Music

Average customer rating:

Eh, It's Okay
We really enjoyed hearing all of the old movie themes
Outstanding Film Music
An Interesting and Gratifying Volume 1
Fantastic collection of movie music

Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Simply the Best Movie Themes
Great Movie Love Themes: Five Star Collection
Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores
Beautiful Hollywood

ASIN: B000003CUW
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

20th Century Fox Fanfare
Overture From Captain Blood
Tara's Theme From Gone With the Wind
Parade Of The Charioteers From Ben Hur
Theme From Exodus
Lara's Theme From Doctor Zhivago
Theme From Lawrence Of Arabia
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet
Theme From Goldfinger
Theme From Love Story
Theme From A Summer Place
Theme From Jaws
Theme From The Summer Of '42
Theme From Rocky
Theme From Terms Of Endearment
Main Theme From Out Of Africa
Theme From Chariots Of Fire

Customer Reviews:

Eh, It's Okay.......2007-04-24

For those that purchase soundtrack collages to have a variety of songs and themes, then this is good for you. Unfortunately, these tracks didn't have the signature Erich Kunzel version of the songs as he had on other soundtrack mix CDs. It was more like just that, a mix CD of different soundtracks and scores. However, it was a good buy in the fact that the tracks chosen had excellent sound quality and a sense of harmony.

We really enjoyed hearing all of the old movie themes.......2005-09-30

we put this CD in on a long road trip. We played a guessing game as to which one knew the movie. The music was excellent.

Outstanding Film Music.......2005-09-10

This is an outstanding collection of film music. The sound is qulity is very good. The selections cover a good range from various film genres and time periods. I like this CD.

An Interesting and Gratifying Volume 1.......2005-08-22

Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops' interpretation of film scores on this first tribute to Hollywood is somewhat a mixed bag. A SUMMER PLACE was beautifully executed and true to the nature of this sensitive film that was made during a time of innocence. The BEN HUR, CAPTAIN BLOOD and OUT OF AFRICA selections were good. The interpretation of GOLDFINGER was a rather bizarre and blatantly bombastic exercise in overkill. This is a good CD for me because of the A SUMMER PLACE selection.

Fantastic collection of movie music.......2001-02-13

Erich Kunzel and The Cincinnati Pops never fail to disappoint. This is a rousing stirring collection of overtures and themes from some of Hollywood's biggest films. And what better piece to start off the album than the "20th Century Fox Fanfare". A lot, if not all, of these pieces will be familiar to movie lovers. Who can resist the beautiful "Love Theme from Romeo & Juliet" or the "Theme from Love Story". Then there's the heart pumping "Theme from Jaws" and the "Theme from Rocky". This is a terrific album, and belongs, not just in a music fans collection, but also a movie lovers.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rhapsody in Blue - Ultimate Piano Collection [20 CD Set]
Little Night Music - Ultimate Mozart Collection [20 CD Set]
Rendezvous of Angels - Concert Collection [20 CD Set]
Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
Classical Evolution: Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating:

Los Angeles Punk - Psychobilly Pioneers...
Elvis from HELL!
a stunning debut by the greatest roots punk band ever
liquor, cannabilism, racism, murder
Essencial rock n'roll

Fire of Love
Gun Club
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Miami
The Las Vegas Story
Songs the Lord Taught Us
Suicide (First Album)
Double Nickels on the Dime

ASIN: B00004YLBI
Release Date: 2001-01-16

Tracks:

Sex Beat
Preaching The Blues
Promise Me
She's Like Heroin To Me
For The Love Of Ivy
Fire Spirit
Ghost On The Highway
Jack On Fire
Black Train
Cool Drink Of Water
Goodbye Johnny

Customer Reviews:

Los Angeles Punk - Psychobilly Pioneers..........2007-03-29

Okay, I have been a long time fan of punk music. And I have a decent collection of Blues. But, I have never heard the two blended so perfectly until I bought this album. I didn't even know what psychobilly was until after listening to this. The Gun Club, J.L. Pierce and crew (including guitarist Kid Congo Powers) formed this band in 1980 originally named Creeping Ritual. What a lot of influences felt on this, their debut ranging from blues, a bit of country, rockabilly touched with a Raw Punk attitude! And The Gun Club makes it sound so simple and pure. These are Eleven of the finest songs I ever heard on a single album, and debut for that matter. It came out in 1981 (the year I was born) and is so ahead of it's time! Takes punk and blues far beyond other artists I've heard. My favorite songs are: Track 1 "Sex Beat" Track 4 "She's Like Heroin To Me" Track 5 "For the Love of Ivy" Track 6 "Fire Spirit" & Track 8 "Jack on Fire," but they all are a GREAT bunch of songs on one of my top favorites of all time. After listening one can see The White Stripes were possibly inspired by this. As well as other 21st century bluesy-rock bands. After release this garnered U.S and European attention and a strong cult following. For those who are interested, of all the Gun Club albums, this is the ONE to get!!...It may out-stretch your taste(s) in music. At least it did for me.

Elvis from HELL!.......2007-02-25

The Gun Club has been described as 'voodoo Creedence Clearwater Revival',but that's only half the equation. Jeffery Lee Pierce's lyrics could have come straight from the disembodied spirit of Jim Morrison, who had similar charisma to JLP. 'Sex Beat' comes the closest to sounding like an actual punk song, but remember, punk was branching out into new directions, as evidenced on 'For The Love of Ivy'. 'She's Like Heroin To Me' comes the closest to thrash, 'Fire Spirit' has a hard rock/garage feel that'll please even the most cynical of music critics, and the rest of the album is just as good. It sounds like the cast of Hee-Haw finding eternal damnation in Kornfield Kounty. Listen for a cover of Robert Johnson's 'Preachin' The Blues'. Highly recommended.

a stunning debut by the greatest roots punk band ever.......2007-01-29

I remember when the Gun Club emerged in the mid 80s out of L.A., as it was a truly exciting time for independent and alternative music. And the Gun Club were a key part of them. I had the good fortune to see them live, at a small, but rather well regarded club in Hoboken, NJ and they had some majestic moments, moments in which they kicked into a great, noisy groove and elevated everyone there. Thinking back, I realize how much I miss them (and various other bands from that golden era).

Here, on their stunning debut, the Gun Club, led by hellbound lead singer Jeffrey Lee Pierce, offer 11 fine tracks of bluesy, countrified music. It makes sense to classify it as "roots punk," that is, as a mix of the underlying elements of rock (i.e., blues, country, rockabilly, African/Carribean voodoo music, etc.) filtered through the rebelliousness of punk. It sounded great back then, and it still sounds great. Highly recommended for listening while driving down a highway, particularly around sunset.

liquor, cannabilism, racism, murder.......2006-11-17

seminal psychobilly blues. a must have for humans who like music. enjoy.

Essencial rock n'roll.......2006-09-15

magnificent piece of rock n'roll from 81, a year full of new wave synth crap (not all but, yeah you get the point). This is blues-rock-psychobilly drawn into deep american roots mixed with punk-new wave feel, just like Cramps were doing at the time but in my opinion, Guyn Club gone a bit further. Sometimes when you listen to them you can picture White Stripes, sometimes Jo Spencer Blues Explosion. In 81! Totally ahead of their time. A must have.

Average customer rating:

Gosford Park Sound Track
Better than the movie
I don't mind the repeating themes, but the CD is too short!
Excellent Mix
One the best soundtracks out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gosford Park (2001 film)
Patrick Doyle
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gosford Park
We'll Gather Lilacs: The Songs of Ivor Novello
Shine Through My Dreams: Original 1917-1950 Recordings
A Little Princess: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Much Ado About Nothing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B00005UNCB
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

Waltz Of My Heart
Mr. Parks
Gosford Park
Bored To Sobs
The Shirt
And Her Mother Came Too
Walking To Shoot
No Smoke Without Fire
Scherzo In G
I Can Give You The Starlight
What A Duke Should Be
Inspector Thompson
Pull Yourself Together
Life Goes On
Secrets To Hide
Only For A While
Rather A Pasting
Love Jam
Why Isn't It You?
The Way It's Meant To Be
Carpe Diem
Good Luck
Your Boy's Alive
The Land That Might-Have-Been

Amazon.com

Thematically, director Robert Altman's career sometimes seems an endless series of left turns into the unexpected; the one constant has been a rich and rewarding attention to the intricacies of character development and interaction. Composer Patrick Doyle underscores Gosford Park's Merchant-Ivory/Agatha Christie/Altman-wit fusion and '30s British upper-class setting with a score that's period spot-on, character-rich, and often sadly evocative. Doyle's restraint is masterful, often leaning on piano, accordion, and small string arrangements that emphasize the characters' intimacies and the film's drawing room settings. Key to the story are a handful of prewar songs by Ivor Novello (who's also a character in the film), ranging from the sprightly humor of "And Her Mother Came Too" and "What a Duke Should Be" to the romantic schmaltz of "I Can Give You the Starlight" and "Why Isn't It You?" The latter is performed here at the piano (and, remarkably, live before the cameras) by Jeremy Northam. Leavened by a small jazz ensemble and a few darkly ominous cues, Doyle's score is an understated gem. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Gosford Park Sound Track.......2007-03-30

The original music is creative and very listenable. It is typical of popular music of the 1930s. This CD is highly recommended to those people who enjoy music from the 1920s and 1930s.

Better than the movie.......2004-12-08

Many people, I believe, buy a soundtrack because they are mesmerized by the movie and want to extend the experience by listening to something that reminds them of it. But "Gosford Park" is hardly that kind of movie. It is brilliant and atmospheric as it analyzes the British class system, but that's hardly the kind of thing that wins the heart. The soundtrack of this movie was my favorite CD from last year, and the reasons I liked it had nothing to do with the movie.

Why is this music so compelling and winning?

First, it is fun to discover the marvellous talent of Ivor Norvello. His music is half of the charm of the soundtrack. Some songs are funny ("Her mother came too"), some beautiful ("I can give you the starlight") and some poignant ("The land of might have been"). I had not encountered Norvello before this film. Jeremy Northam's perfect delivery of Norvello's songs would not leave me after I'd seen the film. Days later, I found the songs had taken up residence in the back of my head, insisting that I go back to the soundtrack to make them a permanent part of my musical life.

Second, there is the charm of the orchestral music composed by Patrick Doyle. Sometimes people wonder "why aren't they writing beautiful classical music any more?" Well, they are. It goes into soundtracks, however, rather than being commissioned by orchestras. The test for the quality of Doyle's compositions is that you don't need to refer to the film to appreciate this music. It simply charms and intrigues us with its own merits.

My third reason for loving this CD is too personal to mention here.

I give this CD my highest personal recommendation.

I don't mind the repeating themes, but the CD is too short!.......2004-06-08

Unlike many reviewers here, I didn't buy the CD to hear the Ivor Novello songs or Jeremy Northam's voice. I actually liked the instrumental tracks, and never actually thought I'd like to listen to something played on an accordion.

However, Mr. Doyle's music portrays the lethargy of the snobby Upstairs very well to the contrast of the relative energy of Novello's songs, which the Downstairs servants enjoy, but the Upstairs people can't stand.

My dislikes about the CD include the female singer who can't really sing and the length of the CD. Some of these cues are only about a minute long. WHY pay so much money for such a short CD??? Why not add more music??

Overall though, if you liked either Doyle's music or Novello's songs (hopefully the listener will like both), it's a CD worth getting.

Excellent Mix.......2003-04-23

I fell in love with this soundtrack when I watched Gosford Park in the cinemas.

Sometimes period music, sometimes mystery music, sometime personal music. Jeremy Northam's songs are simply delicious and I love hearing them.

I liken the style (not type) of mix to You've Got Mail.

Heaps of fun and lovely to listen to.

One the best soundtracks out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-03-06

When I saw the movie at the theater I kept thinking I've got to have the soundtrack to this movie because it is so beautiful. I also really enjoyed the sung songs 6.And Her Mother Came Too, 10.I Can Give You The Starlight, 11.What A Duke Should Be, 16. Only For A While, 20. The Way It's Meant To Be, 24. The Land That Might-Have-Been!! I think that Patrick Doyle did a wonderful job of scoring this movie the just fits right in with it all, I only wish there was more to listen to!! I highly recommend this album to everyone who liked the movie and people who love great soundtracks, you will not be sorry if you buy this!!!!

Average customer rating:

Outstanding!
Johnny's "Lost in Soundtrack"
Excellent Mix of Jazz and Emotion
John Williams, Film Scores and Jazz all done to Perfection.
A Great "Catch"

Catch Me If You Can
John Williams
Manufacturer: Dreamworks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Terminal (Score)
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ASIN: B00007BKUE
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Tracks:

Catch Me If You Can
The Float
Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra
Recollections (The Father's Theme)
The Airport Scene
The Girl From Ipanema -Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto feat. Antonio Carlos Jobim
Learning The Ropes
Father And Son
Embraceable You - Judy Garland
The Flash Comics Clue
Deadheading
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
A Broken Home
Doctor, Lawyer, Lutheran
The Look Of Love - Dusty Springfield
Catch Me If You Can (Reprise and End Credits)

Amazon.com

Steven Spielberg veered from the futuristic sci-fi flirtations of A.I. and Minority Report with this brisk, stylish period take on the career of teen con-man extraordinaire Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his dogged G-man pursuer/de facto extended family member Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). As always, the director's musical collaborator is John Williams, and the scoring legend uses the occasion of their 20th collaboration as a rewarding musical journey back to the days when he was known as Johnny Williams, ambitious young pianist for Henry Mancini on such early jazz scores as Peter Gunn. Informed by a half-century of subsequent achievement, Williams's return to the jazz idiom of his youth yields a smart, nervous score that evokes more than mere nostalgia. But with Dan Higgins's moody sax often leading the way, the veteran composer's work here seems more evocative reinvention than revisitation, yet another tribute to his uncanny ability to make any idiom his own. A handful of pop standards (including Sinatra's "Come Fly with Me," Getz and Gilberto's "Girl from Ipanema," "The Christmas Song" by Nat "King" Cole) deftly color both period and plot, but, as always, it's Williams who provides Spielberg's masterful imagery with its musical life's blood. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2007-04-04

John Williams does it again! This man is the best composer I have ever heard! The music fits the scenes in the movies so unblievably well that you will wonder how one man was creative enough to think of it!

Johnny's "Lost in Soundtrack".......2006-08-25

The opening theme is the coolest ever. It has that jazzy, suspenseful, space-age groove that takes you back to the early 60's era portrayed in the movie.

Once I discovered it was done by John Williams, things started to click. The arrangement and themes actually go back way before he was famous. Back to an era he may not want you to remember. Back when he was known simply as "Johnny" Williams.

First, notice the melody and pace of the creeping marimbas and bubbling flutes. Next, catch a repeat of the old Sci-Fi, TV Fairy-Tale known as "LOST IN SPACE." Listen for the incidental, suspense-scene music throughout. Did you catch the composer's name in the credits?

Bingo!(and still very cool)!

Excellent Mix of Jazz and Emotion.......2006-02-20

This is brilliant. You will have this theme ringing in your ears for a month after listening. I have collected around 25 to 30 J. Williams scores. This is wonderful like the rest...

John Williams, Film Scores and Jazz all done to Perfection........2004-10-15

I loved the movie and now the music. I think it is one of the most original soundtracks that John Williams has ever done. The Jazz in this music is so peaceful and lighthearted. This soundtrack should be on any music lovers shelf. In my book, this music is a classic film score.

A Great "Catch".......2004-10-04

Steven Spielberg's 2002 film CATCH ME IF YOU CAN was a breezy crime caper movie based on the true-life story of Frank Abagnale, a real "phony" who nevertheless embarked on a three-year spree of writing bum checks adding up to millions during the 1960s. To capture that era's swinging mores, he had his great friend John Williams design one of that composer's quirkiest scores ever--very jazzy and redolent of the scores Henry Mancini devised for the "Pink Panther" films and Stanley Donen's 1963 classic CHARADE.

But for Williams, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN was very much a homecoming, as he started out in jazz and even worked quite closely with Mancini early on in Hollywood. The genuine jauntiness and mystery of the film's main musical motifs are balanced by moments of warm but not mushy sentimentality, and hit songs of that period by Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz, and Dusty Springfield round out this appealing collection.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN was such an offbeat project for a composer and a director known for boldness, but it served as a challenge that Spielberg aced on the screen and Williams aced in his music. It is highly recommended for its sheer audacity in going back to the past and still remaining relevant to today.

Average customer rating:

Awesome Set!
Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection
Overall a strong Goldsmith sampler
Jerry Goldsmith - 40 years of pleasure
Almost the perfect compilation

Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music
Jerry Goldsmith
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009KIYDG
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: Doctor Kildare / Room 222 / Waltons, The / Barnaby Jones / Television Themes Medley
In Harm's Way
The Sandpebbles: Chinatown / Patch Of Blue, A / Poltergeist / Papillon / Wind And The Lion, The / Motion Pictures Medley
Generals, The
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Wild Rovers, The
Pursuit
Wind And The Lion, The

Tracks:

QB VII
QB VII
QB VII
QB VII
QB VII
Waltons, The
Papillon
Police Story
Omen, The
Capricorn One
Swarm, The
Boys From Brazil, The
, The (First) Great Train Robbery
Alien
Star Trek The Motion Picture

Tracks:

Masada
Poltergeist
First Blood - Rambo II
Twilight Zone: The Movie
Under Fire
Under Fire
Under Fire
Under Fire
Gremlins
Baby - Secret Of The Lost Legend
Legend
Lionheart
Rambo III
Total Recall

Tracks:

Star Trek Voyager
Basic Instinct
Russia House, The
Gremlins II
Medicine Man
Shadow, The
Forever Young
First Knight
Powder
Airforce One
L.A. Confidential
Mummy, The
Haunting, The

Album Description

Jerry Goldsmith's death in 2004 marked the end of one of the greatest careers in film composing. This lavish 57 track 4 CD set traces the path of his astonishing achievements and includes recordings conducted by Goldsmith himself. Featuring The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philharmonia Orchestra, The National Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Daniel Caine Orchestra. Includes over 280 minutes of music.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Set!.......2007-07-01

I am a huge fan of Jerry Goldsmith. They did a great job preserving his vision. I can listen to this collection for hours. Great music!

Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection.......2006-11-03

This is compilation of hit film music from one of the greatest composers in motion pictures. What is surprising though is the music not included like the Ghost And The Darkness, the 13th Warrior, Rudy and others. To be sure, 4 discs are not enough for a composure of this stature. THe recording, however, is an "engineering masterpiece" which makes the music even more enjoyable than when you first heard it at the movies. When are we ging to get the music that was omittd from this compilaton?

Overall a strong Goldsmith sampler.......2006-04-11

Okay, this is a CD review, so the focus is on music, but I've got to say this first: this has got to be a contender for the ugliest cover art ever. I mean, come on...instead of a tribute to the composer, the cover looks like someone spilled a glass of merlot over a NASA photo.

Fortunately, even an ugly cover will not ruin good music. And the good news is that I'd say about 75 percent of the music is good....and on a 4 cd set, that's a lot. Like other Silva compilations, the strength of this compilation is the variety. There are selections from the big releases (Star Trek, Omen, Rambo), but there is also a healthy dose of tracks from the smaller releases(Under Fire, Lionheart, The Swarm).

Two examples come to mind. Capricorn One and The Great Train Robbery are two movies that are not exactly household names today, but are dominated by two of Goldmith's finest main themes. The City of Prague Philharmonic come through with terrific renditions. And there are plenty of other strong performances...a few being concert versions conducted by Goldsmith himself. Suprisingly, "The Wind and the Lion" works, which is no small accomplishment given the ferentic original performance of "Raisuli Attacks".

It's not a complete success. A few of the performances fall flat, particularly some of the more inventive scores. Total Recall is just bad, mangling the performance with poor percussion and synthesizer choices to boot. Also a letdown is the Klingon Attack from the first Star Trek movie. The Prague Philhamonic attempt doesn't sound bad--it's just that once you've heard the original soundtrack's "blaster beam" with enough bass to rattle your teeth...well let's just say Silva's version is a little tinny in comparison.

But I shouldn't dwell on the negative. Overall, this is a strong sampler of Goldsmith's variety. There are plenty of quality performances here, and despite a few omissions (noticeably Planet of the Apes)this is a very good release from Silva.

Jerry Goldsmith - 40 years of pleasure.......2006-02-22

It was wonderful to hear Mr. Goldsmith's music that went all the way back to The Man from UNCLE, The Waltons, Dr Kildare, etc. And then to hear his music up to the present. The man was a genius!

Almost the perfect compilation.......2005-12-31

Age has its value.... This sweeping collection of compositions brings back so many great memories. This collection shows how significant Goldsmith was for both the movie screen and the small screen. With such a grand collection, every reader can be assured that at least one movie or TV program they like or remember had Goldsmith's contribution. It was an amazing life and the collection well worth having.

However, as sweepig as it is, there are a few holes in the selection. "First Contact", one of the sweetest and richest compositions from the Star Trek is absent. "The Ghost and the Darkness" is missing and the "Medicine Man" music should include the theme song. By dwelling on several selections from the Blue Max, these were squeezed out. Three full and important movie themes got the axe.

However, all but "The Ghost and the Darkness" are readily available and not overly expensive as is the "Ghost" CD. This is a must have for the TV and movie music fan.

Before there was Hans Solo there was Napolean Solo, before ER there was Dr. Kildare. Jerry Goldsmith IS Sci-Fi. "Resistance is futile.. you MUST assimilate this CD collection."

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
Enough with the damn compilations!
worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs
Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs
Hip-O Records trying to make money from us

Odyssey: The Definitive Collection

Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Reprise: 1990-1999
Themes
Oceanic
Voices
Heaven and Hell

ASIN: B0000DHK5T
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Pulstar
Hymne
Main Theme From The 'Chariots Of Fire'
Main Theme From The 'Missing'
Love Theme From 'Blade Runner'
End Titles From 'Blade Runner'
The Tao Of Love
Theme From 'Antartica'
Theme From 'Cavafy'
Opening Titles From 'Mutiny On The Bounty'
Conquest Of Paradise
La Petite Fille De La Mer
L'Enfant
Alpha
Celtic Dawn
Movement 1 From 'Mythodea'
I'll Find My Way Home
State Of Independence

Album Description

18 remastered tracks including titles from 'Missing', 'Blade Runner', '1492 Conquest Of Paradise' & the Oscar-winning 'Chariots Of Fire', as well as 2 bonus tracks, 'I'll Find My Way Home' & 'State Of Independence'. Digipak. Universal. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2006-08-19

I like the music, but the sound quality is terrible. I bought this CD because it was released in 2003, but there is ZERO improvement in sound quality from previous older tracks.

Enough with the damn compilations!.......2005-06-11

First of all I like Vangelis very much. However I have had it with the way that his music is being released. We are consistently given compilation releases (usually of the same tracks that are on other releases). WHAT IS THE POINT????!!
All the more frustrating is that Vangelis has a ton of unreleased music that many fans like myself have been after for years. Sorry the bootlegs on Ebay just don't cut it.
Where's an official release of "Cavafy", "The Bounty", "Francesco", and "Bitter Moon". Where is all the still unreleased music from "1492", "Blade Runner", "Antarctica" and "Chariots of fire", yes he released soundtracks for these films but they were sadly lacking.
Unfortunately we will probably have to wait for Vangelis to demise before we ever get these tracks, if even then.

worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs.......2005-05-25

Some may complain that this is not a definitive Vangelis CD. Nope, it is far from being that, but it has seven good songs on it that make it worth purchasing for less than $20. Those seven good songs are: Hymne, Alpha, Chariots of Fire, Missing, Pulsar, Petite Fille de la Mer, and L'enfant. Of course, those are just my personal favorites.

Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs.......2004-06-10

It's hard to keep track of the number of compilations of Vangelis. Off the top of my head, I can think of "The Best of", "Greatest Hits", "Themes", "Portraits", and "Reprise". But they never got it right, something was always off, or one period or another of his career was not covered. Now comes "Oddisey: The Definitive Collection". While it may be pushing your luck to proclaim anything as a Vangelis "definitive" compilation", given his prolific output over the years, I am here nevertheless to tell you that this compilation is as good as it will get.

"Oddisey: The Definitive Collection" (18 tracks, 78 min.) in my opinion truly does compile all of Vangelis' best know tracks and greatest hits. Most of the tracks on here will sound immediately familiar, many because they are movie themes (Chariots of Fire being the most famous of course, but also The Missing, Blade Runner, thankfully containing both the beginning and end titles, Mutiny on the Bounty, and others), and other that became well known in commercials (Hymne, L'Enfant, among others). There can be no denying the creativity and talents of Vangelis. There are 2 bonus tracks, "I'll Find My Way Home" and "State of Independence", the 2 best known tracks of Jon & Vangelis, a nice touch to the album.

I share my frustration with other reviewers here that there is tons of great Vangelis music out there that remains unreleased. To be sure, Vangelis deserves a box-treatment of rare and unreleased tracks. But if you are looking for a single-disk overview of his best known songs, look no further: "Oddisey" is it. Released in Fall, 2003, it is a nice way to commemorate Vangelis turning 60 (say it ain't so!).

Hip-O Records trying to make money from us.......2004-04-20

Hos this company dares to call this compilation definitive collection??? Bring something new and then I'll consider your work. Shame of you!!!

Average customer rating:

Great Cover
Szell's Magical And Terrific Wagner Album
Fabulous Wagner!
Szell has not fallen!
Precise, clinical performances in dated sound

Wagner without Words

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words
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Chopin: Twenty Four Préludes Op.28

ASIN: B000002763
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Das Rheingold: Entrance Of The Gods Into Valhalla
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries
Die Walkure: Magic Fire Music
Siegfried: Forest Murmurs
Gotterdammerung: Dawn - Seigfried's Rhine Journey
Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Funeral Music - Final Scene
Tristan And Isolde: Prelude - Love-Death
Die Meistersinger: Prelude To Act I

Customer Reviews:

Great Cover.......2007-06-06

This same album has had at least 2 identical incarnations except for the cover art. So if you have bought some of his Wagner orchestral suites before, beware and be aware! You just may be making a redundant purchase. This version has by far the best cover artwork.

I have several of Wagner's Orchestral suites lps (Szell, Stokowski, Klemperer, Ormandy, Karajan) They all sound just peachy, so do not ask me to choose based on the music. I like the Stokowski best merely because it is on the great sounding Phase 4 label plus it has art work similar to this Szell cd and it has substantial liner notes. But as far as the music goes, a pair of Klemperers/Szells will just about beat any hand.

If you are new to Wagner, this is a wonderful intro. Then you can rent some of his music drama operas thru Netflix and take advantage of the best thing since sliced bread, English subtitles.

If you are looking for the Wagner symphony section at Amazon, there aint any! These orchestral suites are as close as you will get. Look instead to his disciples, Bruckner for symphonies and Richard Strauss for symphonic poems.

Szell's Magical And Terrific Wagner Album.......2007-05-21

This was Cleveland's most prominent condutor, the late George Szell's only Wagner album. True, he was at home conducting the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Dvorak and all the brand-name, top classical music, but he was, at the same time, a gifted interpreter of Wagner. While Szell's name is not mentioned in the same sentence as Herbert Von Karajan nor was he a conductor of opera, this album showcases the skill and artistry he achieved while conducting the score to Wagner's most important operas - The Ring of the Nibelungen and Tristan and Isolde. The Cleveland Orchestra is at the height of its powers and the music you will hear on this album overflows with passion, dignity, grandeur and beauty, all the elements that Wagner's larger-than-life operas are made of. The first track is the Entrance Of The Gods Into Valhalla, the final scene in Das Rhinegold, the first of the four Ring operas. Pity this album does not begin with the beautifully mysterious and spiritual Rhinegold Overture, which would have been more appropriate, as the music segues into the Entrance of the Gods. But even as it is, it's wonderful. The music describes the vainglorious Odin, his wife Freya and the other Norse gods ascending into the glittering golden palace of Valhalla, pride and downfall of the gods. The music is bombastic and grand, just like one hears it at the opera, a melage of trumpets and brass. But the music is also composed of melancholy strings (violins) describing the lament of the Rhinemaidens, bemoaning the loss of the Ring and foreshadowing the coming tragedy. Track 2: Ride Of The Valkyries: This famous war march has been heard in films (such as Apocalypse Now) and occurs toward the end of "Die Walkure". It's a militaristic, noisy, ebullient battle cry. In the opera, Brunhilde, Odin's immortal daughter, has rebelled against him and takes to the air on winged horses with her fellow Valkyries. This interpretation is quite different than others you'll hear because Szell discovered an additional bit of music that Wagner intended to be played but for the most part is not heard. If you're quick, you'll catch it. It's a repetition of the battle cry "Hojo-to-ho" on the trumpet, occuring toward the last portion of the piece. 3: Magic Fire Music: This "magical" music, mostly for strings, serves as the score to the final scene in "Die Walkure" in which Odin has cast a sleeping spell on Brunhilde and puts her in the middle of a ring of fire, where she will await the kiss of the hero Siegfried. The tristesse of the piece represents a father's grief for the loss of his most belove daughter. Track 4 and 5 Forest Murmurs and Siegfried's Journey: This music is taken from various moments in the opera "Siegfried" which relates the hero's adventures. He awakens the sleeping Brunhilde who has become mortal, slays the fearsome dragon Fafnir and wields as magical sword. The Forest Murmurs takes place in the immense forest where Brunhilde lies sleeping. Endowed with the gift of communicatin with nature, a bird tells Siegfried where he can find Brunhilde. If one does not overanalyze the music, merely strings and flutes, one can clearly feel the word-painting and characterization in the piece. The flute is the bird or birds and the forest itself, the more powerful chords represent Siegfried and the brief "Valkyrie" motif stands for Brunhilde. In "Rhine Journey" we hear the strings become the flowing river and we can see Siegfried journeying to a dangerous adventure, one which costs the hero's life. In "Siegfried's Funeral March" Siegfried has been betrayed and is slain by the Giants. The funeral music is dark, primal and powerful in its depiction of nobility and downfall. As it ends, we hear Brunhilde's love theme which then appropriately takes us to the Immolation Scene. Brunhilde, distraught over the death of her beloved, summons her horse and leaps over Siegfrie'ds burning funeral pyre, a grand act of love and sacrifice, the first hint of humanity and compassion in otherwise dark drama filled with greedy and wicked characters. This leads to Valhalla's demise by fire and water and the world ends. Only the Rhinemaidens remain, taking back the ring which had long been stolen from them. Though these are only portions of music from the supremely lengthy score, it is enough to entice the listener to seeing the Ring, the biggest feast of opera one can ever undertake. The Overture to Tristan and Isolde summarizes the work itself. It's a high romantic tragedy concerning the knight Tristan, the King he serves and Isolde the Queen, whom he falls in love with. Their love is doomed but the magic and transient bliss is perfectly captured in the luminescent Overture, which begins softly and mysteriously with the "Tristan Chord" and culminates with a ravishing rush of strings. The Liebestod, the Love Death, is Isolde's swan song, as she dies of love for the fallen knight. Szell does not play this too fast or too slow. It's done right, and it's heartbreaking, ethereal and magnificent, perhaps even at the level of Karajan's famous interpretations of it. The final track is the grand overture to Die Mastersanger Von Nuremberg, a lengthy paean to Mediveal chivalry, all grandeur and pomp.

Five Stars Well Deserved. Make this your first intro to Wagner. The music will seduce you into watching Wagner operas. Dreamy, romantic, grand, sad, larger than life, Szell has captured the essence of Wagner in a single album. Buy it now. It's cheap and affordable. It's highly recommended. Enjoy.

Fabulous Wagner!.......2006-10-07

This is certainly very good music-making, falling just a little short in the colors department - for which the Berlin under Karajan or the Philadelphia under Ormandy are the ticket. But that aside it's difficult to accept all this Szell bashing. People still listen to the Cleveland recording of the Dvorak Slavonic Dances and will for years to come. And unless you have to have original instruments it's tough to beat Szell and the Cleveland orchestra's brio and attention to detail in Mozart and Haydn.
Of course some of this carping may be the result of a little bit too much self-esteem and not enough appreciation for just what it takes to lead an orchestra at such a level. I remember in college I happened to be at a small gathering of literary people including a few novelists and poets and one critic,the august Edmund Wilson. Not knowing any better I walked right up to a stern-looking older man looking every bit the serious 'Dean of American Critics' and blurted out how much fun I had reading his story "The Man who Shot Snapping Turtles." Apparently this gushing adolescent accolade softened him a bit, and he talked with me for a couple of minutes. The last question I asked him was what did he consider the most important thing in writing criticism. Mr. Wilson blurted out bluntly, "Get it right!"
Over the years I have always thought there was a world of truth in that rather journalistic maxim. The reviews here are a perfect example. One could write and gush about this and that, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how many names you drop, or airs you put on, if you cannot recognize quality you're no better than the crook in Gatsby whose idea of a small town where one could safely pass counterfeit bonds over the counter was Detroit.
In the Great Gatsby the crook passing false currency for real is picked up by the police. Unfortunately Amazon readers are easily mislead by glowing praise or, in the case of some of the reviews of the Wagner here, cold dislike. People react to harsh words, and especially when they are well written and sound based on experience. Let me assure you - no one is always right, and there are some people who, for whatever reason, have skewered taste.
The Szell Cleveland Wagner CD here is a series of showpieces, played very very well by the Cleveland orchestra. What sets this apart from many Wagner collections is the astonishing orchestra playing. Szell's orchestra, supreme in Dvorak, brings to Wagner's music a clarity rarely achieved by other orchestras. Superbly balanced, the virtousity of the players is on full display. It's a joy to actually hear all the myriad instrumental sounds in Wagner's score - Wagner played in tune, what a shocking concept. And particularly Wagner devoid of bathos! Tovey used to cite Wagner as perhaps the best of all orchestrators; here we have the Cleveland at the pinnacle of their glory days, a wonderful momento. Writing nasty dismissive words about performances of this caliber says more about the reviewers than it does about the recording.
This has been remastered for SACD and if you have a machine that will play SACDs then that is the one to purchase.

Szell has not fallen!.......2006-01-14

I quote from a previous review: "Perhaps no eminent conductor has fallen so far after his death as George Szell". To this comment, I say "Baloney". One great thing about Amazon is their sale of deleted CDs by independent sellers. When George Szell/Cleveland Orchestra CDs suddenly disappear, their price by the independent sellers skyrockets. As for the present CD, I have bought it on LP, cassette and CD and cherished it for years. The playing is sensational, the performances have plenty of passion and the sound is great. The Die Meistersinger and Tristan excerpts were recorded earlier than the Ring and have a little more spontanaiety but the Ring excerpts are also outstanding.

Precise, clinical performances in dated sound.......2005-10-29

Perhaps no eminent conductor has fallen so far after his death as George Szell. He was treated with enormous respect during his long tenure with the Cleveland Orchestra, and he couldn't appear in Carnegie Hall without getting raves from the New York critics (his reviews were much better than Bernstein's). On the evidence of this cold, unfeeling CD of Wagner excerpts, mostly from the Ring, one wonders why. Every excerpt is treated to the same strict, unyielding approach; there is no rubato or romanticism. In addition the sound is thin and full of hiss (Szell's LPs on Epic were infamous for their bad sound, and Sony hasn't bothered to improve things on their digitual reissue.)

I will remember Szell fondly from my formative years in the Sixties, but he has become a dead letter in the intervening decades.

Average customer rating:

Relive you movie experiences

The Ultimate Movie Music Collection
Erich Kunzel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Incredible Film Music Box
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Simply the Best Movie Themes
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores

ASIN: B000BFH26Y
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

The Imperial March: The Empire Strikes Back
Main Theme: Jurassic Park
Main Title: Shakespeare In Love
Themes: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Main Title: The Last Of The Mohicans
Theme: The Godfather
Unchained Melody: Ghost
Theme: Goldfinger
We're Losing Him: Somewhere In Time
Space Camp
Opening And Closing Titles: Henry V
Theme: The Thorn Birds
Suite: Moonwalker
The Time Of Your Life: A Bugs Life

Tracks:

Batman Theme: Batman
Bicycle Chase: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
Suite: Independance Day
Love Theme: Romeo & Juliet
Theme: Back To The Future
End Credits: Contact
Theme: Breakfast At Tiffany's
Main Theme: Star Trek
May It Be And Themes: Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Ring
Love Theme: Cousins
Sean's Theme: Minority Report
I Will Wait From You: The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg
Theme: Rocky
The Sand Volcano: The Mummy
The Raider's March: Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Tracks:

Theme: Mission Impossible
Casablanca Suite
Book Of Days: Far And Away
Love Theme: Superman
Tara's Theme: Gone With The Wind
Don't Mess With: Z
Main Title: The Mask Of Zorro
Finale: Victor / Victoria
Carol Ann's Theme: Poltergeist
Love Theme: Star Wars: Episode ll: Attack Of The Clones
Main Theme: Willow
Main Title: Star Trek ll: The Wrath Of Kahn
MAin Theme: On Golden Pond
Theme: A Summer Place
Theme: Chariots Of Fire

Tracks:

Iceberg!
Back To Titanic
Main Themes: Hook
Theme: Pink Panther
Lara's: Doctor Zhivago
Theme: Love Story
Right Stuff
Theme: Jaws
When You Believe: The Prince Of Egypt
Smile: Modern Times
The Apollo 13 Mission
Re-Entry And Splashdown: Apollo 13
Main Title: Beetlejuice
War: Pearl Harbor
Cavatina: The Deer Hunter
Throne Room And End Title: Star Wars: Episode lV: A New Hope

Customer Reviews:

Relive you movie experiences.......2006-01-24

This collection of movie themes, will allow you to relive the chilling experiences from practically all (4 CDs)of the great movies. Great movies would not be great without great music. The Cincinnati Pop with Eric Kunzel are unbeatable recordings. Every minute is more beautiful and inspiring to the next. If you love Pops music, this is the begin all, end all.

Average customer rating:

"Concerto" says everything
The Vietnam Concerto
Interesting music - haunting and beautiful
Sorry...
Beautiful, Smart

Riders on the Storm: The Doors Concerto

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Kashmir: The Symphonic Led Zeppelin
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ASIN: B00004YMTH
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Riders On The Storm
The Unknown Soldier
Spanish Caravan
Love Street
Hello, I Love You
Light My Fire
People Are Strange
Strange Days
The End

Amazon.com

Love him or hate him, Nigel Kennedy can play a mean fiddle. And on Riders on the Storm: The Doors Concerto, the violinist, arranger Jaz Coleman, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra pay energetic tribute to--who else?--the Doors. These instrumental string arrangements try their damnedest to avoid becoming elevator-music covers, but they only vaguely resemble the Doors' originals. The violinist loves a jam, and these arrangements thankfully give him plenty of room to solo. The longer tracks--"Light My Fire" and "The End"--work best, with Kennedy offering inspired playing and plenty of drama. Doors fans may be interested in hearing fresh takes on their favorite tunes ("Riders on the Storm," "Light My Fire," "The Unknown Soldier," and more), but those accustomed to Kennedy's more classical endeavors may be disappointed. Oddly enough, the living members of the Doors have nothing but great things to say about this disc. Strange days, indeed. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

"Concerto" says everything.......2006-12-19

This is a very well executed adaptation of Doors music into classic. I also own the fantastic George Winston's "Night Divides the Day", and I could say both CDs, even though different in it's category, perform a fantastic tribute to The Doors. But this is not a CD for "The Doors" fans, as it is more directed to Classical lovers. You will find very interesting versions of: Spanish Caravan & The Crystal Ship

The Vietnam Concerto.......2006-11-05

I really love this album. To me, it evokes all the tragedy and sadness of the Vietnam war. Every time I listen to it, I feel very moved. Kennedy is an inspired violinist, and his instrument fairly weeps at times. So, if you are a baby-boomer like me, you may really respond to music that captures the times in which the Doors wrote and sang.

Interesting music - haunting and beautiful.......2006-01-07

As a music guy, I can listen to classical and then go to rap and appreciate both.

As I really like the Doors, I saw this CD and recognizing what Jaz Coleman did with Led Zeppelin, I bought this CD.

It is not much like the LeZeppelin effort. However, both are equally beautiful. The LZ disc sounded like a movie soundtrack. Here the music sounds like a sad concerto.

Truly, I was struck by the sadness in the music. It is powerful though, and the arrangements strike the right chord (terrible pun - sorry) between being exactly similar to the Doors music, and a fresh interpretation.

Should you buy this disc? Well, if you enjoy classical music and you are not a snob - then yes. This disc may get you to enjoy some contemporary music in a vital interpretation. If you are a Doors fan, I would think you would enjoy hearing your favorite songs being played in a new way.

Overall, I believe this is an interesting disc to own. Well worth it. It is and does stand within my classical collection. It ain't Horowitz, but it sure is sweet!!

Sorry..........2005-09-08

Sorry this review is short, but this album was terrible. The members have talent, but the songs bare no resemblance to Doors songs what-so-ever. I have found this at every library in the city of Kootenai County in Idaho, so you should try your local library. Really bad CD. For more details, e-mail me at moviefreak144@hotmail.com

Beautiful, Smart.......2005-08-22

If any rock group deserved to be recorded in classical arrangements it would be The Doors. This could have been thrown together haphazardly to make a quick buck like some classical rock recordings but thankfully it hasn't. A lot of work was put into this. The Doors were much more musical and clever than many rocks bands. Jim Morrison was an extremely dynamic and sensitive vocalist and Nigel Kennedy pays complete homage to him. There is nothing but utter respect for The Doors music here. They chose some of the best musical Doors songs but I wish they would have included The Crystal Ship with maybe a soft piano solo. I think "Crystal Ship" was Ray Manzarek's most creative work. These are very, very deep orchestrations and the feelings of the original songs are preserved throughout (although I had trouble with "Unknown Soldier" and "People are Strange"). You will hear new things every time you listen to it. The diversions in each piece are true to the original songs. Jim Morrison's melodies are eerily mimicked on many instruments and you can hear Jim's beauty and wonderful phrasing. "Spanish Caravan" features a very competent classical guitarist and the melody played by an extremely sensitive violinist. My favorite song on this recording "Love Street" (allegedly written for the street which Jim and Pamela Courson lived in Lauryl Canyon) is double the length of the original song, a very, very emotional, very beautiful and haunting composition. If one song could summarize Jim and Pam's relationship and their sad and tragic lives it would be this song. During "Love Street" one can envision Jim and Pam in an eternal embrace. The spirit of "Light my Fire" comes shining through, if not maybe a little too bouncy and campy and not soft enough. The violas play the left-hand organ accompanyment and there is plenty of counterpoint. I didn't quite understand "People are Strange". It is turned into a romantic and galloping song whereas the original song was quite odd and spacey with shifting vocal effects. I had the most trouble with "Unkown Soldier", it's highly romanticized and I didn't recognize it. Likewise, "Strange Days" is drawn out and romanticized with harps, etc. The End is extremely well done, the eastern modality gives you the sense of a caravan on an endless trek through the Sahara desert. The recording mix is perfect: the lead violinist or any of the other soloists are not sharp or favored in the least. I only wish this was a double CD and included other emotional songs like Queen of the Highway, Hyacinth House, Wild Child, Love Her Madly, LA Woman, Blue Sunday, Wishful Sinful, Unhappy Girl, The Soft Parade and definitely Moonlight Drive and The Crystal Ship. Ray Manzarek (and Robby/John) should be very proud of what Nigel Kennedy has done. I think Jim would be proud, too. You do not have to be a classical music lover to enjoy this recording, you will understand most of these songs. This is an absolutely wonderful CD to sit down and relax to. Thank you very much Nigel and Ray, please record more Doors!

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