Jealousy

Product Description
FIFTY ONE’S is a modern French heavy-metal band from Reims. Their leader Frédéric ROCHETTE is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist as well as a complete fan of THE BEATLES and VAN HALEN. He then naturally associates melodies with electric sounds. After having been on tour with Johnny HALLIDAY and having become a famous session musician, he made his project a reality with the help of two professional musicians with a heavy musical past: keyboardist Manu DUCROS (FARENHEIT) and singer Olivier GUILLAUME (REGENCY). This translated into elaborate compositions, mainly influenced by Progressive rock: it is then not a surprise if some obvious accents of DREAM THEATER can be heard in their music. Recorded in 1997 on Brennus, their first album "Big Time" is mature and benefits from a perfect production. Issued three years later, "Jealousy" is even better, to the point that FIFTY ONE’S can now be considered a serious competitor for the best US and British productions of the genre. It also features an excellent RUSH cover-version: "Tom Sawyer". Not to be missed !

Jealousy,Fifty One's,Brennus/Musea

Average customer rating: Waited for this for a LONG time! The NItty Gritty Band at It's Best

Make a Little Magic/Jealousy The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Manufacturer: Beat Goes On ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dirt Band/An American Dream Plain Dirt Fashion/Partners Brothers and Friends Alive/Rare Junk Hold On All the Good Times ASIN: B000HT3KF6 Release Date: 2006-11-13

Tracks:

1. Make a Little Magic
2. Badlands
3. High School Yearbook
4. Leigh Anne
5. Riding Alone
6. Anxious Heart
7. Do It! (Party Lights)
8. Harmony
9. Too Good to Be True
10. Mullen's Farewell to American
11. Jealousy
12. Too Close for Comfort
13. Fire in the Sky
14. Love Is the Last Thing
15. Crossfire
16. Circular Man
17. Catch the Next Dream
18. So You Run
19. Forget It!
20. Easy Slow

Album Description

Digitally remastered two-fer containing two early '80s albums from distinguished country rockers The (Nitty Gritty) Dirt Band. Make A Little Magic was released in 1980, followed a year later by Jealousy. Comes housed in a slipcase featuring new liner notes. BGO. 2006.

Album Details

2006 Issued Digitally Remastered Edition of Two Original Albums on a Single Compact Disc of Two Early 80's Gems from the Distinguished Country Rockers. With a String of Successful Albums Behind Them, the Dirt Band Are Still Together and Going Strong in 2006 (And have Re-added the Nitty Gritty Part to their Moniker).

Customer Reviews:

Waited for this for a LONG time!.......2007-03-20

I have been a Dirt Band fan since I was in junior high school. These albums, nicely priced and combined on one CD, were early staples in my collection. When the Dirt Band dropped the "Nitty Gritty" from their name and reorganized in 1978 without Jimmy Ibbotson and Les Thompson, their sound changed dramatically. It took a while for me to adjust to the guys who did a lot of bluegrass music in the 1960s and 1970s now rocking it out loud and without apology.

While the band has never fully forsaken their traditional roots, their temporary departure was a good thing. As Chris Hillman (the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Desert Rose Band) once said of the Byrds' "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" album, "they were too country for the rock audience and too rock for the country audience." I think the same applies to the Dirt Band between 1978 and 1982. The music on these two albums, along with their self-titled 1978 album and 1979's "American Dream" will grow on you.

Stand-out songs for me include: FIRE IN THE SKY (one of their best songs ever, in my opinion -- Kenny Loggins adds lead vocals to Jeff Hanna's here), ANXIOUS HEART (not written by the guys in the band but wow -- they make this one stand out), BADLANDS (don't confuse this with the Bruce Springsteen song of the same title --- the band's song is much better), EASY SLOW (only John McEuen from the Dirt Band and Bela Fleck from New Grass Revival can make the banjo sound like it belongs in the middle of a rock ballad), JEALOUSY (loud, guitar-driven, strong vocals by Jeff Hanna and Rosemary Butler; guitar solos by Steve Lukather from TOTO), CATCH THE NEXT DREAM (authored by the guys from Blackhawk).

The only two weak songs (my opinion) are "Too Good to Be True" and "Party Lights" -- they could have been deleted from the album and I wouldn't have missed them. Sorry guys -- not real impressed by either.

This double CD set faithfully reproduces the original graphics, artwork, and liner notes of the original LPs.

Well worth the money!

The NItty Gritty Band at It's Best.......2007-02-24

These two albums on 1 CD represent a musical change in the Dirt Band's career. They cross over to country rock with such ease and flair, that it makes you realize just how great this group is. I have been a Dirt Band fan since 1967 and have enjoyed all of their CDs, be it country, BlueGrass, Rock, etc. They have the talent and skills to play almost all genres. What a great CD. It is a good introduction to the band if you have never heard them before. Expect great harmonies, beautiful arrangements, and first class musicianship, Great CD. Great artist. This CD ranks with their classic Uncle Charlie CD, awesome and inspiring.

Average customer rating:

Menuhin and Grappelli Play "Jealousy" and Other Great Standards Yehudi Menuhin & Stephane Grappelli Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music European Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Menuhin & Grappelli Play Berlin, Kern, Porter & Rodgers & Hart The Very Best of Grappelli and Menuhin Menuhin & Grappelli Play... Satin Doll Anything Goes, With Yo Yo Ma ASIN: B000002SDS Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Jealousy
2. Tea For Two
3. Limehouse Blues
4. These Foolish Things
5. The Continental
6. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
7. Sweet Sue
8. Skylark
9. Laura
10. Sweet Georgia Brown
11. I'll Remember April
12. April In Paris
13. The Things We Did Last Summer
14. September In The Rain
15. Autumn Leaves
16. Autumn In New York
17. Button Up Your Overcoat

Average customer rating: Fela's Rhythmic Backbone

Jealousy/Progress Tony Allen & Africa 70 Manufacturer: Evolver ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: No Accomodation for Lagos/No Discrimination HomeCooking Live Lagos No Shaking Liberation Afro Beat, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000068CX2 Release Date: 2002-06-18

Tracks:

1. Jealousy
2. Hustler
3. Progress
4. Afro Disco Beat

Amazon.com

Drummer Tony Allen was the rhythmic force behind Fela Kuti's influential Afro-beat ensemble of the 1970s. Though Allen's own recordings expanded and elaborated on the formula they co-created, his early LPs remained out of print for years. Now the long-lost treasures are back as double-CD releases, and they still move and groove with the same force as three decades ago. Imagine a Nigerian version of James Brown's band with Art Blakey's finesse and Max Roach's jazzy complexity and you'll understand the groove signature of the extended tracks. With Allen's drumming driving the gut-level bass lines, down-home horns, spacy keyboards, and spicy vocals, cuts like the nearly 12-minute "Jealousy" and "Afro Disco Beat" will drive today's kids into Afro-diasporic dervishes that only a groove master like Tony Allen can conjure. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Fela's Rhythmic Backbone.......2005-05-07

Tony Allen is without question of the world's greatest drummers. As the rhythmic backbone of Fela Kuti's legendary Afrika 70 group, Allen's contribution to Afrobeat, and music in general, was essential. He was to Fela what Elvin Jones was to John Coltrane! His pivotal drumming style combined elements of traditional African, R&B/funk, and jazz polyrhythms to forge a truly revolutionary and distinctive sound. As a long time member of Fela's group, he was also high profile enough to make his own albums as a leader with Afrika 70, two of which are included here. "Jealousy," with its B-side "Hustler," and "Progress," with its B-side "Afro Disco Beat," have all the trademarks of classic Afrobeat -- pulsating march-like grooves, layered percussion, and great, catchy horn riffs. The only thing missing is Fela's booming baritone vocals. With facsimiles of the original cover art and an essay by esteemed Fela biographer Michael Veal, this is a most necessary purchase for Fela devotees. If you picked up all the Fela MCA reissues as I have (if you haven't, hurry up they are starting to go OOP), and you can't get enough Afrika 70, then this disc is for you.

Average customer rating:

Jealousy [Japan Import] X Japan Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Blue Blood Art of Life On Piano Singles ASIN: B000KEF1H8

Product Description

Out of print 1991 release by one of the most legendary groups in hard rock/heavy metal history, the now defuct X Japan. Sony records Japan (SRCL-2001) 10 tracks in total, including tracks like the top selling "Silent jealousy", "Desperate angel", and more. Out of print.

Average customer rating: A Beautiful And Interesting Single Great Natalie single Love that radio version! Also includes Sympathy For the Devil This cd is perfect for any mood you're in!

Jealousy Natalie Merchant Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | CD Singles | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wonder [ENHANCED CD] Live in Concert Carnival You Happy Puppet Candy Everybody Wants ASIN: B000002HV3 Release Date: 1996-05-28

Tracks:

1. Jealousy (Remix)
2. Sympathy For The Devil (Live)

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful And Interesting Single.......2005-11-01

"Jealousy," the beautiful and haunting song from Natalie Merchant is remixed here in a form that I love; it is the most beautiful of all versions of the song that I have heard and fully justifies the price of the CD single alone. The other track, a rarity indeed, is "Sympathy for the Devil (Live)," in a version that is superior in every way to the Stones' original.

This is one of the best CD singles I have ever heard: it is interesting, rare, unique, and doesn't merely ape album offerings. I highly recommend this CD.

Great Natalie single.......2003-04-22

This is definitely one of Natalie Merchant's best CD singles! The remix of "Jealousy" is awesome and so is the live version of "Sympathy for the Devil".

Side note: The previous reviewer stated that Natalie is a great guitar player but she plays the piano, not guitar.

Love that radio version!.......2002-10-11

For those of you who do not know who Natalie Merchant, shame shame shame on you (former lead singer of the band 10,000 Maniacs). Believe me- She'll put Michelle, Vanessa, M2M and yes even Jewel to shame. With killer vocals and great songwriting/guitar playing ability she really is the queen of Folk rock. The radio remix of "Jealousy" is great because unlike the album version it incorporates organs along with guitars, to have more stuff going on. Recently miss Merchant released another great album called "Motherland" which unfortunatly flopped. Just goes to show that kids these days will eat up the manufactured stuff (Read: NSYNC and Britney) and not know where the real talent is. Congrat's Natalie for being yourself and not giving into the teen crowd. Final grade: A+

Also includes Sympathy For the Devil.......2000-01-24

A must have for any true Natalie Fan, includes her cover of "Sympathy For the Devil". I believe this is the only cd to find that song.

This cd is perfect for any mood you're in!.......1999-05-31

Natalie definitely knows how to sing, and this cd makes that apparent to anyone. It's great and you will be so happy when you listen to it.

Average customer rating: "Our Man From Canada"...nothing less Dynamic & Exhilarating! Almost complete Faith only the best This cd is not quite as good as other Faith cds.....

Tara's Theme from Gone with the Wind/Jealousy Percy Faith Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | 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 Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Easy Listening | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bouquet/Bouquet of Love Born Free/Windmills of Your Mind Themes for Young Lovers The Very Best of Bert Kaempfert Theme from "A Summer Place" ASIN: B00000093M Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

1. Tara's Theme
2. Theme From 'The Dark At The Top Of Stairs'
3. Never On Sunday
4. Laura
5. Exodus
6. Fascination
7. Theme From 'A Summer Place'
8. Theme From 'The Apartment'
9. Mon Oncle
10. Tammy Tell Me True
11. Sons & Lovers
12. The Misfits
13. Jealousy (Jalousie)
14. Temptation
15. More Than You Know
16. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World
17. Sophisticated Lady
18. Being The Beguine
19. That Old Black Magic
20. Right As The Rain
21. Dancing On The Ceiling
22. Where Or When
23. I've Told Every Little Star

Customer Reviews:

"Our Man From Canada"...nothing less Dynamic & Exhilarating!.......2002-03-01

Thinking back to the original releases, played each one almost every day...big fan of "Our
Man From Canada" ~ Percy Faith...each track is carefully arranged and the result is as
always breathtaking...Faith has taken each composers composition Max Steiner, Raksin,
Marchetti, Gold, North and Manos Hadjidakis, who won for Best Song in 1960 with
"NEVER ON SUNDAY", as actress Melina Mercouri gave a fine performance plus the
beautiful Greek photography, Faith's arrangement for this is exhilarating.

Let's talk about the stand outs ~ "GONE WITH THE WIND"(1939-Steiner), based on
Margaret Mitchell's novel with Rhett Butler(Clark Gable), Scarlett O'Hara(Vivien Leigh-won
for Best Actress), Mammy(Hattie McDaniel-won for Best Supporting Actress), Victor
Fleming(won for Best Director) and GWTW(won for Best Picture), Steiner was nominated
for Best Score, it was Steiner's score that gave each character life through his epic-sweeping
soundtrack, Faith writes an uncanny arrangement and travels beyond Steiner's original(if that's
possible) take it from me, I have both in my collection...another Steiner classic "THE DARK
AT THE TOP OF STAIRS"(theme), not a familiar release(only if you're a fan), but Faith
does so much with this one, counterpoints and melodic changes are
event..."LAURA"(1944-David Raksin), being a film-noir enthusiast is at the top of my list as a
CLASSIC, but let's not stop there, Faith's arrangement turned heads and he was getting the
recognition deserved, sweeping strings, brass and percussion almost collide as the Maestro
gives the signal...the last Steiner score became one of Percy Faith's signature tunes "THEME
FROM A SUMMER PLACE", couldn't go anywhere and not hear this CLASSIC among
CLASSICS, this arrangement and special moment in ones life will never be replaced, gotta
love it.

Highlight pick is ~ "TEMPTATION", big song for Bing Crosby(film), later by Perry
Como(gold record), but this instrumental orchestration is so dynamic, takes you into another
stratosphere(which is nothing for our Maestro)..."BEGIN THE BEGUINE"(Cole Porter),
opening almost sounds like a different song, but when Faith's string section comes in and the
bolero beat takes over you're in heaven, entire orchestra is right on, but wait and listen to the
mood-swing as the plucking of strings change into a drifting cloud, percussion abounds with
every instrument joining in the big finish..."THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC"(Arlen/Mercer),
echoing strings relate to a muted brass, each string section takes on the harmonious
counter-balance, now we build into a Latin-American rhythmic tempo(which Faith can do in a
heartbeat), strings answer each call from the brass and percussion sections, another FAITH
CLASSIC...my last highlight pick is ~ "SOPHISTICATED LADY"(Duke Ellington), this can
only get better with one of my composer-heroes Duke Ellington, how can you interpret his
music unless you're Percy Faith, and this interpretation is lustiest with strings, followed by
velvety brass and the sound is SO SWEET, you want it to go on forever...and through the
generosity of Collectables Records it can, this is a must have for ALL fans and connoisseurs
of "Our Man From Canada" ~ PERCY FAITH!

Total Time: 77:52 on 23 Tracks ~ Collectables Records COL-5843 ~ (1997)

Almost complete Faith.......2001-09-29

Another reissue from Collectable Records that is again, incomplete. One cut from the Jealousy album has been omitted. Again, if you can't present it complete, why present it all. Especially since this cd has "Theme from A Summer Place." This song is available on many other Faith or Hollywood music compilations. Why not cut this tune and keep "Tia Juana?" Other than that, this is another fine cd release. Typically great Faith arrangements that old lp fans will want to own to replace their worn lp copy.

only the best.......2001-07-19

tara's theme is itself the definitive version of the great max steiner theme. the other movie themes on this album are not available in many other versions and this alone makes it ESSENTIAL.Jealousy is a marvelous collection of not often heard older standards as well. all are superbly arranged and flawlessly recorded...a must.

This cd is not quite as good as other Faith cds............2000-08-02

As you probably know, it's hard to always be topping your self. In this particular case, Percy bless his heart, tried to measure up to past successes, but came up a little short.

For this record the song selection was a little weak. Percy tried to record too many of the current hits of the time and wound up with less than desirable results. I would have preferred that he stick with the golden standards, that he plays so well. As far as the golden hits that he played on this cd, he did a great job with them.

I Can Recommend This Cd To You

Average customer rating:

Jealousy (Special Edition, 2CD) X Japan Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000NPBONY

Product Description

Officially Released only in Japan and Korea. Special Edition of Japanese Rock Act's 3rd Album Coming with Bonus CD. (CD-2/Instrumental Tracks) 01 Silent Jealousy 02 Miscast 03 Desperate Angel 04 Voiceless Screaming 05 Stab Me In The Back 06 Joker 07 Say Anything

Average customer rating:

The Collector's The Threepenny Opera Manufacturer: VAI Audio ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Threepenny Opera (1954 New York Cast) (Blitzstein Adaptation) Die Dreigroschenoper: Berlin 1930 Lotte Lenya sings Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins & Berlin Theatre Songs Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill / Levine, Lenya, Armstrong, Gilford, et al The Threepenny Opera (1994 London Donmar Warehouse Cast) ASIN: B000053W80 Release Date: 2000-01-01

Tracks:

1. Die Dreigroschenoper: Ov - Lewis Ruth Band/Theo Mackeben
2. Die Dreigroschenoper: Moritat (Mack, The Knife) - Kurt Gerron
3. Die Dreigroschenoper: Ballad Of The Agreeable Life - Willy Trenk-Trebitsch
4. Die Dreigroschenoper: Love Duet - Erika Helmke/Willy Trenk-Trebitsch
5. Die Dreigroschenoper: Cannon Song - Kurt Gerron/Willy Trenk-Trebitsch
6. Die Dreigroschenoper: Pirate Jenny - Lotte Lenya
7. Die Dreigroschenoper: Act I Finale - Lotte Lenya/Erika Helmke/Erich Ponto
8. Die Dreigroschenoper: Barbara Song - Lotte Lenya
9. Die Dreigroschenoper: Jealousy Song - Lotte Lenya/Erika Helmke
10. Die Dreigroschenoper: Farewell - Erika Helmke/Willy Trenk-Trebitsch
11. Die Dreigroschenoper: Act II Finale - Willy Trenk-Trebitsch
12. Die Dreigroschenoper: Procurer's Ballad - Lotte Lenya/Willy Trenk-Trebitsch
13. Die Dreigroschenoper: Song Of The Inadequacy Of Life - Erich Ponto
14. Die Dreigroschenoper: Moritat (Reprise) - Lotte Lenya
15. Die Dreigroschenoper: Final Chor - 1930 German Cast
16. Die Dreigroschenoper: Moritat - Bertolt Brecht
17. Die Dreigroschenoper: Song Of The Inadequacy Of Life - Bertolt Brecht
18. Kleine Dreigroschenmusik (Little Threepenny Ste): Moritat - Berlin State Opr Orch/Otto Klemperer
19. Kleine Dreigroschenmusik (Little Threepenny Ste): Ballade - Berlin State Opr Orch/Otto Klemperer
20. Kleine Dreigroschenmusik (Little Threepenny Ste): Tango-Ballade - Berlin State Opr Orch/Otto Klemperer
21. Kleine Dreigroschenmusik (Little Threepenny Ste): Cannon Song - Berlin State Opr Orch/Otto Klemperer
22. Die Dreigroschenoper: Moritat - Mme. Damia
23. Mahagonny: Alabama Song - Lotte Lenya/The Three Admirals
24. Mahagonny: As You Make Your Bed - Lotte Lenya
25. Mahagonny: Medley - Lotte Lenya/Berlin Cast Of The Kurfurstendamm Theatre, Berlin
26. Happy End: Bilbao Song - Lotte Lenya

Average customer rating: Lives up to the rave review by Mr. Hollingsworth Serebrier at his finest: The best Janacek discs!

Janácek: Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Reference Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Janácek, Leos | ( J ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances/ Vocalise/ Etudes-tableaux Grieg: Norwegian Dances; Ballade; Slåtter Vivaldi for diverse instruments / PBO · McGegan Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba Copland: Fanfare; Symphony No3 ASIN: B00005RDB2 Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

1. Sinfonietta: Fanfares
2. Sinfonietta: The Castle
3. Sinfonietta: The Queen's Monastary
4. Sinfonietta: The Street
5. Sinfonietta: The Town
6. Lachian Dances: Starodavny
7. Lachian Dances: Pozehnany
8. Lachian Dances: Dymak
9. Lachian Dances: Starodavny II
10. Lachian Dances: Celadensky
11. Lachian Dances: Pilky
12. Taras Bulba: The Death Of Andrei
13. Taras Bulba: The Death Of Ostap
14. Taras Bulba: Prophecy And Death Of Taras Bulba

Tracks:

1. The Cunning Little Vixen - Ste: Part One
2. The Cunning Little Vixen - Ste: Part Two
3. Jealousy (Original Prld To Jenufa)
4. From The House Of The Dead: Prld
5. The Makropulos Case: Act I
6. The Makropulos Case: Act II
7. The Makropulos Case: Act III

Customer Reviews:

Lives up to the rave review by Mr. Hollingsworth.......2003-01-24

I've become a recent devotee of Janacek's music, in particular with regards to his most folk-inspired works (Lachian Dances and Rakos Rakoczy). I'm always on the lookout for worthy recordings of the Lachian Dances and the previous review seemed positive. I was not disappointed. Compared to the Decca Double Decker with Mackerras and Huybrechts, Srebenier extracts a bit more verve and fun from his players. The Decca recording is indeed impressive in its own right (I'd give it 4-and-a-half stars), but the Czech State Philharmonic and Srebenier seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves playing on "home turf" as it were. In other words, although the Decca recording sounds more polished from a technical standpoint, the playing sounds a little stately or "officious" (for lack of a better word) compared to the Reference recording. If you already have the Decca recording, by all means, go for this one as well.

Serebrier at his finest: The best Janacek discs!.......2002-07-19

For decades, Mackerras' recording of Janacek's Taras Bulba and Sinfonietta has been deemed the best in the catalogue, against which all others have been measured. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (VPO), which knows as much of Janacek as they do of Bruckner, played the works with authority and with real feeling. The strings are of real bloom and weight, the woodwinds crispy, the brass blazen and glorious, and the percussion mesmerizing. Sir Charles Mackerras, among the best of Janacek's interpreters (along with Bretislav Bakala, Frantisek Jilek, & Vaclav Neumann earlier), gives the renditions of vividness and imagination and the phrasings are as genuine and ideal as expected.

But,...here comes this recording! Let me say upfront that Serebrier measures up to Mackerras in every way. And the Czech State Philharmonic (of Brno) is as authoritative as the VPO, with every bar & every detail so well caught and conveyed even at higher levels than its Viennese rival. Furthermore, the Czech State Philharmonic brings out more authenticity of these works, thanks in some part to the recording. For example, listen to the second movement of Sinfonietta "The Castle." Notice how a sense of mystery, after, say 1'35", becomes compellingly restraint and haunting (the strings and woodwinds must be credited for this, as well as Serebrier, who conveys these dimensions more successfully than even Belohlavek). How about the third movement "The Queen's Monastary", which is played with real beauty and eloquence, with a certain feeling of nostalgia and sadness. Exemplary, even in regards to the other works like Taras Bulba and the Lachian Dances. I would hesitate to replace my Decca recording of the Lachian Dances well served by Francois Huybrechts and the London Philharmonic, especially since it's coupled with Janacek's Vec Makropulos-which London Decca foolishly deleted-along with other Janacek's operas extremely well executed by Mackerras, the VPO, and its wonderful casts (remember Elisabeth Soderstrom?). Instead, Serebrier's edition is well worth having: it has plenty of vitality and enjoyment. And the way Serebrier brings out the tragic menance and drama of Taras Bulba is idiomatic and purely exciting. The closing of Taras Bulba is done triumphantly and with appropriate grandioseness, although the organ should have more of an imposing presence.

Reference Recordings (RR), which compiled the original 1995-1996 recordings of these works, includes the second disc (under the two for the price of one scheme). This disc contains selections from Janacek's popular operas: Suite from "The Cunning Little Vixen", preludes to "Jenufa" (entitled "Jealously") and "From the House of the Dead", and Serebrier's Symphonic Synthesis of "Vec Makropulos." This second disc is as every bit enjoyable as the first disc containing Sinfonietta, Taras Bulba, and the Lachian Dances. The "Cunning Little Vixen" Suite (in the Talich/Smetacek edition) is done with upmost vividness and flair. But the Vec Makropulos synthesis is every bit as paradigmatic. Serebrier, a very successful composer in his own right, confessed the challenge he faced in coming up with the synthesis, which no one has done before. Well, it pays off. The synthesis upholds the essence of Janacek's very demanding opera, while not minimizing its emotional and musical impact. Moreover, the Czech State Philharmonic comes up huge again (the prelude comes off well and with fire under their musicianship).

So, an highly enjoyable two-disc set that in many ways outshine Mackerras' Decca recording. As alluded to earlier, the quality of the recording is part of this album's success. The sound is more "Czech" in feeling and extremely well focused. You might be tempted to buy Belohlavek's Chandos recording of especially the Sinfonietta and Taras Bulba. Chandos likewise offer, for the price of one, a two-disc (compiled) set of these works, plus Fiddler's Child as well as Idyll and Suite (both for Strings idiomatically played by Gregory Rose and the Jupiter Orchestra), but minus the "House of the Dead" prelude and "Vec Makropulos." The Chandos album is well worth having, though Belohlavek's approach to Sinfonietta and Taras Bulba is not as ideal as Serebrier or Mackerras (the brass of the Czech Philharmonic is surprisingly not as glorious and blazen as the Czech State Philharmonic or the VPO and their strings lack tonal radiance and body comparatively speaking). Otherwise, Belohlavek is better on the other works, like Fiddler's Child and the "Cunning Little Vixen" Suite.

But, Serebrier's recordings of Janacek's masterpieces can now be deemed as the benchmark recordings against which all others will be measured! Will Serebrier record Janacek's operas as a just compensation for the deleted Decca/Mackerras recordings (still held as the best in the catalogue)? Oh boy I dare hope so!

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Jealousy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000MQ512O Release Date: 2007-03-27

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