Illmatic-Vinyl Classics [Import]

Product Description
Vinyl Classics reissue of his debut album comes as a vinyl look-a-like CD that's packaged in a die-cut see-through Slipcase. Columbia. 2005

Illmatic,Nas,Bmg,Rap

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: Wonderful Period Music La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose: La Mome Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf Edith Piaf: 30th Anniversaire Edith Piaf: Her Greatest Recordings 1935-1943 Eternelle: The Best Of Piaf - Her Story, Her Songs ASIN: B000MEYIBG Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Heaven Have A Mercy
2. Milord
3. Rien De Rien
4. La Foule
5. Cri Du Coeur
6. La Vie En Rose (English version)
7. Padam Padam
8. Mon Dieu
9. L'Hymne A L'Amour
10. Mon Manege A Moi
11. Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien
12. L'Eveil
13. Mon Legionnaire (piano solo)
14. Lisieux
15. La Mort De Leplee ("Mon Legionnaire")
16. Apparition
17. L'ABC
18. L'Arrestation ("Mon Legionnaire")
19. L'Idylle
20. Derniere Nuit
21. Mon Homme (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
22. Les Momes De La Cloche (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
23. Les Hiboux (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
24. Fascination (interpreted by Maya Barsoni)
25. Il M'a Vue Nue (interpreted by Mistinguett)
26. La Poupee
27. Vie En Rose (accordeon)

Amazon.com

As befits the soundtrack of a music biopic, most of the heavy lifting here is done by the movie's subject: iconic French singer Edith Piaf. She was the Gallic Judy Garland, a natural performer who overcame one personal tragedy after another and was never more alive than on stage, forging an uncommon bond with both material and audience. Since actress Marion Cotillard lip-synchs in the film, the first 11 tracks on the CD are by Piaf herself, and give a good overview of her biggest hits (though we get the English version of the title track) and her feverish, ultra-dramatic style. But Piaf wasn't only a tragedienne of song: Her lighter side is represented by "Rien de Rien" and "Mon Manège à Moi," which she infuses with wonderful flair. Tracks 12-20 are made up of Christopher Gunning's richly symphonic original score (check out "La Mort de Leplée"). The last third of the album offers Piaf without Piaf, with contemporary singers Jil Aigrot and Maya Barsoni performing her songs (apparently because the originals' poor sound quality meant they would have stuck out in the movie). Watch out, however, for Mistinguett's hilarious "Il m'a vu nue," a slice of French music-hall history preserved in amber. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Official motion picture soundtrack to the film La Vie En Rose, the dramatic real-life story of French chanteuse Edith Piaf, starring Marion Cotillard and Gerard Depardieu. This release contains 27 tracks featuring 11 of Piaf's most popular songs remastered including "La Vie En Rose", "Hymne A L'amour" "Milord" and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien", plus the original score by Christopher Gunning.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Period Music.......2007-07-20

Having seen the movie La Vien Rose, I knew I had to get the CD. Both are terrific. If you haven't listened to or seen the movie I suggest you do both. Excellent music/performances. Bill

La Vie en Rose.......2007-07-06

The soundtrack to the movie by the same title is excellent. The restoration was superb. The voice of Edith Piaf is masterful.

Average customer rating: The Broadway musical lives on Sensational Musical at a time when Musicals are suffering Savoring the cake I had I want to take my ears off now Isn't she amazing!

Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: P.S. Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) [title of show] (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000G75A9I Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

1. The Girl Who Has Everything
2. The Five-Fifteen
3. Mother Darling
4. Goin' Places
5. Marry Well
6. Hominy Grits
7. Peas in a Pod
8. Drift Away
9. The Five-Fifteen (reprise)
10. Daddy's Girl
11. The Telegram
12. Will You?
13. The Revolutionary Costume for Today
14. The Cake I Had
15. Entering Grey Gardens
16. The House We Live In
17. Jerry Likes My Corn
18. Around the World
19. Choose to Be Happy
20. Around the World (reprise)
21. Another Winter in a Summer Town
22. The Girl Who Has Everything (reprise)

Product Description

GREY GARDENS proclaimed the #1 Show of the Year by Time Magazine is preserved here in its Original Broadway Cast Recording. The show had been previously recorded following its off-Broadway premiere in the spring of 2006 (and its cast album released by PS Classics in August of 2006), but this new recording features the new songs and new cast members that were added for its Broadway transfer last fall. The new GREY GARDENS opened on Broadway on November 2, 2006, to rave reviews, led by Ben Brantley in The New York Times, who called it an experience no passionate theatergoer should miss! Starring Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole and Tony Award nominee Mary Louise Wilson, it subsequently appeared on over 25 Best of 2006 lists, including #1 Show of the Year (Time), Best Musical of the Year (USA Today, Entertainment Weekly) and Performance of the Year (The New York Times, New York) for Ms. Ebersole. In addition to the new songs and new performances, this Original Broadway Cast Recording also features an all-new 32-page full-color booklet complete with lyrics and Broadway production photos.

Amazon.com

Based on the Maysles brothers' cult 1975 documentary of the same name, this musical is an endearing—-and sometimes genuinely heartwrenching—-oddity propelled by Christine Ebersole's exceptional, for-the-history-books performance. The movie followed the kooky duo of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Little Edie Beale, as they lived with their 52 cats in a derelict East Hampton mansion. The show's first act, set in 1941, is a prologue of sorts, while the second act, set in 1973, follows the movie closely. Ebersole plays Edith in Act I (which she concludes in dazzling manner with "Will You?") and Little Edie in Act II (when Mary Louise Wilson comes in to play the mother). And while Wilson is superb, this is Ebersole's show. Technically, she is flawless—-just listen to the way she changes her voice between the acts—-but she also makes Little Edie a poignant eccentric, a lost soul stuck in a world of deluded, decaying grandeur. It all peaks in the poignant "Around the World," the show's best song and an Ebersole tour de force. Note that this recording documents the Off-Broadway production; the show transferred to Broadway in the fall of 2006 with a slightly altered first act. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

The Broadway musical lives on.......2007-07-17

The soundtrack of Grey Gardens is modern, yet echoes of a Broadway heritage are present. Some parts reminded me of Sondheim and the lyrics were very clever. For one who has no chance of seeing the show, this is the next best thing and after a few playings, I can already recall the tunes and lyrics. I haven't seen the documentary upon which it is based but am an avid Kennedy-Bouvier fan. I was expecting a dark almost despairing collection of songs but was pleasantly surprised at how much light and shade is in it. What a shame it is closing so soon. I guess it doesn't have enough helicopters on stage to sustain it but I am sure it will be revived when people become aware of what an important addition it is. The characters come alive on this recording and you can almost hear them acting. A very authentic and haunting soundtrack, highly recommended to any lover of Broadway musicals.

Sensational Musical at a time when Musicals are suffering.......2007-07-14

I saw Grey Gardens in New York last month without knowing much about it and the Documentary it is based on. By the end of the show with the audience on their feet screeming and cheering the cast lead by Christine Ebersole who plays 2 roles in the show, I became an instant fan.
The recording is one you all need to hear as it has a booklet with great pictures and all the words but the songs are the type you remember as soon as you hear them. Unfortunately I heard that the show comes to an end at the end of July so the only way you can hear this amazing cast will be by buying this CD.

Savoring the cake I had .......2007-07-14

What a wonder! This cast recording of "Grey Gardens" makes each listening a recollection in tranquillity of the theater experience which becomes deeper and more enlightening. Christine Ebersole's dual roles as mother Edith Beale and Little Edie,daughter, together with Mary Louise Wilson's as the older Edith Beale spiral harmonically between love, competitiveness, shared loneliness and tragic interdependency. The cast recording immortalizes so many nuances of the musical characterizations with lyics and music that put one in mind of the flint and spirit and loneliness of Emily Dickinson's poetry. If you loved and admired the performances, you will treasure this cast recording. ( Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

I want to take my ears off now.......2007-06-29

Grey Gardens got good reviews? I honestly don't know why everyone is raving. I have listened to it a few times now and I don't get it. Well I get it, what it's about and what is going on but I don't get why people like it. The music kind of reminds me of Annie, but worse. Don't get me wrong, I like Annie, but it's...Annie.

You might tell me its one of those shows you have to see on stage, but if I don't even like the music why would I even want to sit through it? Please. I can't stand this cast recording the only good thing about it is Christine Ebersole.

They could have done SO much better. I get what they tried to do and I see where they could have improved. I've turned off the music now and have left it for another day, maybe on a day when I can't hear properly.

Isn't she amazing!.......2007-06-28

I mean, can you believe her? I mean, Christine, not Edie. Well, Edie, too. And her mom. But then Christine is both of them, isn't she. I mean...

Average customer rating: Pure pleasure audra is definitive 110 In The Shade Revival CD - Next Best Thing to Being at The Show Wonderful Cast Album Fabulous recording of a terrific score

110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Manufacturer: P.S. 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) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000PMG9GW Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Another Hot Day
2. Lizzie's Comin' Home
3. Love, Don't Turn Away
4. Poker Polka
5. The Hungry Men
6. The Rain Song
7. You're Not Fooling Me
8. Cinderella
9. Raunchy
10. A Man and a Woman
11. "She Walked Out On Me..."
12. Old Maid
13. Evenin' Star
14. Everything Beautiful
15. "Stay and Talk..."
16. Melisande
17. Simple Little Things
18. Little Red Hat
19. Is It Really Me?
20. Wonderful Music
21. The Rain Song (reprise)

Amazon.com

More than four decades after its Broadway debut, the Roundabout Theatre's 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade is a glorious showcase for soprano Audra McDonald, and an eloquent statement for an underrated and neglected work. Based on N. Richard Nash's play The Rainmaker, 110 in the Shade tells the story of a Texas town stuck in a blistering heat wave. Lizzie (McDonald), the daughter of a local widower (Broadway veteran and TV star John Cullum), has resisted all suitors, including the sheriff (Christopher Innvar), until a potential huckster named Starbuck (Steve Kazee) arrives in town promising to bring rain ("The Rain Song"). Just like Marian the librarian, Lizzie thinks she sees right through the scam ("You're Not Fooling Me"). McDonald shines in her solos ("Love, Don't Turn Away," "Old Maid"), but Cullum, Innvar, and Kazee also get their moments either in duets with McDonald ("A Man and a Woman," "Simple Little Things," "Is It Really Me?") or by themselves. 110 in the Shade is obscure compared to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's most famous work, The Fantasticks--none of its songs ever entered the popular culture like "Try to Remember"--but it's a beautiful, evocative score that is tailor-made for McDonald's rich voice. It's also much more sumptuous than The Fantasticks, even in Jonathan Tunick's pared-down, Tony-nominated orchestrations. (Also nominated were McDonald, Cullum, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind, and the show itself for Best Revival of a Musical.) P.S. Classics puts out its usual first-rate package, with color photos, introduction by Peter Filichia, synopsis, and libretto. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Pure pleasure.......2007-07-19

Couple of days ago, I saw "110 in the Shade" on Broadway in the Roundabout Theatre revival. At intermission, in a trance of emotion, I went straight to the souvenir stand to buy the cast album (available at a non-ripoff price of $20, I'm glad to say). This is something I hardly ever do, but I had just seen and heard Audra McDonald and Christopher Innvar sing the duet "A Man and A Woman," and I had to have that music. Been playing the score ever since. It's a delight and I like the orchestrations very much. McDonald is an utter joy, but Innvar was an unexpected discovery and on the strength of his performance, should have had bigger billing.

audra is definitive.......2007-07-18

Though the score of 110 IN THE SHADE is modest in musical scope, Audra McDonald sings it with all the passion, conviction and care that one could hope for. The other performances on the recording are good, especially Steve Kazee, whose Starbuck feels lighter and more expressive than Douglas Horton on the original cast recording. Bobby Steggert makes the most of every one of Jimmy's lines. Christopher Innvar sounds far better on this recording than he did in the theater. There is a great deal of dialogue on the CD, which may be more enjoyable to those who have seen the production than to the casual listener. The reduced orchestrations are in many cases more imaginative and expressive than the originals, which tended toward bombast in telling this intimate story. They often are reminiscent of Copland's "Appalachian Spring", and I would imagine that's not accidental. If you are an Audra lover, buy this immediately, you'll never hear a finer version of Lizzie's numbers than are offered here.

110 In The Shade Revival CD - Next Best Thing to Being at The Show.......2007-07-15

Any fan of 110 In The Shade will appreciate this recording; it is very well recorded and features the stunning vocal performance of Audra McDonald. This CD more than holds its own when compared to the studio cast version of 1997 and it is head and shoulders above the original cast recording of 1963.

If you have seen the recent revival at Studio 54, or you are a fan of the show, you will definitly want to have a copy of this CD

Wonderful Cast Album.......2007-07-13

Saw a number from this show on the Tony Awards and ordered it immediately. Was not disappointed. The whole album is wonderful.

Fabulous recording of a terrific score.......2007-07-12

This is simply the best recording of 110 In The Shade, a sadly neglected show by the composer and lyricist of The Fantasticks. It's a far superior score to The Fantasticks, but the original show didn't enjoy a long run on Broadway. Listen to the original broadway cast and I think you can hear why. The original cast sounds pallid in comparison to the cast on this terrific recording led by Audra MacDonald, who seems to have finally found a great part for herself. The supporting cast does not disappoint and the orchestra plays brightly. The only competition to this set is a British recording (now out of print) with cast that featured Karen Ziemba. That's a good set but Audra MacDonald's performance makes this recording the definitive version.

Average customer rating: Great Singer! Great CD! Wonderful Compilation of Edith Piaf Eternelle Mesmerizing and enchanting... The definitive single CD

Eternelle: The Best Of Edith Piaf Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD France | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf Edith Piaf: Her Greatest Recordings 1935-1943 La Vie en Rose: La Mome Edith Piaf: 30th Anniversaire Aznavour: Ses Plus Grands Succes ASIN: B000050ZM2 Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. La Vie En Rose
2. Hymne A L'amour
3. Padam... Padam
4. Johnny Tu N'es Pas Un Ange
5. La Goualante Du Pauvre Jean
6. Sous Le Ciel De Paris
7. L'homme A La Moto
8. Mon Manege A Moi (Tu Me Fais Tourner La Tete)
9. Non Je Ne Regrette Rien
10. Milord
11. Les Flonflons Du Bal
12. Les Mots D'amour
13. Fallait-il?
14. La Foule
15. Tiens V'la Un Marin
16. Le Droit D'aimer
17. A Quoi Ca Sert L'amour?
18. L'accordeoniste

Customer Reviews:

Great Singer! Great CD!.......2007-07-19

Definitely a must-have for those who grew up in the 40's and the 50's. Good listening music and what a solid voice! I will never get tired of listening to Edith Piaf.

Wonderful Compilation of Edith Piaf.......2007-03-09

Such a pleasure to hear so many songs that Ms. Piaf made famous especially, "Milord", "La Vie En Rose", and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien". A great compilation! I only wish a word booklet had been included, but you can't have everything. Ms. Piaf's voice is more than enough!

Eternelle.......2007-02-17

The songs are wonderful, Edith Piaf has a beautiful voice. The songs are sung in French, a masterpiece.

Mesmerizing and enchanting..........2002-03-26

I love this collection. It has all of my favorite songs of Edith Piaf. This one is truly a classic. You won't be dissatisfied.

The definitive single CD.......2002-02-11

EMI did a nice job of remastering these tracks, so that they are cleaner and more dynamic than ever before. This is significant since there is so much Piaf product out there from second-generation tapes/old records/etc. Including the most well-known of Piaf's songs this, then, has become the definitive single CD of her work. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Here's what the fuss was all about! Beverly Sills - The Best Beverly Sills' highs are breathtaking! THE 2005 OPERA CD OF THE YEAR EMI Does It Again: Beverly Sills - A Tribute

The Very Best of Beverly Sills Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Lehar, Franz | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Great Recordings Beverly Sills: Made in America Art of Beverly Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato ASIN: B0006VYELE Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

1. Una Voce Poco Fa - Sherrill Milnes
2. Dunque Io Son - Sherrill Milnes
3. Contro Un Cor - Sherrill Milnes
4. Ah, Qual Colpo Inaspetatto! - Sherrill Milnes
5. E Il Sol Dell'anima... Addio! Speranza Ed Anima - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
6. Gualtier Malde... Caro Nome - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
7. Tutte Le Feste Al Tempio... Compiuto Pur Quanto... Si, Vendetta - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
8. V'ho Ingannato... Lassu In Cielo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
9. Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere... So Anch'io La Virtu Magica - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
10. Pronta Io Son... Vado, Corro - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
11. Via, Caro Sposino - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
12. Tornami A Dir Che M'ami - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
13. La Morale In Tutto Questo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus

Tracks:

1. Vilia - Beverly Sills
2. Ah! Je Suis Seule... Dis-Moi Que Je Suis Belle - Beverly Sills
3. Cielo! Che Diverro?... Si, ferite... Dal Soggiorno... Ah! Che Spiegar - Beverly Sills
4. Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - John Alldis Choir
5. Un Di Felice, Eterea - John Alldis Choir
6. E Strano... Ah, Fors'e Lui... Follie! Follie!... Sempre Libera - John Alldis Choir
7. Pura Siccome Un Angelo... Ah! Dite Alla Giovine - John Alldis Choir
8. Che Fai? - John Alldis Choir
9. Addio Del Passato - John Alldis Choir
10. Parigi, O Cara - John Alldis Choir

Amazon.com

Beverly Sills hardly needs an introduction. She sang on the radio as a child and on the operatic stage as a teenager; her meteoric international career was launched by appearances in several virtually unknown bel canto operas at the New York City Opera. This compilation of arias and ensembles from some of her signature roles, recorded in the 1970s, with splendid partners like Nicolai Gedda, Alfredo Kraus, and Sherrill Milnes, displays her unique vocal and dramatic artistry at its peak. Her voice, effortlessly produced over an enormous range, is bright, pure, infinitely variable in color, inflection and intensity. Her intonation is impeccable even in huge leaps, and her breath is endless. The coloratura roulades are like strings of perfect, luminous pearls, clearly articulated in seamless legato. But this stunning technique (whose only flaw is a sometimes wide, wobbly vibrato) is never used for show; every note has life and expression, serving the music and the dramatic situation. Indeed, her characters are flesh-and-blood human beings, whose thoughts, emotions and interactions, from inwardness to ecstasy, from lamentation to overflowing joy, she projects with riveting concentration. Rosina in Rossini's The Barber of Seville is a charming, mischievous minx who succumbs to delighted tenderness; Pamira's great scene from his Siege of Corinth shows clearly why her Metropolitan Opera debut in that role was a sensation. In Verdi's Rigoletto, Gilda's hopeful innocence turns into hopeless despair: she dies, palpably, on a floating, celestial pianissimo. In his La traviata, Violetta's initial cool, hesitant restraint gradually melts as she opens herself (and her voice) to Alfredo's ardor and the bliss of love. The vocal balance in their final duet is uncanny; its tremulous tenderness in the shadow of death breaks the heart, as does her duet with Germont. Massenet's Thais is sensuous; Donizetti's Don Pasquale and Lehár's The Merry Widow provide comic relief. --Edith Eisler

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Here's what the fuss was all about!.......2007-07-17

It would have been even better if they had included at least one Cleopatra aria and something from Baby Doe, but it doesn't really matter, because this collection will allow younger listeners especially to hear what the fuss was all about! There are moments listening to Sills, especially from Traviata or Manon, that are so beautifully sung and so genuine that they are heartbreaking. I feel so fortunate to have heard her Queen of the Night, Manon, Violetta, and Baby Doe. She was so generous as a performer and as a humanitarian, and she really brought opera into the American mainstream.

Beverly Sills - The Best.......2007-04-01

What a voice. No coloratura can compare, and she makes it seem so easy.

Beverly Sills' highs are breathtaking!.......2006-09-18

Adio del Passato is incredible! Beverly's high, floating coloratura is no less than ethereal which takes you to another world. Her voice has given me so much joy that it is hard to say one recording is better than another because I love her Mozart album equally with her Bellini/Donizetti. It is so wonderful to have these recordings captured on CD! Enjoy!

THE 2005 OPERA CD OF THE YEAR.......2006-08-19

THIS CD WAS THE BEST OPERA CD ISSUED LAST YEAR, AND HAS CAUGHT THE WORLD'S EAR IN NO TIME. I WAS BUSY WRITING IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL, WHILE THE STATEOWNED FM RADIOSTATION, DEDICATED TO CULTURE, WAS SOFTLY PLAYING OPERA ARIAS IN THE BACKGROUND. SUDDENLY I HEARD THE MOST FANTASTIC RENDERING OF "SEMPRE LIBERA" FROM "LA TRAVIATA". I GOT UP, SAT BY THE RADIO AND WAITED TO KNOW WHO WAS SINGING... THEN GOT BACK TO THE COMPUTER TO ORDER THIS CD FROM AMAZON! INCREDIBLE: ONLY 17 BUCKS FOR THIS, WHILE QUITE A BIT OF TRASH IS SOLD FOR 30.40 AND MORE...
A LADY FRIEND ONCE TOLD ME SHE COULD NOT LISTEN TO THE DUET IN "MADAMA BUTTERFLY" WITH MIRELLA FRENI AND LUCIANO PAVAROTTI (RECORDED IN 1974, BY VON KARAJAN) WITHOUT CRYING. WELL, YOU CANNOT LISTEN TO SILLS IN "LA TRAVIATA" DRY-EYED, NO MATTER WHO THE TENOR IS. SHE PROJECTS THE SAME DRAMATIC FEELING OF "LA DIVINA" CALLAS WITHOUT THOSE SHRIEKED HIGHNOTES; SHE OFFERS THE SAME COLORATURA VOCAL GYMNASTICS AS "LA STUPENDA" SUTHERLAND BUT WITH WARMTH... WHEN BEVERLY SANG, AS IN EVERYTHING ELSE SHE DID, SHE ALWAYS GAVE HER UTMOST. SHE WAS "LA GENEROSA" TO BE SURE.
DON'T JUST SIT THERE READING WHAT OTHERS THINK.
ORDER THIS CD NOW AND MARVEL AT HOW THIS GREAT AMERICAN LADY, IN SO MANY OTHER WAYS, ALSO COULD SING!

EMI Does It Again: Beverly Sills - A Tribute.......2005-07-22

EMI's "Very Best Of" series are perfect introductions to operatic singers of the 20th century. Once you hear these artist tribute albums (much like The Singers series) you will get hooked on the singer and seek out their full-length studio recordings. Beverly Sills was the first truly famous American opera star. One may argue that she was not, that she was merely a continued tradition of American divas such as Mary Garden and Lily Pons and which still continues today with Renee Fleming, Elizabeth Futral and Susan Graham. Beverly was raised in New York City, which is still her home, and which is the home of the New York City Opera and the Met, opera houses which rocketed her to fame. Her first success (not featured in this recording...UH WHY ?) was Cleopatra of Handel's Julius Caesar, a performance she sang opposite the illustrious baritone Norman Treigle. Those performances were legendary because coincidentally at the same time the Met was opening its new theatre and season with what became a disastrous Samuel Barber's Antony and Cleopatra starring Leontyne Price in an overblown, big-budget, epic fiasco. The great roles that followed the 1965 Cleopatra were Manon, Queen Elizabeth I in Roberto Deveraux, Maria Stuarda and Anna Bolena in the Donizetti Tudor Queen operas, Pamira in The Siege of Corinth (which were Sill's La Scala and belated Met debut. None of the Queens are featured in this recording, though its supposedly the Very Best Of. An aria from Rossini's Siege of Corinth is featured here however. What we are treated to however are fine lyric roles- Beverly Sills shone brightly and acted convincingly as Gilda in Rigoletto (the final scene is featured here) as Violetta in La Traviata, Thais, The Merry Widow (the beautiful Vilja is featured here)and the ingenue role of Norina in Don Pasquale is also showcased here. To each of these roles, Beverly Sills delivered an authenticity and dramatic interpretation, not ot mention beautiful, sweet tone. I love her pianissimos, her high notes, her chest register. It was the voice of Beverly Sills who first hooked me into opera. For a recording that should showcase her best work, Manon is not featured nor any of her prized French heroines- Marie in The Daughter of the Regiment and the heroines in Tales of Hoffman. Also not in here is the role that was her first success- the Broadway opera Ballad of Baby Doe. Even as such, the arias here are gorgeous. The Barber of Seville is in here and as Rosina she is playful and charming. Sills was a modern singer, with a voice that was beautiful but willing to sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic content. When Sills was once asked what she thought of the supposed rivalry with Joan Sutherland (which was never real and only gossip from partisan fans) Beverly said something to this effect -Joan and I are apples and oranges in our take on opera, we are Picasso and Monet. She would do anything for the effect of beauty and tone, I'd sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic text. Even as such, I see no ugliness to any of the roles here. All of them are beautiful to hear, full of rich floating celestial tones. It would have been nice to hear the roles that did call for Sills to step up the tense drama - Norma, will her recording ever be reissued by EMI ? Also, few people know that Beverly Sills sung role most would consider dangerous for her voice (though she sang them long before her career even took off)- Aida and Carmen!!

Average customer rating: Sounds like a cheap plastic toy would make you sleepy.. Kid's Music Not soothing Great for bedtime, but wish it were a real piano

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics Manufacturer: Buena Vista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Lullabies | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music CDs | Music & Video | Products | Similar Items: Baby Mozart Baby Beethoven Baby Neptune Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies ASIN: B0001IXTU4 Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
4. Spring Song
5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
7. Canon
8. The Moldau
9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
10. Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
11. Symphony No.9, New World
12. Fur Elise, WoO 59
13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
14. Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
15. Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
16. Kinderscene, Op.15
17. Waltz No.15, Lullaby

Product Description

The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with ?Ç£Twinkle, Twinkle?Ç¥ variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' ?Ç£Lullaby?Ç¥ tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

Customer Reviews:

Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Not soothing.......2007-06-07

These synthesizer versions of classical songs get really old, really fast. Worse yet, the songs are sometimes not soothing at all, especially the very first song. The song seems to get particularly loud and uptempo, which is precisely what you don't expect in a lullaby. Please listen to the sample of the first song at least before you buy.

Great for bedtime, but wish it were a real piano.......2007-06-01

This CD worked great to put my daughter to sleep while I rocked her in my arms, and I enjoyed the choices of songs and the arrangements. However, I would have preferred that real instruments were used.

Average customer rating: Do yourself a favor Revival Musical Hits the Mark Check out Company! This recording disappoints, especially in relation to the live performance GOOD COMPANY

Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000LV6R4G Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. Opening
2. Company
3. The Little Things You Do Together
4. Sorry-Grateful
5. You Could Drive a Person Crazy
6. Have I Got a Girl for You
7. Someone Is Waiting
8. Another Hundred People
9. Getting Married Today
10. "What did I just do?"
11. Marry Me a Little
12. Side by Side by Side
13. What Would We Do Without You?
14. Poor Baby
15. Barcelona
16. The Ladies Who Lunch
17. "You have a good third husband, Joanne"
18. Being Alive

Amazon.com

There may be no original Broadway cast recording more iconic than 1970's Company, with its funky organ sound and Elaine Stritch's not-quite-there high notes, but the December 2006 Broadway revival makes its own mark. For Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's piece about a single man observing the benefits and follies of marriage, director John Doyle borrows the same controversial concept he used for his 2005 Sweeney Todd: the actors playing instruments on stage (now referred to in many circles as "Doyle-izing," and not always with affection and delight). But when you're listening to a cast recording, as Bobby would say: What do you get? For one thing, you'll have to adjust to some different sounds created by Doyle and his music supervisor, Mary-Mitchell Campbell. It's a benefit in "Side by Side by Side," which begins with a jazzy double-bass line. It's a drawback in "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," in which the trio's doo-doots are replaced by their saxophone lines. You also get "Marry Me a Little," cut from the original show but by now very familiar and welcome, as well as a lot of the contextual dialogue before, between, and even within numbers. Finally, the strong cast led by Raul Esparza makes this the best-sung Company we've ever gotten (and they play very well too), and Stephen Sondheim's score is still a landmark in musical theater. There will never be a replacement for the original Broadway cast recording, but this revival recording can stand on its own and in some respects may be more flat-out enjoyable to listen to. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

Maverick British director John Doyle, a 2006 Tony Award winner, enjoyed a surprise Broadway hit last year with his radical reworking of Sweeney Todd. He dispensed with the pit orchestra and handed all the instruments over to his on-stage performers, who doubled as musicians in between their turns acting and singing. Doyle has taken a similarly unorthodox approach to his revival of another Stephen Sondheim classic, the revered yet notoriously difficult to stage Company. As with Sweeney Todd, the results of this theatre-as-concert have entranced both critics and audiences. Linda Winer of Newsday called it "the very best revival that Broadway has ever seen of Stephen Sondheim's landmark 1970 musical."Variety described it as "striking, revelatory and thoroughly compelling." For Sondheim fans, the recorded score to Company has long been as much an object of adoration as the six-time Tony-winning play itself. Company on disc functions as a deeply moving song cycle, even apart from George Furth's libretto, about the vicissitudes of marriage and the joys and trials of the single life, seen through the eyes of the coolly dispassionate Manhattan bachelor Bobby on the occasion of his 35th birthday. This is truly the stuff of sex and the city - wry, sophisticated, painfully honest and deeply melancholy, even in a comic seducing-the-stewardess duet like "Barcelona." As with Sweeney Todd, which featured a bravura performance from lead actor Michael Cerveris, Doyle has found in rising star Raúl Esparza (Cabaret, Taboo, The Normal Heart) an extraordinary singer and actor who, in the words of the New York Times' Ben Brantley, gives Company "the most compelling center it has probably ever had." "Mr. Doyle and his invaluable music supervisor and orchestrator, Mary-Mitchell Campbell, have shaped Company into a sort of oratorio for the church of the lonely," says Brantley. He also praises the work of the entire ensemble - playing five married couples, three single women and one deeply ambivalent, unmarried man: "It's their work as a team that sounds new depths in Company in ways that get under your skin without your knowing it." Variety's David Rooney concurs: "Angel Desai's `Another Hundred People' nails that quintessential New York song; Heather Laws lands every laugh in the mile-a-minute `Getting Married Today' with amazing speed and clarity; and Barbara Walsh is bone-dry as brittle, world-weary Joanne. She reveals the emotional hunger beneath the character's hard shell and adds fresh nuances to `The Ladies Who Lunch,' a song indelibly associated with Elaine Stritch." As Time Out New York put it, "Sondheim's expert musical etchings, his acid craftsmanship, remain unmatched." Sondheim fans will note that this new version of Company, to be released by Nonesuch and PS Classics, restores the original act one closer, "Marry Me A Little," which was dropped from the show before its 1970 Broadway debut; the song has since taken on a life of its own as an orphaned Sondheim gem. The Company cast album is produced by PS Classics co-founder Tommy Krasker (Sondheim's The Frogs, Saturday Night, Assassins, and Sweeney Todd, among others). Along with Company, Nonesuch has also released the original cast album to Doyle's 2006 production of Sweeney Todd and the Tony-nominated A Light in the Piazza, which features a score by Nonesuch artist Adam Guettel.

Customer Reviews:

Do yourself a favor.......2007-07-14

Don't think, just because you have all the other versions of 'Company', you can do without this version. It has additional dialogue and superior sound. Highly recommended!

Revival Musical Hits the Mark.......2007-07-13

Raul Esparza's performance in this revival makes the album a must have. What a talent! What a show! Well worth the cost.

Check out Company!.......2007-07-11

I fell in love with this show when I saw it in NYC and I promptly bought the cast recording upon my return. This was one of those shows that I'm sure will resonate with me for the rest of my life. Although the show doesn't seem to make much sense by listening to the cast recording, you understand what its about and even though this show was written more than 40 years ago, its still relevant today. The theme of marriage and domestic partnership is still something that remains in the minds of all people; whether married or single. This cd airs out all of the thoughts that we all have likely heard or felt in our lifetime.
This cd is truly beautiful and by far one of my favorite Broadway cast recordings of all time.

This recording disappoints, especially in relation to the live performance.......2007-07-07

I am going to assume for a moment that anybody reading this and the other reviews is already a fan of Sondheim and Company. I am also going to assume that most people reading this are familiar with multiple recordings of this show and, hopefully, multiple performances. This is the best and truest means of judging a show, its score, and its recordings. Of course this isn't always possible, but in regards to this show, I have to say this new recording of Company is probably the weakest of the bunch ESPECIALLY after first seeing the show live. I also saw the "Doyle" Sweeney last year and think the new orchestrations were brilliant and translate well to recording. Imagine my surprise when I recently saw the new Company and found it to not only equal but SURPASS the impact of the Sweeney staging. I had purposely delayed the purchase of the new cast recording until I had first seen the show live and unfortunately the CD doesn't contain the excitement, originality, and freshness that was portrayed by the actor/musicians on stage. I think Company is nearly the ideal show for this minimalistic approach but on the recording, it just seems... empty? The listener is also drawn to shortcomings in the musical performances (instrumentally) that I didn't notice (or forgave) when I was in the theatre because the experience in and of itself was so moving and direct. I also don't want to get caught up in an argument of whether this is the best sung version or not, because it all depends on your personal preference/prejudice. The singers in this show may be the best *trained* from a technical standpoint, but the passion portrayed by the singers of the OBC will never be paralleled. All in all this is a decent recording but certainly not definitive and not the one I would recommend to someone who has never heard the show before.

GOOD COMPANY.......2007-07-01

If you're a Sondheim fan, or if you just like lyrics that challenge the listener, this version of COMPANY is a must. I saw this production on Cincinatti before it moved to Broadway, and it was perhaps the most enjoyable theater experience I've had. The soundtrack is a great listen, even if it's all familiar, much of it having been covered by other artists since the show's first soundtrack in 1970. It all builds to a powerful emotional climax when Raul Esparza sits down at the piano and sings "Being Alive". Magical. Buy it--you won't be sorry, only grateful...

Average customer rating: Fogerty Complete your CCR collection Way better than Volume 1 CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL JUST KEEPS ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN'. Chronicles 2: Twenty great CCR Classics by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Chronicle Vol. 2: Twenty Great CCR Classics Creedence Clearwater Revival Manufacturer: Fantasy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits Lynyrd Skynyrd - All Time Greatest Hits Eagles : The Very Best of Bob Seger - Greatest Hits Steppenwolf: All Time Greatest Hits ASIN: B000000XBC Release Date: 1989-06-29

Tracks:

1. Walking on the Water
2. Suzie-Q, Pt. 2
3. Born on the Bayou
4. Good Golly Miss Molly
5. Tombstone Shadow
6. Wrote a Song for Everyone
7. Night Time Is the Right Time
8. Cotton Fields[4~
9. It Came Out of the Sky
10. Don't Look Now
11. The Midnight Special
12. Before You Accuse Me
13. My Baby Left Me
14. Pagan Baby
15. (Wish I Could) Hideaway
16. It's Just a Thought
17. Molina
18. Born to Move
19. Lookin' for a Reason
20. Hello Mary Lou

Customer Reviews:

Fogerty.......2007-06-10

Great value. If you are into the 60s' and 70s' you will love this one.

Complete your CCR collection.......2007-04-22

Complete your Creedence Clearwater Revival collection with this set, which includes their remaining hits which weren't able to fit on the first volume, "Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits".

Way better than Volume 1 .......2007-02-26

Included here are many highlights from their career, even if they weren't all bit hits, who cares? I like these songs better because they are not overplayed on the radio!

Walking on the Water - this and Suzie Q part. 2 are from the spacy first album

Born on the Bayou - amazingly was missing from vol. 1!

Good Golly Miss Molly- cool little richard cover

These are 7 album tracks that we're better than the hits:
Tombstone Shadow
Wrote a Song for Everyone
Night Time Is the Right Time
It Came Out of the Sky
Don't Look Now
Before You Accuse Me
My Baby Left Me

These are the main 5 tracks from the great album Pendulum:
Pagan Baby
Wish I Could) Hideaway
It's Just a Thought
Molina
Born to Move

...and from the underrated Mardi Gras: Lookin' for a Reason & Hello Mary Lou

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL JUST KEEPS ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN'........2007-02-13

I will be writing a review on the legendary compilation album entitled "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS" by one of Rock's most sacred legendary bands of all-time, I give you one of America's pride and joy's, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL. This legendary album would be originally released in 1986 on Vinyl/LP, Cassette and Compact Disc on the Fantasy Records label. Like "CHRONICLE, VOLUME ONE, 20 GREATEST HITS," "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, 20 GREAT CCR CLASSICS is released on a special Two-24-Karat Gold Compact Disc set edition. The 24-Karat Gold coating produces a highly reflective surface for the laser signal. In fact, the Gold CD is the ultimate experience in recorded music. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

The whole world was blessed with the original "CHRONICLE, VOLUME ONE, 20 GREATEST HITS" when it was released in 1976. Now the whole world would be blessed again ten years later with the release of "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS" in 1986. Its only appropriate that Fantasy Records would release another compilation collection on this legendary band, there was just not enough room to put all of their hit songs on the first volume. When you listen to "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS," you realize that this band really recorded some fantastic hits throughout their whole career. It also makes you wonder what took Fantasy Records so long (Ten years) to release the second volume. In my opinion, "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS" is another true testament of the sheer greatness, graceful genius and a fine tribute to a legendary band that has already been proven to be ahead of their time.

Now we get to the most important part of the whole review, the music. If you want to hear the true Rocker's on this compilation album, listen to the songs such as "Walk On The Water," "Susie Q (Part two)," the breathtaking "Born On The Bayou," the Little Richard classic "Good Golly Miss Molly," the rugged "Tombstone Shadow," "It Came Out Of The Sky," the Elvis like Rocker "My Baby Left Me," the wicked "Pagan Baby," the soulful heartfelt "It's Just A Thought," the tough rockin' "Molina," the spirited "Born To Move" and the Ricky Nelson classic "Hello Mary Lou."

The slow Rock Ballads on this compilation album are the classics such as "Wrote A Song For Everyone" and "(Wish I Could) Hideaway." CCR could really show their sensitive side by playing a little more mellower.

The only slow Blues Rocker on this compilation album is the classic song "Night Time Is The Right Time." This Blues number is a true heartfelt song recorded the CCR way. CCR could really play the Blues.

The Country Rockers on this compilation album are the classic songs such as "Cotton Fields," "Don't Look Now (It Ain't You Or Me)," the ever popular "The Midnight Special," "Before You Accuse Me" and "Lookin' For A Reason." These are pure Country Rockers, my favorite is "The Midnight Special."

Overall, this is one hell of compilation album that compliments the other original volume perfectly.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this second volume compilation album to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This legendary compilation album has already been proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER.

In closing, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL will forever be remembered as the people's band that represented the youth culture and the bikers of the turbulent sixties and beyond. Their music expressed the feeling of how the times were unfolding during the turbulent sixties and into the seventies. When CCR broke up, one of Rock's greatest all-time bands would be silenced and laid to rest. The world was waiting for a reunion but all hopes would be shattered with the untimely death of TOM FOGERTY on 6 September 1990. FOGERTY would die as a result of AIDS given to him through a blood transfusion. Prior to his death, the FOGERTY brothers did not get along and would be fighting constantly throughout their whole career together. TOM FOGERTY was establishing himself in his own right as a songwriter and singer but remained in the shadow of his brother JOHN FOGERTY throughout their whole career. TOM FOGERTY would be the first CCR member to quit the band and go solo. CCR would later break up in 1972. However, the remaining surviving members would have a brief reunion while receiving Rock's highest ultimate honor of being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in January 1993. As of this date, JOHN FOGERTY resolved his conflict issues and legal disputes with his old record label Fantasy Records and is now back with his old label better than ever keeping the CCR legend alive. So here's to you John, the late great Tom, Stu and Clifford. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL LIVES. JOHN FOGERTY RULES. R.I.P. TOM FOGERTY, Born 9 November 1941, Died 6 September 1990. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

Chronicles 2: Twenty great CCR Classics by Creedence Clearwater Revival.......2007-01-19

The band CCR formed during the turbulent times of the 60s and early 70s, they gave poetic justice to that period with original compositions and made even greater classics out of old tunes. They created entertaining melodies with political fore-thought. They did this without profanity nor by debasing the religious beliefs of others...unlike many of today's young artists. This album deserves five stars.

Average customer rating: I was there...and I love the CD. The classics never die; just reborn! sorry I am in the B. Johnson camp Beautiful to a listener unfamiliar with original recording Glenn Gould...without the humming!

Bach: The Goldberg Variations 1955 Performance: Zenph Re-performance Manufacturer: Sony Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr) Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3; Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Barber: Toccata Festiva Piano Quintet in F Min / Complete String Quartets (1, 2, 3) Volodos Plays Liszt Piano Concertos by Beethoven & Schumann [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B000LE0THE Release Date: 2007-05-29

Tracks:

1. Aria
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2
4. Variation 3: Canon On The Unison
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5
7. Variation 6: Canon On The Second
8. Variation 7
9. Variation 8
10. Variation 9: Canon On The Third
11. Variation 10: Fughetta
12. Variation 11
13. Variation 12: Canon On The Fourth
14. Variation 13
15. Variation 14
16. Variation 15: Canon On The Fifth
17. Variation 16: Ouverture
18. Variation 17
19. Variation 18: Canon On The Sixth
20. Variation 19
21. Variation 20
22. Variation 21: Canon On The Seventh
23. Variation 22: Alla Breve
24. Variation 23
25. Variation 24: Canon On The Octave
26. Variation 25
27. Variation 26
28. Variation 27: Canon On The Ninth
29. Variation 28
30. Variation 29
31. Variation 30: Quodlibet
32. Aria Da Capo
33. Aria
34. Variation 1
35. Variation 2
36. Variation 3: Canon On The Unison
37. Variation 4
38. Variation 5
39. Variation 6: Canon On The Second
40. Variation 7
41. Variation 8
42. Variation 9: Canon On The Third
43. Variation 10: Fughetta
44. Variation 11
45. Variation 12: Canon On The Fourth
46. Variation 13
47. Variation 14
48. Variation 15: Canon On The Fifth
49. Variation 16: Ouverture
50. Variation 17
51. Variation 18: Canon On The Sixth
52. Variation 19
53. Variation 20
54. Variation 21: Canon On The Seventh
55. Variation 22: Alla Breve
56. Variation 23
57. Variation 24: Canon On The Octave
58. Variation 25
59. Variation 26
60. Variation 27: Canon On The Ninth
61. Variation 28
62. Variation 29
63. Variation 30: Quodlibet
64. Aria Da Capo

Customer Reviews:

I was there...and I love the CD........2007-07-05

A friend of mine is a Yamaha piano technician and he got tickets for my wife and I to attend the recording of the Zenph re-issue at the Glenn Gould Theatre in Toronto. It was such a mystical and magical experience, I heard pianists say that "Gould's ghost had walked into the room". The concert was astounding. That's why I bought the CD.
I'm listening to it as I write this and rate it 5 stars.

The classics never die; just reborn!.......2007-06-28

This masterful re-edition allows the new generations may even get closer to what this recording meant in 1955 for the musical universe. It's hard to guess how many listeners became music lovers of this genre, because of Gould was if I may the first and possibly the greates artisitc achievement in the history of the music.

These Goldberg meant a true openess and at the same time the most convincing proof the classic music was far to be considered a status issue reserved just for a minory. Besides it illuminated the interpretative flame of many new pianists who understood had became an icon of the instrument and a key force in what Bach's music concerned.

The superb quality of sound is outstanding, and due the fact that 25 years ago Gould left us, we have the suspect there will be mnusch more pleasant surprises of Sonny in what concerns new releases of this genius of the keyboard.

sorry I am in the B. Johnson camp.......2007-06-26

My heart skipped and my tummy got the butterflies when I saw this in Barnes & Noble. I had not heard anything about it. Well I am not a classical music critic, but I know good recordings. Part of the reason is that I've read every one of B. Johnson's reviews. If you are reading this B. Johnson thanks for your reviews, you even got me into Murakami.

That being said I listened to it in Barnes & Noble. The sound quality was stunning. Yet I too did feel something was missing. So lo and behold I came here first chance I get and see the reviews. And of course B. Johnson stated what I felt was true.

So even me a non-expert knew something was wrong.

I am in the camp that thinks something is missing with this recording. Still it is an interesting idea. Hopefully they will continue to experiment and improve this technology.

Beautiful to a listener unfamiliar with original recording.......2007-06-13

I have read several critiques of this "re-performance" claiming that it falls short of the original. While this may be true, I am unfamiliar with the original and find this to be a truly moving and beautiful reproduction. Within minutes of my first listen, I forgot about the technology that made the album possible and found myself captivated by Gould's brilliance.

It's to be expected that music lovers will compare the Zenph performance against the original, but I think listeners should also try enjoying this CD on its own merits. It's a great way for those of us accustomed to high quality recordings to appreciate a great performance of the past.

Glenn Gould...without the humming!.......2007-06-09

Well...not exactly. When I originally heard of this recording, I was intrigued with the concept. I've been a huge fan of the Gould versions of the Goldberg Variations for quite awhile, but more so of the 1980 rendition than the 1955 version, largely because the latter's sound quality was so relatively poor (recorded in mono, lots of hiss and background noise, etc.). So the idea that I could obtain a cleaned up version of Mr. Gould's breakthrough recording, not only in stereo but in SACD was immediately appealing to me. As such I purchased a copy as soon as I could.

My biggest concern was that the "performance" would be mechanical and not sound like a human playing the piano, let alone not sound like Mr. Gould himself at the keyboard. That concern was quickly wiped away as I started to listen to it. There is not a hint of mechanical, overly systematic playing. It truly sounds like there is a person stroking the keys to Bach's magnificent composition. But is that person Glenn Gould resurrected from the dead? I checked this out by playing each movement from this recording back to back with each movement from the original 1955 recording. What I found was that, while this "re-performance" certainly captures the tempo and pacing of the original recording, and much of it's height and depth of playing, it failed to retain the energy of many of the intensely struck notes or the gentleness of many of the softly struck notes. As a result, the liveliness and tenderness of Gould's playing is significantly lost in this production, which is what I thought made his playing so unique in the first place.

As such, while I recommend this recording as an interesting experiment in technology, and definately an enjoyable rendering of the Goldberg Variations, don't think that you will be getting a true "cleaned up" version of the 1955 recording. It comes surprisingly close, but sadly no cigar. Glenn Gould unfortunately remains in his grave.

Rock Music:

1. I Love You Cause I Have to [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
2. Immigrant [Import]
3. Inside Free: 1968-1972 [Import]
4. Jack Lives Here: the Rock N Roll Rider [Import]
5. July 23, 2004 Los Angeles, CA: On the Road [Live]
6. Kiss & Tell [Import]
7. Leaning With Intent to Fall
8. Legions Bow to a Faceless God
9. Let's Go Girls [Import]
10. Live at the Albert Hall [Import]

Rock Music