William & Marlys [Import]

Product Description
Asian pressing of the poppy Nashville duo's 2004 album includes three bonus tracks, 'Automatically Sunshine', 'Western Sky', & 'Sleeper'. Pastel Music.

William & Marlys,Swan Dive,Pastel Music,Pop,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Composer becomes student. The Fourth Great Boublil & Schoenberg Musical Something of a Disappointment Delightful. A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Sony Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000QTCY72 Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. Pirate Queen
3. Woman
4. My Grace
5. Here on This Night
6. Waking of the Queen
7. Rah-Rah, Tip-Top
8. Choice Is Mine
9. Boys'll Be Boys
10. Wedding
11. I'll Be There
12. Day Beyond Belclare
13. Sail to the Stars
14. Entr'acte
15. Enemy at Port Side
16. I Dismiss You
17. If I Said I Loved You
18. Role of the Queen
19. Christening
20. Let a Father Stand by His Son
21. Surrender
22. She Who Has All
23. Sea of Life
24. Woman to Woman
25. Finale

Amazon.com

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Composer becomes student........2007-07-20

The score has genius of a student breaking into theatre.
After masterpieces of Les Miz,Martin Guerre and Miss Saigon what
happened?These are great works.
It is still worth listening to.

The Fourth Great Boublil & Schoenberg Musical.......2007-07-18

I had the pleasure of seeing Pirate Queen both in Chicago 2006 and on Broadway in 2007. While I was disappointed that the cast album is only one CD long instead of two, I was quite surprised by the high quality of the recording and the amount of music packed onto the disc (25 tracks). This is a must-own for any fan of musical theatre, and the most exciting new musical to open in the past several years.

As a musician, I enjoy the chance to hear Schoenberg's musical style evolve through the years, starting with his solo French pop album, his first musical, La Revolution Francaise, and then the big three, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and Martin Guerre. Pirate Queen is a worthy addition to that impressive body of work. As I listen to PQ, I enjoy hearing moments where a little feature of his style reminds me of one of those other pieces. But I can also hear how his writing has evolved; PQ is full of action, but it's imbued in placed with a subtle hint of melancholy that rivals the most touching moments of the other big three shows (much of this is due to the use of a flatted 6th scale degree, which is a recurring musical motif of the show). I'll mention a few key points here:

1. Overture: much as in Miss Saigon, here local color is added to the score through various Irish instruments. The overture sounds very Irish, yet still evocative of the original slow introduction of Martin Guerre (London version).

2. Entracte: it's all instrumental, and when I saw it in the theatre audience members were sometimes talking over it, but this is the most exciting music in the score. It's in 5/4 time, with plenty of 4/4 and 2/4 measures thrown in to keep it sounding on-edge. Wild, tempestuous music. The 5/4 time signature reminds me of the amazing overture to La Revolution Francaise -- although I like the PQ entracte even more.

3. Woman: this "girl-power ballad" has a unique sound compared with most of Schoenberg's other work, although the build up to the climax follows his trademark strategy of letting the orchestra play the main melody and while the singer comes in later and sings in counterpoint for a few measures. It's my favorite musical device of Miss Saigon, Les Miz, and Martin Guerre, and it shows up here too on the words "I'm meant to fly, sail unrestrained..."

4. I'll Be There: a huge bring-down-the-house torch song for a tenor. It's closest in structure to Why, God from Miss Saigon, including a rather exciting bridge section (here with a lot of electric guitar) and the 2/4 measures of descending bass notes leading into each chorus. This song is nearly perfect -- I just which it were longer (it's 3:16 but feels over far too soon). Schoenberg uses electric guitar melody rather sparingly, but it shows up in just a few key points in Les Miz, for instance, and features quite prominently in this song, sometimes in unison with the string section.

5. If I Said I Loved You: This is a gorgeous love duet in act 2, with some amazing harmony. It really builds in passion, and makes nice subtle use of that Irish sound in the orchestrations.

6. Sail to the Stars: This Act 1 finale is an exciting, intense chorus number. It doesn't compare with the end of Les Miz Act 1, both nothing really does. Instead it's a melancholy but intense funeral scene, and is surprisingly effective.

7. My Grace: This is sung by the Valjean father-figure in the show, and it sounds a lot like a song missing from Les Miz. But it has a unique PQ sound to it, with the flat 6 scale degree. It's extremely moving.

8. Here On This Night: Originally this was my favorite song in the show, although If I Said I Loved You recently stole the #1 spot. This is the main happy love duet from an early part of the show. A classic Boublil & Schoenberg love song, with a sound that makes me feel as if I'm at love on a ship under the stars. Like the best of their love songs, the melody starts on scale degree 2 over the tonic, like Sun and Moon from Miss Saigon.

9. She Who Has All: The most unique aspect of this show is the harpsichord + high operatic soprano role for the Queen. It's an amazing performance, not too much vibrato, so even non-opera fans can enjoy it. This track is a duet between the two lead women of the show, so we get a Broadway singing voice in duet with the opera soprano. Amazingly, it works very well. I can't believe Schoenberg combined these two sounds so effectively in a duet near the climax of the show. Impressive! The duet Woman to Woman also has some of this quality. And the rest of the queen songs have a great early-music harpsichord sound fused with the modern musical orchestra.

10. The Wedding: mostly orchestral (with some chorus), this is a big Irish step dance number. It has a great sound for Irish step music fans; it sounds pretty classic but more bass-heavy, like The Chieftans fused with a rock band.

11. Boys'll Be Boys: this is like Master of the House meets Gaston, only I don't like it as much. Sort of disappointing, but it's an important and funny number.

12. The Sea Of Life: a nostalgic song towards the end of the show, this sounds like what Turning in Les Miz should have been. Turning was always my least favorite part of Les Miz, but Sea of Life is incredible. In a subtle thematic move, the opening melody is the same as the solo flute in the original London opening of Martin Guerre, with a slightly different rhythm and added accompaniment. Even more surprising: probably just by coincidence, the middle of this melody includes 8 notes (with different rhythm) from the "victory" music from Pirates of the Caribbean 3.

All in all, highly recommended!! My only complaint (besides it's premature closing on Broadway for no apparent reason) is really that we can't hear all the additional material that 2 CDs would give us, such as Grania's father's death scene (a modified reprise of My Grace, sort of like the scene at the end of Les Miz), and a very pretty Lullaby Grania sings to her son in Act 2.

Something of a Disappointment.......2007-07-17

The songs in this album were just not that great. The lyrics were not very singable (and indeed some of them didn't even scan properly.) The music also suffered quite a bit from a lack of Irish instrumntation. Most of the music seemed to be just standard, cookie cutter Broadway show tunes and not very memorable ones at that.

The cast did very well, though, considering the poor material it had to work with

All in all, it looks like this play was a lost opportunity. The story of Grace O'Malley is a compelling one and deserves to be told better than it was here.

Delightful........2007-07-13

When I ordered this soundtrack, I completely ignored what the other reviews said (which is ironic because I expect someone to read mine: ) Thinking on my own was the right choice.

Do you like Boubil? Do you like Schonberg? If so, you will most likely like this recording. The farther I get into it, the more I love it!

The recording is powerful. The slow ballads carry its weakest attributes. There are power ballads left and right. Up beat and very cultural to the Irish heritage, this is a wonderful recording. It's not my favorite.

Personally, I would prefer "A Class Act" or "Loving repeating", two soundtracks I just bought and LOVE.

This could be be for you.

It's a good buy. 11 something for a power ballad musical. I currently have about 57 musicals, and I can honestly say this ranks in the top 15. However, that doesn't mean it's staying in my car forever. I am still waiting to receive "A View from Here". hehehe. I love musicals.

A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall.......2007-07-13

I saw this show twice during its run: once in Chicago, once in New York. Loving both "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon", I had high expectations for "The Pirate Queen". Sadly, the show was disappointing - primarily from the once aspect I assumed would be great: the music.

The score's orchestrations sound terrific and the cast is quite good (esp. Stephanie J. Block), but (as this cast album reflects) only a couple of songs maintain any real staying power:

Woman
I'll Be There
She Who Has All

Not bad, but could/should have been so much more.

Average customer rating: So very beautiful! Gorgeous Great Premiere from Stile Antico! Music for Compline

Music for Compline Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi USA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sheppard | Sheppard, John | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by White | White, Robert | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lighten our Darkness William Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis Gloryland And On Earth Peace: A Chanticleer Mass Combattimento (W/Dvd) ASIN: B000LPRNSG Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

1. Libera nos. I & II (John Sheppard)
2. Salva nos, Domine (plainchant)
3. Christe, qui lux es et dies (William Byrd)
4. In pace in idipsum (John Sheppard)
5. In manus tuas (Thomas Tallis)
6. Jesu, salvator saeculi, verbum (John Sheppard)
7. In manus tuas I (John Sheppard)
8. In manus tuas II (John Sheppard)
9. Miserere mihi, Domine (plainchant)
10. Miserere nostri, Domine (Thomas Tallis0
11. Misere mihi, Domine (William Byrd)
12. In pace in idipsum (Thomas Tallis)
13. Christe, qui lux es et dies (Robert White)
14. Veni, Domine (plainchant)
15. Nunc dimittis Gradulia I (William Byrd)
16. Te lucis ante terminum festal (Thomas Tallis)
17. Gaude, virgo mater Christi (Hugh Aston)

From the label:

On its spectacular debut recording, the exciting young British vocal group stile antico presents a program of English Renaissance music associated with the office of Compline, the service that ends the monastic liturgical day. A who's-who of 16th-century British composers--including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and John Sheppard--is represented here by hymns, antiphons, responsories, motets, and psalms: the occasion not only for music of intimacy, elegance, and reflection, but for flights of breathtaking canonic and contrapuntal invention and harmonic daring.

Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, fast gaining recognition as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. In 2005 the group won the inaugural Audience Prize at the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition, drawing critical praise for its `wonderfully vivid singing' and `perfectly focused and ideally balanced voices.' Since this success, Stile Antico has appeared throughout the UK, including at the City of London, Lake District Summer Music and Beverley and East Riding Festivals; engagements for 2007 include the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with Sting on tour in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances. They are also committed to developing their educational work, for which they have received generous funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Customer Reviews:

So very beautiful!.......2007-07-11

I'm not a student of fine music and had no idea what a "compline" was but I bought this CD after hearing a review on NPR.
I can't tell you how much I love this!
It is pure and moving; I can turn off my thinking and let my mind soak in the beauty.
I regret that it is such a high-class work, as I fear that many will miss it, expecting it to be over their heads. I hope that more of my fellow low-brows will somehow stumble upon it and have a chance to experience these most-excellent moments.

Gorgeous.......2007-03-05

The English Tudor choral composers such as Byrd and Tallis composed some glorious music. Sit and listen in a darkened room and you will be transported back to another time and place. Wonderfully atmospheric and moving. The masters of this repertoire are Peter Phillips's Tallis Scholars, but this CD makes me think that they have some serious competition.

Great Premiere from Stile Antico!.......2007-02-27

I got an e-mail from amazon recently to the effect of, "We've noticed that you've rated so-and-so, so we thought you'd be interested in the new release Music for Compline." I usually ignore such e-mails, but I thought I'd check it out. I was intrigued by the audio samples and so downloaded the album on iTunes.

I don't know how a group of young upstarts from Britain without a conductor were able to produce such a sound, but they did. "Music for Compline" focuses on music from composers in England during the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism- Byrd, Sheppard, Tallis, etc.- and as the title implies, it's music that would have been used during a compline service at the time. Compline, for those of you not familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours, is the last prayer service in the liturgical day. As such, the music is serene, contemplative, and prayerful.

The way Stile Antico has gelled as a group is amazing, especially considering they have no conductor. (Although they surely have at least a de-facto rehearsal leader) Their sound is clear and beautiful, and they display exquisite musicianship without being overly technical or icy. They are able to share their fresh (though informed) perspectives on early music with each other to create an organic sound, so not having a conductor actually turns out to be an asset for these young musicians.

Fans of the Tallis Scholars will love this CD. Arguably, Stile Antico is better than the Tallis Scholars in some ways. To elaborate, the Tallis Scholars, as good as they are, can come across as technical and icy, whereas Stile Antico never does, at least not to my ears. On the contrary, they have a warm, authentic sound. Not that I have anything against the Tallis Scholars.

In conclusion, for everyone who loves sacred choral music, or beautiful music in general, "Music for Compline" is a must-have. The musical serenity will be a refuge from stress, and will uplift your spirits.

Music for Compline.......2007-02-05

One is somewhat spoilt for choice these days when it comes to recordings of specialist 'early music' vocal ensembles. In Britain alone, 'brand' names such as 'The Sixteen' and 'The Tallis Scholars', however different their respective approach, have become equally synonymous with excellence in ensemble, intonation, balance and blend. On this basis alone, one might be forgiven for mistaking this CD for another release from one of these fine, long-established choirs. However, this debut recording from 'Stile Antico' has something rather distinctive and individual to offer the listener. Working as a vocal consort without conductor, these are performances born out of an internal commitment and universal understanding within the group, together with an obvious love for this repertoire which they perform so admirably. It is deeply refreshing, in a professional environment where 'time is money', to hear an ensemble who have so noticeably spent a great deal of time 'living' with the music, no doubt both as individuals and collectively as a group. This crucial element of music-making, so often over-looked, is perhaps above all what makes this recording stand out. In fairness, the result is not necessarily superior to that of a conducted ensemble, where a different style of direction in the performances can be attained. But whatever one's preferences - 'Stile Antico' have certainly achieved a winning combination - communicative performances which are simultaneously meditative and emotionally uplifting.

Impeccable ensemble is evident throughout the disc, and this is especially impressive when accomplished within various well-judged slow tempi. Highlights in this regard include a wonderfully ethereal and sonorous performance of Tallis' rarely heard seven-part 'Miserere nostri', and Sheppard's intoxicating 'Libera nos I & II' whose marvellous longing dissonances are given just the right amount of time to register. Byrd's 'Miserere mihi' also receives a fine performance, and the same composer's exquisite homophonic setting of 'Christe lux es et dies' serves to demonstrate these singers' aptitude for naturally shaped phrasing and beautifully paced cadences.

The programming is cohesive throughout, combining familiar, celebrated settings with some rare gems, notably Hugh Aston's giant antiphon 'Gaude, virgo mater Christi', of which this is the first recording made available on CD.

Congratulations are also due to Harmonia Mundi for their superb recording quality, which captures splendidly not only the clarity of the voices, but also the magnificent acoustics of All Hallow's, Gospel Oak. Beautiful packaging together with intelligent, informative programme notes completes this excellent debut release.

Average customer rating: Brilliant Score, Brilliantly Performed by Thibaudet! =) Just lovely Piano Enthusiasts - rejoice!!! Best movie soundtrack of all time!

Pride & Prejudice Caroline Dale , Benjamin Wallfisch , William Lyons , English Chamber Orchestra , Jean-Yves Thibaudet , and Aidan Broadbridge Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Thibaudet, Jean-Yves | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Pride & Prejudice Pride and Prejudice: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack Memoirs of a Geisha Sense and Sensibility: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1995 Film) Pride and Prejudice: The Original Soundtrack from the A&E Special Presentation ASIN: B000BEZQ0Y Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

1. Dawn
2. Stars And Butterflies
3. The Living Sculptures Of Pemberley
4. Meryton Townhall
5. The Militia Marches In
6. Georgiana
7. Arrival At Netherfield
8. A Postcard To Henry Purcell
9. Liz On Top Of The World
10. Leaving Netherfield
11. Another Dance
12. The Secret Life Of Daydreams
13. Darcy's Letter
14. Can't Slow Down
15. Your Hands Are Cold
16. Mrs. Darcy
17. Credits

Amazon.com

The year 2005 was big for Italian composer Dario Marianelli. His score for The Brothers Grimm received much applause (probably more than the film itself) and a few months later he came back with another batch of compositions for a period film. This time around, the plaudits are reversed: The film is better than the score. And that's not the only reversal: Since several of his compositions were to be performed by some of the characters on screen, Marianelli wrote parts of the music before the movie was shot, switching the order in which these things are usually done. The onscreen pieces are for solo piano, and Marianelli got a huge leg up by having them played by famed classical performer Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Marianelli was instructed by director Joe Wright to think along the lines of Beethoven (tall order!) but unlike The Brothers Grimm, which cleverly mixed and matched its classical influences, Pride & Prejudice fails to acquire a personality of its own. A few tracks, such as "Arrival at Netherfield," even border on George Winston territory. The intervention of the English Chamber Orchestra usually helps, but overall the score's palette sticks too much to a monochromatic beige. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant Score, Brilliantly Performed by Thibaudet!.......2007-07-13

I have always loved the Pride & Prejudice story, and both previous major versions of film adaptation. I fell in love with this particular version right from minute one, and was immediately captivated by the wondrous music, primarily centered on the piano. It is brilliantly performed by Jean-Yves Thibaudet.

If more modern music was of this caliber, the world would be a more noble place. No film score collection is complete without this item.

=).......2007-07-01

I gotta tell you, the only thing better than Mr. Darcy confessing his love to Lizzy in the rain is listening to this score. I absolutely love it--I espeically love picturing the scenes, which one can see so vividly while listening to the music. It's beautiful. My favorite tracks are 9 and 11. Enjoy!

Just lovely.......2007-06-12

I think this soundtrack is absolutely fantastic and the composer should have won the Oscar in 2006 (at least it was nominated).

Piano Enthusiasts - rejoice!!!.......2007-06-01

I purchased this album some time ago, following having seen the dvd of the movie. What I had really wanted was the sheet music so I could play the beautiful piano pieces as heard in the film. It took a few months for the music to be published - Dario Marianelli is the composer - but until that time I listened to the c.d., which, I believe any lover of classical music will enjoy whether they play piano or not. Mr. Marianelli has crafted a hybrid blend between the best of classical form in musicianship with a more modern aesthetic. His music is cleaner, less fussy . . . and therein lies the beauty - you can hear the melodies singing out above all else, and they are rich, lovely melodies! Grab a cup of tea and the newspaper, or head out in the early morning dew to fuss with your garden . . . with P & P playing as your soundtrack. Hugely satisfying!!!

Best movie soundtrack of all time!.......2007-06-01

What makes the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack by Dario Marianelli the best? It's so good that you would want to heard it throughout the day, while you're driving, while in your shower, while you're cooking, while doing chores around the house, even while watching my kids play in the park. I got the CD, downloaded it in my cell phone's MP3 and off i went into my classical, magical and elegant world of Jane Austen... even in the midst of my very ultra-mordern suburban life. I love the Black-eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake and the ENglish rockbands too, but sometimes, when you want to go about the day in the Elizabeth Bennet kind of mood, this is the kind of music that puts you into character, that enables you to walk elegantly, slow down and smile charmingly at your kids and husband... this is the soundtrack of my life.

Average customer rating: desert island disk choice. get it no, fast! It has no equal Possibly the biggest steal in all of recorded music ! Milstein is spectacular here! sounds as good as any $15 recording

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | 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 $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36 Bach: Violin Concertos Symphonie Fantastique Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos ASIN: B000000UW5 Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Violin Concerto In D, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato
2. Violin Concerto In D, Op. 35: II. Canzonetta (Andante)
3. Violin Concerto In D, Op. 35: III. Finale (Allegro vivacissimo)
4. VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D, OP. 77: I. Allegro non troppo
5. VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D, OP. 77: II. Adagio
6. VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D, OP. 77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace

Customer Reviews:

desert island disk choice. get it no, fast!.......2007-05-07

If you have this recording, you do not need another one of these pieces. This one has satisfied me for what must be at least 2 decades. You'll never need another recording.

It has no equal.......2006-03-21

The availability of this CD phenomenon with a $3.98 price should be shouted from the rooftops. Milstein outperforms everyone on both concertos; the Brahms is sublime, and the recording quality is excellent throughout. Push the purchase now key without further delay. It doesn't get any better than this, ever!

Possibly the biggest steal in all of recorded music !.......2005-10-22

As one who grew up adoring the Jascha Heifetz/Fritz Reiner recordings of these two great concerti, and certain they had set a standard of musical excellence impossible of being equalled, much less bettered, imagine my surprise upon hearing this fabulous disc.

HEIFETZ & REINER HAVE BEEN DETHRONED!

Having beaten back great artists in recent years such as Vengerov and Shaham, it hardly seemed possible that there were two old recordings by Nathan Milstein (which must have skipped my notice) which had long ago taken the prize....

...Music lovers, forget the Rosette and attendant babble given by the Penguin Guide to the Milstein Brahms Concerto (with Steinberg conducting, in mono). That publication after dismissively mentioning the Jochum conducted performance of the 1980s adds insult to injury by ignoring completely this Fistoulari conducted version! (Even if it is currently unavailable in the UK, surely it should be remembered - it was even recorded there!)

Of course any performance by a genius such as Milstein will have wonderful moments now and then, but this recording, with Fistoulari conducting, in stereo, is the best of them all - it has real magic and passion, and is the performance to get.

The Tchaikovsky with Steinberg is probably more of a draw, but the "Finale" is as good as it gets, and the rest is merely magnificent. What a fiddler!

Finally, that this disc is being sold to the public at a price this low should make all music lovers weep in gratitude, certain that "Yes, Virginia - there is a Santa Claus...."

Milstein is spectacular here!.......2005-06-08

As many reviews have been written about this disc, I'll try to keep it short and mention the things that I like about this CD most.

There are tons of recordings of these pieces, most of which are incredible and worth hearing. The thing that strikes me most about Milstein's playing is how polished it is. His tone and phrasing is perfectly thought out and executed on every single passage, even those which are highly virtuosic. His sound is gorgeous and supple, again even in the most difficult passages. I also enjoy his style, particularly on the Tchaikovsky. His use of rubato and other such expressive tools is entirely appropriate and never overdone.

When I listen to this disc, it is very clear that Milstein absolutely mastered every aspect of his instrument. His versions of these "old favorites" are absolutely wonderful.

sounds as good as any $15 recording.......2005-01-18

I got this CD because it was recommended in the Penguin Book (the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs), and at $4, as someone said, I couldn't afford not to get it. It's brilliant - the Brahms is better than the Mutter/Karajan/BPO recording, and the Tchaikovsky is better than the only other recording I'd heard at the time (Mehta/Zukerman/Israel Philharmonic). The orchestra is very good, and Milstein plays the double stops (these pieces are harder than practically every other violin concerto other than Paganini's) effortlessly. The CD is very romantic and easy on the ears - a good example of the Romantic era. And there's two recordings for $4 - how can you not get it :).

Average customer rating: Harry Potter A Nice Improvement Over The First One Another Enchanting & Memorable Soundtrack by John Williams great no matter how you look at it Perfect!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets John Williams , and William Ross Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Purists | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ASIN: B00006IR5S Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. Prologue: Book II And The Escape From The Dursleys
2. Fawkes The Phoenix
3. The Chamber Of Secrets
4. Gilderoy Lockhart
5. The Flying Car
6. Knockturn Alley
7. Introducing Colin
8. The Dueling Club
9. Dobby The House Elf
10. The Spiders
11. Moaning Myrtle
12. Meeting Aragog
13. Fawkes Is Reborn
14. Meeting Tom Riddle
15. Cornish Pixies
16. Polyjuice Potion
17. Cakes For Crabbe And Goyle
18. Dueling The Basilisk
19. Reunion Of Friends
20. Harry's Wondrous World

Amazon.com

Another multi-gazillion-dollar Hollywood franchise, another chapter in the remarkable career of John Williams. Though he's already been responsible for scoring some of the most overwhelmingly successful film series of all time, in tackling the second installment of the Harry Potter saga, Williams once again proves why his name is held in such high regard in scoring circles. While he utilizes the themes he established in Sorcerer's Stone, Williams's restless inventiveness still manages to cast this chapter in a fresh new musical light. Since many of the cues here are action or atmospheric-oriented, and thus lacking in need for strong melodic hooks, the veteran composer's mastery of orchestral color--and no small amount of stylistic reinvention--infuses the proceedings with a sense of wholeness and a surprising maturity that's a key element in conjuring up the film's crucial suspension of disbelief. Harry Potter may be but a fictional wizard, but John Williams proves yet again he's the real thing. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Full Title - Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. Composed by legendary film composer John Williams. Available in five different collectible covers. All editions will feature a Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets mini-poster. Atlantic. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Harry Potter.......2006-02-25

If you liked the movie, you will LOVE the sound track. I listen to it at work all day and the music takes you back to the wonderful sites in the movie.

Very inspiring and relaxing at the same time. I have ALL the sound tracks to ALL the movies, this one has the longest of the Harry Potter Themes ... "Harry's Wonderous World" Takes you right back into the movie.

Highly suggested for ANY Harry Potter fan, young or old.

A Nice Improvement Over The First One.......2006-01-07

Even though I found the score for "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone" a bit disappointing, John Williams manages to outdo himself with the second Harry Potter installmemt. It's funny that William Ross is credited as arranger and conductor, but that doesn't matter: this one has made an improvement over the score of the first movie.
The prologue presents an interesting arrangement of two important Harry Potter themes (Hedwig's theme and the wondrous world music). There are two themes that are a real knockout: one is 'Fawkes The Phoenix', which is extremely magical and wonderful; and the other one is 'The Chamber Of Secrets', with its malevolent flair and mysterious mood. The theme for Gilderoy Lockhart is very entertaining, and the one for Dobby is kind of childlike at best, very nice. The action music is also a nice treat, as shown in tracks like 'The Flying Car', 'The Spiders', 'Cornish Pixies', and 'Dueling The Basilisk'.
In general, this is a fine album, with a great performance by the London Symphony Orchestra. John Williams is definitely a master of the fantastic genre, and his music for this sequel fares better than the original.

Another Enchanting & Memorable Soundtrack by John Williams.......2005-11-01

The much-anticipated film sequel to the 2001 "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was a delight. The 2002 film version of J.K. Rowling's second book, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", began with Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) actually having a real bedroom and no longer living beneath the stairs of the home belong to his Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw), Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths) and his cousin Dudley (Harry Melling). Uncle Vernon warned Harry to not make any noise or be seen while he, Petunia and Dudley entertained some very important people; but a mysterious house elf named Dobby (voice of Toby Jones) unexpectedly appeared in Harry's bedroom. Dobby warned Harry to not return to Hogwarts that year because something horrible was going to happen, but wouldn't tell Harry what it would be. He did tell Harry, however, that he was responble for taking the letters that Harry's friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) had sent to him during their summer break from their first year at Hogwarts. To punish himself for revealing too much information to Harry, Dobby began to hit his head against various objects, then ran from Harry's bedroom to create havoc if Harry didn't agree to not return to Hogwarts. Harry, of course, refuses, and gets into trouble for Dobby's actions; but is rescued from the Dursley's home by Ron and two of his brothers in their father's flying car. Thus began Harry's first experience at the Weasley's home before returning to Hogwarts for his second year: a year in which many terrible things began to happen.

As John William's wonderfully enchanting and memorable music helped to set the mood for the 2001 film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", his modified music for the 2002 film "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" was equally wonderful in setting its even darker mood. This was exemplified with musical arrangements such as "Knockturn Alley", "Meeting Aragog" and "Dueling The Basilisk". There were also some fun musical arrangements used such as "Gilderoy Lockhart ", "The Flying Car", "Cornish Pixies", "Reunion Of Friends" and the closing credits with the score entitled "Harry's Wondrous World". Though veteran composer John Williams did not receive an Oscar nomination for his work in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" as he had a year earlier for "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", he did win the BMI Film Music Award from the BMI Film & TV Awards for this film's soundtrack.

Overall, I rate the wonderful soundtrack for the 2002 film of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it. I also highly recommend the soundtracks for the 2001 "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and the 2004 "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". I can't wait to hear what composer John Williams has written for the upcoming release of the 2005 film "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".

great no matter how you look at it.......2005-07-25

This soundtrack is beautiful and wonderful to listen to whether you've watched the movie or not. Every song has a mood of its own and will absolutely sweep you off your feet!

This cd is a great addition to any soundtrack collection not only becuase of the brilliant John Williams but becuase of the essence of the pieces. Most songs can stand alone especially Fawkes the Phoenix. It's also fascinating to listen for the themes from the first movie that are sometimes not so subtlely incorporated into the music. The character themes are also very believable and worth listening to especially if you didn't pay too close attention to the movie.

Another thing I've noticed about this soundtrack is that, unlike many others I own, this one is very easy to listen to all the way through without being bombarded with random battle themes and overdone effect songs. Really a great cd for anyone!

Perfect!.......2005-06-05

John Williams couldn't have done a better job of building off the Scorcerer's Stone to create one of my favorite soundtracks. The melodies he creates for certain characters in the story are not only perfect, but beautiful. Fawkes the Phoenix is, perhaps, one of the most captivating and glorious pieces...while Gilderoy Lockhart sincerely seems to sound like Lockhart would if he were a song! The soundtrack is packed with beautiful, memorable melodies and will leave you completely satisfied. Purchase this soundtrack with confidence...it's magnificent!

Average customer rating: Sound Quality not perfect on CD Before Sondheim's COMPANY and after MAN OF LA MANCHA... Overrated Tony Award Winner Brilliant, Definitive and Remarkably Accurate! Saw this on Broadway

1776 (1969 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: 1776 (Restored Director's Cut) 1776: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997) 1776: A Musical Play (Penguin Plays) Shenandoah (1975 Original Broadway Cast) Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B0000027WJ Release Date: 1992-05-19

Tracks:

1. Overture - Orchestra
2. Sit Down, John
3. Piddle, Twiddle And Resolve/Till Then
4. The Lees Of Old Virginia
5. But, Mr. Adams
6. Yours, Yours, Yours
7. He Plays The Violin
8. Cool, Cool, Considerate Men
9. Momma Look Sharp
10. The Egg
11. Molasses To Rum
12. Is Anybody There
13. Finale

Amazon.com

Evidence that one can make a musical about anything, Exhibit A: 1776. As one might expect, the whole concept of making a musical about the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence was greeted in the late 1960s with, well, ridicule. The show debuted on Broadway in 1969, and three years later, when its run finally ended, it was its producers who had the last laugh. In addition, it toured for an additional two years and beat out Hair (in 1969 yet!) for a Tony Award. This recording, with the original Broadway cast, includes many of the same actors who went on to star in the film, the version with which most audiences today are probably familiar. One notable exception is Rex Everhart, who replaced Howard da Silva at some performances and on this recording. But there's still William Daniels as John Adams, though in some cases his performance is more subdued than it was on film. Musically, 1776 is an odd creation, considering when it came into being. As one might expect, there's a lot of fife and drum going on, especially in the opening number and during "The Lees of Old Virginia." For those less than familiar with the plot, it hinges on the idealism of Adams, who's trying his best to back up the American Revolution with some legislative action, and spends much of his time arguing with either the Continental Congress or God, as in "Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve": "A second flood, a simple famine / Plagues of locusts everywhere / Or a cataclysmic earthquake / I'd accept with some despair / But no, you sent us Congress / Good God, sir, was that fair?" (One could argue that he gets further with God.) While not entirely historically accurate, and containing some rather peculiar numbers (Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams sitting around debating what their new country's national bird is going to be ranks among the oddest), there's no questioning 1776's staying power. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Sound Quality not perfect on CD.......2007-07-18

This is a new CD, overall quality and amazon procedure were excellent. The CD itself on a few songs fails to provide enough amplification to the background chorus or secondary singer, thus I must strain to actually hear both duet parts, with the latter almost inaudible. For example, Lee's of Old Virginia, Till Then, and Who will write our new declaration. It is not in my players, but within the CD. I actually ordered this because I wanted Violin by Betty Buckley and am satisfied with the reproduction overall, but it also has the audio problems with Adams and Franklins lines within the song

Before Sondheim's COMPANY and after MAN OF LA MANCHA..........2007-04-30

For me, 1776 is a great companion to MAN OF LA MANCHA as one of the most entertaining AND intellectually worthy amalgams of music, lyrics, book, theme, plot, characterizations and dialogue to ever come out of pre-1970's Broadway musical theatre. Each song is like a little gem, and displays the broad range of emotions and ideas with which 1776 brims. Satiric, romantic, hilarious, heartbreaking, disturbing, dark, inspiring, thoughtful, humane, and even a little bawdy, the songs glide and tromp all over the map, as does the show itself. As with LA MANCHA, 1776 broke open the Broadway musical, making it a pitch-perfect example of what can truly make a musical more than a toe-tapping time killer... while never becoming tedious, pompous, windy, or dull. If anything, it crackles with suspense.

And as to the reviewer who was shocked that it would win out over HAIR? Listen to "Mamma Look Sharp" or "Molasses to Rum to Slaves" to hear exactly the play's political and often-unflattering ideological landscape. This was definitely a Vietnam-era play whose content was as disturbingly pertinent, then, as it is, now. And, despite all of this, the score and play never become leaden or preachy. On the contrary, each performance is a gem, and each character is witty and unique. Who knew that history could be a passionate and fun adventure?

Overrated Tony Award Winner.......2006-06-16

How could this musical win the Tony award having as a competitor a play like HAIR which - for many people - stands as an emblematic theatre piece of the 60's? Who remembers a tune out of this musical? On the contrary, "Aquarius", "I Got Life" or "Walking in Space" are still popular and they play all over the world. Even ZORBA and PROMISES PROMISES - both candidates for the award in the same year - have songs that are still remembered. 1776 may wake up patriotic feelings to American listeners which is quite understandable but the music and songs are old-fashioned, overrated and awfully boring.

Brilliant, Definitive and Remarkably Accurate!.......2005-12-18

1776 has become an institution, thanks to the motion picture which was made of this original Broadway show, and which starred most of the cast from the theatrical production. It gets rerun every July 4th week on some movie channel or local station!

William Daniels IS John Adams to many people, and even though the story of the birth of the United States probably wasn't this lyrical and lively, Composer Sherman Edwards was historically accurate in the facts of the tale.

In addition to learning about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this is also love story... in fact two love stories, with John Adams and his wife Abigail, separated by circumstance and interacting only in his mind, and Thomas Jefferson and his wife, Martha, here, played by the big throated (and now legendary) Betty Buckley.

There is also a sense of fraternity, with the members of the Continental Congress grappling with the concept of breaking away from a tyranical ruler. And even though you know the outcome, the story is still filled with tension and excitement in the mechanics of it. Just how DID this country get formed?

The disc's liner notes explain the show's libretto and give you some rare behind-the-scenes info about the creation of the musical, the challenges it faced before becoming the standard that it now is, and a bit about the amazing Mr. Edwards, which is a story worthy of being told as well.

It's an Independence Day must!

Saw this on Broadway .......2005-11-12

Saw this show, with original cast, on Broadway in '69 and it has stayed with me ever since then. Every time I listen to these songs, I laugh. The historical figures (done with some tongue-in-cheek) are highly entertaining and even better if you see the movie. I would recommend the dvd for a great, lighthearted evening, and good family entertainment. You can't miss with this one! A winner on all fronts.

Average customer rating: Is there ANY DOUBT how pleased Verdi would be? Impressing portraits Probably Sills' best recording Tempos to taste Don't forget the baton

Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato Giuseppe Verdi , John Alldis Choir & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Aldo Ceccato , Beverly Sills , Nicolai Gedda , Rolando Panerai , Robert Lloyd , Mirella Fiorentini , Mario Carlin , William Elvin , and Keith Erwen Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, 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 Similar Items: Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) The Very Best of Beverly Sills Massenet: Manon The Great Recordings The Ballad of Baby Doe ASIN: B000002SGL Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. La Traviata: Act I - Preludio
2. La Traviata: Dell'invito trascorsa i'ora
3. La Traviata: Libiamo ne' lieti calici (Alfredo, Violetta)
4. La Traviata: Che i
5. La Traviata: Un dfelice, eterea (Alfredo, Violetta)
6. La Traviata: Ebben? Che diavol fate?
7. La Traviata: Si ridesta in ciel l'aurora (tutti)
8. La Traviata: E' strano (Violetta)
9. La Traviata: Ah, fors'ui (Violetta)
10. La Traviata: Follie! Follie! (Violetta)
11. La Traviata: Sempre libera (Violetta)
12. La Traviata: Act II, Scene I - Lunge da lei (Alfredo)
13. La Traviata: De' miei bollenti spiriti (Alfredo)
14. La Traviata: Annina, donde vieni?
15. La Traviata: Oh mio rimorso! Oh, infamia! (Alfredo)
16. La Traviata: Alfredo? Per Parigi or or partiva
17. La Traviata: Pura siccome un angelo (Germont)
18. La Traviata: Non sapete quale affetto (Violetta)
19. La Traviata: Un dquando le veneri (Germont, Violetta)
20. La Traviata: Ah! Dite alla giovine (Violetta, Germont)
21. La Traviata: Imponete. Non amarlo ditegli (Violetta, Germont)
22. La Traviata: Morra mia memoria (Violetta, Germont)
23. La Traviata: Dammi tu forza, o cielo!
24. La Traviata: Che fai? ...Ai piedi suoi mi getterioletta)

Tracks:

1. La Traviata: Act II, Scene I - Ah, vive sol quel core
2. La Traviata: Di Provenaz il mar, il suol (Germont)
3. La Traviata: Ne rispondi d'un padre all'affetto
4. La Traviata: No, non udrai rimproveri (Germont)
5. La Traviata: Act II, Scene II - Avrem lieta di maschere la notte
6. La Traviata: Noi siamo zingarelle
7. La Traviata: Di Madride noi siam mattadori
8. La Traviata: Alfredo! Voi!
9. La Traviata: Invitato a qui sequirmi
10. La Traviata: Ogni suo aver tal femmina (Alfredo, tutti)
11. La Traviata: Di sprezzo degno se stesso rende (Germont, Alfredo, tutti)
12. La Traviata: Alfredo, di questo core (Violetta, tutti)
13. La Traviata: Act III - Prelude
14. La Traviata: Annina? Comandate?
15. La Traviata: Teneste la promessa (Violetta)
16. La Traviata: Addio, del passato (Violetta)
17. La Traviata: Largo al quadrupede
18. La Traviata: Signora! Che t'accadde?
19. La Traviata: Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo (Alfredo, Violetta)
20. La Traviata: Ah, non piu, un tempio
21. La Traviata: Ma se tornando...Ah! Gan Dio! Morir si giovine (Violetta, Alfredo)
22. La Traviata: Ah, Violetta! Voi, signor!
23. La Traviata: Prendi, quest'e l'immagine...Se una pudica vergine

Customer Reviews:

Is there ANY DOUBT how pleased Verdi would be?.......2007-07-07

I have great regard for this recording of Beverly Sills in perhaps her real signature role. Lots of people would tell you "Manon", certainly, or "Lucia", or Elisabeth in "Devereauz", or perhaps "Baby Doe". I happen to simply love "Baby Doe", and, it was her truly great first big role. But, if one really wants to get down to the simple facts, Violetta, truly, was her best part, after "Manon".

I saw the lady on two occasions. Both times at the NYC Opera, once as Elisabeth in "Roberta Devereaux", and once in "La Traviata". Truthfully, I remember her most clearly as Elisabeth...but, I was fairly young, and look at the difference in the parts! Violetta is young, beautiful, and etc, as are most sporano parts, the same for .....Elisabeth was a walking veneration, in stately costume, with a face that was, simply, unforgettable! The only other character I remember as clearly is Norman Treigle as "Mefistofele"....

This Traviata certainly holds its own against the competition. I turn to it frequently, and always marvel, even after all these years, at Sills' creamy, silvery voice. It is unfortunate that she somehow never really made it to "front rank" in the eye of the general public. I suppose, as the NYC Opera was generally considered "second rank" to the Met, singers at the NYCO were also somewhat looked upon in the same way! How sad is that?? Then, by the time she did make it to the Met, her days of Violetta were over, and she sang somewhat heavier roles, for older characters.

Luckily for us, there is the recorded medium, which we can turn to time after time, and enjoy whenever we wish to. Admittedly, this is "second best" to a live performance, but at least we have the vocal interpretation, and luckily, I believe, there are some video performances also, so for those, we can see the Lovely Lady. Her recorded opera library, while not dense, is full of spectacular performances, and also some unusual roles...we need to be thankful for that.

While my favorite "La Traviata" will always be the Moffo/Tucker/Merrill under Prevetalli, there is, certainly, enough room for many interpretations. This is, then, one of the better ones to have as a viable "top tier" alternative. Maestro Ceccato is certainly famaliar enough with Verdi's score through years of performances to turn in a richly commendable performance. Nicolai Gedda....well, like Richard Tucker, somehow, with all his talent, and great singing voice, never really comes through to me as a three-dimensional character. (Again, as with Tucker, I never saw him "live", and this may make a world of difference...visual can be a great aid to characterization.) Rolando Panerai is very very good as Georgio Germont (but Robert Merrill will always hold this role for me), and his "Di Provenaz il mar" is really fine. Act III is stupendous, and of course, Act IV will break your heart as only Callas or Moffo could do. Or, as we so well know, Caballe, in the theatre could certainly do (I do not rank her RCA recording with Callas/Moffo efforts).

So, with all my ramblings, here, the final statement from me regarding this recording is this:

Certainly top tier, ranking with Callas and Moffo, great conducted interpretation, Panerai is very good, Gedda, too, is fine, but not my ideal. The secondary roles are all fine, here, too. So, do not hesitate to add this recording to your collection, either as a first recording, or as a secondary addition. This is Sills at her finest. ~operabruin

Impressing portraits.......2007-01-24

I love to have this recording, which is sadly no more available in Germany up to now. There are of course so many "La Traviata" recordings, but this I appreciate very much because of the singing portraits of really living persons - made by such great artists as Sills, Gedda and Panerai.

Probably Sills' best recording.......2006-11-17

Fans of Beverley Sills won't need convincing, but even those, like me, who are not always convinced by her, need not hesitate over the quality of this, her assumption of Violetta. Her voice sounds as good as I have heard it anywhere: wonderfully pure, expressive, agile, thrilling at the top and deeply in character, with none of the shrillness or unsteadiness which can intrude elsewhere; this is a performance to rival those of Moffo, Caballe and of course, Callas.

Ceccato's conducting is rather deliberate and even a little laboured at times but this does allow details and nuances to emerge. Panerai, if not always sufficiently refulgent of tone, sings very expressively and sympathetically as Germont, his tone very much in keeping with Sills' plangent singing, empathizing with her brittle vulnerability.

For me, the fly in the ointment is Gedda - though I am aware that not all will agree with me. I like him in some things but find his voice production wavery and pinched - not all Italianate or virile. Still, his diction is exemplary and, like Panerai, he is prepared to sing sofly and subtly. This set does not dislodge my preference for the Moffo/Previtali version and as far as I am concerned, nobody can approach Callas for individuality of utterance (but beware the cruddy quality of the two viable live recordings and the inadequacy of her colleagues in the 1952 Cetra set), but it's a worthy alternative if you have to have Sills.

Tempos to taste.......2006-07-25

Excellent singing by all the principals keeps bringing me back to this recording despite the slow tempos that diminish its effect, for me, by turning the domestic tragedy into an ominous apocalypse. This opera is about the fall of a sparrow, not the twilight of the gods. I am not a reference listener, so unfortunately (or fortunately) am unable to tell anyone else whether they should like the way this performance is paced. Mme. Sills herself was a a producer, and her artistry in all aspects of the recording is deliberate, ambitious, and complete, probably all the way down to the reverberant accoustics of the Toooting church where she recorded it. This Traviata is what it is, a distinctive recording which the listener can't help but admire and remember. I can understand why some people, though I am not one of them, would absolutely love it.

If you don't have an uncut performance of LaTraviata, you should order one today, this one being a very edifying and musically irreproachable example.

Don't forget the baton.......2005-03-19

I don't deny any of the good things said below about this recording. But I would like to offer in addition my compliments to conductor Aldo Ceccato, who not only paces well but also achieves better orchestral-vocal balance that even Carlos Kleiber - which is saying a lot. Individual instruments can be heard consciously augmenting certain vocal lines, which tells of Ceccato's attention to detail; and those instruments are always the right instruments, which tells of his good taste. Bravo, maestro.

Average customer rating: forget the "purists" and enjoy! Beverly Sills, American Legend: Ave Atque Vale beverly sill Classic performance Fine performances, flawed recording quality

Handel - Julius Caesar / Treigle · Sills · Forrester · Wolff · NYCO · Rudel George Frideric Handel , Julius Rudel , Beverly Sills , Norman Treigle , Maureen Forrester , Spiro Malas , Michael Devlin , Eugenia Earle , Beverly Wolff , William Beck , Dominic Cossa , and New York City Opera Chorus and Orchestra Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Rossini: L'Assedio di Corinto Massenet: Manon Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato Bellini: I Capuleti e i Montecchi ASIN: B000003EOP Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Julius Ceasar: Overture - Wolff
2. Julius Ceasar: Viva, viva il nostro Alcide! - Wolff
3. Julius Ceasar: Presti omai l'Egizia terra - Wolff
4. Julius Ceasar: Curio, Cesare venna e vide e vinse - Wolff
5. Julius Ceasar: Sua reggia tolomeo - Wolff
6. Julius Ceasar: Giulio, che miri? - Wolff
7. Julius Ceasar: Empio, diro, tu sei - Wolff
8. Julius Ceasar: Gia torna in se - Wolff
9. Julius Ceasar: Priva son d'ogni conforto - Wolff
10. Julius Ceasar: Vani sono i lamenti - Wolff
11. Julius Ceasar: Regni Cleopatra - Wolff
12. Julius Ceasar: Vanne, e torna omai - Wolff
13. Julius Ceasar: Sire, Signor! - Wolff
14. Julius Ceasar: Alma del gran pompeo - Wolff
15. Julius Ceasar: Qui nobile donzella - Wolff
16. Julius Ceasar: Avanti al tuo cospetto - Wolff
17. Julius Ceasar: Sfortunata donzella - Wolff
18. Julius Ceasar: Ahime! Vile e negletta - Wolff
19. Julius Ceasar: Cara speme - Wolff
20. Julius Ceasar: Oh, quanto bella gloria - Wolff
21. Julius Ceasar: Va tacito e nascosto - Wolff
22. Julius Ceasar: Dove, dove, inumani - Wolff

Tracks:

1. Julius Ceasar: E seguisti, o Niren - G.F. Handel
2. Julius Ceasar: Taci! -- che fia? - G.F. Handel
3. Julius Ceasar: V'adoro, pupille - G.F. Handel
4. Julius Ceasar: Non ha in cielo - G.F. Handel
5. Julius Ceasar: Piu amabile belta - G.F. Handel
6. Julius Ceasar: Deh, piangete, o mesti lumi - G.F. Handel
7. Julius Ceasar: Se a me non sei crudele - G.F. Handel
8. Julius Ceasar: Si spietata - G.F. Handel
9. Julius Ceasar: Madre! Ferma! - G.F. Handel
10. Julius Ceasar: Cessa omai di sospirare! - G.F. Handel
11. Julius Ceasar: Figlio non e - G.F. Handel
12. Julius Ceasar: Bella Lidia - G.F. Handel
13. Julius Ceasar: Mora, mora, mora - G.F. Handel
14. Julius Ceasar: Se pieta di me non senti - G.F. Handel
15. Julius Ceasar: Sinfonia - G.F. Handel
16. Julius Ceasar: Vinta cadesti al balenar - G.F. Handel
17. Julius Ceasar: Dall'ondoso periglio - G.F. Handel
18. Julius Ceasar: Cerco in van Tolomeo - G.F. Handel
19. Julius Ceasar: Lascia questo sigillo! - G.F. Handel
20. Julius Ceasar: Voi, che mie fide ancelle - G.F. Handel
21. Julius Ceasar: Cesare, o un'ombra sei? - G.F. Handel
22. Julius Ceasar: Da tempeste il legno infranto - G.F. Handel
23. Julius Ceasar: Cornelia, e tempo omai - G.F. Handel
24. Julius Ceasar: La vendetta del padre - G.F. Handel

Customer Reviews:

forget the "purists" and enjoy!.......2007-07-17

In the last 20-30 years with all of the emphasis on "early music" and "authentic" versions that are not edited, there have been many opera fans who dismiss this performance/production somewhat condescendingly. Ignore them! Here's what caused her to become the people's prima donna, and led to her debuts at La Scala and the Royal Opera in London. Certainly there have been other sopranos in the 20th century with brilliant coloratura (Sutherland, Caballe, Callas) but few were as effective dramatically, as heartfelt, or had the Brooklyn "razzle-dazzle" that made opera fans on both side of the Atlantic fall in love with her. It may sound like a cliche, but we lost a national treasure!

Beverly Sills, American Legend: Ave Atque Vale.......2007-07-04

The world is diminished with the news of the death of Beverly Sills. Her impact on American Opera will never be matched. She was an Original, a woman of great beauty, creative intelligence not only in her vocal production, pyrotechniques, and range, but also in her commitment to acting and drama, bringing a far larger audience to the opera houses with both her gifts as an artist and her compassion for those experiencing opera for the first time. Her performances were full of life, uncannily beautiful in singing and deportment, and aided by her own insistence on the use of supertitles above the proscenium arch, a gracious bow to her audiences to draw them into the stories of the works. La Sills had the intelligence to make her final bow on the stage when signs of vocal weakness began to show. Everything she did was form her heart and her brain and her humanity.

Finding a work to call a signature role for her wide repertoire is difficult, but for most of us her creation of Cleopatra as captured in this recording of Handel's 'Giulio Cesare' is a zenith. She sparkles and stuns with her effortless singing and embellishments and she is accompanied by her old friends Norman Treigle, Spiro Malas, Michael Devlin, Maureen Forrester, Beverly Wolff, Dominic Cossa and of course, Julius Rudel who with Sills brought the New York City Opera to importance.

Yes, the recording is old and now dated and now that Handel's jewel is a frequently performed opera in the original style (countertenors, original instrumentation, etc), the performance does sound a bit florid and thick. But Beverly Sills shines brightly and this is the great selfless star we will all remember. Grady Harp, July 07

beverly sill.......2007-05-18

beverly is enchanting as cleopatra. i have started a beverly collection of operas which i am sure will rival my callas collection

Classic performance.......2007-05-13

If you like this opera, this recording is a must have. Good sound quality, amazing performance. Yes, this is one of the productions that launched Beverly Sills' career. I have yet to see or hear a performance of Cleopatra that comes close.

Fine performances, flawed recording quality.......2007-05-05

The women steal the show here--Forrester's voice lush and gorgeous, Sills at her mindblowing coloratura best. I imagine Treigle's booming, grainy voice was powerful on stage, but at times it sounds coarse and a bit wobbly here in the more difficult passages. All in all this is a fine disc, true to Handel without period instrument nonsense, though the recording quality is bad for 1967 (distortion on high notes and forte voice passages), when EMI and Decca and DG were turning out superb sounding operas on a regular basis.

Average customer rating: Awesome! Awesome Prophetic Sound Released from Heaven It's okay Rejoice in the Lord Always..... BUY IT TODAY!!! Definately Worth Having In Your Collection!

The Sound William Murphy III Manufacturer: Murphy 3 Ministries ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Live Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Thirsty Journey: Live in New York V2... The J Moss Project Grace: Live in Kenya Live: One Last Time ASIN: B000OPP9U2 Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

1. Amazing God
2. Angels Cry
3. Awesome
4. Dream
5. Empty Me
6. Happy Days
7. Hear Us From Heaven
8. I Will Rejoice
9. I'm Changing
10. Love Praise and Worship
11. Overflow
12. The Sound
13. You Got It Good

Album Description

Most gospel music fans know the smash hit 'Praise Is What I Do' - the title track from Shekinah Glory Ministries 2002 Gold-selling album - much better than they do the name of it's writer, William Murphy. But that is about to change as the featured vocalist in Shekinah Glory steps out front. With the release of Murphy's The Sound - Live in Atlanta, the world can hear this amazing voice and these deeply moving songs. Murphy has placed 3 singles in the Gospel Top 5 in the past 3 years and this 13 track CD presents him at his live best.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2007-06-29

THE SOUND! Praise and Worship music that ministers to each and everyone! A SOUND you never heard before...Pastor Murphy's music will take you to a place that you've never been before...Truly an annointed worshiper ministering to people all of the world. His songs are the songs that will take you through the day whether they're good or bad...His words reminds you that everything is gonna be alright....And like he say "The music is just not about him; it's music that God has placed in his heart to deliver to his children..And I can appreciate every song! My favorite is Angels Cry and Awesome ReMix. And let's not forget THE BEST WINE! If You don't have it! I suggest you to go out and get it....You will be truly Blessed by this Man of God!

Awesome Prophetic Sound Released from Heaven.......2007-06-21

WHERE IS THE DVD?!!!! I encourage all dancers and Prophetic Worship/Praise Teams to get this CD. This sound is Awesome, Annointed and you will not be disappointed. Don't expect to stay at the same spiritual level after hearing this CD.
This CD has taken my dance and relationship with the Lord to a New Dimension!!

Thank you Pastor Murphy for this New Sound released from Heaven.

It's okay.......2007-06-17

Not nothing I would by, but I did, I love his last album, better, more of praise and worship, I don't know about this one though,

The only song i love is "I Will Rejoice"

Rejoice in the Lord Always............2007-06-12

I was blown away by the cd. It is worth the money to have in your collection. It is being used as a worship cd for me and it helps me rejoice.

BUY IT TODAY!!! Definately Worth Having In Your Collection!.......2007-05-08

this project by william murphy i must say is a 100% winner! i mean i am already a fan of the o so very "unique" sound that comes from this Man of God, he gotta sound that u aint neva heard b4 that is so anointed which makes him a killer artist in my book, b/c u cant honestly listen to his music and say "o i heard this b4." and as for the cd itself i think the title "the sound" bests captures the essence of what the cd is all about b/c it really gives off a sound that is distinct and what i believe a lot of people r looking for these days, b/c when it comes to gospel music, esp. worship i really believe that sound has been distorted w/beats, bass lines, computerized effects, too many riffs & runs, and most of all nobody wanna b themselves these days. wasup wit that??? but man i actually just happen to b in the bookstore and was lookin for something else and happen to c it sitting there, i had no clue that he even had a new project coming out and it was actually the 2nd day of its release, so i just picked it up and bought it, i didnt really read the titles or nuthin, and thats not usual for me b/c i usually need to hear at least 3 good tracks to invest in it. BUT MAN I AM SOOOOOO GLAD I BOUGHT THIS ONE!!! i didnt purchase his last cd, but heard most of the tracks and it was like 3 worship tracks on there that really took me in the presence of God, so since i didnt own the last cd i really couldnt compare too much. but all i can say is the flow on this cd is off da hook!!!!!!!!!! esp. on the worship songs, i mean it's straight worship, but there is a "unique" flow on them that is so diff. but not over the top to where its a turn off. only elder william murphy can pull this kind of stuff off, so i wouldnt recommend other artist even tryin. the worship joints on this cd got more of a prophetic flow to them, even though they are still arranged songs. there is a prophetic flow on the cd that is about 10 min. of just straight worship and i luv the ad libs and the feature vocalists that minister. my all time favorite on the entire cd is "amazing god" man i sometime wish that song never ended esp. at the end of the song. ITS AN AWESOME & WELL PUT TOGETHER PROJECT, this is definatley one for the worshippers. i aint bought a cd like this that i can just put on and lay on the floor and get in HIS face in a while. the only other artist that i would compare to him, not in style or flow but just in straight worship is martha munizzi. they are truly artist who are bringing the heart of worship to the forefront in the gospel industry and understanding that people need to be ushered into the presence of GOD and not confused about whether or not their listening to the latest r & b or hip hop cd that just happen to say gospel! BUT ON DA REAL BUY IT TODAY, U WONT REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating: Classic A Comprehensive Yet Flawed Overview of One Of Seattle's Finest... Not Quite the Essential, But The Best Compilation That's Out There... Good Stuff! thanks for a quality cd and fast delivery!

The Essential Alice in Chains Alice in Chains Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Grunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Up from the Catacombs: The Best of Jane's Addiction Unplugged Jar of Flies Dirt Revelations ASIN: B0001LYH7U Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. We Die Young
2. Man In The Box
3. Sea Of Sorrow
4. Love, Hate, Love
5. Am I Inside
6. Brother
7. Got Me Wrong
8. Right Turn
9. Rain When I Die
10. Them Bones
11. Angry Chair
12. Dam That River
13. Dirt
14. God Smack
15. Hate To Feel
16. Rooster

Tracks:

1. No Excuses
2. I Stay Away
3. What The Hell Have I (Remix)
4. A Little Bitter (Remix)
5. Grind
6. Heaven Beside you
7. Again
8. Over Now (Unplugged Version)
9. Nutshell (Unplugged Version)
10. Get Born Again
11. Died
12. Would?

Customer Reviews:

Classic.......2007-06-22

This is truly an essential CD if you want to enjoy the great music of A in C.

A Comprehensive Yet Flawed Overview of One Of Seattle's Finest..........2007-05-05

Alice In Chains was a pinnacle Seattle band, and they were part of the Seattle movement that was so prevalent in the 90s, and they carved a niche for themselves in the music world. They had tasted the triumphs of success and they also tasted the bitter pills of defeat (the death of singer Layne Staley was the worst of it all). Many compilations have come to fruition out of the Alice In Chains catalog. MUSIC BANK was the best of the bunch because not only did you get a helping of 3 CDs compiling hits, rarities, and remixes, it included a cd-rom and a comprehensive booklet inside detailing the history of the band itself. Before that was NOTHING SAFE: The Best of The Box, and although it had it's share of the hits, it was merely a sampler and a very small portion of what could have been a huge meal. Then Sony Special products released the pointless 10-track collection GREATEST HITS, which was a complete dud because tons of great songs were left off at the expense of giving the consumer something cheaply manufactured and made. But now, we've got another compilation from Sony entitled THE ESSENTIAL Alice In Chains. Now another question comes to mind here: is this compilation any better? Well, the answer is mostly yes, with a nay for a major single and a few minor hits that were left off this compilation.

The thing this compilation does nicely that MUSIC BANK also did was compile the songs in chronological order. Here's how it runs down on each of the compilations hearty two discs.

On disc 1 you get the pummeling "We Die Young", the classic "Man In The Box", the underrated epic feel of "Sea of Sorrow", and the unadulterated pleasure of the chilling "Love, Hate, Love" from FACELIFT. While these four songs truly represent the meat of FACELIFT, they also represent the origins of Alice In Chains...the majestic building of their monolithic sound and power. Next up we get the entire SAP ep minus that goofy final hidden track, although not in the order of the original ep, which is no big deal because all four songs are excellent tracks. "Got Me Wrong", "Right Turn", "Am I Inside", and "Brother" all blend acoustic and electric nuggets of alternative metal, with "Am I Inside" being a ballad of sorts. From there we dive right into the songs from the masterpiece album DIRT. This is where the compilation runs into a major flaw. You do get the hits such as "Rooster", "Them Bones", "Would?" (found on the end of disc 2), and "Angry Chair". You also get other tracks from dirt like the thrash of "Dam That River", the disorienting title track, and the thundering "God Smack". But my question is why the hell did they leave "Down In A Hole" off of this compilation? What in their right minds made them leave off such a classic song that was a big, big song on the radio and a hit video as well? Well, the folks at Sony must have been smoking crack. This flaw may irk many fans including myself, so it almost renders this compilation completely unnecessary as we have the comprehensive MUSIC BANK. So that's the one major flaw this overview runs into, but it's pretty much the only major flaw here.

Now we go into disc two, which represents the later years of Alice In Chains. We pick up with two fine songs from JAR OF FLIES to start disc two, the shining radio nugget "No Excuses" and the angsty majesty of "I Stay Away". But I think "Rotten Apple" and "Don't Follow" should have been included on this compilation as well, so those are two other more minor flaws here, especially since "Don't Follow" could be heard on the airwaves at that point. But then next we head right into the self-titled "tripod" album, and the slow burn of "Grind", the catchy stomp of "Again", and the folky metallic bluesy "Heaven Beside You" all represent the album quite well, showcasing the classic rock stylings that made the album different sonically from the past Alice In Chains records. Then we get two non-album tracks in remix form, with "What The Hell Have I? and "A Little Bitter", both featured on the LAST ACTION HERO soundtrack. The remix versions sound almost no different from the original versions except that they're sound is a bit heavier and thick than the cleaner metal of their almost mirror counterparts. Then you get two nuggets from the unplugged cd, with the classic "Nutshell" and the quiet dynamics of "Over Now" providing respite from the heavy rock that made Alice In Chains a household name. The compilation comes to an end with 3 more songs, the previously released recordings of "Get Born Again" and "Died", which have bite but sound a little unfinished and leave you feeling the void that has been left from Staley's death. And the last song, the big, mighty majestic roar of the classic hit "Would?" ends the two-disc set with a bang, providing the band's biggest hit and most impassioned performance. It became a staple of 90s radio singles and also was featured on the SINGLES soundtrack. It was among the best of a handful of songs in their catalog.

So to the Alice In Chains fan I say only get this to complete your catalog if you want to have everything by Alice In Chains. If you're merely curious about the band and want to get a taste of AIC and not take a bite out of your wallet, then this compilation will serve you well. Although this compilation leaves off a couple of songs that would have made the title "essential" stand true, this compilation does do a nice job of capturing the best parts of Alice In Chains in all their primal, disorienting and bleakly monstrous glory. This was a band whose time was cut short by tragedy, but who ultimately left a huge mark on the music scene. ESSENTIALS is essential for AIC completists, and a good introduction for first timers. But be warned: if you want to get all the hits and get your money's worth, then track down MUSIC BANK.

Not Quite the Essential, But The Best Compilation That's Out There..........2007-04-24

Alice in Chains is my favorite band. There was so much talent in the band, from the incredible, un-imitatable Layne Staley to the guitar-God Jerry Cantrell...The rhythm section featured (first) a talented bassist named Michael Starr and then a great bassist named Mike Inez, with talented drummer Sean Kinney in tow. When it comes to best-of sets (besides the box set), this is the best thing you can get from AIC. Calling it "the essential" was a mistake though, because it's missing "Down in a Hole" and fan favorites like "Frogs" and "Rotten Apple." However, it does have underrated classics like "God Smack," "Dirt," and "Right Turn." If there's someone looking to become an Alice in Chains fan, this is a good CD to get and if you're an Alice in Chains completist, it's also good to check out. Ironically this whole 2-disc, 28-track CD isn't better than their second studio album "Dirt" and any REAL fan of Alice in Chains should start there. I would list all the songs and certain comments about them, but that would take too long and no one needs a comment from me about how good "Man in the Box" and "Rooster" is, so I'll just talk about a few key songs.

Track 4: Love, Hate, Love is a terrific song that has always been one of my favorites. It's very moody and dark, with the occasional cheesy lyrics here and there but still fantastic.

Track 7: Got Me Wrong is much better unplugged, but is a good studio track too.

Track 8: Right Turn features Jerry Cantrell, Layne Staley, Chris Cornell, and Mark Arm all singing (at one point, at once) and is great to listen too.

Track 14: God Smack is one of their most underrated songs and one of my favorites.

Track 15: Hate to Feel...Classic!
DISC 2
Track 3 & 4: Why "What the Hell Have I" and "A Little Bitter" never made one of their studio albums, I'll never know. Classic AIC!
Tracks 10, 11, & 12: Get Born Again, Died, and Would are fantastic. The first two are the last songs the band recorded, before Layne Staley died...The last one is just one of their best songs. The song that made me an Alice in Chains fan.

Overall: This is a great "Essential" album, despite missing essentials.
Layne Staley, R.I.P
1967-2002
GRADE: A-

Good Stuff!.......2007-04-08

Well here comes yet another greatest hits collection of Alice In Chains. This collection is called "the essential" Alice In Chains. So what does this mean for you and I? Well it means that basically you get most of Dirt, a few good songs from the self-titled album, a few tracks from Facelift, a popular radio hit or two from the EPs and a couple of remixes.

I will admit that I found this package to be an enticing double CD of songs that I already knew. Why would I go buy this if I already had the three studio albums etc, especially if this collection is a better freshmen introduction to the band than the previous greatest hits/essential collections I've seen. Well I'm not sure why really, but I did and I liked it a lot.


I never get tired of listening to these songs and this time is certainly no exception. They cover all the highlights here and to include so much of the immortal Dirt album was a great idea. Aside from the fact that every song on that album is brilliant, it lends a nice flow to the entire collection that is also sorely lacking from the other greatest hits packages.

Realistically no hits packages can get every song we fans crave as we all have our favorites. To their credit this band never really had a formula they stuck to. Each release brought something a little different. In the end though, looking back this approach may have also helped lead to the bands demise as it often hurt their music in terms of overall sales. In hindsight it's amazing to look back at Alice in Chains career and see what they accomplished in a short time.

They were a great band for their time and Lane had a vocal delivery that was unique in the way he was able to pull the listener into his world.

R.I.P. Lane, you brought us something special in your short time with us.

thanks for a quality cd and fast delivery!.......2007-02-11

Thanks for the great cd and fast delivery!

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