Irish Classics

Disc: 1

1. Star of the County Down - John McCormack

2. McNamara's Band - Bing Crosby

3. Green Hills of Ireland - Richard Crooks

4. Kerry Dance - Peter Dawson

5. Mountains O' Mourne - Jack Daly

6. How Are Things in Glocca Morra? - Dick Haymes

See all 19 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Drink in the Morning - Packie Dolan

2. Band of Ireland/Wind That Shakes the Barley

3. Bryan'ts Favourite/Birds in the Tree

4. Danny Boy - Sheridan

5. Erin's Green Shore - Packie Dolan

6. Farewell to Ireland

See all 18 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Molly Durkin - Murty Rabbett

2. Sean Bhean Bocht/The Dancer at the Fair

3. Banks of New Foundland

4. Blackhaired Lass/The Dublin - Michael Coleman, Packie Dolan

5. Bonny Girl's Lament - Delia Murphy

6. Chicago Reel - Edward Mullaney, Patrick Stack

See all 18 tracks on this disc

Irish Classics,Various Artists,Dynamic Triples,Celtic/Irish,Int'l & World Music,Irish,Pop

Average customer rating: Marvellous! The best violinist ever!

Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits Itzhak Perlman - Greatest Hits ~ "Carmen" Fantasy · Havanaise · Poème · and more Cinema Serenade Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster Cinema Serenade II: The Golden Age ASIN: B00004XST2 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Chanson Sans Paroles
2. Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
3. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
4. Chanson Russe
5. Liebesleid
6. Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
7. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
8. Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
9. Melodie
10. Serenade Espagnole
11. Serenade (Frasquita)
12. La Capricieuse, Op.17
13. Sicilienne
14. Molly On The Shore
15. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
16. Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
17. Melodie, Op.42 No.3
18. Estrellita
19. Spanish Dance No.5
20. Berceuse Sfaradite
21. Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.

Average customer rating: Top of the line The King's Singers in their element Pure Artistry Absolutely beautiful! Wonderful

Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers English Traditional , Scottish Traditional , Irish Traditional , Welsh Traditional , Sir Henry Rowley Bishop , Hugh Robertson , Manuel Barrueco , The King's Singers , and Nancy Hadden Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Watching the White Wheat: Folk Songs of the British Isles; King's Singers The King's Singers Original Debut Recording The Kings Singers - New Day All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers The King"s Singers: English Renaissance ASIN: B000002RTQ Release Date: 1993-11-16

Tracks:

1. Scarborough Fair
2. Skye Boat Song
3. What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?
4. Annie Laurie
5. Greensleeves
6. Danny Boy
7. The Lincolnshire Poacher
8. Loch Lomond
9. The Lass Of Richmond Hill
10. Sally Gardens
11. The Ash Grove
12. Aiken Drum
13. Golden Slumbers
14. Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through The Night)
15. Going To Towyn
16. Home Sweet Home
17. Eriskay Love Lilt
18. Mairi's Wedding

Customer Reviews:

Top of the line.......2003-06-17

This CD, along with Watching the White Wheat, is consistently a top seller on the group's US tours. Solid musicianship, great passion and emotion brought into the singing. There is some instrumental work done on this disc, but it doesn't overpower the singers.

To correct Mr. Beamer's statement in his review, the KS have indeed been doing pop and all genres of music since their founding in 1968. In fact, it was the inappropriateness of singing pop and light music with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, that led a small group to branch off and sing all genres of music, including pop, on their own time ... this leading to the founding of the King's Singers.

The King's Singers in their element.......2001-09-28

The King's Singers got started a few decades ago doing exclusively classical material, and most of that was pre-1700. Now, many years on, (and after several changes in the group's membership) they have long since branched out into pop and other genres.

This CD (along with another similar one, "Watching the White Wheat") really show off their UK roots, with English, Scottish, and Irish folksongs. The arrangements are mostly quite good, and all the performances are excellent. Deserving of special mention are: (on the slow, poignant side) "Annie Laurie", and "The Ash Grove". [Note: the arrangement of "Annie Laurie" heard here is different from, and I think inferior to, the arrangement they did on an old out-of-print LP called "Atlantic Bridge", where they did both Britsh and American folksongs -- that LP is Highly Recommended (if you can find it -- good luck!)]

Anyway, back to the review: on the up-tempo side, two very fun tunes are "Going to Towyn" and "Mairi's Wedding". For you singers out there, the score for the latter is available in a 3-part arrangement, and is rather easy to learn.

Pure Artistry.......2000-12-09

I bought this CD after seeing the King's Singers in concert. Everytime I listen to it, it takes me back to a magical evening, and a magical place- the British Isles. These songs are beautifully arranged and sung. I never get tired of listening to these timeless folk songs that have been weaved into the cultural fabric of America and others around the world.

Absolutely beautiful!.......2000-08-25

The cracked, maimed, and scuffed CD case that I am looking at right now is in itself testement to the addictive qualities of this recording. I have had this CD for almost a year and it has wandered the country with me (we just got back from No. Cal. ;) I listen to it almost every night before I go to sleep. The beautifully blended harmonies on this CD are gorgeous and I have fallen completly in love with the countertenor voices. All of the tacks are wonderful but my favorites are (#2)The Skye Boat Song (listen to this while reading Diana Gabaldon!) (#4) Annie Laurie (#6) Danny Boy and (#17) Eriskay Love Lilt. *Whew* that was hard, I can't pick my favorites easily. Buy this CD for it's gorgeous cover and fall in love with the music!

Wonderful.......2000-05-18

I love this CD, the arrangements for these folk songs are superb. The songs picked are fun and beatiful representatives of English Folk songs. One of my favorite CD's.

Average customer rating: So Much Talent, But So little Commercial Sucess! Suites for my lady I was surprised Wildflower is a GREAT Song... Just One Small Error

Wildflower: A Golden Classics Edition Skylark Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hard to Find 45s on CD, Volume 8: 70's Pop Classics 20th Century Masters - Millennium Collection: The Best of el Chicano Open Will You Be Staying After Sunday Up-Up And Away: The Definitive Collection ASIN: B00000092E Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

1. Brother Eddie
2. What Would I Do Without You
3. A Long Way To Go
4. Suites For My Lady
5. I'll Have To Go Away (Saying Goodbye Is Not Easy)
6. The Writing's On The Wall
7. Twenty Six Years
8. I'm In Love Again
9. Wildflower
10. Shall I Fail
11. If That's The Way You Want It
12. Virgin Green

Amazon.com

As a historical footnote, Skylark is notable for being the first recorded work of David Foster, who would go on to write and produce Grammy-winning hits for such artists as Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. But at the time of its 1972 release, Foster was simply the driving force behind this overlooked, soul-pop combo. Skylark managed just one U.S. hit, the gorgeous, melancholy title track of this collection, but songs like "Writing's on the Wall" and "Suites for My Lady" have the same sultry late-night vibe. Highly recommended for Foster completists, but also for fans of acts such as Hall & Oates or Chicago. --David Sprague

Customer Reviews:

So Much Talent, But So little Commercial Sucess!.......2007-02-06

When you look back at this album, little did we know in the spring of 1973, ( when "WILDFLOWER" was breaking into the BILLBOARD TOP 10), that this group had one of the most dominant musicians and record producers of the 1980's!!
David Foster went on to be an amazing studio musician and record producer. He produced records for CHICAGO, (He ressurected their career!) Barbara Streisand, Lionel Richie, and a number of other top acts of the 80's. David also was in a few other bands such as AIRPLAY (1980), and the Attitudes (1977). His credentials are legendary! It basically started with the group SKYLARK. However, the short-lived group out of Canada had several other fantastic artists aboard.

One of the lead singers, Donny Gerrard, had one of the greatest soulful voices of the 70's. Listening to him on their big hit "WILDFLOWER" can bring a tear to your eye. It's a shame that he didn't go on to great things. ( He did release a solo album around early 1976 on Greedy Records.) I also think he did a few TV and radio jingles.
Was that him on the MONRO Muffler Commercial back in the late 70'S? "Monro, Monro, we fix your car all under."

Yet another amazing voice in the band was B.J. Cook and later B.J.Cook Foster. (I'm assuming she and David were married for awhile.) B.J. had a voice that was so emotional and chilling at times. "I'll Have to Go Away" which was the follow up hit to "Wildflower" is probably in the TOP 10 most beautiful songs ever! I know that is just one person's opinion, but the musicianship and emotion that runs through this 5 minute ballad is off the charts!!! Unfortunately, this song never made the Billboard chart. I believe it was a BUBBLING Under hit in 1973. Maybe because the 45 version is so hacked up.

Finally, the drummer, Duris Maxwell is a much better than average trap-man. He puts down some nice fills in "What Would I Do Without You".
Overall, this is one of the best albums of the early 70's. So much talent and a unique mix of soul and pop.
The lead singer of the O'Jays said on their live album that the group sounded like a white group trying to sound black, or maybe a blackgroup trying to sound white. I think it was a stab at SKYLARK, but in the song "WIldflower", he made somewhat of a valid point. Unfortunately, SKYLARK only released one more album in 1974. The title is so original- "SKYLARK 2". The sound quality is muffled and they even throw on the hit "WILDFLOWER" as a draw or as to fill up space. The complete first album is on this Collectables CD, and they added "If That's the Way That You Want It" and "Virgin Green" from SKYLARK 2. "Virgin Green" was originally called "Foster Frees" on the record album. This song is an instrumental that really shows off that keyboard talents of David Foster.
On a final note, if you can ever find SKYLARK 2, buy it. It's never been released on CD but it has a lot of great songs. It's too bad Collectables didn't do a two-fer on this CD. With "Wildflower" being repeated on both records, there would have been plenty of room to combine both on one CD. "Skylark 2" has a really FAR-OUT cover which Collectables could have used instead of the generic one. Overall, I heavily recommend this CD.

Suites for my lady.......2006-12-26

I have owned multiple copies of this album since it first came out, and was always disappointed that a follow up album by this group was never released. Although wildflower is a wonderful song and was the song that got the most airplay when the LP was first released, it has always been the instrumental "Suites for my lady" and the vocal "I'll have to go away" that immediately follows it that have been my favorites. The combination of the two pieces is enough to bring a tear to the sternest of individual. The vocals are clean and clear, and at the same time haunting. I have been looking for a CD of this album for many years, as my old LPs have become scratchy from overuse over the years, and I am so happy to finally find it on Amazon.

I was surprised.......2006-12-15

at how good this CD sounded. It is easy to listen to........

Wildflower is a GREAT Song..........2006-03-17

Wildflower is reason alone to get this CD...the soul-rock groove and the melancholy lyrics are unforgettable. About the only other song I can think of off the top of my head that gets me like this is Into the Night, by Benny Mardones.

Just One Small Error.......2004-12-15

Amazon's "review" says this was released in 1972. If so, even the single hit tune took time to find its legs as I remember it clearly in spring of 1973, along with Wings' "My Love". 1973 was a good year for music overall and there was no better song among the really good singles that year than "Wildflower". You would think that there would have been more from this group to hit the U.S. charts but I can't find one. Even so you can bet I'll always have a good copy ot "Wildflower" on hand. And, hey, check out the rest of the tunes on this package. Not bad.

Average customer rating: LOVE THIS CD !!!

CBS Dinner Classics: Romance Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Delius, Frederick | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by MacDowell | MacDowell, Edward | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dinner Classics: The Italian Album Dinner Classics: The Sunday Brunch Album Dinner Classics: The French Album CBS Dinner Classics: Sunday Brunch, Vol. 2 CBS Dinner Classics: Cocktail Party ASIN: B0000027XF Release Date: 1992-04-07

Tracks:

1. Crisantemi
2. Carmen: Micaela's Aria
3. Serendae For Strings In E Major, Op.22: II - Tempo Di Valse
4. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: Traumerei: No.7
5. Two Elegiac Melodies, Op.34: II - The Last Spring
6. Hassan: Serenade
7. Fantasia On 'Greensleves'
8. Londonderry Air
9. Elegie
10. Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op.42: Melodie In E-Flat Major, No. 3
11. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
12. I Love You
13. Woodland Sketches, Op.51: To A Wild Rose, No. 1
14. Henry V: Touch Her Soft Lips And Part: No.2
15. Pavane For A Dead Princess
16. Prelude To Irmelin
17. Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op.43: Variation XVIII: Andante Cantabile

Customer Reviews:

LOVE THIS CD !!!.......2007-03-11

I was looking for a recording of Londonderry Air performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandandy. After listening to several sample clips on this CD, I ordered it. The entire CD is beautiful and relaxing. It's become one of my favorites.

Average customer rating: A.Barre Moving Great CD for Road Trips Scottish Tranquility Stress relief

Scottish Tranquility: Piano And Orchestral Classics Phil Coulter Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: American Tranquility Sea of Tranquility Highland Cathedral Serenity Country Serenity ASIN: B000000E21 Release Date: 1991-03-12

Tracks:

1. Annie Laurie
2. Flower Of Scotland
3. Rowan Tree
4. Ye Banks And Braes
5. Lochnagar
6. Eriskay Love Lilt/Westering Home
7. Will Ye No Come Back Again
8. Loch Lomond
9. Amazing Grace
10. The Skye Boat Song
11. Song For The Mira
12. Red Red Rose/Bonny Mary Of Argyll
13. I Belong To Glasgow
14. Dark Island
15. Auld Lang Syne
16. No Awa' Tae Bide Awa'/Scotland The Brave

Amazon.com

Not many composers have worked with Elvis Presley, Cliff Richards, The Dubliners, and Planxty. Such is the strange musical world of Phil Coulter, who has recorded a series of Tranquility records that emphasize lush orchestral arrangements of various national folk music from Ireland to America, and on this title, Scotland. "Lush" is the operative word here, as he spins classic Scots melodies like "Ye Banks and Braes" and "Auld Lang Syne" into Mantovani-like flourishes for piano and orchestra, punched up with a fuzzy but gentle electric guitar and drums to give it "punch." It's the apex of Celtic nostalgia, and you will love it or hate it based solely on your tolerance for lots of airy strings, rippling piano lines, and reverbed, mountainous flute sounds. Coulter has had a lot of gold and platinum recordings over the years, so there's plenty of fans for his Celtic lounge act. --Louis Gibson

Album Description

The biggest selling Irish artist ever takes on the music of the sister Celtic republic on one of his best selling albums ever. Performed with expert perfection on piano and with light orchestra, the music takes your mind on a mental tour of the Scottish homeland, emotional and haunting. Music Club. 2004.

Album Details

The Biggest Selling Irish Artist Ever Takes on the Music of the Sister Celtic Republic on One of his Best Selling Albums Ever. Performed with Expert Perfection on Piano and with Light Orchestra, the Music Takes Your Mind on a Mental Tour of the Scottish Homeland, Emotional and Haunting.

Customer Reviews:

A.Barre.......2007-01-12

I love this CD. It is both relaxing and inspirational. This is one of Coulter's finest.

Moving.......2006-02-10

I first heard this album while walking through a small shop in Sisters, Oregon, and was quite taken with Coulter's interpretation of these Scottish songs. When I want to relax, this is one of the first album's I think of.

Great CD for Road Trips.......2005-08-27

This is probably our favorite CD to play when we're on the road. Wonderful arrangements of many familiar Scottish ballads. Whenever we come to a town with a Scottish name, we love to crank up the volume on "Scotland the Brave"!

Scottish Tranquility.......2005-07-29

This is, by far, one of the best musical recordings I have ever heard. I intend to get some more of Phil Coulter's albums. To put it simply - He's GREAT!!!

Stress relief.......2003-06-22

Very relaxing. Love to listen and play my mandolin along with this music. Great music for stress relief.

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan like all but one track Heaven is here! A Very Mixed Bag Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings

A Little Chrismas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers various/traditional , Dame Kiri Te Kanawa , The King's Singers , London Sinfonia , and Richard Hickox Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: The King's Singers Original Debut Recording Watching the White Wheat: Folk Songs of the British Isles; King's Singers Kids' Stuff The King"s Singers: English Renaissance Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers ASIN: B000002RRF Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Here We Come A-Wassailing
2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
3. The Little Drummer Boy
4. I Wonder As I Wander
5. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
6. Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
7. Ding Dong! Merrily On High
8. Stille Nacht
9. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
10. A Little Christmas Music (Medley A La Mozart)
11. The Coventry Carol (Lully, Lulla)
12. The Boar's Head Carol
13. Gaudete
14. Joy To The World
15. Three Spanish Carols: Riu, Riu, Chiu
16. Three Spanish Carols: El Nino Querido
17. Three Spanish Carols: Villancico Catalan
18. Deck The Hall
19. The Wexford Carol
20. The Gift (Simple Gifts)
21. Patapan And Farandole

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-11-29

The King's Singers come to us steeped in the 500 year old English tradition of choral singing; and that's fine with me.!!!There are 6 singers in this group (the personnel change from time to time)namely: Jeremy Jackman and Alastair Hume (countertenors)- Robert Chilcott (tenor)- Bruce Russell and Simon Carrington (baritones) and Stephen Connolly (bass). They are very capably accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia and Brass Quintet conducted by Richard Hickox. An added PLUS is the great Kiri Te Kanawa who sings an arrangement by Daryl Runswick entitled "A Little Christmas Music (Medley a la Mozart)". It's a hodge-podge of Mozart melodies sewn together in a rather haphazard manner, and meant to be humorous. I guess this type of composition does not appeal to me personally, and I'm sorry that Kiri's glorious voice was wasted. However, that's only MY opinion; I am certain others may disagree.
This album is really a mixture of Christmas tunes and that's partly what makes it interesting. And, of course it is masterfully sung by the King's singers;I enjoy all their discs; especially the recording of Gilbert and Sullivan tunes. Some of the arrangements on this disc are somewhat esoteric, and I'm not too fond of the very STRANGE arrangement (again by Daryl Runswick) of the Coventry Carol, but 'to each his own'. Their opening selection:"Here We Come a-wassailing" (arr. Robert Chilcott) is a great opening number and I must say that it's the best arrangement I have ever heard of this selection.
Let's face it:the KING'S SINGERS are perfection. But don't forget our American group:Chanticleer.

like all but one track.......2006-02-02

With the exception of track 11 (The Coventry Carol, Lully lulla) I really like this CD. I personally prefer the traditional renditions of The Coventry Carol. I do not like the "modern" harmonics and arrangement of it on this CD. Otherwise, it is very fine, indeed.

Heaven is here!.......2005-10-26

Xmas carols are always touching, but this cd is beyond all you have already heard. The King's Singers plus Kiri Te Kanawa is a combination of angelical adult voices, yes, adults can also have angelical voices. Buy this cd and check yourself if it is not true!

A Very Mixed Bag.......2003-08-15

I've often admired the King's Singers' performances, and of course they are a famous and accomplished ensemble, noted for the precision of their close-harmony singing, so I was looking forward to this CD. I regret to say that I find it a very mixed bag, on the whole disappointing. Unfortunately the reliable executant skills of the King's Singers are not matched here by their judgment and taste in choosing arrangements--perhaps there was too great a push for mixing it up, adding variety, "something different." The resulting arrangements are wildly uneven, some of them unattractive and tasteless in varying degrees from mild to dreadful. They range from the very good (bands 7 and 18: straightforward a cappella close-harmony, which is what these singers do best), to exotic (band 16), to schmaltzy (band 5), to busy (band 8), to campy (bands 11 and 19), to cutesy (bands 3 and 6), to terminally cutesy-poo (bands 4, 11, and 19). "Deck the halls," for example, is done in by its arch, cutesy-poo arrangement, as is "White Christmas," which even includes a bizarre, wholly gratuitous interpolation of a bit from Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije, God knows why!

Band 12, "The Coventry Carol," the longest cut on the CD, demands special mention: it is downright awful. The annotator of this CD writes cosily, "And of course there are the old traditional English Christmas songs, all mulled wine and mince pies." Nothing could be less descriptive of what we get here, where the misguided, pretentious, weird, grotesquely ugly, far-out dissonant-modern arrangement does its utmost to pervert and spoil this lovely old English carol, twisting and distorting it into something almost unrecognizable; this cut is a real horror. (Sir David Willcocks, the famed King's College choirmaster under whom the King's Singers trained and sang as youths, would be appalled. The man responsible for this travesty, one Daryl Runswick, also arranged two other selections; his consistently tasteless arrangements comprise three of the four worst on the CD.)

The performing forces vary from the a cappella singers to accompaniments with brass ensemble or orchestra. The variable but undistinguished engineering (EMI's Abbey Road studios, 1989)--over-processed, over-bright, hard-edged, and occasionally canned-sounding--is an additional drawback. If you like traditional Christmas music (as I do) you might want to think twice before buying this CD. At least try to listen to it first. Caveat emptor.

Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings.......2002-12-26

King's Singers maintains the highest standard for all those who aspire to create spine-tingling a cappella harmony. Somewhat akin to the small number of their peers worldwide, no style seems off limits to their abilities. But certain aspects set the King's Singers apart. Perhaps it is their early and consistent training in the English choral discipline, or the many, years of touring together in one combination or other. Their most remarkable quality is their quintessentially English sound -- the pipe-like tone produced especially in the mid- to upper registers -- that is at once remarkably free of vibrato, but still alive with overtones. If one listens closely to the solo parts, it becomes evident: the sound isn't produced merely by excellent group intervallic intonation, but by individual voices capable of producing overtones. Thus, it's the sound you can't hear that takes your breath away.

Because the recording is so excellent on the whole, one disappointment stands out: I wish that Coventry Carol had been saved for another recording. The dissonances conjure up distressing images at odds with the overall effect they seem to have been trying to accomplish with the recording, and I can certainly imagine that in another context, I might have been interested and emotionally moved, rather than unsettled and annoyed.

In any case, this has remained for years one of my favorite Christmas recordings, and I have to give it 5 stars.

Average customer rating: Phil Coulter

Coulter Classics Phil Coulter Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Country Serenity American Tranquility Lake of Shadows Phil Coulter's Christmas Winter's Crossing ASIN: B000765IKY Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

1. Town I Loved So Well
2. Fields Od Athenry
3. No Frontiers/Bright Blue Rose
4. Cliffs of Dooneen
5. Women of Ireland (Mna Na H'eireann)
6. Woman's Heart
7. Fields of Gold
8. Harry's Game
9. Shores of the Swilly
10. Streets of London
11. Orinoco Flow
12. Ave Maria
13. She Moved Thru' the Fair
14. In the Arms of the Angel
15. Danny Boy
16. Lady in Red
17. Mountains of Mourne
18. Steal Away

Customer Reviews:

Phil Coulter.......2007-03-21

Very nice, relaxing music. "The Shores of the Swilly" is a remarkable song, done very well by Sinead O'Connor. The entire CD is top quality. If you enjoy soft, Irish piano music, this is the one.

Average customer rating: Itzhak Perlman plays Fritz Kreisler Kreisler flies again

The Kreisler Album Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fritz Kreisler Plays Kreisler Kreisler plays Kreisler Favorite Violin Encores Kreisler: Original Compositions & Arrangements The Kreisler Album ASIN: B0000AF1M3 Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. Caprice Viennois, Op.2
2. Songs My Taught Me, Op.55 No.4
3. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
4. Slavonic Dance No.2 In E Minor
5. Melodie
6. Spanish Dance No.5
7. Mazurka No.45 In A Minor, Op.67 No.4
8. Siciliano & Rigaudon (In The Style OF Francoeur)
9. Serenade Espagnole
10. Serenade
11. Toy Soldiers March
12. Syncopation
13. Molly On The Shore
14. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
15. Slavonic Dance No.3 In G
16. Schon Rosmarin
17. Liebesleid
18. Recitativo & Scherzo Capriccio, Op. 6
19. Tango
20. Tambourin Chinois, Op.3
21. Romance In A, Op.94 No.2

Customer Reviews:

Itzhak Perlman plays Fritz Kreisler.......2007-01-11

I love this album. I owned it in a long play record for years and now have the CD to listen to. I love violin music and this is the best.

Kreisler flies again.......2006-04-26

One of my earliest memories is of listening to Kreisler playing his works on 78 rpm records. Many of these are what Perlman is playing oon this collection. The notes make a disclaimer: Perlman is not trying to play these "like Kreisler".

Well, I own a Kreisler CD of transcriptions -- a couple of them, in fact, and the characteristics that endear his playing to us Perlman has in full measure. Perlman is fully immersed in Kreisler feeling, something he attested to in an interview ("The Violinist", on DVD) and I humbly suggest that he is unsurpassed in this repertoire. The pianist is uncannily like Kreisler's own accompanist, and the sense of nostalgia is very strong indeed!

There are three other violinists --at least-- with Kreisler collections out" Gil Shaham, Joshua Bell, and Kennedy. Of these, I think Gil Shaham does a beautiful job; I have not heard the other two.

I recommend this recording very highly indeed. The playing is as full of insidious charm and romantic almost to the point of sentimentality, which in my view is not a bad thing at all. (Gil Shaham's self-effacing style is lighter, providing a contrast for those who think that's what they want.)

Archimedes

Average customer rating: simple but amazing Surprising, but beautifully done This is the one to get.

Catholic Classics, Vol. 5 Manufacturer: Gia Publications ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Catholic Classics 1 Catholic Classics, Vol. 2 Catholic Latin Classics May Angels Welcome You/ Catholic Be Not Afraid ASIN: B00005A0AE Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

1. Shall We Gather At The River
2. Praise God From Whom All Blessing Flow
3. For The Beauty Of The Earth/Ubi Caritas
4. Ave Maria
5. Ave Verum Corpus
6. Panis Angelicus
7. How Great Thou Art
8. Amazing Grace
9. Go, Silent Friend/In Paradisum
10. We Gather Together/Adoro Te Devote
11. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
12. Simple Gifts

Customer Reviews:

simple but amazing.......2006-01-29

The guitar and vocals on this CD will blow you away. Of all of the Catholic Classics CDs, this one is my favorite - an awesome way to learn some of those more traditional songs without a voicy choir.

Surprising, but beautifully done.......2006-01-12

I really expected a more traditional arrangement with organ & choir, so I was in for a bit of a shock right off the bat. The arrangements are relatively simple with one or two voices and limited orchestration. However the effect is wonderful. The primary singer has an unusual high and clear voice, and the harmonies raise goosebumps with their beauty (all I know about music I learned from my highschool punk rock band, so you'll have to listen to the tracks above if my description is unclear).

Some of the tracks are forgettable, but the others are truly outstanding. "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" is wonderful, and exceeded only by "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name." The mixture of latin chant with vernacular on "For the Beauty of the Earth/Ubi Caritas" and "Go Silent Friend/In Paradisium" was tastefully done. The performers and arrangers also rescued the otherwise saccharine "How Great Thou Art" and turned it into a genuinely inspiring hymn, although they were unable to accomplish a similar feat with the thoroughly overplayed "Amazing Grace."

So many other people have beautiful renditions of Ave Maria, so the track on this CD barely registers for me. Panis Angelicus is done better on many other disks as well.

Still, if it were only "Praise God..." and "Holy God..." on this CD, it would be worth the price. Truly excellent.

This is the one to get........2003-09-08

Very beautiful and inspiring rendition of some favorite Catholic classics. The most beautiful: "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" which fades in the middle into a chant-like revery-inducing song only to flourish again with new-found faith at the end. Second most beautiful: "Holy God, We Prise They Name," which builds in three voices towards the end, one added for each person of the Blessed Trinity. Also noteworthy: "For the Beauty of the Earth," with its mix of Latin and English transitions and blending of Gregorian chant in between verses. Good rendition of "Ave Maria" and "Simple Gifts." A lot of steel-string guitar played strong and true, but not overwhelming the beautiful voice of David Fischer. Fischer accompanies himself on the best tracks, to great effect (especially "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow").

Average customer rating: Two greats: both have seen better days Two masters of music Ten Stars!!! Together is exactly right Great for casual listening

Together George Frideric Handel , Jacques Offenbach , Jules Massenet , Imre (Emmerich) Kalman , Fritz Kreisler , Sergey Rachmaninov , Manuel Ponce , Francesco Paolo Tosti , Irish Traditional , Enrico Toselli , Sigmund Romberg , Benjamin Godard , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Richard Strauss , Jonathan Tunick , Itzhak Perlman , Placido Domingo , and The New York Studio Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Godard, Benjamin | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Por Amor De Mi Alma Latina, Vol. 2 Romantic Moments Music of Sigmund Romberg Sentimiento Latino ASIN: B000002RS9 Release Date: 1991-10-11

Tracks:

1. Serenata
2. Estrellita
3. Elegie
4. Weisst Du Es Noch?
5. The Old Refrain
6. When Night Desends, Op.4, No.3
7. Barcarolle
8. Ideale
9. Danny Boy
10. Ombra Mai Fu
11. Serenade
12. Berceuse
13. None But The Lonely Heart, Op.6 No.6
14. Morgen, Op.27, No.4
15. Oh, Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair

Customer Reviews:

Two greats: both have seen better days.......2007-04-16

Putting two great musicians of the stature of Domingo and Perlman together must have sounded like a fine idea-- no doubt joining these musical giants should produce musical fireworks. Unfortunately the final product offered on this disc is rather drab. The recording lacks focus and is generally musically hollow.

No doubt both Domingo and Perlman offer the listener flashes of how great they both are, but neither is interested in exploring the subtle nuances of each musical selection. Pieces such as Massenet's "Elegie," Manuel Ponce's "Estrellita," and Tosti's "Ideale" are beautifully lilting pieces, which are not (except for moments in the Massenet) served well by the rather over-stated performances of both men. Pieces such as Romberg's "Serenade" from The Student Prince and Kalman's "Weist du es noch?" fare better, as they fit Domingo's operatic temperament and Perlman's virtuoso sensibilities. But even these seem to be mere show pieces devoid of depth. I found the tenor-violin rendition of the Barcarolle from Les contes d'Hoffman unpleasant, and Danny Boy equally so.

The over-miking of both performers does not help matters much, and in Domingo's case only served to amplify some strained moments in his top range.

The disc as a concept is also rather problematic. A recital album of any sort should have some sort of shape and texture-- this recording does not offer a readily decipherable one, save for a vague chronological relationship among the pieces (except for a Handel aria!), and the variety offered. As far as variety is concerned, the track listing "kindly" offers the listener explicit references to the many languages Domingo sings on the disc (6-- Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, and Italian).

No doubt fans of both gentlemen will want to have the disc, but both have seen much better days. Still, it is true that a mediocre performance by two giants reveals certain hidden treasures that listeners looking to buy this disc will be able to horde.

(This recording, in my opinion, hovers between two and three stars, but I give it the benefit of the doubt and round up)

Two masters of music.......2003-01-28

Wow! What can I say? It is so obvious who rules the stage when it comes to violin virtuosos. Itzhak Perlman takes my breath away every time I hear his bow touch a violin and to be playing with one of the world's best vocalists alone shows some accomplishment. Of course... it goes without saying that Domingo is probably THE BEST tenor of this lifetime. My personal favorite on this CD is the "Offenbach". I've heard this piece sung and played by many artists, but none of them come close to this recording and it truly touches your heart and soul. This CD has definitely become a favorite of mine and I cannot seem to put it back in its CD case! This album is definitely worth getting for one's self and I would even say it is also a very nice gift idea, that even non-classic listeners would appreciate.

Ten Stars!!!.......1999-07-27

BothItzhak Perlman and Placido Domingo are two of the most sophisticated and gifted musicians that ever graced our sad world with their presence. For whatever they do we should be eternally grateful. Both artists often ventured in the world of popular music, which goes to show just how diverse and open-minded they are. Every time they had something new to say as to the music, and attracted new legions of fans. Perlman's excursions into jazz and Domingo's explorations of modern Latin music are widely known and appreciated and loved by many. Here they combine their extraordinary forces to bring to us a relatively "conservative" repertoire, yet they do with such skill and class, the familiar selections sound fresh and enchanting. Don't underestimate the level of difficulty, though. Notice the two Rachmaninov songs, arranged splendidly for tenor and violin. (Btw, the song "O Cease thy singing, maiden fair" is usually performed by bass (baritone) and piano.) They include a Richard Strauss lieder "Morgen", a feat, not even attempted by other Italian opera-trained tenors, a nice surprise that attests to Placido Domingo's infinite talents. Massenet's "Elegie" is full of passion and melancholy, and Kalman's "Kome, Zigane" sparkles with gypsy rhythm and intensity. Among the other gems are Handel's "Ombra mai fu" and Tosselli's "Serenade" on which Placido and Itzhak display their flawless virtuosity and sincere love for the music. This is the most wonderful and unusual album, a true revelation. Thank you, Placido and Itzhak, the world is a better place thanks to you.

Together is exactly right.......1999-07-18

Together is the most stirring, evocative album anyone could ever wish to hear. Itzhak Perlman's renditons of Estrellita, Danny Boy, actually each of the selections draws the listener along the strings of his bow and sends them soaring. Placido's voice blends magically with the notes of the violin in such a way that you realise both 'instruments' are being played by a master musician.

Great for casual listening.......1999-06-01

This disc is great for casual listening. The pieces featured are light and easy on the ears. Domingo and Perlman combined beautifully in these well-arranged pieces. Sound quality is also good. However, this is not a disc for serious listeners or collectors.

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