On the Mark

1. Hot Tamale

2. Get Set, Go

3. Pacific Expectations

4. March of the Pharoahs

5. When We Talk

6. Bowtie

7. We're Surrounded

8. Miniatures

9. Changing of the Guard

10. Intro: Ol' Blue

11. Ol' Blue

On the Mark,Mark O'Connor,Warner Bros / Wea,Bluegrass,Country,Country & Western,Progressive Bluegrass

Average customer rating: Theme to movie "Ordinary People" great melody Canon in D is Great! Good thing x 8 My very favorite music CD ever

Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: Canon in D Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | 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 Similar Items: Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: The Ultimate Canon The Elegance of Pachelbel The Pachelbel Canon with Ocean Sounds The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits ASIN: B000003F39 Release Date: 1991-02-15

Tracks:

1. Canon in D - Rudolf Baumgartner
2. The Pachelbel Canon - Glenn Spreen
3. The Pachelbel Canon - The Canadian Brass
4. Quartet No. 6: Rochburg: Variations (On The Pachelbel Canon In D) - Concord String Quartet
5. How, Where, When? (Canon in D) - John Dankworth
6. Earth Angel - The Hampton String Quartet
7. Canon of the Three Stars (The Pachelbel Canon) - Plasma Symphony Orchestra
8. Canon in D - Ettore Stratta

Customer Reviews:

Theme to movie "Ordinary People".......2007-07-07

I have beeen searching for this music and this CD comes closest to my memories of the haunting theme to that movie

great melody.......2007-07-05

I thought that I would get tired of hearing the same song over and over but this cd keeps me listrning it over and over.

Canon in D is Great! .......2007-05-26

We have truely enjoyed Pachelbel's Greatest Hit. Although often associated with weddings this is wonderful to hear anytime. I would highly recommend this CD.

Good thing x 8.......2006-10-28

If you'd told me that I could listen to eight consecutive versions of the same music, I would have been maybe just a tad skeptical. Yet, I just did exactly that and I am now a believer. I gave it four stars because although I do like Cleo Laine, I feel that her vocal version here is sort of like, "which one doesn't belong?" from this set, Galway's excellent flute accompaniment notwithstanding. If you find the Canon in D compelling, then by all means consider this CD.

My very favorite music CD ever.......2006-05-02

My husband and I used to listen to this every night before sleep. After he passed away, it was years before I could listen to it without crying my eyes out. I know that the original has no lyrics, as one poster mentioned, but I absolutely love that one. "When will we ever touch again"... speaks to my very soul. I am here buying it again because I wore out the first copy. You can't go wrong with this CD...

Average customer rating: Second Album Shine On is a Charm by JET 70's revisited More Cowbell Solid as rock A little Beatles, a little Supergrass, a little Stones.

Shine On Jet Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sam's Town Get Born The Information Revelations Wolfmother ASIN: B000H30BCM Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

1. L'esprit D'escalier
2. Holiday
3. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
4. Bring It On Back
5. That's All Lies
6. Hey Kids
7. Kings Horses
8. Shine On
9. Come On Come On
10. Stand Up
11. Rip It Up
12. Skin And Bones
13. Shiny Magazine
14. Eleanor
15. All You Have To Do

Amazon.com

On their second full-length recording, Australian retro-rockers Jet show they've got more tricks up their sleeve (they can, like, write songs and stuff!)--not to mention a bigger and better record collection--than most of their garage rock peers. Shine On displays swaggering but intelligent boogie rock à la Humble Pie, an ability to tear the roof off like their countrymen AC/DC, and Americana-thieving swagger rock that brings to mind the Rolling Stones. They do this rather unpretentiously; they are not pretending that anything they're doing is revolutionary or "new" in the slightest. The song titles themselves all have a ring of deja vu to them: "Bring It on Back," "Shine On, "Rip It Up," "Stand Up." Heard it all before? You bet. The thing is, every once in a while a rock band plugs into the Platonic ideal of rock & roll and actually gets it all totally right. Jet does this, and it makes them sound almost as original and exciting as the people they're stealing from. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Shine On not only fills a void for hungry rock fans but sets the bar for what today's rock bands can aspire to be. Jet flawlessly brings together classic rock influences with a modern rock edge.

Customer Reviews:

Second Album Shine On is a Charm by JET.......2007-07-17

This album is a great second album, really surpassing their first album, Get Born, in consistency. Yes, it is retro, it is fashionable, it is likeable and really, quite lovable. This album ROCKS and will quickly become a timeless classic album of rock ages. You can feel all the influences of the Beatles, Stones, and all those great bands from the 60's-70's. And yet, quite current and refreshing from this young Aussie Band. An album you will not tire of listening to. Really.

70's revisited.......2007-06-20

Jet remains the most successful 70's revivalist bands (Wolfmother is another up-and-comer) with bluesy guitars playing over huge, bombastic drums.

I didn't find this as immediately enjoyable as the debut, but it's not bad.

More Cowbell.......2007-04-23

Power chords, a backbeat so strong white boys can dance.
All that is missing is the cowbell.

Solid as rock.......2007-04-06

If you liked Get Born, its near impossible not to like Shine On. Jet doesn't take to many risks on this cd and keeps if safe, sticking to their retro rock style. This album is a little softer than their debut, and the soft ones shine bright, Shine On and Kings Horses are brilliant. Overall Shine On is pretty solid, but it feels as though it's missing something, some sort of progression or evolution maybe? But then again it just wouldn't be Jet.
Key tracks: Stand Up, Rip It Up, Holiday, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Kings Horses, Come On Come On, and Shine On

A little Beatles, a little Supergrass, a little Stones........2007-03-24

What a great album from a some first-rate songwriters. My son turned me on to this group and I've got them going round and round and round in my car, my computer, the home stereo, the iPod.

Average customer rating: It's Dreamy My Favorite Composer of all time An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!! It's simply lovely

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason Thomas Hampson , Jay Ungar , Molly Mason , Garrison Keillor , David Alpher , Mark Rust , Michael Parloff , Peter Ecklund , John Kirk , Arnold Kinsella , and Stephen Foster Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | 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 Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Song of Home Song of America Harvest Home Civil War Classics Stephen Foster Song Book ASIN: B000002SK7 Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

1. Opening Solo Violin
2. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
3. Hard Times Come Again No More
4. The Voice Of Bygone Days
5. Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
6. Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
7. Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
8. That's What's The Matter
9. Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
10. Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
11. Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
12. Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
13. Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
14. My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
15. Gentle Annie (1856)
16. Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
17. Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Average customer rating: Groovy Classics Remixed Exciting! Remixed not recommended for "re-listening". Good remixes

Remixed Bond (string quartet) , Grant / Bond Crichton Stuart / Black , Trevor / Bond Crichton Stuart / Gray , Michelle de / Vries, Marius de Crichton Stuart / Vries , Magnus Fiennes , Tonci Huljic , Gil Nevo Yoad / Brown , Orion , Pussy Galore , Mark Wright Andy / Jolley , Brian Gascoigne , Julian Kershaw , Z. Vracevic , Millennia Strings , Clem Clempson , Estaban Antonio , London Session Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Kuljit Balma , Luis Jardim , Phil Todd , Craig Pruess , Gareth Cousins , Anita Kelsey , and Shashi Pandit Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Classified Explosive: The Best of Bond Shine Born Bond - Live at the Royal Albert Hall ASIN: B0000C3ICL Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

1. Viva - Orion Mix
2. Victory - Sharp Boys Wild Strings Edit
3. Wintersun - Bobby D'Ambrosio Mix
4. Speed - Crash Club Mix - Radio Edit
5. Fuego - Caliente Mix
6. Homecoming
7. Atlanta
8. Shine - Dubshakra Mix
9. Time
10. Duel - Hectic Mix
11. Bond On Bond - Hectic Mix
12. Jingle Bell Rock - Pussy Galore Mix

Customer Reviews:

Groovy Classics.......2007-01-09

A great way to introduce the classics to the person who is too hip to listen to Mozart!

Remixed.......2006-06-01

Hmmmm....what can I say? Remixed is the 3rd album Bond has released, consisting of remixes of old favorites and several new tracks. For those of you who don't know, Bond is a rock string Quartet made up by 4 young women. Similar in style old Vanessa Mae.

The Album starts with an exciting opening, of Viva! (Orion Mix). This is made up from a remake of Antonio Vivaldi's Allegro from Winter (The Four Seasons). Its an enjoyable piece, very simple, but the drums and the occasional shouting of "VIVA!" makes it a great song.

The second track is a remix of one of Bond's more famous piece. Victory was a huge success, but the remix wasn't so in my opinion. The 'Sharp Boys Wild Strings Edit' was a strange one. It didn't contain much of the original. After a tedious drum beat and strange sounds for about 1 minute and 10 seconds, a short clip of strings come on the original melody. For the next minute more drums, then more repeating of the melody heard in the middle.

Third track was a remix of Wintersun. Wintersun (Bobby D'Ambrosio Mix) was basically the same, but a bit more of a disco style.

Again, with Speed (Crash Club Mix). Sam thing, but a lot more of the disco sounds. I actually found myself enjoying it more than the original! It really sounds like some one is...driving a car or something.

Fuego's remix (Caliete Mix) I also enjoyed more than the original. It has a longer introduction, and more music to back up the strings. It also has a very fast sita (sp?) solo in the middle, making it sound very Spanish!

Homecoming, Atlanta and Time are new tracks. Not my most favorites, but they are very calm, remind me of Asia. Except for Time which sort of gives you the feeling that all the clocks are moving at the same time. Bond also uses Clock sounds in the middle for effect.

Shine (Dubsharka Mix) is by FAR the best song on the album. Its a fantastic dance track, with a fantastic solo and playing in the song. Its a Bollywood styled song, making you think of India. I was a little disappointed however, since this song was released on their earlier album (Shine, 2002). Although I love it, they should have put the Indian Summer Mix on instead, which cant be found anywhere except on Atlanta/Time

Duel and Bond on Bond (Both 'Hectic Mixes') I just couldn't stand. They were absolutely ridiculous. Just having the tracks played twice as fast. If I wanted to do that, I could have gone into Media player and pressed Fast Forward x2.

The Last song is Jingle Bell Rock (Pussy Galore Mix). Its an interesting one, just jazzing up the original Jingle Bell Rock.

Overall, this album is great for something like a party, for its mainly disco music. Not the best Bond Album, but very good anyway.

However, If you are a big bond fan, I would suggest you get the Import (Includes 2 videos of Victory and Fuego) or the Japanese Edition (Includes and Extra mix of Viva!, original Jingle Bell Rock, Duel Indonesian Mix and Innocent)

Hope you enjoy this CD!

Exciting!.......2004-09-07

I got Bond's debut album a couple years ago.  Although not as exciting as Vanessa-Mae's album "Storm," it was better than Vanessa-Mae's debut crossover album "The Violin Player" and approximately equal to her third album, "Subject To Change."  The Bond debut had a lot of energy, but to me it was begging for a little stronger beat.

So when I found a Bond remix album late last summer, I grabbed it!  How cool can that be--a Bond remix album!  Whoo-hoo!!!

When I got it home and listened to it, I was a bit disappointed because it wasn't quite remixed enough.  I wanted the mixes to be hotter, and the bass and drums more pronounced.  But under-remixed is far preferable to over-remixed, which is a problem with Vanessa-Mae's song "Storm."  This is my favorite Vanessa-Mae song; the four-minute album length is not nearly long enough for me, so when I learned there was an 8-minute remix, I just had to have it!  I had to buy this Vanessa Mae CD single from a store in England (via Amazon's used CD vendors) since I could not find it stateside.  And I was very disappointed:  The remixer had so vastly remixed it that not only did it lose all its energy, it wasn't even recognizable!  So between over-remixing and under-remixing, I prefer under-remixing, thus I am happy enough with the remixes on this Bond album.  But they could have done better, I think.

Although I was a little disappointed that the mixes not being spruced up quite enough,  it does not mean I do not like this album.  Au contraire! I love this album! It is an album full of energy, life, vitality! It is an album that I nearly always play very LOUD! It as an album that I play when I'm wound up, feelin' good!!! Nearly every song is fast, and the beat never stops!

The album opens with "Viva!", a song that is also found on their DVD, which I bought around the same time I got this album. What a perfect song to start this album with! A sample of a group of females shouting 'VIVA!" plays from time to time throughout, adding to the energetic playing of the strings. On the DVD, this song is backed with video footage from their concert at the Royal Albert Hall in England; in the video, when the shouts "VIVA!" are heard, fireworks shoot out from the balconies and the stage at the theater--so exciting!

The next song is the remix of their first radio hit, "Victory," which starts out with a hot Latin beat and Spanish guitars. "Victory" and another track, "Fuego," feature frenetic string playing. The best song on the CD for dancing--and my second favorite song on the album--is "Duel." This has a driving bass line and percussion beat, an upfront electronic synthesizer riff, and a beautiful ethereal female nonverbal vocal accoutrement, with tubular bells even added toward the end. Spine-tingling! Wonderful!

Although "Duel" and my favorite song "Viva!" rule supreme in the degree of spine-tingling awesomeness, they're not the only ones to bring such a pleasurable reaction to me. "Wintersun" is played with deep heartfelt emotion; "Atlanta" also is full of emotion. I like "Speed" and "Time" because of their European technopop sound, especially "Time," which has a nice melodic, minor key electronic keyboard riff. "Shine" has a bit of a Spanish or Italian flair, another of many romantic flavors of this album.

There are only two songs on the album that I don't care for. One I absolutely don't like is "Jingle Bell Rock," but that's because I hate the song, not because I don't like their version of the song. If I am forced to listen to that song, I would likely choose their version. The other one I like okay, but it doesn't do for me what the rest of the songs on the album do: "Bond on Bond." This is a track of them doing the James Bond theme. A cool idea, and it works, but again, doesn't float my boat. Fortunately, these two songs are at the end of the album, so I can just end the album at the third to the last song, which is also my second favorite song, "Duel"!

Most of the DVD's music comes from their first album, while this remix CD has the best of their first two albums. I now have their third studio album, "Classified," which I like better than their first album (I don't have their second), but no surprise to me, this remix album of theirs is clearly my favorite. "Storm" by Vanessa Mae is my favorite secular album of all time, all genres combined, so naturally in the genre of classical crossover it is my favorite. Bond's "Remix" is my second favorite classical crossover album. It reaches down and touches the heartstrings of my musical soul and stirs them up to make a fabulous and emotional listening experience for me!

Remixed not recommended for "re-listening"........2004-07-27

Bond has impressed critics with their somewhat controversial performances of classical-crossovers. From using trance beats to the sounds of African drums... there is no limit to how much and what they can do to enhance classical music that they play.

With Bond Remixed however; it is quite a drag to put it simply. The album is a total re-mix album, so think of it as a compilation of single re-mixes put together. But also, there are three original tracks by Bond: Homecoming, Atlanta, and Time. All three of these tracks rely a lot on synth sounds and trance beats. Which get boring after listening to all these re-mixes, but keeping in mind that it is a RE-MIX album after all... so although the originality of Bond's previous albums: Born and Shine are not there, it is because they are re-mixed.

One of my personal favorite tracks is Viva [Orion Mix], which for those who have the Bond Live at Royal Albert Hall DVD all should know (For those who do not know, it is an extra video on the DVD, a live performance of Viva). Though I would have to say it takes repetition of classical music to its red line. Another great track to listen to is Jingle Bell Rock [Pussy Galore Mix]. Great example of good trance, combined with classical sounds. Bobby D'Ambrosio's mix of Winter, originally named Wintersun, is interesting enough by creating a new intro into the song. The rest of the song is shorter with a different beat.

The rest of the tracks seemed to use the original songs, but just add a different beat, more bass, and more synth. It puts the name of "re-mix" to a shame. Besides Speed [Crash Club Mix] which adds more excitement to the song as it is called Speed, the listener is better off listening to the originals. The prime example of horrible remixing is Duel [Hectic Mix] and Bond on Bond [Hectic Mix] (It's funny how both of these songs were badly mixed by the same person). In Duel, Hectic makes the song more faster-paced and adds a synth sound to the beat, which has a deeper bass. The song relatively stays the same. As goes the same for the Bond on Bond mix, where there is only a different, harder dance beat added to the original song. Also, Shine [Dubshakra Mix], doesn't even sound different. After listening carefully, you will notice the very subtle addition of more tambourines. But it sounds exactly the same; I listened back and forth from the "mix" to the original on the "Shine" album, and could not really tell.

If you want re-mixed Bond songs, this is terrible album to try to find some. Re-mixes are supposed to be a variation of the original song, almost as if the mix was a whole new song. But these "re-mixes" are sad to listen to. I am ashamed for whoever compiled this horrible playlist of tracks. Also, the original tracks by Bond are not what Bond is noted for, as if they were rushed to do these tracks.

A lot of artists do a "filler" album. Bond may have used a re-mix album to give themselves a year off, either for time off recording, or to make more time to record their 4th album, "Classified". Most likely it was to give the girls some well-deserved time off after releasing "Born" and "Shine".

Any fan of Bond will most likely find this album oddly dissatisfying, leaving a caustic taste in the mouth, and a penetrating headache. I would not recommend this album, unless you are a die-hard fan. But please, if you are a first-time listener to Bond, listen to "Born" or "Shine".

*There is two videos that can be played on your computer however; a video of Fuego and Victory, are fun to watch. But they are from their other albums, Victory from "Born" and Fuego from "Shine".

Good remixes.......2004-06-19

I generally stay away from remix albums simply because it's tough to improve on an original. However, I'm a huge fan of techno music and these remixes are heavier fixed with the sound of the dancefloor than the original tracks are. As you can tell by some of the reviews, some people love this, and some hate it. I think the ones that hated this CD are not fans of modern dance music and miss the whole point of dance CDs to begin with, so you can't judge anything by what they say.
This is a great dance CD, period. For the more consertive use of dance beats, see any of Bonds other releases, but this one is definately for the club fans out there. Another killer dance CD I want to suggest is Mr.Deviant's "Techno Obsession" which mixes power rock with killer dance beats to create some very original dance music. Both CDs are great!

Average customer rating: "Lord, How Come Me Here" WOW! uhm......yeah right!! scadalise my name Broadway takes on the spiritual ...

Spirituals in Concert Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company So Many Stars ASIN: B000001GDC Release Date: 1991-03-08

Tracks:

1. In That Great Getting Up Morning
2. Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass
3. Over My Head/ Lil' David
4. Oh, What A Beautiful City
5. Lord, How Come Me Here
6. I Believe I'll Go Back Home-Lordy, Won't You Help Me
7. Ride On, King Jesus
8. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot-Ride Up In The Chariot
9. You Can Tell The World
10. Scandalize My Name
11. Great Day
12. Oh, Glory
13. Calvary-They Crucified My Lord
14. Talk About A Child
15. Gospel Train
16. My God Is So High
17. There Is A Balm In Gilead
18. He's Got The Whole World In His Hand

Customer Reviews:

"Lord, How Come Me Here".......2007-06-18

I must add, to the praises above, that Kathleen Battle's "Lord, How Come Me Here" is the best "quick" explanation of the long-lasting effects of slavery that I can think of. The line, "They sold my children away," says it all.

And the VERY funny "Scandelize My Name" is also worth the price of the total album!

Alinde O'Malley

WOW!.......2007-03-22

You know, after owning both the CD and VHS of this performance, and having been coached by Sylvia Olden Lee herself, it is no wonder why spiritual mean so much to me. And these two ladies bare their souls and bring these masterpieces to life! WOW!!!

uhm......yeah right!!.......2006-06-21

Clearly you are mistaken. I don't know who that guy is-the person below recommended-but there is NO COMPARISON to JESSYE NORMAN AND KATHLEEN BATTLE!!!! Jessye Norman herself has *30* HONARY DOCTRATES from places like Harvard, Juliard, Yale, Cambridge....I mean HELLO!!!! That guy had no where near the ease, the musicality or even the breath support as these two veterans show!! It is a beautiful CD though it came out in 1991 and I HIGHLY recommend it.

scadalise my name.......2004-10-29

this isn't that good specially after hearing William Warfeild sing it. You can find him at www.wlym.com

Broadway takes on the spiritual ..........2004-01-29

... takes it on and puts it on the canvas by the end of the first round.

I'm going to be the dissenting voice here: thank goodness I signed this disk out of the public library 'cause I'm sure not going to listen to it twice.

There is nothing wrong with the performances. Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle sing beautifully, and there's no problem with the pick-up orchestra under James Levine.

The problem, and it's huge, is the conception of the show and the musical arrangements. To make the video marketable, I suppose, the producers decided that the concert had to be big: big names, big arrangements, big effects. So we have eighteen spirituals given the musical theatre treatment, with a philharmonic chorus providing chain-gang sound effects, big brass, and big percussion -- including a chinese gong. A chinese gong in a spiritual??? Spare me! Almost every track turns out sounding like either a curtain-raiser or a big, end-of-act production number with cute and predictable modulations between some of the stanzas and the sort of curly-cue orchestral ornamentation typical of Broadway shows.

And you know what? It all kills the spirituals stone dead. The spiritual is one of those musical forms where less is more and very little is best of all. That's how they started, after all. That's how and why they worked for their original audiences, and that's why they were powerful enough to make the transition from folk song to art song. If you want to hear Battle sing spirituals that are irresistible, listen to the set on her Salzburg recital CD, also with Levine (ASIN B00000E31B). There, the music speaks for itself and speaks with a strength and a beauty that the tracks on this disk never approach.

Average customer rating: The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan Pure delight Delicious G&S samplings abound here. Fine Intro to G&S

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Allen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | 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: The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan The Gilbert and Sullivan Overtures ASIN: B000003D1Y Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. A Wandering Minstrel I
2. Behold The Lord High Executioner!
3. Three Little Maids From School Are We
4. Braid The Raven Hair
5. The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
6. On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
7. For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
8. We Sail The Ocean Blue
9. I'm Called Little Buttercup
10. My Gallant Crew
11. When I Was A Lad
12. Things Are Seldom What They Seem
13. Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
14. Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
15. Poor Wand'ring One
16. How Beautifully Blue The Sky
17. I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
18. When The Foeman Bares His Steel
19. Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
20. With Cat-Like Tread
21. Is Life A Boon?
22. I Have A Song To Sing, O!
23. Were I Thy Bride
24. Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
25. When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
26. When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
27. A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
28. Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.

Average customer rating: Absolutely Pure & Beautiful Symphonic Rock pleasant easy listening Excellent CD luke

Symphonic Rock Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Music of ABBA, Beatles & Queen Kashmir: The Symphonic Led Zeppelin Us and Them: Symphonic Pink Floyd Riders on the Storm: The Doors Concerto The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays the Hits of Pink Floyd ASIN: B0002T7ZM0 Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. Come Away With Me (originally by Norah Jones)
2. Yellow (originally by Coldplay)
3. Here With Me (originally by Dido)
4. Millennium (originally by Robbie Williams)
5. Hero (originally by Enrique Iglesius)
6. What Can I Do (originally by The Corrs)
7. Flying Without Wings (originally by Westlife)
8. Everybody Hurts (originally by REM)
9. Every Breath You Take (originally by The Police)
10. Let It Be (originally by The Beatles)
11. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (originally by Procol Harum)
12. Nights In White Satin (originally by The Moody Blues)
13. Candle In The Wind (originally by Elton John)
14. Imagine (originally by John Lennon)

Tracks:

1. Beautiful Day (originally by U2)
2. Champagne Supernova (originally by Oasis)
3. Handbags & Gladrags (originally by Stereophonics)
4. Why Does It Always Rain On Me (originally by Travis)
5. Livin' On A Prayer (originally by Bon Jovi)
6. Layla (originally by Derek & The Dominos)
7. Stairway To Heaven (originally by Led Zeppelin)
8. Bat Out Of Hell (originally by Meat Loaf)
9. Run To You (originally by Bryan Adams)
10. China In Your Hand (originally by T'Pau)
11. Torn (originally by Natalie Imbruglia)
12. Bittersweet Symphony (originally by The Verve)
13. Good Vibrations (originally by The Beach Boys)
14. Bohemian Rhapsody (originally by Queen)

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Pure & Beautiful.......2005-10-31

If you buy no other classical music, buy this collection. CD 1 (Relax) is perfect for dinner, quiet entertaining or just soft music while you're working. From "Come Away With Me", to "Whiter Shade of Pale" to "Knights in White Satin"... each piece is it's own movement - and moved you will be... Perfect for a romantic evening. CD2 is more robust, but equally entertaining. "Layla", "Livin On A Prayer", Stairway to Heaven", "Run to You" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" - you owe it to yourself to hear these licks performed by the RPO.

Symphonic Rock.......2005-07-25

It really isn't rock, but it is a very pleasant presentation of popular music, rendered in creative ways by a full symphony orchestra. It sounds like the orchestra had a great time making these CD's.

pleasant easy listening.......2005-07-19

It's not extremely interesting music, but nice background, relaxing and pleasant with full orchestra. Not a bad buy at all!

Excellent CD.......2005-03-20

I received this as a present and at first I wasn't sure if I would like it because I don't like some of the original songs, but there's something about hearing the orchestra play that makes me like all of them. Just try it out.

luke.......2004-12-12

well, if you like elevator music then you should get this cd. if not then dont waste your time, its lame. big time lame. just listen to the audio samples im so glad i didn't waste my money on this piece of crap.

Average customer rating: There's a giant in the room great for dinner parties A cross-over hit that refuses to compromise itself! a truly great recording

4 + Four Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Milhaud | Milhaud, Darius | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Art of the Groove Turtle Island String Quartet: A Windham Hill Retrospective A Night in Tunisia, A Week in Detroit Danzón Love Supreme: The Legacy of John Coltrane ASIN: B00076QG5A Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

1. Yearnin'
2. Julie-O
3. I. Sri-Jo
4. II. Doughboy
5. III. Snakes And Ladders
6. La Creation Du Monde
7. Variations On An Unoriginal Theme
8. Because

Amazon.com

If you're looking to label this music as one sort or another--classical, jazz, bluegrass--you're bound to get into trouble. The two Quartets at work here--the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Ying Quartet--are innovators, blending absolutely classical training with a love of experimentation, improvisation, and an ear for unusual textures. The CD begins with a cool, swinging, true jazz classic ("Yearnin'") for the full octet and ends with a version of John Lennon's "Because" which captures the piece's melancholy in just the right manner. Along the way, an original work by the Turtle Island cellist, "Julie-O," discovers the darker and more virtuosic reaches of the pair of cellos. Darius Milhaud's "La Creation du Monde," a 1923 piece that explored the combination of European classical music and jazz, gets a new arrangement, and another original piece, "Variations on an Unoriginal Theme," pits one quartet against the other in a friendly competition that touches on R&B and Samba. This is a unique CD--entertaining and original. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

There's a giant in the room.......2006-03-03

This is a just a great album to listen to. Weird and wonderful music, executed with joy and precision. There's a lot of power in this music, but it's delivered with such frivolous confidence that you barely notice there's a giant in the room. And as an added bonus, the album is sonically extremely pleasing. This recording has fantastic presence and ambience. A definite buy.

great for dinner parties .......2006-02-22

A great album - similar to the modern music composed by the Kronos Quartet, but more jazzy and upbeat. Every piece on this album is different and interesting- yet closer listening one can hear the themes that tie them all together. I've given this album to 5 people over the holidays - to both classical music lovers and those who never owned a string-quartet CD - and all have really enjoyed it.

A cross-over hit that refuses to compromise itself!.......2006-02-10

OK, I admit I bought this CD because they were nominated for a Grammy (which they just won). It has quickly become one of my favorite discs. It's amazing what these performers can do with their instruments. I really enjoy "Yearnin'," and although I'm always skeptical about Beatles arrangements, the lush harmonies of "Because" lend themselves well to a classical/jazz interpretation. Our family is a big fan of the Yings, and we hope to hear more from this wonderful quartet!

a truly great recording.......2005-07-23

as a founding member of this group, I want to say that this current lineup (with 2 of the original members) is one of the most versatile and powerful lineups for this band ever. And this recording is in many ways the best ever, technically and musically. Anyone who is interested in the TISQ, or string music of any kind, should buy this CD immediately!
-Darol Anger

Average customer rating: A Splendid Souvenir to Remember a Spectacular Performance! god moves in a peculiar way.........i am god...... Orpheus in the Underworld Excerpts Highlights or total Opera?

Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld / Burgess, Watson, etc (Highlights) Manufacturer: Jay Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Offenbach: Gaite Parisienne; Orpheus in the Underworld; Voyage to the Moon Offenbach - Orphée aux Enfers / Dessay, Naouri, Fouchécourt, Beuron, Podles, Petibon, Smith, Gens, Cole, Minkowski Gluck - Orphée & Eurydice (Berlioz version) / von Otter, Barbara Hendricks, Fournier, Gardiner Gluck: Orphée et Eurydice (Berlioz version) / Larmore, Upshaw, Hagley, Runnicles Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights) ASIN: B00001O2XK Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

1. Orpheus In The Underworld: Prelude
2. Orpheus In The Underworld: Hello, I'm Public Opinion
3. Orpheus In The Underworld: Eurydice Is All A-flutter!
4. Orpheus In The Underworld: So That's The Game
5. Orpheus In The Underworld: I Feel A Cool Intoxication
6. Orpheus In The Underworld: We, The Watchdog Of The People
7. Orpheus In The Underworld: Tzing, Tzing, Tzing, Tzing!
8. Orpheus In The Underworld: A Night On The Town
9. Orpheus In The Underworld: Remember What You Did To Leda
10. Orpheus In The Underworld: Look Out, Look Out, Move Over There!
11. Orpheus In The Underworld: He Is Coming, Oh, How Boring
12. Orpheus In The Underworld: Oh, Oh, Look At That Look He's Giving Me
13. Orpheus In The Underworld: Though I Was King Of All Beotia
14. Orpheus In The Underworld: We Can Tell She's In Hell
15. Orpheus In The Underworld: My Little Spies Uncover
16. Orpheus In The Underworld: There You Are, You Look So Neat
17. Orpheus In The Underworld: It's Strange, But A Touch Seemed To Wake...
18. Orpheus In The Underworld: Do Not Look Back Or All Will Be Lost
19. Orpheus In The Underworld: ...He Is The Only God
20. Orpheus In The Underworld: Infernal Gallop

Customer Reviews:

A Splendid Souvenir to Remember a Spectacular Performance!.......2003-10-30

Having been fortunate to have seen the English National Opera's production in 1988 of "Orpheus" with Wilson and Pountney's outrageously naughty English text, this highlight CD serves as an audio souvenir. Too bad the ENO didn't have the foresight to film the production-would have made a great DVD. The CD booklet does have a few photos of the sets designed by Gerald Scarfe (who also designed Pink Floyd's "The Wall" album artwork) so you get a taste, combined with the CD selections, of what the production was like.

god moves in a peculiar way.........i am god.............2002-01-17

Offenbach is great anyhow, but this recording is riotous. The translation into English is first-rate, really funny stuff, and the singing is pretty good, too. Very worthwhile.

Orpheus in the Underworld.......2000-03-17

The rewritten lyrics, in English, are some of the wittiest and wicked in operetta. Wilson and Pountney have recaptured the spirit of naughtiness, not a small accomplishment in our licentious times. Though delighted to have the highlights, I wished a CD set or video of the full production were available.

Excerpts.......1999-12-23

This is a collection of excerpts. It is in English and is quite good. The performance of the entire operetta has been discontinued and it is a pity.

Highlights or total Opera?.......1999-11-01

I would like to know if this is highlights from the opera or the total opera.

Average customer rating: Paganiniesque (is that a word?) Brilliance at work Arguably One of the Best Violin / Fiddle Recordings Ever The solo hero Midnight on the Water

Midnight on the Water Mark O'Connor Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by O'Connor | O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Heroes Thirty-Year Retrospective: Live Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor Double Violin Concerto O'Connor: Fanfare for the Volunteer / O'Connor, Mercurio, London SO ASIN: B0000062E2 Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

1. The Cricket Dance (Violin)
2. Caprice No. 1 in A Major: Caprice No. 1 In A Major (Violin)
3. Improvisation #1: Improvisation #1 (Violin)
4. Caprice No. 2 in G Minor: Caprice No. 2 In G Minor (Violin)
5. Follow The Scout (Mandolin)
6. Caprice No. 3 in A Major: Caprice No. 3 In A Major (Violin)
7. Improvisation #2: Improvisation #2 (Violin)
8. Caprice No. 4 in D Major: Caprice No. 4 In D Major (Violin)
9. Fancy Stops And Goes (Guitar)
10. Improvisation #3: Improvisation #3 (Violin)
11. Caprice No. 5 in F Major: Caprice No. 5 In F Major (Violin)
12. River Out Back (Mandocello)
13. Improvisation #4: Improvisation #4 (Violin)
14. Caprice No. 6 in G Major: Caprice No. 6 In G Major (Violin)
15. Flailing (Guitar)
16. The Star-Spangled Banner (Violin)
17. Midnight On The Water / Bonaparte's Retreat (Violin)
18. Amazing Grace

Customer Reviews:

Paganiniesque (is that a word?).......2003-10-21

O'Connor's virtuoso fiddling on this album is truly remarkable. I've followed his career for nearly twenty years now, and his playing was never better than what is presented here. The caprices are pure genius, combining classical styled arpeggios with rock/jazz/blues based riffs with a little fiddling thrown in for good measure. He even uses the bouncing bow technique (spicatto) in a similar fashion to Paganini's first caprice.

The improvised pieces further display O'Connor's musical brilliance and creativity. Improvisation #4 showcases his mastery of harmonics (no, it's not an electric violin you're hearing) and exagerrated vibrato (fiddlers might call it a shake). The liner notes say that this piece was recorded in one take in a moment of inspiration. Unbelievable!

The weakest cuts on this album in my opinion are the guitar and mandolin/mandocello pieces. When I first saw O'Connor he was playing guitar for the David Grisman Quintet on Austin City Limits. I was dazzled by his ability as a flatpicking virtuoso. It was only after I began collecting DGQ albums and reading up on the members that I discovered that he was known more for his world class fiddling than his picking. Later he came out with the False Dawn album where he composed and performed all of the pieces from a selection of over a dozen instruments. The picking on Midnight On The Water fails to live up to the first class playing he did in the 80s, however. (If you ever get a chance to hear the DGQ album Quintet '80 which is out of publication, or the live DGQ album with Stephane Grappelli you'll hear O'Connor at his best on a Somogyi acoustic guitar). It seems to me that as his focus on pushing the envelope for the violin has increased his focus on the plucked instruments has diminished. It's just as well, I suppose, since he reportedly has had to abandon the guitar and mandolin due to a case of bursitis. Still, the caprices alone are well worth the cost of this CD. We may very well not see the likes of this genius again in our lifetime.

Brilliance at work.......2003-01-26

Mark O'Connor has long proved himself to be one the greatest and most talented violinists out there, but this affirms that even more. He is an honest virtuoso - when I hear these recordings I am torn between giving up playing (I play the viola - mostly classical though) because I feel I will never have the technical capabilities he has, or running to unpack my instrument and start practicing. He is amazing, and has shown himself again and again as an extremely talented violinist, guitarist, and composer. If you like fiddle music in the least, or never experienced any, then I would definitely recommend this! It is amazing what he showcases on this album.

Arguably One of the Best Violin / Fiddle Recordings Ever.......2001-06-15

I've followed Mark O'Connor's career since his 1976 "A Texas Jam Session" LP and have watched him evolve into one of the best violinists / fiddlers in the business. This album, which represents the kinds of live one-man shows Mark has been performing for over a decade, is probably my favorite of everything he has ever recorded, and it has squarely established his reputation as a performer, improviser, and composer. Mark sounds better than ever, and these are some of his finest compositions, improvisations, and interpretations.

O'Connor's performance of his musically inventive caprices is absolutely hair-raising. His improvised tracks range from pyrotechnic displays to forays into the blues to ghostly explorations of violin timbres. Additionally there is some beautiful guitar playing on this album. Star-Spangled Banner is incredible; Amazing Grace is stirring, and the traditional Midnight on the Water paired with Bonaparte's Retreat makes for a satisfying high point of the album.

The album was nicely produced; the recording sounds as though Mark is standing right in the room with you- Sony Classical obviously put a lot of money into producing this one. The liners are extensive, informative, and even artistic (a Vanderbilt University poet has contributed a poem for each improvisation).

If you like any kind of violin music, fiddle music, or just sheerly virtuosic music, this album's for you. Even people who say they don't usually like fiddle music have fallen in love with this album.

Doc Wallace

The solo hero.......2000-02-29

Is there anything this man can't do?

After paying tribute to his various sources of inspiration on Heroes - by playing duets with them - O'Connor began a journey into "serious" music. As a composer and performer, Mark O'Connor disappointed me on those early outings, even while I admired and respected his courage to stray from his roots.

It all pays off here. For not only are the master (Paganini) and mentor (Benny Thomasson) here, but all the other heroes as well: Stephane Grappelli, Russ Barenboim, Sam Bush, Vasser Clements, Pinchas Zukerman, to name a few. They've all become Mark O'Connor.

This recording demonstrates maturity in every aspect of O'Connor's craft - as composer, as classical violinist, and as pure fireworks fiddle player. The tone that defines O'Connor (for me) is here, but it shines through the other styles he's absorbed.

The album's title piece is simply the finest O'Connor recorded performance - so far. It pays tribute to Benny Thomasson - a man who felt it was unnecessary to compose new pieces because there were so many undiscovered, unplayed variations on the old ones.

This one's good enough to make you forget to ask "What's next?"

Midnight on the Water.......2000-01-05

Listening to Mark O'Connor playing Midnight on the Water, I was certain I heard the Beloved. And, when it was over and I wasn't sure, I knew it to be so when Amazing Grace captured me. Mark O'Connor understandably speaks of Nicolo Paganini as his inspiration. I would suggest that Sir Paganini is dancing with the angels at this very moment listening to these *amazing O'Connor caprices.*

Music Album:

1. Please Help Me I'm Fal [Box set] [Import]
2. Pop from Holland, Vol. 1 [Import]
3. Pure Faith
4. Reba McEntire (Karaoke) Volume 3
5. Remembering the Beacon Brothers
6. Shine Your Light [Import]
7. Somebody Paints the Wall
8. Songs of the First Album [Live]
9. Tap Internal
10. Ten Years of Gold

Music Album