Great American Composers [Box set]

Disc: 1

1. American in Paris - International Symphony Orchestra

2. Rhapsody in Blue - International Symphony Orchestra

Disc: 2

1. There's No Business Like Show Business - International Symphony Orchestra

2. Alexander's Ragtime Band - International Symphony Orchestra

3. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - International Symphony Orchestra

4. Doin' What Comes Natur'lly - International Symphony Orchestra

5. Blue Skies - International Symphony Orchestra

See all 10 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. They Can't Take That Away from Me

2. Love Is Here to Stay

3. Nice Work If You Can Get It

4. Blues Theme from American in Paris

5. Foggy Day

See all 19 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. Sound of Music

2. It Might as Well Be Spring

3. Oh, What a Beautiful Morning

4. You Are Beautiful

5. June Is Bustin' Out All Over

See all 20 tracks on this disc

Great American Composers,Various Artists,Peter Pan,Box Sets (Audio Only),Classical,Classical Music,Orchestral & Symphonic,Traditional Pop

Average customer rating: Available at retailers for about $18 A classic compilation A dis-service to Joplin Unique Great set

Scott Joplin: His Complete Works Manufacturer: Bescol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin King of the Ragtime Writers Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls Joplin: Treemonisha Scott Joplin: Piano Rags ASIN: B000001RR2 Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

1. Please Say You Will - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Picture Of Her Face - Richard Zimmerman
3. The Great Crush Collision March - Richard Zimmerman
4. Harmony Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
5. Combination March - Richard Zimmerman
6. Original Rags - Richard Zimmerman
7. Maple Leaf Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Swipesy - Cake Walk - Richard Zimmerman
9. Sunflower Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Peacherine Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Augustan Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
12. The Easy Winners - Richard Zimmerman
13. Cleopha - Richard Zimmerman
14. The Strenuous Life - Richard Zimmerman
15. I Am Thinking Of My Pickanniny Days - Richard Zimmerman
16. The Ragtime Dance - Richard Zimmerman
17. A Breeze From Alabama - Richard Zimmerman
18. Elite Syncopations - Richard Zimmerman

Tracks:

1. March Majestic - S. Joplin
2. The Entertainer - S. Joplin
3. Something Doing - S. Joplin
4. Weeping Willow - S. Joplin
5. Little Black Baby - S. Joplin
6. Palm Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
7. The Favorite - S. Joplin
8. The Sycamore - S. Joplin
9. The Cascades - S. Joplin
10. The Chrysanthemum - S. Joplin
11. Rosebud March - S. Joplin
12. Bethena - S. Joplin
13. Leola - S. Joplin
14. Sarah Dear - S. Joplin
15. Binks Waltz - S. Joplin
16. Eugenia - S. Joplin
17. Antoinette - S. Joplin
18. Snoring Sampson - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Gladiolus Rag - S. Joplin
2. Searchlight Rag - S. Joplin
3. The Nonpareil (None to Equal) - S. Joplin
4. When Your Hair Is Like The Snow - S. Joplin
5. Rose Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
6. Heliotrope Bouquet - S. Joplin
7. School Of Ragtime - S. Joplin
8. Fig Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
9. Sugar Cane - S. Joplin
10. Pine Apple Rag - S. Joplin
11. Wall Street Rag - S. Joplin
12. Solace - S. Joplin
13. Pleasant Moments - S. Joplin
14. Country Club - S. Joplin
15. Paragon Rag - S. Joplin
16. Euphonic Sounds - S. Joplin
17. Stoptime Rag - S. Joplin
18. Felicity Rag - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Highlights From Treemonisha - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Real Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
3. Prelude To Act 3 - Richard Zimmerman
4. Frolic Of The Bears - Richard Zimmerman
5. Lovin' Babe - Richard Zimmerman
6. Scott Joplin's New Rag - Richard Zimmerman
7. Kismet Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Magnetic Rag - Richard Zimmerman
9. Reflection Rag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Silver Swan Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Lily Queen - Richard Zimmerman
12. Sensation - Richard Zimmerman

Customer Reviews:

Available at retailers for about $18.......2006-12-21

Excellent collection - but there are re-sellers listed here that are selling this for as much $50 or $60. Yikes, most major retailers are selling this complete set for $18 - so beware.

A classic compilation.......2006-10-07

This collection is one of my most treasured possessions. (My father gave me the original 5-album set in the 70's when it was originally released on vinyl.)

This is the definitive collection of Scott Joplin's work. Richard Zimmerman provides wonderful performances that accurately reflect Joplin's intentions. (As evidence beyond my personal opinion, I submit the recent releases of digital recordings made from Joplin's piano rolls.)

A few points to consider regarding negative comments you may encounter in other reviews:
* This is a digital recording from an analog master. Lack of quality in the recording does not imply a lackluster performance.
* This is a complete collection. Some similarity is due to Joplin re-exploring melodic themes. But some is due to the fact that these are "rags". One might as well complain that all 50's doo-wop (or all 70's disco) sounds the same.
* Many pieces of the period exhibit formal musical structures, such as the marches of John Phillips Sousa. (Both Sousa and Joplin performed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.) Actually, Joplin is responsible for extending the formal boundaries of ragtime to concert waltzes (Bethena) and opera (A Guest of Honor, Treemonisha)
* This is probably one of the few collections which will include selections from "Treemonisha". It is my understanding that after the initial release, one of Joplin's descendants made a copyright claim that was upheld in court. (I presume the issue was that Joplin had to finance "Treemonisha" himself, and therefore the customary performance clearances did not cover those selections.)

For ragtime students and enthusiasts, this is a "must-have" collection at a very affordable price.

A dis-service to Joplin.......2006-02-01

Sadly, the only virtue this set possesses is completeness.

The pianist does not play Joplin's pieces "as written", the piano is of poor quality, and not properly in tune.

This is emphatically NOT the set to buy. A far better set, beautifully annotated and well played on a good concert grand piano, is the complete works played by Guido Nielsen on the Basta Label.

This set is a dis-service to Joplin and his music. He deserves better, and gets it elsewhere.

Unique .......2004-10-19

I have several cd sets of Joplin's music: Rifkin, Arpo, Nielsen, and Zimmerman. All have their excellent qualities. What sets Zimmerman's set apart is the inclusion of excerpts from Joplin's opera, Treemonisha---especially "A Real Slow Drag." Why the other sets do not include excerpts from Treemonisha, I don't know---because they are some of his most beautiful and joyful pieces of music. Of course, you can hear the orchestrated version of Treemonisha in the Houston Grand Opera recording, and it is spectacular. But Zimmerman's piano version, especially of "A Real Slow Drag," is not to be missed.

Great set.......2001-10-16

I guess this will be a rather one sided review. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin since I first learned to play a piano.

I was shocked to see that one reviewer thought it all sounded the same. How silly. All of Frank Sinatra's music sounds like Frank Sinatra. All of Led Zeppelin sounds like Led Zeppelin. So, if the songs were drastically different, I would question if the same author composed them. As it is, though, each song on this set is fantastic!!

I don't know that I have heard of Richard Zimmerman, and I was a little leary as to what I would be getting, I certainly was impressed. Without a doubt the best renditions of "Weeping Willow" and "Bethena" I have heard, and at least a dozen songs I didn't know Joplin wrote.

Without a doubt, this album is fantastic. A very good price, as well.

Average customer rating: Sheer Beauty for the Ears Authenticity can sound great as well! a little world of baroque sound Wonderful relaxing music. -

Casanova Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Paisiello | Paisiello, Giovanni | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rameau | Rameau, Jean Philippe | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Harpsichord | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Casanova Memoirs of a Geisha Pride & Prejudice Mrs. Henderson Presents Match Point ASIN: B000BYR9YK Release Date: 2005-12-20

Tracks:

1. An Untold Story: Assaggio No.1 In G Minor - Johann Helmich Roman
2. The Legend Of Casanova: Tambourins I/II From Daro - Jean-Philippe Rameau
3. I Yield To Love: Cello Concerto No.3 In D Minor - Leonardo Leo
4. Eternal Damnation: Overture From Les Fetes De Polymnie/Overture From Platee/Overture From Zoroastre - Jean-Philippe Rameau
5. The Doge's Decree: Concerto In C Major - Antonio Vivaldi
6. A Venetian Virgin - Alexandre Desplat
7. San Cremori At Dawn: Concerto In C Major For Harpsicord And Strings - Giovanni Paisiello
8. A Lover's Duel: Overture From La Madrilena - Vicente Martin Y Soler
9. A Terrible Mistake: Concerto A 5, Op.9, No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
10. A Secret Lover?: Sinfonia From The Opera Farnace - Antonio Vivaldi
11. Marriage Is A Safe Haven: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
12. Trailing Guardi: Sonata For Violin And Bassocontinuo, Op.5 No.11 In E Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
13. The Noble Pig: Concerto Per Quartetto No.8 - Francesco Durante
14. Paprizzio's Arrival: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.2 In D Minor - Tomaso Albinoni
15. Inquisitor Pucci - Alexandre Desplat
16. : Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
17. A Big Idea: Harpsicord Concerto In B Flat Major - Francesco Durante
18. A Nom De Plume/Carnivale!: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.6 In G Major/Bouree From Les Plaisirs Champetres - Tomaso Albinoni
19. The Plume's Nom Is Casanova! - Sonny Kompanek
20. Dancing At The Doge's Ball: Riguadon From Water Music Suite, No.3 In G Major/Bouree From Music For Royal Fireworks/Loure From Tafelmusik1 - George Frideric Handel
21. One Step Closer To Heaven: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 In A Major - Tomaso Albinoni
22. Casanova's Confession: Sonata Op.5 No.7 In D Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
23. The Hanging: Violin Concerto 'Il Cimento Dell'Armonia E Dell'INvenzione' Op.8 No.11 In D Major - Antonio Vivaldi
24. A Great Escape: Overture From Zais/Overture From Nais/Overture From Achante Et Cephise Ou La Sympathie - Jean-Philippe Rameau
25. My Place Is With Casanova: Overture From Le Temple De La Gloire/Overture From Zais/Sonata For Violin And Bassocontinuo, Op.5 No.7 In D Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
26. All's Well...:Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 In A Major - Tomaso Albinoni

Amazon.com

The action in this tale about the 18th century adventurer and (at least in popular lore) seducer is set in Cassanova's native Venice in the mid-1700s, so it makes sense that the soundtrack would be loaded with Baroque pieces. The Venice-based Tomaso Albinoni is featured prominentaly, along with heavyweights such as Antonio Vivaldi, Jean-Baptiste Rameau, and George Frideric Handel, and lesser-known composers such as Arcangelo Corelli, Francesco Durante, and Alexandre Desplat. Er, actually Desplat is a contemporary French film composer who also released his score for the couldn't-be-more-different Syriana shortly after Casanova came out. Of the two pieces he penned here, "A Venetian Virgin" is in pure Baroque style, while "Inquisitor Pucci" betrays a more modern film-music vibe. Meanwhile, orchestrator Sonny Kompanek rearranged a couple of the tracks and authored the tense "The Plume's Nom Is Casanova," which doesn't sound embarrassing sandwiched between pieces by Albinoni and Handel. Overall, it would have been nice to get longer excerpts from the pieces--many feel chopped into too-small fragments--but the music's innate grace and elegance can't be beat for a period film. Or for any film, really: Vivaldi's Concerto in C Major ("The Doge's Decree") will be familiar to buffs, who will remember it featuring prominently in the Dustin Hoffman-¬Meryl Streep showdown Kramer vs. Kramer back in 1979. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Sheer Beauty for the Ears.......2006-07-25

For those that purchased this CD, I need not get into how masterfully infectious the movie was. After the first viewing, I found it charming, but after the second, I was hooked by the witty, clever story holding fun twists all along the way. So while I could go on and on about the movie and all of its wonderful aspects, the score was simply priceless. Apt in every scene, and all done with incredible baroque music that I had never had the opportunity of hearing before the film.

The disc walks you through the movie with no changes that I could tell from the original score. The only omission I found was that the song dubbed "Casanova's Theme" is played in much greater length in the closing credits, and that didn't seem to make it to the CD. Not a terrible loss.

Authenticity can sound great as well!.......2006-07-11

As an avid baroque music listener and performer, I can attest to the delightfully pleasing performances on the soundtrack as well as the painstakingly accurate performance practices utilized in the recording of this soundtrack.

The producers of this film fortunately went to the trouble of hiring some of the top period performance musician-specialists in the country (perhaps in the entire world) to record the soundtrack to Casanova. I know, because several of them were faculty members of the Oberlin Conservatory Baroque Performance Institute who went AWOL to Hollywood in June 2005 for the recording sessions. We all forgave them, and were actually quite excited that period music performance was having its day on the silver screen.

Do not miss this exquisite potpourri of wonderful baroque composers' works performed as closely as humanly possible to the way that they heard their works during their lifetimes! The film may not have been intended to be historically accurate (part of the fun), but the music certainly ended up that way. Not only that, but it sounds heavenly (unlike Casanova's antics) and up-to-date, not musty and old as if it were sealed in a museum case.

a little world of baroque sound.......2006-02-26

Lots of interesting baroque music unknown to me and
put together in dramatic sequences that add zest and
class to the listening experience. Also wonderful to
play in auto while driving thru boring country or in
slow moving traffic!
This CD will get a lot of play from me.
5 Stars!

Wonderful relaxing music........2006-02-25

Saw the movie and had to have the soundtrack. Great music to relax by. When you need to get away from the cares of the day the classics can't be beat. The producers of this movie certainly chose wonderful music to accompany it.

-.......2006-02-18

Good music but each is too short.
The original version of each may be better.

Average customer rating: GREAT! A relaxing journey into our Colonial past Fantastic! Cold Mountain type music that's great

Colonial America Manufacturer: Maggie's Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International Folk | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Early American Roots The World Turned Upside Down Music of the American Revolution: The Birth of Liberty Celtic Roots The Spirit of '76 and Ruffles and Flourishes ASIN: B0000C9Z9X Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

1. Rickett's Hornpipe/ Fishers Hornpipe
2. Maiden Lane/ Jack O' Lent/ Chestnut/Bonny Broom
3. Parting Friends/Primrose
4. Flowers of Edinburgh/East Neuke of Fife
5. Prelude / La Catherine
6. Planxty Browne/Planxty Burke
7. Cutie Clat Her
8. John Come Kiss me Now
9. Scots Tune
10. Carolan's Farewell to Music
11. A Port
12. Yeil, yeil
13. Kedron/Saint's Delight/Promised Land
14. Gird the Logie
15. La Belle Cavalier
16. La Luxillier/La Balanje
17. Federal Overture
18. Death & Life

Album Description

Spirited new sounds from across the sea to the shores of the New Land. From the first colonists to the American Revolution and the birth of our republic Hesperus Early Music Ensemble's music reflects a time of new ideas, freedom and vitality. In town and village, parlor and ballroom, from the Appalachians to the great concert halls hear the musical pulse of early American music performed on a wide variety of folk and early music instruments. Includes: lively country-dance tunes, evocative Shape Note Hymns, old time Appalachian fiddle tunes, graceful European parlor music, French cotillions, divisions and improvisations. Introduction -The English Colonies in America were a patchwork-not just of territories whose boundaries became state lines, but of people from different places and classes with widely different values and experiences. This recording presents music from that patchwork; from England, the Colonial homeland; Scotland and Ireland, the homes of the largest groups of immigrants outside England; and France, the ally of the Patriots, and music written in the United States. More recordings by HESPERUS from Maggie's Music are Celtic Roots featuring Scottish fiddler, Bonnie Rideout and Early American Roots. Hesperus Ensemble is THE sought after musical group for period music that is both authentic, and most important fun, lively and spirited. They are frequent performers at the Smithsonian's Institute of American Music and can be heard on the soundtrack or the Paramount film with Johnny Depp entitled Sleepy Hollow! Excerpts from liner notes:2.A Set of English Country Dance Tunes: Maiden Lane, Jack O'Lent, Chestnut, Bonny Broom - The visionary London music publisher John Playford first published his English Dancing Master in 1651. It was reprinted 18 times over the next 77 years and is still popular today. 3. Parting Friends/Primrose - These tunes have come down to us in choral arrangements called shape-note hymns .

Customer Reviews:

GREAT!.......2007-05-20

This cd travels everywhere with me and you can easily imagine a ball at Monticello given by Mr. Jefferson when you hear it.
Try not to daydream too much while driving as i had done several times..lol..it's hard not to with this cd..:)
Perfect for a colonial reenactment or party.

A relaxing journey into our Colonial past.......2006-03-16

I bought this CD to provide me with another dimension to my studies of period events. It truly contains a wealth of music, and takes it place as an important addition to my musical library. Living in the Mt Vernon area, I often travel with the CD playing while visiting historical places, and it provides a wonderful companion to "set the mood" for the myriad locations in the area. The quality of the sound is remarkable, the musicians superb, and the breadth of song selection provides a musical landscape for the period. Highly recommended!!

Fantastic!.......2004-03-04

I first heard the "Colonial America" CD by Hesperus when I visited Monticello recently (the home of Thomas Jefferson) where they were playing the songs in the gift shop. Imagine my dismay to find that only one cassette tape was left of the fabulous music of Hesperus; however, that tape held me spell-bound all the way home, from Virginia to North Carolina.

It was an incredible journey from the past that has stayed with me since, and every day I drive that one hour back and forth to work. This music has changed everything about the trips, and I can't wait for more.

Thanks to Amazon.com I was able to buy all three CD's, including "Early American Roots," "Colonial America" and the incredible "Celtic Roots" with the most beautiful violas imaginable.

Thank you Hesperus! Please play more!

Cold Mountain type music that's great.......2003-11-15

Novels and movies like Cold Mountain, Oh Brother Where Art Thou? and Song Catchers are showing the growing interest in traditional music and this recording hits the mark. It is music from the days of early America--the time when the first colonists come to America. You can hear the fiddle playing tunes still popular in the Appalachian mountains today and also hear shape note music arranged by Hesperus as wonderful instrumentals. The music takes you to a time when folks were making music in their homes-before TV, before the internet! This recording is good for teachers or educational purposes too- with informative liner notes. All the music is played on folk and early music instruments and it's lively and an enjoyable listen.

Average customer rating: Oil and Water... a little too wobbly for me A replacement for Robert Shaw The Best Recording by One of our Finest Choral Ensembles Wonderful Ensemble

Deep River Adam Reinwald , Alan Dunbar , Kelvin Chan , Timothy Takach , Harry T. (Henry) Burleigh , William Levi Dawson , Jester Hairston , John W. II Work , Albert Jordan , Brad Erbes , Brian Arreola , Michael Hanawalt , Peter Zvanovec , and Cantus Male Ensemble Manufacturer: Cantus ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Let Your Voice Be Heard ...Against the Dying of the Light The Spirituals Of William L. Dawson (#2159) Comfort & Joy: Volume Two Comfort and Joy: Volume One ASIN: B0000V8G1O Release Date: 2003-10-01

Tracks:

1. Ezekiel Saw the Wheel: Harry T. Burleigh
2. Heaven, Heaven: Harry T. Burleigh
3. Poor Man Lazrus: Jester Hairston
4. King Jesus Is A-Listening: William Dawson
5. In His Care-O: William Dawson
6. This Ol' Hammer: John W. Work III
7. Great God A'mighty: Jester Hairston
8. Were You There?: Harry T. Burleigh
9. There is a Balm in Gilead: William Dawson
10. Deep River: Harry T. Burleigh
11. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: William Dawson
12. My Lord, What a Morning: Harry T. Burleigh
13. Steal Away: William Dawson
14. Soon ah-Will Be Done: William Dawson
15. Ain't a That Good News: William Dawson
16. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit: William Dawson
17. In That Great Getting' Up Morning: Jester Hairston

Album Description

Cantus proudly announces the release of "Deep River," a treasury of African-American Spirituals. The Spiritual represents the musical melting pot of America like no other type of song by at once revealing its African roots while reflecting the American experience with music that speaks of both hardship and hope. The album features some of the most beloved American folk songs such as "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel", "Were You There", "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Soon-ah Will Be Done." "Deep River" also delves into the roots of American roots music by exclusively featuring music by the preeminent first and second generation African-American composers - Harry T. Burleigh, William Dawson, John W. Work and Jester Hairston - in both well known and long forgotten arrangements of these immortal songs. Recorded by Stereophile Magazine editor John Atkinson in 24 bit sound, "Deep River" is a treat for the ears and a balm for the soul.

Customer Reviews:

Oil and Water..........2005-10-05

Don't Get me wrong... Cantus is one of the finest male chamber choirs around right now. They do marvelous work and cover a wide variety. Unfortunately, spirituals are not exactly Cantus's strongest suit. The biggest hindrance to this recording is that Cantus does not effectively capture the "spirit" of a spiritual. The music almost sounds funny because the spirituals are sung with very traditional, very trained classical voices. I love hearing people sing who were trained very meticulously to sing well, but I don't want to hear someone sing "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel" like Pavoratti. It sounds really funny and doen't capture the character of the music.
Another issue that I have with this recording (and most of Cantus's other recordings at that) is that it was recorded so softly. I don't like to have to feel like I am cranking my speakers to hear the music effectively. Being an active listener, I like to listen to music loud just because I can hear more layers when its loud. The low recording volume on the CD really hinders the active listening experience, leaving the CD to lend itself to the purpose of background music and passive listening.
Also, the first 5 arrangements on the disc are fairly bland. They are lack variety and musicality. Only until "Great God Almighty" comes around does the listener truly become exposed to really good choral writing. Other standing out arrangements are "Where You There?" which is absolutely moving, "There Is A Balm In Gilead" which is very well written, "Deep River" which is so tranquil and relaxing, and "Soon Ah Will Be Done" and "In His Care-O" are great bouncy arrangements.
Essentially, Cantus and Spirituals are just oil and water: they don't mix so well. Aside from a hand full of bland arrangements and a very low mixing job the CD only has one real hindrance of a problem: Cantus doesn't make the distinction between Spirituals and Brahms.

a little too wobbly for me.......2005-03-03

I am familiar with this group and their origins with the world famous St. Olaf Choir of Northfield, MN. While the singers are obviously talented, I felt like I was listening to 11 "solo" singers, rather than a tight ensemble. Way too much individual vibrato even considering the free-flowing genre of the music. I don't want them to be as "tight" as San Francisco's "Chanticleer", but holy smoke, there has got to be something in the middle. Maybe an association with Dale Warland would help, because they obviously have great potential.

A replacement for Robert Shaw.......2004-12-03

Many years ago I had a vinyl record by the Robert Shaw Chorale the title of which was "Deep River." I've been waiting for it to be reissued on cd and have purchased many recordings of negro spirituals on cd hoping to find one where the performance could be compared favorably with the Robert Shaw recording. All of the tries were busts until I found this one. Wow!!! This is a super recoridng of those spirituals. The only thing it lacks is the female voices but thi group of males needs to make no apologies. I love this cd.

The Best Recording by One of our Finest Choral Ensembles.......2004-10-24

"Take this Hammer,' "Steal Away," and "My Lord What a Morning" are just three of the acappella treasures recorded in a warm, natural accoustic by these nine superb singers from Minnesota. The arrangements they've chosen are as complex and moving as their source lyrics and melodies, and the the 24-bit recording by John Atkinson is as good as you get.

It's not easy to make spirituals sound fresh, dynamic and viscerally affecting. But that's exactly what Cantus has done. This is choral singing of the highest order recorded by a master of recorded sound.

I do hope Cantus continues to record on this or another independent label. A big music conglomerate would just glitz it up.

These young men have accomplished so many splendid things on their own over the past nine years, and this release is their best by far.

Wonderful Ensemble.......2004-04-15

I bought "let Your Voice Be Heard" some time ago and really loved the interpretations, the virtuosity of the singing and the clarity of the recording. I'm a Stereophile subscriber and read the articles by Atkinson regarding the recording sessions - they take great care to do a good job and it shows.

This CD is compelling, if you like choral music you will love this disc. Listen to it a few times and you will go away singing.

There are a couple of spirituals on this disc that are also on "Let your voice..." but in different arrangements.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Syncopation Grrr....boring. Superb performances of lightweight works. The LSO ain't a great jazz ensemble Overrated interpretation/performance

Great Recordings Of The Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, American in Paris / Previn, London SO Andre Previn Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Great Recordings Of The Century - Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Borodin: Polovtsian Dances / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas Performs and Conducts Gershwin Great Recordings of the Century: Beethoven "Archduke" Piano Trio and Schubert Piano Trio in B flat Shostakovich: Piano Concertos; 3 Fantastic Dances; 5 Preludes & Fugues, Op. 87 Great Recordings Of The Century - Elgar: Violin Concerto, 'Enigma' Variations / Elgar, Menuhin ASIN: B00000IGWV Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody In Blue
2. Rhapsody In Blue: An American In Paris
3. Piano Concerto In F: I. Allegro
4. Piano Concerto In F: II. Adagio - Andante con moto
5. Piano Concerto In F: III. Allegro agitato

Amazon.com

The best Gershwin pianists are able to fuse a solid classical technique with an innate feeling for jazz timekeeping. André Previn is ideal in both respects. He knows that Gershwin's lyrical musings need not be distended, as one might do in a Tchaikovsky or Liszt concerto. Previn also accents syncopated figures without overemphasizing them, or beating them into the ground. On the other hand, Previn can't help monkeying around with the text, but many Gershwin pianists have done worse. The London Philharmonic matches their soloist-conductor in verve and swagger. Fine as the concerted works are, An American in Paris takes the cake in a performance that truly evokes a wide-eyed tourist swept up in the bustle and allure of any vibrant city. The 1971 sonics haven't aged a bit, and EMI's newly minted transfer will please the most exacting audiophile. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Syncopation.......2007-05-21

The sound of this recording is warm, live, and detailed representing the best of EMI. The performance is wonderful and has great syncopation. Kudos to Andre Previn!

Grrr....boring........2004-11-22

Tragically, I was misled by my impression of Andre Previn, plus the Amazon review here, into buying this disc. Too bad - it manages to be boring and without color; wholly unremarkable.

The most important problem is that this is NOT the original "jazz band" version of Rhapsody in Blue - the version originally performed. This is the "monkeyed around with 30 years later" version, and the distinction is important because the jazz band version is smaller (in terms of orchestra size), funner, far jazzier - and it includes the saxophone! This CD, however, has the full orchestra bit, which dulls the fun and removes the edge, and doesn't have the saxophone (which is my second favorite instrument in the Rhapsody after the piano).

The pieces are played without flair and, as one other reviewer put it, unjazzily. Previn's pretty good on the piano, actually, but the LSO doesn't swing like it should. I used to like the Piano Concerto, but now I avoid listening to it and consider it scummy, mildewy, tired, and irritating.

Actually, this disc sent me into an anti-Gershwin mania for some months. I figured the guy was overrated; whereas everyone says he's so much fun, I thought it wasn't any fun at all. 'Tis a good thing I got the James Levine/CSO version - that REALLY swings. It's a barrel of fun. It's the original version of Rhapsody in Blue. And, in DDD, it all sounds a lot better.

Buy Levine - it's just divine;
But avoid this disc - it's boring and uninspired. I don't know what some people seem to see in it.

P.S. Also disappointed with the music selection here. They had 14 minutes left on the CD, but didn't throw in a good Cuban Overture, which is one of the funnest things George ever wrote. Too bad.

This disc just isn't fun.

Superb performances of lightweight works........2004-05-01

George Gershwin remains one of the finest songwriters of the 20th century. As a melodist, he had few peers, and he left a body of work that remains a monument to his talent. In "Porgy and Bess," he created one of the few American operas to find a niche in the repertory, and songs like "Summertime" and "Bess, You is My Woman Now" made "Porgy" a truly great work.

It is when one gets to Gershwin's excursions into orchestral music that problems arise, at least in my opinion. Don't get me wrong--there are many wonderful things about "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris," and the Piano Concerto in F. At their best, they abound in melodic invention and a swaggering jazzy charm.

Unfortunately, it must be said that they also have a tendency to meander in search of where to go next, and to rely on heavy doses of bombastic horn sforzandos and quick scalar piano runs in place of real ideas or development. For this listener, Gershwin's penchant for compensating for a lack of ideas with noise proves very tiresome, and weighs down the positive qualities of his concert music.

As far as the performances on this disc, you cannot do better than Andre Previn and the LSO. Previn's background as a jazz pianist and Hollywood orchestrator and arranger is ideally suited to the music at hand, and both the pianism and orchestral playing are outstanding. They are, indeed, as good as this music deserves.

The LSO ain't a great jazz ensemble.......2001-10-10

If this is the only rendition of these Gerswhin pieces you've heard, then you'll probably be satisfied; however if you have a copy of Jeffrey Siegel with Leonard Slatkin and the Saint Louis Symphony, then you might be less charmed by Previn's approach and you could well be downright disappointed by some of the orchestral playing, particularly the brass and woodwinds. The sound quality is not ideal either, the piano relentlessly dominant, and the orchestral details indistinct, and despite the very recent remastering there is an edginess to the sound that is unnatural and distracting. For mine, definitely not one of the great recordings of the century.

Overrated interpretation/performance.......2001-09-24

I found Previn's "Rhapsody" a grave disappointment.

The orchestra, particularly the brass, is sloppy and frequently downright inappropriate-- bombastic percussion, weak horns, and so on. As for interpretation, from beginning to finish Previn-- both as conductor and as pianist-- seems perpetually rushed, as though Gershwin's music were merely a means to a higher end. I found this interpretation devoid of profundity in any emotional realm; thoroughly un-groovin' and un-movin'. Don't bother.

Average customer rating: A terrific collection of Sousa pieces A Grand Sousa Concert, Indeed Thumbs up

Grand Sousa Concert Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fennell Conducts Sousa Sousa Marches: Stars and Stripes Forever Strictly Sousa Sousa's Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002SJW Release Date: 1991-01-18

Tracks:

1. Gallant And Gay We'll March Away - Let's Hurrah!
2. The Pathfinder Of Panama
3. El Capitan
4. Ancient And Honorable Artillery Company
5. The Gladiator
6. The Gliding Girl (Tango)
7. Foshay Tower Washington Memorial
8. Who's Who In Navy Blue
9. King Cotton
10. The Presidential Polonaise
11. The Liberty Bell
12. With Steady Step
13. The Stars And Stripes Forever!
14. Sabre And Spurs
15. La Reine De La Mer (Valses)
16. Mikado March
17. George Washington Bicentennial
18. Manhattan Beach
19. With Pleasure (Dance Hilarious)
20. The Fairest Of The Fair
21. Here's To Your Health, Sir!
22. The Washington Post

Customer Reviews:

A terrific collection of Sousa pieces.......2006-06-09

John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was one of America's best known composers. And he composed a wide variety of works, mostly for wind band. As a wind band member, I've played many of his marches.

You won't have any difficulty finding albums of Sousa's marches. But what about the rest of his works? This fine album includes a few and the Nonpareil Wind Band, under the direction of Timothy Foley, does an excellent job of playing them.

If I had to choose just eight of Sousa's pieces in order to introduce an audience to Sousa, here is what I would select:

El Capitan
Sound Off
With Pleasure
The Crusader
The Free Lance
The Gladiator
Semper Fidelis
The Fairest of the Fair

As you can see, half of these eight pieces are on this disc. You'll have to look elsewhere to find the others.

I highly recommend this excellent album.

A Grand Sousa Concert, Indeed.......2005-01-31

I'll come right out and say it. I love John Philip Sousa. I find his work addictive, joyous, and often very surprising. This is an album that explains why - it's perfectly arranged and performed, and the selections included could not be any better.

First of all, it's important for folks new to Sousa to understand that no, sir - he didn't compose only marches. Rather a shame that nowadays those are almost exclusively what he's legendary for - they are gems, indeed, but there's far more to the man than what we so often hear in high school bands, hometown parades and national events. Sousa could charm us with playful foxtrots, delight us with unique tangos, caress the ears with heavenly waltzes, and humor us with whimsical cakewalks. Thank goodness this album proves this truth.

Appropriately, the Great American Main Street Band plays each piece with strength, elan and respect - it doesn't get any better. The finest selections include "The Pathfinder of Panama" - a truly rousing march; "The Gliding Girl" - a tango, dedicated to his daughter, Priscilla); "The Presidential Polonaise" - a most noble dance; "La Reine de la Mer" - one of my favorite waltzes, so lovely; and "With Pleasure" - a cakewalk in the most deleriously fanciful fashion. Of course, each piece amongst these stong points is just wonderful, as well.

In all, this is just a flat out great album. Required listening for newly-minted Sousa fans, as well as members of the Old Guard - that would include me. It's a joy to hear, and will become a frequent resident in your CD shuffler - I guarantee that.

Thumbs up.......2003-02-05

Good, crisp rendering of a fine selection of Sousa pieces. Conductor Timothy Foley is well respected.

Average customer rating: Copland's conduction of GREAT CITY is better than Slatkin's Another masterpiece...

The Copland Collection: Orchestral Works, 1948-1971 Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948 Aaron Copland: The Essence of America [Box Set] Copland: Symphony No. 3; Quiet City A Copland Celebration Vol. 2 A Copland Celebration Vol. 1 ASIN: B0000027JC Release Date: 1991-09-26

Tracks:

1. The Red Pony, Film Suite For Orchestra (1948): I. Morning On The Ranch
2. The Red Pony, Film Suite For Orchestra (1948): II. The Gift
3. The Red Pony, Film Suite For Orchestra (1948): III. Dream March And Circus Music
4. The Red Pony, Film Suite For Orchestra (1948): IV. Walk To The Bunkhouse
5. The Red Pony, Film Suite For Orchestra (1948): V. Grandfather's Story
6. The Red Pony, Film Suite For Orchestra (1948): VI. Happy Ending
7. Preamble For A Solemn Occasion (1949): Preamble For A Solemn Occasion
8. Orchestral Variations (1957): Theme: Grave
9. Orchestral Variations (1957): Variation I - Varation XX
10. Orchestral Variations (1957): Coda: Subito lento moderato
11. Dance Panels (1959, Revised 1962) (Ballet In Seven Sections): I. Introduction: Moderato (Tempo di Valzer); Espressivo un poco rubato
12. Dance Panels (1959, Revised 1962) (Ballet In Seven Sections): II. Allegretto con tenerezza (un poco rubato)
13. Dance Panels (1959, Revised 1962) (Ballet In Seven Sections): III. Scherzando; Moderato
14. Dance Panels (1959, Revised 1962) (Ballet In Seven Sections): IV. Pas de trois. Lento
15. Dance Panels (1959, Revised 1962) (Ballet In Seven Sections): V. Con brio
16. Dance Panels (1959, Revised 1962) (Ballet In Seven Sections): VI. Con moto
17. Dance Panels (1959, Revised 1962) (Ballet In Seven Sections): VII. Molto ritmico; Coda; come prima; Moderato

Tracks:

1. Connotations (1961-1962) For Orchestra
2. Down A Country Lane (1962)
3. Music For A Great City (1963-1964): I. Skyline
4. Music For A Great City (1963-1964): II. Night Thoughts
5. Music For A Great City (1963-1964): III. Subway Jam
6. Music For A Great City (1963-1964): IV. Toward The Bridge
7. Inscape (1967)
8. Three Latin-American Sketches: 1. Estribillo (1971)
9. Three Latin-American Sketches: 2. Paisaje Mexicano (1959)
10. Three Latin-American Sketches: 3. Danza de Jalisco (1959)

Customer Reviews:

Copland's conduction of GREAT CITY is better than Slatkin's.......2005-09-05

SKYLINE is a fun track that's based on the premise of Big City Overload. And naturally it's immediately followed by the low-key introspective NIGHT THOUGHTS.

Consider Lenny Bernstein's main theme from his MASS. I'm talking about the tune that was done klezmer-style and chorale-style. When the chorale sings it, it contains a descending 4-note phrase. Followed by a descending 5-note phrase. Okay--now listen for a certain passage in NIGHT THOUGHTS that sounds similar to Bernstein's passage. The only basic difference is that both of Copland's phrases are 5-note phrases. And let me add that Copland's NIGHT THOUGHTS was written years before Bernstein's MASS.

Another masterpiece..........2000-06-30

The third of the Copland Collection from Sony is much like the other two: Wonderful playing, orchestration, recording, and booklet. This is my favorite of the three of the CD sets though. Music is very 'Copland' like. The Red Pony is from the movie is an excellent suite. Dance Panels is the least known of the 4 ballets by Copland. But just like Appalachian Spring and Billy the Kid, it is very Copland, very exciting, and very good. Unlike the other three you may find on the 2nd CD set of this series, this is the entire ballet not just the suites. Down A Country Lane is now one of my favorite Copland works. So soothing, it can really paint the picture of a beautiful country road on a spring day. Music for a great city is actually from a movie (booklet tells all). Each of the four movements describes the big city just as we all have known it. All the other works are nothing to look down upon either. Most works are conducted by Copland with the London Symphony (he really knocked them into shape). A couple were conducted by Bernstein which are still up to standard. Great CD collection! Buy all three.

Average customer rating: Good, not grand, sound on Grofe fifties fest.

Great American Grofé Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Grofé, Ferde | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grofé, Ferde | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Grofe: Death Valley Suite Route 66 Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO ASIN: B000002SP9 Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

1. Grand Canyon Suite: Sunrise
2. Grand Canyon Suite: Painted Desert
3. Grand Canyon Suite: On The Trail
4. Grand Canyon Suite: Sunset
5. Grand Canyon Suite: Cloudburst
6. Mississippi Suite: Father Of Waters
7. Mississippi Suite: Huckleberry Finn
8. Mississippi Suite: Old Creole Days
9. Mississippi Suite: Mardi Gras
10. Death Valley Suite: Funeral Mountains
11. Death Valley Suite: 49er Emigrant Train
12. Death Valley Suite: Desert Water Hole
13. Death Valley Suite: Sand Storm
14. Grand Canyon Suite: Cloudburst

Customer Reviews:

Good, not grand, sound on Grofe fifties fest........2002-03-11

Felix Slatkin's renditions of Ferde Grofe's "Grand Canyon" and "Mississippi" suites are good, though the spacious fidelity required for this music isn't here--even by 1956 standards, the acoustics are cramped. Contrast this with the big-sounding Andre Kostelanetz version from 1941 that was consistently reissued on Columbia for decades, from shellac to vinyl, and then from monaural to reprocessed stereo. (Why isn't this masterful performance on CD??) Otherwise, the scrunched dynamics and tape hiss are no worse than one would expect from the period--better, perhaps. Frankly, I didn't know that stereo existed in 1956, but apparently it did. Though it sounds a tad empty, this is authentic stereo.

The real reason to buy this CD, however, is the Grofe-conducted "Death Valley Suite," which I happen to love in spite of its many faults, not the least of which is a joyous but corny Stephen Foster medley that abruptly pops out of the sand in "Desert Water Hole," the third movement. This is very 1939 in character, with the feel of a patriotic movie short, making it only slightly anachronistic for 1949, the year of the suite. The concluding "Sand Storm" plows along in triple-forte fashion with howling wind machines and a shameless indulgence in whole-tone modality, the storm ending with an augmented-triad overlap of woodwinds and strings. A lovely and richly-scored reprise of a second-movement theme brings this fun, if not awfully serious, work to an end. For a 1954 recording, "Death Valley" sounds very good, with less tape hiss and dynamic flattening-out than there could have been. Oh, and there's the fastest "Cloudburst" ever recorded, with Grofe again at the baton, as a bonus track. This is also from 1954. A very nice buy.

Average customer rating: Great collection, nice orchestrations A Great New Addition to the Milken Archive!

Ellstein: Great Songs of the Yiddish Stage 1 [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music] Manufacturer: Milken Archive ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bay Mir Bistu Sheyn: Yiddish Stage Songs, Vol. 2 Joseph Rumshinsky: Great Songs of the Yiddish Stage, Vol. 3 Klezmer Concertos & Encores [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music] Introducing World of American Jewish Music [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music] Lazar Weiner: The Art of Yiddish Song ASIN: B0000C508K Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

1. Der Nayer Sher - Simon Spiro
2. Oygn - Elizabeth Shammash
3. Ikh Vil Es Hern Nokh Amol - Simon Spiro
4. Ikh Zing - Robert Bloch
5. Abi Gezunt - Amy Goldstein
6. Zog Es Mir Nokh Amol - Bruce Adler
7. Di Grine Kuzine - Joanne Borts
8. Vos Geven Iz Geven Un Nito - Simon Spiro
9. Oy Mame, Bin Ikh Farlibt - Elizabeth Shammash
10. Zog, Zog, Zog Es Mir - Nell Snaidas
11. Der Dishvasher - Robert Abelson
12. Du Shaynst Vi Di Zun - Nell Snaidas
13. Vos Iz Gevorn Fun Mayn Shtetele? - Benzion Miller
14. Mazl - Elizabeth Shammash
15. Ikh Bin A 'Boarder' Bay Mayn Vayb (Doctor) - Bruce Adler
16. Der Alter Tzigayner - Simon Spiro

Album Description

The American Yiddish musical theater, a vibrant expression of the immigrant experience, became famous during its heyday in the 1920s-1940s. Combining the musical flavors of Viennese operetta, Tin Pan Alley, and eastern European nostalgia, these songs and duets are quintessential American popular music—with a Yiddish voice. Volume 1 spotlights the hit songs of Abe Ellstein, one of the genre's premier songwriters. New, historically accurate orchestrations re-create the unforgettable glory days of Yiddish radio and film, the uproarious vaudeville houses, and the thrill of a night at the theater on old New York's fabled "Second Avenue."

Customer Reviews:

Great collection, nice orchestrations.......2005-01-19

Great collection of yiddish musical theatre favorites. Unfortunately the singers were told to sing the songs in a supposedly "authentic" galician accent which in certain instances is completely incomprehensible to any yiddish speaker.The singers are quite good and the orchestrations are lush and well done.

A Great New Addition to the Milken Archive!.......2004-03-10

This CD is perfect for fans of Yiddish folk music and newcomers to the genre alike. It is a great introduction to some of the treasures of the Yiddish stage. Especially worth noting are the four tracks sung by Elizabeth Shammash, whose rich Mezzo-Soprano voice brings a great sensitivity and tone to her pieces.

Average customer rating: An Extremely Strong Program of McKay's Extremely Fine Music

McKay: Violin Concerto, 16th Century Hymn Tunes Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: McKay: From a Moonlight Ceremony / Harbor Narrative / Symphony for Seattle George Frederick McKay: Caricature Dance Suite, William Bolcom Solo; Viola Suite Eguchi/Margolis Henry Kimball Hadley: Symphony No. 4, The Ocean, and The Culprit Fay Nicolas Flagello: Piano Concerto No. 1; Dante's Farewell; Concerto Sinfonico Alfvén: Symphony No. 4 "From the Outermost Skerries" ASIN: B0006M4SVO Release Date: 2005-01-18

Tracks:

1. Allegro Molto Ma Risoluto
2. Andante - Quasi Adagio
3. Allegor Vigoroso
4. Meditation
5. Rondolet
6. Air Varie
7. Choeur Celeste
8. Cortege Joyeux
9. Allegro Con Gaiezza E Con Brio
10. Moderato Pastorale
11. Allegro Gioioso E Ritmico Molto
12. Song Over The Great Plains

Customer Reviews:

An Extremely Strong Program of McKay's Extremely Fine Music.......2005-01-27

This CD is the third in a series devoted to the music of George Frederick McKay (1899-1970) which certainly deserves whatever attention it is currently getting. One hopes that the years of neglect that this composer's music has experienced ­- largely because for most of his professional life he lived in the Pacific Northwest, far away from US classical music centers ­- are over. He is remembered with fondness, though, by citizens of Seattle, where his music has continued to be performed occasionally; by alumni of the University of Washington where he taught for many years; and by such students of his as the eminent current-day composer William Bolcom, who indeed was a major participant in the second CD in the series devoted to McKay's chamber music. One only wishes that another of his former students, Goddard Lieberson, who went on to become a huge influence in the classical music recording industry, had done something to preserve his music in recordings, but alas that didn't happen. This CD, the second to present orchestral music of McKay's conducted by John McLaughlin Williams, is a fine addition to the series. It comprises four very different works that, among other things, show the range that McKay had.

By far the most important work here is the Violin Concerto (1940) which is here played with real commitment, virtuosic precision and ravishing tone by Brian Reagin, a violinist new to me but one who bears watching. He is currently the concertmaster of the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and was previously assistant concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony. The Concerto, in three movements in the usual fast-slow-fast arrangement, is played without pause. The first movement is dramatic and declamatory. The first appearance of the violin is a statement of the movement's most important theme in double-stops and gossamer arpeggios. The orchestra features peremptory brass interjections that, an evidence of McKay's expertise, do not ever cover the soloist. There are several cadenzas in this movement, none long but all of them extraordinarily virtuosic. The final cadenza leads into the lyrical second movement which is clearly the heart of the concerto. Harmonically this movement sounds, to this listener, as if it could only have been composed in the 1940s, using as it does chromatic and bluesy harmonies that were newly in the air during that time. Think, if you will, of the harmonies and sinuous melodic contour of David Raksin's theme-song for the movie, 'Laura,' written three years later, and you'll have some idea of this movement's atmosphere; I hasten to add that what McKay does here is miles more effective (and sophisticated) than Raksin's effort. A passage for solo violin and flute leads into the exuberantly rhythmic third movement which begins with woodwind writing that reminded me right away of the similarly orchestrated wind chords in Edward MacDowell's 'Indian Suite.' And indeed both the melodic and rhythmic elements of this movement remind one of authentic Indian music, through the prism of classical techniques, and at the same time the mild jazziness of the earlier movements continues. This is an extraordinarily strong violin concerto and I would venture to say that it is the equal of Samuel Barber's concerto which some think is the finest ever written by an American. This is strong praise, I realize, about which I've thought seriously. I'll go further and say that McKay's third movement is more effective that Barber's.

The 'Suite on Sixteenth Century Hymn Tunes' (originally for organ, 1945; rev. 1962) is for strings alone (except for the appropriate addition of the celesta in the fourth movement, 'Choeur céleste'). The strings are divided into two separate orchestras. The five movements are elaborations on hymns by 16th century French composer, Louis Bourgeois, written for John Calvin's Genevan Psalter. The tunes themselves are lovely, and their incorporation into McKay's work extremely effective. I particularly liked the concluding 'Cortège joyeux,' a celebratory recessional.

'Sinfonietta No. 4' (1942), one of five McKay wrote, was, according to the very informative notes by conductor Williams, a precursor to his 'true' symphony, the so-called 'Evocation' Symphony, recorded nicely in the first CD in this series. In three movements, the first is more neo-classic, spare, rhythmically asymmetric, harmonically astringent and bracing than the other works on this CD. The second movement evokes, with its lonely wind solos, the wide-open spaces of the American West without sounding in the least like Copland's brand of 'Western-ness.' Again, there is an American Indian tinge to the melodies. The finale, Allegro gioioso e ritmico molto, is McKay in a playful, even prankish, mood. It burbles along cheerfully, interrupted now and again by brass fanfares and chirruping winds. Yet, it is in modified sonata allegro form, with concentrated development and recapitulation leading to a jubilant coda that ends abruptly with a hiccup.

The final work, 'Song Over the Great Plains' (1953), was written on commission from the Indianapolis Symphony who asked for a work to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Steinway Piano Company. It has an important piano obbligato part, played here by Ludmilla Kovaleva, but is not quite a piano concerto. It is a fourteen-minute single movement work that evokes early spring in the northern Great Plains - ­McKay had spent some time teaching in South Dakota before moving to Seattle - ­and quotes the call of the western meadowlark, happily quite recognizable by this reviewer from Kansas for whom it is the state bird. The work has a main theme that sounds like a folksong, but Williams assures us it is original with McKay. It builds to a climax followed by a long piano cadenza before dying away as softly as it began. A lovely piece worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Vaughan Williams's own lark piece, 'The Lark Ascending.'

One cannot praise too highly conductor John McLaughlin Williams for bringing us the music in this extraordinary program, nor the playing of the National Radio Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine whose growing number of excellent recordings of American music should surely qualify them for honorary US citizenship.

Strongest recommendation.

Scott Morrison

Track Listings:

1. Guitar & Flamenco
2. Gustav Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
3. Handel's Messiah: London Symphony Highlights [DualDisc] [DualDisc]
4. Il Maestro Di Cappella (1786-1793)
5. Imbrie: Legende; Rogers: Variations
6. Jascha Heifetz 1917 - 1922
7. Johann Strauss, Jr.: 100 Most Famous Waltzes, Overtures, Polkas and Marches, Vol. 6
8. Keller: Symphony No3; Siegmeister: Symphony No3
9. Kings Messanger
10. Lyric Concerto: Music for Strings from Turkey

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Decade: Ten Years of Fierce Panda

Giorgio Koukl: Drops of Light

Great Boogie Woogie [Import]

Blues Farm [Import]

Hits of the 80's [Box set]

Good and Bad Medicine

In the Lounge With [Import]

Flute Quintets

"Gary P. Nunn - Greatest Hits, Vol. 2"

Jazz-Club: Violin

Hated in the Nation [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]

I Wanna Be a Stooge [Import]

Hey Boy [CD-single] [Import]

I Live

Big Band Soul