Starry Starry Night

Disc: 1
1. Every Day
2. La La Love You
3. Homeless Brother
4. If We Try
5. Winterwood
6. Crossroads
7. Castles in the Air
8. Tulsa Time/Deep in the Heart of Texas
9. Castles in the Air [Retake]
10. Angry Words
See all 14 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2
1. And I Love You So
2. Raining in My Heart
3. Jerusalem
4. You're My Little Darlin'
5. American Pie
6. Superman's Ghost
7. Fashion Victim
8. Headroom/Dreidel
9. It Was a Very Good Year
10. Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)

Tracks:

Common Threads - Bobby McFerrin
Japanese Music Box - George Winston
Suliram - Thea Suits-Silverman
Shiny Shell Lullaby - Keola Beamer
Montanhas No Ceu - Flora Purim
Suantrai - Nightnoise
Anjo Da Guarda - Airto Moreira
Little One Mine - Turtle Island String Quartet
Cancion De Cuna - Eliot Fisk
Sofdu Unga Astin Min - Richard Stoltzman And Family
Kumbaya - Paul Hanson/Tracy Silverman
Rock-A-Bye Baby - Jim Brickman
Tumbalalaika - Mike Marshall
Just Close Your Eyes - Billy Taylor
Bayushky Bayu - Debbra, Margot & Noah Schwartz
Brahms Lullaby - Mike Wollenberg
Here I Am - Tracy Silverman

Amazon.com

The party line on most Windham Hill products seems to be that it's either the greatest stuff since wave machines, or that it all sounds alike. On a Starry Night, with its collection of world songs and reputable artists such as Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, the Turtle Island String Quartet, and others, does lean toward a seamlessly understated, homogeneous quality that is broken only occasionally by Bobby McFerrin's piece and a couple of others. That said, there can hardly be a more mellow or sonorous album of kid's music anywhere. Starry Night could calm a nursery with no nurses; why, it could even soothe the pained yelps at the dog pound--and turn a freeway full of bumper-to-bumper sour pusses into pussycats. Effective? You've heard of mind control, haven't you? --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Soothing, calming and still works after 11 years!.......2007-05-09

I bought this for my newborn daughter and she has fallen asleep to this just about every night of her life. In particular, we enjoy the 2 Brazilian songs as I am Portuguese (born there, raised here) and it's immensely enjoyable hearing songs in my native tongue as well as other languages. I have gifted this to several expectant parents and everyone loves it as much as I do. I highly recommend this CD.

Wonderful product.......2007-03-08

The songs on this CD are soothing and fantastic. My son loved them!

Good for babies, but a little depressing for adults........2007-02-12

The music is all good, but several of the songs are eerily reminiscent of the Schindler's List soundtrack.

highly recommended.......2006-12-30

we used this before our first arrived (to acquaint her with the music and hopefully create a positive association for her) and played it every night as part of her bed time routine. i fell asleep to the music as well as i could hear it on the monitor from her room. i can't describe how much i loved listening to the tracks and how good i feel about the success of our nightly routine. we keep the music on the ipod for "sleepy music" while traveling in the car. my now 4 year old daughter with "request" the CD when she is tired! i often give this as a baby shower gift.

Puts the entire family to sleep!!!!.......2006-11-14

I purchased On a Starry Night before our son was born. My husband listened to it and liked it so much that he started using it at bedtime himself. When we went into the hospital to deliver, the CD came with us. All of the nurses commented on how serene the music made our room feel. We've played it for our 2 month old son since birth. My entire family falls asleep this CD each night. It works so well, I don't know what the last few tracks sound like. This will be baby shower goft to all of my friends!!!

Average customer rating:

Over all great score.
Completely surprising
Best animated film music ever!
I'm so glad to have it!
didn't get enough time???

Shrek: Original Motion Picture Score

Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Shrek 2
Shrek - Music from the Original Motion Picture
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Shrek The Third (Original Motion Picture Score)

ASIN: B00005RZTY
Release Date: 2001-12-04

Tracks:

Fairytale
Ogre Hunters / Fairytale Deathcamp
Donkey Meets Shrek
Eating Alone
Uninvited Guests
March of Farquuad
The Perfect King
Welcome to Duloc
Tournament Speech
What Kind of Quest
Dragon! / Fiona Awakens
One of A Kind Knight
Saving Donkey's Ass
Escape from the Dragon
Helmet Hair
Delivery Boy Shrek / Making Camp
Friends Journey to Duloc
Starry Night
Singing Princess
Better Out Than In / Sunflower / I'll Tell Him
Merry Men
Fiona Kicks Ass
Fiona's Secret
Why Wait To Be Wed / You Thought Wrong
Ride the Dragon
I Object
Transformation / The End

Customer Reviews:

Over all great score........2006-10-23

I've been a fan of Harry Gregson-Williams for quite some time (and to a lesser extent, John Powell). Gregson-Williams is known for working with Hans Zimmer (they worked together on the soundtrack for The Rock) and he is also known in the video gaming community for his work on the Metal Gear Solid franchise (his take on the theme, not originally composed by him, is absolutely breathtaking in both the second and third games).

So it was no shock to me that I absolutely adore his work on the Shrek franchise. I can't say much here that hasn't been said by other reviewers, but I will say that the strongest work on the soundtrack involves the more serious, epic pieces (of which there are far too few).

Stand out tracks, for me, are "Fairytale", "Escape the Dragon", "Ride the Dragon", "I Object", and "Transformation/End".

The action theme of the film is used perfectly throughout the film, but it shows up far too rarely on the disc. I'm not sure if it's actually present less, or if it was a less-is-more kind of thing when it did play in the film. Regardless, it's a beautiful composition (though it does remind me of the "hero" theme from Deep Blue Sea).

You can feel Gregson-Williams' influence on "Escape the Dragon", as there are similar pulsing electric beats that are reminiscent, to me, of his arrangement of the Metal Gear Solid 2 main theme (which to this day remains one of my favorite pieces of soundtrack music ever - it's exciting, it's patriotic, it's epic. What more does one need?)

There's also some beautiful solo guitar work on this score that's a bit reminiscent of Trevor Rabin, but excellent regardless. My only gripe is that the disc feels a bit short in running length, but I think that's because a portion of the soundtrack was dedicated to pop and rock tracks, which show up on the second album.

If you're a fan of Gregson-Williams, Powell, or just film music in general, I strongly recommend picking this disc up. It'll make you sad and it'll get your blood racing.

Completely surprising.......2006-05-24

Harry Gregson-Williams is a fairly new composer, but despite that, he is beyond comparison. (Except for John Williams and Howard Shore and Hans Zimmer). This is supposed to be an animated film, where music doesn't matter AS much. But this composer goes beyond all expectations, putting forth all his best efforts, bringing out the best in Shrek. You can hear some links from this CD to the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Harry's later work. Even by listening to the samples you can tell this music is hard to beat. I don't think Shrek would have won Best Animated Film if Gregson-Williams had not composed the music. BUY THIS CD!!!

Best animated film music ever!.......2004-03-19

Although the other reviewers are right in that there isnt a lot of music on this disc, a little over 40 minutes, it's worth the price just for the first and 25th tracks. There are so many awe inspiring tracks on this cd it's impossible to pass up. The disc opens up with a very serious and magical theme on the strings and oboe. This theme is the same one that the princess sings in her fatal duet with the bird, that track is on here too. Also, there's the memorable Welcome to Duloc theme with the child choir. Also, the fight with Robin Hood theme with some riverdance in it is on this disc. The best theme on the disc is first introduced in the escape from the dragon track, with a funky beat behind it. It's presented in it's full orchestra and choral glory in the Ride the Dragon track which is guaranteed to give you goose bumps. All in all this is a very wide ranging score with some of the most light-hearted/goofy music ever along with some of the most inspired and passionate heroic music. I can't recommend this soundtrack enough. The music of Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell added so much to Shrek, making it the best animated film I've ever seen.

I'm so glad to have it!.......2003-01-12

I'm so glad I got this score. Such a humorous film like Shrek doesn't sound like it would have so much beautiful music, but this score proves it does. The music is absolutely stunning, sometimes powerful, sometimes scary, sometimes sad and sometimes just beautiful. There are a few recurring themes, but they are great themes and sound nice in every song. Although most of the soundtrack is pretty serious, there are a few funny songs placed in, which only add to it's greatness. If, while watching Shrek, you happened to notice some of the nice themes like I did, then I suggest getting this score. It really is a great CD and I'm happy to have this part of my collection.

didn't get enough time???.......2002-12-21

This is the third score that Harry Gregson Williams and John Powell composed together and after buying "Antz" and "Chicken Run" I had high expectations. Unfortunately this score is by far not as good as their previous ones. Still good though, but especially less comfortable to listen to. Most songs are just too short. By the time the theme had captured you the song is over. Strongest part of this album is the humor Powell and Williams have used. Some endings of songs are quite "unusual", like "farquaad's speech" and "merry men", which can crack me up if I'm in a funny mood. Strongest tracks on the album are "escape from the dragon" and "fairytale". The rest of the album kinda sounds as if the composers didn't get enough time to compose the music, so they just put the pieces they already had behind each other. Too bad, because this is a duo that has a lot to offer and hopefully they will soon again, with less, but much longer tracks.

Average customer rating:

Is this really contemporary classical music?
Great music, well performed
A star ascending
Threading various styles together - successfully
Nominees for repertory status

Liebermann: Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Liebermann: Symphony No. 2 / Concerto for Flute & Orchestra
Lowell Liebermann: Piano Works, Vol. 2
Lowell Liebermann: Piano Music, Vol. 1
Chamber Music of Lowell Liebermann
James Galway plays Lowell Liebermann

ASIN: B000002ZZR
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra, Op.12: Allegro
Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra, Op.12: Larghissimo
Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra, Op.12: Allegro con fuoco (Maccaber Dance)
Concerto No.2 For Piano And Orchestra, Op.36: Allegro moderato
Concerto No.2 For Piano And Orchestra, Op.36: Presto
Concerto No.2 For Piano And Orchestra, Op.36: Adagio
Concerto No.2 For Piano And Orchestra, Op.36: Allegro
Six Pieces From Album For The Young, Op.43: Ostinato (Andante)
Six Pieces From Album For The Young, Op.43: Hommage a Faure (Allegretto)
Six Pieces From Album For The Young, Op.43: Starry Night (Moderato)
Six Pieces From Album For The Young, Op.43: Rainy Day (Andante)
Hommage a Alkan (Allegretto)
Six Pieces From Album For The Young, Op.43: Lullaby (Lento)

Customer Reviews:

Is this really contemporary classical music?.......2007-02-18

Who cannot admire the technical felicity of Liebermann's second piano concerto? His mastery of classical and romatic form and orchestration are plain. But should we be seduced by the blatent references to Rachmaninoff and recycling Ravel. These naughty -- but not really very naughty at all -- dissonances and irregular rhythms are really too timid.
What could Liebermann do with all his immense technical powers?
I would have been shocked in 1907, but in 2007 I think I was stroked too much.

Great music, well performed.......2005-10-27

I'm totally new to Liebermann's music, although his opus numbers imply he is not totally new to composing...
I would describe these pieces of music as brisk - interesting and pleasant on first listening, without being sweet.
They remind me of music by other neoclassicists, such as Stravinsky and Poulenc.
About this performance: Stephen Hough plays very gently. I like it (and I'm sure the composer does too), but it would be interesting to listen to an alternative, more aggressive playing in some parts.
As this is my first (and only, so far) encounter with any of Liebermann's compositions, I cannot give any comparative comments.
Regarding this CD: the sound is clean and rich.

To conclude - unless you really dislike neoclassicism - buy this CD!

A star ascending.......2002-06-09

If you ever wonder who will be the great composers of the early 21st century, you can start your list with Lowell Liebermann.
It's hard to remember that at one time, people actually looked forward to hearing the latest works by the composers of the day. For the past 50 years or so, the public has usually gone to the concert hall with dread when new music was on the program -- or they didn't go at all. Liebermann, on the other hand, is the type of composer you want to hear again and again.

That doesn't mean his music is easy or obvious -- just that he cares what it sounds like and doesn't view composition as a mathematical equation to be solved.
The first concerto, a relatively early work, has more of the thorniness that was de rigeuer in music schools. But the finale is a wild, frenzied dance macabre, quite memorable.
The second is written on the grand scale, with cascading piano passages, lush orchestration, etc. You'll hear passages that make you think of Rachmaninoff or Prokofiev or Shostakovich or others, but it's none of these. It seems that Liebermann has assimilated the best the 20th century had to offer and has gone on from there. One day, "Liebermann 2" will be a landmark.
Buying new, unfamiliar music can be frustrating. But I assure you, this is a silk purse, not a sow's ear.

Threading various styles together - successfully.......2002-03-06

I was introduced to Liebermann's 2nd piano concerto a couple of weeks ago in Toledo, Ohio as played by the local symphony and Stephen Hough as pianist. As a standing ovation greeted the performance, the composer made an appearance on stage to get his due recognition. The performance was so brilliant, that maybe some of the details of the music where lost in the glare.
Liebermann has composed a brilliant work - combining romantic sweeps, toccata passages, and moments of near silence - it seems that rachmaninov, prokofiev, ravel, and schoenberg sat together to write this work. And by no means it lacks in originality, his greatest merit has been the ability to put this conglomerate together in such a way that it works and also is unrecognizable as any well performed music. The 2nd concerto is gaining acceptance in the standard repertoire and so is Liebermann's music - deservedly so.
The first concerto and the accompanying solo works are also fine works in their own, but pale in comparison to the 2nd concerto. The first concerto works also, but for my personal taste i could not find much to hold on to. But those who favor Bartok or Ravel's concerto for the left hand will love this work.
In regards to the pianist, Liebermann could not find a better match than Stephen Hough for this work. The writing, obviously virtuosic, is handled brilliantly by Hough and the dark introspective passages are played with attention to detail and reserve. And the live performance i attended was even better!
The recorded sound captures the bbc scottish symphony orchestra in top form.
It is so heartwarming to hear new music performed with so much care and attention - i surely hope Liebermann continues to get the success works as these should entitle him to.

Nominees for repertory status.......1999-08-12

The Gramophone review is spot on about these concerti being somewhat conservative. But they're also jazzy, sassy, tuneful, tender, virtuosic, brilliantly played and recorded. There are a number of American piano concerti written in fairly recent past that could perhaps have been written sixty years ago and yet still deserve to be played and loved. Those of Menotti, Hoiby, Ward, Oldham come to mind. These two belong in that company.

Average customer rating:

Julio, Iglesias, a fine discovery
Love-Love Songs-Love-wonderful-hot sexy spanish voices Julio
Excellent,as always!
soul reaching poetry
Starry Night

Starry Night
Julio Iglesias
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Moments
Julio Iglesias - My Life: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000027EN
Release Date: 1990-10-19

Tracks:

Can't Help Falling In Love
And I Love Her
Mona Lisa
Cryin' Time
Yesterday When I Was Young
When I Need You
99 Miles From L.A.
Vincent (Starry Starry Night)
If You Go Away
Love Has Been A Friend To Me

Customer Reviews:

Julio, Iglesias, a fine discovery.......2005-10-14

Starry Night is my first album by Julio, but it will not be my last. This one album has elevated him to the top of my favorite male singers list. His performance of Mona Lisa tops Nat King Cole.

Love-Love Songs-Love-wonderful-hot sexy spanish voices Julio.......2004-06-10

Julio is one of those guys that every women wishes she could have. He has a awesome voice that makes you want to weep, when he sings its as he is singing directly into your heart.

Love Love songs You will love Julio
p.s. the songs in spainsh are even better

Excellent,as always!.......2002-01-21

I've had the pleasure of enjoying Mr. Iglesias
music for many years. Only saw him in concert once.
It is very hard to describe how his music effects me.
Now matter how rough the work day has been,all I have
to do is put in one of his CD's & the day doesn't seem
so bad.
I think that says it all.

soul reaching poetry.......2001-10-02

on first hearing this guy sing(now i know it's julio)something sober and meditative welled up in me and long after i sought out a private place to enjoy the poetic notes still wafting in my head.
julio's great talent lies in that special ability to use his voice to reach that very private room in the soul,arresting the mind through the poetry in his lines.
after listening to starry starry night,99 miles from LA,i never stopped buying julio's songs
for those who love meditative songs i'll say enjoy it.

Starry Night.......2001-09-24

This was my first Julio CD and I have loved listening to it ever since. I would recommend it to the first time buyers! "If You Go Away" is my favorite track and I can't imagine anyone "Going Away" from Juilio after they hear him sing this!

Average customer rating:

The Artistry of Nelson Eddy
Artistry of Nelson Eddy
A Nelson Eddy Tour de Force: Magnificence here on earth
For those who are already fans of N.E. only.
A Surefire Way To Turn A Bad Day Into A Good One!

The Artistry of Nelson Eddy

Manufacturer: Legacy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nelson Eddy: Operatic Arias and Concert Songs
The Old Refrain
When I'm Calling You
Ah Sweet Mystery of Life: Anthology (1931-1938)

ASIN: B000002NRY
Release Date: 1994-07-18

Tracks:

Tchaikovsky's Pno Con in b flat (Tonight We Love)
Ravel's Pavanne (The Lamp Is Low)
Debussy's Reverie (My Reverie)
Chopin's Polonaise ('Til The End Of Time)
Grieg's Wedding Day (Strange Music)
Rachmoninoff's Pno Con No. 2 (Full Moon And Empty Arms)
Tchaikovsky's 6th Sym (Story Of A Starry Night)
Drigo's Serenade (Love Serenade)
Borodin's Prince Igor (Stranger In Paradise)
Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 4 (As The Years Go By)
Rubenstein's Romance (If You Are But A Dream)
Ananymous (Alone Together)

Customer Reviews:

The Artistry of Nelson Eddy.......2006-11-04

Nelson Eddy's flawless singing and diction, with a modern orchestral accompaniment, make The Artistry of Nelson Eddy a romantic, sophisticated musical experience.

Artistry of Nelson Eddy.......2006-08-22

Contemporary music which is sung well but voice not as expected of Nelson Eddy. The true baritone of his voice missing. This may be the recording but CD received in good condition.

A Nelson Eddy Tour de Force: Magnificence here on earth.......2006-03-17

I have most of the movies of Nelson Eddy. Together with Jeanette MacDonald, this team produced some of the most romantic movie-operattas ever made. But the sound quality of those movies pale in comparison to the magnificence of this production.
Nelson Eddy has never sounded better, aided (1994) by more modern recording techniques, the quality here (even with a disclaimer) is beyond belief. He has got to be one of the premier baritones of all time. Singing Popular tunes adapted from classical themes, he may be without peer. I have a CD of the young Sinatra singing "Full Moon and Empty Arms" to Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. He is not in the same universe with Eddy, whose crisp diction, timbre, fullness, perfect pitch, and passion ~ YES! PASSION! ~ must be heard (hopefully on on quality audio) to be fully appreciated. This is AWESOME. Maybe the best it gets here on earth. This is a wholly magnificent CD if you appreciate really good music, a fantastic baritone, and have a romantic bone in your body. I am astounded. Until today, I had no idea that Nelson Eddy was this good. This CD proves he was.

For those who are already fans of N.E. only........2003-12-22

Nelson Eddy made these recordings when he was about 60 years old and it shows. He retained an excellent voice for a very long time, allowing him to perform successfully until the day he died. However, this particular recording seems to emphasize vocal decline, in terms of control and range. The problem may be that the songs presented here are mostly VERY GREAT classical orchestral pieces, to which are sung pop lyrics. In my opinion, most (but not all) of the lyrics to these songs are not worthy of their music and are incongruous. The last number, "Alone Together", an excellent Schwartz/Dietz song (which seems out of place with Rachmaninov and Ravel,) is actually a duet with Nelson's partner, Gale Sherwood. It was recorded a couple of years later than the other songs on this album, and is given a bossa nova background that in this mix, practically drowns out the singers! As to the overall sound quality, there are some light snaps and pops as on a record, but the music is loud and clear. I do not mean to discourage Nelson Eddy fans from buying this album. I think you need this album. I own this album. Buy this album, and encourage the release of more albums and radio recordings by Nelson Eddy. What I do mean to say, is that "The Artistry of Nelson Eddy" is not the best introduction to the artistry of Nelson Eddy. His recordings from the 30's, 40's or even 50's are a better purchase for the beginner. Once you love Nelson Eddy, then pick up this album.

A Surefire Way To Turn A Bad Day Into A Good One!.......2003-04-12

The music on this CD is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it. It proves that the music of Nelson Eddy is simply timeless. I have always loved his voice, but these arrangements bring out the very best of it. It is highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Gently mysterious and well-crafted

Oceans
Ed Van Fleet
Manufacturer: Elfin Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Grand Eagle
Light of Midnight
Evening Passages
Migration
Fire Journeys

ASIN: B00000J8NA
Release Date: 2000-05-20

Tracks:

Ocean Mist
The Lighthouse
Tides
The Deep
Prayer For The Ocean
Quark Dreams
Procession Of Tall Ships
Dance Of The Water Nymphs

Customer Reviews:

Gently mysterious and well-crafted.......2004-01-01

Ed Van Fleet combines his trademark synthesizer compositions with recorded ocean sounds to produce a relaxing yet thought-provoking listening experience. All the selections are in a minor key, but not ponderously so. Rather, they have light, bouyant, mysterious qualities reflective of a calm yet wonder-filled exploration of the unknown. The simultaneous beauty, quietude and adventure of life on, in and by the sea is nicely captured here in all its variety. Much of the New Age music that appeals to me is either extremely energizing or soothing to the point of sedation, but this recording does neither of those things, finding instead a comfortable and intriguing middle ground between the two extremes. What I like about Ed Van Fleet's compositions is that, though replete with texture and atmosphere, they feature harmonic structures and melodic elements that are engaging enough hold a listener's attention. They really do sound like music rather than just collections of cool, atmospheric sounds. There is progression and purpose; the pieces begin pregnant with promise and then deliver, at least enough to keep the listener hungry for whatever might come next. And indeed, in this recording, the whole point seems to be depicting the haunting-yet-enticing quality of the ocean, which always has something of value to offer but never reveals all the secrets (or hazards!) hidden in its depths. "Oceans" is the mellow cousin to another of Van Fleet's releases, "The Forgotten Tribe", which is more intense and cinematic, and definitely worth seeking out as well. For another musical take on the ocean, try the exotically meditative "Pacific Moon" of Gary Stroutsos, and if you are in the market for more gentle music of exploration and journeying, try the recordings of Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning, and Tim and Paul Frantzich.

Average customer rating:

An Avant-Garde Must Get
Crumb in poetic and eerilie beautiful mood
Exceptional
Just Listen
What is the Opposite of Music? Listen to this and find out!

Crumb: Ancient Voices Of Children

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Ligeti Project IV: Hamburg Concerto (Horn Concerto) / Double Concerto / Ramifications / Requiem

ASIN: B000005IY6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Ancient Voices Of Children: El Nino Busca Su Voz
Ancient Voices Of Children: Dances Of The Ancient Earth
Ancient Voices Of Children: Me He Perdido Muchas Veces Por El Mar
Ancient Voices Of Children: De Done Vienes, Amor, Mi Nino? (Dance Of The Sacred Life Cycle)
Ancient Voices Of Children: Ghost Dance
Ancient Voices Of Children: Se Ha Llenado De Luces Mi Corazon De Seda
Music For A Summer Evening: Nocturnal Sounds (The Awakening)
Music For A Summer Evening: Wanderer-Fantasy
Music For A Summer Evening: The Advent
Music For A Summer Evening: Myth
Music For A Summer Evening: Music Of The Starry Night

Amazon.com

One of the most important and magical song cycles in contemporary music, Ancient Voices of Children, is the setting of a series of haunting texts by the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca for mezzo-soprano, boy soprano, and chamber orchestra. The piece made a huge impression on audiences at its initial performances. Indeed, this recording became something of a cult phenomenon, much like the Górecki Third Symphony today; and if you weren't around for the initial discovery, now's your chance. Music for a Summer Evening uses essentially the same forces as Bartók's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, and creates an evocative, glittering nightscape. Great stuff.--David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

An Avant-Garde Must Get.......2003-05-07

I remember a time when I was at a flea market and was looking through some vinyl records (possibly about the time before I got my first CD player). One particular record got my attention. The cover sort of resembles a newspaper article with a picture insert of a nebula. What got my attention were "Makrokosmos" and that it was a Nonesuch record. I've heard a few Nonesuch records and notice how different the music tends to be. So I thought I buy it for $1 (if I recall correctly). When I listened to it at home, I knew I made a good choice. It had the strange 20th century music - rather atonal. It's a good thing the vinyl record was in good shape, especially when it came to the very quiet parts. I have that record today, still in good shape.

About a few years after buying the vinyl record, I was looking through some CDs in a store (after I got my first CD player). I've found the Nonesuch CD that had "Ancient Voices of Children" AND "Music for a Summer Evening (Makrokosmos III)." I didn't buy it because I wanted to get it on sale. Well, time passed. One day, I saw one up for bid on eBay. I think I was the only bidder on it. The jewel case may have a few scratches (which I wouldn't worry about) but the CD itself was like new.

I'm glad that I got it on CD. I could listen to the music without any clicks or pops you would hear from a vinyl LP (especially since the music gets very quiet at times). Although you wouldn't get the "warm analog sound" you get from the vinyl. Nevertheless, it does sound very good considering that it's AAD. Whoever likes avant-garde music may want to get this.

One thing I want to let you know. Whoever did the tracking on the CD must've misjudged about the beginnings of "Myth" and "Music of the Starry Night." "Myth" begins at index 8:02 on track 9. Tracks 10 and 11 are the last movement, "Music of the Starry Night." Take note of that when listening to this CD.

Crumb in poetic and eerilie beautiful mood.......2002-06-17

Those who know US composer George Crumb mainly from the terrifying musings of 'Black Angels' (made semi-famous by the Kronos Quartet) will probably be surprised by the haunting beauty of 'Ancient Voices'. Based on texts from Lorca, the rich but sparing instrumentation is complemented by evocative, floating soprano - sometimes sung into the piano to create an eerie, mystical ambient. My first exposure was at London's Roundhouse in 1976, where even the background rumbling of trains couldn't sublimate the extraordinary lure of Crumb's sound world. Truly gorgeous and thoughtfully composed.

Exceptional.......2002-06-15

This disc is flawless. The caliber of music making is extremely high, and the pieces themselves are among Crumb's absolute finest.

Music for a Summer Evening is, perhaps, the lesser signifigant work of the two presented here. Even so, it is an astounding presentation of of Crumb's effective use of extended tequniques, and the ability of his atmospheric writing to stir up strong emotions. Here, Crumb has significantly built on the two pianos/percussion format that Bartok made famous in his Sonata.

Ancient Voices of Children is an important song cycle in the post-WWII repertoire. His extended singing tecniques are used to great effect, and the haunting, mystical effects that he cojours within the limited instrumentation are amazing.

Crumb is one a handfull of composers that can write atmospheric music so well, and pull off these avant-garde tecniques so usefully. If you do not know his music, start with this disc; it's breathtaking.

Just Listen.......2002-06-08

I just recently reaquainted myself with this work after about thirty years. Ancient voice of Children retains all of the mystery and magic that I heard when I first encountered the piece at the age of 11. The work resembles not so much a conventional piece of music as a mystic ceremony. Set to fragments from the poetry of Frederico Garcia Lorca, the music captures the magical nature of the poet's verse. The unusual instrumental effects are haunting. Amoung my favorite is the quotation from Bist Du Bei Mir played on a toy piano as a haunting elegy for a dead child. The work builds in it's last section to a shattering climax.

The perfomance is quintessential. Jan DeGaetani was marvelous in this style of music and is sorely missed as a performer. The ensemble is spirited and very precise. The only thing that you miss on this CD is the visual choreography of a live performance, which is hypnotizing.

Macrocosmos III was a new piece to me and is every bit as haunting as other Crumb music. The ending is luminous...en eternal spinning out of music in the Lydian scale.

Be aware, this is avant garde music, though I feel it is quite assessible to those who listen without preconceptions. It is certainly more assessible than Elliot Carter or Boulez. It is not Part or Gorecki...but then not everything has to be. For me, this is not about style but about substance. Crumb moves me every bit as much as more assessible composers. You just have to listen with different ears, that's all.

What is the Opposite of Music? Listen to this and find out!.......2001-11-02

Here I am, the skeleton at the feast of 5* reviews proving again the old adage that "One man's meat is another man's poison". I hardly believe that even a small percentage of people (let's leave aside Professors of Avant-Garde Music for the time being) would be able to listen to, let alone enjoy, more than a few minutes of this music (I use that term in it's very loosest definition). It is ridiculous, therefore, that this should have a preponderance of 5* reviews. Consequently I believe that I am doing a service by standing up and pointing out "bad" music just as I do in applauding "good" music.

I came at this CD - which I bought thanks to some of the aforementioned 5* which I was foolish enough to believe - with the expectation that it would be modern, avant-garde and probably rather ineffable initially. I am prepared for this, believing that often the best music is not instantly grasped and needs careful auditioning. When I listened to it, however, I found that my expectations were not nearly extreme enough. This is music trying so hard to establish its originality that it appears to have progressed well beyond my definition of what music actually is. It is music as art, as a statement and not music to listen to - think about this a little! Hence my opening line - this is the opposite of music.

Instead, this production seems to be comprised of irrelevant and inconsequential noises, none of them musical. To save you the money, and more importantly the time, I will precis this CD for you:

A womans shriek followed by about 20 seconds of silence.
A sound rather like a large rodent being let loose inside a piano.
Some blocks of wood being banged together.
More shrieking.
More silence.
A voice making a strange sound as if copying a phone ringing.
More silence.
More wood being banged together.
More silence

Etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseam

At some point in this avant-garde nonsense somebody is going to blow the whistle and irreverently point out that the "Emperors New Clothes" do not actually exist. In the service of music, as opposed to "art", I am prepared to do the pointing! This production is nothing more that a deeply unmusical joke against those pseudo-intellectuals who completely miss the concepts of humanity and accessibility in music. "Composers" who write this stuff do so as to hide their lack of musical creativity behind an intellectual argument. Don't believe the hype, leave this one on the shelf!

For those aesthetes and enthusiasts who are intent on heading down a progressive route of "classical" music which yet retains any humanity and sympathy, Part and Gorecki appear to have been able to create music of originality and humanity, proving that it can be done.

Tracks:

Vincent
Tapestry
Longer
Here, There and Everywhere
For All We Know
If
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
All By Myself
Morning Has Broken
Groovy Kind of Love
Scarborough Fair
You Are So Beautiful

Album Description

In this recording Emile Pandolfi sits alone at a grand piano with the melodies of his youth, and the memories of times past. Memories of love, laughter, tenderness and passion. Here, songs from the 1970's, once heard on transistor radios, are given timeless renditions. As you listen to Emile interpret these melodies, you will be amazed at the depth of emotion. Both his, and your!

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Find!.......2007-07-15

I first heard Emile Pandolfi when shopping in a shoe store. His album was playing as background music. I was so entranced with his style and sound that I asked the clerk to find out who was playing the piano. He had to climb up on a ladder to reach the cd player! I made note of the artist (Emile Pandolfi). I've since purchased four of his albums, and they are all superb! His playing takes me to another place, where my life is serene and relaxed. I'd love to hear him play in concert. I give him a 10 out of 10! He is simply very talented and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.

Pandolfi Remembers My Youth.......2004-11-05

I recently heard Emile Pandolfi in concert, at a benefit for special education students. The venue was questionable leaving much to be desired. However Pandolfi made us forget we were in a college auditorium. As he played Moon River, I could see Audrey Hepburn walking the streets of New York in Breakfast at Tiffany's. His renditions of many classic American movie themes were exceptional.

Likewise, Starry Starry Night is indeed a pleasure. It returns one to the 70's and adds class to my memories of a somewhat tacky decade. I would highly recommend this purchase.

Average customer rating:

Give John Arthur Martinez a Try
Great Tex-Mex/Country Sounds
great music
jAming fantastic
WOW

Lone Starry Night
John Arthur Martinez
Manufacturer: Dualtone Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music
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One Good Friend
Tales of the New West
Patient Man
Buddy Jewell
Times Like These

ASIN: B00020HAOC
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

The Man Who Holds the Bow
Home Made of Stone
Amarillo by Morning
A Girl Named Texas
The Armadillo Song
If I Didn't Care
The River of Love/El Rio Amor
Tonight at Fiesta
Just Like the Moon
Trouble Rides a Fast Horse
Pour a Little Love on it
Lone Starry Night
Tonight at Fiesta (reprise)

Product Description

1. The Man Who Holds The Bow
2. Home Made Of Stone
3. Amarillo By Morning
4. A Girl Named Texas
5. The Armadillo Song
6. If I Didn't Care
7. The River Of Love/El Rio Amor
8. Tonight At Fiesta
9. Just Like The Moon
10. Trouble Rides A Fast Horse
11. Pour A Little Love On It
12. Lone Starry Night
13. Tonight At Fiesta Reprise

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Give John Arthur Martinez a Try.......2005-10-17

John Arthur Martinez was a finalist on Nashville Star. His blending of Spanish into the songs adds unique charm. John deserves a chance. Not a cookie cutter cowboy singer.

Great Tex-Mex/Country Sounds.......2005-02-16

It really is a shame that John Arthur Martinez didn't win the "Nashville Star" competition. Not to steal any of Buddy Jewell's thunder, but Martinez seems to be a more talented writer, singer, and artist. But obviously the folks in Nashville wanted a star that they could mold into their perfect creation. Jewell has that whole Travis Tritt meets Waylon Jennings thing going for him. He also has a sound with larger demographic appeal, so it doesn't surprise me that he was picked instead of Martinez. Believe me, I'm glad for Jewell, but I think that Martinez is the better all-around artist.

Martinez doesn't fit the mold that Nashville is looking for. Had he given in to the wishes of Music City, he'd be singing about dancin' in the bed of an ol' Ford with his redneck girl. Then he'd watch a little NASCAR and drink a little Jim Beam with his buddies at the bar. Instead, he embraces his heritage, faith, and home state whole-heartedly.

He'll never draw the big crowds of bubbly girls like a Tim McGraw or a Kenny Chesney. He won't write a song like "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy" that'll end up as a vinyl sticker on the back of some idiot's truck. Instead, he'll probably be the guy content with writing great songs like "The Man Who Holds The Bow" and "Lone Starry Night." In other words, Martinez writes songs from the heart about the things that are important to him. Judging by this album, those things include his aforementioned faith, heritage, and the great state of Texas.

If any of these songs have commercial potential, I'd have to say that "The River Of Love/El Rio Amor" and "The Man Who Holds The Bow" are definite winners. "El Rio Amor" would have given Marty Robbins a run for his money back in Robbins' heyday. The rest of this album is loaded with great, true-to-the-heart songs that give you an insight into the thoughts and feelings of Martinez.

My favorite song on the album is "A Girl Named Texas." If you know anything about Texas artists, you can picture this song being sung by a guy like Gary P. Nunn. It reminded me of Nunn's "What I Like About Texas." "Home Made Of Stone" and "Trouble Rides A Fast Horse" are two of my other favorites.

Martinez covers "Amarillo By Morning," which we all know George Strait turned into a hit. I like Martinez' version, but he really shines brighter on his original work. I must say that the accordian was a nice touch to "Amarillo," though. "The Armadillo Song" has bar-song written all over it. It would sound great if you gathered up a few drunks at the bar and challenged them to sing it. I slip and studder through it, and that's when I'm sober. It also would probably appeal to children(I know my three year-old shook her rump to it).

Martinez throws a little Spanish into some of the songs, which I love. Unfortunately, Nashville looks down on expressing ethnicity. Guys like the Texas Tornados, Los Lobos, BeauSoleil, and, to a lesser extent, acts like the Mavericks and JoEl Sonnier, are ten times better than most of the acts that are bringing in the big bucks these days, but because they embrace their heritage, they'll always be considered "regional acts." That's ashame, but it's also a good thing because we get to keep the best artists to ourselves.

So if you love your country music with a little Tex-Mex flavor or if you enjoy artists like the late Marty Robbins, this album is for you. If you enjoy artists with a "regional" flavor like Gary P. Nunn, buy this album. Or if you simply enjoy great songs performed by the guy who actually WROTE them, get this disc.

I highly recommend it.

great music.......2005-01-08

As a native Texan, I think Lone Starry Night is one of the best songs ever about our state. But the entire CD is fantastic. The only downer is the Armadillo song. It was done much better on one of JAM's previous efforts and in no way illustrates how great that song is live. Worth the money and then some.

jAming fantastic.......2004-11-08

You may have seen him on Nashville Star but you won't really appreciate the music until you hear this new album. John Arthur Martinez has put together an eclectic collection of songs that has something for almost everyone. Whether you want a ballad, traditional country, or a rocking good time, Lone Starry Night is for you. I highly recommend it.

David Thompson

WOW.......2004-09-12

What a treasure! And I mean both the singer & the songs. A song for every mood. "If I Didn't Care" brings a tear every time I hear it. "Trouble Rides A Fast Horse" sticks with you. Thank you John Arthur! Somewhere in you I see something of Hank Williams SR, but it's rolled into an awesome package with your God given talent.

Average customer rating:

One Starry Night
Kevin Yost
Manufacturer: I! Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000KWZ7C4
Release Date: 2006-10-26

Tracks:

One Starry Night
'Round About Midnight
Dreams of You
Unpredictable You
Love-Interlude
If She Only Knew
Forgetting About It
Hypnotic Progression, Pt. 2
Simply So
Trouble In Paradise
Things We Do
Sunset Secrets

Rock Music:

Rock Music