Portrait Of The Artist

1. Norma, opera Casta Diva...Ah! Bello A Me Ritorna
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
with Ilona Tokody

2. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), opera Con Onor Muore...Tu, Tu Piccolo Iddio
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
with Ilona Tokody

3. Risurrezione, opera Dio Pietoso
Composed by Franco Alfano
with Ilona Tokody

4. Mefistofele, opera L'altra Notte in Fondo Al Mare
Composed by Arrigo Boito
with Ilona Tokody

5. La bohème, opera Donde Lieta Usci
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
with Ilona Tokody

6. Zazà, opera Ammogliato...Dir Che Ci Sono Al Mondo
Composed by Ruggiero Leoncavallo
with Ilona Tokody

7. Cavalleria rusticana, opera in 1 act Tu Qui, Santuzza?
Composed by Pietro Mascagni
with Jose Carreras , Ilona Tokody

8. La Wally, opera Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
Composed by Alfredo Catalani
with Ilona Tokody

9. Gianni Schicchi, opera O Mio Babbino Caro
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
with Ilona Tokody

10. Székely Fonó (The Transylvanian Spinning Room), lyrical play in one act A Csitari Hegyek Alatt (Under the Mountains of Csitari)
Composed by Zoltan Kodaly
with Jozsef Simandy , Ilona Tokody

11. Élégie "O doux printemps d'autrefois," for voice & piano
Composed by Jules Massenet
with Ilona Tokody

12. Shulamis, opera Rozshinkes Mit Mandlin (Raisins and Almonds)
Composed by Abraham Goldfaden
with Ilona Tokody

13. Non t'amo più, for voice & piano/orchestra
Composed by Francesco Paolo Tosti
with Ilona Tokody

14. Ideale for voice & piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Francesco Paolo Tosti
with Ilona Tokody

15. Júrame for voice & orchestra
Composed by Maria Grever
with Ilona Tokody

Portrait Of The Artist,Franco Alfano,Vincenzo Bellini,Arrigo Boito,Alfredo Catalani,Abraham Goldfaden,Maria Grever,Zoltan Kodaly,Ruggero Leoncavallo,Pietro Mascagni,Jules Massenet,Giacomo Puccini,Paolo Tosti,Ilona Tokody,José Carreras,Jozsef Simandy,Video Arts Int'l,20th/21st Century Opera,Classical,Classical Music,Classical Vocals,Hungarian 20th/21st Century Opera,Italian 20th/21st Century Opera,Italian Romantic Opera,Miscellaneous Music,Opera,Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard,Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra,Vocal

Average customer rating: Great Guitars A good mix Great music CD collection for guitar music listeners This is a really good choice for your morning music CD Great music played by great musicians

Mad About Guitars Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mad about Piano Mad About Violins Mad About Baroque Mad about The Classics Mad About Bach ASIN: B000001GKH Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

1. Cavatina
2. Granada
3. Spanish Dance No. 5
4. Romance D'Amour
5. Fantasia For A Gentleman: Adagio
6. Fantasia For A Gentleman: Danza de las hachas
7. Malaguena
8. La Filla Del Marxant
9. The Three Cornered Hat: The Miller's Dance
10. Recuerdos de la Alhambra: Andante
11. Sonata: Presto
12. Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio
13. Concierto de Aranjuez: Allegro gentile
14. Portrait
15. Sonata, K. 322: Allegro
16. Greensleeves
17. Georgia On My Mind
18. Fugue In G Minor - Bach

Customer Reviews:

Great Guitars.......2007-03-28

A really spectacular show of top guitarists in famous works
I enjoy it often and it inspires me when I write my columns

Leo Blok
(Journalist from the Netherlands)

A good mix.......2006-11-11

A good collection for someone fairly new to classical guitar. I have over 300 guitar recordings, but I still enjoyed this CD - a good one on the road, for example. Nice pieces and performances.

Great music CD collection for guitar music listeners.......2002-03-15

I really understand that there's no music CD could fulfill our satisfaction of music. But it does. I can find most of my favorite guitar classical songs here, and it's very nice listening them: Cavatina (from the Deer Hunter), Romance D'Amour, Recuerdos de la Alhambra, etc. I have several favorites not included in this album: Capricho Arabe-Lagrima-Adelita, and lucky me I have them on my other CDs. Go get this CD!! By buying this 1 CD, you'll have more than half of classical guitars you've ever wanted!

This is a really good choice for your morning music CD.......2001-11-08

There is something about classical guitar that is just so appropriate to background morning music as "Mad About Guitars" will quickly prove to you. Like most people, I am not overly familiar with classical guitar pieces; once you get past "Granada" I certainly could not name another work that I would expect to hear on such an album. The only other familiar pieces are "Greensleeves" and "Georgia on My Mind," and, yes, now that I think of it "Greensleeves" is a guitar piece, but then this album concludes with Bach's Fugue in G. So this collection is certainly going to broaden your horizons in terms of classical guitar. You will also come away with a great appreciation for Giran Sillscher, who plays the guitar on two-thirds of the selections. In fact, "Portrait," was written for Sillscher by Stanley Myers, which is certainly a nice testimonial to his skill. If you have a CD player in your alarm clock, this is an excellent choice for finding a happy home therein.

Great music played by great musicians.......2000-03-20

I think this CD is the best compilation of classical guitar music that's out there. Deutsche Grammophon has done a great job of picking the best pieces and the best players. Buy this CD!

Average customer rating: Jacobs was overrated The Great Arnold Jacobs Captured on C.D. arnold jacobs inspiring technician musician artist Arnold Jacobs - Icon of education and performance

Portrait of an Artist: Arnold Jacobs Manufacturer: Summit(Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gabrieli, Giovanni | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Nielsen | Nielsen, Carl | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Euphonium | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Tuba | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Orchestral Excerpts for Tuba Legacy of an Artist Bobissimo! The Best of Roger Bobo The Chicago Principal: First Chair Soloist Play Famous Concertos Tuba Tracks ASIN: B00004UDEY Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

1. Buxtehude: Fanfare - Adolph Herseth/Vincent Cichowicz/William Scarlett/Charles Geyer/Dale Clevenger/Jay Friedman...
2. We Are Enormously Complex
3. Hn Con No.1 in E flat: 1st Movt: Allegro
4. Hn Con No.1 in E flat: 2nd Movt: Andante
5. Hn Con No.1 in E flat: 3rd Movt: Allegro
6. The Musician Plays The Instrument
7. Playing For The Audience
8. Programming The Brain
9. Czardas
10. Carnival Of Venice
11. Con: 1st Movt
12. Etude No.24
13. 'Czardas' With The Metronome
14. This Is An Art Form
15. We Play By Song And Wind
16. Canzon Per Sonare No.2 - Adolph Herseth/Vincent Cichowicz/Dale Clevenger/Jay Friedman/Arnold Jacobs
17. Lohengrin: King Heinrich's Call (Exc) - Jay Friedman/Arnold Jacobs
18. Sym Fantastique: Dies Irae
19. Become A Singer In Your Brain
20. There Must Be A Source Of Vibration
21. Breath As A Motor Force
22. Sonatine: 1st Movt: Allegro Vivo - Adolph Herseth/Vincent Cichowicz/Richard Oldberg/Frank Crisafulli/Arnold Jacobs
23. Sonatine: 2nd Movt: Andante Ma Non Troppo - Adolph Herseth/Vincent Cichowicz/Richard Oldberg/Frank Crisafulli/Arnold Jacobs
24. Sonatine: 3rd Movt: Allegro Vivo - Adolph Herseth/Vincent Cichowicz/Richard Oldberg/Frank Crisafulli/Arnold Jacobs
25. Sonatine: 4th Movt: Largo; Allegro - Adolph Herseth/Vincent Cichowicz/Richard Oldberg/Frank Crisafulli/Arnold Jacobs
26. Keeping Music As An Art Form
27. Breathe To Expand
28. F Tuba Demonstration With Berlioz
29. Romeo And Juliet (Exc) - Chicago SO/Carlo Maria Giulini
30. Con: 2nd Movt (Exc) - Chicago SO/Fritz Reiner
31. Petrouchka (Exc) - Chicago SO/James Levine
32. Sym No.4: 1st Movt (Exc) - Chicago SO/Jean Martinon
33. Sym No.4: 1st Movt (Exc) - Chicago SO/Daniel Barenboim
34. The Key For Communicating In Music
35. Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate Of Kiev (Exc) - Chicago SO/Fritz Reiner

Customer Reviews:

Jacobs was overrated.......2005-09-28

Arnold Jacobs was a brilliant man who could have succeeded in practically any profession. He was also a fine musical pedagogue, judging from his verbal insights on this CD with respect to the human body as a musical instrument. Yet, I am amazed that he rose to the rank of tubist in a world-class orchestra such as the Chicago Symphony. Frankly, I found his tone quality uninspiring, although he had fine techinque. I have heard at least half a dozen tubists whose tone is far more pleasing musically. Among the bassmen/women of the world, Jacobs has become a semi-divine entity. I believe that he has been somewhat overrated as a result. I felt that his verbal commentaries were highly educational; I was disappointed by his playing overall.

The Great Arnold Jacobs Captured on C.D........2005-04-02

This is a prolific set of audio that captures the historical sound of Arnold Jacobs' playing and teaching. I bought this C.D. because I wanted to explore the limits and capabilities of a tuba player so that I could see if playing music on the tuba was for me. This C.D. banished any doubt that I had about the ability of a tuba player to achieve at the utmost musical level. I have never meet Mr. Jacobs in real life, but this C.D. made me feel as if I was in a master class or recital hall listening to him myself. I would recommend this C.D. to anyone who loves music. As Arnold Jacbos said " It's not about the tuba, it's about music".

arnold jacobs.......2001-05-16

This cd tries to capture arnold jacobs: a prolific teacher, player and above all a great man. while listening, you'll discover the ideals, the methods and ideas that made arnold jacobs the best tuba player that there'll probably ever be. The more complex issues and artistry of brass playing are explained in simple words and sayings. a great deal of jacobs' lectures is also given, and you can also see the importance of understanding the functioning of other body units that help us trough our playing (the brain). a great disc, highly recommended, not only for tuba players, but for all brass players.

inspiring technician musician artist.......2000-09-01

Cannot agree more,this is a wonderful exposition of Jacobs the teacher,for he had developed working concepts any wind player could adopt.His studio in the Fine Arts Building in Chicago was like a mecca for all wind players coming to Jacobs to resolve some deep-rooted performing problem. As he says( my paraphrasing) " they get tied up in knots,worrying about all the motions of the lip. . .you can't think about all those motions for they are thousands of motions from the brain to engage in performing a brass instrument "

As a brass player myself,(trombone & tuba) I have always sensed we have little repertoire to play of any interest,but Jacobs in a lecture here reveals this problem and one way to solve it, is to consciously search for things to play,like an aria from Puccini,or a particular non-tuba passage,to duplicate it,a piano or violin solo. What this approach implies is then for the brass player to develop skills as a consummate musician/ virtuoso,for you are forever challenged then to expand your repertoire endlessly,as much as the instrument or your technique will allow. I now find myself playing Chopin Preludes(Eb-minor,B-minor melodies only) on the trombone,and contrabass orchestral excerpts or trumpet etudes on the tuba,and Jacobs encourages tuba players to learn to read treble clef to be able to read any melody.

There are wonderful examples here from all genres in music from solo etudes in his studio to Berlioz and Wagner excerpts, solo and within the context of the orchestra. It all reveals the seemless consistent sound Jacobs was able to summon from his York tuba. Every attach was uniform,every tone even and pure,at least that is what he heard in his ear. That's another Jacobs credo,you have to have the sound in your head,what do you want your listener to hear. You command that.

The Bozza Sonatine(brass quintet) is also a wonderful performance of great brass music,great use of colours and entrances,breaking down the quintet into smaller duets and trios.This all with Chicago Symphony players makes it all the more interesting,a vintage performance from 1966.I recall those days where solo brass was considered an oddity,and unaccompanied solos even more so.

Jacob's sound should remain in your mind's hearing to duplicate it. Eugene Pokorny (Jacob's Chicago Symphony successor) also provides insightful interesting notes here.

Arnold Jacobs - Icon of education and performance.......2000-08-23

Amazing! For the students who studied directly with Arnold Jacobs, "Protrait of an Artist" will take you back to his studio, sitting right next to him. This excellent collection of lectures (lessons) and demonstrations are a fantastic embodiment of Arnold Jacobs' concepts and teachings. It is certainly a must for any music performer or educator. From the samples of CSO performances at the end of this CD to the practice tapes, the music on this CD is truely inspirational.

Average customer rating: Primo Tenore Bravo, Cura!

Artist Portrait Jose Cura Jose Cura Manufacturer: Warner Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo Boleros Anhelo: Argentinian Songs The Tenor's Passion Verismo ASIN: B00006L724 Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. 'Non Piangere, Liu!'
2. 'Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida'
3. 'Niun Mi Tema'
4. 'Vois Ma Misere'
5. Addio Alla Madre, 'Mamma, Quel Vino'
6. 'Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba'
7. 'Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio'
8. 'Amor Ti Vieta'
9. 'Ah! Si Ben Mio...Di Quella Pira'
10. 'Io L'ho Perduta'
11. 'L'anima Ho Stanca'
12. 'Che Gelida Manina'
13. 'E Lucevan Le Stelle'
14. 'La Dolcissima Effigie'
15. 'Dimmi Che Vuoi Seguirmi'
16. 'Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix'
17. La Rosa Y El Sauce
18. Cancion Del Arbol Del Olvido
19. 'Nessun Dorma'

Customer Reviews:

Primo Tenore.......2004-11-03

As the Domingo/Pavarotti era has come to a close, we find that a new generation of tenors awaits their time.
Jose Cura is without a doubt one of the greatest tenors of the new era!

Now I realize this statement will raise quite a few eyebrows, as I know that many, many tenor lovers, particularily those who have a deeply rooted affection for the lyric tenor voices of Pavarotti, Alvarez or Gigli, do not think Mr. Cura's dark and muscular tenor worthy of consideration.

Let it be known that, to date, Mr. Cura IS the foremost operatic tenor of the world.
He has more CD's on the market than any of his contemporaries (Alagna, Licitra, Alvarez), and a wider international appeal.
In fact, I was introduced to the Cura voice in a record store in southern Germany. I was looking for a Bocelli CD and the store clerk advised me to check out this Jose Cura. I bought the Verismo CD and upon hering it, I was convinced that this man would be the successor to the aging Domingo.

Anyhow, this CD is a great sampling of most of Mr. Cura's current CD releases.
His reading of Puccini's "E Lucevan Le Stelle" and " Nessun Dorma" are inspirational. His take on Verdi's "Nun Mi Tema" form "Otello" showcase why Mr. Cura has become the most sought after "Otello" of the post-Domingo era.

The only reason I did not give this CD a 5 star rating, is because of the inclusion of a few tracks from Cura's "Anhelo" which was supposed to be collection of Argentinian "folk" songs. However, the end result sounded more like a Spanish version of German Lieder...which is to say boring beyond imagination.

I would have much preferred to have a few songs from the exquisite "Bolero" CD included. For some reason not one track of what I consider Mr. Cura's finest CD was included in this compilation.

Overall this is a fine compilation of a PRIMO TENORE.

Bravo, Cura!.......2004-10-13

Perhaps MAYBE, Placido Domingo, there isn't a better tenor singing today than Jose Cura. I've even tried to prove myself wrong by listening to an abundance of others. Voices like his just don't come around very often.
I first heard him singing two songs with Sarah Brighman on her "Time to Say Goodbye" CD. By thirsting for THAT voice, I bought lots more of his CD's, DVD's and VHS tapes, and was introduced to the world of opera, and the versatility of this phenomenally gifted man.
This CD is a wonderful sampling of several of his CD's: Puccini Arias (my personal favorite), Verdi Arias, Verismo, Samson & Dalila and Anhelo (a close second). The reasons I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5, even though I want to, are as follows.
First, there are no selections on the CD from Manon Lescaut (on Puccini Arias), which are just wonderful. The emotion of his performance of those songs is gut wrenching, and I was moved to tears when I first heard them.
Secondly, his artistic talents are widespread; not only can he sing, but also, he can conduct and compose music as well. The songs selected from Anhelo for this CD are beautiful. But his composition skills could have also been showcased if included were Sonetos de Amor y Muerte, which consists of two poems by Pablo Neruda, put to music composed by Maestro Cura. It's just beautiful, particularly the second one. (I read on his website that a future project includes more music composed for Neruda's poems and I, for one, can't wait.)
This CD would be a great addition to anyone's music library, but don't stop there. He's got an abundance of great music...Boleros, Aurora, Song of Love, Dvorak...the list goes on.

Average customer rating: Tony Bennett Is A Singer's Singer tony rediscovered Some of Bennett's Finest Tom Wolfe was wrong...you CAN go home.

Astoria: Portrait of the Artist Tony Bennett Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bennett/Berlin Hot & Cool - Bennett Sings Ellington Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook I Wanna Be Around... Perfectly Frank ASIN: B0000026VU Release Date: 1990-02-09

Tracks:

1. When Do The Bells Ring For Me
2. I Was Lost, I Was Drifting
3. A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet
4. The Girl I Love
5. It's Like Reaching For The Moon
6. Speak Low
7. The Folks That Live On The Hill
8. Antonia
9. A Weaver Of Dreams / There Will Never Be Another Y
10. Body And Soul
11. Where Do You Go From Love
12. The Bullevard Of Broken Dreams
13. Where Did The Magic Go
14. I've Come Home Again

Amazon.com

Astoria is both Tony Bennett's mature look back at the very young man pictured on its cover and his affirmation that the values he and his Queens, New York, community forged midcentury are still relevant ones. In a mix of trio and orchestra recordings, Bennett sings a trenchantly chosen stack of classics dealing with longing ("The Girl I Love"), contentedness ("The Folks That Live on the Hill"), and aching ("The Boulevard of Broken Dreams," which he originally cut as his first single for Columbia in 1950, and "When Do the Bells Ring for Me"). A couple of new numbers provide a sort of continuity, but even without them Astoria is one man's testament--filled with a universality much bigger than the trendiness that occasionally attended Bennett's commercial rebirth in the '90s. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Tony Bennett Is A Singer's Singer.......2006-05-16

I'll never forget when Frank Sinatra when asked to describe Tony Bennett called him a "singer's singer". This CD, Astoria: Portrait of the Artist brings us back to a different time, when there were singing waiters (Tony was one in Astoria, Queens) and he even goes back to being an infantry man in WWll. But these songs depict the smoothest and the best in crooning, something we don't usually come across in our American Idol mentality today.There are two selections on this CD that I must refer to as absolutely outstanding and they are "The Folks That Live On The Hill" and "Where Did The Magic Go". These songs reap nostalgic memories from all of us who are mature enough to appreciate a gentler time with negligible anxiety and no web to constantly bannish us to. This is top notch, classy fare and the CD brings out the masterful style of Tony Bennett and his cherished history.

Jay Adler, Massapequa, New York

tony rediscovered.......2005-07-31

i found this cd on a shelf at home. i played it in the car and i am delighted each time i listen to it. what a great way to go to work and even better coming home from work. many of the songs are a bit obscure but still wonderful.i have loved his music for the past forty years.he truly is a wonderful entertainer.

Some of Bennett's Finest.......2005-07-04

This album tugged on my heartstring. I still prefer the style of someone like Sinatra, all the while conceding that Bennett is a fine talent in his own right, but the songs on this album grabbed my attention and held it. That is primarily because most of the songs are love songs and an all too familiar feeling swept over me on hearing them. Some are of unrequited love and others of love fulfilled. In any case, they are well done, emotional and a pleasure to hear... even bearing in mind the "unrequited" part.

As is to be expected from an artist of this caliber, the quality of the recordings themselves match the quality of the lyrics, the singing and accompaniment. This is a fine selection for anyone who loves love songs done in an older style.

Tom Wolfe was wrong...you CAN go home........2000-06-22

This is a Tony Bennett album, in every sense of the word. First, as a record album, it is a well-produced, impeccably recorded (triple-digital), and sensitively compiled collection of songs that will delight you if you are a Tony Bennett fan already, and surprise you if you're not. Second, as a personal album, it expresses Bennett's need to show the continuity of what matters across the expanse of his own life, to remember the people and places that are worth remembering, and savor their lasting influence. Everyone is from somewhere, and this album takes you to where Bennett is from. You will like the territory.

Certainly, you'll enjoy listening to this by yourself, and will probably think about your own roots as you do, but you'll enjoy it even more if you are lucky enough to have a sophisticated uptown woman accept your invitation to come over for a highball. Put this album on, smoky and low, and then focus on more important things....

Bennett's been called the last of the saloon singers, a high compliment and an apt one. Like the subjects of his musical portraits here, Bennett has delivered the goods over the long run. Classic American music.

Average customer rating: "Eloquent, Exquisite, Exciting" A Gem!

Dreamer: A Portrait of Langston Hughes Darryl Taylor , William Warfield , Maria Corley , Erik Santos , and Patricia Terry-Ross Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Still | Still, William Grant | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | 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: The Voice of Langston Hughes The Negro Speaks of Rivers: Art Songs by African-American Composers You Can Tell the World: Songs by African-American Women Composers ASIN: B00006I9HH Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

1. My People - William Warfield
2. Heart
3. Island
4. The Weary Blues - William Warfield
5. Litany
6. A Black Pierrot
7. March Moon
8. Negro - William Warfield
9. The Negro Speaks Of Rivers
10. My People
11. Song To The Dark Virgin
12. Evil - William Warfield
13. Joy
14. Lonely House
15. Minstrel Man
16. Sunday Morning Prophecy - William Warfield
17. In Time Of Silver Rain
18. Carolina Cabin
19. Madam And The Census Taker - William Warfield
20. Lovely, Dark And Lonely One
21. Sylvester's Dying Bed - William Warfield
22. Sandman/Birth
23. Bound No'th Blues
24. To Artina
25. Down Where I Am
26. The Dream Weaver/Bouquet
27. Still Here - William Warfield

Customer Reviews:

"Eloquent, Exquisite, Exciting".......2004-08-18

"Dreamer" is unquestionably the finest recording of original songs by black composers available today. The singing of tenor, Darryl Taylor is superb and demonstrates a vocal beauty, musicianship, and interpretive sensitivy that is rarely equaled. The selection of poems of poet laureate, Langston Hughes is first rate, and even more important, the songs themselves are original, varied and well written. I think every listener will find "Dreamer" an exciting musical experience, and I predict for Darry Taylor a distinguished career as an interpreter of art songs. For the Naxos price, buy two albums and give one to a friend!

A Gem!.......2002-10-17

This collection is a gem! Langston Hughes was a very "musical" poet who was inspired by a variety of forms, from jazz to classical. His poetry in turn inspired a whole generation of composers, thirteen of whom are represented here in fifteen art songs. Additionally, eight Hughes poems are read by William Warfield.

Average customer rating:

Artist Portrait Maxim Vengerov Maxim Vengerov Manufacturer: Warner Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Vengerov Maxim Vengerov ~ Dvorák, Elgar Peter Tchaikovsky/Alexander Glazunov: Violin Concertos Vengerov and Virtuosi Brahms: Violin Concerto; Sonata No. 3 ASIN: B00006IWQ8 Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. Finale, Allegro Energico
2. Andante
3. Rondo, Allegro Ma Non Troppo
4. Introduction Et Rondo Capriccioso, Op.28
5. Allegro
6. Andantino
7. Burlesque, Allegro Con Brio
8. Finale, Allegro Vivacissimo
9. Praeludium, Largo
10. La Ronde Des Lutins, Op.25

Average customer rating: Not excellent, but nice listening

Artist Portrait: Plácido Domingo Manufacturer: Warner Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Domingo, Placido | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Lara, Agustin | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B0002IQNP6 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi... Celeste Aida (Radames)
2. Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba (Canio)
3. E Lucevan Le Stelle (Cavaradossi)
4. O Dolci Mani (Cavaradossi)
5. Ingemisco (Dies Irae)
6. La Dolcissima Effigie (Maurizio)
7. Piensa En Mi (Arr. Bebu Silvetti)
8. Granada (Arr. Bebu Silvetti)
9. Solamente Una Vez (Arr. Bebu Silvetti)
10. Arrancame La Vida (Arr. Jose Colangelo)
11. La Marseillaise (Arr. Hector Berlioz)
12. La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee (Don Jose)
13. C'est Toi?... C'est Moi! (Don Jose)
14. Ma Se M'e Forza Perdierti (Riccardo)
15. Wintersturme Wichen Dem Wonnemond (Siegmund)
16. Nessun Dorma! (Calaf)

Customer Reviews:

Not excellent, but nice listening.......2005-01-13

This isn't the greatest of Domingo's albums that I own, but its provides for some good easy listening.
Some of the bigger arias like Nessun Dorma and Elucevan le stelle are slightly breathy, I think perhaps these recording were made when the tenor was slightly older than the recodring I'm used to. However the redition of Granada(slightly tacky but fun nonetheless) and the couple other spanish operetta or zarzuela type songs are very pleasant.
This was a decent buy.

Average customer rating: Great Introduction

Artist Portrait: Susan Graham Manufacturer: Warner Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Susan Graham - La Belle Époque (The Songs of Reynaldo Hahn) Susan Graham at Carnegie Hall Susan Graham ~ Berlioz - Les nuits d'été Susan Graham - Mozart & Gluck Arias ~ Il tenero momento Poèmes de l'Amour ASIN: B00008KA5L Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Voi Che Sapete
2. Non So Piu Cosa Son, Cosa Faccio
3. Di Te Mi Rido
4. Mi Lusinga Il Dolce Affetto
5. Mio Bel Tesoro
6. Verdi Prati
7. O Malheureuse Iphigenie!
8. Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
9. Early In The Morning
10. The Wintry Mind
11. O You Whom I Often And Silently Come
12. Comment Le Dedain Pourrait-Il Mourir?
13. Dieu! Que Viens-Je Entendre?
14. This Journey To Christ
15. Who Will Walk With Me?
16. Dead Man Walking!
17. He Will Gather Us Around
18. C'est Ca La Vie, C'est Ca L'amour
19. Yes
20. Les Hommes Sont Bien Tous Les Memes

Customer Reviews:

Great Introduction.......2004-08-25

This is a great introduction at a very reasonable price to Susan Graham's lovely mezzo voice, with selections from several CDs. Be warned, however - this will only whet your appetite for the full albums (for example, her incredible live performance as Ruggiero in Handel's "Alcina" with Renee Fleming and Natalie Dessay and with William Christie conducting Les Arts Florissants - surely one of the most stupendous opera recordings ever made).

Average customer rating:

American Piano Music Manufacturer: Etcetera ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Tangos | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomson | Thomson, Virgil | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000000N3 Release Date: 1994-04-13

Tracks:

1. Proclamation
2. Midday Thoughts
3. Sentimental Tango No.1
4. Sentimental Tango No.2
5. Senza Espressione
6. Phillip RameyThinking
7. Six Prlds
8. Huapango No.1
9. El Bejuco
10. Tierra Mojada
11. Orosi
12. La Cuelga
13. Huapango No.2
14. Ballade, Op. 46 - Bennett Lerner B
15. Touches
16. Pno Fant

Average customer rating: It all started with his 3rd Symphony and "Cantus Arcticus."

Rautavaara: Complete Works for String Orchestra Manufacturer: Ondine ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Rautavaara, Einojuhani | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Harp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rautavaara: On the Last Frontier Rautavaara: Symphony No. 6; Cello Concerto Rautavaara: Garden of Spaces; Clarinet Concerto; Cantus Arcticus Rautavaara: Piano Concerto No. 3 "Gift of Dreams", Autumn Gardens / Ashkenazy Rautavaara: Violin Concerto; Angels and Visitations; Isle of Bliss ASIN: B00005BIJ7 Release Date: 2001-07-24

Tracks:

1. Pelimannit-Fiddlers, Op. 1: Narbolaisten braa speli
2. Pelimannit-Fiddlers, Op. 1: Kopsin Jonas
3. Pelimannit-Fiddlers, Op. 1: Klocker Samuel Dikstrom
4. Pelimannit-Fiddlers, Op. 1: Pirun polska
5. Pelimannit-Fiddlers, Op. 1: Hypyt
6. Divertimento: Allegro
7. Divertimento: Adagio
8. Divertimento: Allegretto ma energico
9. Suite For Strings: Presto
10. Suite For Strings: Andante
11. Suite For Strings: Vivace assai (Alla giga)
12. Hommage a Liszt Ferenc
13. An Epitaph For Bela Bartok (Prelude and Fugue)
14. Hommage a Kodaly Zoltan

Tracks:

1. Canto I
2. Canto II
3. Canto III
4. Canto IV
5. Ballad for Harp and Strings
6. A Finnish Myth
7. Ostrobothnian Polska

Amazon.com

The music of Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara (b. 1928) is a wily mix of regional Romanticism and many of the European trends in atonality that began in the 1950s. Yet Rautavaara's music is both endurable by and accessible to the first-time listener. This two-CD set of works for string orchestra appeared on two Ondine discs, both released in 1995. It offers a wide range of works that highlight Rautavaara's compositional strengths and musical interests. Disc one contains his tone poems, works that tend toward the Romanticism of Sibelius, especially Pelimannit--The Fiddlers (1952) and the gorgeous Divertimento (1953). Disc two contains the more acerbic compositions of the latter part of the 20th century. Best here are Ballad for Harp and Strings (1973/1981) and Canto IV (1992). If you missed the original releases of this music, then track this one down. It's a must for Rautavaara fans. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

It all started with his 3rd Symphony and "Cantus Arcticus.".......2001-10-24

It started innocently enough. Approximately a year and a half ago, I had barely - if that - a subliminal awareness of Einojuhani Rautavaara as a "contemporary" composer, one of a large number of present-day Finnish composers. (There is something weirdly wonderful about such a small country having such a large number of active - and recognized - composers, but that is a whole 'nother story.)

In the intervening 18 months, that initial hearing of Rautavaara's music (on a Naxos release which I review elsewhere at Amazon.com) led me to become pretty much a Rautavaara "compleatist." As I write this, there are very few holes in my library of his music, and I figure that those holes will be plugged rather quickly. He's had that kind of effect on me.

This double-CD album of Rautavaara's complete works for string orchestra is the latest release by Ondine, the Finnish label which has an exclusive contract for first recorded performances of his works. The compositional period covered almost matches Rautavaara's career, in that dates for the various works cover the period 1952 - 1993. The album provides, as a result, an excellent overview of how his style has changed throughout his career, from Stravinsky-like neoClassicism in the earlier works to his mature evocative "Angels" style of his later works.

The album begins - logically enough - with his Op. 1, Pelimannit ("The Fiddlers" [1952]), a whacky riot of fun with its occasional off-tune fiddling. The next two works (Divertimento [1953] and Suite for Strings [1952]) clearly suggest the neoClassicism of Stravinsky (an early idol of Rautavaara's), but it is also possible to read into these works the sound worlds of both Britten and Respighi in the ways that they evoked earlier styles. Taken together, these three youthful works capture Rautavaara's early style, which goes down very easily in its accessibility.

The next set of three works - homages to the three most famous Hungarian composers (Liszt, Bartók and Kodály) - may not have been intentionally meant to suggest the Ugric ties between the languages of these two countries (Finland and Hungary). These three pieces do capture, however obliquely, various aspects of the three composers' styles, with the Hommage à Kodály Zoltán being the most "Hungarian-sounding." A somewhat more challenging triptych than the first three works, but not at all inaccessible.

The four Cantos opening the second CD show how, over time, Rautavaara developed a post-modernist "late period" style that synthesized many of his earlier styles (including serial, or twelve-tone, efforts). The two earlier Cantos begin to show his unique approach to serialism that was more fully realized in his echt-Bruckner 3rd Symphony; they put the lie to twelve-tone music being "unlistenable." The two later Cantos show Rautavaara's evocatively rhapsodic "Angels" style in full bloom, as do the following two pieces (Ballad for Harp and Strings, and A Finnish Myth).

The album comes full-circle with the final work, Ostrobothnian Polksa, more good cheer in the vein of the Op. 1 opening work. I think that opening work will hook you, and that the balance of this comprehensive album will be equally enjoyable. I may be a Rautavaara compleatist, but this album will be immensely appealing to all who hear it. And do check out that Naxos album I mention at the outset of these comments. That's a great one as well.

Bob Zeidler

Track Listings:

1. Première Oboe Works: Harry Sargous Plays Bolcom, Singer, Cowell, Bassett
2. Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin
3. Ravel: Bolero/Valse/Rapsodie Espagnole/Alborada del Gracioso
4. Raw Recordings: 1997-2005
5. Reinhold Gliere: Ballet Suites Nos.1 and 2
6. Richter Plays Liszt, Live-1956-1961
7. Roméo et Juliette
8. ROMANTIC OPERA DUETS : Callas / Tebaldi / Björling etc
9. Simply Brilliant!
10. Sir Adrian Boult conducts English Music

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Last Train Home Pt.2 [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Respighi: Belfagor Overture; Toccata for Piano & Orchestra, etc.

Steady Rollin' Man [Import]

New York Cool: Live at the Blue Note [Live]

Shout at the Devil [Import] [Limited Edition]

Sounds of Music

The Best of Jo Stafford

Schumann: String Quartet, Op. 41, No. 1/Brahms: String Quartet, Op. 67

Someday We'll Look Back/I Love Dixie Blues [Import]

Soul Call [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Spellbound-Very Best of Split Enz [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Red Nose

The Best of Doo Wop, Vol. 10

Live! Great Gospel Performances

Bolero