![through the fire [import]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000063T2R.01.TZZZZZZZ.jpg)
| 1. One More Turn Of The Wheel |
| 2. Good Heart |
| 3. Glorious One |
| 4. Through The Fire |
| 5. Blowing Away |
| 6. Mystery Of Being |
| 7. Beat Of The Earth |
| 8. Beyond The Day |
| 9. My Old Friend |
| 10. Through The Fire (Reprie) |
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
2002 album from former Yardbird and gang (John Idan, Jackie Rawe, Mandy Bell, Emily Burridge & Ron Korb). Closely releated to the experimental and more avant garde music like John Cage as well as modern classical, spiritual and more evocative contemporary music.
This is an awesome live recording, one which really does justice to a high power stereo system. In my bachelor days, this was the first album I'd reach for when I wanted to rattle the windows (mine, and my neighbors). While some of my older CDs are collecting dust, I still play this one all the time.
I'm also a huge fan of Neil Schon, and their collaboration here is nothing short of perfection. One can only wonder what might have been, had HSAS chosen to produce additional albums. I have all of the Van Halen albums with Sammy Hagar, which are pretty good, although none of them are very even in terms of song quality. Their latest effort with Sammy Hagar just sounds like garbage, which makes me appreciate this one-time effort all the more.
Anyone who likes 80's rock music, with soaring vocals and guitar work, should have this CD in their collection. It amazes me that so few people have ever heard of it. Now if they'd only put out on DVD the HSAS concert aired years ago on MTV, I'd be waiting for the store to open just to seize my copy!
So, who have we got here? Well, on lead vocal is one of America's finest ever singer and charismatic front man - plus all round maniac - Sammy Hagar. He is an ex of the greatly lamented Montrose, and the not so lamented Van Halen (or Van Hagar as they became known at the time), plus, of course, of a glittering solo career.
1. Overture
2. Beautiful Spring Day, A
3. What's All The Hurry / A Perfect Situation / Stir Things Up
4. Cruella De Vil
5. Don't Worry, Perdy / The Puppies Are Here / Lucky / How Marvelous / Not One / A Bloomin' Hero
6. Ol' Thunder Always Wins
7. Kanine Krunchies
8. Bedtime / An Evening Constitutional / A Job To Do / They're Gone!
9. Dognapped! / Anita Darling / What'll We Do?
10. All Dog Alert
11. Sergeant Tibs' Recon / Cat Casserole
12. Can You Leave Tonight? / Arduous Trek / Any News, Colonel? / I Want The Job Done
13. Pulling A Snitch / Big Hullabaloo / Battling The Baduns
14. My Darlings / 99 / Better Be Off / Fire One / All Clear
15. Through The Snow / Shelter
16. I'm Hungry / Get Some Rest / Back On The Road / Spotted!
17. Dinsford / Cruella / A Roll In The Soot / To The Van / It Can't Be / Crazed / You Fools!
18. Puppies Everywhere
19. Dalmatian Plantation / Finale
20. Cruella De Vil - (Nonsense Version Demo)
April Wine has many compilations out there, and, except for their boxed set, none has all of their essential tracks. This one comes close, but I'm only giving it four stars instead of five because of the absence of "Bad Side of the Moon," "Oowatanite," "I Like to Rock," and "All Over Town." Those four tracks should have taken the place of the less essential tracks on this compilation: "Love Has Remembered Me"; "Tell Me Why"; "What If We Fall in Love"; and "You Won't Dance With Me."
But, all in all, a great compact disc with great music.
a major international presence singing opera/oratorio/songs because
of his growing deafness. This wonderful reissue gives us a taste
of what we lost yet is a reminder of his consummate artistry.
Luxon and his accompanist, David Willison, give loving
and sometimes spirited interpretations of a wide crossection
of British Isle traditional and folk songs. Thank you, Chandos,
for this reminder of the excellent gifts that Benjamin Luxon shared with us.
TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.
Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.
Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.
Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: everything is slower than adagio moderato. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.
Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".
Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.
Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.
ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.
Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.
Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.
Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act One Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.
Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Bohm's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are found in this Ring. I can hear harps in Flight of the Valkyries! The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.
Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.
Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.
SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).
Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.
Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".
Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.
Levine: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's Ring.
Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.
-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.
Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).
Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."
Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.
Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).
-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm. Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Two exceptions, though: Robert Schunk doesn't sound heroic enough, and Jessye Norman for Levine's Ring doesn't sound young and innocent enough.
-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.
Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.
Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.
Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.
Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. I don't know Levine should've chose Kollo when he recorded his Ring.
-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").
Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.
Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.
Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.
Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.
-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.
Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.
Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.
Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.
Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent mime. He is equal to Schreier when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.
Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.
-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on in the Ring.
Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Still, it's satisfactory, and his "Ihrem ende eilen sie zu" gives great foreshadowing.
Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.
Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.
Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt depends only on imagination and deviousness, Stolze only vengeance and deviousness, and Windgassen only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.
Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.
Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Schreier. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.
-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings (maybe not in Swarowsky's version). Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm and Goodall. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.
CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the calculated Janowski, the relaxed Levine, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.
Sir Georg Solti: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti
Karl Bohm: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
Herbert von Karajan: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic
Goodall: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Rhinegold (Part 1): Wagner: The Rhinegold
-Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
Marek Janowski: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
James Levine: Der Ring Des Nibelungen
Wolfgang Sawllisch: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper
A particular stand-out on this recording is the Wotan. His timbre, diction, and delivery perfectly embody the troubled god who tries desperately, and in vain, to keep the world under his control. His angst and wrath are utterly convincing.
2002 album from former Yardbird and gang (John Idan, Jackie Rawe, Mandy Bell, Emily Burridge & Ron Korb). Closely releated to the experimental and more avant garde music like John Cage as well as modern classical, spiritual and more evocative contemporary music.
Through the Fire,Renaissance Illusion,Kissing Spell,Rock,Rock/Pop
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Healing Through Fire
Orange Goblin Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
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ASIN: B000QFCD7C Release Date: 2007-06-26 |
Tracks:
- Ballad of Solomon Eagle
- Vagrant Stomp
- Ale House Braves
- Cities of Frost
- Hot Knives and Open Sores
- Hounds Ditch
- Mortlake (Dead Water)
- They Come Back (Harvest of Skulls)
- Beginners Guide to Suicide
Tracks:
- Some You Win, Some You Lose [DVD][Live]
- Quincy the Pig Boy [DVD][Live]
- Getting High on the Bad Times [DVD][Live]
- Ballad of Solomon Eagle [DVD][Live]
- Hot Magic Red Planet [DVD][Live]
- Round Up the Horses [DVD][Live]
- They Come Back [DVD][Live]
- Your World Will Hate This [DVD][Live]
- Blue Snow [DVD][Live]
- Scorpionica [DVD][Live]
- Bonus Materials [DVD][*]
Customer Reviews:
A nice surprise.......2007-07-04
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Through the Fire
Hagar Schon Arronson Shrieve Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000000OMQ Release Date: 1997-05-27 |
Tracks:
- Top Of The Rock
- Missing You
- Animation
- Valley Of The Kings
- Giza
- Whiter Shade Of Pale
- Hot And Dirty
- He Will Understand
- My Home Town
Customer Reviews:
Great idea..........2005-11-06
Sammy Hagar at his best........2005-06-23
One of the greatest hidden treasures of all time!.......2004-09-07
This is an awesome live recording, one which really does justice to a high power stereo system. In my bachelor days, this was the first album I'd reach for when I wanted to rattle the windows (mine, and my neighbors). While some of my older CDs are collecting dust, I still play this one all the time.
I'm also a huge fan of Neil Schon, and their collaboration here is nothing short of perfection. One can only wonder what might have been, had HSAS chosen to produce additional albums. I have all of the Van Halen albums with Sammy Hagar, which are pretty good, although none of them are very even in terms of song quality. Their latest effort with Sammy Hagar just sounds like garbage, which makes me appreciate this one-time effort all the more.
Anyone who likes 80's rock music, with soaring vocals and guitar work, should have this CD in their collection. It amazes me that so few people have ever heard of it. Now if they'd only put out on DVD the HSAS concert aired years ago on MTV, I'd be waiting for the store to open just to seize my copy!
Through the Mott.......2004-07-08
So, who have we got here? Well, on lead vocal is one of America's finest ever singer and charismatic front man - plus all round maniac - Sammy Hagar. He is an ex of the greatly lamented Montrose, and the not so lamented Van Halen (or Van Hagar as they became known at the time), plus, of course, of a glittering solo career.
On lead guitar we have one of America's most respected axe man (a real musician's musician), Neal Schon, ex Journey, ex Santana, and ex an amazing stint with Paul Rogers.
On bass guitar is one of the best showman this dog has ever seen treading the boards. It is the great and incomparable Kenny Aaronson, who also happens to be one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet. Kenny is of ex Foghat, ex Derringer, ex Joan Jett, ex Blue Oyster Cult, and ex Bob Dylan.
Then behind the drum kit is Mr. Michael Shrieve, a solid man in more ways than one. As ex Santana, his drum sound was almost as important to that band as was the guitarist's.
So, after that slightly over the top opening, what's the music like? Do you really think this Dog is that stupid to give it such a big build up, and then dish it? No, of course not. They simply pour Rock & Roll out the speakers. First song up is 'Top Of The Rock', a great name for an opening number and a great number indeed. Schon is at his hard rock best, peeling out the opening riff before falling back into the up-tempo grove with Aaronson and Shrieve, to allow Sammy Hagar to come in over the top. That proves this dog's point that he is one of the best singers to come out of America's Rock and Roll circus, and when Hagar is singing about being on top of the world, I'm a believer. A couple of times Schon is allowed space to come roaring back into the songs, where he absolutely nails a couple of solos whilst Aaronson and Shrieve fill out the sound not leaving space for even an Iron Filling.
'Missing You' continues in similar fashion, leaving the listener stunned like getting a perfect one-two from Lennox Lewis in the opening seconds of your one shot at the Championship.
Surprising for a band on its debut.
We then get three songs all joined together into one epic of immense scale, a tale of ancient time. All is revealed in wondrous expectation by the storytelling powers of Sammy Hagar. The other three lay down really hard and heavy grooves with some more faster than the eye can see, soloing from Neal Schon. But it is the tightness of the whole band that leaves your jaw dropping. Most group of musicians would not attempt an epic of this proportion unless they had been together several years and had several safe studio albums under their collective belts. This quartet, however, pulled it off with great aplomb, trooping straight out onto the stage and laying it down in front of a live audience.
Cover songs are always a bit dodgy, obviously risking the chance of being held up in comparison to the version by the original artist. The more well known the song, the more difficult the challenge. Taking on an all time classic like Procol Harem's 'Whiter Shade of Pale' takes either great bravery or shows suicidal tendencies. Our bunch of intrepid heroes turn in a version that can only be said is as good - if not better - as the original. It starts off with Sammy Hagar's voice only supported by some acoustic guitar...then the band build it to a crashing climax, including one of the best solos Neal Schon has ever laid down on the live stage.
The album closes out with three more hard and fast songs that leave the audience baying for more. I would be very surprised if any of the musicians on this album have been involved with a finer body of work. As I said, I have no idea why this lineup only lasted the one album, but it is a real corker. It will leave behind a fine legacy to a fine band. Presumably the lure of greater financial gains took their toll, but this lot could of conquered the world of Rock & Roll if they had just given themselves a little bit more time.
Pawed by Mott the Dog
Re-chewed by Ella Crew
Helluva Record.......2004-06-30
People ask me why I do not like most new rock and roll.......I tell them" because there is still so much music of the old I still have not gotten to here" This is just one of those times........pick it up for yourself....you will see.
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Superhits: 1968 (Time Life Music)
Merrilee Rush and the Turnabouts , Mason Williams , Spanky and Our Gang , Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell , The Lettermen , The Vogues , Mama Cass , Classics IV , Bobby Goldsboro , and Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 Manufacturer: Time Life Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000SY01NE |
Product Description
Song list: 1. A Beautiful Morning - The Rascals~~~2. Spooky - Classics IV~~~3. Light My Fire - Jose Feliciano~~~4. The Look of Love - Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66~~~5. Like to Get to Know You - Spanky and Our Gang~~~6. Classical Gas - Mason Williams~~~7. Angel of the Morning - Merrilee Rush and the Turnabouts~~~8. I Wish It Would Rain - The Temptations~~~9. Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell~~~10. Do You Know the Way to San Jose - Dionne Warwick~~~11. Honey - Bobby Goldsboro~~~12. Hooked on a Feeling - B.J. Thomas~~~13. Stoned Soul Picnic - The 5th Dimension~~~14. Goin' Out of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You - The Lettermen~~~15. Grazing in the Grass - Hugh Masakela~~~16. Turn Around, Look at Me - The Vogues~~~17. Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell~~~18. (Theme from) Valley of the Dolls - Dionne Warwick~~~19. Dream a Little Dream of Me - Mama Cass~~~20. Abraham, Martin & John - Dion~~~21. I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye~~~22. (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding.
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Healing Through Fire
Orange Goblin Manufacturer: Mayan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000OMD2SG Release Date: 2007-05-28 |
Tracks:
- Ballad Of Solomon Eagle
- Vagrant Stomp
- Aie House Braves
- Cities Of Frost
- Hot Knives And Open Sores
- Hounds Ditch
- Mort Lake (Dead Water)
- They Come Back (Harvest Of Skulls)
- Beginners Guide To Suicide
- Some You Win, Some You Lose (Dvd)
- Quincy The Pig Boy (Dvd)
- Getting High On The Bad Times (Dvd)
- Ballad Of Solomon Eagle (Dvd)
- Hot Magic Red Planet (Dvd)
- Round Up The Horses (Dvd)
- They Come Back (Dvd)
- Your World Will Hate This (Dvd)
- Blue Snow (Dvd)
- Scorpionica (Dvd)
Album Description
Sixth album from Orange Goblin sends the listener on what can only be described as a nightmarish tour through London's `orrible `istory, as the band recount the day's of the Great Plague of London and the Great Fire which followed. Includes Limited Edition DVD Video Live at the Mean Fiddler 16 Dec 2006 plus interview with the band.Album Details
2007 Opens Another Chapter in Goblin's Doomsday Book with the Release of their Sanctuary Records Debut and Sixth Career Album. It Sends the Listener on What Can Only Be Described as a Nightmarish Tour Through London's `orrible `istory!, as the Band Recount the Day's of the Great Plague of London and the Great Fire which Followed. This Album Showcases How the 12 Years of Working Together Has Improved the Band's Songwriting Techniques, and Like a Fine Malt Whiskey, Orange Goblin Just Get Better with Age. Be Prepared for a Musical Backdrop, the Likes of which Will Scorch the Rotting Flesh from Your Bones (And That's If the Rats Don't Steal Your Eyes First). Initial Copies Include a Limited Edition Dvd Recounting the Live Shenanigans of their Headline Show at London's Mean Fiddler.
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101 Dalmatians (Original Soundtrack)
Various Artists Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks
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ASIN: B00006EXG0 Release Date: 2002-08-13 |
Amazon.com
Given the two belated live-action sequels and numerous other TV and video spinoffs spawned by Disney's charming 1961 animated original, the Dalmatian count is more like 1,001 by now. This reissued soundtrack (admirably restored in the late '90s by producer Randy Thornton) showcases the original orchestral film cues of George Bruns to good effect. While the composer's bright, lively work was largely fragmentary (originally written as punctuation for the film's turns of action and comedy), its components have been skillfully sequenced and gently edited here for a more cohesive listening experience. The film's most memorable musical moments remain Mel Levin's delightful trio of songs, "Kanine Krunchies," "Dalmatian Plantation," and, of course, the classic villainess romp "Cruella DeVil." Bonus cuts include both a bluesy piano rendition and Levin's decidedly goofy piano/vocal demo of the latter tune. A great primer to Disney's animation underscore philosophy, seasoned with one of the studio's most memorable songs. --Jerry McCulleyCustomer Reviews:
Track List.......2007-02-14
1. Overture
2. Beautiful Spring Day, A
3. What's All The Hurry / A Perfect Situation / Stir Things Up
4. Cruella De Vil
5. Don't Worry, Perdy / The Puppies Are Here / Lucky / How Marvelous / Not One / A Bloomin' Hero
6. Ol' Thunder Always Wins
7. Kanine Krunchies
8. Bedtime / An Evening Constitutional / A Job To Do / They're Gone!
9. Dognapped! / Anita Darling / What'll We Do?
10. All Dog Alert
11. Sergeant Tibs' Recon / Cat Casserole
12. Can You Leave Tonight? / Arduous Trek / Any News, Colonel? / I Want The Job Done
13. Pulling A Snitch / Big Hullabaloo / Battling The Baduns
14. My Darlings / 99 / Better Be Off / Fire One / All Clear
15. Through The Snow / Shelter
16. I'm Hungry / Get Some Rest / Back On The Road / Spotted!
17. Dinsford / Cruella / A Roll In The Soot / To The Van / It Can't Be / Crazed / You Fools!
18. Puppies Everywhere
19. Dalmatian Plantation / Finale
20. Cruella De Vil - (Nonsense Version Demo)
Average customer rating: 
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Walking through Fire
April Wine Manufacturer: Aquarius Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000006SIA Release Date: 1992-01-01 |
Tracks:
- Rock Myself to Sleep
- Wanted Dead or Alive
- Beg for Your Love
- Love Has Remembered Me
- A
- Open Soul Surgery
- You Don't Have to Act That Way
- Hold On
- All It Will Ever Be
- Wait Any More
Album Description
Import edition of the Canadian hard rock act's 1988 album. Ten tracks including, 'Rock Myself To Sleep', 'Wanted Dead Or Alive' & 'Beg For Your Love'.Customer Reviews:
the best cd i have.......2006-10-07
Band is in crisis but has contractual obligations, I guess.........2005-01-12
Almost All the Best from One of Canada's Greatest Bands.......2002-08-14
April Wine has many compilations out there, and, except for their boxed set, none has all of their essential tracks. This one comes close, but I'm only giving it four stars instead of five because of the absence of "Bad Side of the Moon," "Oowatanite," "I Like to Rock," and "All Over Town." Those four tracks should have taken the place of the less essential tracks on this compilation: "Love Has Remembered Me"; "Tell Me Why"; "What If We Fall in Love"; and "You Won't Dance With Me."
But, all in all, a great compact disc with great music.
Excellent Hits CD.......2001-03-21
The Hits AND The Misses from April Wine.......2001-03-05
What happened to all the other good stuff from First Glance and Nature Of The Beast? Or even from Harder...Faster? Make your own mix from these three albums and Power Play. This release is too light on the hard stuff and good stuff from the boys from Canada.
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Down By the Salley Gardens
Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00005MOC9 Release Date: 2001-08-28 |
Tracks:
- The Jolly Miller
- Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes
- The Foggy, Foggy Dew
- The Isle Of Cloy
- The Trees They Grow So High
- Died For Love
- Lovely Mollie
- I Love My Love
- the Shooting Of His Dear
- Down By The Salley Gardens
- The Old Turn Fire
- Ye Banks And Braes
- Barb'ra Ellen
- Barbara Allen
- She Moved Thro' The Fair
- The star Of The County Down
- Sweet Nightengale
- Blow The Wind Southerly
- The British Waterside
- The Pressgang
- Little Sir William
- Six Dukes Went A-Fishin'
- Sweet Polly Oliver
- Bold William Taylor
- Charlie Is My Darling
- O Waly, Waly
Customer Reviews:
Encourage your brooders to set.......2003-03-08
I wanted to be polite. After all, I really loved the albums Benjamin Luxon cut with Bill Crofut, where many of this album's songs also appear, only sung in a very tuneful and endearing manner. I highly recommend their "Dance to Your Daddy," "Two Gentlemen Folk," and "Simple Gifts."
For that matter, I'd recommend this baritone's classical CDs to anyone. He sings a mean Bach.
This album? Well, I'm glad Amazon's two-star rating means 'not for me' instead of 'this recording is so incredibly one-dimensional and boring that I'm going to pipe it into my hen house to encourage the brooders to set.'
I know some people will love listening to Benjamin Luxon sing twenty-six English folk songs in what my untrained ear seemed to think was exactly the same manner, tempo, and volume, accompanied by what sounded like the same tune on the piano for all twenty-six tracks (maybe the pianist got sick after the first track and the album's producers thought no one would notice if they recycled his accompaniment twenty-five times). After all, the previous reviewer gave this album five stars and a very respectful evaluation.
I'm saying if you want to hear Benjamin Luxon sing 'Down by the Salley Gardens,' you will be better off with "Dance to Your Daddy" rather than this CD.
Consummate Artistry!.......2002-02-22
a major international presence singing opera/oratorio/songs because
of his growing deafness. This wonderful reissue gives us a taste
of what we lost yet is a reminder of his consummate artistry.
Luxon and his accompanist, David Willison, give loving
and sometimes spirited interpretations of a wide crossection
of British Isle traditional and folk songs. Thank you, Chandos,
for this reminder of the excellent gifts that Benjamin Luxon shared with us.
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Wagner: The Valkyrie
Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner
| Wagner, Richard
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ASIN: B00004YU6Z Release Date: 2000-11-28 |
Tracks:
- Act I: Prld - English Nat Opr Orch/Reginald Goodall
- Act I, Scene 1: The Storm Drove Me Here - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 1: This House And This Wife - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 1: Evil Fortune's Never Far From Me - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 2: There He Lay, Feeble And Faint - Margaret Curphey/Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 2: Through Field And Forest - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 2: Friedmund No One Could Call Me - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 2: The Neidings Raided Again - Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 2: So The Norn Who Dealt You This Fate - Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 2: I Know A Troublesome Race - Clifford Grant
- Act I, Scene 3: A Sword Was Pledged By My Father - Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 3: Are You Awake? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 3: My Husband's Kinsmen - Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 3: Yes, Loveliest Bride - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 3: Winter Storms Have Vanished (Siegmund's Spring Song) - Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 3: You Are The Spring - Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 3: Oh Sweetest Enchantment - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
- Act I, Scene 3: The Stream Has Shown My Reflected Face - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund Call Me, And Siegmund Am I! - Alberto Remedios
- Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund, The Walsung, Here You See! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
Tracks:
- Act II, Scene 1: Go Bridle Your Horse, Warrior Maid! - Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Brunnhilde's Battle Cry) - Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 1: The Usual Storm, The Usual Strife - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
- Act II, Scene 1: Pretend That You Don't Understand! - Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 1: Now It's Come To Pass! - Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 1: So This Is The End Of The Gods And Their Glory - Ann Howard
- Act II, Scene 1: You Never Learn What I Would Teach You - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
- Act II, Scene 1: What Must I Do? - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
- Act II, Scene 1: Hiaha! Hiaha! Hoyotoho! - Rita Hunter/Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 2: Fricka Has Won The Fight - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 2: When Youth's Delightful Pleasures Had Waned - Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 2: She Refused To Reveal More About It - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 2: There's More To Tell - Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 2: Yet One Can Accomplish What I May Not - Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 2: But The Walsung, Siegmund - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 2: Then Siegmund Must Fall In His Fight? - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act II, Scene 2: I Give You My Blessing, Nibelung Son! - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 2: No, Have Mercy - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Tracks:
- Act II, Scene 2: So I Obey His Command - Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 3: Rest Here For A While; Stay By My Side! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
- Act II, Scene 3: Away! Away! - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
- Act II, Scene 3: Where Are You, Siegmund? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
- Act II, Scene 4: Siegmund! Look At Me! (Announcement Of Death) - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
- Act II, Scene 4: And If I Come - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 4: Then Greet For Me Walhall - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 4: Woe! Woe! Sister And Bride - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 4: Two Lives Now Lie In Your Power - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
- Act II, Scene 5: Charms Of Sleep Are Sent To Still - Alberto Remedios
- Act II, Scene 5: I Hear Your Call - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
- Act II, Scene 5: Wehwalt! Wehwalt! - Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Tracks:
- Act III, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Ride Of The Valkyries) - Katie Clark/Anne Evans/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Shelagh Squires/Anne Conoley
- Act III, Scene 1: Shield Me And Help - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
- Act III, Scene 1: Hear While I Tell You - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
- Act III, Scene 1: Pray Suffer No Sorrow For Me - Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne...
- Act III, Scene 1: Fly Him Swiftly, Away To The East! - Rita Hunter
- Act III, Scene 1: O Radiant Wonder! (Parting Salute) - Margaret Curphey
- Act III, Scene 1: Stay, Brunnhild! - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
- Act III, Scene 2: Where Is Brunnhild? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
- Act III, Scene 2: Weak-Spirited, Womanish Brood! - Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 2: Here I Am, Father - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 2: No More Will You Ride From Walhall - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
- Act III, Scene 2: Did You Not Hear What I Decreed? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
- Act III, Scene 3: Was It So Shameful - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: I Know So Little - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: You, Who This Love Into My Heart Revealed - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: You Indulged Your Love - Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: Unworthy Of You This Foolish Maid - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: You Fathered A Glorious Race - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: In Long, Deep Sleep - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
- Act III, Scene 3: Farewell, My Valiant, Glorious Child! (Wotan's Farewell) - Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: These Eyes So Warm And So Bright - Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: Loge, Hear! Come At My Call! - Norman Bailey
- Act III, Scene 3: Magic Fire Music - Norman Bailey
Customer Reviews:
"The death-doomed alone are destined to look on me.".......2007-06-12
TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.
Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.
Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.
Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: everything is slower than adagio moderato. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.
Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".
Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.
Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.
ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.
Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.
Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.
Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act One Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.
Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Bohm's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are found in this Ring. I can hear harps in Flight of the Valkyries! The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.
Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.
Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.
SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).
Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.
Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".
Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.
Levine: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's Ring.
Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.
-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.
Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).
Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."
Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.
Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).
-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm. Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Two exceptions, though: Robert Schunk doesn't sound heroic enough, and Jessye Norman for Levine's Ring doesn't sound young and innocent enough.
-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.
Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.
Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.
Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.
Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. I don't know Levine should've chose Kollo when he recorded his Ring.
-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").
Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.
Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.
Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.
Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.
-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.
Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.
Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.
Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.
Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent mime. He is equal to Schreier when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.
Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.
-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on in the Ring.
Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Still, it's satisfactory, and his "Ihrem ende eilen sie zu" gives great foreshadowing.
Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.
Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.
Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt depends only on imagination and deviousness, Stolze only vengeance and deviousness, and Windgassen only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.
Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.
Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Schreier. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.
-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings (maybe not in Swarowsky's version). Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm and Goodall. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.
CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the calculated Janowski, the relaxed Levine, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.
Sir Georg Solti: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti
Karl Bohm: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
Herbert von Karajan: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic
Goodall: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
-The Rhinegold (Part 1): Wagner: The Rhinegold
-Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
-Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
Marek Janowski: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
James Levine: Der Ring Des Nibelungen
Wolfgang Sawllisch: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper
Breathtaking, powerful, accessible, not just an alternative.......2005-05-03
Absolutely Breathtaking!.......2002-09-13
During the course of my research on 'The Goodall Ring' most of the praised seemed to heighten around 'Siegfried,' which is my absolute favorite of the cycle. That also helped to seal the deal. As the critics said, 'Siegfried' under Goodall is excellent, but not as monumental as Solti's reading, which IMHO is the greatest recording of 'Siegfried.'
The set that stands out, to me, in 'The Goodall Ring' is this recording; The Valkyrie. It is absolutely breathtaking. Not only is it my favorite of this set, it is my favorite Valkyrie recording period (I am very familiar with Boehm's, Solti's, Karajan's, Furthwanglers, Levines, and others). Alberto Remedios (Siegmund here and Siegfried in the last two operas) is truly magnificant. It is the best Siegmund I have heard on disc (and his Siegfried rivals Windgassen). Coupled with Margaret Curphey (Sieglinde), you get the most beautiful and moving duo I have heard on record. The duet in Act I is simply glorious. You also get the bonus of Norman Bailey's triumphant Wotan (and Wanderer too). He has such command and prescene. He sounds like a God. Throw in Rita Hunter, who holds her own as Brunnhilde, Goodall's miraculous conducting, and excellent playing by the orchestra and it all adds up to a stunning recording.
I can only say that in a way it's a shame this set is in English. Were it not, I believe Goodall's 'Ring' would be one of the most talked about, popular, and sought after complete recordings of the cycle. I can only say that I am so happy that I finally opened up to opera recorded in a different language than written.
I have fallen completely in love with Goodall's entire cycle. And, I have fallen in love with 'The Ring' all over again.
A powerful reading of the most moving opera in the Ring........2001-08-30
A particular stand-out on this recording is the Wotan. His timbre, diction, and delivery perfectly embody the troubled god who tries desperately, and in vain, to keep the world under his control. His angst and wrath are utterly convincing.
The power of Wagner's music drama is now fully accessible.......2001-01-30
Goodall's sense of music drama is lush, and takes some getting used to after the crash-and-burn Solti set, but after a time or two it seems just right. Goodall is not always slower than the rest, either; for example, the famous Ride of the Valkyries that begins Act III is quicker than Solti's surprisingly slow and heavy account. It is the most exciting that I have heard--and I have heard quite a few--but it is not so fast that the power is lost in favor of urgency.
This is not an urgent Die Walkure, and it is all the better for it. Goodall takes the time to actually tell the story, and is sensitive to the drama's needs over what could be called convention. For example, Wotan's Farewell doesn't thunder out after Brunnhilde's final declamation, like in so many recordings; rather, Goodall's interpretation is more dreamy, mysterious, and appropriately trance-like, in keeping with the action on stage.
I own the complete Solti Ring, but I must say I will be the first in line to get each new installment of this remarakable Ring as soon they hit the shelves. If you are new to Wagner, and are willing to make the plunge into a complete Ring, then start with this one and see if you want to continue. This recording is definitely one of the great Rings, and the superb translation will open up the work in ways that following the libretto just won't. I promise that you won't be able to put this one away easily. Get it!
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Collection: Say It With Music (Dlx)
Andr Kostelanetz Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00007L8X4 Release Date: 2003-02-18 |
Tracks:
- Say It With Music Remember Blue Skies
- Top Hat White Tie And Tails How Deep Is The Ocean (How High
- This Is The Army Oh How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning Soft
- Whatll I Do Always The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers
- The Piccolino Cheek To Cheek
- White Christmas
- The Girl That I Marry Say It Isnt So Mandy
- Give Me Your Tired Your Poor God Bless America
- Smoke Gets In Your Eyes Yesterdays
- Ive Told Every Little Star The Song Is You
- The Night Was Made For Love She Didnt Say Yes All The Things
- Look For The Silver Lining They Didnt Believe Me Long Ago (A
- I Dream Too Much The Jockey On The Carrousel
- Why Was I Born The Way You Look Tonight Who
- Make Believe Bill
- Why Do I Love You You Are Love Ol Man River
- Fascinatin Rhythm
- Mine
- The Man I Love
- Embraceable You Soon
- I Got Rhythm
- Bess Oh Wheres My Bess
- S Wonderful
- Maybe
- Someone To Watch Over Me Oh Lady Be Good
- Embraceable You
- Strike Up The Band
- Begin The Beguine
- All Through The Night
- I Concentrate On You
- I Love You
- Night And Day
- In The Still Of The Night
- Ive Got You Under My Skin
- Blow Gabriel Blow
- Just One Of Those Things (Bonus Track)
- Hallelujah Time On My Hands
- Tea For Two
- Carioca
- Without A Song
- More Than You Know
- Orchids In The Moonlight
- Sometimes Im Happy I Know That You Know
- Through The Years Drums In My Heart
- Malaguena
- La Cumparsita
- Mexicana Medley
- Yours (Quiereme Mucho)
- Siboney
- Caminito
- Adios
- No Taboleiro De Bahiana
- The Moon Of Manakoora
- Lotus Land
- Kashmiri Song
- Jamaican Rhumba
- Flamingo
- Poinciana (Song Of The Tree)
- Andalucia
- Sweet Leilani (Bonus Track)
- Frenesi (Cancion Tropical) (Bonus Track)
- Show Boat
- South Pacific
- Slaughter On Tenth Avenue
- An American In Paris
- Porgy And Bess
Album Description
The multi-faceted Andre Kostelanetz left his mark on the music world as an acclaimed conductor/arranger/accompanist. His most notable contribution is the creation of the Easy Listening genre, done by bridging the gap between Classical and Pop music. Highlights on this 6 CD box set include Irving Berlin's 'Cheek To Cheek', George Gershwin's 'The Man I Love' and Jerome Kern's 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'. Includes 3 bonus tracks 'Just One Of Those Things' (Cole Porter), 'Sweet Leilani' (from Waikiki Wedding) & 'Frenesi' (Cancion Tropical). Standard jewel cases housed in a deluxe wooden box w/hinged lid (approx. 6 x 5''). Collectables. 2003.
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Our Favorite Things: Christmas in Vienna
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gounod
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ASIN: B00005QGAH Release Date: 2001-10-30 |
Tracks:
- Christmas Song - Tony Bennett
- O Holy Night - Charlotte Church, Pldo Domingo
- Do You Hear What I Hear? - Vanessa Williams
- Js de Nazareth - Pldo Domingo
- Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett, Vanessa Williams
- Silent Night - Charlotte Church
- My Favorite Things - Tony Bennett, Pldo Domingo, Vanessa Williams
- White Christmas - Tony Bennett, Vanessa Williams
- Hacia Belen Va un Burro - Pldo Domingo
- Through the Eyes of a Child - Vanessa Williams
- First Noel - Tony Bennett, Pldo Domingo
- Somewhere in My Memory
- I Saw Three Ships - Pldo Domingo, Vanessa Williams
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Tony Bennett
- Hijo de Dios - Pldo Domingo
- I'll Be Home for Christmas - Tony Bennett, Pldo Domingo
- Joy to the World - Pldo Domingo, Vanessa Williams
- Angles We Have Heard on High - Tony Bennett, Pldo Domingo, Vanessa Williams
- Silent Night - Tony Bennett, Charlotte Church, Pldo Domingo, Vanessa Williams
- One More Year - Pldo Domingo, Vanessa Williams
Rock Music:
- Time Is Now [Import]
- Trees/One Big Repeat [CD-single] [Limited Edition] [Import]
- Twenty Years [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
- Two Fisted Art [Import]
- Walk Don't Run 2000 [Import]
- What About Me? Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]
- Whenever I Call You Friend
- White Monkey [Box set]
- World Mix
- X-Mas
