Music of the Enlightenment

1. Quartet for harpsichord & strings, No 1, Op 7 Allegro Moderato
Composed by Johann Schobert
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

2. Concertos (6) for organ, Op 26 Concerto No 06 in D minor: Allegro
Composed by Michel Corrette
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

3. Quartet No 4 Andante Pastoralle
Composed by Claude-Beninge Balbastre
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

4. Quartet No 4 Allegro
Composed by Claude-Beninge Balbastre
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

5. Concertos (6) for organ, Op 26 Concerto No 03 in D major: Adagio
Composed by Michel Corrette
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

6. Concertos (6) for organ, Op 26 Concerto No 03 in D major: Allegro
Composed by Michel Corrette
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

7. Quintet for keyboard & strings No 3 in G Allegro Pastorile
Composed by Antonio Soler
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

8. Quintet for keyboard & strings No 4 in A minor Allegro Assai
Composed by Antonio Soler
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

9. Trio for piano & strings, No 4 in F major Andante
Composed by Johann Schobert
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

10. Trio for piano & strings, No 4 in F major Presto
Composed by Johann Schobert
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

11. Trio for piano & strings, No 1 in B flat Presto
Composed by Johann Schobert
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

12. Quartet No 3 Romance
Composed by Claude-Beninge Balbastre
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

13. Quartet No 3 Presto
Composed by Claude-Beninge Balbastre
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

14. Quartet for harpsichord & strings, No 1, Op 7 Allegro Assai
Composed by Johann Schobert
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

15. Sonatas (6) for harpsichord & violin ad lib, Op 14 Sonata in Eb: Allegro Assai
Composed by Johann Schobert
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

16. Concertos (6) for organ, Op 26 Concerto No 02 in A major: Giga Allegro
Composed by Michel Corrette
with Jean-Patrice Brosse , Rococo Concerto

Music of the Enlightenment,Schobert,Corrette,Balbastre,&,Pierre Verany,Classical

Average customer rating: Two Great Handel Tenors Bostridge in best form in Handel arias

Great Handel Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: As Steals the Morn: Handel Arias & Scenes for Tenor Handel - Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno Haendel: Il Duello Amoroso Richard Strauss: Four Last Songs Frank Martin: Le vin herbé ASIN: B000PFU9LK Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Air Where'er You Walk
2. Accompagnato Comfort Ye
3. Air Ev'ry Valley
4. Accompagnato Frondi Tenere
5. Arioso Ombra Mai Fu
6. Aria Cosi La Tortorella
7. Air Love Sounds Th'alarm
8. Air Love In Her Eyes Sits Playing
9. Duet Happy We!
10. Aria Scherza Infida
11. Aria Dopo Notte
12. Air Total Eclipse!
13. Duet As Steals the Morn
14. Accompagnato Hide Though Thy Hated Beams
15. A Father, Off'ring Up His Only Child
16. Air Waft Her, Angels

Customer Reviews:

Two Great Handel Tenors.......2007-07-20

Just when the torrent of Handel recitals seemed to have slowed, we get two great tenor recitals in less than a month. Mark Padmore and Ian Bostridge double up on only a few airs - Where'er you walk, Total eclipse, As steals the morn, Waft her, angels. Padmore is more dramatic, with longer scenes; Bostridge more lyrical. I usually listen to them back to back, but if I only have time for one, it is the Bostridge that gets chosen. His "Waft her, angels" pierces the heart.

Bostridge in best form in Handel arias.......2007-07-17

I get the feeling that Amazon has given up providing official (paid for) reviews, so buyers won't be told that this colleciton of Handel from Ian Bostridge selects from Ariodante, Acis and Galatea, Samson, Jephtha, l"allegro e il penserosso, Semele, and of course, Messiah. The singer's voice has darkened since it willowy early days, and even though there are still a few holdouts like me who cannot abide its tone, there is no doubt about Bostridge's artistry. Here he gets good period accompaniment from the famous Age of Enlighenment orchestra (zingy strings, ni vibrato), although the conducting is notably sluggish at points. The singer avoids his often excessive underlining and over-acting, so all in all one must call this one of his best recent outings.

Average customer rating: A Legendary Singer. Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!! Glorious singing to treasure for decades Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian The Stellar Hunt Lieberson

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson: Handel Arias Manufacturer: Avie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Cantatas BWV 82 and 199 Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs Music of Peter Lieberson: Rilke Songs, The Six Realms, Horn Concerto Lorraine Hunt - Handel Arias Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan ASIN: B00022LZW8 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Ah! Whither Should We Fly...
2. ...As With Rosy Steps The Morn
3. O Bright Example Of All Goodness!...
4. ...Bane Of Virtue, Nurse Of Passions
5. The Clouds Begin To Veil The Hemisphere...
6. ...Defend Her Heav'n!
7. Lord, To Thee Each Night And Day
8. She's Gone, Disdaining Liberty And Life...
9. ...New Scenes Of Joy
10. Cantata
11. Cantata
12. Cantata
13. Cantata
14. Cantata
15. Cantata
16. Cantata
17. Cantata
18. Se Bramate D'amar, Chi Vi Sdegna
19. Frondi Tenere E Belle...
20. ...Ombra Mai Fu

Amazon.com

If you think you've heard Handel's "Ombra mai fu" (known as his "Largo") so often, and in so many different arrangements, and sung by so many different voices, that you can no longer be moved or surprised by it, think again. This CD of Handel arias, mostly from his Theodora or the cantata La Lucrezia, ends with "Ombra mai fu," and as sung by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, it is so tender, so beautiful, so impeccably shaded, that you'll think you're hearing it for the first time. But that's only four of this disc's 67 minutes---a follow-up to Hunt Lieberson's extraordinarily successful CD of Bach cantatas. There's not a dull or disinterested moment to be heard anywhere. As the violated Lucrezia, Hunt Lieberson alternately rages against the man who raped her and turns her grief inward; the former is terrifying in its intensity, the latter makes us almost feel as if we're eavesdropping. The five arias for Irene, Theodora's friend, confidante, and the upholder of Christian beliefs are all magical prayers or statements of faith, and from Hunt Lieberson, they become real, with each word honestly conveyed and colored. The voice itself is unfailingly beautiful---warm, lush, never forced, agile when necessary---and her breath control is stunning. She is backed ideally by Harry Bicket and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the string soloists in the ensemble---the viola da gamba player, lutenist, etc.---are as gifted as she is. If you want proof that Handel was a great dramatist with a special gift for communicating emotion, all while listening to sublime sounds, this CD is a must. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A Legendary Singer........2007-03-07

I simply don't have the heart to review Mrs. Lieberson's works.
If we call Ms. Bartoli a 'great' singer, then the description of 'legendary' more aptly depicts Mrs. Lieberson.
If ever a truly good artist lived, Mrs. Lieberson is one such.
The only singer that could be recalled singing in such style is Teresa Berganza; but still, they are different.
This is one of my favourite interpretators of Haendel. Having been 'treated' by those coloraturas of arias of Haendel's period by Ms. Bartoli and others, I find the singing of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson a great relief - at last, this is what Haendel would want it to be. And I equally enjoy the singing of soprano arias by Mrs. Lieberson - the timbre is warmer, but still with all the shimmer - so different from the dark mushy tones of other celebrated 'lyrical soprano' around.
Don't want to say more. Mrs. Lieberson's leaving last year is too heavy a news for me.

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!!.......2007-01-06

These deeply felt performances of two of Bach's most moving cantatas show this transcendent singer's combination of emotional honesty and profound musicality, all combined to reveal the very mind of God through divine redemption from suffering. The disc is to be treasured even more in light of the Ms. Lieberson's recent untimely death from cancer. I'm an agnostic, but this music makes me envious of those who can believe. Roy in Pope Valley, California

Glorious singing to treasure for decades.......2006-07-11

By any measure, America's Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is at least the equal of Italy's premier diva, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, although she does not have the same superstar status. It is difficult to recall past mezzos with clearer enunciation of English text, (as favoured in nine excerpts from Theodora), the richness of voice, displayed in full-throated fortissimo and sharply contrasted pianissimo of utmost delicacy, evokes fondest memories of the tragically doomed Kathleen Ferrier. Masterfully chosen to display every facet of Hunt Lieberson's consumate command of Handel's dauntingly difficult music, the disc's repertoire - recitatives and linkig arias from the operas Theodora and Serse, and the cantana La Lucrezia - is stunning. An unsung mezzo who makes the senses tingle!

Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian.......2006-07-06

I have never heard a voice purer of tone, more flexible in phrasing, and so gorgeously produced in a homogeneous column of sound such as this artist in Handel's repertoire. It is very tastefully sung (unlike a certain person whose name begins with R and ends with enaaay Fleming) and so dramatically touching that one could not help but feel that this repertoire finally has found its instrument. And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer. It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career. The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament that we can no longer hear any great roles from this artist. She will be missed.

The Stellar Hunt Lieberson.......2006-03-19

Simply put, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is one of the very best classical singers alive. She combines vocal elegance and purity with an emotional delivery that raises her above the crowd of technically proficient singers who just don't possess her depth of musical understanding or emotional commitment. Hunt Lieberson is a true artist who resists easy classfication except to say she is perfect in what she does.

Average customer rating: Overview of the Paris symphonies No Need to Look Further! Thank heaven ... Cleansing the Palate A gorgeous new set!!!!

Haydn: Paris Symphonies Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 88 - 92 Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 1 Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 2 Telemann: The Six Paris Quartets Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3 ASIN: B000031WJC Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

1. Sym No.82 in C 'L'Ours': I. Vivace Assai
2. Sym No.82 in C 'L'Ours': II. Allegretto
3. Sym No.82 in C 'L'Ours': III. Menuet - Trio
4. Sym No.82 in C 'L'Ours': IV. Finale: Vivace
5. Sym No.83 in g 'La Poule': I. Allegro Spiritoso
6. Sym No.83 in g 'La Poule': II. Andante
7. Sym No.83 in g 'La Poule': III. Menuet: Allegretto - Trio
8. Sym No.83 in g 'La Poule': IV. Finale: Vivace
9. Sym No.84 in E flat: I. Largo - Allegro
10. Sym No.84 in E flat: II. Andante
11. Sym No.84 in E flat: III. Menuet: Allegretto - Trio
12. Sym No.84 in E flat: IV. Finale: Vivace

Tracks:

1. Sym No.85 in B flat 'La Reine': I. Adagio - Vivace
2. Sym No.85 in B flat 'La Reine': II. Romance: Allegretto
3. Sym No.85 in B flat 'La Reine': III. Menuet: Allegretto - Trio
4. Sym No.85 in B flat 'La Reine': IV. Finale: Presto
5. Sym No.86 in D: I. Adagio - Allegro Spiritoso
6. Sym No.86 in D: II. Capriccio: Largo
7. Sym No.86 in D: III. Menuet: Allegretto - Trio
8. Sym No.86 in D: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito
9. Sym No.87 in A: I. Vivace
10. Sym No.87 in A: II. Adagio
11. Sym No.87 in A: III. Menuet - Trio
12. Sym No.87 in A: IV. Finale: Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Overview of the Paris symphonies.......2007-06-27

Franz Joseph Haydn could be called the father of the symphony. He composed 108 of them in his lifetime. The latter symphonies fall into two groups, the London and Paris symphonies, and refer to where he was residing in when he composed them. This 2-disc set contains all the Paris symphonies, are they are typical of works from this era of classical music; beautifully orchestrated with minimal evocative effects or emotional gusto. The sound quality is great though, along with the recording. For fans of classical music, this is a good buy for under $10.

No Need to Look Further!.......2007-03-17

There are commendable period instrument sets of the 'Paris' symphonies available - Bruggen(Phillips) with the Orchestra of the 18th Century who has the most romantic view of the works, Roy Goodman(individual discs from his complete set on the budget Hyperion Helios)with the Hannover Band and Kurt Weil. Kuijken's, without doubt, is the one to have. Superb sound, plenty of panache and drama. He has spent many years as a Hadyn interpretor and this is in evidence throughout all 6 symphonies. Smart tempos and clean cut phrasing is effectively coupled with poignant delicacy in the slow movements. The hapsicord is never obtrusive and all departments of his fine orchestra excell themselves.
The symphonies, written in 1785-6 for the renowned Concert del la Loge Olympique, are a triumph of the classical symphony. So are these performances!

Thank heaven ..........2007-01-01

My daughter purchased this for my birthday last year. Knowing that I admire Haydn, she searched Amazon and took confidence in the all positive reviews. Well, I thank my daughter and the other reviewers -- this is truly a collection to own.

Cleansing the Palate.......2006-10-16

Haydn's symphonies are refreshingly clean, natural, unpretentious and in general a welcome palate cleanser for the concertgoer despite the preference for the dramatic or the grand or the edgy contemporary fare. Such is certainly the case for the so-called Paris symphonies (Nos. 82 - 87), models of elegance and refinement.

Case in point: at a recent concert with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the opening work was the Haydn Symphony No 82 - at first a seemingly odd choice for a program that was to include the local premiere of a commissioned Viola Concerto by Brett Dean and a celebration of Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition'. But hearing Haydn in this context provided that reminder that Papa Haydn started it all!

This CD with Sigiswald Kuijken conducting the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment traverses all of the Paris symphonies with aplomb. The quality of interpretation is immaculate, the sound of the recording is superb, and in general this is one of the finest 'sets' of these symphonies available today. It is an utter joy to listen to all of the works in one sitting, or to place them as aperitifs through the listening day. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 06

A gorgeous new set!!!!.......2005-01-30

A beautiful set at a cheap price of Haydn's Paris Symphonies! Symphonies 84 and 87 particularly sparkle and the comic effects are fully exploited in 82 (The Bear) and 83 (The Hen). I compared this set to the Karajan and legendary Bernstein. This new set is fresh and lively, also because of period instruments. Bravo!!!

Average customer rating: "Lovely and Amazing" I finally got around to getting this...... A great conductor and a rising mezzo make beautiful music together Another winning recital by Kozena

Mozart Arias Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tutto Mozart! Russian Album Angelika Kirchschlager Handel arias Enchantment HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva ASIN: B000G6BJNK Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. Giunse alfin il momento...Deh, vieni, non tardar...
2. Voi che sapete
3. Ch'io mi scordi di te... Non temer, amato bene, K.505
4. "In uomini, in soldati"
5. "Ei parte...Per pietà"
6. "E amore un ladroncello"
7. "Non più di fiori"
8. "Quando avran fine omai" - "Padre, germani, addio!"
9. Vado, ma dove? oh Dei!, K.583
10. "Non so più cosa son, cosa faccio"
11. Alma grande e nobil core, K.578
12. "Giunse alfin..." _ "Al desio di chi t'adora" (K.577)

Album Description

Magdalena Kozená's first all-Mozart album--and her first

album in collaboration with partner Sir Simon Rattle--stands

out as one of the highlights of 2006's Mozart Anniversary

celebrations.

Magdalena is a natural Mozart singer, garnering rave reviews

and enchanting audiences wherever she performs Mozart

on stage. Recent performances in Philadelphia, Los Angeles,

Berkeley and New York (Carnegie Hall) have brought her

glowing praise.

This album is a collection of some of Mozart's finest arias

for female voice, mostly for mezzo-soprano but Magdalena

also taps her soprano potential with arias including Vitellia's

"Non più di fiori" from La Clemenza di Tito.

Sir Simon Rattle is the ideal conductor for this project,

delicately wrapping Magdalena's voice in vivid and sensitive

orchestral sounds of the Orchestra of the Age of

Enlightenment, the period ensemble with which he has

been working for more than a decade.

This release features one of the world's most exciting voices

joined by a brilliant conductor and ensemble--a Mozart

recording poised to captivate music lovers and critics

worldwide.

Customer Reviews:

"Lovely and Amazing".......2007-05-13

Kozena's approach to this series of Mozart arias, many of them old chestnuts, is innovative, yet always beautiful. As one reviewer has stated, he couldn't remember how long it had been since he'd so much enjoyed hearing "Voi che sapete." Kozena's magic in familiar music comes from her skills in ornamenting the nobly simple melodic lines. The listener is continually surprised by her rich but tasteful additions to the written score. She never overdoes them, so Mozart, I suspect, would not have responded to her singing in the way Rossini is reported to have done to a singer of his time who ornamented "Una Voce Poco Fa" to excess. He told her the aria she'd just sung for him was very beautiful, and then slyly inquired who'd written it!

I finally got around to getting this.............2007-04-07

release and I am glad I did. It is a really nice Mozart collection. In fact, I purchased this disc along with Garanca's Mozart disc on Virgin the same week and I have to say that they are two of the best Mozart programs I have purchased. Kozena's voice sounds great (as always) and her ornaments are unexpected but nice. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed "Voi che sapete" so much. The orchestra led by Rattle is wonderful as well. However, the one who really shines through this disc is Mozart.

A great conductor and a rising mezzo make beautiful music together.......2007-01-16

After flurries of gossip about their affair (both were married at the time) Simon Rattle took as his third wife the Czech mezzo Magdalena Kozena. For some reason their CD of Mozart arias hasn't created any waves here at Amazon. It should, becasue Kozena adds to three first-rate recitals on DG; the one in French is particularly fine. Her voice is warm and feminine, if a bit lacking in individuality. YOu can't pick it out instantly the way you could Janet Baker's or Christa Ludwig's. And she's a bit shy of personality compared to those two great predecessors. If she gains more confidence and drama, however, she could evolve into a great artist.

Her range here includes arias for both soprano and mezzo from all the great Mozart operas. It wasn't the best idea to start off with Susanna's 'Deh, vieni' from the Marriage of figaro; Kozena isns't light and witty. She immediately moves into Cherubino's 'Voi che sapete,' which suts her much better. She adds trills and decoration to the vocal line and handles them expertly. Adding to the period feeling, Rattle conducts the Orch. of the Age of Enlightenment, but he seems to have asked them to use vibrato in the modern style. In the concert aria with piano obbligato, 'Ch'io mi scordi di te,' Kozena is technically impeccable, but by now we are feeling a lack of temeprament. She is too wdded to correctness, which wasn't true of her swinging outside Mozart.

When the dozen arias are through, she has displayed enormous talent, and only her lack of drama causes me to hold back the fifth star. Schwarzkopf, von Otter, and other Mozart experts have nothing to fear quite yet, but Kozena should continue to rise--she certainly has all the voice and beauty she needs.

Another winning recital by Kozena.......2006-11-29

Kozena's first ever Mozart recital with Simon Rattle and the OAE is a sure winner - the voice is clear and perfect for this repertoire.

Average customer rating: Avalon of the Heart Critics d'ont like it ...I Do There's so much Van it's easy to get lost Perfect Title Buy this CD. Now.

Enlightenment Van Morrison Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: No Guru, No Method, No Teacher Inarticulate Speech of the Heart Into the Music Hymns to the Silence A Sense of Wonder ASIN: B000001FZ8 Release Date: 1990-10-19

Tracks:

1. Real Real Gone
2. Enlightenment
3. So Quiet In Here
4. Avalon Of The Heart
5. See Me Through
6. Youth Of 1,000 Summers
7. In The Days Before Rock 'n' Roll
8. Start All Over Again
9. She's My Baby
10. Memories

Amazon.com

Its title seems squarely in the pilgrim's camp, where much of Van Morrison's '80s music dwells, but 1990's Enlightenment offsets new glimpses of Morrison's oft-sought Avalon ("Avalon of the Heart") with darker confessions of human frailty and challenged faith. The opening "Real Real Gone" belies its hard-charging R&B verve (a welcome return to high-octane soul after his relatively becalmed, then-recent work) with admissions of weakness, and even the lyrical title song reveals confusion more than salvation. A few years later, such defeats might have prompted one of his crankier outbursts, but this set is brightened by the joyful reminiscences of "Youth of 1,000 Summers" and the epic "In the Days Before Rock 'n' Roll," in which Morrison's declamatory fervor is matched by poet Paul Durcan. The latter song is a gloriously apt Morrison moment, exulting in Little Richard as though he walked the same astral plane as William Blake--which, in Morrison's world, is exactly the point. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Avalon of the Heart.......2007-05-30

This is an album that I've come to appreciate more over the years.

"Real Real Gone" really captured my attention when I first heard it. Beside being a Van Morrison album, "Real Real Gone" was the song that got me to buy this album. It was rave-up like Van's "Jackie Wilson Said". Songs like "Englightenment", "So Quiet in Here" and "See Me Through" are great for their quiet intensity. That is, the lyrics are deep and serious despite the understated tempo/melody to these songs.

My favorite, though, is "Avalon of the Heart". There is a grandeur to what Van envisages in this song. Van combines the imagery and romance of Camelot (e.g. Avalon) and faith (e.g. Upper Room). When his lyrics are combined with his music/instrumentation, it adds up to something magestic. The song builds from basically a simple piano accompanying Van to the sweeping sounds of the strings and backing vocals/choir. It's the sweeping strings that provide that emphasis to the song. Van, with his lyrics and music, takes you to his Avalon. And it is startling.

By analogy, "Avalon of the Heart" builds similarly to "Tupelo Honey". There's a quiet beginning but the song continues to build until Van is surrounded by the sheer wall of sound engulfing the song.

To paraphrase an earlier reviewer, if Heaven has a waiting room, then "Avalon of the Heart" must be in constant rotation because there is no other place this song could have come from. It is that good.

Critics d'ont like it ...I Do.......2007-01-22

There is more to this album then real real gone. Its a Tao album written in Van's Buddhist period. Van is the best music writer in the world bar none. Memories is my favourite track here. It reminds me of a old lost love. This is a meditative album. One of my faves and i have pretty much everything van has ever produced.

There's so much Van it's easy to get lost.......2006-01-06

To anybody not familiar with Van's non-radio repertoire, his immense catalog of material would easily overwhelm you. To the casual fan, releases like Moondance and Astral Weeks are certainly a no-brainer. Unfortunately, two or three Van albums still hardly captures the tip of the iceberg. So let's say you have a best-of or two or maybe you own a few of the better known classics and want to expose yourself to more. Is Enlightenment a good choice? Let me answer that question with a more appropriate question. When exposing yourself to Van, is there ever a bad choice? I can't think of any, personally.

Enlightenment is simply more of what Van is famous for. Introspective lyrics, brilliant musicianship and Van's incredible voice. Don't bother yourself with the fact that you've possibly never heard of it. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this album.

Perfect Title.......2005-12-23

This album is a masterpeice. Morrison's music is a spiritually enlightening experience. Honestly, I cannot imagine a person who would not be affected by his music. This album is paramount to understanding him as an artist and is also very touching on a personal level. I reccommend this album to anyone who wants to have a true musical experience. It's simply fantastic!

Buy this CD. Now. .......2005-07-17

I have a pretty extensive Van collection and have enjoyed his music for the last 25+ years since I bought Moondance on cassette and wore it out by listening to it all the time. Enlightenment is my favorite. I recall when I bought it while living in Chicago about 15 years ago I listented to it back-to-back-to-back-to-back....... If I ever get too stressed out I turn down the lights and turn up the volume just a bit and listen to "Its so Quiet in Here".
This is musical genius at its best.

Average customer rating: Every track is beautiful

Telemann: Les Plaisirs Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Telemann: The Six Paris Quartets Handel: The Complete Sonatas for Recorder Telemann: Wassermusik (Water Music); 3 Concertos /Musica Antiqua Koln * Goebel Telemann: Chamber Concertos Telemann: Darmstadt Overtures (Suites) ASIN: B0000007J3 Release Date: 1997-12-09

Tracks:

1. Concerto In A Minor For Recorder, Viola da gamba And Strings: Grave
2. Concerto In A Minor For Recorder, Viola da gamba And Strings: Allegro
3. Concerto In A Minor For Recorder, Viola da gamba And Strings: Dolce
4. Concerto In A Minor For Recorder, Viola da gamba And Strings: Allegro
5. Suite In D Major (Ouverture) For Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 55:D 6: Ouverture
6. Suite In D Major (Ouverture) For Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 55:D 6: La Trompette
7. Suite In D Major (Ouverture) For Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 55:D 6: Sarabande
8. Suite In D Major (Ouverture) For Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 55:D 6: Rondeau
9. Suite In D Major (Ouverture) For Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 55:D 6: Bourree
10. Suite In D Major (Ouverture) For Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 55:D 6: Courante - Double
11. Suite In D Major (Ouverture) For Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 55:D 6: Gigue (Presto)
12. Suite In A Minor (Ouverture) For Recorder And Strings, TWV 55:a 2: Ouverture
13. (Ouverture) For Recorder And Strings, TWV 55:a 2: Les Plaisirs I - II
14. (Ouverture) For Recorder And Strings, TWV 55:a 2: Air a l'Italien (Largo)
15. (Ouverture) For Recorder And Strings, TWV 55:a 2: Menuet I - II
16. (Ouverture) For Recorder And Strings, TWV 55:a 2: Rejouissance
17. (Ouverture) For Recorder And Strings, TWV 55:a 2: Passepied I - II
18. (Ouverture) For Recorder And Strings, TWV 55:a 2: Polonoise - Double
19. Sinfonia In F Major For Alto Recorder, Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 50:3: Alla Breve
20. Sinfonia In F Major For Alto Recorder, Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 50:3: Andante
21. Sinfonia In F Major For Alto Recorder, Viola de gamba And Strings, TWV 50:3: Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Every track is beautiful.......2005-11-03

I can't get over how beautiful this CD is, and I'm not using the word "beautiful" loosely. I love every track. My daughter-in-law was at my house recently for a day of bed rest. I left her with a stack of CDs, including this one. When I got home from work she said, without any prompting from me, "This CD is beautiful," and she said "beautiful" with feeling. I bought four more copies for Christmas presents.

It's hard to put in words why I find it so beautiful. The music is fresh, bright, delightful. It's not just beautiful, it's movingly beautiful. I like baroque music, but this sounds somewhat different from most of my baroque CDs, perhaps partly because one of the instruments is a viola da gamba.

This is a review of "Telemann: Les Plaisirs", with Marion Verbruggen, Sara Cunningham, and Monica Hugget. I have several CDs with pieces by Telemann, but this is the first one I've bought that is all Telemann. (I once had a set of phonograph records with only Telemann, but that was long, long ago.) I have several CDs with Marion Verbruggen, whom I have recently discoverd and whom I like very much. I also have several CDs with Hugget and Cunningham, and I like them too. I bought this CD mostly because I read somewhere that Verbruggen plays the recorder beautifully in track 13. I didn't know what to expect of the rest.

Average customer rating: A truly amazing artist About time I said how good this recording is! a voice teacher and early music fan Stellar Performance and a Sign of the Greatness to Come David Daniels: La voz del barroco.

Handel: Opera Arias; David Daniels David Daniels , George Frideric Handel , Roger Norrington , and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Daniels, David | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sento Amor; David Daniels; David Daniels - Serenade Handel: Oratorio Arias Stephanie Blythe - Handel & Bach Arias / David Daniels · Ensemble Orchestral de Paris · John Nelson Rinaldo ASIN: B00000FDND Release Date: 1998-12-01

Tracks:

1. Serse: Recitativo accompagnato Frondi tenere
2. Serse: Larghetto Ombra mai fu
3. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria Va tacito e nasacosto
4. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria Al lampo dell' armi
5. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Recitativo accompagnato Dall' ondoso periglio
6. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria Aure, deh, per pieta
7. Tamerlano: Aria A dispetto
8. Ariodante: Recitativo E vivo anora
9. Ariodante: Aria Scherza infida
10. Giulio Cesare in Egito: Aria Cara speme
11. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria L'angue offeso
12. Rodelinda: Sinfonia Pompe vane di morte
13. Rodelinda: Largo Dove sei?
14. Rodelinda: Aria Vivi, tiranno
15. Rinaldo: Largo Cara sposa, amante cara
16. Rinaldo: Aria Venti, turbini

Amazon.com

David Daniels seems to be the current leader of the opera world's March of the Falsettos--and with good reason: he's one of the first countertenors with enough beef in his voice to sound convincing in the heroic castrato roles of Handel's operas. His first solo disc is a collection of arias from just those roles--and an impressive debut it is. Daniels has the solid coloratura technique a Handel singer needs and a quick, narrow vibrato that can blend with Baroque instruments without alienating traditional opera buffs. (In fact, he sometimes sounds surprisingly like Marilyn Horne, one of his coaches.) Best of all, he has a musicality and dramatic sense that save the laments and slow serenades from dullness and the bravura showpieces from empty virtuoso display. The performances aren't flawless: Norrington's tempos are occasionally too quick for comfort (Daniels's and the listener's), and Daniels's vibrato sometimes spreads unattractively at the top of his range. He's at his best in the low alto roles that Handel wrote for the great castrato Il Senesino, such as the title roles in Giulio Cesare and Orlando. Let's hope we get to hear him in complete recordings of these operas soon. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

A truly amazing artist.......2007-06-21

David Daniels is one of the finest singers alive. I heard him recently in the Met's Julius Caesar and was overwhelmed with his performance. He not only has a truly beautiful voice, he is a complete artist, both emotionally and technically. This recording does him justice, and the music is some of Handel's finest. We are very lucky to have Mr. Daniels.

About time I said how good this recording is!.......2006-10-02

I've had this CD for a few years now and it is one that I often play. David Daniels is a great singer and his interpretations of Handel's arias are sublime. He is one of the best countertenors currently working in the world and he has few peers - Andreas Scholl, Bian Asawa, Derek Lee Ragin, Daniel Taylor, Robin Blaze, Lawrence Zazzo, Philippe Jaroussky, Gérard Lesne, Bejun Mehta and, of course, James Bowman are his only serious rivals.

This collection is well selected and it includes popular arias as well as a few less well known ones.

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is in magnificent form and Sir Roger Norrington gets magic from the various sections of the orchestra - particularly the Baroque bassoons in "Scherza infida".

This album is both a showcase for the singer and the orchestra. It is vastly superior to most Handel opera aria collections.

I unreservedly recommend this superb disc to all music lovers.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-06-24

David Daniels has devised this program so that it provided a view of Handel at the most significant stages in his London career as an opera composer. With his spectacular debut in England with 'Rinaldo'(1711), he established his ability to compose for the stage, and immediately followed it with 3 masterpieces: 'Tamerlano' and 'Guilio Cesare in Egitto', both from 1724, and 'Rodelinda' the next year. The unique 'Serse' (1738)is from the twilight of his operatic career, while 'Ariodante' shows a time when Handel and his London company was having difficulty competing with the rival Opera of the Nobility sponsored by the Prince of Wales.
Handel's greatest contribution to operatic history is his ability to rise above the sterertypical in his characters, endowing them with a total humanity by allowing them to experience the entire emotional gamut throught a variety of arias and recitatives. Moreover, David Daniels , being one of the finest interpreters of Handel is aware of the need not to be so blinded by the purity of the musical line as to forget what he is singing about. In fact, Handel often shaped the melodic line according to the degree a particular word was to be stressed. Handel was very aware of new devlopments, and styles and attitudes of his time, without ever betraying his own musical personality.
To my mind, Daniels is the consummate Handelian singer, and it is probably this music that he performs best! His delivery is highly dramatic as it should be, his diction absolutely flawless, his tone quality strong and sonorous; in short he is one good singer! It is indeed a very fine disc, not only because of the line-up but also because all arias are sung extremely well by him. I found myself focusing on his selection from "Serse": "Ombra mai fu". He sings this so much more emotionally and endows it with his own unique style. It's so well-done!!! My other favorite is from "Rinaldo": Venti,turbini". This displays his very skillful vocal technique in addition to his excellent diction. I really think he is the leading AMERICAN countertenor.

Stellar Performance and a Sign of the Greatness to Come.......2004-08-10

It is hard to imagine that there could be a finer recital disc of Handel's arias than this one reflecting the exquisite taste and powerful talent of David Daniels...unless of course, you count his splendid follow-up disc of Handel's lesser known oratorio arias released in 2002 (also strongly recommended). But the focus in this 1998 release is the rich music within six of Handel's best-known operas. Now nearly six years after its release, this recording not only holds up beautifully as an introduction to his prodigious talent, but also demonstrates his keen sense of adventure when his voice was at its most pure and unfettered.

Daniels' coloratura technique is amazingly seasoned even at this point of his career, and he approaches each aria in a singular fashion with that incredibly flexible legato that is literally breathtaking. Compare the impressive runs he employs on his rendition of "A dispitto" from "Tamerlano" to his seductive and sonorous tones on "Aure, deh, per pietà" from "Giulio Cesare in Egritto", and you get an idea of the range of emotion and technique of which Daniels is capable. Listening to the two arias from "Rodelinda" will make you recognize how over the course of twelve minutes, he has shown the two distinct sides of Bertarido - the mournful, dejected husband who goes unrecognized in "Pompe van di morte...Dove Sei?" and his enemy's savior at the end with "Vivi, tiranno".

The two arias from "Rinaldo", are also beautifully performed. Six years later, one can appreciate these versions within the context of Daniels' career, as he later recorded the title role in the famous 2000 recital recording of the opera with Cecilia Bartoli and yet again in the 2001 David Alden staging of the opera captured recently on DVD. I recommend getting your hands on all three and comparing the performances, as all are wonderful but quite different. Personally I think his voice ripened to just the right timbre in the Alden-staged version, especially during the opera's centerpiece, "Cara sposa, amante cara". Of all the stellar selections, it is really difficult to pick just one as a favorite, but his version of "E vivo ancora....Scherza infida" from "Ariodante" is especially moving in the way he sings of his plight in being humiliated by an unfaithful woman. Written for a castrato named Carestini in 1735, it is a sublime piece made all the more moving by the warm, round tones Daniels brings to it.

Sir Roger Norrington and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment provide able accompaniment on period instruments, never intrusive or jarring to the ears. It is easy to tell from this recording why Daniels received so much hype for bringing the countertenor voice to the mainstream and why his career has been so meteoric since the release of this disc. Now you can see that it was more than hype...David Daniels is the real thing.

David Daniels: La voz del barroco........2003-10-26

Para los amantes del barroco en su estado puro es esencial tener este cd en el cual el gran contratenor DAVID DANIELS repasa las arias mas celebres de las operas de George Friederich Haendel. Daniels impone una voz bella, muy femenina, homogenea en todo el registro, sin problemas en los agudos, y que enamora nada mas oirla. Ademas canta las arias con un extraordinario sentimiento. ROGER NORRINGHTON dirige a la ORQUESTA DEL SIGLO DE LAS LUCES (que suena magnificamente con sus instrumentos originales) con gran conocimiento del estilo barroco, lo que termina de hacer de este disco una pieza fundamental para los amantes de la opera barroca, que afortunadamente son cada vez mas.

Average customer rating: clear as a bell Renee Fleming...somewhat out of her depth Handel sung with gusto and wit Very disappointing Handel recital Brava Renee!!!

Handel Renee Fleming , Harry Bicket , Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment , and George Friedrich Handel Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sacred Songs Haunted Heart Lorraine Hunt Lieberson: Handel Arias The Inner Voice : The Making of a Singer Renee Fleming: By Request ASIN: B0002SZVV8 Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

[Decca /Universal 475 547-2]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: One of the best recordings of Branderburg concertos my copy was ok Could be great. Production Error Try before you buy

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Johann Sebastian Bach , Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment , Paul Goodwin , Catherine Mackintosh , Rachel Beckett , Mark Bennett , Monica Huggett , Alison Bury , Marion Scott , Lisa Beznosiuk , Malcolm Proud , Elizabeth Wallfisch , Pavlo Beznosiuk , Richard Campbell , Sarah Cunningham , William Hunt , John Toll , Richard Tunnicliffe , Timothy Brown , and Susan Dent Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Great Piano Concertos Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Tchaikovsky: Symphony 6 "Pathétique" in B minor Op. 74 Haydn: Lord Nelson Mass / Willcocks, King's College Choir ASIN: B00000J2PP Release Date: 1999-06-08

Tracks:

1. Concerti No.1 in F Major: I. No Tempo Indication
2. Concerti No.1 in F Major: II. Adagio
3. Concerti No.1 in F Major: III. Allegro
4. Concerti No.1 in F Major: IV. Menueto - Trio I - Polacca - Trio II
5. Concerto No.2 In F Major: I. No Tempo Indicated
6. Concerto No.2 In F Major: II. Andante
7. Concerto No.2 In F Major: III. Allegro assai
8. Concerto No.3 In G Major: I. No Tempo Indicated
9. Concerto No.3 In G Major: II. Adagio - Allegro

Tracks:

1. Concerto No.4 In G Major: I. Allegro
2. Concerto No.4 In G Major: II. Andante
3. Concerto No.4 In G Major: III. Presto
4. Concerto No.5 in D major: I. Allegro
5. Concerto No.5 in D major: II. Affetuoso
6. Concerto No.5 In D Major: III. Allegro
7. Conceto No.6 In B-flat Major: I. No Tempo Indicated
8. Conceto No.6 In B-flat Major: II. Adagio na non tanto
9. Concerto No.6 In B-flat Major: III. Allegro

Amazon.com

The Brandenburg Concertos seem to be Bach's most popular works by far, and there are so many recordings of them out there--on period instruments and "modern," and at all price ranges. Of course, it's hard to pick out one or even two to call the "best"--but this reissue of a 1989 recording by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment has a good claim for the title of "Best Buy Brandenburgs." These performances don't have the splashy extroversion of Il Giardino Armonico or the caffeine-pumped, high-velocity thrill of Musica Antiqua Köln, but they're not overly reserved or dull, as some English ensembles are accused of being. The OAE's instrumental playing is very skillful indeed, with particularly nice work from the horns in the third movement of the First Concerto, and from trumpeter Mark Bennett in the Second; and the tempos are moderately quick (which means that they would have been considered rather fast before 1980 or so), but without being breathless. The slow movements sing sweetly--the viola playing of Monica Huggett and Pavlo Besnosiuk in the slow movement of the Sixth Concerto is especially lovely--and the quick outer movements have an infectiously bouncy pulse. If money is no object, you might want to consider Il Giardino Armonico or the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, but these here are surely the best Brandenburgs available at such a low price. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

One of the best recordings of Branderburg concertos.......2006-03-06

I own quite a few recordings of the Branderburg concertos (Suzuki, Saval, Boston Baroque...) this one is one of the best.

There is an evident feel of musical joy coming out of this recording. I can't find other ways to describe it.
The musicians are enthusiastic about the work they are playing, restrained most of the time but when it is called for they give their best.

Highly recommended.

my copy was ok.......2006-02-09

This is an excellent version of the Brandenbergs. The tempos are good and the instruments are all clearly heard. I noticed that some sort of production problem led to some poor reviews with the 2 CDs having the same music for some people. I did NOT have that problem and think this set can be highly recommended.

Could be great........2006-01-02

I got a gift certificate for Borders and I decided to get this as I have been wanting it despite reports of the same music being on both discs. I brought it out to the van and immediately played both CDs and they both were the exact same music. I return the disc at Borders before we left the parking lot. What little we played sounded so right. Brilliant energy and refinement. Excellent sound quality. If I knew I could get one that was manufactured correctly I would purchase it in a heart beat.

Very Dissapointing.

Production Error.......2005-12-08

I would like to confirm the problem reported by Mr. Whittet. I purchased the disks in November 2005 and found the same mistake that he did. Disk 1 has the same music as Disk 2.

In other ways this is a spectacular recording. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment gives a graceful and articulate reading of the concertos, and the recorded sound is clear, warm, and spacious. But, despite the bargain price, it's not worth it just to get two copies of concertos 4-6.

Try before you buy.......2005-11-23

Watch out for a manufacturing error with this 2CD set. I found that the exact same music (Concertos 4-6) was recorded on each CD in the set (they are labelled CD1 and CD2 but both contain the music for CD2). I returned it, obtained a replacement, and the replacement has the exact same problem, so it is not an isolated event. I believe these performances would be excellent if I could only get to hear them all.

Average customer rating: Excellent! Outstanding Performance Deserving a Better Overall Rating! Mendelssohn-Elija/Terfel A prophetable experience The Standard. Period.

Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel Bryn Terfel , Felix Mendelssohn , Paul Daniel , Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment , Renée Fleming , Edinburgh Festival Chorus , John Mark Ainsley , Neal Davies , Patricia Bardon , Libby Crabtree , Sarah Fulgoni , and Geoffrey Moses Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Fleming, Renee | C to G | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: Elijah / Shaw, Bonney, Quivar, Hadley, Hampson, Atlanta Symphony (Sung in English) Mendelssohn: Elijah Elijah in Full Score Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation Elijah: An Oratorio for Piano & Vocal Score ASIN: B0000042HI Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

1. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth (Introduction) (Elijah)
2. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: Overture
3. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 1 - Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
4. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 2 - Lord, Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
5. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 3 - Ye People, Rend Your Hearts And Not Your Garments (Obadiah)
6. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 4 - 'If With All Your Hearts Ye Truly Seek Me...' (Obadiah)
7. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 5 - Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
8. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 6 - Elijah! Get Thee Hence, Elijah! (An Angel)
9. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 7 - For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
10. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 8 - What Have I To Do With Thee, O Man Of God? (The Widow, Elijah)
11. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 9 - Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
12. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 10 - As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth (Elijah)
13. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 11 - Baal, We Cry To Thee
14. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 12 - Call Him Louder, For He Is A God! (Elijah)
15. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 13 - Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not (Elijah)
16. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 14 - Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac, And Israel (Elijah)
17. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 15 - Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
18. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 16 - O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits (Elijah)
19. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 17 - Is Not His Word Like A Fire (Elijah)
20. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 18 - Woe, Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him! (Contralto I)
21. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 19 - O Man Of God, Help Thy People! (Obadiah, Elijah)
22. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 20 - Thanks Be To God! He Laveth The Thirsty Land

Tracks:

1. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 21 - Hear Ye, Israel (Soprano I)
2. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 22 - 'Be Not Afraid' Saith God The Lord
3. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 23 - The Lord Hath Exalted Thee From Among The People (Elijah)
4. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 24 - Woe To Him! He Shall Perish
5. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 25 - Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious In Thy Sight (Obadiah, Elijah)
6. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 26 - It Is Enough! O Lord, Now Take Away My Life (Elijah)
7. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 27 - See, Now He Sleepeth Beneath A Juniper Tree (Tenor I)
8. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 28 - Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
9. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 29 - He, Watching Over Israel
10. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 30 - Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey Before Thee (Elijah, An Angel)
11. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 31 - Oh Rest In The Lord (An Angel)
12. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 32 - He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
13. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 33 - Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord! (Elijah, An Angel)
14. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 34 - Behold, God The Lord Passed By!
15. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 35 - Above Him Stood The Seraphim - Holy Is The God The Lord Sabaoth (Contralto I)
16. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 36 - Go, Return Upon Thy Way! (Elijah)
17. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 37 - For The Mountains Shall Depart (Elijah)
18. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 38 - Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth Like A Fire
19. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 39 - Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth (Tenor I)
20. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 40 - Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah The Prophet (Soprano I)
21. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 41 - But The Lord From The North Hath Raised One - Oh Come Everyone That Thirsteth
22. Elijah: Oratorio, Op.70: No. 41 - And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Amazon.com

Mendelssohn (1809-1847) is a perennially underrated composer who finally may be coming to greater appreciation. Certainly this fine recording (in English) of a masterpiece that he believed joined the Jewish faith of his fathers with his own Protestant Christianity should not hurt his reputation. The superb Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel gives a dramatically charged performance in the title role, while soprano Renee Fleming sings with beauty and limpid understanding; the cast is almost uniformly strong. The Edinburgh Festival Chorus, directed by David Jones, sings with care and conviction, and Paul Daniel conducts his forces firmly. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2007-05-07

I listened to several recordings of Elijah and like this one the best. Given that the technical challenges to record this production would be huge, I think this recording is good. The chorus' diction is superb, and the soloists are exceptional.

Outstanding Performance Deserving a Better Overall Rating!.......2007-02-05

My intent is not to repeat the comments from the 'excellent' reviews already present, but to warn others who may be contemplating the purchase of this Elijah set to ignore the two 1-star ratings; first, the sound recording and dynamics on these CDs are outstanding - I'm assuming that the one reviewer has either bad audio equipment or was unlucky to obtain bad discs (exchange them!); second, 'wrong key' downgrades the rating to one star! As already pointed out, this is a HIP adventure, and the tuning of the key used is just different - ignorance of this fact does not deserve an ignorant rating.

This is a worthy performance - did not receive a top rating in the Penguin guide (not sure why not after reading the comments?); in the 'Third Ear', the set did get a glorious review (unusual for that book); and finally, in the 'Rough Guide to Classical Music', this version is the one recommended. If you want to own an Elijah set, do not ignore this one as a possibility - Terfel & Fleming are superb and the period instrument orchestra outstanding.

Mendelssohn-Elija/Terfel.......2007-01-14

This is one of the worst recordings I have ever purchased from Amazon. Many tracks of this sublime music are inaudible. Fortunately the music is "there". With about 8 hours of work, one can remaster the disks to produce a fine recording, but I would not recommend this for most people.

A prophetable experience.......2004-04-28

I've heard a lot of performances of Elijah, a well-crafted work that used to be more popular than it is these days, and this is an extremely good one. The musical direction is to the point, Fleming and Terfel are at their best, and the other soloists are extremely good. (Although I wonder if they originally tried to get an alto better-known than Patricia Bardon.) I'm also glad that there are enough soloists on hand: Mendelssohn asked for at least 8, and older recordings that make do with 4 (turning all octets into choruses, for instance) seriously distort his plan.

The pitch of the performance is a result of the use of period instruments and the tuning standard selected. There was no single pitch standard at this period, but the one selected is plausible and may be one heard by the composer. It is not a "transposition" or a distortion.

The Standard. Period........2002-04-26

I've heard many fine performances of this, the Mendelssohn masterpiece, both live and recorded, and THIS recording is the quintessential presentation. I've heard this sung in German, and I've heard it sung in English. And, no matter which of the two this is sung in, there is no finer performance anywhere. From the opening, with Bryn Terfel bursting force with the most power I've heard from him to date, to the defeat of the prophets of Baal, to the plea for Israel, to the final praise of God by the children of Israel, this work never lets up. Regardless of the pitching of the instruments or how Mendelssohn would have heard it, there is no doubt in my mind that he most certainly would have been enthralled with Terfel's performance. Terfel is, no question, the best there is in the world of classical bass-baritones today. Renee Fleming delivers a magnificently gorgeous performance. John Mark Ainsley holds his own as well. I was particularly impressed with the work of Patricia Bardon, whom I'd never heard from before this recording. Paul Daniel is worth his salt, too. And, the cake, which all of the soloists and the conductor are the icing for, is the combination of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the Enlightenment Orchestra...these are simply wonderful! They are so dramatic, articulate, and involved. If one is in search of a recording of "ELIJAH" by which one wants to hear the way it was meant to be performed (with intensity, emotion, fervor, and energy), then THIS is THE recording to pursue.

Track Listings:

1. Niels W. Gade: Elverskud
2. Niels W. Gade: Works for Violin & Piano
3. Nielsen: Quartetto, No. 1/Polka/Sonata, No. 1/2 Charakterstykker/Fantasistykke/Clavertrio, No. 1/Duetto I
4. Noble Dances
5. Oboe Concerto / Bourgeois Gentilhomme
6. Odes
7. Opera Suites 1
8. Per Nørgard: Works For Solo Piano
9. Petridis: Concerto Grosso/Kalomiris: Symphony No.1
10. Piano Works for 4 Hands 2

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Memories: 36 Guitar Moods [Import]

Office des Oracles/Messe/Avoaha/Lys de Madrigaux

My Story

Jazz Matinee

Sunday Morning [Import]

So Damn Happy

Shake Sugaree

Soulima Stravinsky, Piano

Suck Their Way to the Top [Import]

Oro [Import]

Stacked Actors [CD-single] [Import]

Sister Sweetly

Most Wanted: Techno [Import]

Schubert: Piano Sonata D. 960/3 Klavierstücke D. 946

The Therapy Sessions Vol. 3