Morn & Eve Svcs-Lancelot

On this CD:

1. Morning, Communions and Evening Services for chorus & organ (or orchestra) in A, Op 12
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford
Performed by Keith Wright

2. Morning and Evening Services and Offices of Holy Communion in G Major, Op 81
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford
Performed by Keith Wright

Customer Reviews:

Can't recommend it.......2007-07-03

I can't recommend this recording unreservedly. Mr. Padmore's voice seems hard pressed and tremulous in some of the arias, and his Italian is un-idiomatic. His diction is superb, in both the English and Italian arias, and the choice of repertoire is adventurous, but I will stick to Robert White.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-06-23

PADMORE HAS ARRIVED!!!!!Gramophone writes: "Mark Padmore uses his extraordinary diction and whispering chamber-like intimacy to remind us that the most exalted tenor arias from the operas and oratorios can achieve true potency even out of context..." To which I heartily agree. This is truly a wondrous portrayal of the many and varied moods of Handels' works. The tenor roles on this disc stretch between Handel's first and last oratorios, and most of them share a philosophy that implies that the dire consequences of personal pride, emotional selfishness, political ambition and sexual lust are amended by virtue and reason.

Padmore has always excelled with his velvet-toned tenderness, such as is displayed on this disc in "Where'er You Walk" from Semele and Jephtha's seraphic "Waft Her Angels". However, in this album he shows that he has acquired a stength and Italian vibrancy in his tone quality as he sings Jeptha's victory aria: "His Mighty Arm" and Bajazet's magnificent death aria :"Figlia mia-Tu spietato" from Tamerlano. I have never heard this death aria sung as well by anyone!!!!And, of course , the lovely melody, so beautifully performed by Padmore and Lucy Crowe is the 'crown' on this album: 'As Steals the Morn'.
Mark Padmore can be listed with the best of the present day tenors. And Andrew Manze with his sensively implemented accompaniment; just perfect!!!I would be remiss if I did not mention the very attractive packaging of the disc as well as the accompanying information; very superior.

Without peer....!.......2007-06-14

I fully agree with the listener above, this is some of the most beautiful and expressive Handel singing in a very long time. I sat in rapture between my two B&W's. Mark Padmore has just raised the bar and Andrew Manze and the English Concert support with playing of stunning virtousity....warm enveloping engineering and you most certainly have a disc to treasure. Please don't hesitate if you love Handel!!

Best Tenor Handel Singing Ever.......2007-06-13

We are in a Golden Age of Handel singing with Andreas Scholl, Daniel Taylor, Vivica Genaux, Ewa Podles and others making baroque music popular again. If you don't own any Lorraine Hunt Lieberson singing Handel (especially with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra) buy some today. But buy it alongside this disc. "As Steals the Morn" stole my heart. This is without a doubt the best tenor disc of Handel arias ever. WIth the women and the countertenors great versions of almost everything that Handel wrote abound. Padmore is in a class by himself among tenors singing this music. The singing is beautiful and heartfelt. This would join my Callas Tosca and Scotto Butterfly on a desert island.

Average customer rating:

A Legendary Singer.
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!!
Glorious singing to treasure for decades
Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian
The Stellar Hunt Lieberson

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson: Handel Arias

Manufacturer: Avie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Bach: Cantatas BWV 82 and 199
Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs
Music of Peter Lieberson: Rilke Songs, The Six Realms, Horn Concerto
Lorraine Hunt - Handel Arias
Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan

ASIN: B00022LZW8
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Ah! Whither Should We Fly...
...As With Rosy Steps The Morn
O Bright Example Of All Goodness!...
...Bane Of Virtue, Nurse Of Passions
The Clouds Begin To Veil The Hemisphere...
...Defend Her Heav'n!
Lord, To Thee Each Night And Day
She's Gone, Disdaining Liberty And Life...
...New Scenes Of Joy
Cantata
Cantata
Cantata
Cantata
Cantata
Cantata
Cantata
Cantata
Se Bramate D'amar, Chi Vi Sdegna
Frondi Tenere E Belle...
...Ombra Mai Fu

Amazon.com

If you think you've heard Handel's "Ombra mai fu" (known as his "Largo") so often, and in so many different arrangements, and sung by so many different voices, that you can no longer be moved or surprised by it, think again. This CD of Handel arias, mostly from his Theodora or the cantata La Lucrezia, ends with "Ombra mai fu," and as sung by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, it is so tender, so beautiful, so impeccably shaded, that you'll think you're hearing it for the first time. But that's only four of this disc's 67 minutes---a follow-up to Hunt Lieberson's extraordinarily successful CD of Bach cantatas. There's not a dull or disinterested moment to be heard anywhere. As the violated Lucrezia, Hunt Lieberson alternately rages against the man who raped her and turns her grief inward; the former is terrifying in its intensity, the latter makes us almost feel as if we're eavesdropping. The five arias for Irene, Theodora's friend, confidante, and the upholder of Christian beliefs are all magical prayers or statements of faith, and from Hunt Lieberson, they become real, with each word honestly conveyed and colored. The voice itself is unfailingly beautiful---warm, lush, never forced, agile when necessary---and her breath control is stunning. She is backed ideally by Harry Bicket and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the string soloists in the ensemble---the viola da gamba player, lutenist, etc.---are as gifted as she is. If you want proof that Handel was a great dramatist with a special gift for communicating emotion, all while listening to sublime sounds, this CD is a must. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A Legendary Singer........2007-03-07

I simply don't have the heart to review Mrs. Lieberson's works.
If we call Ms. Bartoli a 'great' singer, then the description of 'legendary' more aptly depicts Mrs. Lieberson.
If ever a truly good artist lived, Mrs. Lieberson is one such.
The only singer that could be recalled singing in such style is Teresa Berganza; but still, they are different.
This is one of my favourite interpretators of Haendel. Having been 'treated' by those coloraturas of arias of Haendel's period by Ms. Bartoli and others, I find the singing of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson a great relief - at last, this is what Haendel would want it to be. And I equally enjoy the singing of soprano arias by Mrs. Lieberson - the timbre is warmer, but still with all the shimmer - so different from the dark mushy tones of other celebrated 'lyrical soprano' around.
Don't want to say more. Mrs. Lieberson's leaving last year is too heavy a news for me.

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!!.......2007-01-06

These deeply felt performances of two of Bach's most moving cantatas show this transcendent singer's combination of emotional honesty and profound musicality, all combined to reveal the very mind of God through divine redemption from suffering. The disc is to be treasured even more in light of the Ms. Lieberson's recent untimely death from cancer. I'm an agnostic, but this music makes me envious of those who can believe. Roy in Pope Valley, California

Glorious singing to treasure for decades.......2006-07-11

By any measure, America's Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is at least the equal of Italy's premier diva, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, although she does not have the same superstar status. It is difficult to recall past mezzos with clearer enunciation of English text, (as favoured in nine excerpts from Theodora), the richness of voice, displayed in full-throated fortissimo and sharply contrasted pianissimo of utmost delicacy, evokes fondest memories of the tragically doomed Kathleen Ferrier. Masterfully chosen to display every facet of Hunt Lieberson's consumate command of Handel's dauntingly difficult music, the disc's repertoire - recitatives and linkig arias from the operas Theodora and Serse, and the cantana La Lucrezia - is stunning. An unsung mezzo who makes the senses tingle!

Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian.......2006-07-06

I have never heard a voice purer of tone, more flexible in phrasing, and so gorgeously produced in a homogeneous column of sound such as this artist in Handel's repertoire. It is very tastefully sung (unlike a certain person whose name begins with R and ends with enaaay Fleming) and so dramatically touching that one could not help but feel that this repertoire finally has found its instrument. And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer. It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career. The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament that we can no longer hear any great roles from this artist. She will be missed.

The Stellar Hunt Lieberson.......2006-03-19

Simply put, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is one of the very best classical singers alive. She combines vocal elegance and purity with an emotional delivery that raises her above the crowd of technically proficient singers who just don't possess her depth of musical understanding or emotional commitment. Hunt Lieberson is a true artist who resists easy classfication except to say she is perfect in what she does.

Average customer rating:

Mad about Baroque
The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes
Brilliant
Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames).
Brilliant Purcell Disc

Essential Purcell
Henry Purcell , New College Choir Oxford , King's Consort , Robert King , Roy Goodman , Charles Daniels , John Mark Ainsley , James Bowman , Peter Buckoke , Jane Coe , Rogers Covey-Crump , Gillian Fisher , Michael George , Miles Golding , Jane Norman , Barbara Bonney , Mark Caudle , William Carter , King's Consort Choir , Helen Gough , Paul Nicholson , Angela East , Barry Guy , Tessa Bonner , Jerome Finnis , Rupert Bawden , Lucy Howard , Richard Campbell , Susan Addison , James O'Donnell , and Stephen Saunders
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Purcell: Odes for St. Cecilia's Day - Music for Queen Mary / Taverner Consort
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Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music

ASIN: B000002ZDU
Release Date: 1995-04-10

Tracks:

Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 5: Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn. Symphony And Opening Chorus
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol. 3: Be Welcome Then, Great Sir
Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: Oh, Fair Cedaria
The Choir Of The King's Consort: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
Great Baroque Arias: When I Am Laid In Earth ('Dido's Lament')
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.1: Let Mine Eyes Run Down With Tears (Part 1)
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.4: The Sparrow And The Gentle Dove
Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.1: If Music Be The Food Of Love (First Setting)
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.5: Rejoice In The Lord Always ('The Bell Anthem')
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Hosanna To The Highest
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.7: Thou Knowest, Lord, The Secrets Of Our Hearts
Mr. Henry Purcell's Most Admirable Composures: Fairest Isle, All Isles Excelling
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.6: Mark, How Readily Each Pliant String
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: Sound The Trumpet
Complete Secular Solo Songs Vol.3: She Loves And She Confesses Too
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.8: O How Blest Is The Isle
Complete Anthems And Services Vol.3: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Complete Anthems And Services Vol. 11: An Evening Hymn
Complete Church Music Vol.2: Vouchsafe, O Lord, To Keep Us This Day
Complete Odes And Welcome Songs Vol.2: With Rapture Of Delight... Hail Bright Cecilia

Amazon.com essential recording

The "Essential" Purcell? Well, you could get a bunch of critics to argue about that for a few days, but in the meantime, here is a sampler of highlights from the King's Consort's three admirable Purcell series: the Complete Odes and Welcome Songs, Complete Anthems and Services, and Complete Secular Solo Songs. There are, of course, some of Purcell's most-performed pieces (which probably are "essential"): Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, "Sound the trumpet" from Come, ye sons of Art, Rejoice in the Lord alway (the "Bell Anthem," named for the string figure at the opening that sounds like pealing bells), the gently patriotic "Fairest isle, all isles excelling" (sung by a miscast James Bowman), and a selection from the funeral music for Queen Mary. There are also some delightful surprises--particularly among the little-known secular songs and church music. The plaintive "O fair Cedaria" gets a lovely performance by Barbara Bonney (a singer not usually associated with Purcell); tenor Rogers Covey-Crump (possibly the ideal high tenor for Purcell) sings the enchanting "If music be the food of love"; the church anthems "Let mine eyes run down with tears" and "Remember not, O Lord, our offences" have some startling harmonies as daring as any Monteverdi ever wrote. If you're unfamiliar with Purcell, this reasonably priced disc is a good place to start exploring without a big initial investment. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Mad about Baroque.......2007-02-12

This is a terrific CD. The music is breathtaking. Just buy IT !!!!!

The beauty of the songs brings tears to my eyes.......2002-08-21

Absolutely beautiful baroque music! The arrangament, singing and instrumentation is superb. It is too bad that Henry Purcell is not as widely known as Bach, because he should be recognized equally well."The Sparrow and the Gentle dove" is alone worth the price of the album! I can not stop playing it!

Brilliant.......2001-10-31

Like in his renditions of Handel's oratorios, Robert King manages to bring a freshness and strenght to Purcell's music that I had seldom heard before. This CD also features some of the best performers of early music in the world. My favourite tracks are Oh, Fair Cedaria, sung by the multi-talented Barbara Bonney; Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher; She Loves and she Confesses too, sung by the wonderful Susan Gritton; and Welcome, Welcome Glorious Morn, sung by Rogers Covey-Crump. The only track I didn't find absolutely wonderful is Fairest Isle, sung here by James Bowman. Don't get me wrong, I generally love Mr Bowman, I think that his performance in Mr Purcell's Most Admirable Composures (also conducted by Robert King) makes it another essential Purcell recording; but I find that Fairest Isle was much better done elsewhere, particularly by Christopher Hogwood and Barbara Bonney.

These songs aren't only beautiful, they're also poignant, sweet and unpretentious. I think that it will be very clear to anyone who listens to this recording that Mr Purcell was one of the finest composers that ever lived.

Be Welcome then, great Sirs (and Mesdames)........2001-10-20

If anyone has benefitted from the reversion in the last three or so decades to period instruments and historical reconstruction, it is Henry Purcell. Before, he was merely great, the peerless word-setter in the English language, a virtuoso of boundless range, a professional composer whose offical commissions were always imbued with personality and invention. But period instrumentation has added to this a greater depth, an other-worldly texture of sound. With his intricate, multi-part vocal writing, his preference for low, rumbling instruments such as the bass viol and the strange and remarkable theorbo, as well as his often sombre and low-key subject matter and treatment, Purcell creates a round, glowing, humming sound as pregnantly full as dub reggae.

This has an extraordinary effect on the listener. Whereas Bach, with his mathematical abstractions, sounds universal and timeless, Purcell's music takes the listener back 300 years, back to different ways of thinking about, feeling about and addressing things we still think etc. about today - death, love, friendship. The emotion is timeless, but the music's beauty is alien, THEIRS, hence its preciousness.

A lot of intelligence has gone into the unity of this compilation, beginning with two Welcomes (to the dawn and to the listener, in this case a King), and ending with thoughts of evening, death and a Baroque 'Thank you for the music'. These are bright, fanfare-like works, but the predominant mood is slow, ruminative, quiet. The selection covers the wide range of Purcell's oeuvre, from opera and funeral marches to secular songs and odes, and includes his most famous vocal works - Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, sung by Gillian Fisher, and never more evocative of pagan loss and death; the massive 'Bell Anthem', with its ingenious opening symphony and joyful antiphon; and a miraculously serene 'Evening Hymn', Dido's opposite, death indicating hope, the treble voice swirling over the heavy ground bass like the soul released from the inert body.

it might seem quixotic to choose highlights from an exemplary collection of highlights, but the entry of the strings washing over the serene repetition of 'Be Welcome then, great Sir' always makes my heart stop still, while the musical picture of 'Bold Honour', the 'noisy Nothing, stalking shade', blocking the poet's amorous intentions in 'She loves and confesses too', adds a chilling hint of life's transience to a bouyantly bawdy song.

Brilliant Purcell Disc .......2000-11-30

With this album director and Purcell expert Robert King provides the listener with an excellent introduction to the composer's vocal works. The pieces presented here were taken from Mr. King's recordings of 'The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs', 'The Complete Anthems and Services', 'The Complete Secular Solo Songs' and diverse anthology discs. King, his wonderful soloists and musicians do the brilliance of Purcell's music fully justice. Whether he was commissioned by royalty, the church or theatre, Purcell shone in all areas. This disc certainly demonstrates the variety and originality of his craft, not to speak of his uncanny ability of setting words to music.

An outstanding Purcell offering. With a beautiful perfomance by Barbara Bonney of 'Oh, fair Cedaria'. Susan Gritton is equally captivating in 'She loves and she confesses too'. Gillian Fisher's rendition of the famous 'Dido's Lament' is haunting and poignant. Further an intelligent and brilliant 'Hosanna to the highest' by Michael George. James Bowman and Michael Chance sparkle in the countertenor duet 'Sound the trumpet' (from 'Come Ye sons of Art away'). And I should not forget to mention the joyous, luminous performance of the beautiful 'Bell Anthem'. To name but a few favourites, only James Bowman's 'Fairest Isle' was a disappointment.

Those who are familiar with Purcell's music will get an excellent disc with some of his most beloved works. If you are new to Purcell, this is, as already said a great introduction. Which might be the incentive to further explorations of Purcell.

by stardustraven

Average customer rating:

Another Great One From Neil
worth it for "Mama Don't Know" alone
Very Uneven and boring
I like it!
Neil could do better

September Morn
Neil Diamond
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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I'm Glad You're Here with Me Tonight
You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Serenade
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ASIN: B0000025GY
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

September Morn
Mama Don't Know
That Kind
Jazz Time
The Good Lord Loves You
Dancing In The Street
The Shelter Of Your Arms
I'm A Believer
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore
Stagger Lee

Customer Reviews:

Another Great One From Neil.......2006-03-03

Yet another wonderful album from Neil, with perfect production quality, as usual. It's remarkable how all of his albums, for the most part, sound like they were recorded yesterday. The major songs to come off of this one are September Morn, That Kind, and The Good Lord Loves You. The price is right, too. If you're a Neil fan, you've got to add this one to your collection. If you're trying to get into Neil, this would not be the one to start off with, however. I would recommend his new 12 Songs or perhaps Tennessee Moon for that purpose.

worth it for "Mama Don't Know" alone.......2005-12-06

September Morn has many covers,but the best are the few originals."Mama Dont Know" has an intoxicating techno beat and bassline,and Neil doing his "Brother Love" preacher thing.Love the big "Heal Me,Make Me Holy" chorus.A great song.

"That Kind" is also a great song-a very pretty old-hollywood tale.Kind of like a low key "Candle in the Wind".

the jazzy remake of "I'm A Believer" is well,interesting.

the only covers I like are "The Sun Aint Gonna Shine Anymore"(amazing how melancholy and big-sounding Neil turned this little oldie) and "The Good Lord Loves You" (a strong cry for tolerance and peace instead of war).

September Morn is uneven though-why cover "Dancing in the Street" in 1979?Just sounds lightweight and weak.I always skip the title cut.And the "Stagger Lee" cover is a weak way to end this album.

Very Uneven and boring.......2004-04-21

Starting with September Morn, all of ND's CDs have been very uneven and this is one of his worst. This has a few songs that are listenable and the majority is so BORING!!!! I wish they would put out Greatest Hits Vol. 3 with all of his great songs since September Morn that aren't on Vol. 2 including That Kind, The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore, On The Way To The Sky, Right By You, The Drifter, First You Have to Say You Love Me, Front Page Story, Heartlight, In Ensanada, Turn Around, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, Sleep With Me Tonight, The Man You Need, Story of My Life, It Should Have Been Me, (I'll See You On The Radio) Laura, Me Beside You, Best Years of Our Lives, This Time, If I Couldn't See You Again, If There Were No Dreams, Don't Turn Around, Hooked On The Memory of You and a couple from Tennesse Moon and Three Chord Opera. Now that would be an AWESOME CD and you wouldn't have to waste your hard-earned money on awful CDs like this with only a couple good songs!!!!

I like it!.......2004-01-25

Sounds like I'm in the minority but I have the tape and love it enough to buy the CD as well!

Neil could do better.......2000-09-24

"September Morn" is perhaps one of Neil Diamond's few low points in his storybook career. There are a few high points here: The sad, yet sentimental title track, the jazzy, euphoric "Jazz Time" and the downbeat "The Good Lord Loves You". I didn't care for Neil's own version of "I'm A Believer", a song that was really made to be an up-tempo number, as the Monkees' version was. "Stagger Lee" just wasn't cut out to be an easy listening tune. But, if you are a true Diamond fan, you'll want to add this CD to your collection.

Average customer rating:

Simply an Awesome CD
beautiful music, awesome lyrics
Mystical, inspiring, energizing
Buy This Album!
My 1st Taste...

Journey into the Morn
Iona
Manufacturer: Forefront
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Iona Live: Heaven's Bright Sun

ASIN: B000000V0M
Release Date: 1996-02-20

Tracks:

Bi-Se I Mo Shuil - Part 1
Irish Day
Wisdom
Everything Changes
Inside My Heart Encircling
Encircling
Journey Into The Morn
Lindisearne
No Heart Beats
The Search
Divine Presence
Heaven's Bright Sun
Bi-Se I Mo Shuil - Part 2
When I Survey

Customer Reviews:

Simply an Awesome CD.......2005-12-31

I accidentally stumbled onto this CD through one of those CD clubs and I have been thankful for several years now. I thought I was buying an Enya or Clannad New Age type disc for the occasional listen. Instead, I lucked upon a stunning, almost operatic piece of music which combines progressive rock elements with new age and Celtic music and inspirational lyrics. I just can't say enough about this CD. Listen to it and it will move you spriritually. Great vocals, great music and good production on these recordings. I never grow tired of listening to this CD.

beautiful music, awesome lyrics.......2005-05-10

I agree with the reviewer David Yeubanks who said that Iona's music is just heavenly! I got the album a few years ago when I was in my early twenties and Celtic music was very popular. I tried Enya at first but was disapointed by her slightly new age sounding lyrics. Even though I loved her voice, her music left me feeling a bit depressed. Iona's music is very uplifing and has the same quality Enya's music has. I think Iona is one of the best Christian bands. This album I think would even be appreciated by non Christian fans of Irish music. (Definitely a good gift idea for your non believing friends!)

Mystical, inspiring, energizing.......2004-01-04

Inspired by the mystical reflections of ancient Irish saints, Journey into the Morn combines the best of Celtic, world beat, and rock influences. The instrumentation includes haunting vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, drums, percussion of many kinds, basses, violins, viola, tin whistles, low whistles, soprano sax, flute, and chimes.

The mysterious result is both soothing and energizing. Its tracks range from haunting to dreamlike, to pounding, but never grating. Many of the songs are long, and would never get air play, but they give ample time to explore themes and variations. I have enjoyed this album both as background music while working or entertaining, and during times of meditation.

By far, my favorite track is "Encircling", a modern sonata in three parts. The music begins softly and builds to full force, with amazing electric guitar and drums layered over ancient themes and instrumentation.

A portion of the lyrics (Lorica) are 4th century Irish, attributed to St. Patrick -- and by far the most beautiful English translation I have found of the Lorica. Other tracks are recorded in the original Gaelic. The CD lining gives both background information and the full lyrics used in the album. Reading these can be as inspiring as the music itself. As you read these notes, it becomes clear why they selected such timeless subject matter as the basis for their album.

Iona's music is deeply rooted in the land and history. It literally inspired me to study centuries of Irish history, in order to learn the background for this great musical effort.

Buy This Album!.......2003-12-11

Iona is simply put THE best contemporary Christian band out there, however, their music (as has been said) is not the typical top 40 variety of popular Christian music. Drawing its inspiration from the ancient Irish/Scottish Christian saints (St. Brendan; St. Patrick; St. Columba, etc.), the lyrics and the music are sublime and will appeal to anyone who likes great Celtic/folk/rock music, Christian or not. If you like Clannad you'll like this album. Buy this album immediately! Buy anything you can find by Iona!

My 1st Taste..........2003-03-12

How did I ever buy this CD...I forgot because I have over 1800 CD's. I must have had magic fingers when I first laid my hands on this CD because this is one of my favorites. Becoming an Eastern Orthodox Christian a few years ago & studying my Irish/Scottish historic past, Iona reflects the more ancient mystical aspects of Celtic Christianity long lost in these days of Individualism & Rationalism. I look at Iona as a mix of the following: the progressive sound of "Yes", the craftsmanship of "Happy the Man", the jazz & soul of "Van Morrison", the Irish Scottish gigs of "Silly Wizard", the beautiful haunting female voice of...well, not as strange as "Lisa Gerrard", maybe more like "Enya".

More Detail:

The progressive rock group "Yes" was very talented changing time & rhythm at will with abstract flowery poetry, but they were rather messy or burly at their playing ability. The progressive rock group "Happy the Man" had less poetry but had a tighter cleaner approach to their progressive music. Iona takes the "Yes" poetry but uses ancient mystical Christian ideals with songs about the Irish, Scottish, & English saints in their classic praises to God, life, & nature. Iona is as tight & clean in their musical phasing as "Happy the Man".

"Van Morrison" is highly known for his intermix of Jazz & Rock while still containing his Irish Celtic soul. At times Iona will break off into a Jazz mode while containing a Celtic Soul.

"Silly Wizard" is one of the best Irish Scottish folk bands playing at lighting speed. Iona is just as fast when they play a Irish Scottish jig yet at times convert that style into modern jazz rock.

Iona's main singer is Joanne Hogg. Her singing voice is not a dark as Lisa Gerrard, nor as light & airy as Enya, but all 3 women do contain a mystical soprano chant that causes goose bumps.

Believe it or not Robert Fripp of King Crimson is a guest on several tracks with his Fripp-Tronics guitar work.

Reading many Fr. Seraphim Rose books & his love of Lindisfarne island, the song on this CD about Lindisfarne calls me back to my ancestral homeland. A must for any progressive music lover or Christian Mystic.

Average customer rating:

Robert King deserves to be famous in America, too
Bargain-priced first-class overview

Essential Handel

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The King's Consort Collection
Essential Purcell
Handel - Concerti Grossi, op. 6 (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11) / AAM · Manze
Essential Vivaldi: 20 Greatest Masterpieces
Very Best of

ASIN: B000A7XJQA
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Customer Reviews:

Robert King deserves to be famous in America, too.......2006-07-23

Robert King and his King's Consort have made dozens of recordings, establishing themselves in London as a pre-eminent Baroque group. They benefit greatly from King's unflagging energy and musical insight. Twenty years ago you couldn't say that the period movement had attracted the best musicians and conductors. That situation has changed radically, and this sampler CD from King's complete recordings exhibits first-class playing throughout. Baroque singing is at a high level, too, but you couldn't say that his singers are of Met or Royal Opera House quality--even so, they are very good.

As an indicator of the strides that period performance has made, this is an eye-opening CD, but it's also engaging for the general listener, like me, who only dips into Handel's many, many operas and oratorios occasionally.

Bargain-priced first-class overview.......2006-05-01

This is a great CD for beginners, but also for those who already have a few Handel CDs. So often samplers have all the favourites which you already have on other CDs. But this set has a few well-known tracks, such as Zadok the Priest, See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes and La Rejouissance from The Fireworks, but mostly wonderful music, superbly played which is not extremely well known.

Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

A voice teacher and early music fan
Best of the Best...Handelian Masters for the Uninitiated

Heavenly Handel: Arias and Duets

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sandrine Piau - Handel Opera Seria
Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski
Handel Operatic Duets ~ Amor e gelosia / Ciofi · Di Donato · Il Complesso Barocco · Curtis
Handel - Arcadian Duets / Dessay, Gens, Petibon, Claycomb, Lascarro, Panzarella, Mijanovic, Mingardo, Asawa, Agnew, Le Concert d'Astrée, Haïm
Cantatas for Solo Countertenor

ASIN: B0001MQKS8
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Frondi Tenere... - David Daniels
Ombra Mai Fu - David Daniels
Pompe Vane Di MOrte!... - David Daniels
Dove Sei, Amato Bene - David Daniels
Ma Che Parlo, Che Dico... - Veronique Gens
In Tanti Affanni Miei - Veronique Gens
Fra L'ombre E Gl'orrori - Laurent Naouri
Sorge Il Di - Laurent Naouri
Amor, Qual Nuova Fiamma... - Jill Gomez
La Tigre Arde Di Sdegno - Jill Gomez
Per Me Si Strugge Trasimede... - Jill Gomez
E Per Monti, E Per Piani, E Per Selve - Jill Gomez
Where Shall I Fly - Stephanie Blythe
Cantata HWV 166 - Gerard Lesne
As Steals The Morn Upon The Night - Lynne Dawson
How Silently, How Slyly - James Bowman
Upstart, Barbarian And Traitor - James Bowman
Flow My Tears - James Bowman

Tracks:

Fatto Scorta Al Sentier Della Gloria - Vivica Genaux
Fiacchero Quel Fiero Orgoglio - Vivica Genaux
Verdi Prati - Arleen Auger
Ombre Pallide - Arleen Auger
Venti, Turbini - David Daniels
Dolcissima Esilena... - Sandrine Piau
Prendi L'alma E Prendi Il Core - Sandrine Piau
Nasconde L'usignol - Antonio Abete
Nel Riposo E Nel Contento - Antonio Abete
Della Guerra La Caccia Ha Sembianza - Antonio Abete
Tanti Strali Al Sen, Duet HWV 197 - Derek Lee Ragin
Se 'L Mio Duol Non E Si Forte - Sophie Daneman
Caro Autor Di Mia Doglia - Paul Agnew
No, Che D'altrui Che Di Te - Paul Agnew
Dagli Amori Flagellata - Paul Agnew
Madre...Son Nata A Lagrimar - David Daniels

Customer Reviews:

A voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-02-07

This is an excellent sampling of Handel's music and it is indeed "heavenly". Much of the music in Handel's operas, cantatas and oratorios are wonderfully vivid pieces of musical painting, and show Handel's genius in a light that is somewhat unfamiliar to modern musicians. Such passages as the sleep of Somnus in 'Semele' and the moonrise in 'Ariodante', to name but two instances out of many,form an important link in the history of programme music. But to those who understand and enjoy the Handelian idiom its beauty appear eternally new, and its unfailing dignity and loftiness of style recall the words in which Edward FitzGerald summed up his opinion of Handel: "His is the music for a great active people." I have many of the discs already, but some of the songs were new to me for which I am grateful! Some of the high points for me: the duet from Guilio Cesare sung by contralto(Stephanie Blythe) and countertenor (Derek Ragin); the solo from Alcina sung by Arleen Auger(soprano)and David Daniel's rendition of "Ombra mai fu" from Serse. I have Andreas Scholl singing "Ombra" and I never realized how much more there is to that song till I heard Daniels sing it. Anyway this record is a great buy for Handelians.

Best of the Best...Handelian Masters for the Uninitiated.......2005-04-21

For those who would prefer their Handel in bite-size portions, this excellent two-disc set may do the trick. Virgin Classics has chosen stellar aria and duet selections from their extensive Handel discography (1978-2003) and in the process, come up with as definitive a collection of the prolific composer's work as any on the market now. With a running time of well over 2 ½ hours, this compilation covers a broad canvas drawn from some of Handel's finest Italian operas, such as "Rodelinda", "Giulio Cesare", "Rinaldo" and "Deidamia". Even more, there are selections from his English works ("Hercules" and "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato"), as well as miscellaneous vocal Italianate selections.

You know you're in for a world-class set when you have the amazing countertenor David Daniels book-ending the collection, beginning with his platinum-standard version of the much-covered "Frondi tenere...Ombra mai fù" from "Serse" and Bertarido's mournful "Pompe vane di morte!...Dove sei, amato bene" from "Rodelinda". And the set ends in a dream-like state with his wondrous Sesto/Cornelia duet with contralto Stephanie Blythe on the heartbreaking "Madre...Son nata a lagrimar" from "Giulio Cesare". In between is a veritable feast provided by a who's who among the world's leading Handelians. Highlights on disc one include soprano Sandrine Piau and alto Sara Mingardo melding effortlessly on the graceful and vocally challenging "Sorge il di" from the Neapolitan serenata, "Aci, Galatea e Polifemo". Blythe captures Dejanira's requisite madness beautifully in the air, "Where shall I fly?" from "Hercules". Countertenor Gérard Lesne does several thrilling turns on an entire Handel cantata, "Splenda l'alba in oriente". From "Giulio Cesare", legendary contralto Janet Baker contributes a heroically measured "How silently, how slyly", equally revered countertenor James Bowman glides over "Upstart, barbarian and traitor" with true panache, and soprano Valerie Masterson holds her own among these giants showing a diverse range of emotion on "Flow my tears" alternating easily between sonorous and vibrant.

Disc two starts with mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux displaying some genuinely impressive runs on two arias from "Arminio", "Fatto scorta al sentier della gloria" and "Fiaccherò qul fiero orgoglio". Soprano Arleen Auger does a defiantly passionate turn on "Ombre pallide" from "Alcina", which compares favorably with Renée Fleming's more familiar version on Elektra. Daniels has yet another powerful vocal turn on the victorious "Venti, turbini" aria from "Rinaldo". Piau returns as well, this time intertwining atmospherically with mezzo-soprano Gloria Banditelli on the splendid "Prendi l'alma e prendi il core" from "Rodrigo". Operas are not the only source here. There is a charming duet between soprano Suzie LeBlanc and countertenor Derek Lee Ragin on the effusively Italianate "Tanti strali al sen", and a more dramatically diverse one between tenor Paul Agnew and soprano Patricia Petibon on "Caro autor do mia doglia" - both showcase yet another dimension of Handel to which I have not been exposed. Truth be told, if you enjoy these selections, you should purchase the original recordings, for example, Daniels' wonderful 1998 "Handel: Operatic Arias". But this will do in a pinch for the uninitiated who want an overview of Handel's musical genius. Trust me, with this stellar group of Handelians, you will beg for more.

Average customer rating:

This CD is Nice..... But I like Jane Austen Companion Better
Beautiful vocal music

Jane Austen's Songbook

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Jane Austen Companion
English Country Dances
Pride and Prejudice: The Original Soundtrack from the A&E Special Presentation
English Country Dances from Playford's Dancing Master 1651-1703 - The Broadside Band
Pride & Prejudice

ASIN: B0006OR15C
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Tracks:

'Tis in Vain, Alcanzor
William
Oh Nancy
The Irishman
The Joys of the Country
Go, and on my Truth
Plus ne veux jamais
Her Hair is Like
Sweet Transports
Airs de Ballets de la Caravane
Of Plighted Faith
The Soldier's Adieu
Je croyais ma belle
Sous un Berceau
From Night till Morn
Filles Charmantes
Catch: Joan said to John
La Danse
My Phillida
Chanson Bnoise
Thy Fatal Shafts
Lucky Escape
Think your tawny Moor
The Wedding Day
The Marseillaise March
Arietta Veneziano
Somebody
The Heaving of the Lead
Captivity
Queen Mary's Lamentation
The Poor little Gypsy
When the hollow Drum
Faint and Wearily
Collin's Ode
Begone, dull care
The Mansion of Peace
The Match Girl

Album Description

Julianne Baird writes: "Music and the social status it expressed was an integral part of Jane Austen's life. Her novels are replete with details of domestic musical activities. Accounts of public concerts and private balls as well as music programs with hired musicians fill her letters. A dedicated amateur herself, Austen ordinarily played at the pianoforte at least an hour a day before breakfast from the 8-book music collection now preserved in her home at Chawton. For nieces and nephews she practiced 'country dances,' a number of which appear in her collections. Austen painstakingly copied and bound music that especially interested her. Two books are in her own hand - one of piano pieces and the other (Book III), of vocal music, recorded here in its entirety. Some pieces contain her own suggestions for ornamentation. Prominent themes are naval affairs, country life, drinking songs, love, Turkish and Moorish motifs, female character pieces, and the French Revolution. The novels of Jane Austen reveal her as a keen observer of early 19th century English society. Now, through her Songbook, she herself springs to life: her special likes and dislikes, her boisterous sense of humor, her passions, the way she amused herself and what she was like relaxing with her family and friends." This is a very special album indeed.

Customer Reviews:

This CD is Nice..... But I like Jane Austen Companion Better.......2007-01-16

This CD is nice but not one that I will listen to often.
The fact that you get to hear what music Jane Austen liked is quite amazing. When you think I'm listening to music that Jane Austen listened to over 200 years ago.
However I'm not a great fan of Opera Music and that is probably why this CD is not one that I will listen to often.
But if you like listening to Opera Music. You will like this CD.

Beautiful vocal music.......2005-10-17

This collection is wonderful and gives us an opportunity to experience some of Austen's favorite music.

Average customer rating:

Glorious sound in a glorious space
A truly essential recording

Light's Glittering Morn

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002RRX
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Customer Reviews:

Glorious sound in a glorious space.......2005-10-04

As I have had a long personal relationship with both Washington National Cathedral and John Fenstermaker, the conductor of this disc, it would be difficult for me to find anything critical to say about it. The sound brings back memories, but that's another story. The balance of forces - an immense organ, a very large choir (two combined, actually), and a brass band - is superb for a recording in a space notoriously difficult to get a balanced sound in. I was particularly interested in the addition of the brass band to things like Finzi's "God is gone up," which (as far as I know) was not originally scored to include it. It's a big, glorious sound in a big, glorious space, but also has some more contemplative moments (e.g. Palestrina's "Sicut cervus" and Tallis's "If ye love me" ) and the unusual treat of about 45 seconds of carillon music (I'd have liked more!) at the beginning. Consider this CD an ESSENTIAL addition to the library of any fan of Anglican church music at its best.

A truly essential recording.......1999-07-21

This is possibly the best album ever recorded by a men and boys choir. Every fan of choral work owes it to themselves to search out and buy a copy of this CD. Every single composition included is unforgettable and moving. Try to find a copy however you can -- you won't regret it. Recorded as a celebration of the completion of Washington National Cathedral in 1991, this CD is an impressive achievement in and of itself. Famous choral works are balanced perfectly with lesser-known, Nathional Cathedral-affiliated composers, all adding up to an enlightening and highly enjoyable listening experience. Be sure to listen to the powerful majesty of the Cathedral's Great Organ, displayed on this recording in all its ground-shaking grandeur.

Average customer rating:

Carlos Barbosa-Lima: Impressions

Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000006SN
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Pelleas Et Melisande: Sicilienne
Gymnopedie No.1
Gymnopedie No.23
Reverie
Douze Prlds, Vol.I: No.1 'Danseuses De Delphes'
Douze Prlds, Vol.I: No.8 'The Girl With The Flaxen Hair'
Children's Corner: Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum
Children's Corner: The Little Sheperd
Children's Corner: Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
Pavane For A Dead Princess
New York Rush (Theme From The Film 'El Super')
The Lost Child
Kerry Morn
Bachianas Brasileiras No.4: Prld-Intro
Modinha (Seresta No.5)
The Forest Of Amazons: Sentimental Melody (Theme From The Film 'Green Mansions')
Baa-Too-Kee (Batuque)

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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