Full

1. Of the Divine

2. Full Woman

3. Praises

4. Yemaya

5. Yin Yang

6. Divine Percussion

7. How Do You Love?

8. Forgiveness

9. Fulla Yes

10. Gratitude

11. There Is a Way

Full,Rachel Bagby,Outta the Box,Int'l & World Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Paul's still go it--and I'd give this CD 4.5 stars Disappointed McCartney Pop Gem Memory Almost Full The hits just keep on coming!

Memory Almost Full Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Hear Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur Live In Dublin Lost Highway It Won't Be Soon Before Long ASIN: B000P2A242 Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Dance Tonight
2. Ever Present Past
3. See Your Sunshine
4. Only Mama Knows
5. You Tell Me
6. Mr. Bellamy
7. Gratitude
8. Vintage Clothes
9. That Was Me
10. Feet In The Clouds
11. House of Wax
12. The End Of The End
13. Nod Your Head

Amazon.com

"Many years from now" must have seemed like an understatement to 16-year-old Paul McCartney, wondering if he'd still be needed or fed at the age of 64. As it turned out, all doubt as to the latter had ceased by his 22nd birthday (though few could have predicted he'd end up washing down those meals with the liquid pride of Seattle). As to the former? Now that McCartney, as of the date of this album's release, has reached that mythic age, his greatest work is 40 years behind him, his solo peak over 30 years gone. Does the world need a new Paul McCartney album? The answer is yes, at least as much as it needs anything else that passes for music these days. With Memory Almost Full, Macca is back. No, it's not Ram or Band on the Run. It might not even be Flowers in the Dirt--in 1989, he had a full band, the support of Linda, and Elvis Costello as a collaborator. Here, he's on his own. Literally: on the majority of the tracks, everything but the strings is multi-instrumentalist Paul. But the surprise is that it's one of his freest, loosest affairs in years, sonically reminiscent of the Tug of War/Pipes of Peace era with nods to Abbey Road in the album-closing medley, McCartney's gravelly tones on "Gratitude," and 2007's version of "Her Majesty," the palate-cleansing "Nod Your Head." It's a surprise because of the album's inescapable sense of retrospection ("Ever Present Past," "Vintage Clothes," "That Was Me") and even a bit of weariness. The next-to-last song is "The End of the End," after all, in which McCartney tells us about what he'd like to happen "on the day that I die." (He wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," and will likely get his wish.) But it never gets overwhelming, for McCartney mostly resists his tendency to get plodding and maudlin. In fact, Memory Almost Full must be the most sanguine album made during the dissolution of a marriage since...well, ever. "What went out is coming back," he sings in "Vintage Clothes," and from the sound of things, that may not be just wishful thinking. What's past is prologue; if we're lucky, what to come may be McCartney's late renaissance. --Benjamin Lukoff

Album Description

The 13 new songs on Memory Almost Full are performed entirely by Paul McCartney (excluding strings) and produced by Grammy Award-winner David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Bruce Springsteen and more).

More Paul McCartney

Band on the Run

Ram

Wingspan: Hits and History

Customer Reviews:

Paul's still go it--and I'd give this CD 4.5 stars.......2007-07-19

Just opening the CD takes me back to the first Beatles albums I bought on vinyl. His voice is still as clear as always. The orchestration is simple for the most part, which enhances the vocalization. You've got a taste of Paul's music from the Beatles to the solo career -- all of it fresh and new and unexplored, but feeling comfortable, too.

Probably the two best songs on this CD are "The End of the End" and "Only Mama Knows". "The End of the End" is one of those songs I can only listen to once--I very well remember that awful day almost 27 years ago when we heard John Lennon had been killed. I hope we don't have to contemplate Paul's passage for many years to come. If I were the one mixing the CD, I probably would have ended it with this song. I guess they wanted to follow with the strong vocals of "Nod your Head" as an affirmation of the upbeat

"Only Mama Knows" takes me back to the strong vocals of the 80's, when he was singing songs "My Brave Face" and "1985".

Paul's voice is still strong, which I am really glad about. Too many of the greats are breaking my hearts with their late-life releases. Good to know McCartney is not one of them.

And yes--Paul--I am right now nodding my head. I really love your music and thank you.

Disappointed.......2007-07-19

I am a huge Beatles / Wings / McCartney fan but I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I was in this CD. Is Paul over the musical hill? Did his failed marriage put him in a dark place? Does he overestimate his musical ability because he's Paul McCartney? I'm amazed that he put out a CD that shouldn't even be considered in the same breath with his other works. I know he doesn't need the money. Then why?

McCartney Pop Gem.......2007-07-16

This is an excellent example of Paul's lyricism and inventive melody making. If you like the Beatles, you will like this one.

Memory Almost Full.......2007-07-16

This cd is great! I love to listen Paul sing. He has a wonderful imagination and voice is still the same. I hope to hear more in the future.

The hits just keep on coming!.......2007-07-15

This is a great CD! Much better than the last one he turned out. I guess he got rid of the 'bad karma' that was holding him back. Looking forward to more great songs from this great artist!

Average customer rating: Good music, poorly engineered recording Time to retire and rest on your laurels Paul is still on top ! Dreadful! Sad! Memory may already be full...

Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition] Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Hear Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Traveling Wilburys (2CD/1DVD, Deluxe Edition) Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Paul McCartney - The Space Within US Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur The U.S. vs. John Lennon ASIN: B000PMLFRU Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Dance Tonight
2. Ever Present Past
3. See Your Sunshine
4. Only Mama Knows
5. You Tell Me
6. Mr. Bellamy
7. Gratitude
8. Vintage Clothes
9. That Was Me
10. Feet In The Clouds
11. House of Wax
12. The End Of The End
13. Nod Your Head

Tracks:

1. In Private
2. Why So Blue
3. 222
4. Paul talks about the music of Memory Almost Full

Amazon.com

"Many years from now" must have seemed like an understatement to 16-year-old Paul McCartney, wondering if he'd still be needed or fed at the age of 64. As it turned out, all doubt as to the latter had ceased by his 22nd birthday (though few could have predicted he'd end up washing down those meals with the liquid pride of Seattle). As to the former? Now that McCartney, as of the date of this album's release, has reached that mythic age, his greatest work is 40 years behind him, his solo peak over 30 years gone. Does the world need a new Paul McCartney album? The answer is yes, at least as much as it needs anything else that passes for music these days. With Memory Almost Full, Macca is back. No, it's not Ram or Band on the Run. It might not even be Flowers in the Dirt--in 1989, he had a full band, the support of Linda, and Elvis Costello as a collaborator. Here, he's on his own. Literally: on the majority of the tracks, everything but the strings is multi-instrumentalist Paul. But the surprise is that it's one of his freest, loosest affairs in years, sonically reminiscent of the Tug of War/Pipes of Peace era with nods to Abbey Road in the album-closing medley, McCartney's gravelly tones on "Gratitude," and 2007's version of "Her Majesty," the palate-cleansing "Nod Your Head." It's a surprise because of the album's inescapable sense of retrospection ("Ever Present Past," "Vintage Clothes," "That Was Me") and even a bit of weariness. The next-to-last song is "The End of the End," after all, in which McCartney tells us about what he'd like to happen "on the day that I die." (He wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," and will likely get his wish.) But it never gets overwhelming, for McCartney mostly resists his tendency to get plodding and maudlin. In fact, Memory Almost Full must be the most sanguine album made during the dissolution of a marriage since...well, ever. "What went out is coming back," he sings in "Vintage Clothes," and from the sound of things, that may not be just wishful thinking. What's past is prologue; if we're lucky, what to come may be McCartney's late renaissance. --Benjamin Lukoff

Album Description

The 13 new songs on Memory Almost Full are performed entirely by Paul McCartney (excluding strings) and produced by Grammy Award-winner David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Bruce Springsteen and more).

This beautifully-packaged, deluxe limited edition also comes with a 2nd disc that contains 3 unreleased bonus tracks and audio commentary by Paul McCartney describing the music, 6 foldout color postcard-sized photos, and full lyrics.

More Paul McCartney

Band on the Run

Ram

Wingspan: Hits and History

Customer Reviews:

Good music, poorly engineered recording.......2007-07-18

I must admit that I'm somewhat surprised by the number of negative reviews I've seen for this album. I thought Paul came up with some good melodies here. The musicianship is first-rate. Paul's voice is in pretty good shape. Sure, there are times when the lyrics could've been better, but that's typical McCartney. Folks, if you didn't like this album at first, try listening to it a bit more. I think it's a heck of a lot better than most of the pop/rock being produced today. And let's not even talk about rap and hip-hop (yuck). This CD set contains songs that are fun to sing, complete with melodic twists and variations in tempo. You wouldn't think those would be such rare qualities in today's music, but they are.

I agree with the reviewer who was critical of the recording. One of the worst examples is "Only Mama Knows". Most of the song is pushed to the absolute limit of CD volume. There's no actual clipping indicated when the track is viewed on a good audio editing program, but it sounds like there was clipping at some stage of the recording/mixing process. The effect of this is distortion and almost no dynamic range. I suspect a remastered version of this album will be issued years from now, and the volume problem will be fixed. And, yes, I'll probably be foolish enough to buy it.

Time to retire and rest on your laurels.......2007-07-18

To say that I am disappointed in this compilation of McCartney music is an uderstatement. What was Sir Paul smoking when he conceived this idea? He has written these stupid essays and sung them into songs. And the essays are terrible and mindless.

Sir Paul, you are 64 and I will still send you a valentine, if you stop writing trashy music. And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. This one is sad.

It is time to retire and rest on your laurels.

Paul is still on top !.......2007-07-16

Paul is still on top of his game !
Excellent music !!!
Recommend to all.

Dreadful! Sad!.......2007-07-16

The first two tracks are the only ones I can stand to listen to. The rest, I tried once but kept fast-forwarding about 30 seconds into each song. I was listening to this in the kitchen and my husband came in and said, "GOD! Is THIS the new McCartney CD? Pretty sad!" I couldn't have said it better.

Memory may already be full..........2007-07-14

I've been humming the melody to "Dance Tonight" since I first heard it. Then it came to me...I've heard it before!
Take a listen to John Lennon's "Dear Yoko" and see what you think.

Average customer rating: Good Album OK Their best since The Art Of War My boyz are back I agree, best since Art Of War.

Strength & Loyalty Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Manufacturer: Full Surface / Interscope ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bone Brothers 2 Double Up Epiphany T.I. vs T.I.P. Because Of You ASIN: B000O58ZQW Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Flow Motion
2. Bump in the Trunk - feat. Swizz Beatz
3. Wind Blow
4. I Tried - feat. Akon
5. Lil Love - feat. Mariah Carey & Bow Wow
6. C-Town - feat. Twista
7. Order My Steps (Dear Lord) - feat. Yolanda Adams
8. Streets - feat. the Game & will.i.am,
9. 9mm
10. Gun Blast
11. Candy Paint
12. So Good So Right - feat. Felecia
13. Sound the Same
14. Never Forget Me - feat. Akon

Amazon.com

It doesn't happen much, but there are times when the departure of a group's most prominent player inspires the rest of the act to get seriously bizzy. Strength & Love, a tight disc that skitters from track to shiny track with imagination and a renewed sense of rap's widened boundaries, makes Bone Thugs-N-Harmony a prime example. Without Bizzy Bone to layer a drizzle of Midwestern vocal weirdness over their sound, Layzie, Krayzie, and Wish Bone call in a crew of hard-hitting helpers: Akon delivers twice, first on the melting "I Tried" and again on the weepy "Never Forget Me," Mariah Carey flits through "Lil Love" alongside Bow Wow, and Twista and Yolanda Adams also make reputation-enhancing appearances (Twista by barreling through "C-Town" at breakneck speed and Adams by giving it up gorgeously for God on "Order My Steps (Dear Lord)"). Best of all about this proud-making comeback disc is its clever use of samples: "Wind Blow" pins the Fleetwood Mac chestnut "The Chain" down to urban pavement without wrecking its spirit, and the smartly produced "The Streets" updates the vibe of Bobby Womack's timeless "Across 110th Street" while preserving its grit-covered class. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Good Album.......2007-07-14

Bone Thugs come back strong with this latest addition. Their sound has been updated, but is still recognizable as uniquely Bone Thugs

OK .......2007-07-13

I was a bit disapointed because there are only two or three songs on the CD that I play. I guess my expectations were too high and too reminiscent of their old stuff. My son plays it non stop, hence the reason 3 stars!

Their best since The Art Of War.......2007-07-08

To me,this is the Bone cd is the best since the Art Of War. I liked some tracks off of Resurrection, and Thug Stories was the best cd in a long time,but this tops both of those albums with no problem at all. I like every track on here except for 2 of them. Tha Bone boys are back and they brought they fire flow that they were known for in the begining!!!

If you still doubt this groups talent then listen to the album opener Flow Motion...makes my jaw drop every time that I hear that track!
Bump In The trunk should become another Bone classic. They actually make "Wind Blow" work 100%! The first single is a sad song about trying in life,but also kind of inspirational at the same time. C-Town with Twista is awesome, everyone tears their verse up! 9mm and Gun Blast remind me of them 'ole Bone Boys classicks!!!

If you ever been a fan of Bone, then pick this classick up! Bone boys are back 110%!

My boyz are back.......2007-06-30

I love this album... been a fan since creepin on ah come up and I have been very critical of them on their past couple of albums. This one reminds me of the old Bone Thugs but with a more updated sound. I love it and any one who hasn't heard them entire album needs to go pick it up soon! Love my boyz!!!!

I agree, best since Art Of War........2007-06-30

I'm a big fan of the group and have been since I first heard E1999 back in the day. I like Bone stuff most normal people don't, but even I haven't been 'feeling' their latest albums.
Ok, honestly, they have flat out sucked in recent years.

This one is better than decent, good? Not great but good. Definitely the best since Art of War. Their original style is still absent, they do sound like an entirely different group for most of the album, I'll admit. Bone has had a couple of songs, solo, on singles or on other's albums that were better than most on this album released recently (Ridin' Dirty for example)

Easy 4/5 compared to rap on the market now, 4/5 compared to albums they've released recently. However, I wouldn't rank it so high if this had been an immediate release after E1999.

Flowmotion reminds me of old Bone Thugs, definitely the highlight of the album for me, it's one of the best songs on this album and the style reminds me of old-school bone thugs.

They have a more solid 4/5 song to number of song ratio on this album than any Bone album since E1999.
There isn't a single song that really stands out as complete garbage, some subpar, but no garbage.
Can't say there is a single song on this album that would force me to change the radio station if it came on, which is saying a lot for Bone Thugs nowadays.

My favorites on the album:
1. Flowmotion
4. I Tried (Akon and Bone work really well together, even if this song isn't Bone-style)
7. Order my steps
9. 9MM
11. Candy Paint (very pop-like song so it's embarrasing but I can't help it)
14. Never Forget Me (again, Akon and Bone work really well together)

On the Akon songs, I'm not a huge fan of Akon but he really does work well with Bone Thugs in these two songs.

Average customer rating:

Duke Robillard's World Full of Blues Duke Robillard Manufacturer: Stony Plain Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Power of the Pontchartrain Katrina Was Her Name Moment of Truth Solid Ice In the Palace of the King ASIN: B000PFU8GG Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Jump the Blues For You
2. Everything Is Broken
3. Treat Me So Lowdown
4. Slam Hammer
5. You're Killin' Me Baby
6. Slim Jenkins Joint
7. Sweet Thing
8. You Won't Let Me Down
9. Six Inch Heels
10. World Of Blues
11. Look Out
12. Stoned

Tracks:

1. Gonna's Get You Told
2. Monkey Arms
3. Who Do You Love
4. Low Side Of the Road
5. Too Much Stuff
6. Blues Nightmare
7. Bounce For Billy
8. Bright Lights, Big City
9. Steppin' Out
10. Anything It Takes
11. Stretchin'

Amazon.com

If there's such a thing as narrow-focus versatility, this set's a prime example. Duke Robillard has cut jazz, swing, rock, and instrumental albums, and he was Tom Waits's 2006 tour guitarist. Now the virtuoso returns to his true love--the music that first brought him acclaim as founder of Roomful of Blues--with two CDs that explore all aspects of the style. Dirty Chicago grinds like "You're Killin' Me Baby" tumble into gentle swingers like Robillard's take on T-Bone Walker's "Treat Me So Lowdown" and the hushed Wes Montgomery-influenced "Stoned." He conjures a raw Mississippi-juke-joint sound to interpret "Everything Is Broken," a tune penned by another former employer, Bob Dylan. And electric and acoustic guitars, plus some lute-like sax, are used to magnify the hoodoo vibe of Waits's "Low Side of the Road." Robillard also experiments with his voice, dropping to his lowest register to echo Bo Diddley's brawny growl as he covers the rock godfather's "Who Do You Love." These 23 numbers culminate with "Stretchin'," a nine-minute guitar-and-organ showcase that evokes the soul-jazz style invented by Jimmy Smith, concluding a "World" tour that'll please blues guitar lovers. --Ted Drozdowski

Average customer rating: Sweet A Desert Island Disc Ne plus ultra One of the great Lucias Crazy reviewers

Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Gaetano Donizetti , Beverly Sills , Carlo Bergonzi , Thomas Schippers , and London Symphony Orchestra Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato Massenet: Manon Handel - Julius Caesar / Treigle · Sills · Forrester · Wolff · NYCO · Rudel The Great Recordings The Very Best of Beverly Sills ASIN: B000060P5O Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

1. Part One: N.1 Preludio E Coro D'Introduzione: Percorrente Le Spiagge Vicine - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
2. Part One: N.2 Scena E Cavatina: Tu Sei Turbato! - E N'Ho Ben D'Onde - Piero Cappuccilli
3. Part One: No.2 Scena E Cavatina: Cruda, Funestsa Smania - Piero Cappuccilli
4. Part One: N.2 Scena E Cavatina: Il Tuo Dubbio E Ormai Certezza - Piero Cappuccilli
5. Part One: N.3 Scena E Cavatina: Ancor Non Giunse! - Beverly Sills
6. Part One: N.3 Scena E Cavatina: Regnava Nel Silenzio - Beverly Sills
7. Part One: N.4 Scena E Duetto - Finale I: Egli S'Avanza - Carlo Bergonzi
8. Part One: N.4 Scena E Duetto - Finale I: Sulla Tomba Che Rinserra - Carlo Bergonzi
9. Part Two: Act One, N.5. Scena: Lucia Fra Poco A Te Verra - Piero Cappuccilli
10. Part Two: Act One, N.6. Duetto: Appressati, Lucia - Piero Cappuccilli
11. Part Two: Act One, N.6. Duetto: Il Pallor, Funesto, Orrendo - Piero Cappuccilli
12. Part Two: Act One, N.7. Scena Ed Aria: Ebben? - Di Tua Speranza - Beverly Sills
13. Part Two: Act One, N.7. Scena Ed Aria: Ah! Cedi, Cedi O Piu Sciagure - Beverly Sills

Tracks:

1. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II, N.8. Coro E Cavatina: Per Te D'Immenso Giubilo/Per Poco Fra Le Tenebre - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
2. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II, No.9. Scena E Quartetto: Dov'E Lucia? - Qui Giungere Or La Vedrem.../Ecco Il Tuo Sposo - Piero Cappuccilli
3. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II. Sestetto Con Coro: Chi Mi Frena In Tal Momento?/Chi Raffrena Il Mio Furore? - Piero Cappuccilli
4. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II, No.10. Seguito E Stretta Del Finale II: T'Allontana, Sciagurato - Maledetto Sia I'Istante - Piero Cappuccilli
5. Part Two: Act Two, No.11. Uragano, Scena E Duetto: Orrida E Questa Notte - Piero Cappuccilli
6. Part Two: Act Two, No.11 Urgano, Scena E Duetto: Ashton! - Si/Qui Del Padre Ancor Respira - Piero Cappuccilli
7. Part Two: Act Two, No.12. Coro: D'Immenso Giubilo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
8. Part Two: Act Two, No.13. Gran Scena Con Cori: Deh, Cessate Quel Contento - Justino Diaz
9. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: O Giusto Cielo! - Il Dolce Suono - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
10. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: Ardon Gli Incensi - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
11. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: S'Avanza Enrico! - Piero Cappuccilli
12. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: Spargi D'Amaro Pianto - Piero Cappuccilli
13. Part Two: Act Two, Scena - Recitativo: Si Tragga Altrove - Piero Cappuccilli
14. Part Two: Act Two, No.15. Aria E Finale: Tombe Degli Avi Miei - Carlo Bergonzi
15. Part Two: Act Two, No.15. Aria E Finale: Fra Poco A Me Ricovero - Carlo Bergonzi
16. Part Two: Act Two, No.15. Aria E Finale: Oh Meschina!/Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'Ali - Ambrosian Opera Chorus

Amazon.com

This Lucia was recorded in 1970, when Beverly Sills was at the peak of her vocal and dramatic powers. She had been singing the role of Lucia on stage for six years, and she knew the character. Here is a manic-depressive who is slightly crazy from the start, and Sills's embellishments to the vocal line (and there are tons of them; hardly a line is left as written), mostly composed especially for her, are always at the service of the drama. She is a far cry from the chirpy Pons and Peters (and even Sutherland, whose just-plain-singing of the role is unmatchable, but who was never all that interested in building character) and comes closer to Callas, but without the great Greek soprano's huge palette of colors or, for that matter, vocal limitations. Sills is gloriously fluent in the coloratura, the high notes are impeccable, and her reading of the words is truly involved and involving. Carlo Bergonzi has everything as Edgardo, while Piero Cappuccilli's Enrico is snarling and cruel. Schippers leads a very tight, exciting, complete performance, and for the first (and only) time on CD, the glass harmonica Donizetti asked for is used in the Mad Scene. This is a must for lovers of great singing. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Sweet.......2007-06-30

The opening chords and strains, the sextet and the mad scene. These of course are what I love about Lucia, though all of it is beautiful. I've had this recording for months and just listened to it today. I doubt I'll listen to it again. I have lots of Lucias, and no favorites. Though I especially like Sutherland's 1959 recording of the mad scene, it's beautiful, and her trills hadn't got muddy yet. I'm only going to comment on the mad scene in this recording. It sounds more like a lullaby than the ravings of someone who'd just murdered her husband. I was surprised, because I'd read (apocryphal) that Sills had said she'd pound tables and sing off key to get the drama out. I prefer bel canto coloratura to table pounding, I don't care about the drama. At all. Still, that said, I was both stunned and disappointed in Sills' mad scene. It was, well, flaccid. (I love Sills, am listening to the 1st disc of Sillsiana right now, and I have the Pons recording and do not think she chirped!)

A Desert Island Disc.......2007-06-11

Like many other reviewers here, I am a serious bel canto fan. And like many of them, I have heard many Lucias live and have several recordings of the great Lucias: Callas, Sutherland, and Sills. This opera is, in my view, along with Norma, fundamental to understanding bel canto properly as a style in which virtuosity is the servant of drama. Not just empty display by prima donnas.

I have known and loved this opera since I was a teenager and to me, Sills is simply the best Lucia I have heard. I recall as a college student going to the listening library on many Friday afternoons and listening to this recording on LP over headphones until well into the evening, as it was not released on CD until a decade later. I was simply entranced.

Sills really is Lucia, the perfect realization of the "Ophelia" type so beloved by the Romantic imagination: a delicate, sensitive, emotional girl driven mad by cruelty and betrayal and crushed by events outside her control. Her tone is delicate, yet clear, and she sounds girlish (which Callas, for all her considerable art, could not quite convey). The high notes are firm and a bit bright, but never shrill or wobbly. The words absolutely clear, even in the hushed tones Sills uses so devastatingly. Her ornamentations express joy, terror, or agitation, perfectly evoking those heightened emotions. Her mad scene is really spooky. Again, only she and Callas sound like they are wandering about in a trance, living a demented fantasy. Along with Callas' Norma, in my view, it is the greatest bel canto performance on record. Sills, like Callas as Norma, really makes you think she IS Lucia.

What more can you ask for? Well, you get a perfectly stylish Edgardo in Bergonzi (although I feel that Pavarotti is unbeatably ardent, passionate, and even sexy in the role) and as so many have noted, a conductor who loves the opera and conducts like he does, excellent stereo sound, and a complete edition of the score. And how about that wonderfully spooky glass harmonica in the mad scene!

This recording needs to be in the collection of every opera lover and above all is required listening for any fan of bel canto. Sills, through words and music, makes us "see" DONIZETTI'S Lucia (not Beverly Sills, Diva) and feel her plight. That is what great operatic artists do. Run to get this one!

Ne plus ultra.......2007-01-03

I have four "Lucia"s on my shelf, and this is the one I always listen to when I want to experience the full drama of this bel canto classic. (We can safely ignore the opinions of those tin-eared listeners who don't grasp the shattering drama delivered by bel canto at its best.) Granted I may be somewhat influenced by having seen and heard Sills in the opera house, but her superiority in all "departments" in conveying Donizetti's dramatic achievement is not bettered anywhere, not by Callas and certainly not by Sutherland, whatever the glories of her singing. Sills conveys Lucia's incipient madness with the first notes she utters and her performance traces an uninterrupted arc from the fountain scene until she's led away after the Mad Scene. And she's fully seconded by everyone else who takes part, especially Bergonzi and -- best of all conductors in this score -- Thomas Schippers. If you want to know why bel canto opera has such a large body of fans, immerse yourself in in this recording as soon as possible.

One of the great Lucias.......2004-12-03

Many people, me included, have often wondered at the supreme ugliness of, even in her "prime", Maria Callas' voice. Of course, the rejoinder always has been "But did you see her in the house?"

Obviously, since she blew herself out at a comparatively early age, the answer is "no".

Now, we have a whole new group of nay-sayers telling us the Sills voice is too small, too thin, too ugly, too whatever. To those, I would simply say "But did you see her in the house?". Fair is fair.

I saw Ms. Sills many times in the house throughout her lengthy career. She did not possess a "perfect" voice. Who does?

But, during her greatest years, of which this recording is one of several examples, she possessed a beautiful and remarkably expressive lyric coloratura instrument. While a shade "lighter" than some, she had the almost uncanny ability of always being heard, even in the heaviest ensembles and over the loudest orchestras (which happened often when Julius Rudel was at the helm). Her voice seemed to bounce around the house. When you saw her in person.

Lucia was one of her most remarkable achievements. Anyone who ever saw her in the house knows of what I speak. Those who did not see her in the house should remain silent in their envy.

Now, make no mistake. I adored Sutherland. I would be completely unable to chose between the two, so different were their approaches to their art.

Of course, Sills' tireless efforts to popularize opera and bring a new audience to the opera house are well known.

Thank God I was around to see them both in the house. Many times.

And as for Anna Moffo. Well, she was a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. For a while.

Enough said.

Crazy reviewers.......2004-11-30

Sills is a great Lucia. For those who say her voice is too small for the role, especially compared to Sutherland and Callas, I say it is the right size for this role. Lucia, after all, was written for Fanny Persiani, who was a soprano with a light coloratura voice. Also, for those who say Sills' coloratura pales in comparison with Sutherland's, I say hogwash. Sills' coloratura is superb. She does smudge some staccati, but only does so for dramatic effect. Her trills and runs are breathtaking.

This role is NOT merely a display of stratospheric high notes and complicated coloratura. It is also a greatly dramatic role which must be ACTED with the voice. In this regard, Sills succeeds with flying colors. Her solo scenes are magnificent, just listen to her Mad Scene (her singing here reaches the highest pinnacle of vocal acting). Her work with her colleagues is also superb.

The rest of the cast is made up of great singers, especially Carlo Bergonzi as an elegant and passionately restrained, but still affecting Edgardo. One must hear his double-aria finale to realize his greatness. He sings with beautiful tone and magnificent phrasing and diction. He is truly in a class of his own.

The conducting of Thomas Schippers is great. He propels the action forward and gives every passage its dramatic due. His pacing of the three duets that follow "Regnava nel silenzio" is very exciting and makes for thrilling listening.

In short, this recording is truly one of the best on the market.

Average customer rating: What more could one ask for? Definitive Is Right Definitive Recordings of Copland's Popular Ballet Scores From Bernstein, NYPO American Music at its Highest The best of Copland

Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony ASIN: B0000029XG Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
2. Appalachian Spring: Allegro
3. Appalachian Spring: Moderato
4. Appalachian Spring: Fast
5. Appalachian Spring: Subito Allegro
6. Appalachian Spring: As At First (Slowly)
7. Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento
8. Appalachian Spring: Moderato - Coda
9. Rodeo: Buckaroo Holiday - Allegro con spirito
10. Rodeo: Corral Nocturne - Moderato
11. Rodeo: aturday Night Waltz - Introduction - Slow Waltz
12. Rodeo: Hoe-Down - Allegro
13. Billy The Kid: Introduction. The Open Prairie
14. Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
15. Billy The Kid: Mexican Dance And Finale
16. Billy The Kid: Prairie Night (Card Game At Night)
17. Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
18. Billy The Kid: Celbration (After Billy's Capture)
19. Billy The Kid: Billy's Death
20. Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
21. Fanfare for the Common Man: Molto deliberato

Amazon.com essential recording

Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented as Leonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versions since they were first issued--better even than the composer's own, later recordings. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to the extended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three great Copland ballets together, along with the ever popular Fanfare for the Common Man. Bernstein brings to this music the right sharpness of rhythm but also a typically open-hearted warmth. He coaxes a virtuoso response from the New York Philharmonic, which knows this music as well (or better) than anyone. Self- recommending. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

What more could one ask for?.......2007-06-27

Aaron Copland's masterful works are here interpreted by Bernstein. Nothing says the American sound like Copland, and there is no better interpreter than Bernstein. This recording is one of the best in my collection. I would recommend this to anyone (even non-classical music fans).

Definitive Is Right.......2007-02-27

I have the SACD version of these recordings (except for the "Fanfare" which, in this case, is the version taken from Bernstein's recording of Copland's Third Symphony) and I must agree with others here that the performances are definitive. The "Rodeo" has more energy than any other recording I know of, in fact it can almost go over the top! "Billy the Kid" is quiet and tender, dramatic and bold and "Appalachian Spring" is dead-on. The last section of this ballet is one of my very favorite pieces of music and Bernstein's tempo and phrasing here could well be called perfect.

Definitive Recordings of Copland's Popular Ballet Scores From Bernstein, NYPO.......2007-02-11

Without question, this splendid CD is my favorite recording of some of Aaron Copland's most popular orchestral ballet scores. In Leonard Bernstein he had both a good friend and a devout ally, who successfully championed Copland's music, helping to ensure his reputation as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - 20th Century American composer. Sony has done a superb job in digitally remastering this recording, offering some of the best sound I've heard from a vintage Leonard Bernstein/New York Philharmonic recording. But more importantly than the recording's superb sonic quality is the quality of these performances of Copland's scores. Bernstein leads in New York Philharmonic in these virtuoso performances, replete with lush, vibrant playing from the winds, horns and strings. His warm, truly heart-felt interpretation of "Applachian Spring" is truly mesmerizing, and the best I have heard from a recording. And yet, I am am just as impressed with his conducting of both "Rodeo" and "Billy the Kid"; the latter replete with superb solos from the orchestra's timpanist. An elegant performance of "Fanfare for the Common Man" closes out this CD recording. Fans of Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra shouldn't hesitate in acquiring this superb CD.

American Music at its Highest .......2007-02-04

If I was forced to recommend one CD of American music, I would feel very safe in backing this one. These interpretations have yet to be surpassed, and not even Copland himself could muster the same type of perfection that Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic did in this recording. Bernstein's way with Rodeo is unbelievable, and this alone is worth the price of the disc. The music on this recording has a lot to do with why, as Americans, we can all be proud of our place in the history of western music.

With 39 reviews under me, I will dispense with the adjectives to try and describe each interpretation of each piece on this disc, and simply say that these performances have been recommended by almost everyone (professional critics included of course) since they appeared; get it and find out why.

The best of Copland.......2007-01-09

For the Aaron Copland fan, this CD has the essentials: the most popular and easy listening of the Copland body of creations. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: A Beautiful Wedding Wonderful! Good CD for Wedding A Day To Remember--Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day, O'Neill Brothers great choice!

A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day O'Neill Brothers Manufacturer: O'Neill Brothers ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Day to Remember vol II Classical Wedding 25 Wedding Favorites Heart Beats: Now & Forever - Timeless Wedding Songs I Will Be Here: 25 of Today's Best Wedding & Love Songs ASIN: B000066RG3 Release Date: 2002-04-25

Tracks:

1. Falling in Love - Tim and Ryan O'Neill
2. Wachet Auf - J.S. Bach
3. Air on a G String - J.S. Bach
4. Air (from Water Music) - Handel
5. Reminiscent Joy - Tim and Ryan O'Neill
6. Canon in D - Pachelbel
7. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
8. The Wedding Song (There is Love) - Stookey
9. Ave Maria - Schubert
10. I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman
11. The Gift of Love (Water is Wide melody)
12. Spring (from The Four Seasons) - Vivaldi
13. Ode to Joy - Beethoven
14. From This Moment On - Shania Twain
15. The Way You Look Tonight - Kern
16. Forever in Love - Kenny G

Album Description

After performing at more than 200 weddings, Tim and Ryan O'Neill recorded this beautiful CD of favorite wedding songs. It features a full hour of instrumental piano, string quartet, flute, and guitar music that can be played at your ceremony or reception.

It also gives suggestions for music at your wedding, including a special bridal website!
*Over 1,000 song titles listed
*Listen to samples of songs
*More ideas for each part of your ceremony, reception, and dance

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Wedding.......2007-07-10

This CD made all the difference in our wedding celebration. The songs were simply beautiful. The CD was delivered promptly. I would definitely buy from this vendor again.

Wonderful!.......2007-03-23

This is exactly what I was looking for for my wedding day. It's a beautiful cd, absolutely perfect.

Good CD for Wedding.......2007-03-21

All great music for weddings. It really does have all the music I want to use!

A Day To Remember--Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day, O'Neill Brothers.......2007-02-07

The music was just perfect for our wedding--not too formal, not too simple.

great choice!.......2007-01-10

There are so many different songs to choose from on this cd and it's a great buy. whether you want to play it while eating dinner at the wedding, to walking down the isle, it's wonderful!!!!

Average customer rating: Marvelous Pretty Good the music Good incidental music but not great listening music - except the classical pieces Great classical music accompanies bland original score

Master and Commander Christopher Gordon , and Richard Tognetti Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | 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 Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Musical Evenings With The Captain Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2 Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (Widescreen Edition) Musical Evenings in the Captain's Cabin A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian ASIN: B0000DG07D Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

1. The Far Side Of The World
2. Into The Fog
3. Violin Concerto No. 3 'Straussburg' K.215, 3rd Movement
4. The Cuckold Came Out Of The Amery (Traditional) 5. Smoke N' Oakum
5. Fantasia On A Theme - Barry Wordsworth 7. Adagio From Concerto Grosso Op. 6. No. 8 In G Minor Christmas Concerto - Arcangelo Corelli Listen Listen Listen
6. The Doldrums
7. Prelude (From The Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1007 - Yo-Yo Ma
8. The Galapagos Listen Listen Listen
9. Folk Medley: O'Sullivan's March/Cuckold Came Out Of The Amery/Mother Hen/Mary Scott/Nancy Dawson - Jim Walker
10. The Phasmid
11. The Battle
12. Boccherini La Musica Notturna Delle Strade Di Madrid No. 6, Op. 30
13. Full Circle

Product Description

A trio of noted Australian musicians--Iva Davies, Richard Tognetti and Christopher Gordon--composed the film's score. They previously collaborated on "The Ghost of Time," a piece commissioned for the Millennium celebrations in Sydney, which came to the attention of Peter Weir. The director was so impressed, he played the piece on the Master And Commander set throughout production, and he asked its creators to write the music for his movie. The score interweaves "Old World" and "New World" music, reflecting the talents and backgrounds of its composers. Iva Davies hails from both pop and classical traditions; Richard Tognetti, one of the world's great violin virtuosos, taught Russell Crowe the ins and outs of the instrument; and film/television composer Christopher Gordon brought orchestral texture to the project. Given the period, it comes as no surprise that the score is infused with source music from Bach (Cello Suite) and Mozart, among other great classical composers. Percussion dominates portions of the score. "Drums signal the forward movement of the ship," says Davies, "that it's on a mission. It brings you back into the action." The score's biggest surprise comes with its use of synthesizers. "Peter doesn't make films in the expected way," says Davies, "and for that reason we wanted the score to be not what everyone expected. Peter wanted some scenes to have what I call a kind of 'futuristic' sense"--conveying the idea that these 19th century sailors were cutting-edge explorers.

Customer Reviews:

Marvelous.......2007-02-12

A marvelous collection of compositions which greatly enhanced this fantastic film. This CD is marvelous on its own. It did not leave my CD player for weeks.

Pretty Good.......2006-12-14

I purchased this soundtrack because I really enjoyed this music while watching the movie. But I was a little disappointed at the CD. Some soundtracks allow you to follow the entire plot like through the music (such as the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack). But this CD doesn't provide that. Several of the songs are recurring in the film but are only played once in the soundtrack. I would have liked the soundtrack to reflect the music for the whole film rather than just excerpts.

I give the music 5 stars and the CD 2-1/2 stars.

the music .......2006-11-10

The music is excellent . Flows well Better than the movie score

Good incidental music but not great listening music - except the classical pieces.......2006-11-09

The soundtrack for Master and Commander contains two distinct types of music. First there is the incidental music for the film. These pieces are heavy on the bass side of the orchestra and are often emphasized with bass drums and tympani. This music is very effective and appropriate for the scenes in the film, and I commend the composers for making a soundtrack that so seemlessly and effortlessly invokes the moods and excitement of the visuals. Unfortunately, these pieces are quite moody and slow moving - great as incidental music but not so interesting to listen to as straight orchestral music.

The second type of music is much more enjoyable to listen to. Those that have seen the film know there are several scenes in which people are playing music - for example, Aubrey and Maturin in the captain's cabin performing a cello-violin duet, or the sailors on deck playing sea shanties on tin whistles. The pieces chosen for the film range from Bach to traditional folk music, and are a welcome addition to the soundtrack. The performances are very good (including a cello solo by Yo Yo Ma), and the recording quality is excellent. Deserving special mention is the Boccherini piece (La Musica Notturna Delle Strada di Madrid), which serves as a second unofficial theme song for the movie. The piece itself is presented in its entirety, and there is a callback to the piece in the incidental music as well, which is a welcome ray of levity in an otherwise oppressive piece.

People purchasing this disc run the real risk of being disappointed - the incidental music works so well in the context of the film that you are likely to think (as I did) that the music is itself worth listening to alone. Unfortunately, I don't find this is the case, but the classical music that is included makes this a soundtrack worth having, especially for the Boccherini piece.

Great classical music accompanies bland original score.......2006-09-27

The original music to this film is dull, repetitive, and only offers the hint of good music at certain points during it's lengthy tracks. But what about all the good music you heard in the film? That was all classical music, which was used in the film incredibly well. There are three tracks in particular that save this album. The piece by Corelli is used as something the captain and doctor play together. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of baroque music of which I am aware. A second piece, Vaughn Williams "Fantasia" is the piece heard when the crewmen have to cut the line that might save their friend who fell overboard. It's a tragic scene and accompanied perfectly by the heart-breakingly glorious piece. The original piece of music is quite a bit longer than the version on the CD, but the original version also tends to drag a little in places. All the best parts are on the version of the piece in the film. The third classical piece from the album that saves it is the cello solo by Bach that plays as a theme for the galapagos islands. This solo is performed perfectly by Yo Yo Ma. These tracks make the album worth purchasing. If you already have them, avoid the album because the rest is not very enjoyable. If you wonder about this one, watch the film and listen for the music. It speaks well for itself in the film.

Average customer rating: Universal music Long-Time Favorite Best Copland Album I've Ever Listened To Test of Time--Passed with honors! the PERFECT Bernstein recording

Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | 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 $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris Copland: Rodeo/Billy The Kid Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain Aaron Copland: Billy the Kid and Rodeo Suite; Ferde Grofé:Grand Canyon Suite Barber's Adagio ASIN: B0000025MO Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
2. Appalachian Spring: Allegro
3. Appalachian Spring: Moderato
4. Appalachian Spring: Fast
5. Appalachian Spring: Subito allegro
6. Appalachian Spring: As At First (Slowly)
7. Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento (Shaker Melody 'The Gift To Be Simple')
8. Fanfare For The Common Man
9. El Salon Mexico
10. Danzon Cubano

Amazon.com

If Copland's own recordings of his music have the warmth of a soft summer night, those by Leonard Bernstein convey the blazing heat of noon. In his later remakes of several of these scores for Deutsche Grammophon, Bernstein exhibited a tendency toward overly-nuanced readings. But his earlier accounts with the New York Philharmonic, recorded by CBS in the late 1950s and early 1960s, are still incomparable in their vitality and impetus. Bernstein's way with the Western ballets is exuberantly personal and persuasive. He has the ability to move between delicacy and brashness, always getting the gestures right, and he delivers magical characterizations of both scores. The Phiharmonic's playing, while sometimes a bit raw, is confident and rhythmically secure; there is certainly nothing to apologize for here. There is a wonderful sense of immediacy to Bernstein's account of the Appalachian Spring Suite, in which the New Yorkers give a virtuosic account of themselves, playing in a rhythmically incisive fashion that puts Copland's account with the London Symphony in the shadows. The couplings are a mixed bag, however. Bernstein always had the measure of El Salon Mexico, and gives a rousing account of it here. But the so-called Fanfare for the Common Man is lifted from his recording of the Third Symphony; its beginning is not the same as that of the real fanfare. Both recordings have been wonderfully remastered by their original producer, John McClure, and have excellent presence and a palpable sense of atmosphere in the quiet pages. --Ted Libbey

Amazon.com

Leonard Bernstein was a friend of Aaron Copland's, and he approaches this music with rare flair and verve--as well as with sympathy and warmth--and, we can assume, with a good idea of the composer's intentions regarding it. This is a classic album, containing several of the works in the essential Copland oeuvre; the sound is not as good as you'll find in a more contemporary recording, but for most listeners the spirit will make up for that. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Universal music.......2006-07-14

This recording, aside of bringing back great memories of a live performance of Mr. Bernstein more than 25 years ago directing Mexico State Philarmonic Orchestra playing Salon Mexico, is of grand quality and Aaron Coplands music selection is escellent as is performed and recorded. My mom (77) and my daughter (8) enjoy it just the same.

Long-Time Favorite.......2005-03-16

When I was in the fifth grade, there was a district-wide competition called music memory, and one of the pieces I had to memorize for the competition was the last movement of Appalachian Spring. And I fell in love with that song. I went and bought the cassette of Appalachian Spring with Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic, and I listened to it almost every night before going to sleep. I even remember that one night I was listening to that final movement through my walkman as I was laying in bed. Evidently, I was humming along without realizing it, and I woke my parents, who slept downstairs and across the house, with my humming. Anyway, that's how good this recording is. And I'm still amazed at what great taste I had at that age. Now, eleven years later, I have upgraded to a CD, but I still listen to Copeland's masterpiece just about as much. I've heard a lot of great music in those intervening years, but I've still never heard anything quite this perfect. I doubt I ever do.

Best Copland Album I've Ever Listened To.......2004-05-15

I love Appalachian Spring Suite! When I went out to buy the music CD, I got This one because of the cool newspaper cover and it turned out to be the best one out there. I've listened to other recordings of Appalachian Spring performed by other orchestras, they just aren't as good. This is the absolute best one. Not only is this one of my favorite classical albums of all time, it's one of my favorite albums period. Every single track on this CD is money.

Test of Time--Passed with honors!.......2003-07-21

I have been a fan of Aaron Copland's from an early age--in fact, so early that I can hardly remember not knowing "Fanfare for the Common Man". As I became older, my appreciation grew and deepened. I still remember my first exposure to the "Gift to Be Simple" section of Appalachian Spring...it was in history class, played as part of a presentation. I can't even remember the subject of the presentation anymore--all I remember is that at that wild, joyous crescendo, I was not in the room. I was somewhere far away, flying. That is the power in a piece like this, and the standard to which I hold any musical recording.

When I began seeking a full version of Appalachian Spring for my own collection, I had the good fortune to get a "recommendation" of sorts for the definitive recording: Richard Wright, keyboardist of Pink Floyd, has more of a Copland influence than you might suspect. When I read his article in Record Collector Magazine, the particular rendition he recommended was this one--the 1962 recording for CBS, of which he seemed to have the original LP. Imagine my surprise and delight to find that it was still in print and easy to find in stores!

"Aaron Copland's an American classical composer," summarizes Mr. Wright, "and [Appalachian Spring] is his most famous work...Like all of my favourite music there's something in his material that touches me; I think it's the chordal progression and the melodic lines just above them that do it for me here - and the fact that it's very peaceful. When I listen to a lot of the stuff that I've played over the years I feel I've been heavily influenced by Copland, albeit subconsciously." (Note to Pink Floyd fans: Comparing the basic approach in "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and Copland's "Quiet City" may prove interesting.)

I am in full agreement here...it is absolutely striking what Copland was capable of creating. In his hands, simple, traditional harmonies were transformed into breathtakingly original works that reflect the best of the American spirit...innovative, beautiful, optimistic, and slightly wild. It never ceases to amaze me how he could weave such a beautiful musical texture with so few notes at times--it is indeed a gift to be simple. But Copland's work is not boring by any means--he also knows the place for grand, sweeping statements and shockingly unique, beautiful chord changes that occur seemingly out of nowhere.

As soon as I heard this disc, in comparison to other recordings I'd sampled, it was immediately obvious why this one survived the test of time, why it was still so vivid in the mind of Richard Wright. Copland and Bernstein seem always to be a good match for each other, but there was something very special going on the night this was recorded. Even if you own other renditions of "Appalachian Spring", even if you are interested in no other composition on this disc, this is an absolute must-have.

As for the other pieces, recorded in the early 60s as well, there's a similar magic--even though the "Fanfare" version is radically different, it's a real ear-opener. The pitch changes are done with a shocking fluidity, but it brings new interest to the piece. It is no replacement for the original; it's probably best to treat it as a different song. "Salon Mexicano" and "Danzón Cubano" are also excellently rendered and timeless.

All in all, this is a fantastic album--a must for any classical collection.

the PERFECT Bernstein recording.......2002-12-16

I have heard A LOT and i mean A LOT of Bernstein recordings...and...as far as post-Beethoven works go...this is it...this may only be comparable to his multiple Beethoven 5th Symphonies...
If you own ANYTHING with Leonard Bernstein's name on it...one should say "Beethoven's Fifth Symphony" on it...and the other should be this disc.

Average customer rating: it doesn't get much better than this Petty's first solo hit ranks behind most of his other discs Pretty good... Outstanding Work From Petty - With the Help of Some Wilburys How can you go wrong with Tom Petty?

Full Moon Fever Tom Petty Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Into the Great Wide Open Damn the Torpedoes Wildflowers Hard Promises Southern Accents ASIN: B000002O5L Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Free Fallin'
2. I Won't Back Down
3. Love Is A Long Road
4. A Face In The Crowd
5. Runnin' Down A Dream
6. Feel A Whole Lot Better
7. Yer So Bad
8. Depending On You
9. The Apartment Song
10. Alright For Now
11. A Mind With A Heart Of Its Own
12. Zombie Zoo

Amazon.com essential recording

Ten years had passed since Petty's last solid outing (Damn the Torpedoes in 1979), and Full Moon Fever fully resuscitated the artist's career, which--some would say "arguably"--had been losing steam. With the album's four major hits and rave reviews from the critics (these things do not always go hand-in-hand), Petty must have breathed a sigh of relief. He left the Heartbreakers behind, hooked up with musician, writer, and producer Jeff Lynne, and rocked out with "Runnin' Down a Dream," got mellow and introspective on "Free Fallin'" and "A Face in the Crowd," and paid tribute (finally) to the Byrds with a cover of "Feel a Whole Lot Better." He perfected the sing-along guitar-pop song on "Yer So Bad" and had a wild time on "Zombie Zoo." Pure Petty perfection! --Lorry Fleming

Customer Reviews:

it doesn't get much better than this.......2007-03-08

I recently started to listen to Tom Petty's music and i have to say this record is fantastic. from the heartbreakers to bob dylan to george harrison to Jeff Lynne its all here and its an amazing creative piece of work.

Petty's first solo hit ranks behind most of his other discs.......2006-11-05

This is one catchy album which saw Tom step away from the Heartbreakers brand of rock and roll and venture into a more pop orientated scene. Jeff Lynne co wrote tracks and produced this album, one of a string of his successes as a producer.

This album, is catchy from start to finish, some of the songs are below par but such as the musical spirit, lightheartedness and joy, they come across, each as catchy radio hits.

Free Fallin', I Won't Back Down and Running Down a Dream were solid hits from this release and are up there with his most popular songs especially for the 2nd generation of Petty fans. They are concert staples and are songs that gained him further respect as a songwriter and thrust him to the top, all over MTV, he was hip again and rode the wave of success well into the 90's.

The Apartment Song was a left over from the early to mid 80's and the rest of the songs were written with Jeff. Initially rejected by the record company, this album turned out to be his 2nd highest charting and one of his best selling albums that was nominated for album of the year at the Grammy's.

This album for me ranks in the middle of his catalogue, there are alot of better albums, including his most recent and his earlier works. Pop fans will love this for the songs they always heard on radio, it is a good introductory/early album to buy for new fans. This album is in need of a remaster.

Pretty good..........2006-11-05

Unlike most of the other reviewers, I didn't think this album was 100% gold. In fact, it seemed to me the album (side A) started out with the strongest material (the three big singles are all in the first 5 songs) and then it went downhill for me. Overall, side B was kind of bla for me, and sounded rather unfinished (notice the average song on side A is much longer than side B, and Mike Campbell's contributions are all on side A). There wasn't much guitar work, maybe owing to the fact that this was more a solo effort, and songs like "A Mind With a Heart of Its Own" and "Zombie Zoo" replace Mike Campbell's guitars with organs and excessive backing vocals. "Alright for Now" is a really short lullabye that never really goes anywhere, stays in the lull it begins with and has some pretty uninspired lyrics. "Depending on You" and "The Apartment Song" are the same for the entire song and has the same drums and guitars the whole way through and are very repetitive, along with "A Mind With a Heart of its Own."

Needless to say, the strong points of this album make it worth getting, but if you already have "Anthology" you have every really good song on this album. Personally, although I thought the follow-up "Into the Great Wide Open" did not have as many really strong tracks, it was more consistent overall and had the catchy riffs which would have made up for what is lacking here. Clearly he developed a new style on this record and an ability to not take himself so seriously, but I just thought side B left a lot to be desired and each song kind of ended where it started staying the same throughout with some very throwaway lyrics ("I'm all right. I just feel a little lonely tonight. I'm OK most of the time. I just feel a little lonely tonight").

Check out "Echo" and the soundtrack to "She's the One" for some of TP's most underrated work, this I would say is a tad overrated.

Outstanding Work From Petty - With the Help of Some Wilburys.......2006-10-12

As the music scene progressed in the 1980s, things began to change in the pop music landscape. The synth-pop sound that had dominated the 1980s was now being replaced by a more "natural" guitar-laden sound. This trend was promoted by such artists like John Mellencamp and John Fogerty who would enjoy commercial success as well as critical acclaim. Five musicians in the 1980s would also find themselves at the center of this movement on the music landscape. Jeff Lynne of ELO was working with George Harrison on his "Cloud Nine" album. At the same time Lynne was working with Roy Orbison.. The story goes that Lynne, Harrison, and Orbison all agreed to sing on Orbison's song. They needed a place to record, so they contacted Bob Dylan to use his studio. Meanwhile word is that George's guitar was with Tom Petty (who was also working with Lynne). The rest is history and a supergroup called "The Traveling Wilburys" was born. The Wilburys would enjoy enormous success. While some people felt that Lynne was the weak member of the Wilburys, he was the man who also brought them all together. As mentioned, Lynne was also working with Tom Petty at the time on a "solo project". That project would turn out to be his highly successful 1989 album, "Full Moon Fever". "Full Moon Fever" not only encapsulates the guitar-laden sound that had now taken over the landscape, but it also brings 3 of the 4 other Wilburys (the exception being Bob Dylan) into the fold.

The Traveling Wilburys would release two albums - "Volume 1" and "Volume 3". There was no "Volume 2". However over the years, "Full Moon Fever" has unofficially become "Volume 2". In fact there is a Russian Import version that actually labels "Full Moon Fever" as "Volume 2". As mentioned this was technically a "solo album" by Tom Petty. For years, Petty had recorded with his band - "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers". While this was a "solo album", there are many of the Heartbreakers that are present on this album. Howie Epstein lends background vocals to two songs - "Love is a Long Road" and "I Won't Back Down". Benmont Tench lends his piano for "The Apartment Song". Finally, Mike Campbell - possibly one of the most sought after musicians in the business contributes throughout the whole "Full Moon Fever" collection - including guitars, mandolin, bass, and keyboards.

When Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers burst on the music scene - they appealed to a wide variety of musical styles including Classic Rock, New Wave, and even Punk. However, I feel that Petty's roots were still in Southern Rock. "Full Moon Fever" definitely isn't rooted in Southern Rock, but it does have a strong incorporation of the guitar-laden sound mentioned. This isn't an album where you are going to hear horns or a string section. While you hear some keyboards, it will be the guitars that are going to be the story of this album - whether it's electric or acoustic, every song will make an integral use of the guitar. On top of that, given Petty's unique voice - this really becomes something special. I give a lot of credit to Lynne for putting this all together. It's kind of ironic that Lynne was able to pull off producing both "Full Moon Fever" and the Traveling Wilburys. Lynne was known for his intricate orchestral arrangements with ELO, yet Lynne finds a way to make the natural guitar-laden sound work for Petty on this collection.

"Full Moon Fever" is known for the "hits" that were spurned off this album - these songs being: "Free Fallin", "I Won't Back Down", and "Runnin' Down a Dream (to a lesser extent "Yer So Bad" and "A Face in the Crowd" were also hits). These are good songs, but surprisingly, I found the "other songs" to be the strong points of this collection. Songs such as "Love is a Long Road", "Feel a Whole Lot Better", "Depending on You", "The Apartment Song", "Alright for Now", "A Mind With a Heart of It's Own", and "Zombie Zoo" were the albums strongest songs. Any of these songs could have easily been released as singles and could have achieved a high level of commercial success.

As mentioned, three of the Wilburys make contributions to this album Roy Orbison lends his background vocals to "Zombie Zoo". George Harrison lends Acoustic Guitar and Background Vocals to "I Won't Back Down". Lynne, while lending his hand at co-producing this album with Petty and Mike Campbell also lends Vocals, Bass, Guitar, and Keyboards to the effort. Who can forget the terrific vocal jam between Petty, Harrison, and Lynne on "I Won't Back Down" - i.e. the classic "Hey Baby!". While Harrison didn't directly contribute to the track "Feel a Whole Lot Better", I'd like to think he had some influence on the cover of the Byrds' "Feel a Whole Lot Better". This cover gives the song a distinct Beatle-sque quality. I give Petty a lot of credit for being able to pull this off. At the same time, Petty also remains true to his Southern Rock roots. "A Mind With a Heart of It's Own" definitely sounds like something Petty would have done with the Heartbreakers. Finally, if you want to hear Tom Petty do a lullaby, listen to "Alright for Now".

Perhaps the most interesting part is when Petty puts an interruption prior to the start of "Feel a Whole Lot Better". This interruption tells CD listeners to "wait" until LP or Cassette listeners are able to flip over their media on their player - most humorous.

The liner notes do include all of the lyrics and all of the musician credits and acknowledgements. Overall, fans of Tom Petty and the Wilburys will not be disappointed with this effort. Although this collection does have a guitar-laden sound, it will have a lot of appeal to the mainstream. This is one collection I highly recommend.

How can you go wrong with Tom Petty?.......2006-07-09

I was especially pleased with the cover of the Byrd's Feel a Whole Lot Better -- I didn't know that was on there.

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