Music for Celebration

Product Description:
Includes exuberant, joyous favorites including Beethoven, Mussorgsky-Ravel, Wagner, Bizet, and Tchaikovsky. And other favorites from Strauss, Rossini, Saint-Saens and more!

Tracks:

Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
Appalachian Spring: Allegro
Appalachian Spring: Moderato
Appalachian Spring: Fast
Appalachian Spring: Subito Allegro
Appalachian Spring: As At First (Slowly)
Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento
Appalachian Spring: Moderato - Coda
Rodeo: Buckaroo Holiday - Allegro con spirito
Rodeo: Corral Nocturne - Moderato
Rodeo: aturday Night Waltz - Introduction - Slow Waltz
Rodeo: Hoe-Down - Allegro
Billy The Kid: Introduction. The Open Prairie
Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
Billy The Kid: Mexican Dance And Finale
Billy The Kid: Prairie Night (Card Game At Night)
Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
Billy The Kid: Celbration (After Billy's Capture)
Billy The Kid: Billy's Death
Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
Fanfare for the Common Man: Molto deliberato

Amazon.com essential recording

Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented as Leonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versions since they were first issued--better even than the composer's own, later recordings. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to the extended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three great Copland ballets together, along with the ever popular Fanfare for the Common Man. Bernstein brings to this music the right sharpness of rhythm but also a typically open-hearted warmth. He coaxes a virtuoso response from the New York Philharmonic, which knows this music as well (or better) than anyone. Self- recommending. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

What more could one ask for?.......2007-06-27

Aaron Copland's masterful works are here interpreted by Bernstein. Nothing says the American sound like Copland, and there is no better interpreter than Bernstein. This recording is one of the best in my collection. I would recommend this to anyone (even non-classical music fans).

Definitive Is Right.......2007-02-27

I have the SACD version of these recordings (except for the "Fanfare" which, in this case, is the version taken from Bernstein's recording of Copland's Third Symphony) and I must agree with others here that the performances are definitive. The "Rodeo" has more energy than any other recording I know of, in fact it can almost go over the top! "Billy the Kid" is quiet and tender, dramatic and bold and "Appalachian Spring" is dead-on. The last section of this ballet is one of my very favorite pieces of music and Bernstein's tempo and phrasing here could well be called perfect.

Definitive Recordings of Copland's Popular Ballet Scores From Bernstein, NYPO.......2007-02-11

Without question, this splendid CD is my favorite recording of some of Aaron Copland's most popular orchestral ballet scores. In Leonard Bernstein he had both a good friend and a devout ally, who successfully championed Copland's music, helping to ensure his reputation as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - 20th Century American composer. Sony has done a superb job in digitally remastering this recording, offering some of the best sound I've heard from a vintage Leonard Bernstein/New York Philharmonic recording. But more importantly than the recording's superb sonic quality is the quality of these performances of Copland's scores. Bernstein leads in New York Philharmonic in these virtuoso performances, replete with lush, vibrant playing from the winds, horns and strings. His warm, truly heart-felt interpretation of "Applachian Spring" is truly mesmerizing, and the best I have heard from a recording. And yet, I am am just as impressed with his conducting of both "Rodeo" and "Billy the Kid"; the latter replete with superb solos from the orchestra's timpanist. An elegant performance of "Fanfare for the Common Man" closes out this CD recording. Fans of Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra shouldn't hesitate in acquiring this superb CD.

American Music at its Highest .......2007-02-04

If I was forced to recommend one CD of American music, I would feel very safe in backing this one. These interpretations have yet to be surpassed, and not even Copland himself could muster the same type of perfection that Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic did in this recording. Bernstein's way with Rodeo is unbelievable, and this alone is worth the price of the disc. The music on this recording has a lot to do with why, as Americans, we can all be proud of our place in the history of western music.

With 39 reviews under me, I will dispense with the adjectives to try and describe each interpretation of each piece on this disc, and simply say that these performances have been recommended by almost everyone (professional critics included of course) since they appeared; get it and find out why.

The best of Copland.......2007-01-09

For the Aaron Copland fan, this CD has the essentials: the most popular and easy listening of the Copland body of creations. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Topol is best as the Papa
Love it
CP as Grandmother Tzeitel
Never Ending Joy!
Great a classic

Fiddler on the Roof
Jerry Bock , Sheldon Harnick , and Topol
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Fiddler on the Roof (Special Edition)
My Fair Lady (1964 Film Soundtrack)
The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack)
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The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack)

ASIN: B00005OB07
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Prologue/Tradition/Main Title
Matchmaker
If I Were A Rich Man
Sabbath Prayer
To Life
Miracle Of Miracles
Tevye's Dream
Wedding Procession
Sunrise, Sunset
Wedding Celebration/The Bottle Dance
First Act Finale
Entr'acte
Do You Love Me?
Far From The Home I Love
Chava Ballet Sequence
The Rejection Scene
Anatevka
Finale
Any Day Now

Amazon.com

This new version of the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack coincides with the movie's 30th anniversary (which is also celebrated by a special edition DVD). The CD is notable for several instrumental tracks by John Williams, as well as for "Any Day Now," a previously unreleased song performed by Perchik/Paul Michael Glaser (better known for his starring role in TV's Starsky and Hutch). The soundtrack is often compared unfavorably with the original 1964 cast album, in which Zero Mostel played the part of Tevye (here performed by Topol, who had been in the 1967 London production). But this CD has a lot going for it, including glossy remastering and, of course, Isaac Stern as the fiddler. In the end, whatever version you decide to pick up, Fiddler remains one of the most enduring musicals of all time. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Topol is best as the Papa.......2007-07-15

I have other versions of CDs of "The Fiddler of the Roof" but Topol is the best and this is one of the best CDs with Topol. As far as "The Fiddler On the Roof" goes, that is a thumbs up 5 star anytime story and songs.

Love it.......2007-05-16

I had looked everywhere for this CD. I am so happy to have found the "real" Fiddler on the Roof!

CP as Grandmother Tzeitel.......2007-03-30

At first, I thought this musical was weird but then I grew to like it. It has a sad ending but the thems in the movie are really interesting. Life really is like being a fiddler on the roof. In a musical coming up at my school, I am playign the part of Grandmother Tzeitel in Tevye's dream. I am excited to play the part and I think our musical will go very well!

Never Ending Joy!.......2006-11-22

The music from Fiddler on the Roof is exciting, fun, interesting and funny! This CD is mixed with humor, music from different cultures and a wide mix of different songs. Each song is so different that I can listen to it for hours. I was surprised how enjoyable and pleasent it really is. Although...it is easy to get this music stuck in your head!

-Christian Fobian, Author of Why Christ?

Great a classic.......2005-11-08

Totally enjoyable. After a few listens you can't help but sing along.

Average customer rating:

Wonderfull Collection to have but no Orignal Art Work.
A fountain of youth for a Star Wars geek
This is more of a description of the music than a review for this particular set, really . . .
You can feel the Force around you.
Quality could be better

Star Wars Trilogy
John Williams
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (The Ultimate Star Wars Recording)(1999 Film)
The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy Soundtrack (3CD & 18 Trading Cards)

ASIN: B0002YCVLU
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner
Imperial Attack
Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler
Moisture Farm
Hologram/Binary Sunset
Landspeeder Searck/Attack of the Sand People
Tales of a Jedi Knight/Learn About the Force
Burning Homestead
Mos Eisley Spaceport
Cantina Band
Cantina Band #2
Binary Sunset [Alternate Take][*]

Tracks:

Princess Leia's Theme
Millennium Falcon/Imperial Cruiser Pursuit
Destruction of Alderaan
Death Star/The Stormtroopers
Wookiee Prisoner/Detention Block Ambush
Shootout in the Cell Bay/Dianoga
Trash Compactor
Tractor Beam/Chasm Crossfire
Ben Kenobi's Death/Tie Fighter Attack
Batte of Yavin: Launch from the Fourth Moon/X-Wings Draw Fire/Use ...
Throne Roon/End Title

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth
Wampa's Lair/Vision of Obi-Wan/Snowspeeders Take Flight
Imperial Probe/Aboard the Executor
Battle of Hoth: Ion Cannon/Imperial Walkers/Beneath the ...
Asteroid Field
Arrival on Dagobah
Luke's Nocturnal Visitor
Han Solo and the Princess
Jedi Master Revealed/Mynock Cave
Training of a Jedi Knight/The Magic Tree

Tracks:

Yoda's Theme
Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)
Yoda's Theme
Attacking a Star Destroyer
Yoda and the Force
Imperial Starfleet Deployed/City in the Clouds
Lando's Palace
Betrayal at Bespin
Deal With the Dark Lord
Carbon Freeze/Darth Vader's Trap/Departure of Boba Fett
Clash of Lightsabers
Rescue from Cloud City/Hyperspace
Rebel Fleet/End Title

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Main Title: Approaching the Death Star/Tatooine Rendezvous
Droids Are Captured
Bounty for a Wookiee
Han Solo Returns
Luke Confronts Jabba/Den of the Rancor/Sarlocc Sentence
Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault
Emperor Arrives/The Death of Yoda/Obi-Wan's Revelation
Alliance Assembly
Shuttle Tydirium Approaches Endor
Speeder Bike Chase/Land of the Ewoks
Levitation/Threepio's Bedtime Story
Jabba's Baroque Recital
Jedi Rocks
Sail Barge Assault [Alternate Take][*]

Tracks:

Parade of the Ewoks
Luke and Leia
Brother and Sister/Father and Son/Fleet Enters Hyperspace/Heroic Ewok
Emperor's Throne Room
Battle of Endor: Into the Trap/Forest Ambush/Scout Walker Scramble
Lightsaber/The Ewok Battle
Battle of Endor 2: Leia Is Wounded - The Duel Begins/Overtaking ...
Endor 3: Superstructure Chase/Darth Vader's Death/The Main Reactor
Leia's News/Light of the Force
Victory Celebration/End Title
Ewok Feast/Part of the Tribe
Forest Battle (Concert Suite) [*]

Amazon.com

Given that it's largely credited with reinventing Hollywood--or at least fostering its overweening box office expectations--it's hard to imagine that the genesis of George Lucas' sprawling, multi-billion dollar Star Wars franchise was once considered a risky studio proposition at best. But Lucas himself has wisely singled out the robust, retro-romantic music of composer John Williams as the unlikely artistic linchpin that holds all of the saga's disparate dramatic, thematic and technical elements firmly together. Boxed together here then are three of the most successful and influential film scores of modern Hollywood, work that draws as much on Williams' masterful sense of classical music history as it does his own well-studied melodic and arranging instincts. Each of the three double-disc collections here contains all of the music written for Star Wars: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (and even Alfred Newman's intyroductory "Fox Fanfare"), newly upgraded via Direct Stream Digital remastering that adds stunning new presence and clarity to Williams' rousing, epochal scores. Each chapter also features a lenticular 3-D cover and newly designed fold-out film poster, as well as encoded disc features allowing online access to elaborate new Star Wars screen savers; the ultimate musical compendium of the original Star Wars triptych. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfull Collection to have but no Orignal Art Work........2007-06-21

This is without any doubt the best musical presentation for STAR WARS trilogy with excellent remastering. Also, wonderfull music to listen.

It was arranged in same order as the movie and i think it has all the music from the films and more. Also it contain the original 20th Century Fox Fanfare recording for each movie which is rare to listen. In this way you can listen and enjoy the way was the music is recorded for each movie at that time without any enhancement, and that for Star Wars truly music lovers.

The only drawback i found that is lacking the orignal art work for each movie which are the finest and best ever. There are wonderful posters from different type, style A, B, C, and advanced, which i was expecting to see them again here or somewere els.

I was hoping and wishing from ( A Long Time Ago ... ) that they release again same original recording for Star Wars and Empire strikes back when they released first time in 1977 and 1980. I don't know why it has been decline ever since. At that time each movie released its sound track in two album with different and excellent arrangement. I believe this is a perfect arrangement and better in term of music listening. Im just hoping releasing them again with finest remastering.

A fountain of youth for a Star Wars geek.......2007-02-13

It has been a long time since I last dared to take out my old Star Wars LP, with its well remembered skips and pops. Now, thanks to the Boxed set of the Star Wars Trilogy, I can listen to it again as it was intended to sound, and as often as I like. It is like revisiting an old friend, but there are differences: for one, there is more music, and it has been restored to its actual running order, unlike the LP which cut and spliced a bit to create rounder, perhaps more balanced listening. But for a true fan of the films, it is deeply satisfying to hear the score in its proper order and entirety, even if at times it can ramble on or shift more suddenly than a typical symphonic work. That being said, John Williams is a master at composing for film, so that even taken out of context it is beautifully listenable.
The major drawback to the boxed set is the complete lack of liner notes or any kind of commentary--one of my favorite features of the old LP were the inserted notes. So much thought went into the score that it demands commentary. Admittedly, I haven't yet been able to access the "unlock and go" feature on the internet, so perhaps the lack of liner notes on the box is rectified there. Another surprise, given the fact that there is room on the CD's to include more music, alternate takes (and even an extended secret "inner groove" on the first disc), is that in the case of episode 6, music that was added for the new edition of the film is included but not the music it replaced. Admittedly this was the least interesting music in the soundtracks, namely the "pop" music in Jabba's palace and the Ewok's chant at the end, but for the sake of completion, it should also have been included. A minor quibble, and more than made up for by the inclusion of the 20th century fanfare and the second Cantina track.
All-in-all, this boxed set is a must for anyone for whom the original trilogy was a special part of their youth. It will instantly bring you back to that state of wonder when you first saw the films, and on repeated listens it will continue to reveal the genius of John Williams.

This is more of a description of the music than a review for this particular set, really . . ........2006-12-30

A New Hope:

What to say about Star Wars? It's all too known to say very much. But let me just point out a few things, instead. The Main Title track, after the fanfare calms, is quoting 'Mars' from Holst's 'The Planets'. "The Dune Sea of Tatooine" is a tribute to Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring'. The bonus track contains several different takes on the Main Title if you sit around and wait--there is a LOT of silence 'til it starts, but it's fascinating to hear the subtle differences from take to take. With "May the Force Be With You" and "Princess Leia's Theme", we have the beginning of the lovely, melodic leitmotifs we have come to associate with Star Wars music.

The Empire Strikes Back:

Both the best movie and the best soundtrack of the original trilogy, in my opinion. Whether or not you agree about the movie, the music here really is the best, from a professional standpoint and not just an "it's pretty!' one. Three huge things happen in this movie, musically: "Han Solo and the Princess", the love theme which is based on "Princess Leia's Theme"; "Yoda's Theme"; and, last but certainly not least, "The Imperial March". I believe the two biggest, most recognisable themes of the saga are the Main Title theme and "The Imperial March", which was constructed from half-developed "evil" cues from 'A New Hope', and also Chopin's "March funèbre, Lento" from 'Piano Sonata No.2 in B flat minor' (trust me, you know it).

The Return of the Jedi:

The only new themes (there are plentiful delectable motifs) to come out of this movie are "Parade of the Ewoks", which nearly succeeds in making the Ewoks themselves cute, and the extremely luscious "Luke and Leia". "The Emperor's Theme", introduced in 'Empire Strikes Back', is emphasised, and voices lace over the epic duel between father and son (not nearly as stimulating as the music or the fight scenes of the prequel trilogy). It is true, there are some slightly embarrassing tracks ("Threepio's Bedtime Story", "Jedi Rocks"), but somehow all is set right by the power of "Victory Celebration" (which evokes much the same in its feeling of somewhat tragic triumph that "Now We Are Free" does in 'Gladiator'). It closes the saga perfectly (and we won't be mentioning the Yub Nub song, thank you very much).

I might also mention that Star Wars themes do wonders for hearing intervals. And that knowing the intervals make relationships between themes throughout the saga that much more interesting.

You can feel the Force around you........2006-08-31

I have never owned these before and I bought them for a SW Themed Party but constantly play them, if you are a fan these are a must own, especially since they include both end tracks for EP.6 the Ewok OE and the new Calypso one from the SE. Finally all of these Disc's are CD Text Capabile.

Quality could be better.......2006-02-14

This is the best way to get the soundtrack collection of the three original films. With some minor exceptions, the tracks are in the same sequence of the films so you can follow the story unfold the same as watching the movies.
The sound quality does leave a bit to be desired overall. Granted there is only so much that can be done from the original recordings, but it seems as though they tried to over-remaster most of the tracks and did not do enough with others. This has left many of the scores sounding thin, bright and shallow. For the price of this boxed set, I would have expected a little bit more time put into making this collection sound better. Ideally, having the entire saga re-performed would have likely offered the best solution for audio purists, though likely not capatured exactly the same feel as the original performance.
Essentially, this boxed set is a trade off between having the original scores of Episodes 4 through 6 and sacrificing the overall sound quality that a John Williams performance deserves.
For a point of reference, my sound system is a B&W and McIntosh combination with the speakers being the same model as what was used in nearly all recording studios at the time of the later half of these films.

Aaron Copland: Billy the Kid and Rodeo Suite; Ferde Grofé:Grand Canyon Suite

Average customer rating:

Astounding "Canyon"; "Rodeo" Rivals NYP
Superb recordings of American classics.
Copland and Gould - LSC-2195
Gould conducts Copland and Grofe
Superlative performance of Copeland

Aaron Copland: Billy the Kid and Rodeo Suite; Ferde Grofé:Grand Canyon Suite

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano
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Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man

ASIN: B000003FGZ
Release Date: 1993-05-11

Tracks:

Billy The Kid: Suite: Introduction: The Open Prarie
Billy The Kid: Suite: Street In A Frontier Town
Billy The Kid: Suite: Mexican Dance And Finale
Billy The Kid: Suite: Prairie Night: Card Game
Billy The Kid: Suite: Gun Battle
Billy The Kid: Suite: Celebration: After Billy's Capture
Billy The Kid: Suite: Billy's Death
Billy The Kid: Suite: The Open Prairie (reprise)
Rodeo: Suite: Buckaroo Holiday
Rodeo: Suite: Corral Nocturne
Rodeo: Suite: Honky Tonk Interlude
Rodeo: Suite: Saturday Night Waltz
Rodeo: Suite: Hoe-Down
Grand Canyon Suite: Sunrise
Grand Canyon Suite: Painted Desert
Grand Canyon Suite: On The Trail
Grand Canyon Suite: Sunset
Grand Canyon Suite: Cloudburst

Customer Reviews:

Astounding "Canyon"; "Rodeo" Rivals NYP.......2007-01-05

Close your eyes and be transported to the Canyon. In this remastering of a 1960 recording, Morton Gould shows his chops as a superlative conductor and interpreter of this Grofe classic. The work itself is wonderful, but Gould and his orchestra provide nuances that absolutely delight. Of the five movements of "Grand Canyon Suite", the final, "Cloudburst", ceases becoming music and is elevated to pure sensory experience. It is no longer notes on a page finely executed; it IS the sky, the wind, the sheets of rain (a sheer, shimmering slide of sound), the thunder, and it is perfect. The four prior movements are nearly as excellent, with the second, "Painted Desert", casting an eerie shadow over the listener's mind with spellbinding brush strokes. This is a performance delivered with painstaking care.

Gould's treatment of Copland's works, recorded three years earlier, were of great personal interest, as one of my earliest exposures to "serious" music was the great Bernstein recording of "Rodeo", and "Buckaroo Holiday" in particular. Surprisingly, Gould and company give the NYPO a run for its money. They are just as energized, brash and even raw (hear the horns, and it's fitting) as New York; ditto the "Gun Battle" episode of "Billy". Gould threw himself into Copland's scores and whipped his musicians into a frenzy when called for, and the results place Gould's readings of these two pieces of Americana right behind Bernstein.

This CD - beautifully remastered - is a bargain.

Superb recordings of American classics........2004-04-27

I thoroughly agree with all other reviewers (though I wish some would spell Copland's name right!) Morton Gould conducts with great verve and sensitivity. "Rodeo" is terrific and it also includes the seldom heard "Honky-Tonk Interlude" which is a delight in itself.
The Grand Canyon Suite is a highlight with its marvellous orchestration and melodic richness. Although the score is influenced by a number of composers such as Dukas, Ravel, Respighi and even Richard Strauss, it nevertheless feels entirely
original. "On the trail" is beautifully rhythmical,one can really feel the trotting
of the donkeys, and the sound effects are pure joy. Note the
ee-ah-ing of the donkeys, so superbly part of the music. (somewhat reminescent of Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream overture.) The Cloudburst is a sonic triumph.
This recording comes from 1957, but digitally remastered. Sound is demonstration quality. Still probably the best available, highly recommended.

Copland and Gould - LSC-2195.......2004-02-12

I've heard Copland conducting these two works on recordings and I've heard the famous NYPO/Bernstein's 1960 recording of these two works on Columbia Records, yet Gould and his Orchestra fills in the blank spaces that was left out in previous and recent recordings.

He takes his troup to NYC to Manhatten Center, in Oct of 1957, and have the legendary RCA producer, John Pfeiffer and Lewis Layton, produce and engineer this recording session to be encaptured on 3-track tape (where the "Billy the Kid" was released on RCA "New Orthophonic tape recording" - the BCS-130), then to eventual vinyl (LM/LSC-2195). Gould, being somewhat of an arrangement conductor in the 50's, manage to pull the stops out in how these two Copland pieces are to be presented-to where the listener can feel that they themselves are back in the Wild, Wild West of the 1880's. He doesn't rush through these two pieces like some other conductors do. Gould takes his time trying to tell the story within the music. He uses emphasis, emotion, tempo and dynamics where it should be per each chapter in a story. Excellent listening for all!

This BMG "Living Stereo" release of the LSC-2195 Copland/Gould is a faithful reproduction as it can be of the original vinyl release.

Gould conducts Copland and Grofe.......2003-11-21

It may surprise some to discover that American composer/conductor Morton Gould conducted such fine performances of other American composers' music. These RCA Victor "Living Stereo" recordings are vivid, excellent proof that Gould was a really fine conductor and not just of his own music.

The performances of the suites from Copland's ballets "Billy the Kid" and "Rodeo" are among the best ever recorded. They benefit not only from Gould's wonderful sensitivity and appreciation but from excellent playing by the "pickup" orchestra and the still remarkable "Living Stereo" recording process, in which RCA used only three microphones and advanced mastering techniques.

Ferde Grofe's "Grand Canyon Suite" was a "labor of love" as the skilled composer/arranger spent considerable time carefully depicting his impressions of one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Grofe had been a very successful arranger for Paul Whiteman and is still remembered for the very first orchestration of George Gershwin's "An American in Paris," premiered by Gershwin at the piano with Whiteman conducting in New York's Aeolian Hall in February 1924.

Grofe composed a number of original orchestral works in later years and the "Grand Canyon Suite" is probably his best. It contains memorable melodies and is skillfully orchestrated throughout. It so impressed Arturo Toscanini that he recorded it in 1945 for RCA Victor, under the supervision of the composer. Grofe himself conducted a recording of the suite for Everest Records in 1960. Gould's recording is excellent. The final movement, depicting a spectacular thunderstorm, is absolutely awesome. I think this recording may surpass an earlier favorite, also recorded for RCA Victor, by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston "Pops" Orchestra.

This is all very fun and very exciting American music.

Superlative performance of Copeland.......1999-12-26

Billy the Kid & Rodeo were both etched in my soul when as a young boy I listened along with my mother. This performance by Morton Gould remains for me above any other that I have heard and I have heard many given my love for them. This is a re-issue of an original 3 microphone/3 track TRUE stero recording made by RCA in their 'Living Stero' series and originally recorded in 1957. A must have for Copeland listeners. It is a bonus that it also contains 'Grand Canyon Suite.'

Average customer rating:

Best of the the popular Copland...
A Great American Album
Must have this one...

Ultimate Copland Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
Copland: Music for Films
Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man
Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris

ASIN: B00002S5EW
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Fanfare For The Common Man
From Four Dance Episodes From 'Rodeo': Saturday Night Waltz
From Four Dance Episodes From 'Rodeo': Hoe-Down
From Old American Songs: Simple Gifts
Appalachian Spring: Variations On A Shaker Hymn
From Music For Movies: Grovers Corners (From Our Town)
From Billy The Kid: Introduction - The Open Prairie
From Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
From Billy The Kid: Mexican Dance
From Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
From Billy The Kid: Celebration (After Billy's Capture)
From Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
From Billy The Kid: El Salon Mexico
Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
Appalachian Spring: Allegro
Appalachian Spring: Moderato: The Bride And Her Intended
Appalachian Spring: Fast: The Revivalist And His Flock
Appalachian Spring: Allegro: Solo Dance Of The Bride
Appalachian Spring: Meno Mosso
Appalachian Spring: Doppio Movimento: Variations On A Shaker Hymn
Appalachian Spring: Moderato: Coda

Customer Reviews:

Best of the the popular Copland..........2004-12-26

Here's a great introduction to the popular music of Aaron Copland. When "Fanfare for the Common Man" begins, sparks of recognition will fly for most listeners. This song has been everywhere: presidential inaugurations, the olympics, commercials, movies, etc. Some flatten it as hopelessly clichéd, while others find it moving and inspiring. Copland also reprised it in the finale of his Third Symphony. Arguably Copland's most famous piece, "Appalachian Spring" closes the CD. In between, more great Copland: excerpts from 'Rodeo' (apparently the beef lobby has appropriated "Hoe-Down" as one of their themes); a great vocal rendition of "Simple Gifts" and a large chunk of another of Copland's best known works: "Billy the Kid". The only confusing piece is the "Variations on a Shaker Hymn" from Appalachian Spring when the entire Appalachian Spring is already included. Seems slightly redundant.

Though most of the pieces on this CD were written in the 1930s and 1940s, they tend to evoke the old west. With titles such as "Rodeo" and "Billy the Kid" this shouldn't surprise too many people.

Copland went on to compose more dissonant and twelve tone compositions later on in his career. These obviously weren't as popular with the public in general as the pieces on this CD. Nonetheless, if this disc whets the appetite, a foray into Copland's less popular works will yield much. It will help to expose the totality of Copland's output. This disc only represents a small portion of his work. Regardless, this disc is a great starting point for getting to know one of the United States' best known composers of the twentieth century.

A Great American Album.......2004-02-13

This is a great album representing true patriotic American music. Songs like "Hoe-Down" are lively and energetic and give rememberance to what one can imagine as the true American spirit.

Must have this one..........2002-09-17

I like all types of music, I wanted this album because I liked the song "RODEO" that is used on the beef commercials. This CD has made me into a Copland fan. It has many great songs. If you want a CD that says "I am an American." This is it. I am sending copies to a friend in Bombay and Tel Aviv. This is who I am put to music.

Isaac Stern 60th Anniversary Celebration

Average customer rating:

Please release DVD
A warm-hearted tribute to a beloved violinist
Euphoria on Disc
"Just Wonderfull"
Harmonies of life

Isaac Stern 60th Anniversary Celebration

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Isaac Stern: My First 79 Years, A Musical Celebration
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Brahms: Violin Concerto; Double Concerto for violin and cello
Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits
Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000025J9
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Vivace
Largo Ma Non Tanto
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Allegro
Allegro Maestoso
Andante
Presto

Customer Reviews:

Please release DVD.......2006-09-16

After reading a large number of positive reviews below, I do not have to repeat how wonderful this CD is.
I just want to add one thing. This concert is even better if we watch it! The laser disc of the concert used to be available in Japan (where I am from) from Pioneer LDC (today's Geneon Entertainment). I do not know who has the copy right of the concert video today. But it would be great if a DVD of this concert should be released.

A warm-hearted tribute to a beloved violinist.......2006-06-21

Ohter violinists are virtuosos, but Isaac Stern was the benign godfather of New York classical music for thirty years. No amount of gratitude can reward him for saving Carnegie Hall from the wrecking ball. Here, several of his most intimate younger colleagues--Perlman, Zukerman, and Mehta--celebrate Stern with joyous performances of Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart.

Others below have commented on the uniqueness of this live-concert CD, but I'd like to highlight the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante. Zukerman has made a second career as a great violist, and here he and Stern are unsurpassed for closeness of spirit. Tempos are a bit slower than usual, especially in the second movement Andante, which is unabashedly romantic, but what would Isaac Stern be without a little shmaltz? I have always liked him best as a collaborator, especially in chamber music, and he doesn't disappoint here. Mehta keeps the orchestral texture of the NY Phil. light and bright. For a non-period recording, I would put this one at the top, along with EMI's CD of David and Igor Oistrakh.

Euphoria on Disc.......2006-01-12

I was raised on this recording, along with many others of Perlman, Metha, Zukerman and Stern. My mother had this recording on vinyl, and I have been searching for it on CD forever. And here it is, FINALLY! I have never heard another recording that so perfectly, wholly and palpably captures the pure joy of music-making, the adoration of the music of these composers, and the breathtaking exhilaration of creating art with other prodigiously talented, sensitive musicians.

He is the true musician who, ever and always, sublimates his own ego in devotion the the creation of beauty for its own sake. On this recording, all four of these incredible musicians do exactly that. The result is absolutely astonishing. It seems no matter how many times you listen to this recording, it always takes your breath away. And that is truly a feat. Oh, to have seen the live performance!

"Just Wonderfull".......2005-11-06

What a 60th anniversary! Extremely impressed with the lively Bach Concerto in D minor for 2 violins (Vivace). Truly a masterpiece. Stern and Pearlman at their best!

Harmonies of life.......2004-04-21

This disc will become a favorite of any musicologists collection. The tonal stirrings of Isaac Stern complemented by the technical range of Itzhak Perlman and the expressive bowing of Pinchas Zukerman make for a truly stunning "live" performance. These are works well-known to the performers and orchestra alike with a complete understanding of tempo and tonal fluctuation throughout each work. I only wish this disc could have been originally recorded with modern technologies to exemplify the true mastery displayed by these virtuosi.

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

I love it and I give it as a gift
MarMSED
Diverse range but the songs are butchered...

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The #1 Choral Album
Choral Masterpieces
The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics

ASIN: B00002ZZH6
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)

Average customer rating:

Great CD
Simply the Best
Inconsistent, but mostly excellent
"Celebration" is not strong enough a word
A maginificent evening, a magnificent album

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Betty Buckley , Paul Gemignani , Patti LuPone , Liza Minnelli , and Bernadette Peters
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sondheim Evening: A Musical Tribute (1973 Concert Cast)
Side By Side By Sondheim (1976 Original London Cast)
Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim
Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall
Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000003FDW
Release Date: 1993-02-23

Tracks:

Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd--orchestra, Jerry Hadley ("Johanna"), Eugene Perry,Herbert Perry ("Pretty Women")
Evening Introduction--Bill Irwin
Loveland/Getting Married Today--Ensemble, Jeanne Lehman, Mark Jacoby, Madeline Kahn
Waiting for the Girls Upstairs--George Lee Andrews, Michael Jeter, James Naughton/Love, I Hear--Michael Jeter/Live Alone and Like It--James Naughton
Someone Is Waiting--Richard Muenz/Symphonic Sondheim: Barcelona--orchestra
Being Alive--Patti LuPone
Good Thing Going--The Tonics
Losing My Mind/You Could Drive a Person Crazy--Dorothy Loudon
Our Time--Boys Choir of Harlem/Children Will Listen--Betty Buckley
Anyone Can Whistle--Billy Stritch
Water Under the Bridge--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch
Back in Business--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch, Ensemble

Tracks:

Symphonic Sondheim: Comedy Tonight--Bill Irwin, orchestra
Sooner or Later--Karen Ziemba
Pretty Lady--Mark Jacoby, Eugene Perry, Herbert Perry
Green Finch and Linnet Bird--Harolyn Blackwell
The Ballad of Booth--Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber
Broadway Baby--Daisy Eagan
I Never Do Anything Twice--BETTY
With So Little to Be Sure Of--Jerry Hadley, Carolann Page
Not a Day Goes By--Bernadette Peters
Remember?--Ron Baker, Peter Blanchet, Carol Meyer, Bronwyn Thomas, Blythe Walker (Quintet)/A Weekend in the Country--Kevin Anderson, George Lee Andrews, Mark Jacoby, Beverly Lambert, Maureen Moore, Susan Terry, Quintet
Send in the Clowns--Glenn Close
Old Friends--Liza Minnelli
Sunday--Bernadette Peters, Broadway Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2006-08-06

This is a wonderful double CD of fabulous musical numbers performed by theatre greats and directed by a legandary musical director.

Simply the Best.......2005-06-29

First, to the person who criticizes the recording b/c of "Broadway Baby." Daisy Egan (who sings in in this recording) sounds like she's 10 becuase she IS young. She had just appeared on Braodway in Secret Garden and won a Tony for it. It's a joke...Broadway BABY...hello, it's a joke.

In a compilation of songs like this you're always going to have tracks that you prefer over others, but the majority of the renditions in this CD are great. This is simply one of the best collections of Sondheim out there. You get interpretations that span from "classical" (Green Finch), to bordering on insane (Anything Twice). This is to demonstrate how versatile this composer really is.

In my opinion, some of the best renditions are "Not a Day Goes By," "Anyone Can Whistle", "Girls Upstairs Medley," "Losing My Mind/Drive a Person Crazy," and "Weekend inthe Country." Makes me wish I had been there to witness it first hand.

If you love Sondheim and enjoy hearing Broadway performers, get this CD. A great recording.

Inconsistent, but mostly excellent.......2004-03-21

I am sure no knowledgeable person would deny how absolutely perfect all these songs are. However, the performances on this album are extremely inconsistent. It will go from an excellent rendition (Waiting for the Girls medley, Sunday, With So Little To Be Sure Of, Sooner or Later, Green Finch, Send in the Clowns, Pretty Lady) to the weird (I never Do Anything Twice), to the bad (Broadway Baby, Our Time). I still have absolutely no idea how they managed to butcher one of the best songs ever written--Good Thing Going--and turn it into smooth jazz elevator music. Why would they give Broadway Baby to someone who sounds like she's 10? That said, Liza Minelli, Glenn Close, Karen Ziemba, Dorothy Laudon and the "Waiting for the Girls" performers are all very good. And ending with Bernadette Peters and "Sunday" ends the set on a absolutley fabulous note.

"Celebration" is not strong enough a word.......2003-04-30

This review is by Crosley.

I have been a major Sondheim fan for quite some time, and I finally obtained a copy of this album. I was blown away by the excellent cast and phenomenal selection of music. It is obvious how much work went into this production, considering that this is the live recording of a one time show, and it's flawless. The songs cover all of his shows with the exception of "Passion," which was released 3 years after this show. Also, the shows for which he wrote only lyrics are ommited, like West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. Thus, you can find material from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily we Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins.

There are two striking things about this CD (besides the music and performers themselves). First of all, some of the songs are completely stylistically reworked. The most obvious are "Good Thing Going" and "I Never do Anything Twice." Both are traditionally very ballady with a piano accompaniment, but here they have been redone as jazzy tunes. The result is excellent. Such reworkings demonstrate that Sondheim writes music for virtually any style, and in these cases, across several styles. It's a great example of his variety. The other interesting thing is how many songs have overlapping melodies of songs from different shows. Case in point, "Our Time" and "No one is Alone" are sung seperately by the Harlem Boys Choir and Betty Buckley (the original Grizabella in Webber's atrocious "CATS," although Buckley was excellent) respectively, and then combined. Putting these two songs together offer different meanings to each, and the music is only enhanced. Another example, the trio of "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs," "Love, I Hear," and "Live Alone and Like It" are sung in that order, and then the latter two are combined. Again, the meanings of the songs change, this time in an almost narrative style, and offering different takes on love in the same montage. Lastly (at least for this review, there are more), Dorothy Laudon's (the original Ms. Hannigan in Annie) combination of "Losing my Mind" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is brilliant. Those who are familiar with these songs will wonder how exactly they fit, but trust me, they do. She swtiches back and forth between melodies to create a number that starts poignant and beautiful, and soon moves to become uproariously funny. Both the song reworkings and overlapping melodies of unrelated songs are all for the better.

I recommend this recording to anyone wanting to get better acquainted with some of Sondheim's best work, or those already familiar who want to hear a tour de force of phenomenal music. It has been said that Sondheim is a masterful lyricist (which he is), but lacks real talent for music. This CD is the final proof that such critics are wrong. His music may take a few listenings to get into, contrary to Webber or Wildhorn, but unlike those two, he doesn't cater to the audience. He challenges them to think outside of traditional musical theater in a glorious repertoise of shows that reach for a smarter, more sophisticated form.

A maginificent evening, a magnificent album.......2001-12-16

There's something to be said for the first concert you ever see at Carnegie Hall. I was fortunate enough to have this be my first. This entire evening was devoted to his genius and the performers did not disappoint.

This wonderful double CD shows off the best and brightest of the musical theatre composer and it is, as one person put it, "an embarassment of riches." With songs from his finest works done in amazing arrangements (listen to that harmony in "We Had a Good Thing Going"!) combined with fabulous performers this is a Sondheim lovers delight.

Tracks:

Bolero
Split Complimentaries
Everybody Loves The Blues
Loss
Simple Gifts
Appalachian Spring
Medea
Gee Officer Krupke
Lemontech
Land Of Make Believe
Marimba Spiritual/Earth Beat
Malaguena

Amazon.com

Blast! has a built-in constituency: the millions who are or have been in high-school marching bands, or twirled batons and engaged in what may have seemed to the uninitiated to be otherwise dorky activities. For the members of the Blast! troupe can identify: these are the kids who were once mocked by the cool crowd and now strut their stuff to admiring legions around the United States. Originating with the Star of Indiana drum corps, Blast is a frantic, loud show of colorful pageantry that's part Riverdance, part Stomp, and part homecoming parade. The music is performed in marching-band fashion, featuring an impressive panoply of brass and percussion: Ravel's Bolero and excerpts from Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring get Blast!-ed, as well as some lesser-known gems, such as Samuel Barber's Medea. "Gee Officer Krupke" (from West Side Story) obviously wasn't quite perky enough, so the interpretation here integrates various musical quotes, including the theme from The Simpsons. What the performers lose in subtlety, they sure make up for in sheer oomph. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

What a Ride!!!.......2007-02-07

You don't really have to understand or appreciate marching band to hughely appreciate the dynamics and showmanship of BLAST! It was revolutionary to bring this type of show to the stage in London, New York and in many touring shows at many venues. To have this music available on CD to listen at any time is truly a rousing joy.

Don't miss out........get your copy and enjoy a group of extremely talented musicians show their stuff.

A musiclal treat worth listening to!.......2006-05-08

This is one of the most refreshing musical compilations in a long time. Unfortunately, it's difficult to get the full flavor of "Blast!" unless you've seen the actual performance. With that being said, I was thouroughly impressed with musical vituosity of this relatively young cast. Anyone not emotionally moved by the gut-felt trumpet lines in "Loss" certainly can't be a true lover of music. As a one time trumpet player, the warmth and depth of this performance made me absolutely envyous! Take this and mix it with the heart-pounding percussion, and the interspersed chorale-style vocals, and you have a very entertaining auditory treat.

Missing the whole experience.......2006-02-16

After seeing this show live, this CD just barely misses making both exciting. There are a couple numbers (Battery Battle) not included that would go a long way into making this disc into a true Blast!

Bad part done, now for the good parts. The musicianship shown in these selections are astounding. Ben Harloff's solo in "Lost" brings me to tears anytime I hear it. The audacity to have fun being displayed by these semi-professional artists during "Officer Krupke" is a hoot! (Just be sure to catch all the little fun riffs a la The Simpsons theme.) The playfulness in "Land of Make Believe" sends you back to your childhood of many a care-free day.

You miss some of the visuals from the show. I recommend the DVD to get some of the things you do miss. And if you ever get the chance, see it live!

Not just for drum corps fans!.......2006-01-25

I just want to get it out there that I'm a classical harpist (which is pretty much the opposite end of the musical spectrum from "Blast"), and I love this CD. True, not much can be done with color and nuance with such an ensemble, but they still give enjoyable and exhilarating performances. Just take it for what it is!

For drum corps fans only.......2005-03-10

"Blast" evolved from the Star of Indiana, one of the most sucessful drum corps of modern times. Musically it's more than drum corps- you've got violins, for example- but at its core (no pun intended) is the drum corps spirit: Rhythm and dynamics are at the forefront, and melody is something that just comes along for the ride.

In the theater, "Blast" is either exhilerating or punishing, depending on how you feel in general about this sort of thing, but on a CD it's merely tiresome. While you can't help but be impressed by the musicianship and the dynamic performances, there's just not much of interest musically. Still, some people love this sort of sensory overload, and who's to say they're wrong? And there are those who, having seen "Blast" in the theater, are looking to recreate the experience at home. But if you're looking for musical entertainment, I'd give this a pass.

Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration

Average customer rating:

A good value
The Sound Track Since Bernard Hermann
Good mix of film music
A mixed collection of movie music
Uplifts your soul, takes your mind into the heavens

Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration

Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores
In Session: Film Music Celebration
The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection
Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music
Music In Film (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)

ASIN: B00008WI90
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

The Man from Snowy River (Bruce Rowland)
The Winds of War (Bob Cobert)
Blue Velvet (Angelo Badalamenti)
Witness (Maurice Jarre)
Raising Arizona (Carter Burwell)
Pee Wees Big Adventure (Danny Elfman)
Halloween (John Carpenter)
A Nightmare On Elm Street (Charles Bernstein)
The Fly (Howard Shore)
RoboCop (Basil Poledouris)
The Empire Strikes Back (John Williams)
The Right Stuff (Bill Conti)
The Final Conflict (Jerry Goldsmith)
The Abyss (Alan Silvestri)
Brainstorm (James Horner)
Peggy Sue Got Married (John Barry)
My Left Foot (Elmer Bernstein)
The Dead (Alex North)
Stanley & Iris (John Williams)
The Milagro Beanfield War (Dave Grusin)
Driving Miss Daisy (Hans Zimmer)

Tracks:

Steel Magnolias (Georges Delerue)
Unforgiven (Lennie Niehaus and Clint Eastwood)
Raggedy Man (Jerry Goldsmith)
The Grifters (Elmer Bernstein)
Green Card (Hans Zimmer)
City Slickers (Marc Shaiman)
Father Of The Bride (Alan Silvestri)
While You Were Sleeping (Randy Edelman)
Babe (Nigel Westlake)
The Adventures Of The Great Mouse Detective (Henry Mancini)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (Erich Wolfgang Korngold)
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (Laurence Rosenthal)
The Secret Garden (Zbigniew Preisner)
A Little Princess (Patrick Doyle)
Rudy (Jerry Goldsmith)
Iron Will (Joel McNeely)
Memphis Belle (George Fenton)
Eye Of The Needle (Mikl)
Total Recall (Jerry Goldsmith)
Back To The Future Part III (Alan Silvestri)

Tracks:

To Die For (Danny Elfman)
The Player (Thomas Newman)
Black Robe (Georges Delerue)
Medicine Man (Jerry Goldsmith)
2001 (Alex North)
Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire (Joel McNeely)
The Crow (Graeme Revell)
Blade (Mark Isham)
The Omen (Jerry Goldsmith)
Vertigo (Bernard Herrmann)
Scream (Marco Beltrami)
The Sixth Sense (James Newton Howard)
Xena: Warrior Princess (Joseph LoDuca)
Air Force One (Jerry Goldsmith)
Starship Troopers (Basil Poledouris)
The Matrix (Don Davis)
The Iron Giant (Michael Kamen)
Youve Got Mail (George Fenton)
A Little Romance (Georges Delerue)
Pleasantville (Randy Newman)

Tracks:

Sunset Boulevard (Franz Waxman)
L.A. Confidential (Jerry Goldsmith)
Rounders (Christopher Young)
The Score (Howard Shore)
The Replacements (John Debney)
Gone In 60 Seconds (Trevor Rabin)
The Bourne Identity (John Powell)
Rush Hour 2 (Lalo Schifrin)
XXX (Randy Edelman)
Die Hard (Michael Kamen)
The Last of the Mohicans (Trevor Jones)
Moby Dick (Christopher Gordon)
The Mists Of Avalon (Lee Holdridge)
Cleopatra (Alex North)
Life As A House (Mark Isham)
Emma (Rachel Portman)
In The Bedroom (Thomas Newman)
Cast Away (Alan Silvestri)
One True Thing (Cliff Eidelman)
Unfaithful (Jan A.P. Kaczmarek)
Far From Heaven (Elmer Bernstein)
Ice Age (David Newman)
Shrek (Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell)

Customer Reviews:

A good value.......2007-05-17

I wasn't expecting to have 4 discs for this price, and the music is a quality selection of film music, giving a good scope of the genre, and a very listenable transfer.

The Sound Track Since Bernard Hermann.......2006-07-25

This collection is bound to capture your heart and evoke a tin ear on successive tracks. I found much to like and some duds - easy to skip over.
Very good value.

Good mix of film music.......2006-07-02

Good mix of films!
I'm a big fan of this soundtrack music and will be looking for more CD's like this.

A mixed collection of movie music.......2006-02-23

For the price, this CD is a great bargain. The musical selections, as you might expect, are mixed in quality ranging from extraordinary to so so, the balance being worthwhile and interesting. Sonically the CD is excellent.

Uplifts your soul, takes your mind into the heavens.......2006-01-06

I have been listening to great scores for many years and this collection is truly inspirational in so far as the choice of different scores takes you on a journey of listening pleasure matched by only a few collections.The price is incredibly reasonable for hours of listening pleasure. Don't pass this one up

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

No More Rock N Roll [Import]

Romance 2 Classic

So Many Roads

Music: Give A Monkey A Brain And He'll Swear He's The Center

Tarot [Import]

Sisters of Soul

Southern Gospel

Symphony 1 / In Natures Realm Carnival

Table For One

Salsa en la Calle 8 2004

Spirit Touches Ground

Revenge

Spirits (In a Material World) [CD-single] [Import]

J.S. Bach: Musikalisches Opfer

Live From Hell