Now Hear This

About the Artist
"These cats invite us along on their most developed musical journey to date. The listener hears familiar elements of the best acoustic music, classical, bluegrass, jazz, world music, swing, Irish, and modern music. It's a wonderful bag. They are having a heck of a good time with this music. We can crank it up and, for just a moment, pretend that we are all virtuosos playing joyous music with the best musicians on the planet."

-Danny Barnes

Product Description:
This new recording bears the unmistakable stamp of a mature group of artists at the top of their game. The all-original tunes ring with the authority of musicians who have mastered a vast swath of American music styles, yet are still exploring. Bluegrass music forms the grounding for a subtle and kaleidoscopic blend of seasonings which include jazz, rock, classical, and various international flavors, flavors that are not pasted over the music but woven into the sound of each player, expressed as a conversation, sometimes earthy, sometimes highfalutin, always totally present in the moment. Psychograss is a band of musicians who are indelibly written into the history of acoustic music. NOW HEAR THIS is both a signpost and a guidepost.

Now Hear This,Psychograss,Adventure Music,Bluegrass,Country,FEATURING: DAROL ANGER, MIKE MARSHALL,TONY TRISCHKA, DAVID GRIER AND TODD PHILLIPS...AN ACOUSTIC SUPERGROUP,Folk,New Acoustic,Pop,Progressive Bluegrass

Average customer rating: Fabulous for any Broadway-lover Top Shelf TERRIFIC CD'S Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sondheim, Stephen | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Broadway: The American Musical Broadway: The American Musical Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals ASIN: B00064ADMK Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

1. Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
2. Swanee- Al Jolson
3. When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
5. My Man- Fanny Brice
6. Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
7. If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
8. Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
9. Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
10. Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
11. Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
12. Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
13. Body And Soul- Libby Holman
14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
15. Night And Day- Fred Astaire
16. Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
17. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
18. You're The Top- Ethel Merman
19. Summertime- Anne Brown
20. September Song- Walter Huston
21. My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
22. It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
23. Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
24. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
25. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

1. New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
2. If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
4. There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
5. How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
6. Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
7. Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
8. Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
9. Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
10. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
11. Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
12. Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
13. Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
14. Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
15. Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
16. Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
17. Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
18. I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
19. Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
20. The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
21. Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
22. Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

1. Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
2. I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
3. Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
4. My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
5. Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
6. Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
7. Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
8. Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
9. I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
10. The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
11. Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
12. What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
13. As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
14. Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
15. People- Barbra Streisand
16. Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
17. If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
18. Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
19. The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
20. If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
21. Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

1. Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
2. Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
3. I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
4. The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
5. Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
6. I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
7. I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
8. We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
9. Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
10. Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
11. Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
12. One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
13. All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
14. Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
15. Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
16. Come Follow The Band
17. Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
18. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
19. The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

1. Memory- Betty Buckley
2. I Am What I Am- George Hearn
3. Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
4. Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
5. The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
6. You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
7. The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
8. Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
9. With One Look- Glenn Close
10. On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
11. Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
12. Seasons Of Love-
13. Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
14. I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
15. Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
16. Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
17. Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
18. I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
19. Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating: The picture

100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration Manufacturer: Castle Music UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music | Contemporary Christian | Gospel Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Heritage of Hymns: Classic Recordings of the Great Songs of Faith and Inspiration Abide with Me and other favourite hymns Best Loved Hymns Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2 ASIN: B00008GEKT Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

1. Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
2. Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
3. Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
4. This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
5. Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
6. God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
7. Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
8. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
9. Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
10. O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
11. Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
12. Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
13. All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
14. Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
15. There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
16. Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
17. Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
18. New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
19. Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
20. O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

1. Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
2. Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
3. In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
4. Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
5. Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
6. Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
7. At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
8. To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
9. Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
10. Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
11. Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
12. He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
13. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
14. Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
15. This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
16. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
17. Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
18. Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
19. O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
20. Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

1. Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
2. Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
3. Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
4. Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
5. O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
6. O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
7. Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
8. We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
9. Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
10. Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
11. Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
12. O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
13. O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
14. O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
15. Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
16. O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
17. Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
18. God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
19. O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
20. Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

1. Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
2. All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
3. Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
4. God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
5. Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
6. Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
7. Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
8. Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
9. Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
10. God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
11. O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
12. Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
13. Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
14. For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
15. Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
16. Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
17. I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
18. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
19. Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
20. Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

1. Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
2. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
3. O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
4. O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
5. Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
6. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
7. First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
8. Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
9. Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
10. Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
11. On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
12. Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
13. O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
14. Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
15. O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
16. Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
17. Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
18. Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
19. Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
20. Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.

Average customer rating:

Now Hear This! Garage & Beat From the Norman Petty Vaults Various Artists Manufacturer: Big Beat UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Get Ready to Fly: Pop-Psych From the Norman Petty Vaults It Came from the Garage! - Nuggets From Southern California Joe Meek's Freakbeat: 30 Freakbeat, Mod and R&B Nuggets Too Much to Dream - Original Group Recordings: Reprise 1966-1967 Scream Loud!! The Fenton Story ASIN: B000O59174 Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Now Hear This - The CRICKETS
2. Three Minutes Time - The CINDERS
3. I Don't Recall - The TROLLS
4. Get Out Of My Life - The CHANCES
5. Hate - The PERILS
6. Good Lovin's So Hard To Find - The CINDERS
7. Sweet Sweet Sadie - The TEARDROPS
8. Too Late To Kiss You - The CORDS
9. And My Baby's Gone - BARRY ALLEN with WES DAKUS' REBELS
10. M'am - The CINDERS
11. Good N' Bad - The VENTURIE 5
12. It's Only Time - The CHANCES
13. What I Am - STU MITCHELL & DOUG ROBERTS
14. Hey Little Schoolgirl - The FAMOUS LAST WORDS
15. Danger Zone - BARRY ALLEN with WES DAKUS' REBELS
16. Come To Me - JIMMY GILMER & The FIREBALLS
17. Write Me A Letter - The MORFOMEN
18. That Girl - TOM BEAL
19. Gloria - The CINDERS
20. Only Time Will Tell - THREE OF A KIND
21. Shotgun - WES DAKUS' REBELS
22. Sin Crazed Woman - The CORDS
23. Barbara White - The CINDERS
24. Let Your Lovin' Grow - The MONOCLES
25. Love Me Again - BARRY ALLEN with WES DAKUS' REBELS

Album Description

"Now Hear This" is the first of two volumes devoted to 1960s gems licensed from the heavily-guarded vaults of legendary producer-engineer Norman Petty.

Unlike many other Americans, Petty's prior involvement with Buddy Holly (and that artist's crucial influence on the British Invasion) gave him an unprecedented sympathy with post-Beatle US rock 'n' roll. He actively signed bands with chart potential and several groups featured here, such as the Chances, Cinders (featuring a young JD Souther) and Cords, were Petty-sponsored combos. Other acts such as major Canadian act Wes Dakus' Rebels specifically sought the producer out to handle their recording career.

As busy as it was with these groups and Norman's main charges, the Fireballs, Petty's Clovis, New Mexico studio was open for business to any garage combo. He was consequently behind the board for a rash of top-rated, fuzz and Farfisa-driven 60s punk discs such as Colorado's Trolls and Teardrops, while the Perils from Texas are as far removed from the polite 'Sugar Shack' as you could get.

The well-illustrated, fully-detailed booklet to "Now Hear This" provides much undisclosed information about Norman Petty's operation in the mid-1960s, with the full co-operation of many who were there. Thanks to access to the original master tapes, not only is the sound quality second to none, but over half the collection features unissued material. One not to be missed for the 1960s rock crowd.

Album Description

Now Hear This" is the first of two volumes devoted to 1960s gems licensed from the heavily-guarded vaults of legendary producer-engineer Norman Petty. Unlike many other Americans, Petty's prior involvement with Buddy Holly (and that artist's crucial influence on the British Invasion) gave him an unprecedented sympathy with post-Beatle US rock'n'roll. He actively signed bands with chart potential and several groups featured here, such as the Chances, Cinders (featuring a young JD Souther) and Cords, were Petty-sponsored combos. Other acts such as major Canadian act Wes Dakus' Rebels specifically sought the producer out to handle their recording career.BIG BEAT 2007

Average customer rating: Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing. Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so. ONE OF MY FAVOURITES Fans will be delighted!

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company John Dowland , Manuel de Falla , Charles Gounod , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Enrique Granados , Fini Henriques , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquim Antonio Barroso Neto , Franz Xaver Richter , Anonymous , William Levi Dawson , Robert MacGimsey , Kathleen Battle , and Christopher Parkening Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Angels' Glory Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson The Best of Kathleen Battle So Many Stars Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart ASIN: B000002RNM Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Music By John Dowland: Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
2. Music By John Dowland: Allemande (Guitar Solo)
3. Music By John Dowland: What If I Never Speed?
4. Music By John Dowland: Galliard (Guitar Solo)
5. Music By John Dowland: Fine Knacks For Ladies
6. Ave Maria
7. Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria
8. Coleccion De Tonadillas: La Maja De Goya
9. Three Brazilian Songs: Boi-Bumba
10. Three Brazilian Songs: Azulao
11. Three Brazilian Songs: Para Ninar
12. Three Spanish Folk Songs: Cancion
13. Three Spanish Folk Songs: Nana
14. Three Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidillia Murciana
15. Six Spirituals: Ain't Got No Time To Die
16. Six Spirituals: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
17. Six Spirituals: Ain't That Good News!
18. Six Spirituals: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
19. Six Spirituals: This Little Light Of Mine
20. Six Spirituals: Ride On King Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening.......2007-05-06

Whether you are very familiar with these two artists or have never heard either one, you will delight in this musical collaboration. Only a guitarist of Christopher Parkening's stature could be the ideal accompaniment to the perfection of Kathleen Battle's voice. The music ranges from selections by John Dowland to American spirituals, Bach/Gounod, Villa-Lobos, Granados and some Spanish folk songs. The result is a coherent, soothing and utterly delightful listening experience. You will revisit this album often, and always be glad that you have it. For fans of Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening, I think it is a must.

Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing........2006-01-31

We always enjoyed seeing and hearing Battle in concerts, usually on the television and Parkening has been a favorite guitarist. To listen to these two fine artists in concert is a real treat.

Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so........2005-05-25

I can't imagine these songs being performed with any greater technical brilliance than they are by Parkening and Battle on this CD. Both are virtuosos, him in the guitar, her the voice. Their skill is particularly apparent in the Dowland songs, the "Ave Maria", and the Bachianas brasileiras no. 5 (for me, the high point of the recording), which are all in a formal style well suited to the talents of the performers.

I compare the Brazilian songs to the version recorded by Salli Terri with Laurindo Almeida in the late '50's on "Duets with Spanish Guitar", which I have listened to repeatedly since I first heard it in 1959. Battle's phrasing, enunciation, and vocal skill are far superior to Terri's, but Terri brought a level of emotion to her singing that Battle seems to lack. Where Battle's perfection enhances her superb performances of the Dowland and Villa-Lobos pieces, it seems to detract from her performance of the Brazilian folk pieces.

I find this to be true again in the spirituals - vocal perfection and control detracting from the "soul" required to bring out the "spiritual" feeling. Imagine these same pieces sung by Mahalia Jackson or Aretha Franklin and you'll understand my point.

Parkening's performance has the same quality - technical virtuosity, especially noticeable in his lute-like technique in the Dowland solo - but lacking in emotional depth.

The classical selections are highly recommended, the folk pieces a bit disappointing, but overall an enjoyable recording.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.......2004-03-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BATTLE ALBUMS, HER SWEET VOICE IS ACCOMPAINED BY THE GUITAR VIRTUOSO CHRISTOPHER PARKENING, TOGETHER CREATE A TENDER, DELIGHTFUL & BEAUTIFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS N- 5 HAS IT`S BEST PERFORMANCE IN THIS CD.

Fans will be delighted!.......2003-08-25

Fans, maybe, but I must say I'm not a huge fan of Kathleen Battle or opera or songs in different languages, either. My mom is, though. And through her I have heard Kathleen's best. And her very best (if you ask me) is one of the tracks ON THIS CD titled "Ain't that good news," even though it should be called "Ain'ta dat good news," since that is how its sung. It is a really good song (ask anybody) with a little surprise high-note at the end. If I were you I would (if not buy this CD right here and now) then go to [a book store] and see if their computers will let you hear "Ain't that good news" because that song is great.

Average customer rating: The Better of the two Not as good as version 1 in this series Same as 'Goostly Psalmes: Anglo-American Psalmody 1550-1800'

Early American Choral Music, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Hmf Classical Exp. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dowland, John | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Early American Choral Music, Vol. 1 Rivers of Delight (American Folk Hymns From the Sacred Harp Tradition) Wake Ev'ry Breath - Music of William Billings The Shapenote Album Lost Music of Early America: Music of the Moravians ASIN: B00005UVPB Release Date: 2002-04-09

Customer Reviews:

The Better of the two.......2006-06-03

I have both disc in the series. I liked the music on this disc much more than the first. The selections seem more focused and the sounds are much clearer. Also, the particular pieces fit better together. I love the sound of this group and hope they make more in the future.

Not as good as version 1 in this series.......2004-09-03

This is by the same group who did the wonderful & engaging Early American Choral Music 1. Somehow this CD did not live up to its predecessor in some ways. The performance is still top notch, but somehow the CD as a whole isn't quite as engaging to listen to as the first. Perhaps version 2's strength is also its weakness. Its diversity of composers allows you to pear past the shadow of William Billings and sample other notable early American hymn writers. That exposure is valuable & appreciated. I just couldn't get into it as much.

A final note: many of the texts are beautiful (and available from the publisher's web site). However, I would criticize "Who is this that cometh from Edom?" as dwelling just a bit too much on the Jews' rejection of Jesus. Among other reasons & issues, Christianity says that we are all sinners & there is no cause to single a particular group out negatively.

Same as 'Goostly Psalmes: Anglo-American Psalmody 1550-1800'.......2004-02-21

Please note this CD is a duplicate of His Majestie's Clerkes's "Goostly Psalmes: Anglo-American Psalmody 1550-1800" -- identical contents but a different name and cover. I ordered both and was irritated to discover this. This CD is cheaper, so I recommend this one. It is a lovely choral work from a little-known period of sacred music.

Average customer rating: psychotic bluegrass Awesome acoustic interplay

Now Hear This Psychograss Manufacturer: Adventure Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Like Minds Live: Duets The Best Kept Secret Tone Poets Not Too Far from the Tree ASIN: B0009GX2IW Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. High Ham
2. Look What the Dog Brought Home
3. Looks Like A Duck
4. In the Lion's Den
5. One Foot in the Gutter
6. Road to Hope
7. Stroll of the Mudbug
8. Scary
9. Little Bases
10. Not, Yet Not

Product Description

This new recording bears the unmistakable stamp of a mature group of artists at the top of their game. The all-original tunes ring with the authority of musicians who have mastered a vast swath of American music styles, yet are still exploring. Bluegrass music forms the grounding for a subtle and kaleidoscopic blend of seasonings which include jazz, rock, classical, and various international flavors, flavors that are not pasted over the music but woven into the sound of each player, expressed as a conversation, sometimes earthy, sometimes highfalutin, always totally present in the moment. Psychograss is a band of musicians who are indelibly written into the history of acoustic music. NOW HEAR THIS is both a signpost and a guidepost.

Customer Reviews:

psychotic bluegrass.......2007-04-08

I have been a fan of Darol Anger, Todd Phillips and Mike Marshall since the old days with David Grisman. When they got together with Tony Trischka and David Grier to form Psychograss they became one of my favorite performing bands, especially when Darol would get down on the stage and play fiddle horizontially just like the real lunatic he is. I have had their first album since 1996 when it was new and it has always been a favorite so was very pleased to see that after 11 years they had gotten together to record another. In addition, I have been following the careers of each of these musicians and love it when they get together. "Now Hear This" is good. It doesn't have the balls-out energy and creativity of the first, and because they were always a performing band it doesn't quite carry through to a non-immediate, semi-personal experience. Now don't get me wrong, it's a great album and I do recommend it. After all these guys are at the very top of their classes in each of their instruments. I don't think they could produce a bad album if they all had strokes and were unconscious. The music would still come streaming "psychically" out of their pores irregardless of their autonomic nervous systems. So give it a try.

Awesome acoustic interplay.......2005-08-12

When it comes to "new acoustic" -- the swinging blend of bluegrass, jazz, baroque, and Celtic pioneered by mandolinist David Grisman under the rubric of dawg music -- it doesn't get any better than Psychograss. Flatpicker extraordinaire David Grier and his mates Mike Marshall (mandolin), Tony Trischka (banjo), Darol Anger (violin), and Todd Phillips (upright) play with a relaxed virtuosity that inspires and astounds, yet remains fun and inviting. Phillips, Anger, and Marshall are Grisman Quartet alumni, and they reflect his original vision without letting the band sound derivative. Salting his 'grass with bluesy double-stops and jazzy voicings, Grier plays with thrilling clarity -- even at top speed. His Jim Merrill flat-top yields warm, ripe tones that sit beautifully below Marshall's tinkling mandolin and Anger's sweetly searing violin. In Grier's "Look What the Dog Brought In," his 6-string rings with piano-like clarity and sustain, recalling Grisman's original dawg flatpicker, Tony Rice.

Average customer rating: A Comic-Opera Treasure! an obscure delight!

Dittersdorf: Arcifanfano, King of Fools Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dittersdorf | Dittersdorf, Karl Ditters | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Anna Russell Takes On... Nabucco & The Magic Flute Anna Russell Again? The Anna Russell Album Encore? Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy ASIN: B000003LIK Release Date: 1994-12-12

Tracks:

1. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Overture
2. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Chorus - We've Traveled Far (Semplicina, Gloriosa, Garbata, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
3. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Approach! What Is Your Name, Sir? (Furibondo)
4. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - With A Sword That Is Sterner Than Moses (Furibondo)
5. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Unhappy Oddling (Gloriosa)
6. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - My Fair Skin, My Bare Chin (Gloriosa)
7. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Was Ever There Insanity (Sordidone)
8. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - Snugly Hidden Safe From Prying (Sordidone)
9. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Madness Beyond All Measure (Malgoverno)
10. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - When The Purse Is Clinking (Malgoverno)
11. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - There, Like A Vapor (Semplicina)
12. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - O Look So Woeful (Semplicina)
13. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Such As She Seems To Be Frigid (Garbata)
14. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - Let's Sing, Let's All Be Jolly (Garbata)
15. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - For All Types Of Confusion
16. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - The Fierce One Lives Only For The Slaughter
17. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - I Beg You To Stop (Malgoverna, Gloriosa, Garbata)
18. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - We Praise The Sun For Beauty (Malgoverna)
19. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Bumpkin, Coarse-grained (Gloriosa, Garbata)
20. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - If You Will Love Me, I Will Love You (Garbata)
21. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - No, They Cannot Persuade Me! (Gloriosa)
22. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - Lovely Ladies, You Enjoying (Gloriosa)
23. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Where's My Lover, Sweetheart (Sordidone)

Tracks:

1. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - Sordidone, Be A Bunny
2. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Are You Hiding? (Sordidone, Garbata)
3. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Duet - See Comely Phyllis Wander (Garbata, Sordidone)
4. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Don't Come Near Me (Semplicina, Furibondo)
5. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - The High And Mighty Lion (Furibondo)
6. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Quiet At Last (Semplicina)
7. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Duet - Semplicina, Do You Hear Me? (Semplicina)
8. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Quartet - Ever More Bitter Shall Be My Raging (Gloriosa, Garbata, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
9. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - What Now? What New Forms Of Madness? (Gloriosa, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
10. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Chorus - Long Live King Arcifanfano (Semplicina, Gloriosa, Garbata, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
11. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - Earth, Our Dearest, Good And Nearest (Sordidone)
12. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - That His Sowing Yield A Growing (Malgoverno)
13. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - What Has The Fool Committed (Malgoverna, Gloriosa)
14. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - Ask Of Beauty, She Will Answer (Gloriosa)
15. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Hop And Stop It! (Furibondo, Gloriosa)
16. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - All Of This Planet, I Cry To Each Man (Furibondo)
17. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - What's Unleashed These Dreadful Roars? (Garbata, Furibondo)
18. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - I'm Simple And I'm Candid (Garbata)
19. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - What Mischief And Load This Purse Is!
20. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - Goddess Bright As Morning
21. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Mother Always Used To Tell Me (Sordidone, Semplicina)
22. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - What A Lot I Need What I Need Lot's Of! (Sordidone)
23. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - May He Not Come To Harm (Semplicina)
24. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - There's A Devil In A Ducat (Semplicina)
25. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Gather, O Subjects, About Us (Gloriosa, Garbata, Semplicina)
26. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Duet - If You Marry Me (Semplicina)
27. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Chorus - With Curiosity All Aflame (Semplicina, Gloriosa, Garbata, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
28. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Quiet, Please, We Implore You!
29. Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Chorus - The Wise And The Mad Have Got One Word For Their Dwelling

Customer Reviews:

A Comic-Opera Treasure!.......2007-01-28

Dittersdorf is a sort of working-man's Mozart; in fact, this opera sounds similar to some of Mozart's early operas. But Mozart sought to break the rules and to explore new musical ideas; Dittersdorf is not an innovator...yet he is no less a master! This performance, too, is a materpiece of refined (not always!) comedy; the arias include some extremely difficult vocal leaps and trills, yet the primary joy is the witty verse. W.H. Auden (no less!) ramrodded this translation to English. And Anna Russell, famed for her "Analysis of Wagner's Ring Cycle" steals every scene she's in! Ad-libbing shamelessly, her introductory aria, all by itself, is worth more than the purchase price!

an obscure delight!.......2002-07-31

Eleanor Steber's image on the cover of this set caught my eye while rummaging through the cut-out bins of San Francisco on a recent opera whirlwind. What a lost treasure this performance is - recorded "LIVE" in NYC 1965! All the principles shine, their energy ebullient. Don't hesitate, buy it and smile before it disappears.

Average customer rating: This One Is Good---But Not "The Best" Joan Sutherland under the baton of Richard Bonynge Performances better than the recording

Lehár: The Merry Widow (Highlights) (Sung In English) Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Merry Widow Lehar - Merry Widow / Kenny, Skovhus, Kirchschlager, Turay, Kunzel, San Francisco Opera Lehár - The Merry Widow / Schwarzkopf, Wächter, Steffek, Gedda, Knapp, von Matacic Music of Sigmund Romberg The Best of Operetta, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0000263HG Release Date: 2002-01-28

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. March & Duet A Highly Respectable Wife
3. Hanna's Entrance Gentlemen, No More
4. Solo I'm Off To Chez Maxim
5. Duet Proceed, One Girl Has Almond Eyes
6. Finale Ladies Choice
7. Vijla Song Let's All Now Waken Memories
8. Duet Such A Silly Soldier Boy
9. Romanza Love In My Heart Was Dying
10. Finale This Match Should Last At Least A Year
11. The Cake Walk
12. Njegus' Aria I Was Born By Cruel Fate
13. Cancan We're The Famous Maxim Playgirls
14. Duet Love Unspoken, Faith Unbroken

Customer Reviews:

This One Is Good---But Not "The Best".......2006-09-12

Type the following into the search on Amazon to find the best English version of The Merry Widow: Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow ", September 11, 2006

The "best version" of the "Merry Widow" is NOT this one. The best version is the one with English translation by Christopher Hassel sung by June Bronhill. I loved that rendition ever since I first heard it in about 1960. What's to love? First the translation is the best I've heard. The language doesn't sound "stilted" as some others. And, you can understand almost every word sung. Plus, the famous song, "Vilja" has some wording that moves me every time I hear it: The soprano sings, "Love me and I'll DIE for you!" with "die" somewhat emphasized. I don't know, there's just something "powerful" about someone saying they'd "die" for love! AND, at the end of "Vilja" the chorus and soprano raise to a crescendo hitting a high note together. In many renditions the chorus is heard but not the soprano on the final high note. In THIS version, the soprano, June Bronhill, can be heard rising to the final high note LOUDER than the chorus---which gives a very thrilling effect as she holds that final note, I assure you!

The "problem" is that this June Bronhill, Reid, and Hassel version is hard to find on CD. For example, the Bronhill CD is made in Holland and "there is one left", so it says on Amazon. But, if you can find it, I think it would be very much worth a listen. Then, after hearing it, if you think there's a "better" Merry Widow, please let ME know! Thanks. Email:boland7214@aol.

Joan Sutherland under the baton of Richard Bonynge.......2004-02-24

THE MERRY WIDOW, Franz Lehar's dizzying and delightful operetta chestnut, is given the grand treatment in this highlights album featuring Joan Sutherland.

There have been many widows (including June Bronhill, Anna Moffo, Beverly Sills), though Joan Sutherland's WIDOW has always been especially grand. The supporting cast on this recording features Werner Krenn as Count Danilo with Valerie Masterson as Valencienne, Regina Resnik as Zo-Zo and John Brecknock as Camille, with Francis Egerton, John Fryatt, Graeme Ewer and the Ambrosian Singers.

Sutherland's performance as Hanna Glawari is full of masterful strokes and she approaches the score with a twinkle in her eye, aware of the comedy in the piece. Richard Bonynge conducts the National Philharmonic Orchestra and they are especially chill-inducing with the Overture.

All-in-all a superlative recording at a bargain price.

Performances better than the recording.......2004-01-18

Unfortunately this CD was made from the Australian TV tapeing of The Merry Widow, a shame that the microphones are not of high enough quality to capture the really fine performances, it is hard enough to understand what is being sung when properly recorded let alone when the equipment stinks, however if you enjoy Joan Southerland as much as I do you can overlook the flaws in the recording and just get carried away with the voice, it would be nice if a libretto had been included, a rarity today, that used to be common in the era of the LP

Average customer rating:

Now Hear This Hal Galper , and Tony Williams ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000E42OKQ Release Date: 2006-08-29

Album Description

Japanese pressing. Bebop is nothing new to Hal Galper. Weaned on Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Jackie Byard, Bill Evans and Sonny Rollins, he has played with many of the be-bop masters. He spent three years on the road with Chet Baker, three with Cannonball Adderley and ten years with the Phil Woods group. His list of credits also includes playing with Johnny Hodges, Roy Eldridge, Slide Hampton, James Moody, Art Blakey and Lee Konitz as well as with Sam Rivers, Donald Byrd, The Bobby Hutcherson-Harold Land Quintet and John Scofield, among others. Ward. 2006.

Average customer rating: A Rose By Any Other Name... "Thus I salute the stronghold, safe from dread and dismay! Free at last! I Love This Recording The Goodall Ring - 1975 - Restored and Remastered

Wagner: The Rhinegold English National Opera Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English) Wagner: The Valkyrie The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English) ASIN: B00005B550 Release Date: 2001-05-22

Customer Reviews:

A Rose By Any Other Name..........2007-07-02

The figure of speach may not be completely correct in this instance, but, well, I hope you get the point. In any case, for a Dutch speaking person, like I, to hear 'The Ring' in a language other than the original German feels - almost shockingly(?) - natural. Certainly, this modern English translation, to me, is as least immediate, and probably even more immediate, than the original (archaic) German text. And in music drama, immediacy is essential. Maybe it is also the wonderfully natural translation, I don't know, but it works for me, the Ring in English.
But most of the credit has to go to the music, the singers, and the recording as such. I believe that this (originally analogue) remastered recording has one of the best recorded sounds and acoustics of any Ring, studio or 'live'. It is wonderfully clear but warm, kind of velvety (very unlike Solti), with beautifully natural balaces between voices and orchestra. Audience noises can be heard (including a delightful little ripple of laughter) but never really obtrusively so, thankfully. And I love the thunderclap-sound effect when Donner strikes his hammer against the rocks - very tastefully done, and lending extra power to the scene.
All the time one reads in reviews everywhere of the very slow speads at which the music is conducted by Sir Reginald Goodall. Well, that may be so, but I, for one, am certainly endeared to Sir Reginald Goodalls 'caressing' of the music, as a result of which wich the Leitmotifs come out more clearly than ever. The slow - but nonetheless very concentrated, and always involved - playing has, to me, an almost mesmerizing effect. Certainly, compared to many other recordings, the music may sound stretched almost beyond breaking point. But in the end, I think it is really just that: a matter of speed, no more. The concentration never falters and the dramatic arc never saggs. There is live 'music magic' going on here, I feel, even if the English National Opera Orchestra may not be (as precise or as diciplined as) a Wiener Philharmoniker or a Bayreuther Festspielorchester. Certainly, Sir Reginald Goodall must have loved this music and these opera's: one feels a slowly beating but constant loving pulse that energizes the drama and the music.
But we also have the singers. And what a great singers! While the best may be yet to come (with Alberto Remedios as Siegmund and Siegfried, and Rita Hunter as Brunnhilde), we here, in The Rhinegold, already have one of the most commanding of Wotans (Norman Bailey, with wonderful burnished timbre). Also, Emile Belcourt stands out as a wonderfully sleek but full-voiced Loge. Derek Hammond-Stroud's Alberich may not be as black as Gunther von Kannen's (for Barenboim), for example, but there is enough anguish, frustration and anger to lend his character a convincing reality and depth. And the giants too, are a winning pair. Especially Fafner (Clifford Grant) is as imposing and powerful as one may ever wish.
With all the rave reviews, here and elsewhere I can't wait to hear The Valkyrie, (especially) Siegfried and Twilight of the Gods. This certainly is a winning 'Ring', to be kept alongside any other 'great' recorded 'Ring' out there, IMHO. To me, it can hold its own alongside any other favorite recordings.
Please, sample this Ring (try for example the Chandos website for fragments of all of the music) and decide for yourself. Highly recommended.

"Thus I salute the stronghold, safe from dread and dismay!.......2007-06-12

Okay, so we have the Solti, Bohm, Karajan, Levine, Janowski, Goodall, and Sawallisch Rings on the market (I haven't listened to the other Ring recordings yet, sorry to say). And all of these leave me to one conclusion: the many differences lead me to believe that all of these ring sets have their own authenticities and setbacks. And here they are:

TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes

CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.

Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.

Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.

Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: everything is slower than adagio moderato. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.

Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".

Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.

Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.

ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.

Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.

Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.

Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act One Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.

Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Bohm's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are found in this Ring. I can hear harps in Flight of the Valkyries! The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.

Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.

Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.

SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).

Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.

Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".

Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.

Levine: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's Ring.

Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.

-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.

Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).

Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."

Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.

Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).

-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm. Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Two exceptions, though: Robert Schunk doesn't sound heroic enough, and Jessye Norman for Levine's Ring doesn't sound young and innocent enough.

-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.

Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.

Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.

Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.

Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. I don't know Levine should've chose Kollo when he recorded his Ring.

-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").

Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.

Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.

Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.

Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.

-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.

Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.

Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.

Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent mime. He is equal to Schreier when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.

Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.

-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on in the Ring.

Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Still, it's satisfactory, and his "Ihrem ende eilen sie zu" gives great foreshadowing.

Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.

Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt depends only on imagination and deviousness, Stolze only vengeance and deviousness, and Windgassen only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.

Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.

Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Schreier. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.

-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings (maybe not in Swarowsky's version). Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm and Goodall. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.

CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the calculated Janowski, the relaxed Levine, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.


Sir Georg Solti: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti

Karl Bohm: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

Herbert von Karajan: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

Goodall: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Valkyrie (Part 2): Wagner: The Valkyrie
-Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)

Marek Janowski: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

James Levine: Der Ring Des Nibelungen

-Wolfgang Sawllisch: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper

Free at last!.......2004-09-18

I've enjoyed listening to the Ring cycles by Solti, Bohm, and Furtwangler, but my pleasure has always been dampened by the necessity to follow the dramas with a German/English libretto. This performance freed me from that burden and allowed me to listen to the Ring with my ears alone for the first time. And what a delightful experience it was! I found I could understand about half the words the first time through. but that was enough for me to understand what the characters were saying and concentrate on Wagner's great music. Some of the characters (Loge and Alberich, for example) are almost perfectly comprehensible, while others (Fricka in particular) might as well be singing in German. The sound itself is superb, with perfect balances between orchestra and voices. Goodall's conducting is famously slow (about half an hour longer than usual), but he is never slack and he reveals a wealth of detail in the orchestration. The singers are a mixed lot, with Loge, Alberich, and Mime particularly effective. Bailey is hardly the grandest of Wotans, but he is solid and convincing. In any event, for us non-German listeners, this recording is a real treat. I would not recommend it as a first Ring (Bohm is a good choice, though some of his tempi are rather hectic), but as a supplement to a recoding in the original language, it is hard to beat. Give it a try! As for me, I'm ready to go on to "Die Walkure" (pardon me, "The Valkyrie").

I Love This Recording.......2002-04-05

I was a little suspicious when approaching this English-language version of Das Rhinegold. I was considering assembling this as my third RING set (behind Solti and Levine) and had listened to THE VALKYRIE (Die Walkure) with a little initial disappointment. Although the live sound quality was very interesting, the tempo was much slower than I was used to and thus a little disconcerting, and the English words were harder to understand than I had hoped. Nevertheless, I persevered and listended to THE RHINEGOLD (probably my favorite of the four RING operas, although I know this puts me in a minority) and was amazed. Best of all, after listening to this album I revisited the Goodall VALKYRIE and discovered a new appreciation! Now the Goodall set ranks as one of the best I've heard. It just needed to get under my skin a bit.

What's so good about it? Three things stand out for me: First, the slow tempi that were a litle rough at first actually allow, upon repeated listenings, a new discovery and understanding of Wagner's unfathomable genius. Every nuance is slowed down just enough to be fully accessible. Second, the modern English translation really does make this a different experience...my initial mistake was thinking that English lyrics could allow me to listen to this as background music, and that's not the case. However, if one devotes the same attention to this as a German recording, the time wil be richly rewarded. Finally, the smaller orchestra creates an almost chamber music-esque setting, which compliments the music in an undefinable way. Despite being in English, this is almost more Germanic than original-language recordings.

I still probably wouldn't get this as the first foray into Wagner's RING (I still think Solti or Levine are the choices for that). But for someone who already has some familiarity with the work, this will provide a lifetime's enjoyment. Cudos to Chandos for resurrecting these recordings!

The Goodall Ring - 1975 - Restored and Remastered.......2001-06-08

I have been curious about this for years. When I saw the packaging, I wondered whether this was the same Ring that has been kicking around for a couple of decades from the Sadler's Wells performances of the mid-70s. News flash: It's the same. However, the box says that it's been re-mastered with something called 24-bit digital mastering. Since I never heard the old records, I have no idea if this is better. Judged on its own, the sound is terrific. This live recording really places the listener in the theater with clarity and authentic spaciousness. So often, a live recording will capture the audience up close, then the orchestra, then the singers, cataloguing every throat being cleared and every bow being tapped. Somewhere in the distance, the singers voices follow their heavy tread over the stage. Not here. There is an intimacy to the sound here that approximates sitting in about the tenth row back in a large hall. It doesn't sound like the opera's being played in your room; it sounds as though your room has been transformed into a medium sized theater. I found it uncanny.

As to the experience of the drama in English, that too is remarkable, at least for someone like me whose home-tongue is English. The drama takes on an immediacy that I have never experienced before. This factor alone is why you should explore this Ring. I can't overemphasize the impact on me that this recording had on me because it was in English and because it was well-acted. Surely this is what Wagner meant, at least dramaturgically (obviously allowing that you can't actually see the action).

Overall, the singing is competent, and in some places, it's excellent. None of the cast really stands out musically. Norman Bailey's wobbly Wotan could have certainly benefitted from a deeper, richer tone. Still, and perhaps more importantly, he creates a god who is clearly unsure of where the moral highground is, even when he's standing on "an open space on a mountain summit." Everyone, for that matter, is dramatically convincing, especially Emile Belcourt (Loge) and Derek Hammond-Stroud (Alberich) and Robert Lloyd (Fasolt), all of whom, by the way, have excellent diction. And speaking of diction, I almost could have done without the libretto when the men were singing. Not so with the women, whose diction was uniformly wanting.

Goodall's pace is notoriously glacial. Still, it's interesting to hear it parsed in this way, and I never had the feeling that I was going to fall off the world. Which is to say that the tempos were deliberate, not affected. This was definitely a labor of love for RG and the English National Opera. The orchestra is a little thin sounding, and perhaps, not entirely up to the score. Occasionally a horn mis-blew and a cello creaked. This is unavoidable in live performances, I suppose. Still, there is a surprising sense of smallness to the ensemble, even though there's never a moment when the balance between singers and players is lost. As a result, the overall effect is a balance of clarity and urgency that is clearly the upside of Goodall's idiosyncratic "vision" of the score. Not a huge or "erotic" sound, but always committed, intelligent, and sometimes impassioned.

For all of its flaws, this is an astonishing and, for me, an indispensible recording because it made me listen to this opera with new ears. While it's not the most lyrically pleasing recording (Karajan) or musically authoritative (that would be Solti, IMHO), dramatically, this Rhinegold excells any recording I know of. I will definitely buy the rest of the set.

Music Album:

1. Old Enough to Know Better
2. Old-Time Christmas
3. Old-Time Fiddle Tunes And Songs From North Georgia
4. One
5. One Step Ahead
6. Outlaw
7. Rear View Mirror
8. Ridin With the Legend
9. Second Wind/Keeper of the Flame
10. Shotgun Willie

Music Album