Sophia [Import]

Product Description
UK pressing. Self-titled debut album. Features 10 tracks. Coldme. 2004.

Homesick Heroes,Charlie Daniels Band,Country Gospel,Country-Rock,Rock/Pop,Southern Rock,Traditional Country,Urban Cowboy

Average customer rating: have been searching for this for years Been looking for years An Excellent Introduction to Renaissance Dance renaissance dance music Wonderful reissue from early days of early music recordings

Panorama: Dances of the Renaissance Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande Galliardes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gesualdo | Gesualdo, Carlo | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Holborne, Anthony | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection English Renaissance Music Praetorius: Dances from Terpsichore Music for a Medieval Banquet Medieval Dance Music ASIN: B00004YMTN Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

1. Terpsichore: 1. Entree - Courante - Collegium Terpsichore
2. Terpsichore: 2. Gavotte - Collegium Terpsichore
3. Terpsichore: 3. Spagnoletta - Collegium Terpsichore
4. Terpsichore: 4. La Bouree - Collegium Terpsichore
5. Terpsichore: 5. Ballet - Collegium Terpsichore
6. Terpsichore: 6. Volte - Collegium Terpsichore
7. Musikalischer Tugenspiegel: Sophia (no.13) - Anna (no.4) - Collegium Terpsichore
8. Musikalischer Tugenspiegel: Clara (no.6) - Collegium Terpsichore
9. Musikalischer Tugenspiegel: Magdalena (no.3) - Collegium Terpsichore
10. Musikalischer Tugenspiegel: Agatha (no.15) - Collegium Terpsichore
11. Musikalischer Tugenspiegel: Regina (no.12) - Collegium Terpsichore
12. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.4 - 1. Pavane - Collegium Terpsichore
13. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.4 - 2. Gaillarde - Collegium Terpsichore
14. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.4 - 3. Courante - Collegium Terpsichore
15. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.4 - 4. Allemande - Tripla - Collegium Terpsichore
16. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.5 - 1. Pavane - Collegium Terpsichore
17. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.5 - 2. Gaillarde - Collegium Terpsichore
18. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.5 - 3. Courante - Collegium Terpsichore
19. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.5 - 4. Allemande - Tripla - Collegium Terpsichore
20. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.3 - 1. Pavane - Collegium Terpsichore
21. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.3 - 2. Gaillarde - Collegium Terpsichore
22. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.3 - 3. Courante - Collegium Terpsichore
23. Banchetto musicale: Suite No.3 - 4. Allemande - Tripla - Collegium Terpsichore
24. Lamento di Tristano - Rotta - Ulsamer Collegium
25. Trotto - Ulsamer Collegium
26. Istampita Ghaetta - Ulsamer Collegium
27. Istampita Cominciamento di gioia - Ulsamer Collegium
28. Saltarello - Ulsamer Collegium
29. Bassa danza a 2 - Ulsamer Collegium
30. Alta danza a 3 - Ulsamer Collegium
31. Bassa danza a 2 - Ulsamer Collegium
32. Bassa danza a 3 - Ulsamer Collegium
33. Basse danse La brosse - Tripla - Tourdion - Ulsamer Collegium
34. Bassa danse La gratta - Ulsamer Collegium
35. Basse danse La Magdalena - Ulsamer Collegium

Tracks:

1. Calata ala Spagnola
2. Der Judentanz
3. Welscher Tanz - Wascha mesa - Hupfauff
4. Pavana I - II
5. Romanesca Guarda me las vacas
6. Passamezzo - Saltarello
7. Branle de Bourgogne
8. Englischer Tanz
9. Tanz Du hast mich wollen nemmem
10. Schiarazula
11. Ungaresca - Saltarello
12. Ronde
13. Branle de Bourgogne
14. Branle de Champagne
15. Passamezzo d'Italye - Reprise - Gaillarde
16. Schiarazula Marazula
17. Tedesca - Saltarello
18. Ungaresca - Saltarello
19. Branle - Branle gau
20. Mascherade
21. Saltarello
22. Ballo detto 'Il Conte Orlando' - Saltarello
23. Gagliarda del Principle di Venosa
24. Barriera
25. Celeste Giglio
26. Pavana de Spaigne
27. Courante
28. Courante
29. Volte
30. Volte
31. Pavan: The Funerals
32. Noel's Galliard
33. Coranto: High Ho Holiday
34. Kemp's Jig
35. Queen Elizabeth her Galliard
36. Mrs. Winter's Jump
37. Alman
38. Galliard
39. Galliarde de Monsieur Wustron
40. Galliarde de la guerre
41. Reprinse
42. Tantz
43. Paduan
44. Galliard
45. Catkanei

Customer Reviews:

have been searching for this for years.......2007-06-11

Happy to see the Collegium Terpsichore CD out again (disc 1), though hiding in this bargain set, wasn't immediately obvious. But one listen to the Praetorius samples and knew I found it. This album was played continuously on the air on KKHI when I was in college (circa late-hippie_, and I never tired of it. I wore out my LPs. Now I've misplaced that single CD so might have to buy it again if I can't locate it soon. Phooey. At least it's available. It's the most refreshing CD you'll ever put on your player.

Been looking for years.......2007-02-13

I have been looking for the Deutsche Grammophon "Dances from Terpsicore" from the 60's but to no avail till now. The entire album is included in this two disc set...

Yippee

An Excellent Introduction to Renaissance Dance.......2005-06-23

This is my first disc of Renaissance dance music, for which I have been searching for quite a while. I thought ir was very excellent. I have heard some before when I was in a few Shakespeare plays, and ever since, I have been looking. These selections provide a broad range of the music of the courts during the 15th and 16th centuries. There is music from all over Europe, including what sounds like Southeastern Europe. The interpretations are also very good, and they put me, at least, back into that time period. The only problem I found was the glockenspiel like instrument, which was sometimes a little annoying. Otherwise, wonderful.

renaissance dance music.......2004-10-24

This CD is a compilation of three recordings which are From The Vault: Dance Music of the High Renaissance by Fritz Neumeyer, Dance Music of the Renaissance by Josef Ulsamer, and Early Baroque Music by Konrad Ragossnig.

Wonderful reissue from early days of early music recordings.......2004-01-28

This cd is a reissue of material from several albums in the 60s. The Fritz Neumeyer recordings of Praetorius are from an old Archiv LP that was one of my first introductions to "early music", and it can be charged that it was more enthusiastic than historically informed. A recorder consort will take up one section of a tune, and then a group of viols will swirl in, maybe followed by crumhorns playing another brief phrase, and then a solo harpsichord finishing off the tune. Different instruments provide a variety of textures of sound, keeping things interesting even though most of the tunes are played fairly "straight", without a lot of improvisation. There's been quite a bit of research and rediscovery of Renaissance techniques since this record was first out, and I appreciate those, but these old recordings really get my toe tapping and remind me why I fell in love with early music in the first place.

Average customer rating: MUSIC TO HEAL YOUR SOUL The best Great music...for awhile. Has Potential. One of the best new age CD's

Chakra Healing Chants Sophia , and David Gordon Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hidden Waters/Sacred Ground Chanting the Chakras: Roots of Awakening Travelling the Sacred Sound Current: Divine Chants & Sacred Tones for Healing & Meditation Magical Healing Mantras SOUNDS OF LIGHT: The Pure Tones of Crystal Singing Bowls ASIN: B000086BC2 Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

1. Gaia Shekinah Nama Om
2. Uma...Jai Ma!
3. The Orbit - Nam Myoho
4. Heart of Earth
5. Thy Song
6. Infinite Wisdom
7. Be Still
8. The Beginning

Album Description

Embark on a journey through the Chakras on a river of sacred sound with legendary songhealer Sophia and David Gordon on shaman durms and native flutes. Sophia uses pure vocal tones drawn from the Cabbalistic Tree of Life, which activate and heal the body's energy centers. They are joined by special guest artists Hans Christian (Rasa) on cello and exotic string instruments, and Raphael on keyboard orchestrations.. The perfect soundtrack for yoga, tantra, meditation and creating a sacred space.

Customer Reviews:

MUSIC TO HEAL YOUR SOUL.......2007-02-13

I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THIS CD AND I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE I KNOW. IT'S SOOTHING YET MAKES YOU WANT TO MOVE. SINGING ALONG WITH IT AND DOING THE CHANTS IS VERY CLEARING AND ENERGIZING. READ THE WORDS IN THE BOOKLET AND SEE HOW IT FEELS TO SING THEM WITH THE CD. HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT NEEDS A LIFT.

The best.......2006-01-13

This is timed perfectly for an hour meditation, i sampled many different new age cd's for meditation, and by far this has bee the best sounding one. It has notes/tones that will activate your 7 main chakras, and the first time I did it i could feel mine rotating and warming up (im sensitive to this). This is relaxing and her voice and band is deeply into it. They maybe could have put a little more into 1 or 2 tracks, but overall I would reccomend this to anyone looking to reach discover their true selfs.

Great music...for awhile........2005-04-13

I like this CD, I really do...the first 2 or 3 songs are absolutely captivating!!! Track 7 is pretty amazingly inspiring too. I just didn't feel that much listening enjoyment from the rest of the album. I don't feel like they are resonating with my chakras, just too much vibrato for my ears! I thought she had this great earthly sound for the first couple of tracks and then she got all frilly and way too feminine with her voice, for me. I've been listening to it for a couple of days so, if I change my mind about her I'll let you know ;) But for now, I'm enjoying the repetitiveness of tracks 1 and 2 for sure!

Has Potential........2004-11-24

It seems I cant change the rating of this product using the edit facility, if I could I would change my initial 1 star rating from November 2004 to a 3 star maybe. Anyway, it's January 2007 and I decided to give the cd another listen after I read the comment that was made on my review. It turned out to not be so bad and the inside flap did indeed spell out what techniques were used that involve the respective chakras. I put it on in the dark and made sure I was relaxed/ receptive and tried hard to dispel any preconceived notions I had on what to expect. What I was struck by at first was the satisfying sound of traditional instruments. The accompanying vocals were pleasing too. As the cd wore on it was possible to find many spaces to explore in the music, once or twice I was a tad disturbed by the lyrics or the means employed to deliver them but this was minimal. I think I will be giving it a try again and who knows, maybe I will bump the rating up again, but for now my initial review does seem a bit off the mark...
Initial Review Below:::
"New Age"
I am a practical normal kind of guy that would like to be a little more in touch with his metaphysical self. Unfortunately, finding a way to do this is not very easy. People like me run a mile when access to the pearly gates comes with tea and scones on Sunday. People like me do not feel very comfortable at the thought of spending eternity with an old man in charge of winged beings who sing all day in his honour. However, people like me do not give up hope and write the whole concept of an hereafter off because a flock of bleeps have turned it into something that is difficult to stomach.
Unfortunately, Christianity is not the only thing people have turned into something that is difficult to stomach.
My exploration so far of the many different and varied ways of pursuing enlightenment has taken me from the sublime to the ridiculous.
As many different ways there are of doing it are accompanied by just as many different ways of describing it.
When I discovered Chakras recently it was with some delight I heard that healing/ balancing them might only be a question of employing sound.
And so I begin my pursuit of getting some sound to help me out. Chakra Healing Chants. This cd seemed pretty self explanatory.
When I got it though, my heart sank at the realization I had been played for a sucker. This is the kind of stuff that will make me run a mile and justifies the view of many people of what New Age is all about. In case I do not possess the ability to express this objectively, let me quote someone else:
..."New Age" music (you know -- the wandering, aimless stuff that sounds the same whether you play it forward or backward.)....
And that my friends, is what this is. With a bit of luck, I will not give up hope and be able to find something else that a guy like me can use without feeling like I have compromised my self respect. When I do, I will be back, to recommend what I have found instead of this. Don't get me wrong; there probably is an audience for this kind of stuff, if you are into wandering, aimless stuff that sounds the same whether you play it forward or backward, then this will be right down your alley. Peace Out.

One of the best new age CD's.......2003-12-18

This is one of the best new age cd's I own. Sophia's voice is like an angel. Track 4 is my favorite (for the heart chakra). I highly recommend Sophia's Healing Chakra Chants to anyone who is looking for soothing and meaningful/spiritual music.

Average customer rating: Top-notch sooth-ability! Incredibly Peaceful & Moving

Perfect Balance: Musical Healing, Vol. 2 Various Artists Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Musical Healing The Celtic Lounge Garden of Serenity Chakra Healing Zone Music for Reiki & Meditation ASIN: B000784XCQ Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

1. Uyll - Gary Stadler & Wendy Rule
2. Precious Water Reprise - David & Steve Gordon
3. Golden Light (Excerpt) - Ashron
4. Nature Spirits (Balance Mix) - David & Steve Gordon
5. Watermoon - Bernd Scholl
6. Hidden Oasis (Yoga Mix) - David & Steve Gordon
7. Natural Healing (Excerpt) - Shajan
8. Rainforest Sunrise (Om Mix) - David & Steve Gordon
9. River Running - EverStar
10. Lightstreams - David & Steve Gordon
11. Lines in the Sand - David Gordon
12. Rainforest Sunset (Peace Mix) - David & Steve Gordon
13. 7th Chakra: Be Still - Sophia
14. Radiant Sea Reprise - David & Steve Gordon

Album Description

Renew, reflect and relax into perfect balance - Transform your entire being with this exquisitely tranquil musical retreat for your body, mind and spirit. Immerse yourself in this superbly crafted collection of sonic treasures featuring the most blissful musical gems from some of today's foremost masters of healing music including David & Steve Gordon, Sophia, Gary Stadler, Ashron, Everstar, Shajan and Bernd Scholl - including many brand new songs from your favorite artists. You'll discover a new, ultimately relaxing and timeless way of being with these exceptionally soothing soundscapes, featuring gently calming harp, flute, guitar, tamboura, cello and piano with angelic vocals, serene keyboard atmospheres and the most peaceful sounds of nature imaginable - the perfect musical compliment for yoga, Pilates, massage, and the healing arts. Just press play and feel the stress melt away as you effortlessly experience your quite center of perfect balance within.

"The sweet serenity of nature and exquisite melodies of recording artists from the Sequoia Records label are artfully joined on this compilation of blissful music for healing and relaxation. PERFECT BALANCE, MUSICAL HEALING VOL. 2 is awash in quiet, uplifting music that blends flowing synthesizer ambience with harp, flute, guitar, cello and piano. Trackwise, the album features a lot of dreamy material from David and Steve Gordon, whose mellifluous soundscapes provide a fantastic atmosphere for stress relief and reflection. Other artists that make an appearance include Gary Stadler, Everstar, Sophia, Shajan and newcomers Bernd Scholl and Ashron. The tracks are sequenced in such a way the each blends fluidly into the next, without any disruption in the peaceful mood." ~ Music Design In Review

Customer Reviews:

Top-notch sooth-ability! .......2005-03-09

Throughout this immeasurably relaxing album are the predominant natural sounds of both water and birdsong that get supported by an assortment of gentle keyboard instrumentations. From Ashron's singing bowls to Scholl's spacescape, from Shajan's pouring rain stick to the Gordon's bird and waterscapes, all lend the listener to a perfect blend of sound for bathing the mind and soothing the spirit. Sophia has the only track with vocals, but its ethereal voices are so sweet one forgives the gentle intrusion. In all, this is the Gordon's most relaxing and rewarding album for letting go. Top-notch sooth-ability!

Incredibly Peaceful & Moving.......2005-03-01

This latest compilation of healing music from Sequoia Records is nothing less than brilliant. A follow up to their beautifully relaxing "Musical Healing" release from several years back, Perfect Balance: Musical Healing Vol. 2 surpasses the first in depth, dynamic and serenity. The majority of tracks here are mainly new releases along with a few classics from legendary healing music pioneers, David & Steve Gordon. These are balanced perfectly with some amazingly traquil tracks from such healing music luminaries as Shajan, Sophia and several new artists of note, including Bernd Scholl, whose track "Watermoon" blissfully carries the listener away on an ocean of eternal calm and Ashron, whose "Golden Light" bathes the listener in a waterfall of shimmering sound. This 69 plus minute release is superbly produed, mixed and sequenced allowing for ultimate release and relaxation and is long enough to just let it run for accompanying any healing arts session. An exceptional release.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Awesome CD! Finally! Waiting with Bated Breath

Sophia Crüxshadows Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt Industrial | Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | CD Singles | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Alternative 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: Dreamcypher The Mystery of The Whisper + Until The Voices Fade Tears Frozen Embers Fortress in Flames ASIN: B000H2M298 Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. Sophia (Album version)
2. Sophia (Radio edit)
3. Titan
4. Sophia (Here I Am club mix)
5. Adrift

Album Description

The first single from the band's followup to the international smash hit album, Ethernaut, which they released in 2003. This 5 track disc features 3 versions of the new song, Sophia, as well as two exclusive new B-sides. The single debuted at #1 on the Billboard Dance Single Sales Chart and at #7 on the overall Billboard Single Sales chart (September 23, 2006 issue date).

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2006-11-13

I admit, I've been a Cruxshadows fan for almost 10 years now, so I may be a bit biased, but I loved it. It's beautiful. I can't wait until the new album comes out in January!

Awesome CD!.......2006-10-09

I was fortunate enough to have encountered the Cruxshadows when they were playing in Atlanta, so my first experience with their music was first hand, and I was completely blown away. The energy level was through the roof.

You certainly get your money's worth on this disc, with three versions of their hit single, and two other songs as well. I find it difficult to describe the genre of music exactly. There are elements of techno-synth, orchestral, and rock, but it's not really any of these.

Their music and lyrics of the single tends to be rather uplifting but without being preachy. Even though the thrust of the song is very much inspirational, there's still an element of sadness and hauntedness, which gives it a ring of truth.

And it's a catchy tune, which never hurts : - ) An excellent jump-on point for any new fan.

Finally!.......2006-10-05

Awesome that this talented band is getting the national recognition they deserve. This is a great dance track. And, unlike many singles, this includes extra "b-side" songs like they used to do. Well worth the price!

DREAMCYPHER is available for pre-order here on Amazon!!

Waiting with Bated Breath.......2006-09-09

This single is just fantastic. The direction that Rogue and his Cruxshadows have taken is just amazing. This taste of their upcoming album is barely enough to quell the anticipation. Here is looking forward to January!

Average customer rating:

Harp Showpieces Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Harp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Romantic Harp Music for Solo Harp The Magic Of The Harp Judy Loman - Baroque Harp Genius of Salzedo/Original Works & Transcriptions ASIN: B000053W46 Release Date: 2001-02-20

Tracks:

1. Rhap
2. La Source
3. Son No.2: Allegro
4. Son No.2: Siciliana
5. Son No.2: Allegro Assai
6. Images: Les Anesses Grises Sur La Route D'EL Azib
7. Images: Danseuse A La Fontaine D' Ain-Draham
8. Images: Soir De Fete A Sedjeanne
9. Dans Des Lutins
10. Son: Allegro
11. Son: Andantino
12. Son: Rondo-Allegro
13. Scintillation
14. Intro, Cadenza And Rondo
15. Classical Ste: I. Prld
16. Classical Ste: IV. Courante
17. Classical Ste: III. Sarabande
18. Classical Ste: VII. Gigue
19. The Minstrel's Adieu To His Native Land

Average customer rating: Peter and the Wolf good, Wolf Tracks Bad GRAMMY AWARD highly recommended A worthy sequel Applause For These Paws

Peter and the Wolf: Wolf Tracks Prokofiev , Beintus , Sophia Loren , Bill Clinton , Mikhail Gorbachev , Russian National Orchestra , and Kent Nagano Manufacturer: Pentatone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Russian National Orchestra | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music Peter And The Wolf Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals Sky Blue Sky ASIN: B0000C9JCU Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

1. Prologue - Mikhail Gorbachev
2. Introduction - Sophia Loren
3. Serge Prokofiev - Peter And The Wolf - Sophia Loren
4. Intermezzo - Mikhail Gorbachev
5. Felix Beintus - Wolf Tracks - Bill Clinton
6. Epilogue - Mikhail Gorbachev

Customer Reviews:

Peter and the Wolf good, Wolf Tracks Bad.......2006-08-17

Sophia Loren does a fantastic job with 'Peter and the Wolf'. Her performance alone is worth buying the CD. "Wolf Tracks" however did not do as good of a job. This was not due to Clinton's performance as he was simple reading the story not writing it. 'Wolf Tracks' is very preachy and very weak attempt to get people to care about the environment. In addition the music for 'Wolf Tracks' is pale in comparison to 'Peter and the Wolf'. With Prokofiev you walk away with humming the themes for all the characters, with Beintus you walk away wishing you stopped the CD after track three. Only buy this CD if you are a fan of `Peter and the Wolf'

GRAMMY AWARD .......2005-09-20

Best Spoken Word Album For Children
This Peter and the Wolf SACD won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album For Children, beating such nominated heavyweights as Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix spoken by Jim Dale, Winnie the Pooh spoken by Jim Broadbent and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory told by Eric Idle.

PENTATONE

PentaTone Classics
PentaTone Classics is a small Dutch label specialised in Super Audio CD (SACD) recordings. It was founded just a few years ago by former Philips executives and has become well known for its Remastered Quadro Recordings (RQR) series. The RQR series are SACD issues of recordings Philips made in the seventies for the short-lived quadrophonic LP format.

PentaTone SACDs
PentaTone doesn't produce anything less than SACDs, and al its SACDs are hybrid SACDs, they play on both SACD and ordinary CD players.
Many PentaTone recordings are made by Polyhymnia, formerly the Philips Classical Recording Centre. Polymnia is specialised in high-end recordings of acoustic music on location. Much of the recording equipment is designed and built or at least substantially modified in-house. Polymnia became independent in 1998 through a management buy-out by key personnel.

THE STORY BEHIND THE CD

international collaboration
Just how did a small independent Dutch label manage to get Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev on the same CD?

That story starts back in 1990, at the height of glasnost, when pianist-conductor Mikhail Pletnev approached president Gorbachev with the idea to create an orchestra completely free of government control. Thus the Russian National Orchestra came into existence. Mikhail Gorbachev remains affiliated with the RNO. He is not on the board of trustees, but he is on the international Board of Directors of the Russian Arts Foundation, an American organisation in support of Russian art and culture.

When the RNO debuted for Deutsche Grammophon with its recording of Tchaikovsky's Pathétique, Grammophone called it "awe-inspiring" and the best recording of the Pathétique ever.
In 2001, the RNO started its Cultural Allies program, an arts exchange program that promotes international understanding. It was the Cultural Allies program that enabled the Russian debut of e Russian debut of conductors like Kent Nagano and Michael Tilson Thomas.

Most recording of the RNO with conductor Mikhail Pletnev have been released by Deutsche Grammophon, more recently, recordings with with conductor Kent Nagano have been released by PentaTone.

charity
The Russian National Orchestra's idea to couple the classic Peter and the Wolf with a modern story was executed under the artistic direction of Kent Nagano. The RNO commissioned French composer Jean-Pascal Beintus to write a new composition, Wolf Tracks and broadcast writer Walt Kraemer to write the text. Contributors include pianist Hélène Grimaud, co-founder of the Wolf Conservation Centre.
Nagano conducted premiere performance of Wolf Tracks took place in August of 2002 at San Francisco's Stern Grove Festival.

The decision to contribute all royalties to charity made it easier to attract some well-known names.

On the CD, the story of Peter and the Wolf is told by Italian actress Sophia Loren. She is chair of the Artists Council of the Russian Arts Foundation, active in many charity causes. Her royalties go to Magic of Music, and arts therapy program for youth sponsored by the RNO.

Mikhail Gorbachev does the prologue, intermezzo and epilogue - in Russian. Translation into English is provided by Sergei Markov, the chief executive of the Russian National Orchestra. Gorbachev's royalties go to Green Cross International, an environmental organisation he himself founded.

Bill Clinton once considered a career as a professional saxophone player. It may have been Gorbachev who asked him to narrate Wolf Tracks. Bill Clinton co-chairs the advisory committee of the International AIDS Trust, together with Nelson Mandela, and his royalties go there.

booklet
PentaTone did not skim on the booklet. It is a 24-page full-colour job, containing background information on the narrators, their chosen charities, the compositions, the composors , the orchestra and the conductor. It is illustrated with drawings by children from Moscow orphanages.

SONIC ENJOYMENT

recording
PentaTone recorded the CD in multi-channel surround. The recording is crisp and clear. The sound engineers did a fine job. The orchestra's every nuance and the narrator's every inflection has been captured perfectly. It may well be the best recorded Peter and the Wolf yet.

prologue, intermezzo, epilogue
I found the prologue, intermezzo and epilogue rather disappointing. Gorbachev's text just seems too formal, even a bit pompous to me, and the line-by-line translation robs it from any free flow it might have left. He may mean well, but there's nothing here for children to enjoy at all. Luckily, theses three tracks are just about one minute each.

Peter and the Wolf
Sophia Loren does a fine job telling the story of Peter and the Wolf. Loren isn't trying to act up, but is telling the story with enthusiasm, making her rendition more convincing and likeable than Sharon Stone's version. I personally still prefer David Bowie's and Stings's versions, but this recording is among the top ones. Kent Nagano's pacing of the orchestra, the sound balance between the orchestra and her voice, even the particular sound of this orchestra and her voice, they all seem just right for each other. The orchestra's wind soloists' performance in particular makes it clear why this is such a highly respected orchestra. The enthusiasm and understanding with which she tells the story contributes to the enjoyment of the performance.

Wolf Tracks
The story of Wolf Tracks is about Peter's grandson, also called Peter. It is told by Bill Clinton. This story and his performance narrating it are the real gem on this CD. The story, although a bit heavy on morals, is a good one that makes a great coupling with Peter and the Wolf, so good a coupling in fact, that it might become a classic one.
The orchestra does an admirable job again, but the real surprise is that Bill Clinton is a stunningly effective narrator. Even after seeing the photos of him recording it, you still imagine him telling the story from a chair next to a burning log fire, looking up now and then to look you in the eye, turn the next page and continue the story.

conclusion
This is one of the better recordings of Peter and the Wolf, and the first time it is coupled with Wolf Tracks, a modern sequel to that tale. With fine narration and superb sound, the Grammy is well-deserved.
[...]

highly recommended.......2004-01-26

The classic composition by Sergei Prokofiev gets a new soul and also a new soulmate, Wolf Tracks, by Jean-Pascal Beintus. Both pieces are conducted by Kent Nogano and the Russian National Orchestra (RNO), with all proceeds going to charities. The original tale of Peter's dangerous encounter is narrated by ardent animal-rights supporter Sophia Loren. Wolf Tracks, narrated by former US President Bill Clinton, is about Peter's own little grandson. Old Peter has had a change of heart as the wolves and the wild places have been driven toward extinction. But young Peter simply must capture a wolf for himself! And in so doing, learn what his grandfather realized long ago about the wolf's important place in Nature. Superb scores and excellent storytelling make this recording a kid and parent pleaser! A word about the beneficiaries of this project: Green Cross International was founded in 1993 by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, who provides the CD's prologue, intermezzo, and epilogue in Russian. Green Cross, active in twenty four countries, promotes natural resource conservation, research, and education. Sophia Loren's charity, Magic of Music, is the RNO's program to bring art and music to orphanages and children's hospitals worldwide. Each of the colorful illustrations in the 24-page booklet which accompanies the CD was painted by children in the program. Bill Clinton's royalties go to the International AIDS Trust, which he co-chairs with Nelson Mandela. IAT creates strategic partnerships with heads of governments, labor, business, religions, and with private citizens to combat the global AIDS epidemic. So, in the words of the Wolf himself, "Everyone involved, including you, dear listener, has made a contribution to a better future for wolves and all the noble creatures of our planet." A pleasure, highly recommended, and worthwhile!

A worthy sequel.......2003-10-07

As a collector of Peter & the Wolf, I was instantly intrigued when I heard of this new edition, and ordered it before it was released. Though Wolf Tracks is not actually an edition of the Prokofiev tale, the inclusion of a rendition of the original by Sophia Loren would have made this a must buy for me anyway.

Loren does a beautiful job narrating the classic Peter; her alluring voice and luscious accent instantly making this one of my favorite editions. But to my surprise, the Wolf Tracks piece was an unexpected delight. Not a great fan of contemporary orchestral music, I was not expecting much. But the score by Beintus and the text by Walt Kreamer combine to create a truly delightful piece.

Peter and the Wolf was commissioned specifically as a guide to the orchestra, so musical themes are created for each character and repeated throughout the piece. Wolf Tracks has a different mission. I was unable to detect associative musical themes, but the score is a beautiful series of melodies that support the text perfectly. The text was what really surprised me. I expected a preachy dissertation on ecological responsibility, and surely that was evident. But the sermon was wonderfully woven into the story of Peter, the grandson of Prokofiev's Peter, in such a touching manner that I literally had a lump in my throat at the end. This piece really makes you feel for the plight of the Wolf, and for so many other threatened creatures.

This disk will stand repeated plays for years to come. I seldom pay list price for any music, but this was definitely worth the premium.

Applause For These Paws.......2003-09-25

Peter and the Wolf, Serge Prokofiev
Wolf Tracks, Jean-Pascal Beintus
Russian National Orchestra, Kent Nagano, conductor
Featuring Sophia Loren, Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev
PentaTone Classics 5186 012

Introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev and narrated by Sophia Loren and Bill Clinton (who will donate their royalties to charities) these two musical stories come alive in familiar voices particularly relevant to a new century. The storytellers here - one relaxed and convivial, the other elegant and beguiling - lend a special intimacy that transcends age and nationality. Apparent immediately is that both understand how to talk to children, with warmth and candor, as if children were in the room. Nothing here is cute, condescending or silly; there is not a trace of the hyperbolic, manufactured emotion so common to most audio/video productions for children now, only respect and the natural parity of storytellers and listeners having a good time. The liner booklet, illustrated by orphaned and disabled Moscow children in tasty candy colors, features insightful but easy reading about all involved, including The Wolf.

The two stories brilliantly complement each other, and yet both narratives stand on their own. "Peter and the Wolf" is well known, but the new "Wolf Tracks" offers an equally engaging tonal world. Like Prokofiev, Bientus crafts music with enough complexity to pull a child in, but not so much that he or she can't find a place in its own richly hued landscape, a place so real they can smell woodland breezes, hear paws in tender grasses. Both, as rendered by this always superb orchestra, guarantee imagination-ignition in any kid's brain within ten bars.

Lynnda Greene
music journalist

Average customer rating:

Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo: The Remixes Sophia Loren Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000I6ML Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

1. Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo (Club Edit)
2. Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo (Strobe's Club Mix)
3. Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo (Dubstrumental)
4. Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo (Funky Monkey Mix)
5. Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo (Banana Beats)
6. Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo (Zoobezoobeats)

Average customer rating: Sensual, surrender lover's song to the creator - Exceptional

Hidden Waters/Sacred Ground Sophia Manufacturer: Hidden Waters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Chakra Healing Chants Sophia ~ Return Emergence: The Best of Sophia Journey Into Love Chanting the Chakras: Roots of Awakening ASIN: B00000IZ74 Release Date: 1999-04-22

Tracks:

1. Sweet Surrender
2. Charana Kamara
3. The Earth is our Mother
4. Sacred Ground Round
5. Hidden Waters

Album Description

Relaxing, healing music, with extended chants, connected by heartbeat drum, and interwoven to bridge East and West, body and soul. Used widely for massage, medittion, ritual, tantra, birthing and love.

Customer Reviews:

Sensual, surrender lover's song to the creator - Exceptional.......2001-03-10

The first section of the CD takes a journey of sweet surrender to the Lord with captivating transition to a Hindi devotional chant that is no less than making love through song and expression. Vocal movements are extraordinary and Sophia's spirit comes through as though in her presence.

I remained in combined awe and trance... If you hear this, you will want to buy it - period.

btw - I first heard this on a tape of a friend's 3 days ago and immediately ordered the CD. I inadvertently ordered 4 CDs, so thought I might give them as gifts. Within 4 hours of recieving the CDs, I played for 2 separate friends - they immediately said they wanted to buy the CD and when heard I had extras, each person wanted to get my extras for them and their friends.

Average customer rating: I Love This Collection.Sophia's music is magical and uplifting,and her voice is that of a Goddess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emergence: The Best of Sophia Sophia Manufacturer: Ivory Moon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hidden Waters/Sacred Ground Chakra Healing Chants Sophia ~ Return This Universe Journey Into Love ASIN: B000005RCW Release Date: 1996-07-06

Tracks:

1. Gentle With Myself
2. All My Relations
3. Keepers Of The Garden
4. Street Singer
5. Prayer For All The Warriors
6. Prayer Of St. Francis
7. I Am Sustained
8. Earth Is Our Mother, The
9. Dream Song
10. New And Brighter Day, A
11. Love Is
12. One Song

Album Description

Sophia's Hits - a collection of favorites dating from her first release in 1978.

Customer Reviews:

I Love This Collection.Sophia's music is magical and uplifting,and her voice is that of a Goddess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-04-03

Highly recommended.I have been listening to this mesmerizing album for two years,and I never get tired of it.Sophia has one of the most beautiful and powerful voices I have ever heard,and she deserves to be more well known.This collection of music spans most of her career,and is really a great way to be indroduced to one of the worlds greatest new age/healing music artists.Her music really does soothe the soul,and align the chakras.Her remarkable voice is really versatile,and all her songs are brilliant and original.So many styles,great harmonies,incredible vocals,excellent guest singers,and a wonderful group of musicans,and high quality sound,make this a sublime recording to bring you joy,health,and to invoke the goddess within !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating: Sophia Said It Best,When She Said Return Was Her favorite Cd ! Unbelieveable Beautiful Both Relaxing and Energizing Fantastic, Beautiful and Treasured

Sophia ~ Return Various Artists Manufacturer: Etherean ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Scottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hidden Waters/Sacred Ground Chakra Healing Chants Emergence: The Best of Sophia People Are Like Seasons The Essence ASIN: B00000IZ73 Release Date: 1999-04-22

Tracks:

1. Return
2. Prayer for the Warriors
3. Shekhinah Shakti
4. Body of the Goddess/I Am
5. Laxshmi
6. Anya

Album Description

Sophia sings with lush, full accompaniment a prayer of celebration of the Goddess in her many glorious forms, from angelic to erotic.

Customer Reviews:

Sophia Said It Best,When She Said Return Was Her favorite Cd !.......2007-04-03

This cd should be the cornerstone of any sacred/healing music collection.One of the most beautiful cds in my 2000+ cd collection.Return invokes a space,I love to return to again and again,as often as possible.
The music is both ethereal and exotic at the same time.

This cd is one of the most beautiful new age cds I have ever heard.The incredible jai uttal,is a guest vocalist on return.Sophia has a beautiful voice with lots of color,shading,and dynamics.Not to mention an amazing range from low to high soprano,with the power of an opera singer.She also sings ever word and phrase with great feeling and emotional involvement.The cd is full of lush sound,and beautiful effects like ocean waves on one track.This is one of the best produced and ethereal yet passionate cds you will ever hear in new age and world music,with a classical sophistication as well.

Unbelieveable.......2003-08-29

I was given this cd as a gift and I must say this is one of the most unbelieveable gifts of music I've ever recieved. Whether you use this for yoga, meditation or sacred space preparation, you will be blessed by the lush tapestry Sophia has weaved her voice onto. The words (as described by other reviewers) have a depth of spirit that I can only liken to prayers lifted on the swirls of inscense smoke to the heavens. You must have this CD.

Beautiful.......2001-10-03

I highly recommend this CD, the music is exquisitely beautiful. It makes me feel very calm and peaceful. It feels like it is cleaning my chakras. This music is very suited to fall asleep with, practice yoga and if I have another child I will choose this CD to listen to while giving birth. Thank you Sophia & Band for this heavenly music.

Both Relaxing and Energizing.......2001-05-17

This spiritual album has a fluid sound throughout which makes it relaxing while the steady rhythms give it just enough of a "pop music" feel to make it energizing. The words may not look like much when typed out, but set to music, they are absolutely stirring. Words like, "May the warriors find peace within" and "My body is the body of the Goddess" become very moving when set to the mood of this deep, watery, rhythmic album.

It has a far-eastern sound to it, and is definitely worthwhile.

Fantastic, Beautiful and Treasured.......2000-03-01

I bought this CD and liked it right off the bat. The second time I listened I was amazed by the depth and layering of the sounds and vocals. This is one treasure I have played again and again, especially when I am working. It is calming and radiant all at the same time. I HIGHLY recommend this CD.

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