Autumn Song

1. Autumn Leaves

2. September Song

3. Stella By Starlight

4. Canadian Sunset

5. Begin the Beguine

6. Greensleeves

7. You Are There

8. How Can You Mend The Broken Heart?

9. Deep Purple

10. Edelweiss

11. Hymne

12. Love on The Rocks & September Morn Medley

13. Try To Remember

14. Why Do I Love You?

15. Never My Love

16. I'll Remember April

Editorial Reviews

D Magazine, p.108, November 1980
Newell Oler plays Roger Williams-style dramatic runs, and he often throws in "the classics", such as Chopin polonaise.

Product Description:
This CD features solo piano arrangements of romantic songs, played in a classical style.

Autumn Song

Tracks:

Maria
Siboney
A Love Until The End Of Time
Noche Azul
La Comparsa
Save Your Nights For Me
Time After Time
Malaguena
Yesterday
Besame Mucho
My Life For A Song
Annie's Song
Siempre en me Corazon
Love Came For Me (Love Theme From Splash)
I Don't Talk To Strangers
Blue Moon - Moon River
Autumn Leaves
Adoro

Customer Reviews:

love songs easy to listen too.......2007-05-07

I love a classical voice singing this type of mustic, or sacred (from the operas (in English), or, out of print sacred. Wish I could find a source for some of my old tapes (some recorded from 78s) of artists like Jerome Hines (Holy City, 1962-3, 78 record I transferred to tape), Russel Davis (1970 or early 8os record I coped, of tape my Dad had copied), William Harness, Kathleen Battle, etc. etc. I enjoy a wide range of music, but had operatic training, so understand the requirements for superior vocal skill. John Denver had much of the quality. Music for me is part of the fabric of life.

This is an oldie but a goodie!.......2006-11-09

One of his first albums of "popular" songs and one of the best of the songs we have loved for years with a fresh, new Domingo treatment. Just as his album with John Denver was a something new for him, these songs are out of the opera world. You'll never hear any of them performed by anyone up to the "gold standard" of Domingo. That being said, I love this album, but - the accent gets in the way on the English songs. You have to be able to accept the accented English and just listen to the gorgeous voice singing some very romantic songs. I highly recommend!

Great for boring candlelight dinner or quick ride in an elevator........2006-10-31

As much as I enjoy listening to Placido Domingo's popular recordings this is not one of his best performances. Missing the full-blooded belting that can be heard on his other albums ("Be My Love" for example). The orchestration is very mediocre and uninspired.
For a romantic mood, "Perhaps Love" (simply fabulous) is much better choice.

Beautiful music.......2006-02-23

I have been looking for this title for a long time...in all the wrong places.

A Valentine's Day Gift for all time.......2005-02-02

If you truly want to touch someone's heart, give this as a Valentine's gift. I received the CD last year and I love every minute. It makes a loving gift of one of the greats. With such a long career you would think that Placido would disappoint. So far it hasn't happened. This year my honey and I will see him in concert! Another Valentine's day wish come true.

Average customer rating:

It's all here
An excellent box-set
Wonderful recordings, slightly marred by lack of texts

Grieg: Complete Music with Orchestra

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Scandinavian Languages | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Saint-Saëns: Les 5 Symphonies
Berlioz: Complete Orchestral Works
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Strauss: Orchestral Works

ASIN: B00005KK4O
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Con in a, Op.16: 1. Allegro Molto Moderato - Lilya Zilberstein
Con in a, Op.16: 2. Adagio - Attacca - Lilya Zilberstein
Con in a, Op.16: 3. Allegro Moderato E Marcato - Quasi Presto - Andante Maestoso - Lilya Zilberstein
In Autumn, Op.11 - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 1. Allegro Moderato E Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 2. Allegretto Grazioso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 3. Allegro Giocoso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 4. Andante - Allegro Molto E Risoluto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 1. Prld: Allegro Vivace - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 2. Sarabande: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 3. Gavotte: Allegretto - Musette: Un Poco Mosso - Gavotte - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 4. Air: Andante Religioso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 5. Rigaudon: Allegro Con Brio - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Elegiac Melodies, Op.34: 1. The Wounded Heart: Allegretto Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Elegiac Melodies, Op.34: 2. Last Spring: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Melodies, Op.53: 1. Norwegian: Allegro Risoluto - Poco Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Melodies, Op.53: 2. The First Meeting: Lento - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Nordic Melodies, Op.63: 1. In Folk Style: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Nordic Melodies, Op.63: 2. Cow-Call: Andantino/Peasant Dance: Allegro Molto Vivace - Allegro... - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Lyric Pieces, Op.68: 1. Evening In The Mountains: Andantino - Marten Larsson
Two Lyric Pieces, Op.68: 2. At The Cradle: Allegretto Con Moto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 1. Shepherd Boy: Andantino Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 2. Bell-Ringing: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 3. Norwegian March: Allegretto Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 4. Notturno: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 5. March Of The Trolls: Allegro Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.1. At The Wedding - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.2. Halling - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.3. Springar - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.4. The Abduction Of The Bride: Ingrid's Lament - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.5. Peer Gynt And The Herd-Girls - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.6. Peer Gynt And The Woman In Green - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.7. Peer Gynt: 'Great Folk May Be Known By The Mounts That They Ride' - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.8. In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.9. Dance Of The Mountain King's Daughter - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.10. Peer Gynt Hunted By The Trolls - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.11. Peer Gynt And The Boyg/No.12. The Death Of Ase - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: Act III: Prld - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: Act III, Scene 4 - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.13. Morning Mood - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.14. The Thief And The Receiver - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.15. Arabian Dance - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.16. Anitra's Dance - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.17. Peer Gynt's Ser - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.18. Peer Gynt And Anitra - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.19. Solveig's Song - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.20. Peer Gynt At The Statue Of Memnon - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.21. Peer Gynt's Homecoming: Stormy Evening On The Sea - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.22. Shipwreck - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.23. Solveig Sings In The Hut - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...

Tracks:

Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.24. Night Scene - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.25. Whitsun Hymn: 'Blessed Morn' - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.26. Solveig's Cradle Song - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: Hornsignaler (Fanfares) - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.1. Act I: Prld - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.2. Borghild's Dream - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.3. The Matching Game - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.4. The Northland Folk - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.5. Homage March - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.6. Interlude I - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.7. Mellomspill II - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.8. The King's Song - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Funeral March In Memory Of Rikard Nordraak: Lento - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 1. Allegro Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 2. Allegretto Tranquillo E Grazioso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 3. Allegro Moderato Alla Marcia - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 4. Allegro Molto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

Sym in c: 1. Allegro Molto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Sym in c: 2. Adagio Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Sym in c: 3. Intermezzo: Allegro Energico - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Sym in c: 4. Finale: Allegro Molto Vivace - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Land-sighting, Op.31 - Hakan Hagegard/Men's Voices Of The Gothenburg Sym Chor
Olav Trygvason, Op.50: Scene I: No.1. Skjult I De Mange Manende Navne/No.2. I, Som Op Af... - Hakan Hagegard/Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson/Randi Stene
Olav Trygvason, Op.50: Scene II: No.3. Ej Er Det Nok/No.4. Tak, At I Talte - Anne Gjevang/Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson/Hakan Hagegard
Olav Trygvason, Op.50: Scene III: No.5. Giv Alle Guder Gammens Og Glaedes-Skal/No.6. Alfer Og... - Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson

Tracks:

Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Poco Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Tema. Andantino Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Poco Allegro, Ma Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Energico - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Allegro Leggiero - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Poco Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Maestoso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Allegro Scherzando E Leggiero - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Andante Molto Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Presto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Tempo Di Menuetto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Allegro Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Tempo Di Valse - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Adagio Molto Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Allegro Molto Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Pomposo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Prestissimo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Andante Molto Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
The First Meeting - Barbara Bonney
From Monte Pincio - Hakan Hagegard
A Swan - Barbara Bonney
Spring - Barbara Bonney
Henrik Wergeland - Hakan Hagegard
The Mountain Thrall, Op.32 - Hakan Hagegard
Before A Southern Convent, Op.20 - Barbara Bonney/Randi Stene/Women's Voices Of The Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson
Bergliot, Op.42 - Rut Tellefsen

Customer Reviews:

It's all here.......2006-04-14

Norwegian-born Edvard Grieg has created many works for the orchestra, and this 6-CD box set contains almost all of them. Neeme Jarvi handles the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and the choirs very well. The sound is crystal clear and has the perfect digital sound for every CD player/stereo.

For the long works, the Piano Concerto is attention-grabbing and beautiful. The Symphonic Dances and the Norwegian Dances are lively and tremendously extraordinary. The lesser-known Symphony in C Minor should be more recognized, as it is as powerful as other symphonies, like Mahler's first and Beethoven's sixth. For the short works, In Autumn and Landkjenning can be best described as sheer masterpieces.

For Peer Gynt, it is good to hear the first digitally-recorded authentic version. The suite version is just not enough for that full listening experience. NOTE: if you want to buy a Peer Gynt that includes the complete dialogue, I would recommend conductor Ole Kristian Ruud's version with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra; the dialogue lengthens the 90-minute work by two hours.

To know the rest is to listen to them straight through. All the works in this box set (especially the Piano Concerto) should be a possession for all Grieg-lovers.

A+

An excellent box-set.......2003-08-30

This box-set a must have for any Grieg lovers.
Neeme Jarvi is very good.

In first CD, there is a powerful performance of Piano Concerto by Zilberstein.She is also great in F.Liszt recordings (at DG Classics). In second CD, works for string orchestra (including, famous Holberg Suite) to be found. And in 3rd and 4th CDs, marvellous recordins of Peer Gynt and Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd, the Crusader)to be found.This works are the first recordings of complete score. Still, speakers to be present at Peer Gynt.And Funeral March for R. Nordraak is very influence in 4th CD.The wind ensemble of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra is very good...

In 5th CD, there is an unknown work by Grieg: Symphony in C-minor. This work written in early period, but didn't perfomed often. Still, this work's name is "Forbidden Symphony"...And then, a majestic work "Land-Sighting" to be found. This is very successful choral work of composer and he written in a heavenly tone:E Major...And then, there is an unknown work again, an incomplete opera: "Olav Trygvason"... Grieg written this work on a libretto by his friend, Bjornson (a famous poet of Norway), but he could finish first act...

And in last CD, there are other vocal works, and his beatiful work: "Old Norwegian Melody with Variations". And then, 5 Songs to be found. This songs originally written for voice and piano (like other many songs) but he later orchestrated these works.And the first song "The First Meeting" was discovered in 80's and still, they used a new edition, published from new founded manuscript, so this is the first recording of Grieg's beatiful song.

In other words: this box-set is excellent and Highly recommended.

Wonderful recordings, slightly marred by lack of texts.......2003-04-09

Jarvi has been a fine advocate of Scandinavian music over the last 30 years. Even of those such as Grieg and Sibelius who you would think no longer needed advocacy. Most of these recordings were warmly welcomed on their releases and several won awards. And it's nothing but a pleasure to see them reappear again. The orchestral playing is sumptuous, but the real stand out is the singing of Barbara Bonney on several CDs.

This is now the fourth or fifth release for some of these CDs, first came the individual volumes, then the full price box, then releases on budget DG Classikon, and now a Collector's Edition box at half the price, but sadly minus the texts to CDs 2,3 and 6. This won't matter so much in the orchestral songs, CD6, where the texts to Bergtekne, Bergliot etc. are available in other releases or on the Lieder web page, but CDs 2 and 3 are currently the only complete recording of Peer Gynt and the sung or spoken texts are not available outside sheet music collections. Personally (as someone more interested in the vocal music than the orchestral) I would try and locate the original volumes, but at least DG has given those who don't feel the extra expense is justified a cheaper option.

Tracks:

Topanga Dreams
Katyia's Dance
China Lily
Fertile Crescent
Lhasa Love
Aduman
Darjeeling Sunrise
Clouds across the Darkness
Silver Lake
Lotus

Album Description

About this CD (notes from the artist )

Topanga Dreams
Since 1988, I've lived in Topanga, California. This small mountain town has taught me the true meaning of community. By being there for each other, we can make dreams come true. May all your dreams come true...

Katyia's Dance
This song has evolved from being a solo dance performance piece in our Mystic Journey shows into a passionate tango...for two. So grab someone you love and enjoy the dance!

China Lily
This flute was a gift from my Dize (rhymes with pizza) teacher and is one of my favorites. Whenever I play it, I am transported to a place of inner peace and stillness.

Lhasa Love
I found this melody in a book of traditional Chinese folk songs, It was called Tibetan Dance before we transformed it into a lively multicultural boogie!

Aduman
Although there are many dialects spoken in the West African region of Guinea and Mali, the universal word for "sweet" amongst all the tribes is aduman.

Darjeeling Sunrise
Inspired by an Indian sunrise raga, this song reflects the experience that I had when I was on top of Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, India, witnessing a magical sunrise illuminating the awesome Himalayan mountains.

Customer Reviews:

A Poetic Journey..........2004-05-05

I fell in love with the music of The Angels of Venice years ago, and thus when I learned that Suzanne Teng (a former "Angel") had produced a solo work, I was very excited. But the music on this CD easily surpasses anything Teng had done with the Angels of Venice. Lyrical melodies, accompanied by enthnic rhythms on traditional percussion instruments, overlaid with Teng's own haunting performances on Asian flute, transport the listener to another time and another place -- both in this world, and in the "otherworld" created by Teng's mystical music edge. Tibetan singing bowls, Middle-Eastern bells, Celtic strings and a vast assortment of drums and wind instruments create a musical whirlwind that will leave the listener breathlessly awaiting Teng's next musical offering.

Nice!.......2004-01-01

Suzanne Teng, the original flutist with the group "Angels of Venice", breaks out on her own in this playful and exotic 1999 release. Teng shows herself a master of flutistry, not only the playing the standard western "C" flute, but also piccolo, alto and bass flutes, dize (Chinese bamboo flute), ney (Turkish flute) and panpipes. Her tone is rich and liquid, and her improvisations range from jazzy to sinuous to ephemeral depending on the style of the piece. Many of the selections have a strong Near- or Far Eastern flavor, but the mood remains gentle and cheerful throughout the album, without any of the dark intensity that characterizes some of the "Angels'" work. Teng is not alone in "Mystic Journey" either; many guest artists lend their well-established talents to the mix to create ever-varied layers of texture. Gilbert Levy provides intricate world percussion accompaniments, while cellist Martin Tillman, Prince Diabate, Hans Christiansen of Rasa and Greg Ellis of Vas (among others) also pop in to lend a hand, making for a richly orchestrated album that is full of apt and interesting surprises. Occasionally the flute melodies seem a little trite and meandering, qualities that are at odds with the earthy, percussive background, but overall this album is appealing. Teng's simultaneously light and down-to-earth compositions find ways to be relaxing without being boring--a common pitfall for many New Age artists. The music of "Mystic Journey" would be great for warm-ups and slow-dancing for belly dancers, as well as just pleasant listening after a mundane and stressful day at work. Other recordings featuring Suzanne Teng's flute-playing include "Awake Inside a Dream" and "Music for Flute, Harp and Cello" by the Angels of Venice. For more bamboo and metal flute improvisations, in this case without accompaniment, check out also Richard Warner's "Quiet Heart / Spirit Wind".

Fabulous!.......2002-07-05

I ordered this CD after only hearing two songs which I "accidentally" heard while flipping the channels of the television. There was a performance done on Public Access and I was surprised to see that a CD was available. I ordered one for myself and a friend who is a yoga instructor. I love this CD! It is perfect for yoga or meditation or even just in the background while working. The music is heartfelt and joyous and everyone who hears it immediately loves it. I would definitly recommend it, especially if you are looking to expand your collection of instrumental music. Personally, I love flute pieces, so this was a perfect choice for me.

Fabulous.......2001-06-28

I caught Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey on vacation at this year's Topanga Days festival, but didn't buy the CD. I thought about their music the whole rest of the trip and ordered the CD as soon as I got home. It's truly magnificent and beautiful music, and I could listen to the CD over and over. Perfect background for anything - reading, meditating, special dinners, yoga, whatever. I find myself getting up just to move to the music. They're all very talented and the CD is a real stress-melter.

Makes you want to listen and dance at the same time.......2000-08-31

This is really an excellent independently-produced CD. Some of the tunes are fairly straight-forward, rhythmic wonders with Ms. Teng's incredible flute playing polishing them off. Others are more "world" sounding incorporating thraot singing and chanting. There is not a bad cut on the CD. Listen to Katiya's Waltz, and try to concentrate on the beautiful music while your feet waltz across the floor.

Average customer rating:

Amazing, ecclectic album
Warning: This CD Is Addictive
Well worth buying
Good variety of American Choral Music
Absolutely wonderful!!

Our American Journey
Chanticleer
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chanticleer: A Portrait
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ASIN: B00006K11A
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Credidi
Versa Est In Luctum
Jefferson - Chanticleer
David's Lamentation
Soar Away
Whispers
Voices Of Autumn
The Un-Covered Wagon
Fuggi, Fuggi, Dolor
Labbra Vermigile E Belle
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Camptown Races
Love Walked In
Willow Weep For Me
Calling My Children Home
Wayfarin' Stranger
I'm A Pilgrim

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This is Chanticleer's 25th recording and also marks its 25th anniversary season. The title refers to the group's wide-ranging repertoire; this disc includes Mexican baroque, traditional American songs in various styles and music commissioned by Chanticleer itself. A program that tries to please everybody is bound to disappoint somebody; however, no one could be disappointed by the singing. The sound of these 12 unaccompanied male voices has an unearthly, celestial beauty and purity; their blend is perfect. Though the singers rarely use vibrato, their intonation is impeccable both together and in solos. Their expressive range and stylistic versatility are incredible: they can project tenderness, pleading, and bitter protest and are equally at home in plainchant, Latin hymns, blues, spirituals, shouts and crooning. Among the highlights are the three opening hymns, settings of two poems of Torquato Tasso by William Hawley, commissioned by Chanticleer, which combine 16th- and 20th-century styles, and the two final folksongs, the last with a stride-style piano accompaniment, making a rousing, exuberant ending. The booklet, in three languages, is well laid-out and informative. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, ecclectic album.......2007-07-11

This CD is a great example of Chanticleer's phenomenal versatility, and it has something for everyone to appreciate. The Appalacian twang on the two Billings pieces is a bit much, but otherwise Chanticleer is in top form here and really shows what they are made of. As for the recording itself, something about the micing or acoustics in the recording process causes the countertenors to be just a tad too strong on a few tracks, but it's not a major problem.

To me, the most extraordinary tracks are: The Un-Covered Wagon with it's surreal effects and incredible array of vocal techniques, Willow Weep For Me, Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (Michael Lichtenauer's solo floats so effortlessly in a mixed vocal register, I have never heard anything like it!), and Whispers.

Warning: This CD Is Addictive.......2006-12-10

I purchased this CD after hearing this magnificent choral group sing "Calling My Children Home" in a recent concert. Written by Doyle Lawson (from the group "Quicksilver"), Charlie Waller and Robert Yates, the song is a standard bluegrass number I had known for years (Emmy Lou Harris for one has recorded it); but I had no idea it had found its way to San Francisco. Chanticleer has made this song their own. I cannot imagine anyone else's version coming close to theirs.

The group sings 17 other songs on this CD, most of them arranged by Joseph Jennings, Chanticleer's music director. Their version of William Billings' "David's Lamentation," a Sacred Harp work, will blow you away. Another favorite of mine is "Wayfaring' Stranger." There are also two Stephen Foster songs included, "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Camptown Races" as well as Gershwin and other American composers.

There seems to be no kind of music that this group cannot sing better than most other groups. They remind us that there is no musical instrument more beautiful than the human voice.

This CD should be one for the time capsule.

Well worth buying.......2005-08-16

Chanticleer fans know what to expect in terms of vocal quality, and won't be disappointed. I agree with another reviewer that the Appalachian accent is a little over the top, but I thought the shape-note style was perfect: brilliant sound, but not that nasal.

I enjoyed the many styles of music in this CD, but since I tend to listen to CDs straight through as albums, I found it a little disconcerting to go so suddenly from one style to the next (e.g., Mexican Baroque to shape note).

That being said, everything is splendidly, sensitively performed. The renditions of "Whispers" and "The Un-Covered Wagon" are breathtaking. By all means, buy and enjoy this!

Good variety of American Choral Music.......2005-01-03

This album features a wonderful selection of "American" choral music. I'm not a big fan of the "stylized" singing of the shape-note pieces (with the nasal voices), but that is my only complaint. My favorite piece is Steven Stucky's "Whispers" which is an artfully crafted homage to Orlando Gibbons' "Drop, Drop, Slow Tears" and William Byrd's "Ave Verum Corpus." Joseph Jennings and Chanticleer effectively demonstrate that there is no "defining" American choral music and it is this rich panoply of variety which is so enchanting!

Absolutely wonderful!!.......2003-10-25

This album shows Chanticleer's great talent and it displays they're wonderful voices. I've seen them perform pieces from this album and they do it with such passion. It's wonderful. If you don't get this or any of their albums you truly are missing out!!

Grieg: Peer Gynt Op23; Symphonic Dances Op64

Average customer rating:

THE Peer Gynt
Terrific, authoritative Grieg collection from Beecham
A CLASS ACT
One of the best of the series
Well deserves its rosette award.

Grieg: Peer Gynt Op23; Symphonic Dances Op64

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000GCAB
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Wedding March
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Ingrid's Lament
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Morning
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Ase's Death
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Arabian Dance
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Solveig's Song
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Anitra's Dance
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Return of Peer Gynt - Storm Scene
'Peer Gynt' - Incidental Music: Solveig's Lullaby
Symphonic Dance, Op.64 No.2
Concert Overture 'In Autumn', Op.11
An Old Norwegian Folksong With Variations, Op.51

Customer Reviews:

THE Peer Gynt.......2007-07-12

Sir Thomas Beecham was one of the giants in the "Golden Age of Conductors". In this famous recording he proves why. This familiar music has been recorded by numerous artists over the years but none has ever caught the real drama of the music like Beecham. The fact that this recording has never been out of print since it was first issued is a testament to its worthiness. If you do not now own the piece, buy this one. Even if you do own someone else's version, buy this one. You will not be disappointed. The only quibble which I have and which has been voiced by others, is the fact that the vocal parts are sung in German and not Norwegian. This is not a fatal defect in my opinion. Grieg himself and, for that matter, most Norwegians of his era were equally fluent in German. It is the music which is important and you will not find a better rendition of Peer Gynt than this one.

As an added bonus, there are some other delightful Grieg masterworks to savor.

Terrific, authoritative Grieg collection from Beecham.......2004-10-08

Okay, I'll admit that I am not as familiar with Sir Thomas Beecham's conducting as I am with, say, Herbert von Karajan's or Leonard Bernstein's. I've heard a few stories about his wise-old-man demeanor on the podium, but of his actual recordings I have heard only a handful. This is the only disc of his that I personally own, but it is a beauty. The booklet notes talk about Beecham's dedication to Grieg's music, especially his lesser-known works; that dedication is apparent in all of these performances. Of all recordings of selections from Grieg's complete incidental music for Ibsen's PEER GYNT, Beecham's would probably rank near the top, if not all the way at the top. The highlight of the performance, for me, is "Ase's Death", which I've never heard done as solemnly and beautifully (or as slowly) as it is here by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra strings under Beecham's direction. The rest is just as vividly characterized (wonderful "Morning", especially), with Ilse Hollweg making for a touching Solveig in "Solveig's Song" and "Solveig's Lullaby".

As for the fill-ups: Grieg's "Symphonic Dance No. 2" may not be a very substantial work, but Beecham makes a good case for it, wonderfully sentimental in the outer sections and troubled in the middle section. The concert overture "In Autumn" is also a fun and dramatic work; and the "Old Norwegian Folksong with Variations" is full of life and color through its many variations, especially in its final ones. The recorded sound is rich, warm analogue that truly brings out the luster of these performances. All in all, these are some terrifically authoritative Grieg performances from a conductor who apparently loved these works and was able to translate that affection into performance. Highly recommended.

A CLASS ACT.......2004-02-20

Much as I dislike the word, it's simplest to use it - Beecham had class. I do not believe I can even think of anything he ever did badly, or anything that is lacking in grace and elegance. There is strength there too, and obviously a touch (or more than just a touch) of arrogance. He was no great enthusiast for Bach, Beethoven or Brahms, and it's hard not to suspect that this was at least partly because these gardens of the muses were particularly well-tended by so many others. He was impatient and easily exasperated by Bruckner and Vaughan Williams, and I have to confess so am I. That left a great deal for Beecham to outshine all others in, and here he is outshining them all in Grieg's Peer Gynt.

It does not seem to me that Grieg is even remotely equal to the theme of Ibsen's Peer Gynt, which I believe rivals the story of Faust itself in its contemplation of the issues of love, death and redemption. Grieg does not have the `size' for that. What he is able to do is embroider the theme with musical numbers that are by turns picturesque, sentimental and sometimes even deeply felt beyond mere sentiment. It is a kind of music that called up Beecham's special wizardry in particular. The opening wedding march has the familiar Beecham swagger, the trolls in the Hall of the Mountain King are almost worthy of Peter Jackson, the hackneyed Morning breaks like the first morning, and Ase's death strikes a deeper note. Here the composer actually does get somewhere close, in a simplified way, to the complex tenderness and pathos of the scene where Gynt eases the worn-out old woman out of this world. The orchestral tone Beecham obtains near the end, and the exquisite timing of the final chords, are things worth getting this disc for on their own. Ilse Hollweg as Solveig is quite outstanding in the famous Solveig's Song and in the final lullaby.

For its time the recorded quality is quite extraordinarily good. Beecham was particularly adept at obtaining good recordings, by what combination of personal magnetism and outright intimidation I don't know although it's probably easy to guess. There is a fine little selection of makeweights bringing the playing time of the set to an hour and a quarter.

One of the best of the series.......2001-10-16

These performances are so good they actually made me reconsider the music. Prior to hearing Beecham's recording the only Grieg that I found really enjoyable were his lyric pieces played by Emil Gilels - and frankly I wondered how much of that could be attributed to Gilels. Modern versions of his orchestral music always felt a little empty and, inevitably, failed to inspire repeated listenings. This recording is so alive, vibrant and emotionally communicative that it's now a firm and much listened to favourite. Also the sound quality is hard to believe - over forty years old and it sounds better than almost all modern orchestral recordings - lots of detail and a lifelike warm tone. The recent remastering process used by EMI seems to work its wonders best with these 50's and 60's analog recordings. Anyway, this is the sort of CD I'd like to buy as a present for a good friend - just fantastic music making.

Well deserves its rosette award........2001-01-12

Beecham's recording of Grieg's Peer Gynt incidental music has been one of his most frequently reissued items since its first 1957 release. Purists and fuss-budgets might cavil at the vocal items being sung in German and the omission of two of the twelve items from the complete score, but there are enough merits to make this preferable to all other versions. The inimitable swagger, the tenderness, the beauty of phrasing, and the finely judged balancing of orchestral textures that Beecham could achieve are everywhere to be heard. Other Grieg works conducted by Beecham, less well-known, have been added, to provide 76 minutes of listening. Digital remastering has enhanced and clarified the stereo originals. This is one of the few CDs to receive a rosette in the prestigious Penguin Guide To Compact Discs.

Average customer rating:

A piece of history
A BIG disappointment!

New York New York
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000069HGR
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

A piece of history.......2006-06-03

Many of the songs on this recording are not available in sheet music, and although the sound quality isn't "leading edge" it makes me feel as though I am listening to actual performers back in the 30's & 40's, with young and gifted singers like Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, and Mel Torme, as well as others who are nameless or unknown to me on this album, and a delight to listen to. Manhattan Tower is why I bought this CD, and I got so much more from it than I bargained for. The illusion I have when I play it is that I am a young jazz artist in New York, feeling the pulse of the city and filling up with everything about being a part of New York.

A BIG disappointment!.......2004-08-19

I bought this CD for the Slaughter on Tenth Avenue soundtrack ballet by Richard Rodgers and Lennie Hayton. But none of the tracks on this CD can be appreciated. It is a mono recording, and that immediately leaves you with a very incomplete sound. No amount of treble and bass adjustment can eliminate the awful tinny sound throughout the disc.

Most Relaxing Classical Piano Music in the Universe

Average customer rating:

Solid collection of piano favorites

Most Relaxing Classical Piano Music in the Universe

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0002A2VIM
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

BACH Goldberg Variations, Aria
SCHUMANN Piano Sonata in f# minor, II. Aria
CHOPIN Ballade No. 1
MOZART Piano Concert No. 24, II. Larghetto
RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2, Adagio
BEETHOVEN Moonlight Sonata, Adagio Sostenuto
MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition: The Old Castle
TCHAIKOVSKY The Seasons, October: Song of Autumn
BRAHMS Sonata for Two Pianos, Andante
BACH Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, Prelude 22

Tracks:

SATIE Gymnopedie No. 1
CHOPIN Piano Concerto No. 1, Larghetto
DEBUSSY Claire de Lune
MOZART Sonata in a minor, Andante cantabile
BEETHOVEN Fse
MUSSORGSKY Rrie
TCHAIKOVSKY The Seasons, January: At the Fireside
BRAHMS Piano Sonata No. 3, II. Andante espressivo
DVORAK Piano Trio No. 3, III. Poco adagio
SCHUMANN Piano Concerto, II. Andante gracioso

Customer Reviews:

Solid collection of piano favorites.......2006-11-10

If you can gag your way past the album title, this is a most pleasant collection of beloved classical piano pieces that actually is relaxing, I suppose.

Average customer rating:

Most beautiful music

Menuhin & Grappelli Play...

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jazz in Paris: Oscar Peterson-Stephanie Grapelli Quartet, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0002Z83LG
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Fascinatin' Rhythm
Soon
Summertime
Embraceable You
Liza
A Foggy Day
'S Wonderful
The Man I Love
I Got Rhythm
He Loves And She Loves
They Can't Take That Away From Me
They All Laughed
Funny Face
Our Love Is Here To Stay
Lady Be Good
These Foolish Things
Laura
April In Paris
Autumn Leaves
Autumn In New York

Tracks:

Cheek To Cheek
Isn't This A Lovely Day?
Change Partners
Top Hat, White Tie And Tails
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
Heat Wave
The Way You Look Tonight
Pick Yourself Up
A Fine Romance
All The Things You Are
Why Do I Love You?
I Get A Kick Out Of You
Night And Day
Looking At You
Just One Of Those Things
My Funny Valentine
Thou Swell
The Lady Is A Tramp
Blue Room
Jealousy
Skylark

Customer Reviews:

Most beautiful music.......2005-08-17

This is happy music.
Just plain happy, instrumental music.
Highly recommend to everyone.

Holst: The Cloud Messenger; A Choral Fantasia; Part-Songs

Average customer rating:

More than just choral works
Get This For the Hymn of Jesus
An important record of lesser known choral works . . .

Holst: The Cloud Messenger; A Choral Fantasia; Part-Songs

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000IYN5
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'O Thou, Who Com'st From Heaven's King' - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'Tarry Not, O Cloud, Tarry Not. Rushing Northward ...' - - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'Tarry Not, O Cloud, Tarry Not.' - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'Tarry Not, O Cloud. Bow Thy Head' - - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'When The Dancers Are Weary ...' - G. HOLST
The Hymn Of Jesus, H140: Prelude - - G. HOLST
The Hymn Of Jesus, H140: The Hymn - G. HOLST
Ave Maria, H49 - G. HOLST
The Evening-watch, H159 - G. HOLST

Tracks:

Seven Part-Songs, H162: Say Who Is This? - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: O Love, I Complain - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Angel Spirits Of Sleep - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: When First We Met - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Sorrow And Joy - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Love On My Heart From Heaven Fell - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Assemble, All Ye Maidens - Gustav Holst
A Choral Fantasia, H177 - Gustav Holst
City Of London Sinfonia: A Dirge For Two Veterans, H121 - Gustav Holst
Ode to Death, H144 - Gustav Holst
This Have I Done For My True Love, H128 - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: O Lady, Leave That Silken Thread - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: Soft And Gently - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: The Autumn Is Old - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: Winter And The Birds - Gustav Holst

Customer Reviews:

More than just choral works.......2006-04-20

These choral works from Gustav Holst are as striking as the Planets. They are like two dozen angels singing with heavenly glory. A Choral Fantasia, The Cloud Messenger and The Hymn of Jesus are excellent; superb playing from the London Symphony, breathtaking and articulate singing from the Chorus. Ode to Death & A Dirge for Two Veterans are absolutely haunting. The Part-songs are worth the listen, and the Ave Maria and the Motets sound fresh and fabulous.

If you are a fan of Holst's Planets, then you'll be an immediate fan of his choral works once you start listening to The Cloud Messenger.

Get This For the Hymn of Jesus.......2002-09-07

How many of you are sick of the Planets! I know I am, as marvelous as I find that work. Holst was a much more varied and talented composer than that work reveals. On this disc you can hear a wide variety of Holst's choral music and judge for yourself.

I can only comment on half this disc, as I own the Cloud Messanger and the Hymn of Jesus only in an earlier incarnation. The Cloud Messanger is a massive work based on an Hindu text. It is of variable quality...Holst himself flet that it was not wholy a success and supressed further performances of it in his lifetime. But the passages that are good are stunning indeed, and Hickox and crew make a strong case for the work.

The reason to get this CD is for the Hymn of Jesus. This is the best performance of the best work that Holst composed. The Hymn of Jesus is based on Holst's own translation of a passage from the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas ( some sources claim the Acts of John as the origin of this text, but I'm pretty sure I have it in my copy of the Gospel of Thomas, which had recently been discovered at the time.)These Gnostic texts so intrigued Holst that he studied Greek just to be able to read it in the original. The work begins with a beautiful, atmospheric prelude based on two Sarum chants, Panea Lingua and a resplendant Vexilla Regis in the boy choir. Then there is a massive choral invocation to God and the Hymn is sung. This text is also known as the Round Dance of Jesus, and Holst goes for the dance in the piece, with a splendid section in 5/4 which must have frightened the Edwardian audience at the work's premiere. Tightly organized and stunning in it's choral effects, this version of the work surpasses even the fine old recording by Sir Charles Grove.

I can't comment on the performances of the other works on the second disc, but know that the Ode to Death is haunting and the Choral Fantasia is a major work worth hearing. But the reason to buy this album is for the Hymn. It's a stunning and neglected masterpiece in the English choral tradition.

An important record of lesser known choral works . . ........2000-08-08

. . . but I wish they'd used a large choral force.

My primary interest in this CD was the recording of the relatively recently re-discovered (1984) major choral work "The Cloud Messenger." From Holst's "India" period, this is a stunningly beautiful "painting" of the Khalidasa 6th Century A.D. lyric poem, "Meghaduta" ("Cloud Messenger"), the lament of an exiled yaksa who is pining for his beloved on a lonely mountain peak. When, at the beginning of the monsoon, a cloud perches on the peak, he asks it to deliver a message to his love in the Himalayan city of Alaka. Most of the poem consists of a description of the landmarks, cities, and terrain on the cloud's route to Alaka, interspersed with admonishments to the cloud to "Tarry not!" It is only at the end that we are finally aware of the message itself -- one intended to comfort the yaksa's wife in her loneliness.

I had the privilege of singing the U.S. premiere of this work in 1996 with Masterworks Chorale in San Mateo, CA, a chorus of about 150 auditioned singers. This work needs such a large choral force, and a conductor who can deal with the inherent drama in the text. We had both, and the performance was a stunning success. (It was the final work on a program that opened with Debussy's "La damoiselle Elue" for women's voices and mezzo-soprano and soprano soloists; and Brahms' "Alto Rhapsody" for men's voices and mezzo-soprano soloist. "The Cloud Messenger" also includes a mezzo-soprano soloist.)

My biggest complaint with this recording is the dynamics. The entire work seems to be performed at about mf+, occasionally venturing into f and mp. Unfortunately, this doesn't do justice to the drama. The opening, for example, needs to grow from the first ppp gentle raindrops, building as the cloud builds in strength, to a glorious ff choral introduction of the main character, the cloud: "O Thou, who com'st from heaven's king! scion of a noble race! who wearest wondrous forms at will!"

There are parts of this work that beg for a lush warm sound; what we hear on this recording is the British "boy choir" sound in the treble range, while the men have a warmer (albeit somewhat watered down) tone. This is a highly sensuous work, full of luscious ripe sensual imagery: "Where e'er thou goest, lonely wives, who pine in solitude with close-bound hair, will arise and go along the road. Thou bringest home their absent husbands, who will loosen their tresses and fill their hearts with joy!" The "flat" sound of pre-pubescent boys just doesn't do this music, or mature text, justice.

That said, however, this is an important recording of a little-known work. You'll get the feeling of the piece, a sense of the promise. Let's hope that a large chorus paired with a sensitive conductor will have an opportunity at another recording of this in the not-too-distant future (Atlanta? Chicago?).

Contrast this with "The Hymn of Jesus" -- Hickox fares much better with this material, playing up the dance rhythms (Holst knew what he was doing -- at the climax of the piece, the words are: "Ye who dance not, know not what we are knowing.") It really is a first-rate performance of this work.

Other works deserving special mention are "Dirge for Two Veterans," in which one can hear hints of "Mars" from "The Planets"; "Ode to Death," a setting of Walt Whitman's "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd," which contains allusions to "Saturn." The Four Partsongs on the second disk are among Holst's earliest works, written in 1894, when he was barely 20 yrs old and in his second year at the Royal College of Music; and the Choral Fantasia is among his later choral works, written in 1931.

Tracks:

Capriol Ste: I. Basse-Danse - English Sinf/Neville Dilkes
Capriol Ste: II. Pavane - English Sinf/Neville Dilkes
Capriol Ste: III. Tordion - English Sinf/Neville Dilkes
Capriol Ste: IV. Bransles - English Sinf/Neville Dilkes
Capriol Ste: V. Pieds-En-L'air - English Sinf/Neville Dilkes
Capriol Ste: VI. Mattachins (Sword Dance) - English Sinf/Neville Dilkes
Ser (To Frederick Delius On His 60th Birthday) - Bournemouth Sinfonietta/Norman Del Mar
The Curlew: O Curlew, Cry No More - Ian Partridge/Music Group Of London
The Curlew: Pale Brows, Still Hands - Ian Partridge/Music Group Of London
The Curlew: I Cried When The Moon - Ian Partridge/Music Group Of London
The Curlew: I Wander By The Edge - Ian Partridge/Music Group Of London
Bethlehem Down - Chor Of Guildford Cathedral/Barry Rose
Adam Lay Ybounden - Robert Hammersley/Gavin Williams
I Saw A Fair Maiden - Chor Of Westminster Abbey/Douglas Guest
Balulalow - Dame Janet Baker/Phillip Ledger
Where Riches Is Everlastingly - Chor Of King's College,Cambridge/Sir David Willcocks/Andrew Davis
The Shrouding Of The Duchess Of Malfi - Baccholian Singers Of London/Jennifer Partridge
The Lady's Birthday - Baccholian Singers Of London/Jennifer Partridge
Pretty Ring Time - Dame Janet Baker/Gerald Moore
Autumn Twilight - Frederick Harvey/Gerald Moore
Captain Stratton's Fancy - Robert Lloyd/Nina Walker
Yarmouth Fair - Owen Brannigan/Ernest Lush

Customer Reviews:

An excellent Warlock compilation!.......2003-04-19

Yes, it has the Capriol Suite, so don't worry. However, if your only exposure to Warlock is the Capriol Suite, you will be pleasantly suprised. Warlock's biggest contribution to English music was through the media of carols and songs, and there are some excellent selections here, culled from a variety of sources and recorded between 1961 and 1981.

Ian Partdidge's "The Curlew" is as good a performance as you will find of this song cycle. Also among my favorites are "Bethlehem Down," an utterly haunting & touching Christmas carol; a wonderful arrangement of the song "The Lady's Birthday;" also another carol, "Where riches is everlastingly."

Everything on this album is simply excellent. If you are already a Warlock devotee, you will be very happy with this; if you are just getting introduced to Warlock, you could not have picked a better CD!

The best Warlock disc you can purchase.......2001-12-18

Heseltine (Warlock, as you probably know, was a pen-name and alter-ego) didn't write a great deal of music, and most of it is largely-forgotten pot-boiler choral work. However, he did produce a handful of masterpieces despite a life of impressive libertinage, and these works more than justify his ascension into the elect of composers. This disc offers excellent performances of all the major Warlock repetoire- you couldn't ask for a better Curlew or sprightlier Capriol Suite, and the choral pieces and art songs are memorably executed. There's not a bad track in the lot, in other words, and this is an excellent place to start looking at quite a good underrated composer from a country of quite good underrated composers.

A Wonderful Recording of The Curlew.......2001-03-16

When I purchased this CD I was only familiar with Warlock's hauntingly beautiful, work, The Curlew, and looked forward to more of the same. Unfortunatly, though the rest of the music on this CD is most enjoyable, the mood is much lighter. There are no other selections that stir the soul and convey the depths of sorrow as intensely as The Curlew suite. Still, this a wonderful recording of The Curlew, and I would recommend without reservation.

Music Album:

Music Album