29 Nights [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
From the rousing fiddle intro on the opening "If the Jukebox Took Teardrops" to the rousing fadeout on "Weren't You the One," Leigh's debut disc doesn't miss a beat. Names like Loretta and Tammy are not to be tossed around lightly in country music circles, but this newcomer's fiery delivery and feisty persona draw obvious comparisons. In addition, the songs included on 29 Nights, though nearly all new, recall the styles and sounds of an era past--twangy, danceable, frisky, and sincere. The title track is an obvious choice for radio, but the self-chastising "Mixed Up Mess of a Heart" is much more fun. "Touch Me" recalls the longing of Patsy Cline's "Crazy," and "Teardrops, Teardrops" showcases the same vocal droop that Buck Owens turned into a signature. This is country music the way country music should be. - Alexandra Russell

Entertainment Weekly
While her own songs buck and buzz, they pale next to her covers...

29 Nights,Danni Leigh,Mca Nashville,Contemporary Country,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers Masterful Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!! Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet What in the world...????

Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov) Gabriel Fauré , and Claude Debussy Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Renée Fleming - I Want Magic! ~ American Opera Arias Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Renée Fleming - The Schubert Album Renée Fleming - Visions of Love ~ Mozart Arias / Mackerras Renée Fleming: Bel Canto ASIN: B00005AWIA Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

1. Clair De Lune, Op. 42 No. 2
2. Mandoline, Op. 46 No. 2
3. Apres Un Reve , Op.58 No.1
4. Soir, Op. 83 No. 2
5. Nell, Op. 18 No. 1
6. Beau Soir
7. Mandoline
8. Apparition
9. Chansons De Bilitis: I - La Flute De Pan
10. Chansons De Bilitis: II - La Chevelure
11. Chansons De Bilitis: III - Le Tombeau Des Naiades
12. Nocturne
13. Nachtgebet
14. Selige Nacht
15. Pierrot Dandy
16. Ruhe, Meine Seele!, Op. 27 No. 1
17. Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 No. 5
18. Leises Lied, Op. 39 No. 1
19. Leise Lieder, Op. 41a No. 5
20. Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
21. Zdes Khorosho, Op. 21 No. 7
22. V Molchani Nochi Taynoy, Op. 4 No. 3
23. Rechnaya Liliya, Op. 8 No. 1
24. Son, Op. 38 No. 5
25. Eti Letniye Nochi, Op. 14 No. 5
26. Ne Poy, Krasavitsa, Op. 4 No. 4

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Soprano Renée Fleming's mastery of a wide repertory extends to the more rarefied world of song on this disc. A French group opens the disc--11 songs by Fauré and Debussy that are often elusive, wedded to a style of intimacy not always comfortable for non-French opera singers. Fleming's not completely at home in them, often overinterpreting songs whose style is too fragile and understated for such an approach. Still, she offers many moments of rapturous singing, such as the way she floats the last word, "mystérieuse," of Fauré's "Après un rëve," tingeing it with eroticism.

"Mandolin" appears in two versions, Fauré's gently swinging one balanced by Debussy's bouncier take. The Rachmaninoff set also fascinates, her sensuous voice bringing its own rewards. Best of all are the German lieder by Joseph Marx and Richard Strauss. This is closer to home for Fleming, and one senses an ease in her singing that digs behind the words to the meaning of the poems. The Marx set is the highlight, perhaps because his songs are the least familiar here. They're also things of great beauty, and Fleming makes the most of the dreamily sensuous "Selige Nacht" and the twisted, nightmarish waltz of "Pierrot Dandy." The Strauss songs are as good: to cite one highlight, Fleming's rapt inwardness makes "Ruhe meine Seele" compelling. Her voice is never less than drop-dead gorgeous, and she's neatly accompanied by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. A feast for Fleming fans. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers.......2007-06-08

It was thrilling to hear songs from Rachmaninov on this album. And the Strauss and Marx pieces give almost a contemporary feel (considering they ARE almost contemporary composers).

Thibaudet plays with a sensitive, emotional touch and was a wonderful choice as a pianist on this album.

My reason for a less than perfect scoring was due to the almost harsh edges of Renee Fleming's singing due to her unyielding control. For a voice so full of warmth and depth to be so forcefully held back, the result is a tension that the ear pushes to resolve, but never does. I wonder how she would sound if she would allow more freedom in her voice.

Masterful.......2007-03-22

Apart from an occasional very slight diction problem this is a masterful recital disc that belongs in the very highest echelon.

Fleming combines an highly imaginative approach with an equally appropriate chameleon like adaptation of the coloration of her voice to each of the individual composers. Thibaudet, who performs all of the featured composers in his piano repertoire is an ideal accompanist.
The recording is colorful and provides a flawless balance between voice and piano.

In all, a masterful must.

Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!.......2005-10-30

This is a CD that every household should have. Masterful piano playing and even more masterful singing make this CD exquisite. Yes, I'm quite partial to Diva Fleming, but let's face it, America hasn't had a soprano with such skill in an awfully long time. Listen to her breath control on track 8 - OY! The closing number "Ne Poy, Krasavitsa" gets me every time. Here she starts to wail pretty heavily, ending the climactic powerful phrase with a wallop of a high A and then proceeds to float, pretty effortlessly, a string of beautiful pianissimo notes. If you can sit and listen to that one piece (itself, worth the price of the album) and not be moved, then you, my friend, have no soul.

Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet.......2004-07-12

A perfect disc for a midsummer's evening - or for any season of the year for that matter - NIGHT SONGS is one of those too rare recitals that is based on a theme, executed by musicians who not only are able to stand on their own but who are also able to commit to each other in a true collaboration. This is an intelligent, eloquent selection of songs by varied composers all of whom wrote languorously about the night and its mystery. From Faure's 'Apres un reve' to Debussy's 'Beau soir' through some newly discovered treasures by Joseph Marx like 'Nocturne' and 'Selige Nacht' to the better known repertoire of Strauss and Rachmaninov which gives us newly rethought versions of 'Ruhe, meine Seele!' and 'Cacille' as well as the indescribably beautiful Rachmaninov songs. Fleming and Thibaudet are in fine form and the communication in the various languages is strong. Only one quibble of significance here: the miking is so close to the singer that it often covers what usually is a perfect blend of piano and voice. Bit perhaps that is the fault of my system....

What in the world...????.......2002-08-08

For two reasons.

First, may I ask, why was this CD given anything other then 5 stars? What does a person have to do to become liked these days? Bye their hair purple and sing through their noses? (Like Brittney Spears?)

This is an amazing CD!

Reneé's french singing is beautiful, and amazing. She really has the correct tone for french songs!

The german was also lovely. However, it is nothing Reneé did wrong, I just like french songs better then the german.

Buy this CD and be amazed.

Average customer rating: Awesome Energetic Country Driving high-energy country music Incredible debut album from a country purist This is GooooooooD country music Let's country on

29 Nights Danni Leigh Manufacturer: Mca Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Divide and Conquer A Shot of Whiskey and a Prayer Highways and Honky Tonks Rum and Rodeo Honey I Do ASIN: B00000DF6L Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. If The Jukebox Took Teardrops
2. Beatin' My Head Against The Wall
3. 29 Nights
4. How Does It Feel To You
5. Teardrops, Teardrops
6. Ol' Lonesome
7. Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart
8. Touch Me
9. I Feel A Heartache
10. Chain Me
11. Weren't You The One

Amazon.com

From the rousing fiddle intro on the opening "If the Jukebox Took Teardrops" to the rousing fadeout on "Weren't You the One," Leigh's debut disc doesn't miss a beat. Names like Loretta and Tammy are not to be tossed around lightly in country music circles, but this newcomer's fiery delivery and feisty persona draw obvious comparisons. In addition, the songs included on 29 Nights, though nearly all new, recall the styles and sounds of an era past--twangy, danceable, frisky, and sincere. The title track is an obvious choice for radio, but the self-chastising "Mixed Up Mess of a Heart" is much more fun. "Touch Me" recalls the longing of Patsy Cline's "Crazy," and "Teardrops, Teardrops" showcases the same vocal droop that Buck Owens turned into a signature. This is country music the way country music should be. - Alexandra Russell

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Energetic Country.......2007-07-11

This album by Danni Leigh is excellent, hard-driving country music with attitude. There are a whole bunch of fast and energetic tunes, the majority of the album in fact. This is one of the best uptempo female country albums ever. Don't understand why Danni didn't make it bigger in radio. The power on this album is great.

Driving high-energy country music.......2005-08-01

Danni seems to be a feisty lady with echoes of Tanya Tucker and Loretta Lynn - no bad thing that, as I am a huge fan of both of those great singers. The musical style, with plenty of high-energy up-tempo songs, is reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam, whose music I am also a huge fan of.

The album opens with two songs (If the jukebox took teardrops, Beating my head against the wall) that have sad lyrics set to up-tempo, rocking melodies. Can there be a better way to forget the sadness and move on to something better? As if on cue, the album continues with a ballad (29 nights) in which Danni explains that she's got over the man she left behind a month ago. But next comes a mid-tempo song (How does it feel to you) in which Danni wonders if separation really was a good idea. Then comes another song (Teardrops teardrops) with sad lyrics but upbeat melody, though it's not quite as fast as the opening two tracks.

With the next song (Old lonesome), Danni further emphasises that she's a woman who has got over past disappointments. The next song (Mixed up mess of a heart) is a cover of a Merle Haggard song that the old man would surely be proud of. (Merle's version can be found on his album, I'm a lonesome fugitive.) Danni follows this with a cover of an old Willie Nelson song (Touch me), which shows that Danni can sing romantic ballads superbly when she so chooses. Following this is a sad ballad co-written by Harlan Howard (I feel a heartache) in which Danni thinks she is losing her man. The next song (Chain me) is similar to the first two tracks in having very sad lyrics set to up-tempo music. The album closes with a feisty, up-tempo song (Weren't you the one) in which Danni explains that she's not going to take a man back as he'd earlier rejected her.

With plenty of fiddle, steel and other traditional country instruments backing a singer who clearly knows what real country music is all about, this is a must-have for traditional country fans yet has just enough of a contemporary edge to appeal to a wider fan base. If you've never bothered to listen to traditional country but generally prefer driving, up-tempo music, this album might just surprise you.

Incredible debut album from a country purist.......2004-03-06

This is an amazing album of country music from a terribly underrated performer. Often hailed as the female Dwight Yoakam, Danni Leigh released her debut album 29 NIGHTS in late 1998. What we have here is an excellent album of real country music. The first single and opening track is "If The Jukebox Took Teardrops", a fun uptempo. "Beatin My Head Against The Wall" is a nice uptempo song too about thinking about a failed relationship too much. If there was one highlight, I would say it's the title track. It was the second single and it's simply haunting and beautiful in it's own ways. Great lyrics: "You said darling you're making a big mistake / and you'll never see it through / well it's been 30 long days / 29 nights / and I'm still over you." The video was really poignant too, with Danni hanging onto a wrecking ball, then finally letting go. "How Does It Feel To You" has a great chorus and would have been a good choice for a single. "Touch Me" is a very sensual song, and beautiful. Other highlights include "Weren't You The One", "Ol Lonesome", "I Feel A Heartache" and "Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart". If you want real country music, look no further than this awesome debut album from Danni Leigh!

This is GooooooooD country music.......2003-10-19

This is a real good CD, especially if you appreciate the traditional country sound, I'm surprised there's still new artists out there doing traditional country. It sure is pleasing to the ear. My favored cuts are "I Feel A Heartache", "Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart", Willie's song "Touch Me", And especially the first cut If The Jukebox Took Teardrops". The rest of the CD is also good. If you like REAL country, you'll like this one. highly recommended. Guitar Bob

Let's country on.......2003-01-25

Danni Leigh is a country singer. She makes country music for the fans. There is no one else like her. 29 Nights is jam-packed with lots of steel guitar, hot fiddle and Danni's sultry voice.

It kicks off with "If the Jukebox Took Teardrops", about the ideal world for the heartbroken (with a couple of Bob Wills-like 'a-ha's). Then there's the toe-tappin' "Beatin' My Head Against the Wall", about over-analyzing a breakup; the super sultry "Touch Me"; the desperation of "Chain Me"; and the racy "Weren't You the One". Add the Texas-swinger "I Feel a Heartache" and you've got one of the best collections of country music EVER.

Average customer rating: Wonderful!

Amy Beach: Songs Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beach | Beach, Amy Marcy Cheney | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Amy Beach: "Gaelic" Symphony; Piano Concerto Amy Beach: Violin Sonata, etc. Amy Beach, Passionate Victorian: The Life and Work of an American Composer, 1867-1944 Amy Beach: Canticle of the Sun Amy Beach : Piano Quintet ETC ASIN: B0002BXOFK Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

1. The Rainy Day
2. Ariette
3. When Far From Her
4. Empress Of Night
5. The Secret
6. Ecstasy
7. Within Thy Heart
8. Sleep, Little Darling
9. Night
10. Forgotten
11. Dearie
12. Far Awa'
13. The Year's At The Spring
14. Ah, Love, But A Day!
15. I Send My Heart Up To Thee!
16. Come, Ah Come
17. Canzonetta
18. I Did Not Say
19. We Three
20. June
21. I Ask The Bird
22. Go Not Too Far
23. Shena Van
24. Baby
25. Hush, Baby Dear
26. A Prelude
27. O Sweet Content
28. An Old Prayer
29. The Funeral Wreath
30. The Candy Lion
31. A Thanksgiving Fable
32. In The Twilight
33. The Host
34. May Flowers
35. I Sought The Lord
36. Though I Take The Wings Of Morning

Album Description

One of America's most prolific and successful composers, Mrs H. H. A. ("Amy") Beach was one of the first women composers whose works were as highly regarded as those produced by men. Best known during her lifetime for her well-crafted songs and short piano pieces, she was also the first American woman to compose in the larger forms. Beach's 117 art songs span the whole of her compositional career. By incorporating musical ideas from many cultures and musical traditions within a late-Romantic framework, Beach's songs show her skillful craftsmanship and profound understanding of text.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2004-11-11

I take private voice lessons from Kathie Kelton and she is amazing! She brings Amy Beach's music to life! I strongly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys listening to classical and operatic music. The music is so beautiful it will give you chills! Fantastic!

Average customer rating:

Lieder, Songs, Aria, Duets Manufacturer: Guild ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Caldara, Antonio | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Cui, César | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Giordani, Giuseppe | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Medtner | Medtner, Nikolai | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pergolesi | Pergolesi, Gio Battista | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolf | Wolf, Hugo | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B0002Z9X60 Release Date: 2005-01-17

Average customer rating:

500 Classic Masterpieces Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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| Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | 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Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music ASIN: B00008FZWM Release Date: 1992-11-04

Average customer rating: "The Riches of Russian Vocal Art" "The Riches of Russian Vocal Art"

Russian Images, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Hyperion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Medtner | Medtner, Nikolai | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Russian Images ASIN: B00004VXCW Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Travel Song (A Farewell To St. Petersburg 1840)
2. Stanzas
3. Doubt - Vassily Savenko/Alexander Blok/Alexei Kropotov
4. A Tear Trembles, Op.6 No.4
5. My Genius, My Angel, My Friend
6. Frenzied Nights, Op.60 No.6
7. A Dream, Op.17 No.3
8. I Have Seen Death, Op.27 No.6
9. Was It So Long Ago To Enchanting Strains, Op.49 No.5
10. Dense Forests, Op.26 No.5
11. And The Foes Stood Trembling, Op.26 No.8
12. Winter Journey, Op.32 No.4
13. Twilight, Op.24 No.4
14. Unexpected Rain, Op.28 No.1
15. Invocation (The Call), Op.29 No.7
16. Do Not Sing, My Beauty, Op.4 No.4
17. The Muse, Op.34 No.1
18. Arion, Op.34 No.5
19. Three Romances: Recollection
20. Three Romances: Desire
21. Three Romances: To The Sea

Customer Reviews:

"The Riches of Russian Vocal Art".......2000-12-12

Following on from the success of the first "Russian Images"disc.Vasily Savenko and Alexander Blok have again come up with a selection to suprise and delight lovers of Russian Romans. The excellent sleeve notes put into perspective this kaleidoscope:"The spectrum is broad,both chronologically,ranging from the 1840s to the 1940s, and stylistically,comprising works by composers of Russian Nationalist school,the romantic era,the rich Silver Age immediate preceding the revolution,as well as the years of the soviet regime.The choice of songs has been designed to include both well-loved favourites and such unfamiliar material as the Mosolov settings of Pushkin,composed in 1949 but not receiving their premier in the West until Vassily Savenko and Michael Dussek gave the first performance almost fifty years later. To those unfamiliar with the artistry of the bass-baritone Vassily Savenko and his distinguished pianist,Alexander Blok,this disc is sure to be a revelation-both for its exquisite songs and thrilling performance by a singer who has few equals in this genre.Savenko uses his powerful,operatic voice to great effect in Rachmaninovs "Arion",in Medtners "Invocation"and Taneyevs "And the foes stood trembling",but commands expression and nuance of the utmost delicacy in Tchaikovskys "my genius,my angel,my friend" and in Arenskys "Was it so long ago to anchanting strains".In Taneyevs beautiful,evocative setting of Baudelaires "Dense Forest",Savenko displays his depth of tone and phenomenal breath control,but the whole selection affirms him an artist of great eloquence in the service of music.Alexander Bloks Accomplished support at the piano makes this a must- have disc!

"The Riches of Russian Vocal Art".......2000-12-12

Following on from the success of the first "Russian Images"disc.Vasily Savenko and Alexander Blok have again come up with a selection to suprise and delight lovers of Russian Romans. The excellent sleeve notes put into perspective this kaleidoscope:"The spectrum is broad,both chronologically,ranging from the 1840s to the 1940s, and stylistically,comprising works by composers of Russian Nationalist school,the romantic era,the rich Silver Age immediate preceding the revolution,as well as the years of the soviet regime.The choice of songs has been designed to include both well-loved favourites and such unfamiliar material as the Mosolov settings of Pushkin,composed in 1949 but not receiving their premier in the West until Vassily Savenko and Michael Dussek gave the first performance almost fifty years later. To those unfamiliar with the artistry of the bass-baritone Vassily Savenko and his distinguished pianist,Alexander Blok,this disc is sure to be a revelation-both for its exquisite songs and thrilling performance by a singer who has few equals in this genre.Savenko uses his powerful,operatic voice to great effect in Rachmaninovs "Arion",in Medtners "Invocation"and Taneyevs "And the foes stood trembling",but commands expression and nuance of the utmost delicacy in Tchaikovskys "my genius,my angel,my friend" and in Arenskys "Was it so long ago to anchanting strains".In Taneyevs beautiful,evocative setting of Baudelaires "Dense Forest",Savenko displays his depth of tone and phenomenal breath control,but the whole selection affirms him an artist of great eloquence in the service of music.Alexander Bloks Accomplished support at the piano makes this a must- have disc!

Average customer rating: There were greater talents. This Is No Lesson in Economics... CLASSICAL MUSIC AT ITS MOST EXPENSIVE (AND BEST) It's actually not so expensive A Superb Reissue

The Rubinstein Collection (Limited Edition) [Box Set] Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Busoni | Busoni, Ferruccio | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chabrier | Chabrier, Alexis Emanuel | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | 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A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music St. Louis Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | 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 ASIN: B00001O2XZ Release Date: 1999-10-26

Amazon.com

A retail price of $1,600 for a box set? Granted, it's not something most of us can afford. But, for piano buffs and fans of Artur Rubinstein, this mammoth limited-edition 94-CD set might be an investment to consider. For starters, BMG has collected all of the approved studio recordings of Rubinstein (including 200 or so that have never been on CD) and added a handful of previously unreleased recordings and some interviews. The lot has been remastered for this collection using the latest technology (RCA's disc-and-a-half Highlights sampler actually showcases some of the more dramatic remasterings)--a good thing, when you consider that many of these master tapes have a lifetime's worth of surface noise. You get a lavishly illustrated book with essays and photographs and a nice case to store the works; everything but the credit plan is included, really. Of course, it's up to you to decide whether you want 706 recordings of 347 pieces played by the same great pianist. And, though owning Rubinstein's three complete cycles of Beethoven's concertos might sound tempting, will you really listen to each of them? Probably not, but if you need 'em, here they are. (His Chopin cycles, on the other hand, you will listen to repeatedly!) It's easily one of the most impressive and comprehensive box sets that classical music has seen: a true career overview with excellent remastering and handsome packaging that reflects the collection's price tag (unlike some box sets that are just that: CDs in boxes). Do you need it? Probably not. Will you want it? You bet. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

There were greater talents........2005-05-30

I must confess that I hate Rubinstein's sound as a pianist, but his dedication and verve were notable. Think though of Claudio Aurru's gifts, remarkable... I feel that to love Rubinstein one must love a world of safe emotional borders and sameness; sorry A.R fans. jb

This Is No Lesson in Economics..........2004-10-10

It is a natural tendency when reviewing items in this price-point to contemplate cost-effectiveness first and foremost. Considering that CDs have no nutritional value and cannot keep kids off crack, I am uncomfortable recognizing, much less crossing, some line in the sand where space ordinarily reserved for record-reviews must yield to amateur musings on the evils of conspicuous consumption or macroeconomic conceptions of social justice. Let's assume for the moment that this box set is free, removing from our purview the materialistic thrill or global economic blight one might seek and/or wish to stave off in purchasing it.

Rubinstein's "official" recorded output is astounding. It spans 5 decades, and encompasses significant forays into the oeuvre of dozens of composers. Though technique is generally expected to decline with age, few pianists live to be 96 years old. Rubinstein the pianist and Rubinstein the musician reached their highest collective summit when Rubinstein the man was well into his 60s. The "late-bloomer" aspect of his career places a considerable quorum of his most polished recordings squarely within the stereo era. Some of this material had made its way onto CD prior to this release, most notably his Chopin. Unfortunately, Rubinstein's well-deserved public acclaim as Chopin's supreme torchbearer unjustly limits his reputation along "expresio unius est exclusio alterius" lines. For example, though Rubinstein chose to record only a small handful of Beethoven sonatas, it is doubtful that one might hear them better played, even by his Beethoven specialist contemporaries Schnabel and Kempff. Rubinstein also ardently championed French and Spanish music, and is said to have loved performing Brahms most of all. This release places many of his most accomplished recordings before the ears of the listening public for the first time since their original release on vinyl.

I am frequently intoxicated by the earliest recordings from the 30s and 40s. Some of them, like his first traversal of the Chopin scherzi, are bite-your-nails-til-they-bleed thrilling. On the other hand, the initial limitations of the recording process required this (and every) pianist to make bothersome compromises with respect to tempi and dynamics at times. Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste. I am more consistently drawn to Rubinstein the wise-master than Rubinstein the young Turk.

RCA invested undisclosed sums of time and money into restoring, remixing, and remastering all of the recordings for this release. Some of the earlier recordings have been available on CD for quite some time (e.g. Chopin's Op. 28 Preludes, the Ormandy/Philadelphia Grieg concerto). Despite the intervention of acoustical restorationist-par-excellence Ward Marston, the remastering undertaken in the course of this project has not dramatically improved the sound on these releases. Short of traveling several decades into the past and placing more sensitive microphones in more strategic locations, there was probably little else that could have been done. Marston's brilliance is far more obvious in restoring to near original luster many deteriorating tape recordings from the late 40s and early 50s. The stereo recordings also sound fuller.

I am pleased with my purchase because having access (and, most importantly, having listened to) all of these recordings is a moving experience. It allows me to contemplate this extraordinary artist as a man, whose performance is inevitably colored by the accumulation of experience, the expanding flexibility of the recording process, the onset of maturity, and (perhaps sadly) declining physical powers. There are multiple recordings of most pieces in this collection, but I rarely find it difficult to cull a favorite among them. At this point, I play some of the records frequently, and others rarely. If your aim is to hear Rubinstein at his best, this set provides the resources you need to make what are at turns obvious, and others hopelessly personal choices. This set includes detailed (and mostly newly written) liner notes for each record as a well as an engaging hardcover book providing no fewer than 3 complete indices to the recordings (by date of recording, Composer, and Volume number). The box itself is a work of art, looks stunning on a shelf, and never requires polishing. Most of the 81 volumes are sold separately, and have been made available for download on the Apple Music Store.

While I will not claim that Rubinstein's interpretations are equally effective, I cannot think of any other pianist, now living or forever deceased, who could approach such a broad repertoire with the unwaivering technical finesse and prophetic musicianship evident in the bulk of his recorded output. If you never see the likes of a "Rubinstein Collection" on the shelf again, do not dismiss it as another textbook illustration of price elasticity. To do so is to dwell on on the vagaries of consumerism when the more important issue is that the next Rubinstein may never be.

CLASSICAL MUSIC AT ITS MOST EXPENSIVE (AND BEST).......2003-05-30

You have two choices: Starve the kids or skip the mortgage payments for a month or two. How else can you afford this 94 (!) disc set that captures every studio recording the classical icon ever recorded. Trust us: The kids are fat enough.

It's actually not so expensive.......2001-06-06

Provided you have the time, listening to this collection not only helps you better appreciate Rubinstein's supreme talent but also gives you some idea of his unfolding genius--how his technique and interpretation changed through the years. There's enough room in music for every kind of interpretation, as long as you take the music first, and all the interpretations Rubinstein offered are interesting. Of course this set is expensive, but it's nearly 100 CDs plus liner notes, so the price is not that bad. Besides, if you decide to really listen to this set the way it deserves, it's going to be years before you buy another CD.

A Superb Reissue.......2000-04-30

A friend of mine was able to aquire the Rubinstein Collection and I have been borrowing from it liberally.

RCA deserves to be commended on going the extra mile and releasing ALL of the authorized Rubinstein recordings, well organized and superbly remastered in this comprehensive edition. Hopefully, RCA will also release the individual volumes for those who are not completists or who simply cannot afford the entire set. True, this set is at full price. A source who was connected with this reissure has told me that RCA planned to issue the set at mid price, but the cost of this mammoth edition went far overbudget--and the full price was dictated by their production costs. Certainly, the money was well spent. The ramastering, particularly in the earlier recordings, must be heard to be believed. The packaging, documentation, and liner notes are all first class.

It is fascinating to trace Rubinstein's evolution as an interpreter--from the devil-may-care early days through the mature recordings of the 1950s, into the 1970s, when his playing on record tended to be a bit cautions.

Hopefully, the cost of producing this magnum opus and the reported slow sales it has been getting will not deter RCA from producing more boxed sets of Horowitz and many of the other artists in the RCA vaults. Bravo, RCA!

Music Album:

1. A Lifetime of Song (1951-1982)
2. A Little Darlin Christmas
3. A Man Ain't Made of Stone
4. A Memory Like You
5. All My Tomorrows
6. All the Songs I've Loved Before [Import]
7. Artist's Choice: The Best Tracks (1970-1980) [Import]
8. Baillie & the Boys
9. Beating Around the Bush
10. Blue Cadillac

Music Album