Music

Bach: Matthaus-Passion (St Matthew Passion) BWV 244 /Bostridge * Selig * Rubens * Scholl * Gura * Henschel * Collegium Vocale * Herreweghe (+CD-Rom)

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
a voice teacher and early music fan
The True Drama of the St. Matthew Passion
My favorite too!
Excellent work - but problems with sound level

Bach: Matthaus-Passion (St Matthew Passion) BWV 244 /Bostridge * Selig * Rubens * Scholl * Gura * Henschel * Collegium Vocale * Herreweghe (+CD-Rom)
Collegium Vocale Gent
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: St. John Passion
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Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering

ASIN: B00002R0ZL
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

Kommt, ihr Toechter, helft mir klagen
Da Jesus diese Rede vollendet hatte
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen
Da versammleten sich die Hohenpriester / Ja nicht auf das fest / Da nun Jesus war zu Bethanien / Wozu dienet dieser Unrat / Da das Jesus merkete
Du lieber Heiland du
Buss und Reu
Da ging hin der Zwoelfen einer
Blute nur, du liebes Herz
Aber am ersten Tage der suessen Brot / Wo willst du, dass wir dir bereiten / Er sprach: Gebet ihn in die Stadt / Un sie wurden sehr betrubt / Herr, bin ich's
Ich bin's, ich sollte buessen
Er antwortete und sprach:
Wiewohl mein Herz in Traenen schwimmt
Ich willdir mein Herze schenken
Und da sie den Lobgesang gesprochen hatten
Erkenne mich, mein Hueter
Petrus aber antwortete
Ich will hier bei dir stehen
Da kam Jesus mit ihnen zu einem Hofe
O Schmerz! hier zittert das gequaelte Herz
Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen
Und ging hin ein wenig
Der Heiland faellt vor seinem Vater nieder
Gerne will ich mich bequemen
Und er kam zu seinen Juengern
Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh' allzeit
Und er kam und fand sie aber schlafend
So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen / Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden
Und siehe, einer aus denen
O Mensch, bewein' dein Suende gross

Tracks:

Ach! nun ist mein Jesus hin
Die aber Jesum gegriffen hatten
Mir hat die Welt trueglich gericht't
Und wiewold viel falsche Zeugen herzutraten
Mein Jesus schweigt zu falschen Luegen stille
Geduld, Geduld!
Und der Hohepriester antwortete / Er ist des Todes schuldig / Da speieten sie aus in sein Angesicht / Weissage uns, Christe
Wer hat dich so geschlagen
Petrus aber sass draussen im Palast / Wahrlich, du bist auch einer von denen
Erbarme dich
Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen
Das Morgens aber heilten alle Hohenpriester / Was gehet uns das an / Und er warf die Silberlinge in den Tempel
Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder
Sie heilten aber einen Rat
Befiehl du deine Wege
Auf das Fest aber hatte der Landpfleger / Lass in kreuzigen!
Wie wunderbarlich ist doch diese Strafe
Der Landpfleger sagte
Er hat uns allen wohlgetan
Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben
Sie schrieen aber noch mehr / Lass in kreuzigen! / Da aber Pilatus sahe / Sein Blut komme uber uns / Da gab er ihnen Barrabam los
Erbarm es Gott
Koennen Traenen meiner Wangen

Tracks:

Da nahmen Kriegsknechte / Gegruesset seist du, Judenkoenig / Und speieten ihn an
O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden
Und da sie ihn verspottet hatten
Ja! freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut
Komm, suesses Kreuz
Und da sie an die Staette kamen / Der du den Tempel Gottes zerbrichst / Desgleichen auch die Hohenpreister / Andern hat er geholfen / Desgleichen schmaeheten ihn
Ach, Golgatha, unsel'ges Golgatha
Sehet Jesus hat die hand
Und von der sechsten Stunde / Der rufet dem Elias / Und bald lief einer unter ihnen / Halt, lass sehen / Aber Jesus schriee abermals laut
Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden
Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriss / Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen / Und es waren viel Weiber da
Am Abend da es kuehle war
Mache dich, mein Herze, rein
Und Joseph nahm den Leib / Herr, wir haben gedacht / Pilatus sprach zu ihnen
Nun ist der Herr zu Ruh gebracht
Wir setzen uns mit Traenen nieder

Amazon.com essential recording

The St. Matthew Passion, Bach's monumental retelling of the story of the Last Supper and the arrest and execution of Jesus, typically runs from two-and-a-half to three hours. Yet this performance makes the time... well, not exactly fly past (consider the subject matter), but it's not tedious for even a second. Much of the credit for this goes to the marvelous Evangelist, Ian Bostridge. He's an outstanding narrator: the clear tone and diction, skillful timing, and intense involvement with words that made him a famous lieder singer are all in evidence; his part consists of nothing but recitative, yet he holds your interest unfailingly. Franz-Josef Selig gives a more dramatic reading of Jesus than you usually hear these days--he may be a bit too "operatic" for some listeners, but he really communicates his character's very human anguish and sorrow. Similarly, soprano Sibylla Rubens, tenor Werner Güra, and bass Dietrich Henschel sometimes unleash a bit too much vibrato for some tastes, but their singing is full-throated and attractive and they're very sensitive to the nuances in the text and music. Superstar countertenor Andreas Scholl is the standout--he combines unearthly purity with very earthly feeling and blends beautifully with the baroque instruments. The real stars of the record, however, are Philippe Herreweghe and his remarkable choir and orchestra. This conductor and his musicians (especially his radiant choir, Collegium Vocale) have always been superb at conveying warmth, devotion, and contemplation, but intense joy, anguish, or anger have sometimes seemed beyond them. Not here: they cover the full emotional range of this work--from reverent reflection to anguished remorse to churning fury--without ever crossing the line into melodrama or sacrificing clarity.

On top of all this, you get a CD-ROM chock full of interesting and well-organized information (in English, German, and French): texts as well as an overview with a timeline of Bach's life, a discussion of how the work is put together, marvelous graphics, sound clips, and an extensive interview with Herreweghe himself. A superb accompaniment to a superb release. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-02-03

Do not hesitate for a moment to purchase this CD/CD ROM package. I researched thoroughly the many recordings of this work, and I am very pleased to have decided on this one. It is a gorgeous, moving recording.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

Bach (1685-1750), a Lutheran, was specifically asked by St. Thomas' Church, Leipzig, to supply a non-theatrical Passion. In this context passion stands for the act of passive suffering, of watching and occasonally empathising in the suffering of Christ, a development which began in the Middle Ages when the church took steps to popularise the Bible. When sung, the role of the Evangelist would be taken by a tenor and that of Jesus by a bass. As various instruments were added they began to be associated with certain roles and as with opera any dramatic action in the text occurred during the recitative. The chorus has two functions: to participate in the action and then to reflect upon it, such reflections provided by the chorales which were familiar Lutheran hymns.
The St. Matthew Passion was composed for the Good Friday service at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig in 1727. As time went on Bach revised and added other pieces and subsequently this Passion became the grandest and the largest of his works. He used a Double Chorus, included a third soprano group for the opening and close of Part One, two orchestras split so that they either accompanied the first or the second chorus, four soloists who carry specific parts and a number of other singers who have other roles. The Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 26 and 27 plus traditional Lutheran chorales and meditative poems (by Henrici also known as Picander) provide the text.The Evangelist narrates the action scene by scene.
Although the work as a whole is somewhat heavy and sombre there are some lighter moments to treasure, and none more delightful than the soprano aria in Part One "Ich will dir mein Herze schenken" (I will give my heart to Thee). Part two contains the best known and loved aria from the work "Erbarme dich,mein Gott" (Have mercy, my God) for alto and violin obligato and pizzicato bass. The death is terse but dramatic as is the earthquake following with the heartrending crying "Walrlich dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen" (Truly this was the Son of (God). It all ends with a Sarabande-like chorale bidding Jesus to rest in peace.
The packageing of this edition is outstanding; the booklet includes absolutely all the documentation that one may need to fully comprehend this monumental work of Bach's. In addition, the the 3 CD's, there is a CD-Rom that explains the entire procedure for the production of this recording (in 3 languages:French,English and German).
The performance itself is excellent and beyond reproach. Ian Bostridge is all that one would desire in a tenor Evangelist; a joy just to hear his voice. Andreas Scholl gives one of the most emotional performances I have ever heard from him; he tends to be somewhat 'laid-back' in some renditons, but not in this one. Just my opinion; all you Scholl fans, don't get excited!!!!!I suggest you allow yourself an entire day to explore this wonderful musical experience.

The True Drama of the St. Matthew Passion.......2006-04-11

There are gratefully many recordings of Bach's great St. Matthew Passion from which to choose, and the approaches to this long and mighty work of inspiration are varied. While this listener cut his teeth of the old Klemperer recording now re-mastered from the LP days to CD, this recording under the sensitive and commanding control of Philippe Herreweghe has become the recording most favored for return listenings, especially during the Holy Week. Herreweghe obviously knows the work from intense study, a fact that gives him all the stamina to make the overall Passion work both musically and dramatically.

Herreweghe draws sumptuous playing from his Collegium Vocale Orchestra and Chorus, keeping the period sound intact while adding the contemporary trend for finding the operatic aspects of the work in the lead of all the other recordings. Of course he has an extraordinary group of soloists who give definitive performances. The leading actor is the Evangelist who guides us through the arrest and assassination the Jesus according to the Gospel of Matthew: Ian Bostridge not only has a beautiful tenor voice, rich and warm, but he also offers perfect enunciation of the text and delivers his comments with the exact amount of propelling drama. The role of Jesus is strongly delivered by Franz-Josef Selig and matches his competition (Fischer-Dieskau, Quasthoff and Goerne included!) in conveying both the agony and the transcendence of Bach's lines.

Add to this strong matrix the exquisite singing of Andreas Scholl and the solo work by Sibylla Rubens, Werner G?ra, Dietrich Henschel, Dominik Worner, Elisabeth Hermans, Susan Hamilton and Frits Vanhulle and the beauty of the drama is perfect. This is truly the most dramatic performance of Bach's most dramatic Passion and one to cherish for years. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 06

My favorite too!.......2005-09-17

I own six different St. Matthew Passion recordings, and this is my favorite. Herrweghe gets it right. I am not a stickler for HIP, but prefer it. In my opinion this is the most balanced high quality HIP treatment of the St. Matthew available. Get it!

Excellent work - but problems with sound level.......2005-05-29

I have no complaints about the performance, with the exception of two points: (1) the bass can at times sound too sharp and loud; (2) there is a bit of showing off, desire to impress the listener. Otherwise the work is awesome, but I am irritated by the recording quality. I thought that I would get used to it, but as I continue to listen to it, it irritates me more and more. The sound level is unequal. It is either too low, or annoyingly too high. I simply cannot just turn on the CD and listen through without adjusting volume levels all the time. Music becomes too quiet, then it bursts into sudden loudness, sharp, unpleasant sounds, which is extremely vexing. This is the main reason for my not listening to this recording more often. To add insult to injury, the bonus CD does not work on my computer, but freezes and muddles up. If I knew about this, I wouldn't have bought these CDs. Fortunately, I have also Herreweghe I, which I prefer to this one. But my all time favourite is - HARNONCOURT.

Average customer rating:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording
RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006)
SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
¡PERFECT!
PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN

The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

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Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2003-09-02

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Ach War Ich Schon (Fidelio)
Non So Piu (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Porgi, Amor (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Mi Tradi Quell'Alma Ingrata (Don Giovanni)
Come Scoglio (Cosi Fan Tutti)
Leise, Leise, Fromme Weise (Der Freischutz)
Dich, Teure Halle (Tannhauser)
Einsam In Truben Tagen (Lohengrin)
Wie Fremd Und Tot (Die Verkaufte Braut)
Bruderchen, Komm, Tanz Mit Mir (Hansel Und Gretel)
Da Geht Er Hin (Der Rosenkavalier)
Es Gibt Ein Reich (Ariadne Auf Naxos) - Richard Strauss
Das War Sehr Gut (Arabella)

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Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
Bist Du Bei Mir
Ridente La Calma
An Die Musik
Der Musensohn
Nachtviolen
Der Musensohn
Auch Kleine Dinge
Mein Liebster Ist So Klein
Verschling' Der Abgrund
Ich Hab' In Penna
Wiegenlied Im Sommer
Mausfallenspruchlein
In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken
Mignon (Kennst Du Das Land?)
Gsatzli (Swiss Folksong)
Fruhling
Im Abendrot
Muttertandelei
Zueignung
Klange Der Heimat (Die Fledermaus)
Es Lebt'Eine Vilja (Die Lustige Witwe)
Im Chambre Separee (Der Opemball)
Wien, Du Stadt Meiner Traume

Amazon.com

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was certainly one of the greatest singers of her own, or indeed any other time. An obsessive perfectionist, her flawless technique and intonation over a huge range, vocal flexibility, breath control, phrasing, stylistic versatility, and above all her focused, radiantly beautiful sound were matchless and incomparable. All these are on full display on this generous 2-CD set, which features over a dozen arias, songs by Schubert, Wolf and Richard Strauss, and some lighter fare. The recordings were made between 1950 and 1967, and the singing becomes better and better, the voice richer and more varied, the expression deeper and more immediate. Not surprisingly, the peaks come in the arias from her signature roles in Mozart's Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi fan tutte; Richard Strauss' Ariadne, Rosenkavalier, and Arabella, which rise to real ecstasy; and arias from Weber's Freischütz and Smetana's Bartered Bride, which are wonderfully intimate and touching. She is less convincing in roles she never sang on stage, and the "childish" voice she cultivated especially for Hänsel and Gretel is unnatural and contrived. The same is true of the last two "popular" numbers, which sound condescending and artificial. The songs, however, have all her customary finesse and inwardness; the Wolf group, perhaps chosen for its gentle humor, is charming, while Strauss' "Four Last Songs" (represented by two) shimmer and soar. Schwarzkopf's singing had instantly recognizable characteristics: a tendency to hold back both vocally and emotionally, giving a sense of noble restraint, but also of cool detachment; excessive use of color and nuance, creating a fussy, calculated and somewhat artificial air. Only rarely does she "let go" with full voice and spontaneous feeling. However, as these recordings show, she invariably inspires admiration and captures ear and heart through the inimitable, glorious beauty of her voice. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording.......2006-11-06

The engineering and audio quality of these 1960's performances are surprisingly good. The songs are wonderfully peformed and cover a range of periods and styles, but I find myself returning to her recording (also re-released on CD) of Strauss' "Four Last Songs", which I would give 6 stars -- my favorite recording of all time.

RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006).......2006-08-04

This set is a fine tribute to this extraordinary singer and musician. I was saddened to read about her passing. She had a long life (90 years) and inspired a whole generation of singers and music lovers throughout the world.

SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.......2006-01-29

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's career is what legends are made of. She is every bit as fundamental to classical singing in the twentieth century as is Maria Callas. Schwarzkopf sang with refinement, polish, beauty of voice, and meticulous articulation. She was the greatest Mozart and Strauss soprano of her day; her ability to sing the operetta music of Lehar, Suppe', and Johann Strauss has not been equalled; she performed with distinction orchestral compositions of Mahler, Brahms, Bach, and Handel; her Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, and Mahler lieder were exemplary. She sang many operatic roles, far more than many people realize, and was certainly the definitive Marshallin in "Rosenkavalier" throughout the 1950's and 1960'. I saw her many times in recital in Chicago, and even at the time of her farewell (which I was fortunate enough to see), she was sublime. All of the superlative qualities of Schwarzkopf are generously demonstrated throughout these two wonder CD's. Virtually every item is magnificent (though obviously some will prefer some to others) and has the detailed Schwarzkopf imprint stamped right into the music. This CD, great as it is, represents only a very small part of the greatness of Schwarzkopf. I already own tons of her operas and recitals, from which many of the items here come from. But for the sake of completeness, I will probably add it. A person who loves great singing can never have too much of the art of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She's a vocal icon.

¡PERFECT!.......2005-02-10

I only want to say that you can hear, in this double cd, one of the great singers of all time. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Why? Because she sings all the arias and lieder with pure of tone, brilliance, perfect inflexion, modulation, excellent control breath, measured vibrato, and, all above, great emision of colours. She is master in this art.

PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN.......2005-02-09

La mejor recopilación de la discografía de Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Su belleza de voz, la impecable hilación de frases, y, sobre todo, su expresiva interpretación son algunas de las sorpresas que se podrán escuchar en estos dos discos. Sin duda, UNA DE LAS MEJORES SOPRANOS DEL SIGLO XX.

Average customer rating:

A Major Document of an Incredible Oeuvre...

Schubert: Lieder

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

A Major Document of an Incredible Oeuvre..........2007-03-12

.
Of over 600 songs, Fischer-Dieskau and Gerald Moore realized over three-quarters: these are those. Gerald Moore was of course as important to this project as Fischer-Dieskau.

DGG's sound is excellent.

This set is a remarkable document of art.
.

Average customer rating:

French Songs Transcribed for Cello; Result is Magical

Après un rêve

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Apres un reve
Tristesse
Au bord de l'eau
Les Berceaux
Adieux de l'hse arabe
Deux Mdies haes: 1. Kaddish
Deux Mdies haes: 2. L'Enigme eternelle
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'C'
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Customer Reviews:

French Songs Transcribed for Cello; Result is Magical.......2000-08-14

Occasionally a CD appears that is pure magic. This is one of them. Mischa Maisky and Daria Hovora form an ideal team: each performs on an exquisite instrument, and the recording engineer has captured everything, balance and all. In my opinion, transcribing French songs from voice to cello is a "natural"--the cello, so much like the human voice, captures the intimacy and atmosphere beautifully.

Both performers are natural story tellers, and Maisky, with an almost uniquely seductive vibrato, unhurriedly describes the French romantic soul. If a phrase is to be caressed, he caresses it. It if needs to soar, he gives it exactly what it needs. And the pianissimos! His tone sometimes just seems to come out of nowhere, and the endings often promise never to end.

Being a cellist myself, I have to say that this masterpiece both inspires and teaches. It has been said that great art leaves one changed. This CD does that, and it deserves a place in every classical music collection.

Cecilia Bartoli - Chant d'amour (Mélodies française) / Myung-Whung Chung

Average customer rating:

my introduction to Cecilia Bartoli.....
a voice teacher and early music fan
One of my favorite Bartoli collections. Buy It!
Beautiful collection
tres bien

Cecilia Bartoli - Chant d'amour (Mélodies française) / Myung-Whung Chung
Georges Bizet , Maurice Ravel , Pauline Viardot , Hector Berlioz , Léo Delibes , Cecilia Bartoli , and Myung-Whun Chung
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Tracks:

Chant d'amour
Ouvre ton coeur
Adieux do l'hotesse arabe
Tarentelle
La Coccinelle
Les Filles de Cadix
Hai luli!
Havanaise
Les Filles de Cadix
La Mort d'Ophe
Za
Chants populaires: I - Chanson franse
Chants populaires: II - Chanson espagnole
Chants populaires: III - Chanson italienne
Chants populaires: IV - Chanson hae
Vocalise-de (en forme de habanera)
Deux melodies Hebraiques: I - Kaddisch
Deux melodies Hebraiques: II - L'igme rnelle
Tripatos

Customer Reviews:

my introduction to Cecilia Bartoli............2007-06-05

This is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful albums of classical music I own in my collection. Cecilia Bartoli, born in Rome, Italy, in 1966, is one of the most beautiful contemporary opera singers of today (in my opinion and in the opinion of others). What makes her stand apart from other singers is her gorgeous interpretation of baroque and well known art songs. On CHANT D'AMOUR (MELODIES FRANCAISE), with Myung-Whung Chung, her pianist, Bartoli takes on some beautiful lesser known tunes by Bizet ("Chant D'Amour," as an example) and other composers. Be it more upbeat music ("Ouvre Ton Coeur") or slower love ballads ("Hai luli!"), Bartoli OWNS these songs. There is a great range of tunes, that include Arabic and Spanish inspired pieces, in the French language. I've had this album for at least fifteen years, and I still hold these songs close to my heart after all of this time.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-13

The French 'melodie'grew out of the 18th century ballad, and is the equivalent of what the Germans call 'Lied' or art song, as opposed to pop or folk. The music of the five French composers included on this recording are all quite notable in the musical world. And Bartoli has included some of my personal favoites. Just to comment on a few:

Bizet liked to use the poems of Victor Hugo in many of his songs and the one I like best is supposedly his most popular work: "Adieux de l'hotesse arabe" (The Farewell of the Arab Hostess-1866). It is an intriguing blend of persistent rhythm and novel harmonies inflected with neat dramatic touches and conveys the poignant urgency of the Arab girl's passion.

The song I enjoy the most from this album is Pauline Viardot's "Les Filles de Cadix"(The daughters of Cadiz), the libretto of which was supplied by the poet Alfred de Musset, who was very fond of her. It conveys the Spanish tang and the girls' flirtatious mockery.

There is so much to like about this album, such as the great singing of Ceclia Bartoli. Her voice is powerfully resonent when it needs to be, and yet she can lighten up when necessary, as in some of the 'wispier' French songs. I have a disc of Handel's "Rinaldo" which includes the excellent American countertenor David Daniels. It's a great recording and Bartoli can really "belt" out the Handel.

If French music is to your liking, this is indeed a good listen!!!!

One of my favorite Bartoli collections. Buy It!.......2006-06-13

'Chant D'Amour' by mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, with piano accompaniest, Myung-Yhun Chung is one of my two favorite Bartoli recordings. To be sure, her voice is every bit as marvelous and beautiful as on her collections of operatic selections or her live albums such as 'Live in Italy', but this recording, and her recording of Italian love songs has an intimacy which makes it feel as if Mme. Bartoli is singing just for me. This impression is heightened by the fact that many of her selections, such as the one by Leo Delibes and the three by Pauline Viardot are not commonly found on collections by other performers. And, her interpretations seem to have a lot of unusual effects not found in the work of other mezzos doing more Teutonic material.

As with almost all of my classical music reviews, this is based purely on my personal reaction to the performance. And, if I were to recommend an excellent first purchase of Cecilia Bartoli material, this would be it!

Beautiful collection.......2005-10-01

I heard one song from this album and decided to give it a try, and it was a great surprise for me. Great collection and Cecilia's singing is simply beautiful, without any of these strange mannerisms that sometimes show up in her performances. Her sound is still fairly breathy, but that does not detract at all from the wonderful delivery, and she is great at putting colors and different characters into her voice.
I certainly didn't think of Cecialia Bartoli as champion of the French song; I like Veronique Gens for this type of repertoire, but I was not familiar with Pauline Viardot-Garcia's songs, and I am glad that I discovered them, thanks to Cecilia. This album has many songs which were not recorded often, and it's great to see so much effort put into choosing a unique and wonderful collection like this one.
Just listen to Havanaise, which is a great introduction to this album and a real beauty in Cecilia's commited interpretation.

tres bien.......2004-12-23

Although Cecilia Bartoli has a prodigious recorded output, she nevertheless puts care into each thing she commits to disc. These French songs are no exception. Her customary technique is on wonderful display in these songs, and her musicality is impeccable. Moreover, she is a singer who can alter the tone of her voice with remarkable effectiveness, and that too comes out on this disc. Very fine stuff.

Bach- St. Matthäus-Passion/Te Kanawa, von Otter, Rolfe-Johnson, Blochitz, Krause, Solti (Highlights)

Average customer rating:

Brilliant
An ideal melding of music, vocalists, and conductor
A contender!

Bach- St. Matthäus-Passion/Te Kanawa, von Otter, Rolfe-Johnson, Blochitz, Krause, Solti (Highlights)
Kiri Te Kanawa , Anne Sofie von Otter , Chicago Symphony Orchestra , Tom Krause , and Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, in Full Score (Dover Miniature Scores)
Bach: St. John Passion
Very Best of
Bach: Mass in B minor
Bach: Mass in B minor / McNair, Ziegler, Simpson, Aler, Stone, Paul; Shaw

ASIN: B0000041WG
Release Date: 1990-03-30

Tracks:

Matthaus-Passion: Kommt, ihr Tochter, helft mir klagen (Chorus)
Matthaus-Passion: Wiewohl mein Herz in Tranen schwimmt (Soprano recitative)
Matthaus-Passion: Ich will dir mein Herze schenken (Soprano aria)
Matthaus-Passion: O Schmerz! Hier zittert das gequalte Herz! (Tenor Recitative Chorus)
Matthaus-Passion: Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen (Tenor Aria And Chorus)
Matthaus-Passion: So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen (Soprano-Alto Duet And Chorus)
Matthaus-Passion: O Mensch, bewein dein Sunde gross (Chorus)
Matthaus-Passion: Erbame dich, mien Gott (Contralto Aria)
Matthaus-Passion: Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen (Chorale)
Matthaus-Passion: Er hat uns allen wohlgetan (Soprano Recitative)
Matthaus-Passion: Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben (Soprano Aria)
Matthaus-Passion: O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden (Chorale)
Matthaus-Passion: Ach, Golgatha, unsel'ges Golgatha! (Contralto Recitative)
Matthaus-Passion: Sehet, Jesus hat die Hand (Contralto Aria And Chorus)
Matthaus-Passion: Am Abend, da es kuhle war (Bass Recitative)
Matthaus-Passion: Mache dich, mein Herze, rein (Bass Aria)
Matthaus-Passion: Nun ist der Herr zur Ruh' gebracht (Recitative: Soloists-Chorus)
Matthaus-Passion: Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder (Chorus)

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2005-09-03

A number of years ago, maybe 17, I had two seats at the Chicago Symphony with Sir Georg Solti the resident conductor emiritus and 2 floor seats to see Michael Jordon, Scottie Pippen and John Paxson at the Bulls. It was a heady season and I probably saw more of Jordon but only because I had more tickets.

Sir Georg was an institution, like Mazur and Bernstein. He lacked the flamboyance of the latter, and of course Kurt Mazur would on occassion address the orchestra pit with neither podium nor music sheets nor baton. That was pretty impressive too the first time I saw him (Fantasy Overture, NYP).

But it seems to me that Matthew Passion brings a need for unison between the conductor and the musicians and the chorus dare I say slightly more than other efforts and repeatedly, it seems that Solti's brilliance elevates him over others.

In the "Come, ye daughters" beginning we are both caught and mesmerized and anything else that could absorb our attention is discarded. And of course Kiri is as always, magnificent. The tenor, Mr. Johnson is equal to Bach's criteria.

Like other reviewers, I love this work and the beautiful timing between all. 5 stars. Larry Scantlebury

An ideal melding of music, vocalists, and conductor.......2002-09-23

Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," one of his great choral works, is a meditation on the death of Christ. Here, Sit Georg Solti works with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to produce a superb rendition of the arias and choruses of this rich and contemplative work.

On the opening piece, "Kommt, ihr Tochter, helft mir klagen" ("Come, ye daughters, share my mourning"), the chorus perfectly captures the combination of knowingness, sadness, and dazed disbelief regarding the crucifixion. The strings are especially fine here, providing a delicate, almost spiderweb-like underpinning for the choral verses. The tenor aria "Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen" ("I would beside my Lord be watching"), the chorus backs up tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson's supple, unshowy singing with an ghostly, almost otherworldly tone.

The soprano/alto duet of "So ist mein Jesu non gefangen" ("Behold, my Savior now is taken") features Kiri Te Kanawa and Anne Sophie van Otter, who are matched seamlessly in terms of volume, technique, and crystalline purity of tone. Their weary litany of sadnesses is punctuated vigorously with the choral vereses of "Last ihn, haltet, bindet nicht!" (Loose him, leave him, bind him not!"). It's a thrilling piece, especially when it transforms itself into the thundering waterfall of sound that forms "Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken vershwunden" ("Have lightnings and thunders their fury forgotten?"). The power in this piece alone is absolutely awe-inspiring.

I can't recommend this CD highly enough. It truly is a superlative recording of the "St. Matthew Passion" highlights, featuring as it does these great soloists, this talented conductor, and this amazingly on-the-ball chorus and symphony.

A contender!.......2001-07-26

There is no ideal "St. Matthew Passion." But this one ranks with the best of 'em. "Solti?," you ask? That's right: Solti. I've heard all of the other ones except for Klemperer's, and this one satisfies on a consistent level. Some of the others I only listen to one disc at a time; this one, all the way through. Not too fast, not too slow, not too solemn, not too sprightly. I guess Solti isn't known as a "Bach specialist," but the "Bach specialists" whose CDs I own could learn a thing or two about making a satisfying recording like this one.

Average customer rating:

Songs of a Forgotten Master

Spohr: Lieder

Manufacturer: Orfeo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000598N
Release Date: 1994-04-20

Tracks:

Sechs Lieder, Op.154: Abendfeier - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Dmitry Sitkovetsky/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.154: Jagdlied - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Dmitry Sitkovetsky/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.154: Tone - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Dmitry Sitkovetsky/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.154: Erlkonig - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Dmitry Sitkovetsky/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.154: Der Spielmann Und Seine Geige - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Dmitry Sitkovetsky/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.154: Abendstille - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Dmitry Sitkovetsky/Hartmut Holl
Ausgewahlte Lieder: Schottisch Lied, Op.25/2 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Hartmut Holl
Ausgewahlte Lieder: Zigeunerlied, Op.25/5 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Hartmut Holl
Ausgewahlte Lieder: Lied Beim Rundetanz, Op.37/6 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Hartmut Holl
Ausgewahlte Lieder: Vanitas!, Op.41/6 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Hartmut Holl
Ausgewahlte Lieder: Schlaflied, Op.72/6 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Hartmut Holl
Ausgewahlte Lieder: An, Op.41/3 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.103: Sei Still Mein Herz - Julia Varady/Hans Schoneberger/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.103: Zwiegesang - Julia Varady/Hans Schoneberger/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.103: Sehnsucht - Julia Varady/Hans Schoneberger/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.103: Wiegenlied - Julia Varady/Hans Schoneberger/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.103: Das Heimliche Leid - Julia Varady/Hans Schoneberger/Hartmut Holl
Sechs Lieder, Op.103: Wach Auf - Julia Varady/Hans Schoneberger/Hartmut Holl

Customer Reviews:

Songs of a Forgotten Master.......2003-09-17

Spohr's music features lyrical melodies and chromatic harmonies within the framework of classical forms. Most of these songs are strophic (verse form). The obbligato instruments in opus 103 (clarinet) and opus 154 (violin) add a warm color by often depicting an aspect of the text (song 2, opus 103, the clarinet is a bird): these are duets accompanied by piano. Fischer-Dieskau and Varady deliver marvelous interpretations of the text. Unfortunately, even Fischer-Dieskau cannot rescue a few of the songs from their repetative verse form. Overall, this recording is a wonderful addition to any vocal chamber music collection.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Quality!
A remarkable CD

Thomas Quasthoff: Basso
Handel , Bach , Quasthoff , and Rilling
Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Schubert: Goethe Lieder
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A Romantic Songbook
The Voice

ASIN: B000068UKO
Release Date: 2002-06-15

Tracks:

For Behold, Darekness Shall Cover the Earth
The People That Walked in Darkness
Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage
Behold, I Tell You a Mystery
The Trumpet Shall Sound
Mass in A Major Domine Deus
Magnificat Quia fecit mihi magna
Mass in g minor Gratias agimus tibi
So lieb ich denn mein Auge sehnlich auf BWV 1088
Peasant Cantata: excerpts
Coffee Cantata: excerpts
Der Heiland ft vor seinem Vater nieder
Gerne will ich mich bequemen
Gebt mir meinem Jesum wieder
Ja freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut
Komm, sreuz
Am Abend, das es kar
Mache dich, mein Herze sein

Album Description

German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff is recognized as one of the most remarkable singers of his generation. Since making his US debut at the Oregon Bach Festival with Helmut Rilling, Quasthoff has set the musical world on fire, with his velvety, expressive voice and phenomenal range - both in terms of voice and emotion! Hänssler Classic is pride to announce the release of this disc, dedicated to the artistry of Thomas Quasthoff.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Quality!.......2003-05-05

I'll be honest with you, I listen to opera about twice a month, but when I do- it's usually this one.
Thomas Quasthoff has excellent range and injects a truckload of emotion into his singing. The arrangements are beautiful, the recording quality is excellent as well. If you're like me and are not an expert on opera, but just want to listen to something enjoyable, then I reccomend this one to you, my friend.

A remarkable CD.......2002-12-20

This is possibly the best and most listened to CD that I own. Quasthoff's artistry is unmatched by any performer I have yet to hear, and his technique is wonderful. I have seen him in concert, and I can say that this recording does do him justice. I especially like his recordings of the arias from Handle's 'Messiah' and the last track from Bach's 'St. Matthew Passion.'

Average customer rating:

Rêveries

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood

ASIN: B0000041KJ
Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

Ariettes Oubliees: C'est l'extase langoureuse
Ariettes Oubliees: Il pleure dans mon coeur
Ariettes Oubliees: L'ombre des arbres dans la riviere embrumee
Ariettes Oubliees: Paysages belges: Chevaux de bois
Ariettes Oubliees: Aquarelles: I. Green
Ariettes Oubliees: Aquarelles: II. Spleen
La coccinelle
Adieux de l'hotesse arabe
Pastel
Vous ne priez pas
Trois Melodies: 1. Pourquoi
Trois Melodies: 2. Le sourire
Trois Melodies: 3. La fiancee perdue
Reve d'amour
Au bord de l'eau
Notre amour
Bleuet Banalites
BANALITES: 2. Hotel
BANALITES: 4. Voyage a Paris
METAMORPHOSES: 1. Reine des mouettes
METAMORPHOSES: 2. C'est ainsi que tu es
METAMORPHOSES: 3. Paganini

Average customer rating:

The Concert Legrand

Manufacturer: Bmg Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Michel Legrand: Live in Brussels Celebrated Film Scores, Jazz Tunes and Chansons

ASIN: B00005YWRT
Release Date: 2002-04-03

Tracks:

Once upon a Summertime
Saddest Thing of All
You Must Believe in Spring
Wonder Where I'll Be Tomorrow " [Theme from "Sheila Levine Is Dead ...]
Christine
Sweet Gingerbread Man " [Theme from "The Magic Garden of Stanley ...]
Happy [Love Theme from Lady Sings the Blues]
Snowbirds Serenade
Fickle Fingers
Petite Musique d'Amour (Do You Hear Music in Your Sleep?)
Pieces of Dreams

Album Description

Japanese exclusive reissue of 1976 album featuring live versions of 11 Legrand classics for films, 'Once Upon a Summertime', 'The Saddest Thing of All', 'You Must Believe in Spring', 'Wonder Where I'll Be Tomorrow', 'Christine', 'Sweet Gingerbread Man', 'Happy', 'Snowbirds Serenade', 'Fickle Fingers', 'Petite Musique d'Amour' & 'Pieces of Dreams'. K2 24 bit mastering.

Album Details

First Time Available on CD. Originally Recorded in 1976.

Music:

Music