Rebecca

1. Rebecca, film score
Composed by Franz Waxman
Performed by Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra with Viktor Simcisko
Conducted by Adriano

Rebecca,Waxman,Adriano,Cssr Po,Marco Polo,Classical,Classical Composers

Average customer rating: Secret Garden is Fantastic Wonderful soundtrack! MARVELOUS MUSICAL, MASTERFULLY PERFORMED . . . . . THE SECRET GARDEN Is Alive With Genius fantastic CD

The Secret Garden (1991 Original Broadway Cast) Lucy Simon , Marsha Norman , Rebecca Luker , and Daisy Eagan Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Secret Garden: Vocal Selections The Secret Garden: Based on the Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett : Musical Book and Lyrics Little Women The Musical (2005 Original Broadway Cast) The Scarlet Pimpernel: The New Musical Adventure - Original Broadway Cast Recording The Secret Garden ASIN: B000002862 Release Date: 1991-12-10

Tracks:

1. Opening
2. Scene: India
3. There's A Girl
4. Scene: The Library At Misselthwaite Manor
5. Scene: A Train Platform In Yorkshire/The House Upon The Hill
6. I Heard Someone Crying
7. Scene: Mary's Sitting Room/If I Had A Fine White Horse
8. A Girl In The Valley
9. Scene: The Ballroom
10. It's A Maze
11. Scene: The Greenhouse
12. Winter's On The Wing
13. Scene: The Edge Of The Moor
14. Show Me The Key
15. Scene: Archibald's Library/A Bit Of Earth
16. Storm I
17. Lily's Eyes
18. Storm II
19. Scene: Colin's Room
20. Round-Shouldered Man
21. Final Storm
22. The Girl I Mean To Be
23. The House Upon The Hill-Transition/Scene: Archibald's Dressing Room
24. Quartet/There's A Man-Transition
25. Race You To The Top Of The Morning
26. Wick
27. Scene: Colin's Room
28. Come To My Garden/Lift Me Up
29. Come Spirit, Come Charm
30. A Bit Of Earth-Reprise
31. Scene: The Library/Scene: Mary's Room
32. Hold On
33. Letter Song
34. Where In The World
35. How Could I Ever Know
36. Finale

Amazon.com

Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel of the same name, The Secret Garden was set apart from the beginning by the composition of its creative team. Not many Broadway shows can boast a female composer (Lucy Simon), director (Susan H. Schulman), librettist/lyricist (Marsha Norman), and producer/set designer (Heidi Landesman)--not to mention an 11-year old (Daisy Eagan) in the lead. This story of a little girl who helps her grieving uncle and sickly cousin regain a taste for life is a delicate, lovely achievement. Steeped in moody Victoriana, it should enchant those who enjoy a more understated style of musical theater. The great cast includes Mandy Patinkin, Rebecca Luker as his dead wife Lily's ghost, and the perenially underrated Alison Fraser. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Secret Garden is Fantastic.......2007-07-15

This musical is one of my very favourites and I highly reccommend this recording both to lovers of the show or anyone looking to enjoy a new musical. The song selection provides a good picture of the story, with several bits of scenes and libretto. Beautiful cd.

Wonderful soundtrack!.......2007-05-31

I recently read the book (The Secret Garden) to my 7-year-old daughter prior to taking her to see the musical. She enjoyed the play very much so I ordered the soundtrack. She has been listening to it daily while dancing and singing along. The performances are very good and the music is lovely.

MARVELOUS MUSICAL, MASTERFULLY PERFORMED . . . . ........2007-05-24

With 82 customer reviews already in place, it's difficult to add anything new except BUY THIS WONDERFUL RECORDING BEFORE SONY/BMG SENDS IT TO THE DUST BIN!!!!! Personally, I was enchanted by Lucy Simon's music, especially by "Lilly's Eyes" and "How Could I Ever Know?" Rebecca Luker (Lilly's Ghost) and Robert Westenberg (Dr. Craven) are in especially fine voice, and - gratefully - Mandy Patinkin isn't nearly as irritating as he so often has become. But the show rests on the shoulders of twelve-year-old Daisy Eagan, the 1991 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, and she carries it very well, indeed.

Although not the stuff of which big, splashy mega-hits are made, and in spite of fairly negative reviews (I direct you to Frank Rich's "New York Times" review on theater2.nytimes.com), THE SECRET GARDEN enjoyed a modest run of 709 performances. With its gloomy story line, brooding characters, and soaring, Verdi-esque melodies, perhaps it's better suited to an opera house than to the Broadway stage. And with a few revisions, I wouldn't be surprised if THE SECRET GARDEN joins CANDIDE in opera company repertoires.

Incidentally, in case your're interested: Lucy Simon and her song writer/singer sister Carly recorded a couple of folk albums back in the 60s - "The Simon Sisters" & "Cuddlebug." Now availble on one CD entitled "Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod," those 25 songs are guaranteed to delight and enchant you, as Lucy's melodies and Marsha Norman's lyrics for THE SECRET GARDEN also delight and enchant. Better order "W,B,& N" right away. In this age of bottom-line-means-everything, who knows how long it will remain availble.

Highly Recommended.

THE SECRET GARDEN Is Alive With Genius.......2007-03-28

An Original Cast Recording of any Broadway Musical has many obstacles to overcome from the outset: not only do the music and lyrics have to be enjoyable, and the arrangements must be intriguing, but the recording also must somehow impart the feel of actually BEING in the audience of the Broadway show. Most Cast Recordings fall miserably short of these requirements. Happily, THE SECRET GARDEN, succeeds where most others fail. THE SECRET GARDEN, with music by Lucy Simon and lyrics by Marsha Norman, is a lush, magnificent recording filled with some of the most beautiful and soaring operatic music I have ever heard on or off the Broadway stage. In the classic style of Broadway genius Stephen Sondheim, there are no "puff pieces" on this CD...each song is necessary to advance the story, and once the listener has enjoyed the CD, they will, without doubt, feel they had a front row seat for this lovely bouquet of a show. Since there are 36 different cuts on this CD (after all, most of the dialogue is sung, in true operatta form) it is extremely difficult to choose the musical standouts. The opening of the CD, which sets the tone of this story, is nothing short of brilliant, as it packs a lot of information so effortlessly into song. "Lilly's Eyes" as sung by Mandy Patinkin, who's character is lamenting the death of his wife, is chillingly beautiful, as is the haunting duet "Come To My Garden". The CD's show stopper is a rousing rendition of an inspirational song called "Hold On", and is sure to become a Broadway classic. The show's cast, including Daisy Eagen as the little girl around whom most of the action takes place, Mandy Patinkin as her Uncle, John Babcock, Alison Fraser, and Rebecca Luker have some of the finest operatic voices ever heard on ANY stage. This is a show with a true heart, a brilliant soul, and is, in short a soaring celebration of the Broadway theatre at its finest! Run...don't walk...to buy this CD. I can't recommend it highly enough.

fantastic CD.......2007-03-22

Even though this is a cast recording from the 90's,
it's absolutely wonderful. I love it and play it a lot.
After I bought mine, I lent it to my sister who asked me if I
could order 2 for her, because she wants to give one as a gift.
I highly recommend it to everyone.

Average customer rating: Awsome Instrumental Music The Bing Crosby songs are very good but.... AMAZING! Hauntingly beautiful... A great soundtrack for a lover of WKW films as gorgeous as the film!

In the Mood for Love (2000 Film) Various Artists - Soundtracks Manufacturer: Higher Octave OmTown 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 General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Indie 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: In the Mood for Love - Criterion Collection 2046 2046 Mis Mejores Canciones: 19 Super Exitos 2046 ASIN: B000050G51 Release Date: 2000-11-06

Tracks:

1. Yumeji's Theme - Umebayshi Shigeru
2. Mo-wan's Dialogue - In The Mood For Love ST
3. Angkor Wat Theme I - Michael Galasso
4. ITMFL I - Michael Galasso
5. Aquellos Ojos Verdes - Nat King Cole
6. Shuang Shuang Yan - Deng Bai Ying
7. ITMFL II - Michael Galasso
8. Radio Zhou Xuan Announcement/Hua Yang De Nian Hua - Zhou Xuan
9. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Nat King Cole
10. Bengawan Solo - REBECCA PAN
11. ITMFL III - Michael Galasso
12. Si Lang Tan Mu - Tan Xin Pei
13. Shuang Ma Hui - Zhang Yun Xian/Hou Li Jun
14. Blue - Michael Galasso
15. Hong Niang Hui Zhang Sheng - Zheng Jun Mian/Li Hang
16. Li-zhen's Dialogue/Te Quiero Dijiste (Magic Is The Moonlight) - Nat King Cole
17. Angkor Wat Theme II - Michael Galasso
18. Yue Er Wan Wan Zhao Jiu Zhou - Chiu Wai Ping
19. Casanova's Flute - Michael Galasso
20. Yumeji's Theme/Li-zhen's Dialogue - Umebayasi Shigeru
21. Angkor Wat Theme Finale - Michael Galasso

Amazon.com

Soundtracks are a mixed bag at best. Some are little more than an assortment of pieces, but others hang together effectively on their own, like this one. The idea of Chinese music--both popular and operatic--juxtaposed with the sounds of Nat King Cole performing Latin music might seem bizarre, but it works beautifully, sustaining a lush, romantic mood created both by the strings and the '40s Chinese music, itself a tinkling Hollywood pastiche. But as atmospheric as all this is, one track stands out above the others: "Blue," actually a version of the classic "St. James' Infirmary," takes on another dimension in Chinese hands. While familiar but completely alien at the same time, the slithering Asian sonorities mesh perfectly with the African-American form to create something evocative but with a sadness that goes beyond blues. The movie is of a time and place; the soundtrack is of a mood and yearning. Listen at night, with someone you love close by. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Awsome Instrumental Music.......2007-03-09

The soundtrack is really good; I didn't like some of the songs (the Chinese ones) but there are only 3 in the whole CD. The instrumental music is awesome making the soundtrack an average good.

The Bing Crosby songs are very good but...........2006-07-17

In my opinion it`s the Bing Crosby-songs that makes this album worth buying, but these songs can be bought on compilations. The rest of the music is for people with special interest for backgroundmusic in films.

AMAZING! Hauntingly beautiful..........2006-05-09

So beautiful and emotional, it makes you want to cry! The score for the film and the collection of music together is absolutely breathtaking....

A great soundtrack for a lover of WKW films.......2006-03-22

I loved the film, so I love the soundtrack, which brings back memories of the film. WKW uses period music to evoke the emotions and feel of the time period of the film.

as gorgeous as the film!.......2006-02-11

Film soundtracks are often disappointing---there are songs from the movie that are not on the CD, songs on the CD that were not in the film, different versions of songs on the CD than in the film, etc.

Happily, this soundtrack is absolutely faithful to the film, and it is masterfully interwoven with dialogue excerpts from the film which complement and build on the music instead of being obtrusive. I don't understand a word of Chinese but still enjoyed listening to the actors' voices, and also liked the bits of traditional Chinese music as well. There are some tracks that I don't remember from the film but they are not throw-away filler in any way, just beautiful extras in the same vein.

Average customer rating: Horrible Techno Muzak with Beautiful Singing Not for the Opera purest... Opera meets contemporary music for sophisticated listeners buy this cd! Incredible music from opera's master composers

Aria Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon Aria 3: Metamorphosis State of Grace II: Turning to Peace State of Grace Earthbound ASIN: B0002IQGF8 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Willow
2. Un Bel Di
3. Secret Tear
4. Dido
5. Pace Pace
6. Pamina Blue
7. Habanera
8. Home

Customer Reviews:

Horrible Techno Muzak with Beautiful Singing.......2007-06-21

This is a Dr. Jeckal and Mr. Hyde CD. The singing is so incredibly beautiful but it's totally ruined with synthetic background "music". The drum machine parts are so bad it's like listening to a joke from Saturday Night Live.

Not for the Opera purest..........2007-05-19

A doctor buddy of mine and I were working the ER one weekend and he put this CD on. Now, I love just about any kind of music EXCEPT Opera and Country music depresses me after a few songs. Now, this CD sure smacked of opera but I was not offended. In fact, the longer I listened, the more I liked it. I didn't much care for the treatment of Bizet's "Carmen" but that was the only song I didn't care for just because I loved the original classical and just didn't like this arrangement. I guess I was primed for this sound through Yanni's "Aria" from his Dare to Dream CD. Thus the blending of contemporary instrumental music with an operatic voice or voices was born.

As for the disappointed opera fan/reviewer, this IS NOT opera and it was never intended to replace or even imitate true opera. Paul Schwartz was exposed to the opera, orchestral symphonies, rock music and dance clubs that were all within walking distance from his home as a young man. He simply took the sounds that appealed to him and put them together. Thus this, his first effort, leans heavily on traditional classical music that is familiar to a great number of people. I personally found his second release, "Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon", to be much more enjoyable. "Aria 3: Metamorphosis" was released five years after "New Horrizon" and shows a more matured sound and is highly enjoyable. Paul embarked on another venture through the "State of Grace" series during those five years which I haven't heard, yet. I love listening to all three Cd's with #2 and #3 being my favorites of the three. So if you are an opera purest, Paul Schwartz's "Aria" compositions are NOT what you are looking for. But, if you're a New Age enthusiast with even a little appreciation for classical music, then you'll probably enjoy this CD along with his other works.

Opera meets contemporary music for sophisticated listeners.......2006-11-12

I listen to this CD over and over again. Traditional opera voices backed by modern instruments makes for distinct music that appeals to sophisticated adult ears. You don't need to be an opera fan to enjoy this beautiful, unique style of music. A true opera fan below was disappointed, but after buying Aria, I became interested in opera and added a couple of authentic aria CDs to my collection.

buy this cd!.......2006-10-08

When i first heard this CD i hated it. i had heard about it from several people and decided to buy it. i actually bought the box set that has all three Aria cd's. As i checked this cd out, the woman ringing me up said this was the most beautiful thing she'd ever heard and told me i'd love it. i told her i was more of a metal fan. Here i was, a fan of Metallica and Danzig and Tool, buying opera!? i did like the programming on this cd. the drum beats are clean and accompany the music just right; not too loud and not too quiet. the vocals, which at first i didn't like, are really endearing and beautiful. Rebecca Luker sings many of the songs here. i enjoyed this cd more and more with each listen. I like the fact that the lyrics were translated in the booklet so i could understand the words. Bottom line: this is an excellent CD! i would recommend this to anyone. give it a few listens and let it take you. Ignore what you think you know about opera and let his music enter you and enchant you and speak to you. your heart and soul will thank you. let the vocals of Rebecca Luker wash over you and show you the true emotional range of the human voice.

Incredible music from opera's master composers.......2006-03-04

If I could give this CD 10 stars, I would certainly do so. Five stars is not sufficient to describe this wonderful work of art. I am an opera fan but I am certainly not offended by these contemporary arrangements which brings these wonderful works to a modern audience.

The selection "Willow" from Verdi's Otello is haunting and mystical. "Un Bel Di" from Puccini's Madama Butterfly soars. Other works from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas; or Mozart's The Magic Flute; or Bizet's Carmen are arranged to be unique and evoke the context of the original opera.

Rebecca Luker's voice is superb. The electonic approach to these classics updates them, but never replaces the originals. They were not meant to replace only to offer a unique approach to classics.

Average customer rating: Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony Simply The Best Wow! Profound sublimity Beautiful music

Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Górecki, Henryk Mikolaj | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Agnus Dei II: Music to soothe the soul O Magnum Mysterium Choral Masterpieces Barber's Adagio / Munch, Galway, Boston SO Strings Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration ASIN: B000005E4J Release Date: 1997-02-18

Tracks:

1. Agnus Dei, op.11 - Barber
2. Cantique de Jean Racine, op.11 - Faure
3. Kyrie - Palestrina
4. Ave Verum Corpus K 618 - Mozart
5. Jesus bleibet meine Freude - Bach
6. Ave Maria, op.37 No.6 - Choir Of New College Oxford
7. Lux Aeterna - Choir Of New College Oxford
8. Totus Tuus - Choir Of New College Oxford
9. Hear my prayer - Mendelssohn
10. The Lamb - Tavener
11. In paradisum - Faure
12. Miserere mei, Deus - Choir Of New College Oxford

Amazon.com

Beyond this recording's new age packaging and title is a splendid sampling of some of the world's finest choral music, sung by one of the world's outstanding choirs. This "anthology of sacred choral music" spans 400 years and includes such masterpieces as Allegri's Miserere, Bach's "Jesu, joy of man's desiring," and Barber's exquisite Agnus Dei, which is the composer's choral setting of his famous Adagio for Strings. Along the way we also hear Mozart's sublime "Ave verum corpus," Elgar's "Lux aeterna," and the Kyrie from Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli. There has been a choir at England's New College, Oxford, since the year 1379, and this impressive line of experience shows in the intelligent, unfaltering, and finely polished performances by today's ensemble of 16 boys and 12 adults. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony.......2007-05-14

Not really my thing but mother in law loved it.

Simply The Best.......2007-02-23

You'll love this music. This is music for all moments of your life

Wow!.......2006-07-08

I'm a long-time listener of all things rock-'n-roll, from Classic rock, to Alternative, and even a little Metal. I first heard this CD while having dinner at a friends house a long time ago, and I loved it. I've always been enchanted with choir music, so I bought this CD. Well, after years of listening to it to help me to unwind in the evening, I somehow misplaced it. So I came to Amazon to order both I and II. Of the two CD's, the first one is still the best, and it still helps me to relax after a long day. The choir show tremendous range in their singing, the assorted instruments are well-played, and I can almost imagine myself sitting in a centuries-old cathedral, enjoying the music and how it rings throughout the cathedral.

Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Profound sublimity.......2006-02-27

This album offers music that is profoundly moving and sumbline. It takes the listener onto an inner journal of extraordinary emotional depths and heights

Beautiful music.......2006-01-18

The first song I've heard on this CD is "Miserere Mei..." and I loved it the first minute. I've heard it from a friend who likes classical, and I would've never bought this on my own.

All other versions of these songs I've heard since don't compare to the versions on this CD. Maybe because it was my first listen, maybe they're just good.

Average customer rating: Brigadoon, the London cast Brigadoon - the audio recording Pure Magic! Brigadoon 1991 Studio Cast Beautiful Recording of a Beautiful Musical Score

Brigadoon (1991 London Studio Cast) John McGlinn , Alan Jay Lerner , Brent Barrett , John Mark Ainsley , Rebecca Luker , Donald Maxwell , Judy Kaye , and Frederick Loewe Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brigadoon Brigadoon (1957 Studio Cast) Brigadoon (1947 Original Broadway Cast) Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000002SK0 Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

1. Ov - London Sinfonietta/Vernon Midgley
2. Once In The Highlands - Ambrosian Chor/John McCarthy
3. Brigadoon - Brent Barrett/Gregory Jbara/Ambrosian Chor
4. Vendors' Calls/Down On MacConnachy Square - Ambrosian Chor/John McCarthy
5. Waitin' For My Dearie - Rebecca Luker/Rosie Ashe/Lynda Richardson
6. I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean - John Mark Ainsley/Ambrosian Chor
7. Dance - London Sinfonietta/Vernon Midgley
8. The Heather On The Hill - Brent Barrett/Rebecca Luker
9. The Love Of My Life - Judy Kaye
10. Jeannie's Packin' Up - Ambrosian Chor
11. Come To Me, Bend To Me - John Mark Ainsley
12. Dance - John Mark Ainsley
13. Almost Like Being In Love - Brent Barrett/Rebecca Luker
14. Entrance Of The Clans - Ambrosian Chor
15. Wedding Ceremony - Frank Middlemass/John Mark Ainsley/Jackie Morrison
16. The Wedding Dance - Ian Caley/Ambrosian Chor
17. Sword Dance/End Of Act One - Ambrosian Chor/Jackie Morrison/Colin Forsythe
18. The Chase - Ambrosian Chor/Donald Maxwell/Ian Caley/Brent Barrett
19. There But For You I Go - Brent Barrett/Rebecca Luker
20. Glen Scene Opening/My Mother's Weddin' Day - Judy Kaye/Ambrosian Chor
21. Dance - Ambrosian Chor/John McGlinn
22. Funeral Dance - Ambrosian Chor/John McGlinn
23. From This Day On/Farewell Music - Brent Barrett/Rebecca Luker
24. Change Of Scene/Reprises/Change Of Scene - Ambrosian Chor/Brent Barrett/Rebecca Luker
25. Finale - Mark W. Smith/Brent Barrett/Sussanah Fellows/Rebecca Luker/Gregory Jbara/Ambrosian Chor/John Mark...

Amazon.com

Lerner and Loewe's classic Brigadoon shines in this 1991 studio recording led by celebrated conductor John McGlinn three years after his stunning reconstruction of Show Boat. Broadway stars Brent Barrett (Chicago) and Rebecca Luker (revivals of The Music Man and The Sound of Music) star in this fairy tale about the Scottish village that appears for one day each century. Favorite songs include "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean," the gently lilting "Heather on the Hill," "Come to Me, Bend to Me," the standard "Almost Like Being in Love," the comic "Love of My Life," and the yearning "There But for You Go I," and the 79-minute running time allows for plenty of dance music and underscored dialogue. The booklet includes an essay on the show, an interview with the original director, a detailed synopsis, and lyrics, dialogue, and even stage directions from the original 1947 production. Brigadoon doesn't get much better than this. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Brigadoon, the London cast.......2007-02-21

This album is beautiful. The arrangements and the singing are beyond compare. As a director, it gives some fresh ideas for musicality and arrangement. I appreciate another venue from which to enjoy this wonderful musical!

Brigadoon - the audio recording.......2007-02-14

Far better to listen to the music than see the movie! The voices were beautiful, especially on "There But For You Go I."

Pure Magic!.......2006-08-02

How wonderful to have a complete, beautifully performed recording of this great (and somewhat forgotten) show. When it opened it was slightly overshadowed by Rodgers and Hammerstein (who around this period had South Pacific and The King and I running simultaneously), but what a gem of a musical. Don't go by the truncated film, except for the breathtaking dancing of Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, it's whittled down to 5 songs from the broadway score and hugely disappointing. You can even tell all the sets are painted backdrops.
But this recording is a charmer and couldn't be cast better. Rebecca Luker and Brent Barret are perfect as Tommy and Fiona. And Judy Kaye runs away with the recording with her comic turns.

Turn up the volume, sit back and get lost in Brigadoon!!

Brigadoon 1991 Studio Cast.......2005-08-14

I am no theatre critic, and I have never seen Brigadoon on the stage, nor have I heard the original Broadway cast recording. The MGM musical was my only reference point, until I bought the London revival CD.

In the MGM musical, one hears the prelude and the title song in full, at least in the beginning. In the 1991 revival, they talk all through the title song, beginning and end. It happens to be a sublime piece of music and lyric, beautifully suited to the story, and I would rather hear it in its entirety.

The sound quality of the 1991 revival CD is poor. The dialogue, though not a major part of any musical recording, is muted in comparison to the volume used in the songs. In the original cast recordings of, say, Man of La Mancha, Annie, and 1776, the sound is studio quality and there is no trouble hearing the spoken word.

The website where I located this CD described it as a "concert recording," and presumably they wanted to preserve the sound of a live stage production. I did not realize the sound quality was not going to be equal to any of the original cast Broadway recordings I have ever heard. Purchasers should be aware of this.

Once I got over the difference in the production sound, the numbers were done well. The MGM musical, of course, had to omit quite a bit of song and story, but people may be better off with the original Broadway cast recording to obtain the numbers not found in the MGM version. Gene Kelly didn't have much of a voice, but it seems he sung "The Heather On The Hill" with more sincerity and feeling than did Brent Barrett. Kelly seemed to be less concerned with the number as a vocal performance, which was not his forte in any case, and this rendered his performance less of a musical abstraction. Mr. Barrett, however, sung with more feeling in "Come to Me," a song omitted from the MGM production.

Beautiful Recording of a Beautiful Musical Score.......2004-09-27

A wonderful, relatively new cast recording of this classic American musical. The songs are, of course, simply lovely. Some of the orchestrations sound a little hokey (for some reason, "Heather on the Hill" sounds more like a square dance than the gorgeous tune I remember Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse dancing to in the film version of "Brigadoon"), but the songs certainly stand the test of time, and manage to reflect the show's "adult fairy-tale" charm. Isn't it about time someone brought this warhorse back to Broadway? Guess we'll have to be patient. In the meantime, this album is a more-than-sufficient substitute. (For the sake of comparison, pick up a copy of the MGM movie soundtrack of "Brigadoon" starring Gene Kelly. While Mr. Kelly's vocal limitations are pretty obvious, the orchestrations are beautiful and, in my personal opinion, far outshine the understandably "stagey" orchestrations on this and other live cast recordings.)



M-G-M's Brigadoon: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1954 Film) ~ Frederick Loewe
Price: $10.99

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9 used from $8.25

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful: Can't get these songs out of my mind, June 20, 2000I picked up this recording on a whim, and now I can't put it down! The songs are simply beautiful. Whether they were arranged to overcome Gene Kelly's vocal limitations, to accomodate the movie's emphasis on dance -- versus singing -- or simply to compliment the gorgeous melodies, the orchestrations are sublime and have a surprisingly contemporary sound, especially considering the recording dates back to 1954. "Heather on the Hill" has never sounded better. I'm not crazy about "Almost Like Being in Love" (I think I overdosed on this one about thirty years ago), but even it's quite tolerable on this recording. Among the most pleasant surprises are songs such as "There But for You Go I" and "From this Day On" that were cut prior to the movie's release: What on earth were the powers-that-be at M-G-M thinking? Guess we'll never know but thank goodness someone had enough sense to save these precious recordings.

Average customer rating: 4 stars and stuff, man Nice segue to opera Exquisite! My favorite of the Arias and favorite CD by far. A great follow-up to an outstanding musical experience Grandiose and inspiring

Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon Paul Schwartz , Rebecca Luker , and Steve Barton Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Aria 3: Metamorphosis Aria State of Grace II: Turning to Peace State of Grace Earthbound ASIN: B0002IQGFI Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Arianna
2. Ebben
3. Addio
4. Horizon
5. Barcarolle
6. Cantilena
7. Sviraj (Lullabye)
8. Interlude
9. Pavane
10. Ave Maria
11. Leiermann
12. Lullabye (Sviraj)

Customer Reviews:

4 stars and stuff, man.......2007-05-06

review review review review blah blah blah blah and stuff, man.

Nice segue to opera.......2007-01-10

I have never liked opera, but this music is a gentle introduction with enough contemporary addition to pique my interest. Very well done. I have also purchased the first Aria CD and also number 3.

Exquisite! My favorite of the Arias and favorite CD by far........2006-11-06

This CD speaks to the heart. It expresses powerful emotions of longing, grief, and tenderness. A baring of the soul with such beauty. Clair Marlo's vocals in Lullabye (Sviraj) are absolutely divine. It sends me. Here we are treated to at least three different vocals, not just Rebecca Luker, and they blend and flow so beautifully. It's just wonderful. What a treat. Can't say enough about this CD. I love it.

A great follow-up to an outstanding musical experience.......2006-03-15

ARIA volume 1 was certainly a winner and this follow-up CD is fantastic. I liked the first CD so much that every time I went to the record store or online at Amazon I would look to see if Paul Schwartz and written a sequel. Schwartz selects wonderful works from classical music and re-arranges them so that they maintain the essential spirit and intent of the original but are made accessible for the ears of contemporary listeners. Thus, you owe it to yourself to listen to these gems.

Rebecca Luker's super voice is wonderful as she weaves a mystical mood with Monteverdi's Lament of Arianna; Catalani's "Ebben ne Andro Lontano" from La Wally; "Addio" from Verdi's La Traviata; "Barcarolle" from Offenbach's Contes De Hoffman and "Ave Maria" by Caccini. I looked Luker up on the web and found that she has starred in various Broadway productions. Her voice is incredible and Schwartz integrates her angelic sound into the electronic instrumentation. The "Ave Maria" is somewhat odd, with the strong precussions, but the choir and Rebecca Luker keep it within bounds.

This CD differs from the first ARIA in that we are treated to several instrumental works arranged by Schwartz. "Horizon" is a moody composition anchored by viola and cello. "Cantilena" is a piano solo played by Schwartz, a charming piece that echoes back to Verdi's "Addio" as well as the Croatina Lullabye sung by Clair Marlo.

A second outstanding singer, Clair Marlo, delivers "Sviraj, a Croatian Lullabye" which Schwartz offers in two distinct arrangements, once in Croatian and then again in English.

Faure's "Pavane" is very well done with Marc Antoine playing the guitar solo. The work is improvised so that a contemporary jazz interpretation is offered.

Steve Barton's voice, accompanied by the oboe, offers us "Leiermann" from Die Wintereise by Schubert. This is a dreamy sad odd spacey work with lyrics about a freezing ancient shoeless hurdy-gurdy man. The work is full of mystery and retains Schubert's complexity.

Paul Schwartz makes the outstanding compositions of previous generations come alive for contemporary audiences.

Grandiose and inspiring.......2005-01-31

This is type of music I expect to hear: strong, complex arrangements executed with passion and flair. I first heard Earthbound, and knew instantly that Paul Schwartz is up to something. His work far surpasses others in this genre.

I especially love the vocals here. Some of the intros are a tad cliche, but I can live with that. The voice is convincing and energetic, masterful even. This is one of the best CDs I have bought in years.

Average customer rating: One of the great Classics! hilarity in music Irreverent hilarity I am a PDQ junkie! Brilliant parody

Oedipus Tex & Other Choral Calamities Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bach, P.D.Q. | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schickele | Schickele, Peter | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Comedy & Spoken Word | Miscellaneous | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, P.D.Q. | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schickele, Peter | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: 1712 Overture & Other Musical Assaults Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion P.D.Q. Bach: The Short-Tempered Clavier The Wurst of P.D.Q. Bach P.D. Q. Bach: A Little Nightmare Music ASIN: B000003CWP Release Date: 1990-09-25

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. I. Prologue: Tragedy
3. Recitative: Well
4. II. Aria: Howdy There
5. Recitative: And It Wasn't Long
6. III. Duet: My Heart
7. Recitative: But
8. IV. Aria: You Murdered Your Father
9. Recitative: When Billie Jo Heard
10. V. Aria: Goodbye
11. Recitative: When Oedipus Heard
12. VI. Chorale And Finale
13. Introduction
14. Classical Rap
15. Introduction
16. I. Recitative: Knock, Knock
17. II. Recitative: How Many Psychiatrists
18. III. Recitative: What Is The Question?
19. VI. Recitative: So This Guy
20. Introduction
21. Birthday Ode To 'Big Daddy Bach'

Customer Reviews:

One of the great Classics!.......2006-08-03

Oedipus Tex & Other Choral Calamities is one of the must haves from PDQ Bach. This album has some of his best stuff on it including the title tracks and one of the funniest songs he has composed "classical rap" this is well worth one's time to check out.

hilarity in music.......2002-10-25

Virtually every CD that Peter Schickele has put out under the name of PDQ Bach has been absolutely hilarious. This is one of his best albums - it will have you in stitches in no time flat.

"Oedipus Tex," the title piece, is a stunning parody of (of course) Sophocles "Oedipus Rex" - from the line "the gods are ticked off and now someone must pay" to the ending chorus of "the eyes of Texas are upon you" (set to the tune of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"), the piece is one of the funniest things I have ever heard.

"Classical Rap" - this track alone is worth the whole cost of the album. This "Yuppie" rap combines the stereotypes of rap music with Vivaldi and Bach, and has as its setting the upper West side of Manhattan.

"Knock Knock Cantata" - some of the worst jokes you'll ever hear set to some of the worst music you'll ever hear. The combination of text and setting is really hilarious - talk about form meeting content.

"Birthday Ode for Big Daddy Bach" - the more you know about music, the funnier this piece is.

BUY THIS CD.

Irreverent hilarity.......2002-08-09

Oedipus Tex is both my favorite Country/Western ballad and one of my favorite oratorios!

Classical Rap is, IMHO, the only Rap piece worth listening to.

This is one of "The Bad Boy of Classical Music", Peter Schickele's best recordings.

I am a PDQ junkie!.......2002-08-08

This was my first PDQ recording and it has kept me coming back for more.My father who hates music even LOVES it!It does take a special musician or music lover to appreciate the genius of such a man as Peter Shickele. Being a musician, I have performed numerous PDQ works in the past and they are extremely difficult.Oedipus Tex is by far the most ingenious album created, in my belief, in as far as its contents and musical professionalism.

Brilliant parody.......1999-10-16

Oedipus Tex is a brilliant parody... I had a teacher listen to it once and then it circulated around the entire English department. "Classical Rap" is a wonderful piece as well.

Average customer rating: Not the Best This is the original for me One Of The Best ! Worst of 4 versions Some problems... but overall, a good album

Les Miserables (1985 Original London Cast) Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Patti LuPone , Rebecca Caine , Colm Wilkinson , and Frances Ruffelle Manufacturer: Relativity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast) The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast) Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert Les Miserables - The Musical That Swept the World (10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall) Cats (1981 Original London Cast) ASIN: B000006ONF Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

1. Prologue: Work Song
2. Prologue: Valijean Arrested/Valijean Forgiven
3. Prologue: What Have I Done?
4. At The End Of The Day
5. I Dreamed A Dream
6. Lovely Ladies
7. Who Am I?
8. Fantine's Death: Come To Me
9. Fantine's Death: Confrontation
10. Castle On A Cloud
11. Master Of The House
12. Thenardier Waltz
13. Stars
14. Look Down
15. Little People
16. Red & Black
17. Do You Hear The People Sing?

Tracks:

1. Love Montage: I Saw Him Once/In My Life/A Heart Full Of Love
2. Plumet Attack
3. One Day More!
4. On My Own
5. The Attack
6. A Little Fall Of Rain
7. Drink With Me
8. Bring Him Home
9. Dog Eat Dog
10. Soliloquy
11. Turning
12. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
13. Beggar At The Feast
14. Finale

Amazon.com

This recording captures the 1985 London cast that transformed an obscure French musical based on Victor Hugo's gargantuan novel of pre-Revolutionary France into a worldwide phenomenon throughout the late-'80s and '90s and became one of the best examples of the era's trend of blockbuster musical spectacles. Yes, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg's score tends to recycle its themes, but the beautiful melodies and stirring anthems rarely fail to captivate and touch its audience. Colm Wilkinson is the heroic Valjean, Patti LuPone is the tragic Fantine, Michael Ball is the love-struck Marius, and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine, with Roger Allam (Javert), Alun Armstrong and Sue Jane Tanner (the Thénardiers), Rebecca Caine (older Cosette), and David Burt (Enjolras) filling out the excellent cast. Fans will want to take note that this recording includes some material that was revised when the show crossed the pond to Broadway--"Little People" was lost altogether, while the "Love Montage" was significantly rewritten. Les Misérables sounds especially vivid in its 1998 remastering, and a synopsis and full lyrics are included. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Not the Best.......2007-06-29

I agree with many of the comments made by others. But let me give some of my own. The London production is an early production of the Les Mis and like all early productions, composers and producers improve the product as it goes to new locations. The New York album is for me infinitely better than the London album. The slowness of the songs in the London production are incredably annoying. The singing is at times pedestrian. Many voices are smaller or less interesting than those in the New York production. The orchestration was enlarged and improved in the New York production. For some songs the orchestration is totally changed. In all there is no comparison. I also love the anniversary production and as a recording would prefer that none. I have not heard the complete ORchestral recording and can not comment on it.

Let me also agree with most of what was said about Ms. Ruffelle as Eponine. She is a disaster and almost distroys the New York album. Strangely she is less annoying in the London album because her singing softer and therefore less annoying. I disagree with those who say she can not annunciate. I also disagree that she has a horrible voice. I think she has a decent pop voice. It just Does not BELONG in this musical. It sounds like a pop singer thrown into the 18th century. She is miscast and totally out of place. I did not know she was a pop singer until I read the comments below. But you could guess it by her style and phrasing. I can not think of any album almost destroyed by a miscasting since I heard the Deutche Gramaphone version of West Side Story with the strange casting of Jose Cararas as Tony. It killed the entire albmu. Luckily, Eponine is a smaller part and it does not totally destroy the LOndon or New York version. I just want to know WHY SHE GOT THIS PART....and then why she further got the part in New York. If someone has the story, PLEASE tell it.

This is the original for me.......2006-10-07

Having seen Les Mis in London twice as a kid, the OLC version is simply the only worthwile version for me. While you could argue that some of the later versions are technically better, they just sound wrong and off-tempo to me.

One Of The Best !.......2006-07-31

Simply put, Les Miserables is one of the greatest musicals ever written for the stage. Both the London and Broadway versions of this classic best each other in terms of superiority, but you can't really go wrong with either.

The marvelous London cast includes Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, Roger Allam as Javert, Patti LuPone as Fantine, Michael Ball as Marius, and Frances Ruffelle as Eponine.

Best Songs include:

At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Come To Me
Master Of The House
Stars
On My Own
A Little Fall Of Rain
Bring Him Home
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

If I had to choose between the two, I'd lean towards the Broadway version ... though it's hard to pass up anything Ms. LuPone does.

Worst of 4 versions.......2006-07-18

Les Miserables is definitely one of the better musicals out there. Among the four (Original London, Original Broadway, Complete Recording, and 10th Anniversary) most popular versions, however, this is the least appealing. The tempo is slow, providing for some boring listening, plus the casting of some actors is questionable. Among the most annoying cast members is Frances Ruffelle, who should not be in musical theater at all. She has a bad voice, she can't enunciate well (major speech problems there), and worse, she has bad singing technique (cannot sustain long lines and high notes -- incorrect breathing). She doesn't even deserve to be compared to Lea Salonga (who is a million times superior over her Ruffelle). I'd second the thought that if Salonga were old enough to audition for this role in the early 80s, Ruffelle would not even been remotely considered. And no, Ruffelle was NOT invited to join the Dream Cast, even though the concert was going to be held in London; Cameron's asistant, in fact, had to persuade Lea Salonga to give up recording the Miss Saigon Complete Recording just to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime 10th Anniversary event.

As some reviewers have mentioned, this album is a good buy if one wants to trace the evolution of this mega-musical. If you want the best buck for your money, however, get the 10th Anniversary version (it's live -- it has the dream cast, plus excitement in the air just fills the entire recording). An excellent second choice would be the Complete Symphonic Recording.

Some problems... but overall, a good album.......2006-07-16

The London Cast has issues, it's been criticised as "too slow", and it is the next step up from the French concept album, so the show was still being sorted out. Some of the performers are unremarkable, but the majority are amazing. It is a nice album, but the best overall cast is the Tenth Anniversary Cast. I'd recommend this as a CD to see how the show evolved. I'd also take it over the Broadway and International cast recordings.

However, one thing I noticed when I was reading through the reviews was that if Lea Salonga had been old enough to audition, she would have won the role of Eponine. Uh... NO. Frances Ruffelle was the first choice for the Dream Cast and couldn't make it so Lea was the second choice. Frances is simply amazing and the bucketload of awards Lea won for 'Miss Saigon'? That was Frances back in 1989 for Les Mis.

Average customer rating: Nice A Resounding Success A Voice Feast from the Middle Ages

Leonin, Perotin: Sacred Music from Notre-Dame Cathedral Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dunstable: Sweet Harmony - Masses and Motets Machaut: La Messe de Nostre Dame; Songs from Le Voir Dit Perotin / The Hilliard Ensemble Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli, Missa Aeterna Josquin Desprez: Motets & Chansons ASIN: B0009SQC8W Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

1. Beata Viscera
2. Viderunt Omnes
3. Viderunt Omnes
4. (Plainchant) ... Fines Terre Salutare Dei ...
5. (2-Part Organum) ... Notum Fecit ...
6. ... Dominus ...
7. ... Salutare Suum Ante Conspectum ...
8. (Plainchant) ... Justitiam Suam
9. (2-Part Organum) ...Viderunt Omnes ...
10. (Plainchant) ... Fines Terre Salutare Dei ...
11. (2-Part Organum) ... Notum Fecit ...
12. ... Dominus ...
13. (Plainchant) ... Justitiam Suam
14. (2-Part Organum) ...Viderunt Omnes ...
15. (Plainchant) ... Fines Terre Salutare Dei ...
16. (2-Part Clausula): ... Dominus ...
17. (2-Part Clausula): ... Dominus ...
18. (2-Part Clausula): ... Dominus ...
19. (2-Part Clausula): ... Dominus ...
20. (2-Part Clausula): ... Dominus ...
21. (2-Part Clausula): ... Dominus ...
22. (2-Part Motet): Factum Est Salutare/
23. (4-Part Organum): Viderunt Omnes ...
24. (Plainchant) ... Fines Terre Salutare Dei ...
25. (4-Part Organum): Notum Fecit ...
26. ... Dominus ...
27. .... Salutare Suum Ante Conspectum ...
28. (Plainchant) ... Justitiam Suam
29. (Plainchant): Viderunt Omnes ...
30. (Organum After 9th-Century Scolica Enchiriadis)...
31. (4-Part Organum): Sederunt Principes
32. (4-Part Conductus): Vetus Abit Littera

Customer Reviews:

Nice.......2006-11-04

This is a very good example of Polyphony as practiced in Notre Dame .....

A Resounding Success .......2005-12-27

If one read the album notes but failed to read the fine print on the rear of the jacket, one would likely assume that this recording was made in Notre Dame Cathedral, which it was not. It was recorded at Chancelade Abbey, Dordogne, France. (http://chapaq.free.fr/Congregations/Chancelade.htm)

The notes mention the fact that both Leonin and Perotin worked at Notre Dame and were both responsible for the Organum. Organum is Polyphony used in liturgical music from the late 9th century to c. 1250.

I bring this up because few people, even musicologists, understand the vital roles that acoustics and harmonics(overtones)played in the composition of sacred music until about the Seventeenth Century.

The musicologist, Thurston Dart, summarizes the influence that reverberation has on composers:

"But even a superficial study shows that early composers were very aware of the effect on their music of the surroundings in which it was to be performed, and that they deliberately shaped their music accordingly. Musical acoustics can be roughly divided into resonant, room and outdoor. Plainsong is resonant music; so is the harmonic style of Leonin and Perotin .. Perotin's music, in fact, is perfectly adapted to the acoustics of the highly resonant cathedral (Notre Dame Paris) for which it was written...."
(Thurston Dart, musicologist, "The interpretation of Music",Hutchinson, London pp56-57 (1954).

I think, like most 'moderns', Mr. Dart has got it backwards -- these composers were mostly aware of the effect of the surroundings upon their music. Composers like Leonin and Perotin and others, notably Allegri (composer of the famous "Miserere"), were more interested on the effect that the music, augmented by the acoustics, had on the congregation, in terms of literally uplifting their spirits and assisting them in participating directly in what was called the "Communion of Saints".


E. Power Biggs said: "An organist will take al the reverberation time he is given, and then ask for a bit more.... Many of Bach's organ works are designed .... to explore reverberation. Consider the pause that follows the ornamented proclamation that opens the famous Toccata in D minor. Obviously this is for the enjoyment of the notes as they remain suspended in the air". Church music sounds wrong when performed in a small non-reverberant space with a lot of acoustic absorbent such as curtains and carpets."
(http://www.acoustics.salford.ac.uk/acoustics_world/concert_hall_acoustics/acoustics_music.html)

E. Power Biggs and the pundits at Salford University, assume that Bach and his predecessors valued acoustics and resonance primarily from the standpoint of aesthetics. In other words, they chose reverberant halls because their music sounded better when performed in them. I believe that they too are missing the point. Acoustic Archeologists, like John Reid and Paul Devereux are beginning to discover that ancient holy places, such as Stonehenge and also the Gothic Cathedrals, like Notre Dame de Paris, were actually tuned to resonate certain specific pitches or sound frequencies. They are or contain what are called "resonant chambers".

A resonant chamber essentially reflects and amplifies or "empowers" certain specific frequencies, particularly when they are sung by a chorus (or congregation) of "pure voices" in unison. These frequencies and the harmonies reproduced by the reverberations elicited certain specific emotional responses, such as awe and reverence, from the assembly. I'm sure that Leonin and Perotin were well aware of the marvelous acoustics of Notre Dame and structured their music to take full advantage of it.

After the invention of the printing press, increasingly more emphasis was placed on the written and spoken word. Music was no longer spontaneously created or improvised and less and more reverberant acoustics only served to muddle the words of the preacher or celebrant.

I'm guessing that the reason why the producer, Jeremy Summerly, chose not to record this music in its original home is because it now uses a P.A. or electronic audio system, which is more appropriate for the modern mostly-spoken Mass. Masses are undoubtedly still sung there but the voices are likely amplified and filtered by electronics. The addition of modern furnishings can also affect the acoustics.

Speaking of electronics -- it is now possible to accurately reproduce the acoustics of a particular space, like Notre Dame Cathedral, electronically. The acoustics of Notre Dame have already been captured and digitally reproduced, I believe, by the Japanese Yamaha Company. Unfortunately, I did not have that particular software program ("algorhythm") but, using other software, I was able to create my own semi-cavernous cathedral space.

What an awesome experience!

Even without the virtual cathedral enhancement, the sound is marvelous and the performance is excellent.

One more technical consideration -- this recording was recorded and edited at 24-bit resolution. Unlike recordings made at a lower bit-rate, the sound, particularly in the higher registers, is smooth and clean. I wish that Jeremy Summerly would record Allegri's "Miserere" in a space that is acoustically similar to the Sistine Chapel, using the same technology. I haven't heard a recording of this work where the vital higher harmonics are not badly distorted.

Tim O'Hanlon

A Voice Feast from the Middle Ages.......2005-07-23

Recorded and edited in 24 bit resolution, this Naxos recording is a joy to the ears. The performing voices are solid and the direction of Antony Pitts has a sometimes dramatic, majestic, tempo. The only reason I did not concede full 5 stars is because in the Middle Ages female voices for Lithurgy were almost unknown, and in this record there are two sopranos and an Alto. If you enjoy Early Music you will need this record, if you are a beginner this is an intelligent way to introduce you to Polyphony, a cornerstone of Western music.

Average customer rating: Superb Performance, Weak reissue cheaper reissue of a fine recording from 1995, with the loss of booklet notes

Schubert: "Trout " Quintet Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ma, Yo-Yo | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ma, Yo-Yo | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | 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: Elgar: Cello Concerto; "Enigma" Variations Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris Mozart: The Piano Quartets ASIN: B00077F9A2 Release Date: 2005-10-18

Customer Reviews:

Superb Performance, Weak reissue.......2007-06-04

Unfortunately, I am fortunate enough to have the original issue of this CD, without the notes removed so I don't miss what the previous reviewer finds lacking. I will follow his lead by noting that especially for musical innocents like myself, every piece of help the CD and give me is valueable, so I would miss it. If you are lucky enough to get a copy of the 1996 issue with the principal performers hard at work on their instruments under a majestic oak(?) tree in the summer sun, you will be much happier with your Schubert trout experience. But then again, the music is all the same, and I find it glorious, a veritable classical 'Super Session'.

cheaper reissue of a fine recording from 1995, with the loss of booklet notes.......2006-09-22

Sony has of course in its catalog one recording of the "Trout" quintet which has universally been recognized as a truly "great performance" since its first publication in 1967: the one by Rudolf Serkin and his partners from the Marlboro festival, now available with Mozart's clarinet quintet performed by Harold Wright (Schubert: Piano Quintet "Trout"; Mozart: Clarinet Quintet). Still, the present recording from 1995 around stars Emmanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma is also a fine, albeit interpretively slanted performance. Its values are brisk and almost hard-driven tempos throughout, muscular phrasings, crisp piano playing and ample lyricism from the strings. For more developed comments, see my review under the original issue: Schubert: Quintet, Op. 114 "The Trout" / Sonata, D. 821 "Arpeggione". Not a "Trout" for all tastes then and especially not for those who prefer a more easy-going, genial Schubert, but one that is treasurable precisely for its radicalism of approach. With the welcome addition of the Lied on which Schubert based his "Trout" variations, here nicely if lightly sung by Barbara Bonney, the Arpeggione sonata, played by the Ma-Ax duet, is a significant filler and a welcome complement to the weightier, more brooding and wistful approach of Rostropovich and Britten in 1968 (Decca Schubert, Debussy / Rostropovich, Britten). Ma emits unfailingly rich and creamy sonorities, with a wealth of vocal inflexions, and in the Finale displays awesome virtuosity. Thanks to this reissue, some 10 years after its original publication, you can now get it for cheaper, but at the cost of the original booklet's program notes, which are now reduced to an insignificant blurb. Well, it is for you to decide if a more developed pabulum is worth the extra bucks. I didn't think so.

Track Listings:

1. Respighi: Ballets
2. Respighi: Cantatas (Artesusa; La Sensativa; Il Tramonto)
3. Robert Schumann: Complete Symphonies
4. Ruses D'Amour
5. Siamese Classical Music 4
6. Spohr: Symphony No. 4 / Overtures
7. Stabat Mater / Veni Creator / Litania / Demeter
8. Suites 1 & 2 / Concert Overture
9. Symphonies 3 & 10
10. Symphonies 3 & 4 / Concert Overture

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Welcome Back, Zoobombs!

Chopin: Highlights from the 24 Preludes; Selected Waltzes; Piano Sonata No. 2

Come Fly with Me

Music: Angelica/Rock Stock & Barrel

Cafe Days

Club Harlem Official CD V.2: DJ Kaori [Import]

Buddy Greene / SO FAR!

Chansons nouvelles, Parisian chansons & dances ca. 1530 - 1550

Better Than This

Cafetin De Buenos Aires [Import]

Birds of Pray [Enhanced] [Import] [Live]

Class One Laser Product

Can't Stop Dancing V.1 [Import]

Music of Hope

Sing, But Keep Going