Sword & The Grail

1. Lohengrin, opera, WWV 75 Gralserzählung des Lohengrin
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

2. Lohengrin, opera, WWV 75 Lohengrins Abschied
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

3. Das Rheingold (The Rhine Gold), opera, WWV 86a Loges Erzählung
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

4. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Siegmunds Liebeslied
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

5. Siegfried, opera, WWV 86c Siegfrieds Schmiedelied
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

6. Die Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods), opera, WWV 86d Siegfrieds Tod
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

7. Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen, opera, WWV 49 Gebet des Rienzi
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

8. Tannhäuser, opera, WWV 70 Romerzählung des Tannhäuser
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

9. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Amfortas! die Wunde!
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

10. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Nir eine Waffe taugt
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with William Lewis
Conducted by Gabor Otvos

Sword & The Grail,Wagner,Lewis,Otvos,Rpo,Royal Philharmonic,Classical,Classical Music

Average customer rating: Beautiful Awesome Excellent Music tracks from Movie Complete? Great Collection, Poor Packaging

The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - The Complete Recordings Howard Shore Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Complete Recordings The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Ringers - Lord of the Fans The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ASIN: B000BNI90O Release Date: 2005-12-13

Tracks:

1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Prologue: One Ring ...
2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Shire
3. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Bag End (Featuring ...)
4. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Very Old Friends
5. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Flaming Red Hair
6. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Farewell Dear Bilbo
7. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Keep It Secret, Keep ...
8. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Conspiracy Unmasked
9. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Three Is Company
10. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Passing of the Elves
11. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Saruman the White
12. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Shortcut to Mushrooms
13. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Strider
14. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Nazgul ...

Tracks:

1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Weathertop
2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Caverns of Isengard
3. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Give Up the Halfling
4. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Orthanc
5. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Rivendell
6. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Sword That Was ...
7. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Council of ...
8. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Great Eye
9. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gilraen's Memorial
10. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Pass of Caradhras
11. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Doors of Durin
12. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Moria
13. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gollum
14. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Balin's Tomb

Tracks:

1. Khazad-Dum
2. Caras Galadhon (featuring Lament for Gandalf, performed by Elizabeth Fraser)
3. The Mirror of Galadriel
4. The Fighting Uruk-hai
5. Parth Galen
6. The Departure of Boromir
7. The Road Goes Ever On (part 1)
8. May It Be (composed and performed by Enya)
9. The Road Goes Ever On (part 2. featuring In Dreams, perfomed by Edward Ross)
10. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Khazad-D
11. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Caras Galadhon ...
12. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Mirror of Galadriel
13. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Fighting Uruk-Hai
14. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Parth Galen
15. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Departure of Boromir
16. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Road Goes Ever ...
17. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/May It Be
18. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Road Goes Ever ...

Amazon.com

As fans of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy know, each film exists in two versions: the theatrical one and the extended one that appeared on DVD. This luxurious box set--which also comes with a detailed essay on the movie's musical themes--features the full extended score, so many cues not on the CDs of the individual movies are included. Granted, the majority of listeners will be perfectly happy with the shorter versions of the scores--it's a safe bet that most people can live without hearing, say, Ian McKellen's 35-second-long ditty "The Road Goes Ever On" at the beginning of "Bag End," or Viggo Mortensen's performance of his own composition, "The Song of Lúthien," within the track "The Nazgûl." But if you're a completist and/or a devotee of Howard Shore's pounding tympani and overwhelming choral compositions (featured particularly prominently on disc 3, a large chunk of which is devoted to a battle scene), then this set is a dream come true. Audiophiles should note that the fourth disc, a DVD, offers the score in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Fire up those speakers so the whole shire can hear. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

An epic film score receives epic treatment with The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring/Complete Recordings. Released for the first time on CD, the complete score for the first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy contains more than 180 minutes of music on three CDs plus a DVD-Audio disc of the entire score in Surround Sound. Breathtaking and majestic, the 2001 Oscar and Grammy winning score compsted by Howard Shore also includes Enya's Oscar nominated "May It Be." For fans of any of The Lord of the Rings films, the Fellowship of the Ring/Complete Recordings is an essential experience.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-06-15

I picked up this set because I am both a LOTR fan, movies and books and I need music to help me work. There are some tracks that I skipped over, like the short little ditties in the bar, but many of the songs, such as the Elvish chants are easy to get lost in - its just too bad they don't last longer. The packaging really is well done, though the DVD disc was loose when I received it in the mail, but unharmed. I will have to wait until the price on the second set comes down a little more, but I can't wait for ROTK.

Awesome.......2007-06-12

This is by far the editon to get if you loved the lord of the rings soundtrack. It has every song on it from the extended edition. and the DVD-A version is very nice.

Excellent Music tracks from Movie.......2007-05-03

Brings the movie back as you listen to the full version of the track.

Complete?.......2007-04-07

This CD collection is wonderful; it has much of the material from the movie that was only included in the extended edition DVD, but it is far from complete. While it does have the complete version of "The Passing of the Elves" and two versions of "The Road Goes Ever On", many of the songs are highly incomplete and inferior to the originals. "Aniron," the theme for Aragorn and Arwen performed by Enya, is incomplete and the lyrics are hard to match to what is being sung. The sound quality for this song is even worse on the accompanying DVD, which is supposed to have all of the music in "superior sound". The song "Prophecy" is reduced to two barely-audible lines and "May It Be" is shortened and different than the original. $60 for this when there are more complete songs on the original soundtrack is ridiculous.

Great Collection, Poor Packaging.......2007-04-03

I realy can't add to what others have said about this set, the music is simply the best LOTR soundtrack collection out there! It is all here, and the contents of this set will make any LOTR fan happy and the music DVD is a great one disc addition if you want to hear the entire score in one sitting (to which I have done a number of times already).
My only complaint is the somewhat flimsy cardboard box that houses the contents of this musical treasure. Mine came damaged, and considering the price, I expected better packaging. This is a minor quabble on my part and NO, I havent returned it due to the fact that the music itself Is what I truly treasure, It just would have been nicer to have recieved it undamaged.

Music-5
Packaging-3

*for the record I had rated this Item 5 stars not the 3 stars that is showing at the top of my review*

Average customer rating: The power of faith This soundtrack.... Dances With Wolves in Japan A Diverse Score from the Land of the Rising Sun One of the best themes ever composed

The Last Samurai Hans Zimmer Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Purists | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture King Arthur Braveheart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Kingdom of Heaven Batman Begins ASIN: B0000DZTIW Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

1. A Way Of Life
2. Spectres In The Fog
3. Taken
4. A Hard Teacher
5. To Know My Enemy
6. Idyll's End
7. Safe Passage
8. Ronin
9. Red Warrior
10. The Way Of The Sword
11. A Small Measure Of Peace

Amazon.com

Whether Tom Cruise's portrayal of a 19th century American soldier cum samurai warrior will be remembered with the same pangs of pop-cultural bemusement that befell John Wayne playing Genghis Khan remains to be seen. But its musical soundtrack does mark an auspicious occasion: pop musician-turned-composer Hans Zimmer's 100th score since beginning his film career in 1988. A pioneer of fusing both the electronic and orchestral and the Westernized with the indigenous, Zimmer does both here with skill, drawing heavily on samples of the traditional Taiko (a massive Japanese drum) for its rhythmic action sequences, while constructing a melodic Western motif for Cruise's character that's both centerpiece and counterpoint for the score's transcultural intent. Aside from the brief, ominous thunder of the expected action/suspense boilerplate, Zimmer has constructed passages of gentle, Asian-inflected pastoralism that have parallels with much of his evocative work on The Thin Red Line. Those cues are the score's very soul, a canvas against which his more traditional themes reverberate all the stronger. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

The power of faith .......2007-05-29

Sweet as lotus flower, strong as a the solid rock of the paith, sharp as a samurai sword... close your eyes and live in an magic ancient atmosphere

This soundtrack...........2007-04-24

...is really amazing, so deep and great. The movie would never be so good without this great music.

Dances With Wolves in Japan.......2007-04-10

If you liked Dances With Wolves this is it in Japan - I do think it is Tom C's best movie. The sound track is excellent - Zimmer also did Batman Returns which has a fantastic soundtrack - Hans is comming on

A Diverse Score from the Land of the Rising Sun.......2007-03-02

I always love it when composers branch out and write music that you would never expect them to write, yet retaining their own trademark sound. Here, Hans Zimmer utilizes his own, recognizable sound, where you know it's him with eastern instrumentation, such as Taiko drums, the shakuhachi (a staple in Horner scores lately), and the koto harp. It's east meets west, a route in which Tan Dun took on in the film "Hero", and Zimmer's score follows many of those same musical ideas, only not quite as eastern sounding as Dun's score.
The main theme is a powerful 7-note anthem which tends to build its way up each time, as in "A Way of Life", "Spectres in the Fog", "Idyll's End", and "Safe Passage". You can tell it is a Zimmer theme just by its sound, but with the oriental flavor thrown in, it really adds to the mix.
The action music in the score is exciting with energetic Taiko drums keeping the pulse moving. They do not get tiresome, as you might think because Zimmer uses them more like a heartbeat, not a heart attack! "Red Warrior" is a powerful anthem, consisting of japanese warrior chants, which really add to the scope of the sound. Other noteworthy tracks are "Ronin" and "The Way of the Sword", which are enjoyable pieces of music.
I was pleased of the results of Zimmer's work here. It showcases Zimmer's diversity with his music. I hope he gets the opportunity to write more diverse scores such as this. The Da Vinci Code is certainly one of them!

One of the best themes ever composed.......2007-02-28

This soundtrack is brilliant, and Hans Zimmer even more. He is truly one of the great film composers. The Last Samurai's sounds never fail to draw emotion from me.

Average customer rating: perhaps not the best... but pretty damn good. The Sword ROCKS!!! They Rock Thank you guitar hero One of the best Heavy Metal albums ever

Age of Winters The Sword Manufacturer: Kemado ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wolfmother Leviathan Blood Mountain Blood Mountain From Beale Street to Oblivion ASIN: B000E1NWUU Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

1. Celestial Crown
2. Barael's Blade
3. Freya
4. Winter's Wolves
5. Horned Goddess
6. Iron Swan
7. Lament for the Aurochs
8. March of the Lor [Instrumental in Eight Movements]
9. Ebethron

Customer Reviews:

perhaps not the best... but pretty damn good........2007-07-06

This band takes it's fair share of knocks on different blogs on the internet for supposedly being posers... I don't know about any of that stuff, but I do know that this is a really good first effort for any band. I am looking forward to their second album to see how they might evolve. Good stuff. At least give it a try before you write a bunch of negative stuff about them.

The Sword ROCKS!!!.......2007-06-10

This album rocks from beginning to end, with no let up. The riffs are amazing. It is definitely throw back type metal; hell, it just rocks!! If you like headbanging, melt your face metal, this is for you. Age of Winters will play over and over in your cd player without you even realizing it; it will having you rocking when you thought you wanted to mellow out, now that's the sign of a great album. Support these great metalheads and buy this album now!!!

They Rock.......2007-05-12

#1 on the 420 Train Wreck Top 10 2006 List

This band could be big...

Thank you guitar hero.......2007-05-05

I came across this band from playing Guitar Hero II. The song Freya was included in this game. Most of the tracks from that game cherry pick a good song and the album turns out to be a let down. Not this one.

What a great album this is. Yes the album art is great too.

Best comparison of style is to Black Sabbath. I get annoyed with people that over categorize music. Calling this music "doom metal" might turn a lot of people off. There is nothing morbid or vulgar about this music.

I eagerly await the follow up to this album. Lets see if they can bottle the same magic as Age of Winters.

One of the best Heavy Metal albums ever.......2007-04-30

I've been a Heavy Metal fan for 28 years, got over 3000 Metal LP's and CD's in my collection. So I know something about the scene.

When I heard The Sword's debut album, it felt like listening to Motörhead's "Ace Of Spades" or Metallica's "Kill 'em All" or Trouble's "Psalm 9" for the first time. I got the feeling there's something very special about this band.

Very innovative combination of Doom Metal and Progressive Rock with a touch of 80's Slayer-type Thrash Metal. Sure, there aren't many straight forward, compact up-lifted melodies, but the band got sheer power, attitude and enthusiasm to break through brick wall and into your mind.

And there actually are melodies, mostly hidden cleverly under groovy riffs and fist-in-face drums. When you discover them, the album starts to haunt you so that you don't get enough of it. Every time you discover something new there and don't get tired of listening it for the 3rd time in a row. That's the mark of a masterpiece.

I saw the band in Helsinki a few days ago supporting Clutch and they were amazing also live. If there is any justice in the world, The Sword should become huge. And what a cover art work, so cool...

Get also vinyl version of the album. Wonderful gatefold cover and very, very nice clear vinyl. It rocks!

Average customer rating: Ring introduction critique FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE Welcome back to a classic analysis Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle Very Functional

An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen Deryck Cooke , Georg Solti , Wiener Philharmoniker , Anita Valkki , Berit Lindholm , Birgit Nilsson , Brigitte Fassbaender , Christa Ludwig , Claire Watson , Claudia Hellmann , Dame Gwyneth Jones , Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau , Eberhard Wächter , George London , Gerhard Stolze , Gottlob Frick , Grace Hoffmann , Gustav Neidlinger , Hans Hotter , Helen Watts , Helga Dernesch , Hetty Plumacher , Ira Malaniuk , James King , Jean Madeira , Joan Sutherland , Kirsten Flagstad , Kurt Böhme , Lucia Popp , Marga Höffgen , Marilyn Tyler , Maureen Guy , Oda Balsborg , Paul Kuen , Régine Crespin , Set Svanholm , Vera Little , Vera Schlosser , Waldemar Kmentt , Walter Kreppel , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baritones | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wagner's Ring: Turning the Sky Round Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti Decoding Wagner: An Invitation to His World of Music Drama (includes 2 CDs) Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen / Levine, Metropolitan Opera (Complete Ring Cycle) Ring of the Nibelung ASIN: B00000424H Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Of All Great Musical Compositions... (Examples 1-4)
2. The Fundamental Symbol... (Examples 5-11)
3. Returning Now To The Nature Motive... (Examples 6, 12-16)
4. A Number Of Further Motives... (Examples 5, 17-21)
5. A Second, Much Smaller Family... (Examples 22-25)
6. So Much For Nature. (Examples 26-38)
7. The Cause Of The Deterioration... (Examples 39-44)
8. The Other Transformation... (Examples 45-48)
9. Several Other Motives... (Examples 49-52)
10. Two Further Motives... (Examples 41, 53-61)
11. The Basic Motive Associated With The Spear... (Examples 62-68)
12. Along Another, More Complex Line... (Examples 69-72)
13. In Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 69, 73-75)
14. Returning Now To Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 76-79)
15. Love Is Another Of The Central Symbols... (Examples 80-83)
16. Later In The Same Scene... (Examples 84-87)
17. Freia's Motive Has Two Independent Segments... (Examples 88-91)
18. The Label 'Flight'... (Example 92)
19. When Fasolt, In Scene Two Of Rhinegold... (Examples 93-98)
20. A Little Later In The Interlude... (Examples 99-103)

Tracks:

1. The Other New Motive... (Examples 104-109)
2. There Are Several Independent Love-Motives... (Examples 110-114)
3. The Characters In Whose Lives... (Examples 115-120)
4. One Further Motive Belongs... (Example 121)
5. The Sword Motive Recurs... (Examples 122-130)
6. Ironically, This Phrase... (Examples 131-135)
7. Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive... (Examples 136-140)
8. Here We Come To The End... (Examples 141-146)
9. Complemtary To This Symbol... (Examples 147-149)
10. One Last Central Symbol... (Examples 150-157)
11. One Further Motive Connected... (Examples 158-161)
12. There Are One Or Two Motives... (Examples 162-168)
13. These Motives Of Alberich And Mime... (Examples 169-171)
14. Quite A Number Of The Subsidiary Motives... (Examples 172-176)
15. Besides This Family Of Motives... (Examples 177-180)
16. Our Final Example... (Examples 10, 181, 182)
17. In The Final Scene Of Gotterdammerung... (Examples 181-183)
18. Even More Masterly... (Examples 184-188)
19. Now If We Return... (Examples 189-191)
20. This Masterly Way... (Examples 192, 193)

Amazon.com

When Wagner set the Ring to music, he intended the orchestra to act in the fashion of a chorus from a classic Greek tragedy--setting the mood and commenting on the action. In order to allow a nonverbal musical line to reflect on the plot, Wagner developed a psychologically and musically complex symbology to communicate his thoughts to the listener. From the beginning the Ring has spawned numerous written commentaries on the relationships of the motif structure, but by using examples from the Decca Ring recording, Deryck Cooke's thoughtful spoken commentary is by far the most accessible guide for either the fledgling Ring enthusiast or the seasoned veteran. --Christian C. Rix

Customer Reviews:

Ring introduction critique.......2006-11-04

This is very worthwhile, at the same time it requires time, patience and attention, but it does provide some keys to better enjoyment of a sensational piece of music.

FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE.......2006-08-16

This may look an intimidating, daunting and dull prospect - a 2+ hour lecture on the motifs in the Ring. Don't be put off. Whether you're a relative novice to the Ring and want to find out what it's all about, more experienced with a desire to understand the composer's methods better or an afficionado who thinks he knows it all inside out, there is great pleasure as well as elucidation to be had from this set. Originally made to accompany the Decca Solti Ring, it contains a multitude of musical illustrations taken from those recordings as well as some specially recorded by Solti just for this Introduction.

It wasn't the first time this has been tried. The famous HMV sets from the late 20's also included recorded examples of over 100 motifs. (These, by the way, are available as part of the Pearl reissue of those wonderful HMV recordings). What that set lacked was the wonderful insights as well as the approachability of the talk by Deryck Cooke. Cooke was a great and much missed musicologist - a Mahler expert responsible for the performing edition of the Tenth Symphony still most played today, a fascinating explorer into the nature of music's basic building-blocks in his excellent book, The Language of Music, and an inspiring and elucidating critic of Wagner's work as shown by the fascinating book he left unfinished at his death, I Saw the World End.

On these CDs he does much more than list the leitmotifs and identify them as calling-cards. He shows the amazingly integrated and organic growth of the musical material that Wagner uses throughout his vast work. He demonstrates how motifs can change their sense and meaning as they evolve through the drama. And he shows how the complex combinations of motifs can radically advance both the musical and the dramatic narrative of the piece. There are even places where he corrects the misinterpretation of some of the motifs that had become ingrained from early commentators' false labels.

This set should engage and enlighten anyone with an interest in Wagner's huge and inexhaustible tetralogy. Do give it a try - no matter how far down the road to Wagnerianism you are.

Welcome back to a classic analysis.......2006-05-28

Deryck Cooke's lecture series upon THE RING is almost as much a classic by now as the Solti RING cycle, with which it was originally issued on LP, and from which it derives its musical examples. The difference is that whereas the Solti RING has been continuously in print ever since it was completed, and was among the first opera sets to benefit from the CD revolution, the Cooke analysis was for long almost totally unobtainable. Now we have it back. It should be welcomed: it is a classic. Cooke's mellow, deep voice with the hint of a Celtic burr - which made him ideal on BBC radio - patiently explains Wagner's melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic metamorphoses to such good effect that if you own this recording, you really require no other RING analysis. (A pity about the abrupt beginnings and endings of too many vocal and orchestral illustrations, though.) Musicology lost a fine, sensitive thinker with Cooke's premature death in 1976.

If all you want is dilettantish baby food, there are plenty of dumbed-down Wagner commentaries on the market, stretching from Anna Russell's famous monologue (which doesn't pretend to be anything other than a parody aimed at morons) to the latest standard-issue "Wagner-was-a-Nazi-boo-hiss" feuilleton (which, unfortunately, does). Without reasonable score-reading skill you will find Cooke useless, however diligently you have ploughed through Marx, Jung, Freud, or other gurus purportedly relevant to THE RING. Cooke expects you to use your brains and your musical sense. Quelle horreur. At today's BBC his "elitism" would render him unemployable.

Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle.......2006-05-15

I originally bought this set on vinyl in the early 70s when I discovered the Ring in college. I studied the records and booklet assiduously, and after about three run-throughs I finally started getting it. Wow! Thirty-five years later, I still remember Mr. Cooke's analyses of various motive families, and I don't know how I could have mastered and loved the Ring without him. I now own this set on CD and listen again on the rare occasion of attending a Ring performance. My wife calls me a "Ring nut," but of course I'm nuts about many other things as well.

Bottom line, buy this set and study it if the Ring has captivated you as it has countless others. The presentation is dry, but sticking with it brings measureless and longlasting rewards.

Very Functional.......2006-03-19

This CD set is excellent for what it sets out to do: present the leitmotives of the Ring according to their relationship to one another and their role in developing both characters and plotlines. Deryck Cooke's lectures on each motive are very insightful, very helpful at cueing the listener into the semantic aspect of Wagner's orchestral writing. The one drawback is that the musical examples are a bit jarring. Without fade-ins or -outs, the engineering is quite barbaric. And though the orchestra was, I believe, conducted by Solti, and is beautifully done, the vocal performances can be quite unpleasant. Point being: this is not background music, but in accomplishing what it sets out to do, it is very successful, and I don't know of anything else like it.

Average customer rating: A dream Perfection at its Best Tranquil Beauty Beautiful! Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack

Hero Tan Dun Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: House of Flying Daggers Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000 Film) The Last Samurai Memoirs of a Geisha Hero ASIN: B0002S945W Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

1. Hero: Overture
2. For the World - Theme Music
3. Warriors
4. Gone with Leaves
5. Longing
6. At Emperor's Palace
7. In the Chess Court
8. Love in Distance
9. Spirit Fight
10. Swift Sword
11. Farewell, Hero
12. Sorrow in Desert
13. Home
14. Above Water
15. Snow
16. Yearning for the Peace

Amazon.com

Tan Dun straddles the very different worlds of concert music and film scores, winning admirers in both. He's perhaps best known for his score to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which shares with Hero a visual poetry that transcends the sword-filled action film genre. In Crouching Tiger, Tan Dun's music was often striking. In Hero he often lapses into repetition and cliché, a failing compensated for by several appealing cues. The Overture, for example, begins with the mournful wail of ancient Chinese instruments set against pounding drums, a promising start that evokes ancient China and the struggles to come. There's a mournful soprano vocalise in "Gone With the Leaves," and the "Warriors" cue recalls Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky. The plucking of the ancient Chinese lute in "In the Chess Court" evokes a timeless, peaceful mood, contrasting with the thrilling kodo drummers showcased in "Swift Sword." Itzhak Perlman gets cover billing for violin solos any competent studio fiddler could have handled. Tan Dun's admirers will want this, and audiophiles will love those kodo drummers. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A dream.......2007-05-29

A magistral execution... close your eyes and dream.... a perfumed atmosphere will pervade you

Perfection at its Best.......2007-01-05

I received the Hero CD in mint condition and in a timely fashion. There's a plethora of things one could complain about, and when something works how it should, sometimes it gets overlooked. Not this time! I would just like to commend Amazon.Com on a job well done...

Tranquil Beauty.......2006-08-08

After seeing Hero, one of the (many) things that stuck with me was the evocative soundtrack. It set a perfect backdrop to the artistry and beauty of the story.

After purchasing the soundtrack, I was reminded of many of the scenes I enjoy, especially the tracks for the fight in the chess house ("In the Chess Court"), and in the yellow wood ("Gone with Leaves"). "Longing" is one of the most hauntingly serene pieces of film music I have heard.

This is not, obviously, a CD to listen to while you do step aerobics.
The theme is repeated and varied often, evoking the way the film's story is repeated from different perspectives, but those with short attention spans may perceive it as merely repetitive.

Beyond its association with the film, this soundtrack is an incredibly calming work of art. To be enjoyed with a good cup of hot tea.
5 stars.

Beautiful!.......2006-03-19

Interesting way to present some Chinese history by convoluted storytelling. Jet Li provides a subtle, challenging performance. It's a visually stunning movie to look at, as well. In a way, it's a lot like some classic Westerns in that the gorgeously stark landscapes of China become just as much a "star" as the players.

One of the real draws is the music. Tan Dun's compositions are beautiful, sad and celebratory at the same time, and haunting. I think it was pure genius to pair his compositions with Perlman. I had to wait a few months for the DVD, but I went out and bought the music CD immediately after seeing this gem of a movie.

Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack.......2006-02-25

When I want to reconnect with my inner self and take a "time out" from my rat race life, I play either this CD or the sound track from "The Last Samurai". The theme from this CD stays in your head all day. If you like soundtracks, asian style muusic, classical music, and beauty, this CD has it all. I sometimes end up watching the movie again later in the week. I collect movie soundtracks and this is in my top ten.

Average customer rating: SWEET

Bang Camaro Bang Camaro Manufacturer: Black Sword Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Extreme Extreme II: Pornograffitti Icky Thump ASIN: B000NSGT18

Product Description

Track Listings include: Push Push Lady Lightning Swallow The Razor Pleasure (Pleasure) Gates of Love The Ballad Out On The Streets You Know I Like My Band F.Y.T.F.O. Nightlife Commando Rock of Mages Rock Rebellion Bang Camaro

Customer Reviews:

SWEET.......2007-04-09

If you want to rock harder than the bulge in your mommas pants, THIS IS THE CD!

Average customer rating: OK Great Music GREAT SOUNDTRACK! Finest Music Ever Heard Stirring Americana

Liberty! (1997 Television Mini-series) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by O'Connor | O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Music of the American Revolution: The Birth of Liberty Early American Roots The American Seasons Colonial America The World Turned Upside Down ASIN: B0000029YF Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Song Of The Liberty Bell
2. Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier
3. Surrender The Sword
4. Soldier's Joy
5. When Bidden To The Wake Or Fair
6. The World Turned Upside Down
7. Bunker Hill
8. Freedom
9. The Flowers Of Edinburgh
10. Brave Wolfe
11. Devil's Dream
12. Song Of The Liberty Bell

Customer Reviews:

OK.......2005-03-17

Good CD, especially if you're a fan of Mark O'Conner. I have to admit that a couple of the tracks seem rather directionless (in a Vaughn Williams sort of way) and I tend to lose interest, but other tracks are fun, even exciting. The production is excellent throughout.

Great Music.......2004-02-27

I watched the documentary and heard Mark O'Connor play this piece in a concert and loved it immediately. The music is great to help the battles come alive but great for just listening to anyway.

GREAT SOUNDTRACK!.......2003-07-04

Fine CD full of great pieces of music from a great miniseries! Full of patriotism! I highly recommend it! Grade: A+

Finest Music Ever Heard.......2002-03-27

I heard this music on the excellent P B S Documentary: "Liberty - the American Revolution" and I knew I had to have it! It is the finest music I have heard, capturing the heart and soul of the American Revolution. The documentary "Liberty" was a masterpiece that was beautiful and moving. So too this music with its most wonderful arrangements and accompaniment. I love it! I could hardly wait to get it in the mail. It framed the documentary (which I also bought) like a great frame compliments a beautiful canvas painting. Superlatives fail me. This music must be experienced by first watching the great series on the American Revolution and then by listening to it apart. This is some of the most wonderful music I have ever heard. It reminds me of the genius of Aaron Copland who wrote the Applachian Spring and Rodeo suites.

Stirring Americana.......2001-11-10

This CD stands on its own merits as good music, not simply as music for a TV show. It evokes images of America old and new. O'Connor's violin carries us from the dance hall to the battlefield to the sorrow of lover's lost. Simple melodies twist and turn, rising up from their solid American roots. James Taylor's solemn rendition of "Johnny's Gone for a Soldier"is as true a telling of the grief of the soldier lost to war today as it was hundreds of years ago. Sit in a comfortable chair in the warm light of evening and let it surround you. To know where we have come from offers hope that the magic of freedom and liberty will not desert us in these troubled times.

Average customer rating: With age,comes knowledge Grown Man Music (Hip-Hop) What happen ? Tight liquid flows Slept.

Legend Of The Liquid Sword Gza/Genius , and Genius/GZA Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wu Tang Iron Flag No Said Date Supreme Clientele Tical Bulletproof Wallets ASIN: B00007FXQF Release Date: 2002-12-10

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. AutoBio
3. Did Ya Say That
4. Silent (feat. Ghostface Killah and Streetlife)
5. Knock, Knock
6. Stay In Line
7. Animal Planet
8. Fam (Members Only) (feat. RZA and Masta Killa)
9. Legend Of The Liquid Sword (feat. Anthony Allen)
10. Fame
11. Highway Robbery (feat. Two's)
12. Luminal
13. Sparring Minds (feat. Inspectah Deck)
14. Rough Cut (feat. RZA and Armel)
15. What You Know About?

Amazon.com

Bouncing back from the deplorably mediocre Beneath the Surface, GZA reasserts his position at the head of the Wu-Tang corpus. The most obvious improvement is in the production, masterminded by various Wu-Tang acolytes of RZA's dissonant funkalistics. Beats are kept simple--one- and two-bar loops sampled from across the musical spectrum--but despite their austerity, they're impressively efficient sonic packages that complement GZA's own powerfully compact lyrical style. The self-proclaimed "ill rhyme kicker / with no parental sticker" rolls with almost nonstop braggadocio on the album, flashing his virtuosity with metaphorically inspired songs like "Fame" and "Animal Planet" and wordplay parties such as "Knock, Knock" and "Sparring Minds." The album's main liability is that it's consistent to a fault. The 15 tracks begin to sound like variations on one another and, despite the individual qualities of any given song, the overall album begins to get monotonous halfway through. --Oliver Wang

Customer Reviews:

With age,comes knowledge.......2007-01-15

I picked up this CD recently and I find GZA's rhymescheme to be excellent as expected. GZA hasn't lost his stee a bit when it comes to the ryhmes and the thoughts on this CD.Though,it still isn't as good as Liqiud Swords,it still comes pretty damn close. The only thing I didn't like about this CD is some of the production. This Q-Base guy is alright, I suppose, and Mathematics drops an incredible beat on "Fam" with Masta Killa and RZA. RZA drops a beat on this CD whoch I wasn't feeling at all. He could've done better with his reputation and his work on other Wu classics. other than that, the CD is packed with genius rhymes and Wordplay which is what you should be looking for, anyway.


Top 5 tracks
1.Sparring Minds feat. Inspectah Deck
2.Fam(Members Only) feat. Masta Killa and RZA
3.Auto Bio
4.Legend Of The Liquid Sword
5.Stay In Line

Grown Man Music (Hip-Hop).......2006-12-07

Though my favorite Wu member is Ghostface, I've been on this kick listening to Raekwon's Vatican Mixtape V2 as well as the Grandmasters album by DJ Muggs and GZA...and while doing so, I thought, "I've been sleepin'"...then I went on this frantic search for Legend of The Liquid Sword...a lot of people say this album is 'just ok' due to the fact RZA isn't doing all or most of the beats like he used to...well 2 things...1. RZA's style of beats aren't the same as they were when he did the earlier albums (translated: it ain't gon' really matter no way) and 2. This is a great album anyway...this is Grown Man Music (for other examples, check: Fishscale (Hustlin' music on an adult level), Street's Disciple, The Game Theory, Kingdom Come (not really feelin' it that much...YET), Grandmasters and The Fix (to name a few)...music (hip-hop) that 30-plus year old MCs' need to be making...it's one thing to wanna keep up with the times and put out the product the industry says makes the most money...but face it, the Wu's heyday were the 90's...and this is the kind of music only grown up or progressive minded people can appreciate.

The thing about this particular album is that listening to GZA is like listening to an old wise man on the corner...his flow is real meticulous and conveys in-depth detail...what I like about the Wu members is how they take and borrow from each other and flip certain lyrics in their own lil way or they use their own old lyrics and flip it to meet the times...the sonic landscapes on this album are the perfect match for GZA's flow...while he doesn't have that loud voice or switch up his flow too much, the beats (thematic) enhance it without him getting lost in them...another thing about the beats...they are not wack (honestly, if you don't feel like getting brain-overload by focusing on the rhymes...just roll with the beats.

What happen ?.......2006-07-15

remenber listining to 4th chamber ? Cold world ?shadowboxin ? Those songs were raw and dark and grimy but damn Genius's legend of the liquid sword is garbage... It doesnt have that raw feeling it had in the previous album. Im so disspointed. Wutang is nothing like they used to be anymore except for ghostface killa the rest is just garbarge... Gza/genius's "legend of the liquid sword" is a sad dissapointment.

Tight liquid flows.......2006-04-05

This is a pretty good disc not as good as the first but probably will never top that one.The disc I have has the explicit lyrics throughout,so whatever that dude has was the clean cd both times.

Slept........2006-03-21

Wow. I can't believe I have slept on this album for so long. GZA shreds through this album with some of the illest rhymes, concepts, ideas, and flow I have heard in awhile. I loved every minute of it and suggest to every Wu and Hip Hop fan alike to cop this album ASAP!

Bar none one of the top 100 Hip Hop Albums of all time.

Average customer rating: One of my favorite cast recordings Thougt You Were The Candyman Didn't ya freggy! The Rockiest Recording to Date Good recording, bad show. Oh Daphne!

The Rocky Horror Show (2000 Broadway Revival Cast) Alice Ripley , Tom Hewitt , Raul Esparza , Sebastian Lacause , Jarrod Emick , Lea Delaria , Daphne Rubin-Vega , and Richard O'Brien Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Revivals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | 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: The Rocky Horror Show (Original 1973 London Cast - Rhino) The Rocky Horror Show: Original Roxy Cast (1974 Los Angeles Cast) Taboo (2003 Original Broadway Cast) The Rocky Horror Show (1995 Studio Cast) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Widescreen Edition) ASIN: B00005B605 Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Science Fiction Double Feature
3. Damn It, Janet
4. Over At The Frankenstein Place
5. Time Warp
6. Sweet Transvestite
7. The Sword Of Damocles
8. I Can Make You A Man
9. Hot Patootie
10. I Can Make You A Man (reprise)
11. Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch Me
12. Once In A While
13. Eddie's Teddy
14. Planet Schmanet-Wise Up Janet Weiss
15. Floor Show/Rose Tint My World
16. I'm Going Home
17. Spaceship
18. Super Heroes
19. Science Fiction Double Feature (reprise)
20. Time Warp (reprise)

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The movie version of The Rocky Horror Show has turned into such an enduring cult success that it has pretty much obliterated the fact that it all started with a stage show. And now Richard O'Brien's musical is back on stage, where some say it truly belongs (it was nominated for the category Best Revival of a Musical in the 2001 Tony Awards). With a great cast that includes Dick Cavett, Alice Ripley (Janet), Tom Hewitt (Frank 'N' Furter), and Daphne Rubin-Vega (Magenta), the revival fires on all cylinders. Note that while Joan Jett was in the cast as Columbia, she's not on the CD (Kristen Lee Kelly is). But Lea DeLaria, last seen stealing the show in On the Town, more than compensates by playing both Eddie (Meat Loaf in the movie!) and Dr. Scott--and doing great by both. As a bonus, the song "Once in a While" is back after being cut from the movie. Bursting with energy, this recording brings the rock back in Rocky. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite cast recordings.......2007-01-17

This was the first Rocky Horror album I've ever listened to besides the movie soundtrack. Despite the lack of Joan Jett as Columbia and the 2nd Usherette, this album is sweet. Daphne-Rubin Vega is perfect as Magenta. And Tom Hewlett 's interpretation as Frank N. Furter is just in sync with the character. But he's still no Tim Curry. And the rest of the cast is sublime. And with Dick Cavett as the Criminologist and famed lesbian comedienne Lea DeLaria as both Eddie and Dr. Scott is just excellent.

Thougt You Were The Candyman Didn't ya freggy!.......2006-06-22

I thought that this was gonna be just another edition of the Rocky Horror Show.But boy was I wrong.I loved it they really modernized and gave it more of a Rock flavor than in the original play which was more pop.I just loved how they had the Overture and Space shipa partof the cd.They really recreated great for broadway.When i heard that broadway was doing Then Rocky Horror Show I didn't know what to think.Because Rocky Horror had been an off-broadway show for many years.The thought of it being onBroadway was just amazing Because people back in the 70's and 80's always thought that The Rocky Horror Show was much too trashy to be put on Broadway.Because you always think about broadway plays as being classy and eligent.They didn't want a play about Sex and Horror and Gay Transvestites.But this was just a head turner.I loved it.It's definitely 5 stars.The cd quality was great.It was so professionally done and it was great.I think any RHS Fan will love it.This was no candyman!

The Rockiest Recording to Date.......2006-06-07

This 2000 Broadway revival of the cult classic THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW boasts a completely re-vamped orchestration of Richard O'Brien's score. This is certainly the most rock-fused version of these songs to date, and right from the "Overture" the listener can assume this. Many may not be able to accept this harder, bolder score and I myself am a bit skeptical, considering the more piano-driven and sci-fi sounding orchestrations of the film soundtrack or Roxy cast recording. However, it is so interesting to hear these songs done like this that I cannot help but enjoy it. The performances are half-and-half. Daphne Rubin-Vega belts out the opening number in that great gravelly voice she has, and Raul Esparzza sends chills down my spine every time I hear his two great solo moments ("The darkness must flow down the river...." and "Frank 'N' Furter, it's all over..."). Sebastian LaCause is amazing as Rocky, as thankless a part that is. Eddie and Dr. Scott being portrayed by a woman (Lea DeLaria) is one of the strangest casting decisions ever and is too distracting to be able to even listen to her (his? I don't know!!!) songs: "Hot Patootie" and "Eddie's Teddy." Tom Hewitt does his best as Frank 'N' Furter, but the character was so well defined by Tim Curry in the film (one of the most underrated performances ever) that one can't help but ignore him. I'd say that this recording is something every ROCKY HORROR fan should listen to; it just all depends on whether you like the new or original orchestrations.

Good recording, bad show........2006-03-10

Rocky Horror is an American institution. It's indelible, unforgettable, and entirely unique. But without the audience participation, the show is revealed - it's simply not very good. It's a passable (if dated) parody of '50s B-movies with a transvestite main character and some halfway decent songs. The show lives with and dies without an audience. The lyrics, the characters - nothing is half as fun without the audience throwing and shouting and bantering right along.

That said, this is a VERY good recording of what's there. Tom Hewitt does as good a job as anyone trying to fill Tim Curry's sequined heels, and brings some nice twists to the table instead of going the Curry-imitation route. Raul Esparza as Riff-Raff is electric - his rendition of "Time Warp" is unlike anything else you're likely to hear on a cast recording. He blasts it right into outer space, screaming like the world's going to end. Daphne Rubin-Vega is plenty of fun as Columbia, giving a nicely sinuous and raw-edged sexiness to the role. The orchestra gives their all to the new arrangements, and they sound crystal clear.

It's definitely the best recording of the show available, even sans Tim Curry.

Oh Daphne!.......2005-12-29

Most of the reviews have it right here - this production wasn't really Rocky at it's best. That being said, I must say that Daphne Ruben-Vega as magenta is probably one of the most interesting, refreshing, and note worthy things about this recording. Very cool in that regard.

That's All...

Average customer rating: Tolkien + metal = perfection One of the best Death Metal bands. Surprisingly Good A MUST BUY!!! Listen for yourself

Sword's Song Battlelore Manufacturer: Napalm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Where the Shadows Lie Third Age of the Sun Evernight Third Age of the Sun The Forgotten Goddess ASIN: B00009918B Release Date: 2003-07-22

Tracks:

1. Sons of Riddermark
2. Sword's Song
3. Mark of the Bear
4. Buccaneers Inn
5. Attack of the Orcs
6. Dragonslayer
7. Khazad-Dum, Pt. 2 (Silent Caverns)
8. Horns of Gondor
9. War of Wrath
10. Forked Height
11. Starlight Kingdom

Album Description

2003 album from Finnish Tolkien inspired band playing fantasy metal. 11 tracks. Napalm.

Customer Reviews:

Tolkien + metal = perfection.......2006-06-23

I was just looking for a new band when I happened to stumble, so how, into this great band. Being a extremely big Tolkien fan, I was shocked and amazed that thier were bands such as this. I knew of Blind Guardian and Summoning but I never truly pursued thier music save for some track listening here and there. I instantly fell in this band and became a huge fan.

These are some songs I thoroughly enjoyed.

1. Sons of Riddermark
A extrememy epric and fun song to listen to. I seriously can see this being a charging song as the Rohirrum trample thier foes. This is a very song to listen to while driving.

2. Mark of the Bear
Very intresting subject manner. The vocals are very well done and go very well with the song itself.

3. Buccaneers Inn
A song for those who want to drink, pillage, and set sail. This is a extremely fun song to listen to. One of my favs.

4. Khazad-Dum, Pt. 2 (Silent Caverns)
If there is any song that should be called epic - it's this. Telling the entire story of the delving of Khazad-Dum to the fall of the Balrog and Gandalf. I love this song. The harsh, growling vocals combined with the heavenly voice of Kaisa is genius.

5. War of Wraith
Yet another fun and intresting song to listen to. I really loved the growling in this. Kaisa is very good in this song as well.

6. Forked Height
I just loved this song. Kaisa shines here as well. They keyboards is a very nice touch here.

7. Starlight Kingdom
Yet another fun song about the Elves. The least of my favorites though.

I loved this entire album though. I give it 5 stars.

One of the best Death Metal bands........2005-04-24

When I first came across Battlelore, I bought this album because the artwork looked cool and I thought it might sound interesting. This band is indeed surprisingly good, I liked everything from the heavy guitar riffs, to the male death vocals and clean female vocals. What I also like, is that this band is heavly influenced by J.R.R. Tolkein's "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy, and base most of their songs on that story. But, they aren't one of those bands that do such things just to gain popularity, they actually love Tolkein's writing, and put a lot of emotion and quality in their songs to display their affection for the great writer. This band is great and highly recommended for fans of Lacuna Coil, Ashes You Leave, etc..

Surprisingly Good.......2004-06-26

I bought this CD as part of a large collection of CDs off ebay. Usually, these lots have a bunch of crap, with maybe a few gems. Well, this is one of those gems.

First off, I don't like death metal vocals. The growling and gruffness irritates me, and this album has its fair share of that on it. But, I can live with it, and it almost sounds good when juxtaposed with Kaisa Jouhki's heavenly vocals.

This is a Tolkien themed album, much like Blind Guardian, but with less of the power metal element. Kaisa Jouhki's voice really sounds like it belongs; her beautiful harmonies could easily have graced the big budget "Lord of the Rings" films.

Musically, the band is pretty good. Nothing spectacular, but they have the atmospheric sound down pat. The drums are above average, the guitar work pretty simplistic(but as another reviewer noted, simple doesn't mean bad), and the keyboards are excellent.

All in all, I was pleasently surprised to find such an excellent CD in a lot of craptastic discs I bought for a few dollars. I'll be buying Battlelore's other disc as soon as I can, now.

A MUST BUY!!!.......2004-03-13

Fantasy themed metal at it's finest. Enchanting vocals and outstanding music. The bands music is inspired by the works of J. R. R. Tolkien (for those who have been in a hole these past few years, he was the man who created Lord of the Rings). I truly reccomend this along with their previous CD, "Where the Shadows Lie.")

Check out their website - www.battlelore.net

Listen for yourself.......2004-03-08

Of the four reviews of this album before mine, two have been low. Well, the first is by "Little Rich Kid," whose sole purpose for reviewing is to make derogatory remarks about artists he probably has never heard (and he obviously hasn't heard Battlelore because they are NOT black metal in any way) while advocating the most bland and meaningless slop on amazon.com. The other has validity to it, but I certainly don't agree with some of the points brought up in it.

True, the guitar work is not outstanding, but the music as a whole is. Saying a piece of music stinks because it has relatively simplistic guitar work is like saying a piece of steak tastes bad because the package you bought it in was pink instead of yellow. There's no correlation. If you're looking for intricate guitar work, then get a Steve Vai album. Guitars are important, but there's more to music than just guitars. So this band uses them in a more melodic sense. So do Sirenia and (for the most part) Agalloch, and if you try to tell me those two bands are trash, I'm going to laugh in your face. It's like the idiots who only listen for the vocals. Let's look at the big picture instead of picking out stupid things that, in the grand scheme of things, have no significance.

Now, all things considered, this is not the best album I own, but it's high on the list. It's atmospheric and the music fits the theme very well. It's almost like Burzum's music; you can't give it huge credit for being complex or innovative, but it works perfectly for the atmosphere that the artist is trying to create. The songs are short but to the point. I'd recommend this to fans of Tristania, Elis, and other high-quality neo-romantic/gothic (not that sappy back-from-Transylvania "goth" stuff) metal. BTW despite the last reviewer's comments, the female vocals are just fine. Not overdone like opera-metal bands, and not weak and off-key like Within Temptation.

Track Listings:

1. Symphonic Suites for Orchestra
2. Symphony 5 / Marche Slave
3. Symphony 9 " New World "
4. Trios Sonatas
5. Troubador
6. Trumpet Works / Organ Works
7. U.S.A.
8. Vespro Per La Salute
9. Vinum Et Sanguinem
10. Waltzes, Galops, Polkas

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Vol. 1-History [Import]

Beethoven: Fidelio Patzak / Flagstad / Furtwangler

Blues & Ballads

Music: Think Tank (Spoken Word) [Live]

Battle Cries And Broken Promises

Anson

Bear in the Big Blue House [Soundtrack]

Baroque Cantatas from Santiago de Cuba

Anne Murray

24 Grandes Éxitos [Import]

66 [CD-single] [Import]

Between Here & Away [Limited Edition] [Import]

Chianti Lounge [Import]

Strauss: Four Last Songs; Death and Transfiguration; Wagner: Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan & Isolde [Hybrid SACD

VH1 Behind the Music: Go-Go's Collection