Epitaphs & Portraits

Editorial Reviews
FREDDIE BLUE FOX,WDST-FM, Woodstock, NY
"... a visionary pianist."

KAZUKO AMANO, Concert pianist, Tokyo
" ...it is beautiful, deep and beautiful... and sometimes like a prayer."

Album Description
A musical AIDS quilt of deep emotion and power honoring people who died of AID and their caretakers. Tonal beauty that is not sad but loving and gentle.

Epitaphs & Portraits

Epitaphs & Portraits, Music, Craig Urquhart, Craig Urquhart, Contemporary Instrumental, Keyboard, Music for Keyboard, Neo-Classical, This 14 track recording pays loving tribute to friends, acquaintances and caretakers of people who died of AIDS. It is not melancholy in tone but rather celebratory of these people and their lives.
Dreams of a World
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • "Dreams of a World": A Dialogue...
  • Dreams with raw emotions.
  • Still a dream ...
  • An Elegant Journey Around The World
  • Simply Superb
Dreams of a World

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Granados, EnriqueGranados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LecuonaAll Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TakemitsuAll Works by Takemitsu | Takemitsu, Toru | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TarregaAll Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TheodorakisAll Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GuitarGuitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Isbin, SharonIsbin, Sharon | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Journey to the Amazon
  2. Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur
  3. Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar
  4. Greatest Hits
  5. Latin Romances for Guitar

ASIN: B00002DEUI
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

  1. Virgillo
  2. Cancion
  3. Danza No. 1
  4. Fantasia
  5. Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair
  6. Darling Cora
  7. Putney Hymn
  8. Finale
  9. Londonderry Air
  10. Agua E Vinho
  11. Romanza
  12. Brisas Del Torbes
  13. Canto Siboney
  14. Preludio No. 6: Dolor
  15. Recuerdos De La Alhambra
  16. Four Songs: Of Sting And Honey - Tomorrow - Jerusalem Of Gold - Spy Girl
  17. One Day In May
  18. You Have Set My Star
  19. Varre Vento
  20. Dedicatoria

Amazon.com

This disc is obviously aimed at the world-music audience, if one judges from its title and the subtitle, "Folk-Inspired Music for Guitar." But that shouldn't dissuade listeners interested in more serious music. Isbin has collected original pieces and arrangements from Spain, Latin America, Appalachia, Ireland, Israel, and Greece--all of them quite lovely. It's really amazing to hear, for example, the "Londonderry Air," better known as "Danny Boy," in such a sympathetic arrangement by the late Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu. She plays with such technical mastery that you wind up taking it for granted, while appreciating her songful delivery of this highly varied program of music, which was mostly first intended for the human voice. The uncommonly attractive booklet, including photos of Isbin as a world traveler, is another asset to this fine program, as is Teldec's realistic recorded sound. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars "Dreams of a World": A Dialogue..........2005-03-28

I was introduced to Ms. Isbin's music this winter during a trip when a friend had "Dreams of a World" on for 3 days straight, dawn to dusk. Typically, after listening to the same CD twice, one gets bored or annoyed. Yet, this was not the case; on the contrary "Dreams of a World" warmed us up --it was delicately beautiful. Ms. Isbin employs an astonishing pallet of colors, which she blends with unprecedented technical mastery and imaginative nuances throughout her oeuvre.

Cancion y danza for guitar, Agua E Vinho Mahar and Yerushala'im shel zahav are pieces which can easily be overly sentimental and languorous. Ms. Isbin keeps a pleasant balance between the melancholy in her phrasing, the underlying dynamism of her voice
and the warm character of the pieces. I can only recommend Dreams of a World to anyone in search of high quality music played by an artist, not merely a technician.

5 out of 5 stars Dreams with raw emotions. .......2005-01-24

This is one of my all time favorite CD. When critics call Sharon Isbin the "Monet of the guitar" or the "preeminent guitarist of our time" they only begin do justice to her mastery of the instrument. On this CD my favorite pieces are Agua E Vinho, Cancíon y danza for guitar, Recuerdos de la Alhambra. They are superbly played; they are flawless, passionate ,very moving. I cannot help feeling transcend when listening to Dreams of a World. Ms. Isbin does more than play nice music from all over the world; in this CD she shares her heartfelt dreams of a world.

I highly recommend Dreams of a World.

5 out of 5 stars Still a dream ..........2004-12-26

This has long been my favorite classical guitar recording, and I just put it on again after hearing another recent favorite recording ("Reflections of Spain") played by David Russell, who is perhaps the most gifted contemporary guitarist on record. I was inspired to do so by Russell's performance of the "Cancion y Danza No. 1" by Antonio Ruiz-Pipo, which though quite excellent, I knew right away was quite different from Isbin's take on the same piece.

First, let me say, I hope that they are good friends, because they are both landmark musicians and worthy "competitors." Both clearly play with absolute love for both the music and the instrument. In short, I prefer Isbin's recording of the Pipo "Danza," even though, overall, Russell's playing is technically cleaner and more facile (but not by much). (Across his entire CD, I recall barely any string noise from Russell, where as Isbin manages a mere dozen or so clear such imperfections across her entire and ample CD; big deal).

I think the thing that draws me to Isbin in this piece (and her CD, in general) is her incredible variety of rhythm, attack, and tone color, all of which combine to give an impression of near perfect balance between spontaneity and precision. She has a way of taking time without the slightest sense of delay or heaviness. This is probably because her tempo never changes, only the rhythm around it, which is a classic hallmark of rhythmic mastery. This means that she hears and feels, both deeply and objectively, every moment of "sound and space" (notes and rest) from beginning to end, like an unbroken line painted across a master's canvas. Combined with this, she uses the space between her bridge and finger board to elicit the most amazing contrasts in tone color (one of the great contributions of Segovia to the art).

Russell plays with equal mastery of rhythm and attack, perhaps aided by the remarkable sonic depth built into his guitar. While he makes maximum use of that wonderful guitar sound, he is somewhat less dramatic in his changes of volume and tone color between phrases, aiming for a more consistent and lyrical quality, certainly another aim of mastery in itself, but there in lies the difference. Still, his sharp shaping of phrases, especially in his choice of Spanish music on his entire CD, with that impeccable technique behind it, weaves a spell all its own.

So, even though Russell's is among the finest pure Spanish musical CDs available, and one of my favorite in that genre (musical realm), I still have to give my nod to Isbin's multi-national effort for its unmatched ability to conjure, especially today, the most sublime dreams of a better world.

5 out of 5 stars An Elegant Journey Around The World.......2004-07-09

From the moment I put this CD on my player to the time the CD ended, I was transfixed. This CD is such a delight to the ears, that it is difficult to put into words the emotions experienced while listening. I attended a NY Philharmonic performance several weeks ago with guest soloist Sharon Isbin. Her live performance was mesmerizing. She did an encore performance of "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" which took my breath away. The NY Times reviewer called it a "...virtuoso encore...". How wonderful that this piece appears on Dreams of a World. A CD that will transport you around the world with the flavors of outstanding compositions interpreted by a musician who is one of the greatest living classical guitarists today. Do yourself a favor and experience the magic.

5 out of 5 stars Simply Superb.......2004-07-07

You don't have to be a classical music expert to love this CD. It is accessible to both the novice as well as the sophisticated listener.

Dreams of a World is the type of CD you come back to over and over again. Each listening reveals a new layer of complexity and mastery. To master an instrument requires a unique blend of disciplined technique and creative emotion. One may aspire to being a perfect technician and yet lack in emotive nuance. One may aspire to evoke emotion and yet lack proper technique. In either case the listener is left wanting. Isbin however, inspires by combining flawless technique with passionate creativity. For example, the works by Neomi Shemer shimmer. Isbin's technique, her emotion, and her versatility shine forth on this CD. This is a beautiful work, and should be in every music lovers collection.
Gould: West Point Symphony; Hovhaness: Symphony No. 4 & Giannini: Symphony No. 3
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Very good performances of middling repertoire
  • One Word: Contrabassoon!
  • Great Performances, Great Music
Gould: West Point Symphony; Hovhaness: Symphony No. 4 & Giannini: Symphony No. 3

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Morton GouldAll Works by Morton Gould | Gould, Morton | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Hovhaness, AlanHovhaness, Alan | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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  4. Eastman Wind Ensemble Plays Husa, Copland, Vaughan Williams, Hindemith
  5. Fennell: Suites 1 & 2 / Folk Song Suite / Toccata Marziale

ASIN: B0000057LS
Release Date: 1992-08-11

Tracks:

  1. West Point Symphony - Epitaphs
  2. West Point Symphony - Marches
  3. Symphony No. 3: Allegro energico
  4. Symphony No. 3: Adagio
  5. Symphony No. 3: Allegretto
  6. Symphony No. 3: Allegro con brio
  7. Symphony No. 4, Op. 165: Andante
  8. Symphony No. 4, Op. 165: Allegro
  9. Symphony No. 4, Op. 165: Andante espressivo

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Very good performances of middling repertoire.......2005-04-13

The Eastman Wind Ensemble's recordings of Giannini's Symphony No. 3 and Hovhaness' Symphony No. 4 came at the end of the Frederick Fennell era, when he handed off the baton to A. Clyde Roller in 1962. The sound of the group is perhaps never as close to perfection as in these three works (including Gould's West Point Symphony). As a French horn player, I appreciate the slightly more important emphasis given to the horn section in these recordings, which is merited by the music -- especially the long chorale sections in the Hovhaness.

While I purchased this CD for the West Point, I find it hard to agree with the reviewers that either the Gould or the Giannini are classic works of the wind ensemble repertoire. In particular, the Giannini seems very pedestrian to me; there is not much to distinguish it from several other band works by lesser composers during the 50s and 60s, except for a technically challenging and engaging fourth movement. The Hovhaness is a foot closer to classic music, and those who are already fans of this foreshadowing American conundrum will not be disappointed by this performance.

5 out of 5 stars One Word: Contrabassoon!.......2003-12-20

What a strange and wonderful collection of band music. I especially like the solos for piccolo, bass clarinet, and CONTRABASSOON. The brass harmonies in Hohvaness are a perfect example of erethreal beauty. The ominous CONTRABASSOON solo is very different to hear in a band work. The marimba solos are in 19/8 and 20/8 meter. The other works are also wonderful to listen to.

5 out of 5 stars Great Performances, Great Music.......1999-12-05

We lovers of music for symphonic band owe a lot to the pioneering recordings of Frederick Fennell and the Eastman Wind Ensemble. Here are three wonderful performances of three classic band works. Gould's West Point Symphony is full of martial spirit, but is tender and expressive as well. Giannini's Symphony is bold and exuberant, with a wistful slow movement. Hovhannes work is full of Eastern atmosphere, with it's long melismic solos and evocative brass chorales. Together, under the expert direction of Fennell and his associate, A. Clyde Roller, they make for a richly varied and thoroughly enjoyable program.
Beloved That Pilgrimage / Sanford Sylvan, David Breitman
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A great album
  • Spellbinding
  • Sanford Sylvan
Beloved That Pilgrimage / Sanford Sylvan, David Breitman

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BarberAll Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by CoplandAll Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000006E4B
Release Date: 1991-06-25

Tracks:

  1. Eight Epitaphs: Alice Rodd
  2. Eight Epitaphs: Susannah Fry
  3. Eight Epitaphs: Three Sisters
  4. Eight Epitaphs: Thomas Logge
  5. Eight Epitaphs: A Midget
  6. Eight Epitaphs: No Voice To Scold
  7. Eight Epitaphs: Ann Poverty
  8. Eight Epitaphs: Be Very Quiet Now
  9. Hermit Songs: At St. Patrick's Purgatory
  10. Hermit Songs: Church Bell at Night
  11. Hermit Songs: St. Ita's Vision
  12. Hermit Songs: The Heavenly Banquet
  13. Hermit Songs: The Crucifixion
  14. Hermit Songs: Sea-Snatch
  15. Hermit Songs: Promiscuity
  16. Hermit Songs: The Monk and His Cat
  17. Hermit Songs: The Praises of God
  18. Hermit Songs: The Desire for Hermitage
  19. Nature, the gentlest mother
  20. There came a wind like a bugle
  21. Why do they shut me out of Heaven-
  22. This world feels dusty
  23. Heart, we will forget him
  24. Dear March, come in!
  25. Sleep is supposed to be
  26. When they come back
  27. I felt a funeral in my brain
  28. I've heard an organ talk sometimes
  29. Going to Heaven!
  30. 12 - The Chariot

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A great album.......2001-12-30

This is an album of art songs composed by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland and Theodore Chanler and sung by Sanford Sylvan. Until I listened to this album, I'd never really enjoyed vocal performances of Barber's Hermit Songs. Sylvan's performances are thoroughly enjoyable. He's always on key, his voice is gorgeous and his interpretations are subtle and understated. This guy can really sing! His performance of Copland's "Heart, We Will Forget Him" is particularly moving.

If you enjoy Sylvan's singing on this album, check out his "Walt Whitman in l989" on the AIDS Quilt Songbook CD. The song is unforgetable and Sylvan's performance is one of the highlights of the CD.

5 out of 5 stars Spellbinding.......2000-07-16

I have lived with this disc for nearly two years now and am still blown away by it. It is simply breathtaking.

For those unaware, Sanford Sylvan is an American baritone best known for roles in John Adams' operas "Nixon in China" and "The Death of Klinghoffer." But where Sylvan really excels is in the world of the art song. These three song cycles showcase his considerable interpretive talents. He has a truly lovely lyric voice full of expressive capabilities and myriad colors, and he knows how to use the text intelligently without becoming blatant or arch.

The first song cycle, by Theodore Chanler, is a little-known gem consisting of epitaphs by Walter de la Mare. Each selection is so simple and direct that one can easily imagine oneself reading these epitaphs carved on tombstones in a New England cemetary. The simplicity is so affecting and Sylvan's performance so understated that after the cycle has ended the listener feels emotionally drained.

The two more famous selections are Barber's Hermit Songs and Copland's Emily Dickinson poems. The Barber interpretations rank with the best, if not perhaps topping any of them (Eleanor Steber's comes readily to mind). The Copland, on the other hand, is my favorite rendition of these pieces ever. This is a personal preference, for normally these songs are sung by a woman. But to hear Sylvan, an openly gay man, sing "Heart, we will forget him," is an experience not to be missed for its added dimension of loss and loneliness.

Not to slight the accompanist's contribution, Mr. Breitman plays exceptionally well, coloring the piano tone almost as expertly as Sylvan does his voice. These two make up an extraordinarily attuned duo.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this disc -- I guarantee you a listening experience you won't soon forget.

5 out of 5 stars Sanford Sylvan.......2000-06-19

Sanford Sylvan is one of the best lyric baritones in America. This recording shows his clean tone and sensitivity in music. He's beautiful voice is filled with great emotion and he handles the text with good intelligence. I truly recommend this wonderful recording.
Transformations [Hybrid SACD]
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Gentle on the psyche
Transformations [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

DuetsDuets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Maxwell Davies, PeterMaxwell Davies, Peter | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0007D09GU
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

  1. Hey Jude
  2. Michelle
  3. Here, There And Everywhere
  4. Yesterday
  5. Hiroshima To Lu Na No Shonen - Dominic Miller
  6. Bad Boy - Dominic Miller
  7. No.7: If Only I Had The Water Of Life
  8. No.4: You Have Set, My Star!
  9. No.3: A Day In May
  10. No.6: At The Window
  11. Variaciones Sobre El Carnaval De Venecia
  12. Farewell To Stromness
  13. I
  14. II
  15. III
  16. IV
  17. Over The Rainbow
  18. Londonderry Air
  19. The Last Waltz
  20. La Belle Dame Sans Regrets - Dominic Miller
  21. Fragile - Dominic Miller

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Gentle on the psyche.......2007-05-17

I keep this CD at work, and my office-mates request it more than any other CD on my desk. The amount of familiar tunes in this collection makes it accessible to everybody. Each piece is performed with grace; it will compliment the more esoteric guitar music in anyone's collection. Kaori Muraji lets each piece unfold like a soft summer night. This album is paced throughout so that it plays gently, and quietly maintains momentum. It makes for very enjoyable listening. Muraji can be a dynamic player. Live, she is very in the moment; typically you can see the music moving through her body and the mood of the music on her face. Always there is a serenity to her. You'll feel it on this CD as well. There are some beautiful treatments of Theodorakis and Takemitsu, but it was also nice to hear a pop tune like "The Last Waltz."
Even though my tastes tend towards more dramatic performances (works by The Assad Brothers or Yang Xue Fei), I've really enjoyed this collection. It would make a good gift item both for the serious guitarist (Muraji's technique and interpretations are impeccable) or the casual listener. Your mother would love to get this CD, especially if she's a guitarist. Show her you love her and give her a copy.
Mediterraneo: Hellenic Music for Classical Guitar
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Mediterraneo: Hellenic Music for Classical Guitar

    Manufacturer: Pearl
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by TavenerAll Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by TheodorakisAll Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    CelloCello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GuitarGuitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000000WWN
    Release Date: 1994-03-22

    Tracks:

    1. Kefallinian Suite: Delinatiko
    2. Kefallinian Suite: Divaratiko
    3. Kefallinian Suite: Sartisto
    4. Kefallinian Suite: Eliatiko
    5. Kefallinian Suite: Thiniatikos Ballos
    6. Kefallinian Suite: Variations On Tsakonikos
    7. Two Summaries: No. 6 Agitato
    8. Two Summaries: Summary No. 4 Animato
    9. Mediterraneo
    10. Musikones Op. 107: Terpsichore I (Epirotikos)
    11. Musikones Op. 107: Erato (Love Song)
    12. Musikones Op. 107: Terpsichore II (Tsamikos)
    13. Musikones Op. 107: Euterpe (Epitaph)
    14. Musikones Op. 107: Terpsichore III (Kalamatianos)
    15. Three Attic Dances: I. Poco Vivace
    16. Three Attic Dances: II. Lento: Sempre Sostenuto
    17. Three Attic Dances: III. Con Brio
    18. Four Epitaphs: I. Locks Of Hair
    19. Four Epitaphs: II. One Day In May
    20. Four Epitaphs: III. You Have Set My Star
    21. Four Epitaphs: IV. You Were Standing In Front Of The Window
    22. Chant
    Preludes to Passion
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Preludes to Passion

      Manufacturer: Music for a G'day Pro
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
      CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Bolero | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
      All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Bolero | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
      ASIN: B00005OBD8
      Release Date: 2001-08-20

      Tracks:

      1. Peter Schickele: Michael Praetorius
      2. Steven Rosenhaus: The Kiss
      3. Bohuslav Martinu: The Fifth Day of the Fifth Moon
      4. Francis Poulenc: Sicilienne from 'Suite Francaise'
      5. Eric Ewazen: The Resplendent Quetzel
      6. Sting: The Secret Marriage
      7. Bela Bartok: Wedding Song from Poniky
      8. Leo Kraft: Arietta from Partita for Piano
      9. Aaron Copland: In Evening Air
      10. J.S. Bach: Allemande from French Suite No. IV
      11. Paul Hindemith: The Swan from 'Six Chansons'
      12. Steven Rosenhaus: The Kiss-Reprise

      Album Description

      "Preludes to Passion:" is an invitation to beautiful and intimate piano works. Each composition--though brief and evanescent--resonates with emotion, enveloping the listener.

      Several works are vocal in origin and evolved into stunning keyboard works. Bartok's "Wedding Song" was composed for mixed chorus and accompaniment. The choral parts "sing" beautifully from the piano and joined with the original accompaniment, transform the song into a dramatic two-piano expression of love and regret. Hindemith's "The Swan," written for four-part a cappella chorus is passionately re-expressed at the keyboard, with Rilke's poem recited alongside. And, the heartbeat and emotion of Sting's "The Secret Marriage" joined with cello, touches the listener.

      "Preludes to Passion" beckons the listener to experience timeless, passionate gestures from the intimate realm of the keyboard.
      Choral Music of Morton Feldman & Stefan Wolpe
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • A useful, varied mix of Wolpe and Feldman
      Choral Music of Morton Feldman & Stefan Wolpe

      Manufacturer: New World Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B00004Y9TA
      Release Date: 2000-10-17

      Tracks:

      1. Two Chinese Epitaphs, Op.25: I. Twelve Peasants - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney/Benjamin Ramirez/Thomas Kolor
      2. Two Chinese Epitaphs, Op.25: II. By A Handful Of Rice - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney/Benjamin Ramirez/Thomas Kolor
      3. Christian Wolff In Cambridge - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney
      4. Chor Instrs II - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney/Benjamin Ramirez/Thomas Kolor...
      5. Four Pieces For Mixed Chor: I. Psalm 122: I Was Glad When They Said To Me - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney
      6. Four Pieces For Mixed Chor: II. Piece By Gershon Shofman: Remove Your Shoes From Your Feet - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney
      7. Four Pieces For Mixed Chor: III. Isaiah 43: 18-21: Remember Ye Not The Former Things - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney
      8. Four Pieces For Mixed Chor: IV. Jeremiah 31: 6-12: Sing Aloud With Gladness For Jacob - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney
      9. For Stefan Wolpe - Chor Of Saint Ignatius Of Antioch, New York City/Harold Chaney/Benjamin Ramirez/Thomas Kolor

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars A useful, varied mix of Wolpe and Feldman.......2004-01-16

      This disc collects together choral works by the German-American composer Stefan Wolpe and his most prominent pupil, the utterly different Morton Feldman. Despite their completely separate styles, the two had great respect for each other, a fact that is perhaps borne out by the final work on this disc being by Feldman and entitled For Stefan Wolpe.

      Wolpe's 1937 work Two Chinese Epitaphs is from his period of politically-committed socialist art. These two pieces, for chorus and drums, set protest poems decrying the atrocities committed against the powerless (the inlay writer makes the all-too-predictable comparison to Picasso's Guernica). The first piece is full of driving rhythms, dissonant and vigorous; the second is more consonant and subdued.

      The two short pieces by Morton Feldman make a dramatic contrast to the vigour and anger of the Wolpe. Christian Wolff in Cambridge, for a capella chorus and written in 1963, is nothing more than a three-minute sequence of chords. Chorus and Instruments II was written four years later, and adds tuba and chimes. It floats along in much the same way, though less consonantly.

      Returning to Wolpe, we hear his Four Pieces for Mixed Chorus. The tonal harmony of these pieces was related to the occasion for which it was written--a competition to write a work for an amateur Israeli choir--but the complexity of the writing meant it did not win the competition. This work strikes me as rather dry; despite some of its passing beauties I don't find it to represent Wolpe at his best.

      Feldman's For Stefan Wolpe was written in 1986, a year before the younger composer's death. At half an hour in duration, this work, for chorus and vibraphones, is one of the shorter of Feldman's late works. As with almost all late Feldman, the music is slow and quiet, and based on a number of short, gradually varying motifs that are repeated several times before moving onto the next. The work largely takes the form of a call-and-response structure between the chorus and vibraphones; though at the beginning of the work the choral parts are dominant, in the later stages of the work the vibraphone parts become gradually more extended.

      This is a good disc with an enjoyable variety of music--most of which is hard to come by on compact disc--on it. The Choir of Saint Ignatius of Antioch acquit themselves well under Harold Chaney, though I feel that Wolpe's Four Pieces needs the dynamism and technical assurance that a more big-name choir might bring. Nonetheless, this disc is well worth investigating if you're a fan of either composer.
      Bretan: Sacred Songs
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Bretan: Sacred Songs

        Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00000K089
        Release Date: 1999-08-17

        Tracks:

        1. Requiem: I. Introitus
        2. Requiem: II. Graduale
        3. Requiem: III. Dies Irae
        4. Requiem: IV. Offertorium
        5. Requiem: V. Sanctus
        6. Requiem: VI. Pie Jesu
        7. Requiem: VII. Agnus Dei
        8. Ave Maria
        9. The Lord's Prayer
        10. Small Christmas Song
        11. Close By The Graveyard
        12. God's Bankrupting Loan
        13. Christ-Cross In The Forest
        14. God's Arrival
        15. Prayer After War
        16. Death's Kinsman I
        17. Under Mount Zion
        18. Amen
        19. Futurum Imperfectum
        20. Mors Imperator
        21. Dust And Flower
        22. You Hours Slipping Into Night
        23. Wanderings' End
        24. The Garden Of Csucsa
        25. Epitaphs
        Live in Bern
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Live in Bern

          Manufacturer: Classic Concert Records / Balcon Records
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Kellner, DavidKellner, David | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by TheodorakisAll Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by TurinaAll Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by WaltonAll Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GuitarGuitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000B2WJZQ
          Release Date: 2005-08-23

          Tracks:

          1. Phantasia a-moll
          2. Phantasia A-Dur
          3. Introducion y Rondo Nr. 2, op.2
          4. Allegro
          5. Lento
          6. Alla Cubana
          7. No. IV
          8. con slancio
          9. En los trigales
          10. Sevillana-Fantasia
          11. No.5
          12. No.3
          13. No.2
          14. No.4
          15. Una limosna por el amor del dios

          Product Description

          "Nora Buschmann live is ""Brilliant and contentful"" (Lahrer Zeitung) ""Profound and sensitively"" (Fränkische Landeszeitung) ""... artist personality together with virtuous control of the instrument and the whole range of sound of a concert guitar... "" (Mitteldeutsche Zeitung) "
          Peter Maxwell Davies: Works for Organ
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Peter Maxwell Davies: Works for Organ

            Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            Maxwell Davies, PeterMaxwell Davies, Peter | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            FantasiesFantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            SonatasSonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
            OrganOrgan | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
            VoluntariesVoluntaries | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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            1. György Ligeti Edition 6: Keyboard Works (Piano, Harpsichord, Organ) - Irina Kataeva / Pierre-Laurent Aimard / Elisabeth Chojnacka / Zsigmond Szathmáry

            ASIN: B0000037HE
            Release Date: 1997-07-29

            Tracks:

            1. Fant
            2. Laus Deo
            3. Epitaphs For Edith Sitwell: I. Adagio
            4. Epitaphs For Edith Sitwell: lI. Adagio
            5. Vision Of Christ-Phoenix
            6. Fant On 'O Magnum Mysterium'
            7. Three Org Voluntaries: 1. Psalm 124
            8. Three Org Voluntaries: 2. O God Abufe
            9. Three Org Voluntaries: 3. All Sons Of Adam
            10. Reliqui Domum Meum
            11. Son: I
            12. Son: II
            13. Son: III
            14. Son: IV Toccata

            Track Listings:

            1. European Choral Music 1525 - 1751
            2. Feast
            3. Flying Dutchman (Bonus Track) [Import]
            4. Gavin Bryars: A Man in a Room, Gambling
            5. GLIERE - Symphony 3 (Farberman) & Cello Concerto
            6. Gorecki: Beatus Vir, Op. 38 / Totus Tuus, Op. 60 / Old Polish Music, Op. 24
            7. Hindemith: Ludus Tonalis, studies in counterpoint, tonal orani; Faure: Nocturne No7
            8. Hummel: Piano Concertos
            9. Ibert: Escales; Divertissement No1-6
            10. Johann Joseph Fux: Requiem

            Track Listings

            track listings

            Track Listings

            Rest of Our Lives Is Tonight

            The Art Of Olga Samaroff

            The Soul Truth

            Rose Room

            Fever to Tell [Enhanced] [Extra tracks] [Import]

            The Hi Masters [Import]

            This One's from the Heart

            Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite/Nutcracker Suite

            The Best Of United Artists Records 1958-1972

            The American Seasons [SACD]

            The Trumpet Summit Meets the Oscar Peterson Big Four

            Sones Cubanos [Import]

            Rompiendo el Silencio

            Blues & Soul Power

            Taking the Long Way Home