John Taylor [Import]

Product Description
Japanese edition of the 1999 solo album by Duran Duran's bassist. 14 tracks produced by John himself. Standard jewel case.

John Taylor,John Taylor,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Good, but a little too country/western Fun to drive with Cars! great cd Cars My boys love it!

Cars Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | 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: Cars (Widescreen Edition) Cars: Lightning McQueen's Fast Tracks Happy Feet Cars Essential Guide (Dk Essential Guides) Disney Mack Truck Playset ASIN: B000EUMPBS Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

1. Real Gone - Sheryl Crow
2. Route 66 - Chuck Berry
3. Life Is A Highway - Rascal Flatts
4. Behind The Clouds - Brad Paisley
5. Our Town - James Taylor
6. Sh-Boom - The Chords
7. Route 66 - John Mayer
8. Find Yourself - Brad Paisley
9. Opening Race
10. McQueen's Lost
11. My Heart Would Know - Hank Williams
12. Bessie
13. Dirt Is Different
14. New Road
15. Tractor Tipping
16. McQueen And Sally
17. Goodbye
18. Pre-Race Pageantry
19. The Piston Cup
20. The Big Race

Amazon.com

Cars is a typical Disney-Pixar animated movie in that it deals with an anthropomorphic character (here, a car) and the heartwarming values of family and friendship. (Alas, we'll have to wait a little while longer for the company to take on greed and selfishness.) The accompanying soundtrack is equally typical in that it's split between catchy pop songs and a score by Randy Newman. The clear highlight of the pop tracks is Sheryl Crow's boisterous, huge-sounding "Real Gone" (her best song in ages). Rascal Flatts also cover Tom Cochrane's 1991 hit "Life Is a Highway," while John Mayer rocks out on "Route 66" (Chuck Berry's elegantly lean version is included as well). For his part, Newman continues his distinguished association with quality animation by supplying a nimble score. It's fun to hear him deploy riffs that wouldn't be out of place on a Quiet Riot album on the bombastic "Opening Race," while the bluesy "Bessie" does George Thorogood with a tuba. The CD's overall Southern flavor is emphasized by the frequent use of banjo and slide guitar, as well as by score tracks cantering about, like "McQueen and Sally." And, as usual, Newman delivers a nostalgic, misty-eyed song--in this case "Our Town," performed by that master of sensitive laid-back charm, James Taylor. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Good, but a little too country/western.......2007-07-17

My family LOVES a couple of the songs - Sheryl Crow's "Real Gone" and Brad Paisley's "Life is a Highway," but several of the rest are just too mellow or country/western-style for our taste. But there's a pretty good remake of "Route 66," as well as the classic original. All in all, it's worth the money just for those songs.

Fun to drive with Cars!.......2007-07-13

Used Cars Gotta love it! The movie's great and having the music in the car makes it a fun ride!

great cd.......2007-07-10

Great movie soundtrack cd. Lots of good songs and music; if you've seen the movie, you can almost see the action going on with the different orchestral pieces. The kids love the songs. We've only had the cd a couple of weeks but the kids are already singing along with the songs; the kids are 2 and 5.

Cars.......2007-06-14

My son loved the movie and we love the soundtrack. Sheryl Crow's song is great!

My boys love it!.......2007-05-25

I love this CD as much as my boys do. It is so upbeat and fun! We listen to this in the car all the time and the boys love to tell me what scene is happening with each different song. They even like listening to the back half of the CD and describing each part that is going on. I would definitely recommend this for any Cars fan - it's great!

Average customer rating: Donnie Darko UK Import : BUY IT!!! Mad World - the one you are looking for It took 'em long enough, but it was worth the wait! Donhnie Darko Import Soundtrack well done good stuff

Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score Manufacturer: Sanctuary UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Elfman, Danny | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Donnie Darko - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition) The Donnie Darko Book Donnie Darko (Score) Shout: The Very Best of Tears for Fears Mad World ASIN: B0002XMF2G Release Date: 2004-10-11

Tracks:

1. Never Tear Us Apart
2. Head Over Heals
3. Under the Milky Way
4. Lucid Memory
5. Lucid Assembly
6. Ave Maria
7. For Whom the Bell Tolls
8. Show Me, Pt. 1
9. Notorious
10. Stay
11. Love Will Tear Us Apart
12. Killing Moon
13. Mad World
14. Did You Know Him?

Tracks:

1. Carpathian Ridge
2. Tangent Universe
3. Artifact & Living
4. Middlesex Times
5. Manipulated Living
6. Philosophy of Time Travel
7. Liquid Spear Waltz
8. Gretchen Ross
9. Burn It to the Ground
10. Slipping Away
11. Rosie Darko
12. Cellar Door
13. Ensurance Trap
14. Waltz in the 4th Dimention
15. Time Travel
16. Did You Know Him?
17. Mad World
18. Mad World [Alternate Mix][*]

Album Description

UK only double-disc features many tracks unavailable on the US version. Sanctuary. 2004.

Album Details

2004 UK Two CD Reissue of Soundtrack to the Cult Film that Includes the Origianl Score plus Additional Tracks that were in the Original Film but were Left off the USA Single CD Version. 80's Bands Including Duran Duran, Inxs, Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division and Tears for Fears Now Complete this New Package

Customer Reviews:

Donnie Darko UK Import : BUY IT!!!.......2007-05-12

Just bought this 2 CD import item. Was it costly? Sure: approx. $25. BUT, given that I nearly paid $20 for the US version which DOES NOT include the first CD, it was well worth it.
Delivery: SURPRISINGLY SUPER-FAST by USPS (it only took two or three days standard shipping)
Condition: Still wrapped in plastic.
Music: *tee hee* If you watched the movie, then you know what the music will sound like: it's the movie soundtrack (you know, the awesome soundtrack that both reminds the viewer of the 80's and also creates a haunting backdrop for the movie's themes). Typically here in the US that means only one or two of the good songs and the rest is the score. The UK version? ALL of the good songs and the entire score (that's why it's 2 discs).
Bad part? Not offered in US retail stores (i.e. you can only buy this online or in an Import CD store.

Mad World - the one you are looking for.......2007-01-19

It's here, two versions of Mad World by Michael Andrews, lovely piano intro and Neil Young type vocals. Buy it!

It took 'em long enough, but it was worth the wait!.......2006-11-06

My friends and I have been waiting for this for years--finally, the real 80's music soundtrack for Donnie Darko, arguably one of the best soundtracks out there!

Probably the only negative comment I have is that they included the music from the motivational videos, something that I could have done without.

Thank you for putting this soundtrack out!!

Donhnie Darko Import Soundtrack well done.......2006-08-24

The import edition of the Donnie Darko soundtrack is two discs. One is the actual pop songs, and some classical works, which are all very good and includes the remake of Tears for Fears "Mad World." The second disc is the instrumental score, with two versions of "Mad World," included as well. The instrumental score is very dark and omenous, and the two disc set is a nice collectible piece of music that I highly reccommend. The price is a bit high, at over $30, but if you are any type of a fan of the movie, or a soundtrack collector, this album is for you.

good stuff.......2006-08-10

i wish i could have bought just disc one... because disc two is mostly the instrumental stuff, which is excellent, but i don't really plan on listening to it over and over. disc one is good, although there are a few songs i skip through.

Average customer rating: A piece of heaven Great CD A bit of a yawn-er Exquisitely good music! Great Music!

Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by O'Connor | O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Appalachian Journey Short Trip Home Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor Uncommon Ritual The Telluride Sessions ASIN: B00005KIZP Release Date: 2001-07-03

Tracks:

1. Short Trip Home
2. Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier
3. 1B
4. Appalachia Waltz
5. Soldier's Joy
6. Sliding Down
7. BT
8. Butterfly's Day Out
9. College Hornpipe
10. Fancy Stops and Goes
11. Old Tyme
12. Emily's Reel
13. Slumber My Darling
14. Death by Triple Fiddle
15. Amazing Grace
16. Song of the Liberty Bell (folk version)

Amazon.com

The likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Joshua Bell, and Mark O'Connor can be heard on Heartland, a compilation featuring the best tracks from Sony's ongoing Appalachian-themed series of CDs. Individually, these folk and classical stars have little in common, but when they meet to play these new bluegrass-meets-chamber-music arrangements, the results are pure magic. It's hard to pinpoint these Americana-tinged tunes--they could fit in either Carnegie Hall or a grange hall--but they're all great; this is as much Aaron Copland's version of roots music as it is Bill Monroe's. Whether on fast-and-furious breakdowns such as "Death by Triple Fiddle" or on mellow, almost New Agey instrumentals such as "Sliding Down" (featuring Bela Fleck on the banjo), these musicians excel. Guest vocals by James Taylor and Alison Krauss break up the instrumentals, though instrumental virtuosity is the real highlight of this disc. If you like what you hear on this sampler, check out the Grammy Award-winning Appalachian Journey next. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

A piece of heaven.......2006-02-01

Heartland is a haven and a piece of heaven. I was transported.

Great CD.......2004-03-16

Great violin, appalachian music, brings out your country roots, beautiful song by Allison Krauss, good mix of slow and up beat songs, excellent cd!

A bit of a yawn-er.......2003-04-22

If you are planning to open up a high-end gift shop specializing in handcrafted wind chimes and micro-bakery scone mixes and the like, then you must have this CD playing for your customers. It might have a certain appeal there that it did not find in my living room. Not to say that the musicianship is not utterly outstanding, which it is most certainly. Aside from Short Trip Home, which is why I purchased this CD in the first place, I found the rest of the pieces somewhat vapid considering the caliber of the artists. Again, it has its appeal in an easy listening realm, but this was not what I was looking for.

Exquisitely good music!.......2002-05-04

Didn't expect an outstanding cd, don't know exactly why i got it,maybe because of yo yo and bela, but every piece is played
beautifully, even the vocal piece by James Taylor. The album is almost too good to be called Heartland, every piece is a class act. Bravo!

Great Music!.......2001-11-09

I drive alot commuting to and from my job. This music has served as the perfect backdrop to an lovely Indiana fall! I'm sure I'll recall those colorful images as I continue to listen to this CD through the colorless days of winter!

Average customer rating: soul stirring-true gift of music wonderful this here is some good music Something Old, Something New heavenly music

The Prayer Cycle Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pakistan | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: American River In the Garden of Souls Night Song Ama The Collection ASIN: B00000ICMK Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

1. Movement 1: Mercy
2. Movement 2: Strength
3. Movement 3: Hope
4. Movement 4: Compassion
5. Movement 5: Grace
6. Movement 6: Innocence
7. Movement 7: Forgiveness
8. Movement 8: Benediction
9. Movement 9: Faith

Amazon.com

It is with primitive urgency and lustrous clarity rising like flickering embers from a fire that Jonathan Elias's ambitious Prayer Cycle is given voice. Woven together like knotty wool, silk, and fine strands of silvery water, the disparate yet complementary voices of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Alanis Morissette, Yungchen Lhamo, Ofra Haza, the American Boychoir, Salif Keita, and others intertwine in multiple languages with the superb English Chamber Orchestra and Chorus. Prayers of supplication, gratitude, and longing build in layers, one on top of and 'twixt and 'tween the other, as movements titled "Mercy," "Grace," "Innocence," "Compassion," and the like. Remarkably, Elias's Prayer Cycle eloquently captures the ecstasy, pain, grief, and sublime beauty of humanity--as he simply and poignantly writes in his liner notes, "The world we live in is both joyous and cruel." --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

soul stirring-true gift of music.......2007-02-24

...a very few meaningful words are added to enhance the sound and voice on this eloquent and moving gift of music. It has become my favorite disc to share as a gift of love with friends and colleagues.

wonderful.......2007-02-15

Lovely CD, only problem is the artists all thought they had to do their own prayer cycle, so each piece rises in volumne and crescendo. Not the best for sleep time, but nice for yoga and cooking time.

this here is some good music.......2007-02-01

music is beautiful, the lyrics are gloomy and depressing. luckily most are sung in another language so you don't have to worry about that part.

Something Old, Something New.......2007-01-17

Every now and then, along comes a piece of music that truly moves me. Even more seldom, along comes a piece of music that makes the musician in me sit up and take notice. Jonathan Elias' "The Prayer Cycle" has done both.

"Prayer Cycle" is a choral symphony in nine movements, but it is also a piece of world music. The English Chamber Orchestra and Chorus is joined by a stellar array of vocal solo talents. Distinctive western voices such as Alanis Morissette, James Taylor, and Linda Ronstadt are joined by equally distinctive eastern vocalists like Israeli Ofra Haza, Tibetan Yungchen Lhamo, Pakistani Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Salif Keita of Mali. Sadly, Ali Khan and Haza (one of my favorite vocal talents) passed away shortly after the production of this recording, leaving this performance as one of their last collaborations. It is a fitting memorial to two great voices.

Elias' music itself is a wonder. It is both ethereal and earthly, filled with slow ostinato and vibrant treble tones, and it fulfills its title by quietly guiding the ear and mind to a place of introspection, meditation, and revelation. The mix of languages lets us concentrate on the timbre of each voice, from Ronstadt's lyrical soprano to Morisette's anguished and near-tribal clarity, from Ali Khan's woody tenor to Yungchen's flute-like descant. The music is not thematic, but atmospheric, providing no melodies to hum after hearing the piece. Rather, each movement provides a distinct sphere of serenity in which we can slow down, listen, and enjoy the tug and play of the music.

heavenly music.......2007-01-11

I've been listening to this CD for a few years now, and I never tire of it.
The music is ethereal at times, and really does present God as being in all the world. It has a seamless flow, uniting all the songs into one offering. Truly amazing music with a deeply spiritual base.

Average customer rating: A Great First Buy on Ralph Vaughan Williams. Vaughan Williams' wonderful music at last... Previn & Vaughan Williams: An Excellent Coupling Can't get any better Comprehensive and Impressive Collection

Vaughan Williams: The Nine Symphonies Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Euphonium | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Tuba | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sibelius: The 7 Symphonies; Finlandia; Kullervo; etc. Vaughan Williams: Orchestral Works Ludwig van Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies - Arturo Toscanini / NBC Symphony Orchestra Dvorák: The Symphonies Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set) ASIN: B00011MK74 Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. A Song For All Seas, All Ships - Andante Maestoso - London Symphony Chorus
2. On The Beach At Night, Alone - Largo Sostenuto - London Symphony Chorus
3. Scherzo: The Waves - Allegro Brillante - London Symphony
4. The Explorers - Grave E Molto Adagio - London Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

1. Lento: Allegro Risoluto
2. Lento
3. Scherzo (Nocturne)
4. Andante Con Moto; Maestoso Alla Marcia; Allegro; Lento; Epilogue
5. Allegro Pesante - James Oliver Buswell IV
6. Adagio - James Oliver Buswell IV
7. Presto - James Oliver Buswell IV
8. Overture

Tracks:

1. Molto Moderato - Douglas Cummings
2. Lento Moderato - Douglas Cummings
3. Moderato Pesante - Douglas Cummings
4. Lento - Douglas Cummings
5. Allegro
6. Andante Moderato
7. Scherzo: Allegro Molto
8. Finale Con Epilogo Fugato: Allegro Molto

Tracks:

1. Preludio: Moderato
2. Scherzo: Prestso
3. Romanza: Lento
4. Passacaglia: Moderato
5. Explorer
6. Poet
7. Queen
8. Allegro Moderato - John Fletcher
9. Romanza: Andante Sostenuto - John Fletcher
10. Finale: Rondo Alla Tedesca - John Fletcher

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Moderato
3. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
4. Epilogue: Moderato
5. Moderato Maestoso
6. Andante Sostenuto
7. Scherzo: Allegro Pesante
8. Andante Tranquillo

Tracks:

1. Spoken Introduction - The Ambrosian Singers
2. Prelude: Andante Maestoso - The Ambrosian Singers
3. Spoken Introduction - The Ambrosian Singers
4. Scherzo: Moderato; Poco Animato - The Ambrosian Singers
5. Spoken Introduction - The Ambrosian Singers
6. Landscape: Lento - The Ambrosian Singers
7. Spoken Introduction - The Ambrosian Singers
8. Intermezzo: Andante Sostenuto - The Ambrosian Singers
9. Spoken Introduction - The Ambrosian Singers
10. Epilogue: Alla Marcia Moderato (Ma Non Troppo) - The Ambrosian Singers
11. Fantasia (Variazioni Senza Tema)
12. Scherzo Alla Marcia (Per Stromenti A Fiato)
13. Cavatina (Per Stromenti Ad Arco)
14. Toccata

Customer Reviews:

A Great First Buy on Ralph Vaughan Williams........2007-06-05

Up until recently, I was only vaguely familiar with the music of British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. After reading the reviews and noticing the lower than usual price for this set, I thought I'd give it a listen. I'm definitely glad I did as this is some very beautiful music indeed.
All nine of Vaughan William's symphonies are included here along with four bonus pieces, the Concerto Accademico for Violin, the Bass Tuba Concerto, "Three Portraits from the England of Elizabeth" and the overture for the stage play "The Wasps".
Conductor Andre Previn definitely brings these works to life in a mighty way. The "Sea Symphony" is a real standout with its beautiful choral arrangements and orchestrations. Other standouts are the "Pastoral" third symphony and the dramatic Stravinsky-esque fourth symphony.
Indeed, all of the music here is something special and I'm very satisfied to have this set as my introduction to the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Like other reviewers have stated here, this is definitely a must-have collection and I can't think of a better way to start a Vaughan Williams library than with this.

A small footnote: After listening to the first movement of "A Sea Symphony", it may be quite possible that John Lennon sampled a small section of it for "Revolution 9" on the Beatles' White Album. The section in question occurs roughly 12 minutes into the first movement. It's very brief but it immediately stuck out once it was heard.

Vaughan Williams' wonderful music at last..........2007-04-21

Ralph Vaughan Williams was in my opinion one of the very greatest composers of music. Never content with what he had just written, but nevertheless staunch in his principles, over his lifetime he created a series of amazingly vital and original pieces. I could write many pages about these works, so will just say a little about my favorite of all, the incredible Symphony No 8 in D minor. Written at the extraordinary age of 86, the sheer musical inventiveness of this truly unbelievable piece is without equal and I include here all the "great" classical composers such as Beethoven, Brahms and the like. The first movement "Variations in search of a theme" is serious, thought-provoking and modern, yet unmistakably RVW. Its one of the most original first movements ever written ( owing nothing whatsoever to the classical tradition) and though asking more questions than it answers, is a movement even if you have never listened to any of RVWs music before demands attention and absolutely requires you to listen more. The second movement "Cavatina" is one of the most ghostly-beautiful slow movements ever written. The only thing I can really compare it with is RVWs own "The Lark Ascending" though for me this is a far more complex and challenging piece. I have listened to Barber's famous " Adagio for Strings", written at about the same time as this,and for me, this is an even greater and more moving piece - well Barber hadn't written the so-called "Pastoral" Symphony for practice had he ? The third movement is a typically gruff RVW scherzo. I can just see the old geezer galumphing round his garden complaining about his musicians, modern taxation, life in general... It's really funny and whenever can you say that of Mozart, Beethoven , Brahms and company...?The fourth movement is is ...how on earth do you describe this absolutely extraordinary finale. Part village band, part religious apotheosis, this is music truly not of the everyday earth which we inhabit, but something much more glorious, more astonishing... In this movement RVW uses just about every musical instrument known to man - he must have had enormous fun composing it... but the first entry of the celeste is the moment you all need to listen for.

André Previn has chosen some of the very finest of RVWs works to record on this set and for me this is his greatest testament as a conductor. His sheer (and somewhat amazing in itself as a jazz musician) love for RVWs music comes out tops here. A great recording and an absolutely tremendous bargain.

Previn & Vaughan Williams: An Excellent Coupling.......2007-01-10

I have some of these recordings on RCA Red Seal LPs from the late 1960's. I think it is one the best of three symphony cycles in my possession. The other two are Colin Davis/Sibelius and Herbert Blomstedt/Nielsen. Some of my RVW LPs are Adrian Boult and some are Andre Previn. I prefer Previn. Previn really digs into this music. My three favorites: #2 (London), #3 (Pastoral) and #5. It gives me goose bumps being able to listen to them without rice krispies in the background. Kudos to RCA for re-releasing these gems.

Can't get any better.......2004-07-19

If you've ever thought of getting all of the RVW symphonies but haven't, because of cost or what not, there are no more excuses. This is the best set ever. Previn and the LSO had a magical relationship 30 years ago, and no one has ever done these symphonies better. If you find some of them tough nuts to crack, don't worry; RVW isn't easy music, but it is well worth it. It's not supposed to be simple. The only caveat: analog sound. Now RCA was capable of great sound in the 1970's, and the sound is frankly better than the newer RCA series with Slatkin. But if superb digital sound is paramount, you won't go wrong with Handley's set with Liverpool. It's another top notch cycle. Still, I rate Previn tops in this music. RCA is to be commended for releasing this set, as well as the others in the series...check them out!

Comprehensive and Impressive Collection.......2004-04-07

Listen to the bold beginning of Ralph Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony, and you've captured the essence of VW at his best. This is the first of 9 symphonies by a composer who is surely England's greatest Symphonist. His essays in the form span the first half of the twentieth century, but include few of its radical elements. Vaughan Williams was a traditionalist throughout, and surely it was that conservative outlook that drew him to the symphonic form in the first place.

Listening to his second symphony, A London Symphony, one hears typical Vaughan Williams-almost entirely melodic in its conception, with lots of diatonic, modal or pentatonic writing, and a touch of chromatic harmony to flavour the melody. It's beautiful, and the music spans a wide emotional gamut from intense introspection to joyous celebration. Only in the 4th Symphony does VW really open himself to a more contrapuntal and dissonant style, and the consequence is that the composition becomes quite reminiscent of Prokofiev or Schostakovich, the two other great Symphonists of the time. Following the 5th Symphony, however, I feel that VW's artistic output suffers. The later pieces, with the exception of the 7th Symphony, Sinfonia Antarctica-based on music he'd composed for the film Scott of the Antarctic--lack the vigor and excitement of the earlier works. They're more introspective, perhaps as befits an older composer, but they don't speak to me as strongly as, say, the later symphonies of Mahler or Schostakovich. Perhaps it is that VW was resistant to change in his basic musical outlook, but by the 1950's, the diatonic/pentatonic ideas he frequented had become increasingly irrelevant. That VW was brilliant and a master craftsman is unquestionable, but he seemed to need new fuel for his compositional fires and was unwilling to consider the atonality of Schoenberg and his followers, the rhythmic vitality of Stravinsky and Bartok, or even the orchestral colours and dramatic juxtapositions of Gustav Mahler. There are still many moments of brilliance, but as a whole the later works move me less.

All of the performances by Andre Previn and the London symphony Orchestra are superb-no one plays this music better. With 9 Symphonies and four other orchestral works-the Concerto Accademico, the Tuba Concerto, the Wasps Overture, and Three Portraits from The England of Elisabeth-this collection is packed with value, and I can scarcely do it justice in the limited room I have. While the Concerto Accademico seems aptly titled and not terribly engaging, the Three Portraits are a gem of VW's work for television. Its worth the price for the first two symphonies and the Sinfonia Antarctica alone, everything else is just gravy--or perhaps I should say, baked beans on toast! All in all, a terrific deal.

Average customer rating: I would order from you again. Loved it!!! good variety and feeling Sour Concepts Living Elaborate Lives...

Elton John And Tim Rice's Aida (1999 Concept Album) Jimmy Johnson , Juliet Haffner , Regis Iandiorio , Tony Kadleck , Elena Barere , Blackwell, Virgil , and Clark, John Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | 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: Aida (2000 Original Broadway Cast) Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical The Muse: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Made in England A Single Man ASIN: B00000IFTH Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

1. Another Pyramid - Sting
2. Written In The Stars - Elton John/LeAnn Rimes
3. Easy As Life - Tina Turner ft. Angelique Kidjo
4. My Strongest Suit - Spice Girls
5. I Know TheTruth - Elton John/Janet Jackson
6. Not Me - Boyz II Men
7. Amneris' Letter - Shania Twain
8. A Step Too Far - Elton John/Heather Headley/Sherie Scott
9. Like Father Like Son - Lenny Kravitz
10. Elaborate Lives - Heather Headley
11. How I Know you - James Taylor
12. The Messenger - Elton John/Lulu
13. The Gods Love Nubia - Kelly Price
14. Enchantment Passing Through - Dru Hill
15. Orchestral Finale - Elton John

Amazon.com

Following hot on the heels of their enormously successful collaboration for The Lion King, Elton John and Tim Rice have once again culled their talents to create another Disney contemporary musical, based this time on Verdi's opera Aida. The album, recorded by some of the biggest talents of pop, country, and R&B, features songs from the stage show, which recounts the well-known tale of a love triangle further complicated by slavery, royalty, and the armed forces. John duets to great effect with country crooner LeAnn Rimes, the enchanting Janet Jackson, and the lovely Lulu of To Sir with Love fame. Lush and lively, the soundtrack hits a hoot of a (decidedly not highbrow) high point with the infectious pop of the Spice Girls warbling the merits of undergarments on "My Strongest Suit" ("Always wear underwear/Anytime, anywhere"). Lenny Kravitz funks things up with "Like Father Like Son." Shania Twain's husky emoting makes a fine pop ballad of the brief "Amneris' Letter." "Not Me" chronicles the goodness of love as Boyz II Men coo dreamily, their harmonies nestling into John's sumptuous score. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

I would order from you again........2007-01-27

Product arrived in a timely manner in new condition, still wrapped in plastic. Thank you.

Loved it!!!.......2006-09-07

I'm so impressed with this album for several different reasons.
3) It's Elton John
2) I loved all but two of the songs!
1) I usually hate the original broadway cast albums and movie soundtracks. They don't do the songs justice. They usually have chopped up versions of the songs and include unnecessary dialouge.

I'd love to see every musical (broadway or movie) done this way!
I appreciate the b'way versions, but I don't want to listen to them in my car...

good variety and feeling.......2004-06-24

This is a very good CD. "Written in the Stars" is an extremely emotional song, and it is my favorite on the album. I would like to see the show on Broadway, but I have to say I don't think it can be too much better than this CD

Sour Concepts.......2003-06-29

It takes so much to try to get a musical to make its way upon Broadway. Sometimes you really need to understand how to make it really happen within the passion of the storytelling music. In that case with Elton John, he nearly seemed to make it with Aida. While the music for Broadway always seems to have at least something completely mgaical and a dash of power in it. Sometimes, you really need to understand it, to make it happen, and others don't see it from the start. Although Elton John has had great music for years, at least once in a era, something goes a little flat.

The 1999 Aida, was not a studio album from Elton, but a preview from what was happen on Broadway. The various artists record contains so many different artists in the record including Tina Turner, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, and the upcoming Heather Headley. Before Heather made it as a singer, she made it right here in Aida, on this record. The only decent song that was a hit was Written In The Stars, which Elton performed with Leann Rimes. The song was also the last song Elton cracked Billboard's Top 40. Still, there really wasn't a lot of enjoyment within most of the record, and it fell into a sleeper. Considering that Elton is already planning on making another smash musical on Broadway, hopefully he'll do better with the concept record.

When it does come to making it on Broadway, it isn't really anything exciting, unless it truly is a smash, and Aida is a smash on Broadway, just not the record. Still, if you're a die hard fan of Aida, buy this record. Otherwise, it could be a hitless miss.

Living Elaborate Lives..........2002-11-02

Aida was Elton John and Tim Rice's baby, providing a concept soundtrack album before even setting the stage on fire, the tracks are generally sweeping show ballads.
Elton teams up with several lovely and talented ladies, in LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, and Lulu. "Written In The Stars" could be a vocal gladiator battle, the way LeAnn and Elton sing it. Janet and Lulu prove themselves as more mellow duet partners.
Kelly Price makes "The Gods Love Nubia" her own, the song is tied up in soul with her voice being smooth as silk. The far too short "Amneris' Letter" shows off Shania Twain's voice to perfection also. Pop culture phenomenon the Spice Girls turn "My Strongest Suit" into the most obvious pop stomper of this set. Another strong point is Heather Headley's solo "Elaborate Lives". A rich ballad, Headley recently embarked on an R&B singing career with the track "He Is". The legendary Tina Turner provides a fiery perfomance, her track being the powerful "Easy As Life" with Angelique Kidjo.
Duds are also present, Sting and Dru Hill's tracks are admitted stinkers. James Taylor, Boyz II Men, Sherie Scott, and Lenny Kravitz also deliver perfomances on the album. This album is well put together, with strong tunes and a short-list of superstars presenting them. A fun buy.

Average customer rating: Absolutely Pure & Beautiful Symphonic Rock pleasant easy listening Excellent CD luke

Symphonic Rock Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Music of ABBA, Beatles & Queen Kashmir: The Symphonic Led Zeppelin Us and Them: Symphonic Pink Floyd Riders on the Storm: The Doors Concerto The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays the Hits of Pink Floyd ASIN: B0002T7ZM0 Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. Come Away With Me (originally by Norah Jones)
2. Yellow (originally by Coldplay)
3. Here With Me (originally by Dido)
4. Millennium (originally by Robbie Williams)
5. Hero (originally by Enrique Iglesius)
6. What Can I Do (originally by The Corrs)
7. Flying Without Wings (originally by Westlife)
8. Everybody Hurts (originally by REM)
9. Every Breath You Take (originally by The Police)
10. Let It Be (originally by The Beatles)
11. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (originally by Procol Harum)
12. Nights In White Satin (originally by The Moody Blues)
13. Candle In The Wind (originally by Elton John)
14. Imagine (originally by John Lennon)

Tracks:

1. Beautiful Day (originally by U2)
2. Champagne Supernova (originally by Oasis)
3. Handbags & Gladrags (originally by Stereophonics)
4. Why Does It Always Rain On Me (originally by Travis)
5. Livin' On A Prayer (originally by Bon Jovi)
6. Layla (originally by Derek & The Dominos)
7. Stairway To Heaven (originally by Led Zeppelin)
8. Bat Out Of Hell (originally by Meat Loaf)
9. Run To You (originally by Bryan Adams)
10. China In Your Hand (originally by T'Pau)
11. Torn (originally by Natalie Imbruglia)
12. Bittersweet Symphony (originally by The Verve)
13. Good Vibrations (originally by The Beach Boys)
14. Bohemian Rhapsody (originally by Queen)

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Pure & Beautiful.......2005-10-31

If you buy no other classical music, buy this collection. CD 1 (Relax) is perfect for dinner, quiet entertaining or just soft music while you're working. From "Come Away With Me", to "Whiter Shade of Pale" to "Knights in White Satin"... each piece is it's own movement - and moved you will be... Perfect for a romantic evening. CD2 is more robust, but equally entertaining. "Layla", "Livin On A Prayer", Stairway to Heaven", "Run to You" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" - you owe it to yourself to hear these licks performed by the RPO.

Symphonic Rock.......2005-07-25

It really isn't rock, but it is a very pleasant presentation of popular music, rendered in creative ways by a full symphony orchestra. It sounds like the orchestra had a great time making these CD's.

pleasant easy listening.......2005-07-19

It's not extremely interesting music, but nice background, relaxing and pleasant with full orchestra. Not a bad buy at all!

Excellent CD.......2005-03-20

I received this as a present and at first I wasn't sure if I would like it because I don't like some of the original songs, but there's something about hearing the orchestra play that makes me like all of them. Just try it out.

luke.......2004-12-12

well, if you like elevator music then you should get this cd. if not then dont waste your time, its lame. big time lame. just listen to the audio samples im so glad i didn't waste my money on this piece of crap.

Average customer rating:

Gottschalk: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Escenas Campestres Cubanas; Célèbre Tarantelle Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gottschalk | Gottschalk, Louis Moreau | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dance Suite and Cello Concerto Stephen Albert: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 Carson Cooman: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3 Romeo Cascarino: Pygmalion; Portrait of Galatea; Prospice; The Acadian Land; Blades of Grass Julius Röntgen: Symphony No. 3; Suite "Aus Jotunheim" ASIN: B000Q7ZKIO Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Andante - Hot Springs Festival Symphony Orchestra
2. Presto-Maestoso - Hot Springs Festival Symphony Orchestra
3. Tempo Di Tarentelle - Michael Gurt
4. Tempo De Danza: Moderato - Darryl Taylor
5. Piu Lento - Darryl Taylor
6. Danza - Darryl Taylor
7. Tempo De Danza: Moderato - Darryl Taylor
8. Variations De Concert Sur L'hymne Portugais Du Roi Louis I, RO289 - Michael Gurt
9. Ave Maria, RO10 - Melissa Barrick
10. La Casa Del Joven Enrique Por Mehul-Gran Overture, RO54b - Richard Contiguglia
11. I. Noche En Los Tropicos - Hot Springs Festival Symphony Orchestra
12. II. Festa Criolla - Hot Springs Festival Symphony Orchestra

Average customer rating: OK Great Music GREAT SOUNDTRACK! Finest Music Ever Heard Stirring Americana

Liberty! (1997 Television Mini-series) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by O'Connor | O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Music of the American Revolution: The Birth of Liberty Early American Roots The American Seasons Colonial America The World Turned Upside Down ASIN: B0000029YF Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Song Of The Liberty Bell
2. Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier
3. Surrender The Sword
4. Soldier's Joy
5. When Bidden To The Wake Or Fair
6. The World Turned Upside Down
7. Bunker Hill
8. Freedom
9. The Flowers Of Edinburgh
10. Brave Wolfe
11. Devil's Dream
12. Song Of The Liberty Bell

Customer Reviews:

OK.......2005-03-17

Good CD, especially if you're a fan of Mark O'Conner. I have to admit that a couple of the tracks seem rather directionless (in a Vaughn Williams sort of way) and I tend to lose interest, but other tracks are fun, even exciting. The production is excellent throughout.

Great Music.......2004-02-27

I watched the documentary and heard Mark O'Connor play this piece in a concert and loved it immediately. The music is great to help the battles come alive but great for just listening to anyway.

GREAT SOUNDTRACK!.......2003-07-04

Fine CD full of great pieces of music from a great miniseries! Full of patriotism! I highly recommend it! Grade: A+

Finest Music Ever Heard.......2002-03-27

I heard this music on the excellent P B S Documentary: "Liberty - the American Revolution" and I knew I had to have it! It is the finest music I have heard, capturing the heart and soul of the American Revolution. The documentary "Liberty" was a masterpiece that was beautiful and moving. So too this music with its most wonderful arrangements and accompaniment. I love it! I could hardly wait to get it in the mail. It framed the documentary (which I also bought) like a great frame compliments a beautiful canvas painting. Superlatives fail me. This music must be experienced by first watching the great series on the American Revolution and then by listening to it apart. This is some of the most wonderful music I have ever heard. It reminds me of the genius of Aaron Copland who wrote the Applachian Spring and Rodeo suites.

Stirring Americana.......2001-11-10

This CD stands on its own merits as good music, not simply as music for a TV show. It evokes images of America old and new. O'Connor's violin carries us from the dance hall to the battlefield to the sorrow of lover's lost. Simple melodies twist and turn, rising up from their solid American roots. James Taylor's solemn rendition of "Johnny's Gone for a Soldier"is as true a telling of the grief of the soldier lost to war today as it was hundreds of years ago. Sit in a comfortable chair in the warm light of evening and let it surround you. To know where we have come from offers hope that the magic of freedom and liberty will not desert us in these troubled times.

Average customer rating: Excellent performances of one of our greatest symphonists. Unbelievable Sound Quality A Tale of Two Eighths Best "Sinfonia Antartica" Currently Available Pure music

Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos. 7 "Sinfonia antartica" & 8 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vaughn Williams: Symphonies Nos. 5 and 9 Vaughan Williams: Phantasy Quintet/String Quartets 1 & 2 Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 2; The Wasps Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony (original 1913 version) / Butterworth: The Banks of Green Willow - London Symphony Orchestra / Richard Hickox Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos. 3 "Pastoral" & No. 6 ASIN: B00000AELD Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

1. Sinfonia Antartica (Symphony No. 7): Prelude: Andante maestoso - Lento - Poco animato - Piu mosso - Tranquillo - Andante moderato con moto - Largamente
2. Sinfonia Antartica (Symphony No. 7): Scherzo: Moderato
3. Sinfonia Antartica (Symphony No. 7): Landscape: Lento -
4. Sinfonia Antartica (Symphony No. 7): Intermezzo: Andante sostenuto - Allegretto - Pesante - Tempo primo tranquillo
5. Sinfonia Antartica (Symphony No. 7): Epilogue: Alla marcia, moderato (non troppo allegro) - Andante maestoso
6. Symphony No. 8 In D Minor: Fantasia (Variazioni senza Tema): Moderato - Presto - Andante sostenuto - Allegretto - Andante non troppo - Allegro vivace - Andante sostenuto - Largamente - Tempo primo ma tranquillo
7. Symphony No. 8 In D Minor: Scherzo alla Marcia (per stromenti a fiato): Allegro alla marcia - Andante - Tempo primo
8. Symphony No. 8 In D Minor: Cavatina (per stromenti ad arco): Lento espressivo
9. Symphony No. 8 In D Minor: Toccata: Moderato maestoso
10. Movement Superscriptions For Sinfonia antartica: Prometheus Unbound: Prelude: 'To Suffer Woes Which Hope Thinks Infinite' (Percy Bysshe Shelley)
11. Movement Superscriptions For Sinfonia antartica: Book Of Common Prayer, Psalm 104: Schezro: 'There Go The Ships'
12. Movement Superscriptions For Sinfonia antartica: Hymn Before Sunrise, In The Vale Of Chamouni: Landscape: 'Ye Ice Falls!' (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
13. Movement Superscriptions For Sinfonia antartica: The Sun Rising: Intermezzo: 'Love, All Alike,' (John Donne)
14. Movement Superscriptions For Sinfonia antartica: Message To The Public: Epilogue: 'I Do Not Regret This Journey;' (Captain Robert Falcon Scott)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent performances of one of our greatest symphonists........2004-04-28

The posthumous fate of Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) has not always been a kind one. After his death, his music passed through a prolonged period of being deeply unfashionable. Stodgy, tweedy Vaughan Williams--who could get into that?! But, like Elgar, whose music is also cast in a stuffy, stereotypically "British" light, there is much more to Vaughan Williams than one might think.

First, the man was a superb melodist. He was not a mere tunesmith, to be sure, but crafted works that are primarily conceived in terms of melodic development, and this makes his work immediately appealing. Second, he was a highly original thinker who used his colossal technique (he had a doctorate in composition and studied with Ravel) for surprisingly modern ends. His music can at times sound like a mixture of Bach and Debussy, but it is always unmistakably Vaughan Williams. He had a penchant for modal counterpoint, and his streams of parallel chords place his work squarely in the 20th century.

Vaughan Williams' unique talent for scoring is evident throughout this excellent recording of his 7th and 8th symphonies. The "Sinfonia antartica" is based upon a film score he supplied for a film about the explorer Robert Scott. It is by turns brooding and wistful--an ideal introduction to this magnificent composer. Symphony No. 8 is a more eclectic affair, brighter in temperament overall, but a rewarding example of the surprises that lurk around every corner of RVW's work.

Was he the greatest symphonist of the 20th century? The jury's still out. He certainly created a body of symphonic work that is second to none in its richness, diversity, and consistency. Mahler, Sibelius, and Shostakovich are usually considered the most important symphonists of the last century, but for those who seek other fare, you can't do better than Vaughan Williams.

Unbelievable Sound Quality.......2002-03-17

The "Antarctica Symphony" portion of this disk has been called "the best digital recording ever made", and is often recommended for use as a demonstration disk on high-end audio equipment. One listen and you'll understand why...this is truly a sonic marvel.

Not a bad accomplishment for budget-price label Naxos!

A Tale of Two Eighths.......2001-07-30

I think many listeners (and reviewers) will focus more on the seventh symphony; so I leave the seventh to them, although I greatly enjoy this recording of the seventh, and am even modestly grateful that the recited superscriptions are included at the end, where they do not interrupt the sequence of the symphony itself.

The Vaughan Williams eighth symphony exhibits a few interesting parallels with the eighth symphony of the composer whose oeuvre established the "rule of nine" in the writing of symphonies: Beethoven.

Beethoven's Opus 93 strikes some listeners as both "a step backwards" from the rambunctious and expansive seventh (with its electrifying "double scherzo" and achingly intense theme-and-variations slow movement), and a mystification before the grandiose Opus 125. It is something of a look back towards Haydn; it is charming, and elegant, and seems to do entirely without the dramatic musical rhetoric of which Beethoven's third, fifth and seventh symphonies provide ample and potent illustration. It is the sort of thing which "musical progressivists" say we composers cannot do; you can almost hear the phrase spoken, "you can never go back."

Yet, in his eighth symphony, Beethoven succeeds, marvelously and musically; he does, and does not, "go back." Vaughan Williams does something of the same, in his eighth. Even though Vaughan Williams' seventh was composed originally as film music, and then adapted as a symphony in his `cycle' (or perhaps because of this), the eighth seems like a deliberate step away from musical dramtization, and into the realm of abstract, `pure' music, a music which functions on its own, not driven by any extra-musical `program.'

Now, the `point' to which Beethoven does and does not go back, is Haydn; the generation before, and a composer with whom Beethoven had taken lessons. The `point' to which Vaughan Williams does and does not go back, is musical Impressionism, and specifically Ravel. Vaughan Williams had taken some lessons with Ravel; and the `return to pure music' in the eighth is doubly apt here, as part of Ravel's Impressionism is a sort of `romantic neo-classicism' exemplified in "Le Tombeau de Couperin" and the piano concertos.

That Vaughan Williams made his eighth with the Beethoven-parallel in mind, seems to me confirmed in the opening of the second movement. Vaughan Williams' all-winds scherzo begins with too much of a `metronomic' gesture for this to be coincidental. This parallel does not become burdensome, because the `metronomic piece' functions differently in the two eighth symphonies: it is the slow movement in the Beethoven Op. 93, followed by the lovely Menuet and Trio (good heavens! didn't Beethoven realize how passé this was?), while in Vaughan Williams' eighth it serves as a scherzo followed by a richly beautiful slow movement for strings alone (in timbral balance of the string-less scherzo).

Where Vaughan Williams `does not go back' is, about two-thirds into the first movement, where, after some moments of trumpet-&-string doublings which seemed to evoke the sound-world of Prokofiev, the relatively smooth calm of most of the movement yields to the sort of orchestral menace normally associated with Shostakovich. This fury lasts but a moment, and gives way again to the idyllic calm of the opening material, but here is a musical point at which you wonder if it is really possible to `go back' ....

The last movement of the Vaughan Williams' eighth is bright and resplendent. It is almost mis-labeled; `toccata' traditionally means a `touched' piece, a keyboard work with figurations more characteristic of two hands at a keyboard, rather than a large ensemble of single-line instruments. But Vaughan Williams has a history of adapting the idea of the Toccata, as in his Toccata Marziale for band; and my musicological quibble does not get in the way of the piece, which reminds me more of a jubilant carillon.

--Karl

Best "Sinfonia Antartica" Currently Available.......2000-10-24

The classic recorded performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Sinfonia Antartica" (completed 1952) is Sir Adrian Boult's on EMI from the mid-1960s; a slightly later performance on RCA led by André Previn boasted superior sound but misjudged by prefacing each movement with spoken versions of RVW's epigraphs. (Thus interrupting the musical continuity in a score that depends heavily on a seamless transition from one mood to another.) Bernard Haitink (also on EMI) issued an "Antartica" about fifteen years ago, very close to Boult's in merit, but - in this day of classical-music démorale - "no longer available." Haitink's countryman, Kees Bakels, has "burned" a CD cycle of the RVW symphonies for Naxos, with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and one entry therein couples the Eighth with the "Antartica" (ordinally the Seventh). As James Day notes in his book on RVW, the "Antartica" calls on the largest orchestra that the composer ever stipulated, with parts for organ, wind-machine, an enormous percussion battery, and wordless soprano-solo with female choral vocalise. The "Antartica" shares with the "Pastoral" and the Sixth the evocation of inhuman nature and of human courage pitted (heroically but vainly) against such nature. Boult grasped this aspect of the work, but the limited capacity of mid-60s analogue recording took its toll on the realization of his understanding. (The vinyl pressings also posed an obstacle. I owned the American Angel pressing as well as an EMI import; neither struck me as adequate.) Bakels, like Boult, sees that this is a grim account, a genuine sequel to the tragic E-Minor Symphony of 1947. Notice how he takes the crescendi in the Prelude, with the great climax at 1.50: It's truly "majestic," as the score says it should be; the ensuing Lento, with prominent xylophone and wordless voices, sounds very icy and haunted indeed. The Scherzo presents the danger of sounding too comical; Bakels avoids this pitfall. Of the symphony's core, the "Landscape" (Third Movement), Bakels makes just the inhuman, implacable, frigid monster that RVW must have had in mind, although the organist (beginning at 8.30) does not achieve quite the hard-edged quality that I recall from Boult. The Eighth Symphony is a less monumental score, but possesses a playful seriousness all its own. The Finale can become a welter of sound, as it did unfortunately in the Boult/EMI; but here it sounds forth in all its polyphonic glory, with the tuned percussion caught with great definition by the engineers.

Pure music.......1999-07-26

As with Beethoven each of Vaughan Williams' nine symphonies has a distinct character of its own. the eighth is the most lighthearted one, ranging in mood form energetic to festive to downright comical, with a measure of gentle melancholy thrown in for contrast.The 2nd and 3rd movements- a funny march for winds and a beautifull cavatina for strings- show VW at his best.So what if he does not grab fate by the throat in this symphony? This is music in its best and purest form. The other work on the CD-Symphonia Antarctica- has its moments but it remains essentially what it is: a glorified movie-score.Director Kees Bakels proves again that he is one of the best Vaughan Williams interpreters of this time.

Rock Music:

1. Law of the Jungle: The 64 Swan Demos
2. Lee Ryan [Import]
3. Let's Go Scare Al
4. Like Flies on Sherbert
5. Love That Whirls (The Diary of a Thinking Man) [Original recording remastered] [Import]
6. Magnet [Import]
7. Metanoia
8. Monster Garage 2 [Explicit Lyrics]
9. Mother Fist & Her 5 Daughters [Import]
10. Mr Tambourine Man (Hybr) [Hybrid SACD] [Limited Edition]

Rock Music