Heavenly

Amazon.com
Heavenly is an interesting concept gone wrong. Ladysmith Black Mambazo are South Africa's best-known gospel group, the singers who brought the mbube style of the country to the world via Paul Simon's Graceland. So it was not a bizarre idea to make a recording of well-known "gospel" songs with other American singers and musicians. It's all in the presentation, and the presentation here is pretty out there. Lou Rawls walks through Sam Cook's "Chain Gang." Dolly Parton leads them in a high-pitched, maudlin version of Bob Dylan's "Knocking on Heaven's Door." A cadre of tunes from the pop gospel pantheon like "Oh Happy Day" and "People Get Ready" get similar treatments. The opening track shows what great singers they are, but the rest of the album hardly showcases this talent. Get one of their "Best of" albums instead. --Louis Gibson

Heavenly,Ladysmith Black Mambazo,Shanachie,Africa,African Folk,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Mbube,Pop,South Africa,World Music,Worldbeat

Average customer rating: Opera for Aficianados as well as Newbies superb! beatiful music Best Opera CD ever Rapture

Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Academy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias The #1 Opera Album Amor--Opera's Great Love Songs The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever! ASIN: B00006L3K2 Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

1. Casta Diva - Renee Fleming
2. Barcarolle - Edita Gruberova
3. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Maria Chiara
4. Intermezzo - Herbert Von Karajan
5. Letter Duet - Edith Mathis
6. Che Faro Senza Euridice - Grace Bumbry
7. Va Pensiero - Giuseppe Sinopoli
8. Una Furtiva Lagrima - Gosta Winbergh
9. Porgi Amor - Gundula Janowitz
10. Humming Chorus - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
11. Soave Sia Il Vento - Kiri Te Kanawa
12. Overture (Excerpt) - Philharmonia Orchestra
13. Un'aura Amorosa - Hans-Peter Blochwitz
14. Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
15. Depuis Le Jour - Montserrat Caballe
16. La Ci Darem La Mano - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
17. Quando Le Sere Al Placido - Placido Domingo
18. Mir Ist So Wunderbar - Lucia Popp

Tracks:

1. Flower Duet - Joan Sutherland
2. The Pearl Fishers Duet - Bryn Terfel
3. Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Kiri Te Kanawa
4. Prelude - Bayerisches Staatsorchestra
5. O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
6. When I Am Laid In Earth - Tatiana Troyanos
7. Miserere - Placido Domingo
8. Vissi D'arte - Mirella Freni
9. Intermezzo - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
10. Softly Awakes My Heart - Grace Bumbry
11. Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) - Bryn Terfel
12. Pilgrim's Chorus - Chorus Of The Bayreuth Festival
13. Ruhe Sanft - Kiri Te Kanawa
14. Flower Duet - Teresa Berganza
15. Entr'acte - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
16. Mira O Norma - Marilyn Horne
17. Hochsten Heiles Wunder - Chorus Of The German Opera Berlin

Customer Reviews:

Opera for Aficianados as well as Newbies.......2007-06-11

If you are looking for peaceful, beautiful music this is for you. It is a delightful mix of some of opera's most memorable moments. Long time opera fans will be familiar with most of the arias and newcomers to opera will recognize music that has become identified with movies and commercials.

superb! .......2007-05-12

If you love wonderful operatic moments then this cd is a great buy for all of the wonderful and spectacular music on it. You get two cds for the price of one great opera cd, and all of the talented singers that were taken and put on these tracks do definate justice to all of the composers listed. A great cd to add to your collection especially if you are an aspiring singer or a student in music. Absolutely Fantastic!

beatiful music.......2007-02-23

former reviews are no exaggeration, this is the most beautiful music I have come across. I have many opera CDs but this is one I never tire of.
I listen to the CD everyday and it is always soothing, uplifting and inspiring. I wish I could find another as wonderful.

Best Opera CD ever.......2007-02-16

I have orderd plenty of classical CD's and DVD's on this webside.
Most were phantastish but this one is the best.
I listen so often to this CD that it should have grooves.
I never get tired of it.
I recommend this CD highly.
Roswitha

Rapture.......2007-01-24

Wonderous---Melodious----
This compilation of Opera's finest moments is positively wonderful!!!!Unquestionably the best buy I have made in Opera Music..No kidding,I have trays full of CDs covering every facet of Opera,but none as beautiful...A full 2 1/2 hours of the best of the best....Heavenly Moments says it ALL...I vote 6 stars!!!!!

Average customer rating: BREATHTAKING! Fantastic album Special Stuff Raves for 'Sasha and Shawna' A pleasure

Siren Sasha & Shawna Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: From My Heart Ryland Angel Heavenly Voices We Are One Celtic Treasure ASIN: B000MRA74U Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Fade Out
2. Per Te/ For You
3. I Know It's Real
4. Dust In The Wind
5. Stabat Mater IXXI
6. Sleepsong
7. Una Furtiva Lagrima
8. Tiem ("Air on the G String")
9. Field of Gold
10. O Del Mio Dolce Ardor
11. One Simple Wish
12. Close Your Eyes

Album Description

This alluring soprano duo blends the hypnotic voices of Sasha Lazard, whose exquisite voice is rooted in the classical-electronica scene, and Shawna Stone, whose luscious voice has graced international opera houses. Executive produced by Grammy® Award-winner Peter Asher, this duo have found a fresh, original approach to interpreting contemporary songs ranging from James Taylor ("Close Your Eyes") to Radiohead ("Fade out") to John Denver ("Per Te"/ "For You") to Kansas ("Dust in the Wind").

There are also such gorgeous operatic arias as Donizetti's "Una Furtiva Lagrima," an adaptation of Bach's "Air on the G String" and "Stabat Mater [XX]," a revisitation of the 18th century Italian composer Pergolesi.

Customer Reviews:

BREATHTAKING!.......2007-06-27

Some buyers might dismiss this duo as a female Il Divo, but this album proves that they can sing anything - with incredible range, depth and feeling. Their voices are crystal clear and beautiful. Their mix of songs range from "O Del Mio Dolce Ardor" to "Dust in the Wind," and from the lullaby rocking rhythm of "Sleepsong" to the rhythmic pulses of "Stabat Mater."

Among my other favorites: "Una Furtiva Lagrima," "Tiem" (to the tune of Bach's "Air on a G String"), and "Fields of Gold."

Excellent CD - and highly recommended.

Fantastic album.......2007-05-12

Siren has become my new addiction, I have to listen to it at least once every day. Sasha and Shawna are not only beautiful women but have incredible voices that blend perfectly. I'm giving it to all my friends.

Special Stuff.......2007-04-13

This recording is so beautiful. The two voices are exquisite, and the musical selections are varied and balanced, with beautiful arrangements and orchestrations. Sasha and Shawna have mastered a wide range of styles from opera to pop, creating a unique sound that is both sublime and sexy.

Raves for 'Sasha and Shawna'.......2007-04-12

This CD is terrific. These ladies are GREAT together. Out of the 12 tracks, I just love 9 of them and the other 3 aren't bad either!! I can't wait 'til their next CD comes out. I would also like to see them LIVE in concert. Hope they come to Omaha!!!!

A pleasure .......2007-04-06

This two voices are very enjoyable.Starting with "Fade out" that has violins enchanting touch.My favorite song is "fields of gold" that it transports me to other place.Sasha lazard is amazing.I love the two voices when one is singing the other is vocalizing. or when both are vocalizing.
"Per te/for you", I'm speeechless.
"una furtiva lagrima" very nice,They had to show her operatic voices.
"I know it's real" It's going to be my wedding song.
To sum up, this Cd worth every penny.
In contrast, the song "Stabat matter" doesn't fit in the cd concept to me. This belong to "Myth of Red" by Sasha Lazard first solo cd ;that is a conceptual cd based in a myth of some godess .So, you have to buy "The Myth of Red" and 'moonfall" if you lke "Siren"

Average customer rating: some brilliant renditions, but can't quite all mix together Cool and Camp September Song Music of Kurt Weill It's a long time between January and December Ain't we Hip?!!?

September Songs: The Music of Kurt Weill Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocalists | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Traditional | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill / Levine, Lenya, Armstrong, Gilford, et al Lotte Lenya sings Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins & Berlin Theatre Songs Weird Nightmare - Meditations on Mingus Ute Lemper Sings Kurt Weill Stratas Sings Weill ASIN: B0000029WM Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

1. Mack The Knife - Nick Cave
2. Ballad Of The Soldier's Wife - P.J. Harvey
3. Alabama Song - David Johansen
4. Youkali Tango - Teresa Stratas
5. Lost In The Stars - Elvis Costello
6. Pirate Jenny - Lotte Lenya
7. Speak Low - Charlie Haden
8. Oh, Heavenly Salvation - The Persuations
9. Lonely House - Betty Carter
10. Surabaya- Johnny - Teresa Stratas
11. Furchte Dich Nicht - Mary Margaret O'Hara
12. September Song - Lou Reed
13. Mack The Knife - Bertolt Brecht
14. What Keeps Mankind Alive? - William S. Burroughs

Customer Reviews:

some brilliant renditions, but can't quite all mix together.......2006-10-19

I like the spirit of this album, which is to let the music of Kurt Weill attach itself to the many worlds it came from. This was classical music that also used elements of popular music at the time, all with a very dark and almost mechanical tone. So it would seem fitting to have exquisite voices like Teresa Stratas rub elbows with darker elements like Nick Cave in this collection. There are also the jazz influences developed by Charlie Haden and Betty Carter.

In all, there are some brilliant interpretations of Weill here. I am a fan of Cave's "Mack the Knife" and David Johansen's "Alabama Song," and how can someone NOT like Lotte Lenya herself on "Pirate Jenny" and the drolling of the immortal William S. Burroughs talking through "What Keeps Mankind Alive?"

But other tracks feel to be just too short of brilliance. I love that Lou Reed tries to turn "September Song" into a kind of rock ballad, almost a VU "It Was a Pretty Good Year," but the rendition seems a little short of energy and falls flat after a while. Elvis Costello, though magnificent as an overall artist, just doesn't bring new life to "Lost in the Stars."

Perhaps the problem in the end that the choices were a little too much of the Top 40 Weill (if there really can be such a term). These are songs that have for a long time been regarded as the best of Weill, and it might have furthered the purpose of his music to find new gems and bring them into the sunlight.

Cool and Camp.......2006-08-24

This is a very biased review- I originally had much of Weill's work on cassette tape- way back in the olden days- before CD's- so I am already very partial to many of the tracks on this CD- I would recommend it not only to Kurt Weill fans, and the fans of the various artists featured, but I would also strongly recommend this to anyone who likes artsy, camp, fun burlesque, Bohemian European stuff. The record, even though performed by contemporary artists still retains much of it's zeitgeist, it evokes the era in which Weill was writing and it rounds out any great eclectic record collection. It's a great musical discovery for fans of all sorts of genres, and EVERYONE should own at least one recorded arrangement of "Mack The Knife". (You know, for parties and stuff!)

September Song Music of Kurt Weill.......2006-08-22

Songs from the film-documentary done by various artists. Excellent choice if you like Mr Weill's music. I saw the film and always wanted the CD. Now I have and I recommend it highly.

It's a long time between January and December.......2004-06-11

Kurt Weill is one of those composers who juggles Jewish angst with Catholic guilt: and possibly vice versa. As a collection, it is nonpareil. Each interpretation becomes a definitive reading of the "song". Lord, it is one of the best assemblies of contemporary artists going. Lou couldn't be better; Ms O'Hara, in fine form, performs her deranged puppet-dance to the X. OK. An unknown. Roping-in, such a postmodern figure as, well, you-know-who, to orate Weill's lyrics is never less than exceptional. An amazing collection. Is there a DVD?

Paul

Ain't we Hip?!!?.......2003-07-23

This is the avant version of these songs, everything done with that Downtown fingers-across-the-blackboard screech. They even got Johanson doing it, which is no less than amazing. The sole exception is the Persuasions' "O Heavenly Salvation", but one song does not an album make.

The mystery here is that there's a perfectly good compilation from the 80s, "Lost in the Stars: the Music of Kurt Weill", featuring many of the same songs--and, if I'm not mistaken some of the same performers. That's the one you want. Too bad it's OP.

Average customer rating: Bellissima Lovely! Lovely music, but I'm pissed off GIORGIA HAS IT ALL great

From My Heart Giorgia Fumanti Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Siren Heavenly Voices Ryland Angel We Are One Celtic Treasure ASIN: B000MRA74A Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Your Love (Theme from Once Upon a Time in the West)
2. Peace of Heaven
3. A Rose Among Thorns
4. Campi d'Oro (Fields of Gold)
5. Il Marie Calmo della Sera
6. I've Dreamed of You
7. Espiritu [listen]
8. My Heart and I
9. For Always
10. Aria
11. Cinema Paradisio (Love Theme from Cinema Paradisio)
12. Volero

Album Description

The captivating Italian-born soprano Giorgia Fumanti sings with purity and grace on her stunning Manhattan Records debut - From My Heart. Straddling the line between pop and classical, Giorgia's voice draws comparisons to the operatic-pop style of Andrea Bocelli and the spiritual flair of Enya. Her distinctive style is borne of her compelling interpretations of an eclectic group of composers, from Sting to Bach to Italian film music master Ennio Morricone.

From My Heart features four Morricone classic film scores, including themes from The Mission, Cinema Paradiso, and Once Upon a Time in the West. Giorgia herself translated Sting's "Fields of Gold" for her stunning acoustic-flavored rendition of "Campi d'Oro." She also salutes another of her heroes with her own take on Barbra Streisand's "I've Dreamed of You" while her classical training shines on the "Aria" (based on The Swan from Saint-Saëns).

Customer Reviews:

Bellissima.......2007-07-09

Great CD. Giorgia has a beautifull voice and the choice of songs is superb.
She has made a CD before, Gio'aria. On Amazon you can only find it with that name, not trough Giorgia's real name.

Lovely!.......2007-06-22

I just purchased this cd tonight, and I already love it. I heard of her through somebody who posts at the Sarah Brightman fan website. The first song I heard of her's was "Your Love" and I just wanted to hear more after that. She has a really unique sounding voice, and is a breath of fresh air really. Her pitch is also really precise which is what I notice most. I kind of wish she would've done an aria on the cd because I think it would've turned out really nice. But maybe on her next album! =)

Lovely music, but I'm pissed off.......2007-04-07

The cd is good,lovely music,great voice,good songs
I definitly like a lot this wonderful voice.
but:
I bought this cd, I listened in my car cdplayer.But when I tried to ripped in my computer.my computer didn't recognize any cd in the drive.
IT has some stupid piracy protection. So, I ripped two others cd that I bought at the same time and my computer ripped these cd. why?
I'm returning this cd,because my main source of listening music is thru my pc.the same has happemd to me with others cd that I have bought

It's a shame I liked it a lot when I was listening in my car.

GIORGIA HAS IT ALL.......2007-03-28

A beautiful voice, wonderful choice of songs and absolutely charming phrasing, there really isn't anything to not like in this extraordinary CD.

I saw and heard Giorgia Fumanti on the Hevenly Voices special on PBS and frankly I was not all that impressed. But this CD is an entirely different deal - great. Enjoy it.

great.......2007-03-12

This Cd is really good.She has a great voice and very good choice of songs.

Average customer rating: Truly Heavenly HEAVENLY Truly Heavenly One of the great all-time albums A Masterpiece

Heavenly Johnny Mathis Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 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 Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Open Fire, Two Guitars Johnny's Greatest Hits Faithfully/Johnny's Mood Warm/Swing Softly 16 Most Requested Songs ASIN: B0000024QO Release Date: 1990-05-29

Tracks:

1. Heavenly
2. Hello, Young Lovers
3. A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening
4. A Ride On A Rainbow
5. More Than You Know
6. Something I Dreamed Last Night
7. Misty
8. Stranger In Paradise
9. Moonlight Becomes You
10. They Say It's Wonderful
11. I'll Be Easy To Find
12. That's All

Customer Reviews:

Truly Heavenly.......2007-02-17

Without question,one of my top 10 favorite album/cd.Anyone who appreciates great music who hears me playing it just wants more.Flawless,beautiful,dreamy music.The younger set today really don't know what good,real music is.They can keep today's music,most of what i consider trash,this is music for "grown folks" who remember what great music was like.I give it 10 Stars.

HEAVENLY.......2007-01-12

THIS IS ONE ALBUM I REMEMBER MY MOTHER AND FATHER PLAYING LATE NITES AND DANCING UNTIL THE GROOVES WORE OUT NOW IT'S MY TURN

Truly Heavenly.......2006-11-03

This was an "album" I listened to more than 40 years ago and it sounds just as good as I remembered it. These are some of Johnny Mathis' greatest dreamy songs and they still sound as romantic as ever. Sound quality is great.

One of the great all-time albums.......2004-08-19

Forget Johnny Mathis (although he does a good job), the arrangements here by Glenn Osser are incredible. Probably the most beautiful "lush" strings of any era. If you only buy one Mathis CD, this should be the one.

A Masterpiece.......2004-02-23

This is my favorite Mathis album! You can't get more romantic than this album. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Johnny Mathis. Nothing beats sitting in front of a fireplace with a glass of wine and the person you love while listening to this album (except what happens as a result of it).

Average customer rating: Successful crossing over from East to West One of the best solo guitar albums I have ever heard Virtuoso playing and an unusual repetoire

Si ji (Four Seasons) Manufacturer: Gsp 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 Similar Items: Romance de Amor Paul Galbraith: French Impressions Mel Bay presents Ana Vidovic: Guitar Virtuoso A Jug of Wine and Thou David Russell: Art of the Guitar ASIN: B000AXWHEY Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Wang Huiran: Yi Dance
2. He Luting: Shepherd Boy with Flute
3. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Intonation
4. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Long Out-stretched Pier with its Shadows
5. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Wind on The Hill
6. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Waiting for Guests
7. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Land Circus
8. Traditional - Heavenly Bird
9. Tradional - Lantern Song
10. Traditional - Mayila
11. Evan Hirschelman: Meditation No.2
12. Evan Hirshelman: Meditation No.1
13. Stephen Goss: The Blue Kite
14. Stephen Goss: Yellow Earth
15. Stephen Goss: Farewell My Concubine
16. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 1 T'ai
17. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 3 Lin
18. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 4 T'ung len
19. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 5 Huan
20. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 6 K'uei
21. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 7 Chieh
22. Stephen Funk Pearson: South China Sea Peace
23. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Spring
24. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Summer
25. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Autumn
26. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Winter

Customer Reviews:

Successful crossing over from East to West.......2007-07-06

Nowadays many classical musicians move to 'cross-overs' between Western classics to exotic works, and Chinese musicians and composers pioneer in cross-overs from Chinese music to Western.
Alas, not all attempts are successful. Either there has not been enough nurturing in the Chinese repertoire, or the western playing style has not yet been fully developed.
Ms. Yang is a young classical guitarist. Gathering from what she said in her own introduction to this disc, she is a musician with a great ambition. It is true that the classical guitar may not have a substantial repertoire as other western instruments like the violin and piano. Hence drawing materials from other culture in a guitarist's repertoire is both a necessity and an endeavour.
A guitarist from Beijing, Ms. Yang is familiar with classical Chinese instruments like the gu qin, the zheng and the pipa. These ancient Chinese instruments are like the guitar- all are played by plucking strings set on wooden surfaces. So as Ms Yang herself noted - the guitar originated from the Middle East, a 'cross-over' area of Eastern and Western culture.
In many of the modern works recorded in this disc, Ms Yang played the guitar to the effect of those ancient Chinese instruments, and this is quite stunning. Her familiarity with the Eastern musical style is fully demonstrated, adding the requisite flavour of authenticity to her interpretation. There are a number of great compositions of the gu qing, the zheng as well as the pipa, and I truly look forward to Ms Yang's transcriptions of those to the guitar in due course.
A highly recommended recording for guitar players, guitar lovers and Chinese music fans alike.

One of the best solo guitar albums I have ever heard.......2006-10-06

One of the most original CDs I've ever heard. This CD is full of incredible music. Yang XueFei plays with sensitivity, creativity and passion.
When I played this CD for my guitar teacher, he commented that it was rare for him not to have heard at least one piece on any particular classical guitar CD, yet all these pieces were new to him. Carlo Domeniconi (who wrote the masterpiece "Koyunbaba") has composed an outstanding suite based on the I Ching. The 3 pieces by Stephen Goss, which are based on Asian films, are themselves cinematic: "The Blue Kite" is a work of minimalist beauty. There are many other talented composers lending their gifts to this CD. Most of the selections are either composed for Yang Xuefei or are arrangements by her. All are inspired by Chinese culture and music. My favorite piece is "Long Outstretched Pier with its Shadow" (by Dietmar Ungerrank); it is elegantly written and the execution is sensual and rich.
Yang XueFei's technical agility, especially the right hand, (as in "Yi Dance") goes beyond that of her contemporaries. As impressive as this is, the passion she imbues into each work is what connects her to the songs and ultimately to the audience. Technique is there to help her express what is inside of her. It is as if the guitar is her lover. This just isn't a great guitar album; it is a great album period. Its emotional complexity deepens with each listening. Buy it!
I've also purchased "Romance de Amor" which is extremely good as well (listen to her version of "Requerdos de la Alhambra" as compared to one of her heroes, John Williams on "The Guitarist"), but "Si Ji" is totally unique. Don't miss it.
As an aside, If you do end up buying and enjoying this CD, you might listen to Lily Afshar. The influence of her Persian heritage is similar in effect to "Si Ji" by Yang XueFei. Both artists have breathed life into the modern repertoire of guitar music.

Virtuoso playing and an unusual repetoire.......2005-10-26

I am a classical guitar student, and an over-the-top consumer. So I have a lot (many dozens) of classical guitar CDs. They are for the most part quite good, but they tend to blend. I might be able to distinguish Tennant's Rodrigo or Barrueco's Scarlatti, but too many guitarists play an awful lot of the same repetoire, and they play it quite similarly.

This CD is quite different. The pieces are all Asian in flavor and by composers I had never heard of. And they are quite beautiful. Ms. Yang appears to be quite young, so this could be the start of a long and interesting career. But at least one of the pieces was written for her, so she has already apparently developed a solid reputation.

Average customer rating:

Thirst for Romance Cherry Ghost Manufacturer: Heavenly ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: An End Has a Start ASIN: B000OCXFAQ Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

1. Thirst For Romance
2. 4am
3. Mountain Bird
4. People Help The People
5. Roses
6. Dead Man's Suit
7. False Alarm
8. Alfred The Great
9. Here Come The Romans
10. Mary On The Mend
11. Mathematics

From Amazon.co.uk Review

Cherry Ghost--a.k.a vocalist/frontman Simon Aldred plus band--formed in Bolton in 2005, having taken their name from a favourite Wilco song. Following charismatic singles like "Mathematics," and the melancholic "People Help People," Cherry Ghost are now ready to unleash Thirst for Romance--an album Aldred has described as "Willie Nelson meets Walt Disney". What this curious description amounts to is an accomplished collection of warm, accessible songs that veer between alt country and indie rock, providing suitable frames for Aldred's sandpapery vocals and obscure lyricism. Cherry Ghost's influences seem fairly overt: you can hear wafts of Lambchop, Oasis, Badly Drawn Boy--and Willie Nelson--amongst the varied structures. The inaugural title track sets things off at a brisk canter, paving the way for a set that's diverse without breaking too much ground. The merry "4AM" is an obvious gem, as is the anthem-in-waiting "Mountain Bird"; these simple, affecting songs are contrasted by more ambitious material like "Roses", the string-laden "False Alarm" and the Beatles-style blues-rocker "Here Come the Romans." While Aldred isn't quite the poet he believes himself to be, he does produce some captivating lyrical images, and his band perform impeccably throughout. Not a hugely innovative album, but an engaging debut nonetheless. --Paul Sullivan

Album Description

The eagerly awaited 2007 debut album from Cherry Ghost. The band's intelligent songwriting and melancholy approach will appeal to fans of Belle & Sebastian, Morrissey, The Beautiful South and others. 11 tracks including the singles 'Mathematics' and 'People Help The People'. EMI.

Album Details

2007 Debut Release from the British Indie Band from Bolton who Take their Name from a Line in the Wilco Song "Theologians". Led by Simon Aldred, the Group Won a Large Following Thanks to Key Live Appearances and Good Songwriting. They Are "Inspired by the Haunting Melancholy of Acts Such as Sparklehorse, Smog, Johnny Cash and the Ceaseless Hope to Be Found at the Heart of this Northern Landscape", as They State on their Myspace Page. The Album features the Singles "Mathematics" (Which features Both Drum and Bass Playing by the Doves' Jim Goodwin) and "People Help the People".

Average customer rating: Best Christian CD I've owned A teens review I promise Star Stuff Heavenly

Heavenly Place Jaci Velasquez Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jaci Velasquez Unspoken Crystal Clear Beauty Has Grace On My Knees: The Best of Jaci Velasquez ASIN: B000002BQ5 Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

1. If This World
2. Un Lugar Celestial (A Heavenly Place)
3. Flower In The Rain
4. On My Knees
5. Shelter
6. Baptize Me
7. We Can Make A Difference
8. I Promise
9. We Will Overcome
10. Thief Of Always

Amazon.com

It's hard to fathom a 16-year-old singing with the presence that Jaci Velasquez has on Heavenly Place. Then again, she is no ordinary teenager. This 1996 debut by the gifted Christian-pop star landed numerous awards and was the fastest-selling solo debut in Christian-music history. It won't take long to figure out why when you hear "On My Knees," "Shelter," and "Un Lugar Celestial," which showcase Velasquez's voice as being mature beyond her years. There's a depth and richness that emanates from each carefully recorded track, thanks in large part to producer Mark Heimermann. The young Velasquez blends and transcends each aural backdrop provided. You want cool? Check out the mystical "Baptize Me," easily one of the best CCM tracks of 1996. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

Best Christian CD I've owned.......2007-06-27

I've owned this CD for years, and still it's my very favorite. I highly recommend it.

A teens review.......2006-10-17

I'm not under 13, but since I'm not an Amazon member, I used this form. This is SUCH A GREAT CD!!!!!!!! I LOVE If This World!!!!!!! On My Knees, Flower In the Rain, We Can Make a Difference and Un Lugar Celestial are also awesome!! I LOVE THIS CD!!!!!!!!!!!

I promise.......2005-11-07

This song is a very nice song i am trying to find the cd heavenly place and see if it just has accompainiment cd only but its okay if i cant this is a really good song

Star Stuff.......2005-10-21

Jaci Velasquez is such a rare person. Her way is decidely pop, and at times with a christian angle; somewhat like Amy Grant. She is often snubbed by the Christian music community because few of her songs even get close to Christian music. At 16yo on this debut recording, she shows a remarkable range, and confidence in her abilities and reception. She is multi-octave, comfortably bi-lingual, drop dead gorgeous, and with less than flashy plummage. She's easy to take, and easier to love. Why this gifted person isn't recognized as one of the world's greatest songstress, and hell-uva great person, must lie in the fact she was initially presented as a Christian artist. That's fine. Her stated goal is to make people feel better about themselves. Jaci Velasquez has everything!

Heavenly.......2005-08-22

An impressive debut from then 16 year old Jaci Velasquez. The fastest selling Christian debut.

With a soft, breathy, smoky voice far more mature than her age, the songs range from the Spanish tinged `Lugar Celestial (a heavenly place)', a stunning mid tempo number, the upbeat duet `Shelter', the atmospheric `Baptize me' with it's slow to fast build up, and sound effects, awesome!

Then there are the stunning acoustic ballads; Thief of always', `Flower in the rain' and the absolutely brilliant `On my knees', a song about the power of prayer (penned by Nicole C Mullen and covered on her debut CD too).

Finally, we have the poppy, upbeat numbers `If this world' and `We can make a difference', a style Jaci continues to incorporate in at least a couple of tracks on each of her CDs.

Get this CD!

Average customer rating: It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful. Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best! Glorious

Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | 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 Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Kopïlov, Alexander | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Martin | Martin, Frank | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thompson | Thompson, Randall | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | 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 Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Choral Masterpieces Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony The #1 Choral Album ASIN: B00000DFWF Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

1. Gloria In Excelsis
2. Sanctus
3. Glory To God
4. Awake The Harp
5. Gloria
6. Gloria
7. Sanctus
8. Heavenly Light
9. Aeterna Fac
10. Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu
11. Sanctus
12. Gloria
13. Alleluia
14. Sanctus
15. Magnificat

Amazon.com

This compilation features excerpts from some of the greatest sacred works in the literature--including Bach's Mass in B Minor, Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Missa solemnis, and Verdi's Requiem--all led by Robert Shaw. The selections, from recordings made between 1983 and 1997 by Shaw and various ensembles including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, are presented more or less in order of their composition, from Vivaldi's Gloria to Arvo Pärt's Magnificat. Especially thrilling is the complete "Gloria" from the Missa solemnis, 17 minutes of sheer grandeur, and the Sanctus movements from the Requiems of Verdi and Maurice Duruflé. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful........2007-05-15

I enjoyed this CD very much. It is just beautiful music.

Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best!.......2004-09-20

If Sir Robert were still alive, & breathing, I believe he would be caught-up making music with this awesome, majestic, mystical GLORIA, Sanctus, Hallelujah Masterworks! I lucked-up on this old collection in the few classical CD'S in Best Buy!

At first hearing they sent me back into the 1970's when most of Church Musicians majored in Vivaldi's Gloria, the Sanctus of Bach's B-Minor Mass, the Long, georgeous GLORIA, Missa Solemnis, Beethoven, and incomparable Alleluia by Randall Thompson.

During a visit of Hurricane IVAN'S rushing winds and torrents of rain, I stayed on back roads of Decatur and East Atlanta! Also keeping alert & relaxed listening to Robert Shaw re-inventing his Choral Mystique! In slowly moving traffic of 2++ hours to Fayetteville, I kept alert singing along at 30 mph, wrapped in his quiet heavenly beauty of Koplov's "Heavenly Light!"

That mysteriously spiritual power of glorious choruses provided the same resourceful sounds of his eternal music-making from rehearsals in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Westminster Choir College and Avery Fischer Hall concerts in NYC! (1975-1985)

Only the early 33 1/3 recordings of the Robert Shaw Chorale in his Spirituals and Irish Songs, later Handel's Messiah and Bach B-Minor Mass were forerunners to his awesome listing of repeated Grammy winners, now printed in digital stereo color and sound! Hooray for Sir Robert and his rich chorale legacy... Let's keep them singing for Eternity! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Glorious.......2000-06-30

If I had to choose one conductor to compile exerpts from the greatest masses and works in choral literature and history, I would only bestow that duty to Robert Shaw and his choruses. Once again he displays his uncanny ability to not only choose beautiful music but also perform it in a spellbinding manner. Even with the pieces the average listener has heard or performed, such as Vivaldi's Gloria or portions of Handel's Messiah, one cannot help but become enthralled with the recordings of Shaw's interpretations of those works. Although Shaw never followed through on his early-life ambition to be a minister, I still believe he does so and perhaps to a greater extent through his music ministry. One cannot help but feel closer to understanding what heaven is about after having finished listening to this CD. This is well worth buying for it will live up to the english interpretation of its Latin title: Glorious.

Average customer rating: Traditional Christmas Music The quintessential Christmas recording A Top List Christmas CD The best How do you describe perfection?

A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale Robert Shaw Chorale Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Robert Shaw Chorale | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | 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 Classical 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: Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols The Many Moods of Christmas (1963 RCA Victor Version) Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra A Festival of Carols in Brass A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High ASIN: B000003EPA Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Medley: Good Christian Men - Rejoice - Silent Night - Patapan - O Come - All Ye Faithful
2. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
3. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
4. Shepherd's Carol
5. Go, Tell It On The Mountain
6. Medley: O Sanctissima - Joy To The World - Away In A Manger - Fum, Fum, Fum - March Of The Kings
7. I Wonder As I Wander
8. We Three Kings
9. My Dancing Day
10. Medley: What Child Is This? - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Bring A Torch - Jeanette - Isabella - Angels We Have Heard On High
11. Coventry Carol
12. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
13. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
14. Carol Of The Bells
15. Medley: Break Forth - O Beauteous Heavenly Light - The First Nowell - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Customer Reviews:

Traditional Christmas Music .......2007-01-24

If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

The quintessential Christmas recording.......2005-12-09

This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.

However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!

A Top List Christmas CD.......2004-12-28

I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best.......2004-01-02

I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers. I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony. This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite. The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control. Buy and enjoy!

How do you describe perfection?.......2003-12-14

This is my favorite Christmas CD. Nothing comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed learning much of the music in high school choir over 30 years ago. The music has never left me. The four medleys are the arrangements of Robert Russell Bennett titled "The Many Moods of Christmas". The arrangements seem to have a freshness about them even after listening numerous times.

Interspersed with the medleys are a cappella carols.

All of this music is wonderfully performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, the a cappella selections recorded in 1957 and the medleys in 1963.

Four decades have proven that this is the standard in choral music. The clarity of text, the richness of tone, the beauty of harmony combine to present the message of Christmas in the manner that only music can do.

These words are no surprise to those familiar with choral music in the United States. If you are not so familiar, but would like to enjoy Christmas music at its most beautiful, you can do no better than acquiring this CD.

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