and reception. Also, when I created my own wedding video, I used it as background music.

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

I am getting married in several months and we couldn't decide what music we wanted at our wedding ceremony. This three disk compilation reminded us of all the great ones- including new options we hadn't thought about. I really enjoyed hearing the organ and strings versions of the songs. If you're someone who hears a classical or baroque piece of music, but can't remember the name or the precise tune, this is a must-have to jog your memory and trigger the tear ducts!

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

I searched all over for a CD set that had a somewhat comprehensive list of classical selections that are traditionally played at weddings. When I found this 3 CD set, I was very pleased. It contains 61 works from almost as many composers. This set might not contain the "best recording ever" of each of the selections, however it is very well done and the quality is very good. I used it primarily to choose the pieces that I wanted to have played by the church organist, and so the actual recordings were more for my consumption rather than for use in the ceremony/reception itself. However, I would not have hestitated to use the CD's in the wedding itself if needed. The book inside includes a list of suggested songs for various wedding styles (formal, outside, morning, etc.). From the classical neophyte to the seasoned classical music expert, this CD set will meet if not exceed expectations.

Just one note..........2003-06-07

I have not heard this album, so I cannot rate it as a whole. (The form made me include a rating, but disregard that.) However, I want to point out that track 36, the Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure's Requiem is - well, from a requiem, a mass for the dead. The Pie Jesu is a lovely, gentle movement, and it has a beautiful and pure sound that does seem to fit the mood of a wedding. The Latin words, however, mean "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest," where "them" refers to the dead.

Tracks:

In Gabriel's Garden: The King's March - English CO; Leppard, R.
Concerto For Two Trumpets In C Major: Allegro - English CO; Newman, A.
The Indian Queen: Entrada From The Indian Queen - St. Luke's Orch; Nelson, J.
In Gabriel's Garden: The Prince Of Denmark's March - English CO; Newman, A.
In Gabriel's Garden: Trumpet Voluntary - English CO; Leppard, R.
Baroque Duet: Let The Bright Seraphim - Wynton Marsalis
Suites De Symphonies: Rondeau - English CO; Leppard, R.
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: III. Allegro Assai (Excerpt) - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
In Gabriel's Garden: Prelude From Te Deum - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In D Major: II. Allegro Moderato - Philharmonia Orch; Salonen, E.
Baroque Music For Trumpets: I. Adagio - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E-Flat Major: III. Finale. Allegro - Wynton Marsalis
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Major: III. Rondo. Allegro Molto - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: Variations On 'Le Carnaval De Venise' - Wynton Marsalis
On The Twentieth Century: Rondo For Lifey (For Trumpet And Piano) - Wynton Marsalis
Prayer Of St. Gregory For Trumpet And Organ - Anthony Newman
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra: I. Allegro - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: Moto Perpetuo - Wynton Marsalis
Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumblebee - Wynton Marsalis

Amazon.com

Wynton Marsalis may not have an easily recognizable or even particularly handsome tone, but this erstwhile jazz trumpeter is an amazing virtuoso with a fine sense of classical style. If you've never owned/heard any of his classical CDs, and you love (mostly baroque) trumpet music, this compilation--a sort of "greatest hits"--is for you. From such cruddy, sensationalistic works as Carnival of Venice to the glories of Haydn's E-Flat Concerto, this is grand entertainment. Marsalis is joined by Kathleen Battle in an exciting version of Handel's "Let the bright seraphim," and the treat there is doubled. A fine piece by Hovhaness for trumpet and organ, never before released, is another surprise. Come listen to the endless, seemingly casual roulades that come out of this guy's trumpet--they'll wake you right up. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Classic Wynton.......2007-07-11

Classic! What else is there to say? As an introduction to the other, many classic recordings of this superbly talented trumpeter, it is as good a guide as possible.

amazing.......2006-10-31

Classic Wynton is the most glorious display of musicianship I have ever heard. No other trumpet player even comes close to Wynton. Don't listen to anything the editorial review says though, it must have been written by a complete ignoramus. Wynton Marsalis not having a clear or recognizable tone? Please...That's like saying Kobe Bryant isn't a good shooter. I can't believe that garbage is on a credible site such as Amazon.

Heard this with NEW appreication................2006-09-07

This is such a wonderful mix. I especially love the Haydn concerto finale in E flat. I was listening to this cd when my grandson (almost 3) heard the glorious music of the trumpet for the first time. He loved seeing the photos of Mr. Marsalis (which I embellished, albeit true, saying how difficult it is to play the trumpet - hence the need for a handerchief to wipe his brow in one of the photos). This awakened his awareness of trumpet music where he now loves to listen to one of his Baby Einstein cd's in the car. Specifically, he told his mother "louder" when the trumpet piece was played - repetetively.

Wynton's the best.......2006-03-17

I'm not a professional musician and don't have a trained ear but Wynton Marsalis has provided me with a very delightful hour of extremely good music.

Classic Wynton--brilliant, clear trumpet renditions.......2006-02-25

For anyone who loves trumpet music as I do, this album is a must. Wynton Marsalis has mastered twenty all-time favorite pieces with such brilliance, that no other trumpeteer comes near by comparison. Opening with J. Clarke's, The King's March, Wynton proceeds to favor listeners with such baroque favorites as Purcell's Entrada from "The Indian Queen," J. Clark's The Prince of Denmark's March and J. Stanley's Trumpet Voluntary. Fantastic selections from Bach, Mozart, and Haydn follow, with the album also including such delightful listening as The Last Rose of Summer, Carnival of Venisee, and Flight of the Bumblebee. You won't be disappointed with this purchase!

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Average customer rating:

Bach and Handel Treats
Fine recording, but doesn't work for me.
rock on!!!!!
This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Johann Sebastian Bach , George Frideric Handel , Dr. Jerold D. Ottley , Eugene Ormandy , Richard P. Condie , Columbia Symphony Orchestra , Philadelphia Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027YR
Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

Cantata No. 80: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Cantata No. 140: Zion Hears The Watchmen's Voices
Magnificant In D Major, BWV 243: My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord
Cantata No.147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Cantata No. 4: Now Keep We All This Holy Feast
Cantata No. 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: Et Resurrexit
Cantata No. 79: Now Thank We All Our God
Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
Samson: Awake The Trumpet's Lofty Sound
Samson: Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
Judas Maccabaeus: Sing Unto God
Judas Maccabaeus: Hallelujah, Amen
Saul: Welcome, Welcome Mighty King
Saul: David, His Ten Thousands Slew
Israel In Egypt: But As For His People
Israel In Egypt: Sing Ye To The Lord
Coronation Anthem: Zadok The Priest
Messiah: Hallelujah

Customer Reviews:

Bach and Handel Treats.......2000-08-04

The unfortunate thingÑif anything can be said to the contrary about this collectionÑis that is an older recording. As far as authenticity, what was available in the days of Bach and Handel to perform their music, and what they may have had in mind as the formidable way of presenting it to the publicÑas well as to the heavensÑmay be quite different things. Viewed in this way, authenticity may be an abstraction we are not here priviledged to comment on.

I have marveled for years, even when these were two separate LP's, of the power and dimensionality conveyed by the way these works are performed. I still switch from one to another piece as which is my favorite. In this respect, the experience is a hermenutic delight. Any lover or respecter of Bach or Handel would not go wrong by including this collection in their musical library.

When I use the word "treats" in the title, I mean just that: it is a collection of works that one would be hard pressed to find performed together on any available recording. And so I use the metaphor "treat," as if I were given a morsel and then devoured it; and another, and devoured that one, each with a fullness of pleasure and delight, and with soul filling satisfaction.

These indivdual recordings are for the most part masterpieces in and of themselves, and to be able to listen to them as they are performed flawlessly, and in a manner that invites the Spirit of GodÑby saying they are a "treat"Ñis to merely to treat them minimally.

Fine recording, but doesn't work for me........1999-05-07

I love several of J.S. Bach's cantatas, and enjoy hearing them in a variety of ways--period performances, orchestral arrangements, etc. Therefore I'm not one to insist on authenticity. Nevertheless, the chorus here sounds too big for the Bach. Also, the program needs more variety for straight through listening. Chorus after (massive) chorus doesn't work for me.

rock on!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson

Average customer rating:

Brilliant!
My Birthday Present to me
Amazing voice
One of the Best
Battle and Marsalis scintillating and stunning

Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
George Frideric Handel , Alessandro Scarlatti , Luca Antonio Predieri , Alessandro Stradella , Johann Sebastian Bach , John Nelson , Kathleen Battle , Wynton Marsalis , Orchestra of St. Lukes , Anthony Newman , John T. Kulowitsch , Krista Bennion Feeney , Eriko Sato , and Marc Goldberg
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027C1
Release Date: 1992-04-21

Tracks:

Let The Bright Seraphim
No 1: Si Suoni La Tromba
No. 3: Con Voce Festiva
No. 4: Rompe Sprezza
No. 6: Mio Tesoro Per Te Moro (Aria In Forma Di Menuet Alla Francese)
I. Sinfonia. Grave
II. Recitativo
III. Sinfonia-Aria
IV. Recitativo
V. Aria. Largo
VI. Aria. Poco Mosso, Sempre Dolce E Leggiero-Ritornello
VII. Recitativo
VIII. Aria-Sinfonia. Grave (Da Capo)
Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Pace Una Volta
I. Spiritosa, E Staccata
II. (Allegretto-Corrente)
III. Canzone
IV. (Allegro)
Seufzer, Tranen, Kummer, Not
Alle Voci Del Bronzo Guerriero
I. Aria: Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
IV. Chorale: Sei Lob Und Preis Mit Ehren; Alleluja

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant! .......2007-05-31

Spectacular display of brilliance and harmony. Truly, two masters of their respective disciplines melding together to display flawless virtuosity. Wynton Marsalis not only tames the piccolo beast, but somehow expertly mimics the human voice. And not just any voice, but the bright edgeless tone of Kathleen Battle. If you love Baroque, at any level, this is a must buy!

My Birthday Present to me.......2007-05-29

Actually, I was driving and I heard it on the radio. Luckily, the radio station has a website to see what played at what time. After getting goose bumps listening to the little I did on my birthday, I knew I had to have it. Its since been downloaded on my ipod. If you want to feel uplifted, and joyous listen to this wonderful CD . Kathleen Battles voice and Wynton Marsalis trumpet playing is phenominal. My favorites are the last 7 or 8 cuts of the CD especially.

Amazing voice.......2007-05-13

What an amazing voice this woman has. Pairing her with Wynton Marsalis was a match made in musical heaven.

One of the Best.......2007-01-05

I heard cuts from this CD on the radio one early Sunday morning last year. Mesmerized, I ordered it and continue to be zoned out on this incredibly beautiful music masterfully executed by Marsalis and Battle.

Battle and Marsalis scintillating and stunning.......2006-12-28

The making of this album was filmed in a wonderful documentary that brings to the fore the vulnerability and humanity of both artists. Marsalis and Battle are close friends, and the album itself is clearly a labor of love; Marsalis, who stopped performing classical trumpet in the late 80's, returned to the form when Battle was ready to make this recording.

The album is packed with regal music and royal performances. Bach's 51st cantata is particularly captivating, what with its technical demands and relentless pace. But Battle and Marsalis are able to derive strength and energy from one another in the film - through the difficult preparation process of confronting its daunting technical minefield - to realize a stunning result.

Bravo! Their contribution to the recorded corpus here is sublime.

Greatest Hits HANDEL ~ Water Music, Largo, etc..

Average customer rating:

Handel's Greatest Hits
Music for feel joy and peace...
All Handel's Greatest Hits are not created equal.
Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel
Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel

Greatest Hits HANDEL ~ Water Music, Largo, etc..
George Frideric Handel , Raymond Leppard , André Rieu , Eugene Ormandy , Hartmut Haenchen , Pierre Boulez , Charles Groves , Richard P. Condie , Edita Gruberova , Wynton Marsalis , Igor Kipnis , English Chamber Orchestra , Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Chamber Orchestra , and Albert de Klerk
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002A25
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Allegro - Andante - Allegro Da Capo
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Air
Water Music Suite No.1 (Excerpts): Minuet
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Bourree
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Hornpipe
Largo From Xerxes
Music For The Royal Fireworks (Excerpts): Overture
La Rejouissance, Allegro
The Harmonious Blacksmith: (Air And Variations In E Major From Suite No. 5)
Let The Bright Seraphim From Samson
Suite No. 11 For Harpsichord: Sarabande
Water Music Suite No. 2: Without Tempo Indication
Water Music Suite No. 2: Alla Hornpipe
Water Music Suite No. 2: Minuet
Water Music Suite No. 2: Lentement
Water Music Suite No. 2: Bourree
Minuet From Berenice
Organ Concerto No. 13 In F Major, 'The Cuckoo And The Nightingale': II. Allegro
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Come
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Handel's Greatest Hits.......2007-02-26

I found this recording disappointing in many respects. The sound quality was much lower than expected, especially on track 7 "Largo" which on the origional, Ormandy had created such a quiet grandeur. In trach 11 "Let the Bright Seraphim" Wynton Marsalis overpowered the singing of Edita Gruberova, whereas the music should always be the backup of the singer, and not vice versa. I don't know what happened to the "Hallelujah Chorus," but it didn't come off very well at all.

CD

Music for feel joy and peace..........2006-11-03

...the music is one of the most authentic feelings from human soul...it says without words the real feeling of the composer and listener...enjoy this beautifyl music to serenate your spirit....thanks God for music..

All Handel's Greatest Hits are not created equal........2004-02-25

Nothing else tops this unusually gorgeous rendering. Leppard's is the finest conducting of Handel to this reviewers ears. Especially the Xerxes Largo and the Watermusic
Hornpipes and Fireworks Oveurture tempi, legato and orchestration is full of warmth and energy. A true chiara scuro interpretation. Fabulous!!!!

Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel.......2001-08-08

This collection of George Frideric Handel's "Greatest Hits" leans more heavily towards "The Water Music Suite" than his oratorical work, which is my only serious complaint about this CD as an introduction to the composer's work. Although is does have "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes" from Judas Maccabaeus and ends with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir doing the "Hallelujah Chorus," it does not have "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Messiah, which I consider a glaring omission. The "new" piece for me on this CD that is a nice discovery is "Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (Eternal Source of Light Divine)," performed by Wynton Marsalis and the English Chamber Orchestra.

Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel.......2001-08-08

Average customer rating:

more wonderous with each passing year
Pinnacle
The Perfect Storm
Parkening Play Bach and Plays Him Stunningly!
Masterpiece

Christopher Parkening plays Bach

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002RNJ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Canata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sonata VI For Violin, E Major Partita: Gavotte
The Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude I
The Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude VI
The Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude IX
Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Prelude, Fugue And Allegro In E Flat Major For Clavier, Original For Lute): Prelude and Allegro
Cello Suite V: Gavotte I And II
Cello Suite VI: Gavotte I And II
Cantata 140: Sleepers, Awake
Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Sarabande And Variations
Samson: Minuet in D
Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Giga
Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Passacaglia
Ordres, Book II: Les Barricades mysterieuses
Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Preambulo And Allegro vivo

Customer Reviews:

more wonderous with each passing year.......2006-11-13

Most of the reviewers have said (and better than I can) what makes this album so special. I remember having this on cassette and wearing it out. People who have no interest (and sometimes I can't blame them...) in classical music might grow fond of this if they give it a try. You don't need any kind of background or knowledge, just a willingness to open your heart and ears to something so sublime it is beyond words. Bach is our true musical spiritual leader!

Pinnacle.......2005-10-24

I can't over-exaggerate the impact this album had on me when my Dad played it for me when I was about 6. It encouraged me to become a guitarist, and hearing it was my first truly profound musical experience that I can remember.

I love all kinds of music, but nothing has touched me like this album in the 19 years since then. Parkening's reading of Bach arranged for the classical guitar is flawless on this recording; no one, not even his mentor has matched it.

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", "Sheep May Safely Graze" and especially "Sleepers Awake" are the best renditions of these songs that I've heard, regardless of the arrangement. His control and dynamics are just staggering.

I can't explain where this album or music came from. It's my absolute favourite album. It's part of human evolution and the continually unfolding Great Work.

The Perfect Storm.......2005-04-07

The are times when the musician, the composer, and the instrument just match perfectly; this disc is an example of that.

Nevermind that Bach never wrote a single note for the guitar, many of his pieces actually work better on the guitar than they would the clavier. The guitar provides much more opportunity for the musician to impart emotion by varying volume and tone. And Parkening capitalizes on that opportunity beautifully.

His playing is clean, thoughtful, and competent. This is, in my opinion, clearly Parkening's best recording. I highly recommend it. (I also recommend his In the Spanish Style, another of my favorites).

Parkening Play Bach and Plays Him Stunningly!.......2005-02-18

I have loved this recording for over 20 years. I had it on vinyl and was thrilled when it was released in 1985 onto CD along with 6 extra cuts. Originally a Bach interpretive LP of 10 tracks, the CD release added 6 compositions from Couperin, Handel, Weiss, Scarlatti and Visee.

This is now a rare recording, so get it while you can. It's peaceful, highly skilled and simply Christopher Parkening, playing bare and alone, and shining like the sterling musician he is!

Masterpiece.......2003-09-24

The music of J. S. Bach seems to bring out the best in Christopher Parkening. Mr. Parkening understands Bach, and plays his music with grace, intelligence and sensitivity. He displays those qualities magnificently on this collection.

The selections here represent a wide variety of Bach pieces: portions of cantatas, solo cello works, and pieces from the Well-Tempered Clavier. All of the pieces are transcribed skillfully for solo guitar, and every track flows naturally into the next. Standouts among the Bach pieces include "Sheep May Safely Graze" and "Sleepers Awake"--two meditative cantata selections which were so brilliantly arranged and performed that you'd almost think they were originally written for guitar.

And the additional baroque works presented here are not just "filler." Mr. Parkening gives stunning performances of great pieces composed by baroque giants like Handel, and he closes the recording in great style, with a passionate performance of Scarlatti.

Tracks:

Oh Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me?
Endless Pleasure
Scoglio D'Immota Fronte
Quando Spieghi I Tuoi Tormenti
Ombra Mai Fu
To Fleeting Pleasures Make Your Court
Lascia Ch'io Pianga
Dunque, I Lacci D'un Volto...Ah! Crudel
Let The Bright Seraphim
V'adoro, Pupille
Da Tempeste Il Legno Infranto
Ritorna, Oh Caro E Dolce Mio Tesoro
Sommo Rettor Del Cielo...D'una Torbida Sorgente
Pensieri, Voi Mi Tormentate
Bel Piacere E Godera Fido Amor!
Calm Thou Soul...Convey Me To Some Peaceful Shore

Amazon.com

Those who may have feared that Renée Fleming might approach Handel with a too-Romantic vocal attitude need not have; whether it's the leadership of the sympathetic, historically informed Harry Bicket, the sound of the spare but warm Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, plain good sense and musicianship, or any combination of these, here she offers sixteen arias in almost-impeccable Baroque fashion. I doubt whether sopranos of Handel's age had voices as plush as Ms Fleming's but she manages to keep her tone as light and as airy as possible in these selections, never leaning or swooping into an accompanying note in an "un-Baroque" manner, and the result is simply ravishing. The voice, of course, is almost unbelievably beautiful and agile, the technique impeccable, complete with a trill unmatchable in any soprano singing today. From the long-breathed lines of "O sleep why dost thou leave me" from Semele to the fireworks in Cleopatra's "Da tempeste…," with stops along the way at the famous "Ombra mai fu" and a complete rarity from the composer's Lotario, this CD is just breathtaking. Brava Fleming--and bravo Harry Bicket! Oh, yes--bravo Handel! --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

clear as a bell.......2007-02-16

Renee Fleming is one of the most talented female vocalists around. She has such a beautiful, crystal clear voice, and she sings every song on this album well. As a singer myself, I definitely look up to her and very much admire the tone, quality, power, and range of her voice. I would definitely reccommend this album to anyone who enjoys classical music or is looking for someone to aspire to.

Renee Fleming...somewhat out of her depth.......2006-10-20

While it's not the most thrilling Renee Fleming album in the catalogue, her interpretations of Handel pieces is quite an accomplished feat, but when compared to her earlier efforts, rings hollow with it's lack of emotion. As other reviewers have noted, Ms Fleming does not sound like she is in complete grasp of the material, and her performance lacks any real depth or dramatic weight.

Perhaps the pieces of Handel aren't completely flattering to her style, or the mood in the recording studio might not have been exactly right...a million things might have happened to dull this album's power. I have listened to this album a couple of times now, and I'll keep it in my collection, but this one is for the die-hard Renee Fleming fans.

[Decca /Universal 475 547-2]

Handel sung with gusto and wit.......2005-12-07

I am utterly in love with Renee Fleming's voice and I am very glad that she returned to her roots in this luminous Handel Recital. While her fioritura is not as excellent as Sutherland's she surpasses the Australian with her sincerity and sense for drama. Not one word is sung without attention, her silken voice sound absolutely radiant here. I also noticed that she is singing more precisely and elegantly here, giving Handel a dignified elegance, yet passion that it hasn't had since Ferrier (Who was an alto but she still reigns supreme). It is definitely a step in the right direction. Brava Miss Fleming!

Very disappointing Handel recital.......2005-10-30

This recital is mostly very bland and boring, with Fleming's Baroque vocal technique lacking in many ways.
The slow, languid arias like the opening "Oh Sleep" are too drawn out, without any character. The fast acrobatic arias show lack of agility, and poorly executed and overdone ornamentation. Fleming's heavy, laboured coloratura seems ill fitted for these selections. "Scoglio d'immota" in particular is very bad. Her leaps "from stone to stone" in this aria are proceeded by something of a bellow before each note. Fleming's rthythmic waywardness is also very evident in many tracks, and her diction is very indistinct. In English tracks she prounounces vowels in such bizarre ways, her singing of "endless laav" made me laugh and her Italian in "Quando spieghi" is just awful.
Fleming's "Ombra Mai Fu" lacks any character, tenderness, not to mention the missing recitativo. Lorraine Hunt's infinitely superior version should not be even compared to this one. And "Lascia ch'io pianga" is just so over the top, it sounds like a crossover track without the beat. Even Angela Gheorghiu's soppy but honest singing of this piece beats Fleming's interpretation.
"Let the Bright Serephim" has very serious tempo and scooping issues; Kiri Te Kanawa's unremarkable but pleasant enough version is better. "V'adoro pupille" is another drawn out, overtly sentimental aria. And in "Da Tempeste" Fleming sings the runs as it was jazz (?) music, it's strange, and the da capo part is so over the top. This aria is a total mess.
I have to admit I have problems listening to this album as a whole, midway through I just could not tolerate it any more. When I finally listened to the rest of this album, I liked it even less. The last track, Peaceful Shore is again so bland and pointless. I was just glad to be at the end of this recital.
As many people pointed out, even the accoustics of this recording are not good. The Orchestra of Enlightment plays just fine, but it makes little difference. With so many wonderful recent Handel recitals to choose from (Hunt, Bayrakdarian, Conolly, classics like Kirkby, Battle's Baroque Duets...) I think this is the one to skip.

Brava Renee!!!.......2005-09-28

This album is truly amazing. Renee has such a way with music from the Baroque era. She didn't over Romanticize the music. She lightened her voice perfectly for Handel's arias. The Giulio Cesare arias are incredible, and Endless Pleasure from Semele is astounding. Once again Brava!!

Average customer rating:

Baroque Masterpieces
Great short Baroque piece collection
Excellent Baroque Collection

Baroque Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005YQL6
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Canon In D Major - Johann Pachelbel
Suites De Symphonies No. 1: I. Rondeau - Jean-Joseph Mouret
Adagio In G Minor - Tomaso Albinoni
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': I. Menuett In G Major, BWV Anh. 114 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': II. Musette In D Major, BWV Anh. 126 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': III. 'Bist Du Bei Mir', BWV 508 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': IV. Marche In D Major, BWV Anh. 122 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Christoph Willibald Gluck
Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke
Solomon: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba - George Frideric Handel
Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: Pastorale Ad Libitum - Arcangelo Corelli
Berenice: Overture - George Frideric Handel
Abdelazer: Rondeau - Henry Purcell
Xerxes: Largo - George Frideric Handel
Belshazzar: Martial Symphony - George Frideric Handel
Saul: Dead March - George Frideric Handel
Cantana BWV 147 Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conquering Hero Comes - George Frideric Handel
Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim - George Frideric Handel
Suite For Strings: I. Sarabanda. Largo - Arcangelo Corelli
Suite For Strings: II. Giga, Allegro - Arcangelo Corelli
Suite For Strings: III. Badinerie. Vivace - Arcangelo Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Baroque Masterpieces.......2007-07-07

The music was very good but wish they had more to listen too. Not enough bang.

Great short Baroque piece collection.......2005-02-05

This CD has 17 pieces on 22 tracks including 7 by Handel, 2 each by Bach & Corelli, and 1 each by Pachelbel, Mouret, Albinoni, Gluck, Clarke, & Purcell. They are frequently the best known piece by the composer--and easily recognizable: Pachelbel's Canon, Mouret's Rondeau (theme from PBS' Masterpiece Theater), Albinoni's Adagio, etc. If you like high quality short pieces/excerpts, this CD is for you. My only qualification is: no Telemann, but it's just too good for a 4-star rating.

Excellent Baroque Collection.......2003-07-22

As I have stated in many of my previous reviews, I am a huge fan of the Sony Essential Classics (SEC) budget series. Most of the recordings feature classic and often definitive performances featuring the likes of George Szell, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Casadesus, Isaac Stern and Rudolf Serkin among others. Here we get a variety of orchestras and conductors including big names like Jean-Claude Malgoire, Raymond Leppard, Pierre Boulez, Sir Charles Groves and the great Eugene Ormandy. This disc features excellent performances of what is arguably the most popular Baroque music ever written. I am not usually one to give five-star ratings to greatest-hits style collections (particularly in classical), but the half-dozen performances by Ormandy make this disc a great purchase for both novices and serious collectors.

Angelic Voices: The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir

Average customer rating:

It is a great CD
Found it to lack real depth
John P. Cutler

Angelic Voices: The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000HY8N
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
Ave verum corpus - K. 618
Hear My Prayer: O, For The Wings Of A Dove
Messiah: Hallelujah
Requiem: Pie Jesu
Exsultate, jubilate - K. 165 (Excerpt)
Silent Night, Holy Night
Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim
Rinaldo: Lascia ch'io pianga
Zadok The Priest
Fruhlingsstimmen - Op. 410
The Keeper Would A-Hunting Go
Scarborough Fair
Loch Lomond
Shenandoah
Now Is The Hour
The Girl From Ipanema
El condor pasa
La Guantanamera
Cielito lindo
Heidenroslein
Kuckuck, Kuckuck, ruft's aus dem Wald

Customer Reviews:

It is a great CD.......2001-03-22

I get this item and I can say is great, if you really want to get an idea about the vienna boys choir's work, you have to get this, you can admire the soloist voice, Emanuel Cencic, he has an outstanding voice, principally the track "let the bright querubin" but in general is a great compilation, you can stop listening.

Found it to lack real depth.......2000-01-12

The songs are nice and the music pleasant to listen to, but the titles are fairly short and there is something missing. I just didn't find it to be very moving, perhaps it's just the recording.

John P. Cutler.......1999-12-29

This CD covers a wide range of music.The Vienna Boys Choir have done another great job. I believe this CD is a great choice, one that You will be happy with.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

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