By Invitation

On this CD:

1. Variations for cello & piano in G major on Handel's "See, the Conqu'ring Hero comes," WoO 45
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Natalia Gutman

2. Sonata for cello & piano No. 3 in A major, Op. 69
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Natalia Gutman

3. Sonata for cello & piano No. 2 in D major, Op. 58
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Natalia Gutman

4. Song without Words for cello & piano in D major, Op. 109
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Natalia Gutman

5. Variations for cello & piano in E flat major on Mozart's "Bei Männern," WoO 46
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Natalia Gutman

Tracks:

Holy Manna
Abbeville
Wondrous Love
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Jewett
Dunlap's Creek
New Britain
The Morning Trumpet
Resignation
Poland
Wayfaring Stranger
Sweet By And By
Blooming Vale
Idumea (I)/Idumea (II)
Sweet Prospect
Shall We Gather At The River
Amanda
Invitation
Parting Hand
Angel Band

Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic!
Loved the movie, love the score
4.5 Stars for The Greatest Game Ever Played
One of Brian Tyler's best

The Greatest Game Ever Played
Brian Tyler
Manufacturer: Hollywood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Dreamer
The Legend of Zorro
Oliver Twist
Munich
The Great Raid (Score)

ASIN: B000ASDGHQ
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Main Title Overture
Immigrant's Theme
Determination
The Amateur
Broken Dreams
A Call To Arms
The Greatest Game Ever Played
Dog Leg
Angel
Invitation
Broken Dreams Reprise
Ouimet Trails By One
Ride The High Country
Indecision
Heads Turn
The Game Is Afoot
An Unlikely Outcome
A Chance Encounter
And Then There Were Three
Ride The High Country Reprise
True Valor
A Quiet Dignity
Duel
Showdown
Sunset
Angel - Dawn Upshaw
The Band Played On - Amick Byram
Hello Hello Who's Your Lady Friend? - Joe Jackson
End Title Overture

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2007-01-09

As a movie soundtrack fan, I was immediately drawn to 'The Greatest Game Ever Played,' and when I got it just a few weeks ago, I wasn't dissapointed.
At first it sounds much like James Horner's 'Legends of the Fall,' but it is by no means a repeat of it. It is a beautifull soundtrack on it's own, with many different themes that keep it exciting. The music has the same early 1900's feel as the movie while stil maintaining a variety of music styles; from soaring strings to intense violin pieces to period vocals like "And the Band Played On." Like the movie, it has a very inspirational feel, and I would definately recommend it to anyone, whether fans of the movie or soundtrack lovers.

Loved the movie, love the score.......2006-03-17

I saw The Greatest Game Ever Played in the theater and became enchanted with this film, based on the true story of Francis Ouimet, a low-class amateur golfer who emerges from complete obscurity to win the U.S. Open. By the end of the movie, I realized how much I was enjoying the music and decided that I just had to buy the soundtrack.

As I have listened to this soundtrack again and again, I've been captivated by this music. The beauty and power of Brian Tyler's composition is most impressive. As an intent listener, I've been deeply moved by the expansive musical landscape that is covered in this soundtrack. The central motif, a majestic and magnanimous melody which forms the essence of the main title, is woven into tracks throughout the disc, tying everything together as part of a musical (and theatrical) storyline. Indeed, it seems like an incomplete experience if I don't listen to the entire soundtrack, start to finish, in sequential order. If you take the time to do that, you'll find it's a very rewarding listen.

4.5 Stars for The Greatest Game Ever Played.......2006-03-11

This was an excellent 10 dollar purchase from iTunes, to put it mildly. As much as I loved Tyler's The Final Cut, Darkness Falls, Timeline and Constantine scores, this tops them all. It's a loving tribute to the main character of the film and good ol' fashioned film scoring in general. I haven't seen the movie and therefore cannot comment on wether or not it works in the context of the film. I can, however, say with great pleasure what a joy it is to listen to as a solo album.
The album picks up with the main title track, and what a great track it is. Some people will say it is Horner reminiscent, and while many themes on this CD do remind me of James Horner's best work, I actually think the closer resemblance is John Debney. I'm serious - this score is in many ways similar to The Passion of the Christ. It has pounding drums and wonderful percussion and isn't afraid to go all out with the string and brass section. It's a thrilling, heroic, melodramatic and operatic score that I've enjoyed listening to repeatedly. A highly recommended score for anyone who enjoys breathtaking and moving and powerful and heroic sometimes lighthearted and always thrilling music.
cheers
KZ

One of Brian Tyler's best.......2005-10-01

Brain Tyler says of this score that "the orchestral music was influenced by the popular music of the end of the 19th Century and the start of the 20th Century - Debussy, Sibelius, Strauss, and Mahler. To me, the sound we know as 'American' was a combination of the styles of so many of these great European composers." As far as I'm concerned, this score was a lot more influenced by James Horner -- certain bits sound strikingly similar to Legends of the Fall. But don't let that put you off, because the rest of the bits don't. This score is beautiful, lively, energetic, exciting and ebullient Americana throughout -- an odd contrast to Tyler's last score, the dark beast that was Constantine. Despite the occasional "nods" to Horner, though, Greatest Game Ever Played is one of Tyler's best and most thoroughly enjoyable scores, well orchestrated and well recorded also. If it's not quite Children of Dune, it's certainly better than his best since, such as Timeline and The Final Cut, on par with his other score for Bill Paxton, Frailty, though obviously in a very different genre and with a very different sound. So if you're a fan of Brian Tyler or good, uplifting, exciting film music in general, definitely check out this score.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Weber: And Not Andrew Lloyd Webber!
Impressed Clarinet Student

Best Of Weber

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Best Of César Franck
Weber: Der Freischütz
Weber: Oberon
The Best of Paganini
Elgar: Cello Concerto; Sea Pictures; Cockaigne Overture

ASIN: B00000J9H3
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Overture 'Der Freischutz'
Overture 'Oberon'
Overture 'Euryanthe'
Aufforderung zum Tanz, Op. 65: Invitation To The Dance
Konzerstuck In F minor, Op. 79
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 1. Allegro con fuoco
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 2. Andante
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 3. Scherzo. Presto
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 4. Finale. Presto

Tracks:

Overture 'Abu Hassan'
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: 1. Allegro
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: 2. Adagio ma non troppo
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
Clarinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: 1. Allegro
Clarinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: 2. Romanza. Andante
Clarinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: 3. Alla Polacca
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 1. Allegro
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 2. Fantasia. Adagio non troppo
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 3. Menuetto. Caoricio presto
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 4. Rondo. Allegro giocoso

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Weber: And Not Andrew Lloyd Webber!.......2005-09-24

Carl Maria Von Weber would himself enjoy this collection of his most famous and brilliant compositions. Released on the Phillips label, this 2 disc cd contains music of a composer who was largely considered to be the first composer of German Romantic opera in the 19th century which would quickly become the vogue of influential composers such as the young Richard Wagner. Von Weber (pronounced "Von-Vay-bur") lived and composed at the time of Beethoven, though the two probably never crossed paths and Von Weber outlived Beethoven by a couple of years. The post-classical, early Romantic style of music which was prevalent at the time is clearly stamped into this beautiful music. This cd is the best introduction to his music and if you're already a fan, it is a supremely delightful collection.

The disc begins with three overtures to Weber's Romantic operas, which were trend-setters at the time: his most famous work, Die Freischutz, Oberon and Euryanthe. These energetic and musically perfected overtures are conducted by the remarkable conductor, Antal Dorati and his Concertgebuow Orchestra of Amsterdam. Invitation to the Dance, one of Weber's popular piece, is conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras and the London Symphony Orchestra. Nikit Magaloff is the solo pianist in the Konzert in F with Sir Colin Davis conducting. This is a truly breathtaking piano concerto one unlike I've ever heard. It is not quite Beethovenesque, nor Mozartian, but it is compelling and maintains a very elegant charm all the way. His First Symphony is on here, and sounds excellent. Also here is the rare opera Abu Hasan Overture as well as music Weber wrote for Clarinet. All in all this is a fine collection of his most beautiful and popular music.

Impressed Clarinet Student.......2000-02-04

I recently played the Weber Concerto 1 in a competition and bought the recording to help me with it. Weber is an incredible composer and I have found this CD to be inspiring and entertaining! It's a great set.

Average customer rating:

Awesome musicality
Fabulous? Yes!!!

The Fabulous Victoria De Los Angeles

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Songs Of Spain / De Los Angeles, et al
Very Best of
Massenet: Werther

ASIN: B000002S5G
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Sheherazade: Asie
Sheherazade: La Flute enchantee
Sheherazade: L'Indifferent
Cinq Melodies populaires grecques: Le Reveil de la mariee
Cinq Melodies populaires grecques: La-bas vers l'eglise
Cinq Melodies populaires grecques: Quel galant m'est comparable
Cinq Melodies populaires grecques: Chanson des cueilleuses de lentisques
Cinq Melodies populaires grecques: Tout gai!
Duex Melodies hebraiques: Kaddisch
Duex Melodies hebraiques: L'Enigme eternelle
L'Invitaiton au voyage
Phidyle
L'Enfant Prodigue: Recit. & Air de Lia: L'annee en vain chasse l'annee
Poeme de l'amour et de la mer: La Fleur des eaux
Poeme de l'amour et de la mer: Interlude
Poeme de l'amour et de la mer: La Mort de l'amour

Tracks:

Cinco Canciones Negras: Cuba dentro de un piano
Cinco Canciones Negras: Punto de habanera
Cinco Canciones Negras: Chevere
Cinco Canciones Negras: Cancion de cuna para dormir a un negrito
Cinco Canciones Negras: Canto negro
Coleccion de canciones amatorias: Llorad corazon
Coleccion de canciones amatorias: Iban al pinar
Cuatro madrigales amatorios: Con que la lavare?
Cuatro madrigales amatorios: Vos me matasteis
Cuatro madrigales amatorios: De donde venis, amore?
Cuatro madrigales amatorios: De los alamos vengo, madre
Cinco canciones playeras espanolas: Rutas
Cinco canciones playeras espanolas: Pregon
Cinco canciones playeras espanolas: Las 12
Cinco canciones playeras espanolas: El pescador sin dinero
Cinco canciones playeras espanolas: Coplilla
Quatre cancons: Canco de grumet
Quatre cancons: Cancon incerta
Quatre cancons: Maig
Quatre cancons: Anacreontica
La Dama d'Arago
El can dels ocells
Canco de Sega
El combat del somni: Damunt de tu nomes les flors
El combat del somni: Aquesta nit un mateix vent
El combat del somni: Jo et presentia com la mar
Triptic de Mossen Cinto: L'Harpa Sagrada
Triptic de Mossen Cinto: Lo violi de Sant Francesh
Triptic de Mossen Cinto: Sant Fransech i la cigala

Tracks:

Chansons de Bilitis: La Flute de Pan
Chansons de Bilitis: La Chevelure
Chansons de Bilitis: Le Tombeau des Naiades
Fetes galantes: En sourdine
Fetes galantes: Fantoches
Fetes galantes: Clair de lune
Noel de enfants qui n'ont plus de maisons
Chants populaires: Chanson espagnole
Chants populaires: Chanson francaise
Chants populaires: Chanson italienne
Chants populaires: Chanson Herbraique
Trois jours de vendange
Le Rossignol des lilas
Tristesse, Op. 6, No. 2
Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8, No. 1
Les Roses d'Ispahan, Op. 39, No. 4
Troujours (No. 2 de Trois Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21)
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: El pano murano
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Sequidilla murciana
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Asturiana
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Jota
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Nana
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Cancion
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Polo
Doce canciones gallegas: As florinas dos toxos
Triptico, Op. 45: Farruca
Villancicos: Pastorcito santo
Psyche
Soneto a Cordoba

Tracks:

Proserpina: E dove t'aggiri
Le violette
Joshua: Oh! had I Jubal's lyre
Der Tod und das Madchen, D. 531
Die schone Mullerin, D. 795: No. 2: Wohin?
D. 547: An die Musik
Op. 59, No. 8: Dein blaues Auge
Op. 84, No. 4: Vergebliches Standchen
Op. 27, No. 1: Chanson d'amour
Op. 46, No. 2: Clair de lune
Let Us Wander
Lost Is My Quiet
Schlaf in deiner engen Kammer
Ah! lamenta, oh bella Irene
Irish Songs: Oh! Would I Were But That Sweet Linnet
Irish Songs: He Promised Me At Parting
Irish Songs: They Bid Me Slight My Dermot Dear
Welsh songs: The Dream
Mignon und der Harfner, D. 877: Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt
Les Fleurs des landes: Le Trebuchet
Moglichkeit
Der Apfel
Schottische Ballade
Pastorale
Pleurs d'or
Sapphische Ode
La Partenza

Amazon.com

The word "fabulous" seems vulgar when applied to the Spanish diva whose delicately shaded voice encompassed music from the middle ages to the present. This four-disc compilation emphasizes her song repertoire, to which she brought warmth, intelligence, linguistic integrity and irresistible sincerity. Her dignity makes listeners want to come to her, and she rewards them with an intimate, personal experience, especially in this small-scale repertoire by Ravel, Debussy, Duparc, Fauré, lots of Spanish composers and German masters such as Schubert and Brahms. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Awesome musicality.......2006-07-26

This 4-CD set is a tribute to the concert career of the great Victoria de Los Angeles. The first 3 CDs show her totally at home in the art song of France and of her native Spain. In the French art songs, her silvery, creamy tone, her legendary legato and her perfect French diction make for wonderful and unforgettable performances. These include a sensual Scheherazade, magnificient singing in the Duparc songs and a phenomenal Poeme de L'amour et de la mer of Chausson (try to keep your eyes dry by the end of La mort de l'amour). In the Chausson, while de Los Angeles does not opt for the intensely Wagnerian approach, her sensitive singing more than does justice to the poetry and the feelings of the character. The Spanish songs showcase de Los Angeles at her most natural, flamboyant and attractive singing. The tunes are catchy, full of bouncy rhythms and De Los Angeles's fabulous voice never ceases to amaze. The 4th CD shows the wonderful chemistry between de Los angeles and the great Gerald Moore. While she does not erase memories of Fischer-Dieskau and Schwarzkopf in the Schubert selections, the Brahms songs are excellent and her Faure songs here are earth shaking in their elegance and refinement. The Italian and the famous Handel aria helps to prove De Los Angeles's reputation as an excellent bel canto singer. Her duets with Fischer-Dieskau are absolutely memorable and gorgeous.
The set comes with booklet including full words plus translations, helpful notes on De Los Angeles's concert career and a dozen of beautiful and rare black and white photos. Victoria de Los Angeles's concert career was as prolific as her legendary operatic performances and continued well after her retirement from the operatic stage. This introspective and almost encycopledic release is a real treat and is absolutely recommended. I totally agree with the editor's review who states that the word "fabulous" fails in every respect to fully capture the artistry of the Spanish soprano. Victoria de Los Angeles is definitely one of the most wonderful lyric sopranos of the 20th century and is one of the most heavenly artists to have ever graced the concert scene. A must-have for any collection.

Fabulous? Yes!!!.......1999-09-13

The album is a marvelous sampling of this great singer's artistry. Her performances of the French and Spanish composers are something special. The De Falla "Seven Popular Folksongs" are powerful, passionate; the last song, "Jota," raised the hair on the back of my neck.

I was delighted to see Faure's "Claire de lune" on the album, and equally delighted with De Los Angeles' elegant rendition of this work. The only recording of the song I've liked better is from an LP featuring Frederika Von Stade.

Tracks:

The Blue Danube, Op.314 - Vienna Johann Strauss Orch/Willi Boskovsky
The Skaters Waltz, Op.183 - Monte-Carlo Opr Orch/Willie Boskovsky
Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Waltz - LSO/Andre Previn
Emperor Waltz, Op.437 - Vienna Johann Strauss Orch/Willi Boskovsky
Masquerade: Waltz - Philharmonia Orch/Efrem Kurtz
Invitation To The Dance, Op.65 - VSO/Willie Boskovsky
Music Of The Spheres, Op.235 - VPO/Rudolf Kempe
Gold And Silver, Op.79 - VPO/Rudolf Kempe
Faust: Waltz - VSO/Willi Boskovsky
The Nutcracker, Op.71a: Waltz Of The Flowers - LSO/Andre Previn

Magdalena Kozená - Love Songs (Dvorak, Janacek, Martinu)

Average customer rating:

On the Subject of Intelligent and Sensitive Recitals
Lovely
A Beautiful Disc
A stunning burst onto the world stage
Wonderful songs, and a singer with great potential

Magdalena Kozená - Love Songs (Dvorak, Janacek, Martinu)
Antonin Dvorak , Bohuslav Martinu , Leos Janacek , Magdalena Kozená , and Graham Johnson
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Songs: Magdalena Kozena
Magdalena Kozená - Le belle immagini (Mozart, Gluck, Myslivecek)
Lamento
French Arias
Bach - Cantatas BWV 199, 179, 113 / Kozená · Towers · Padmore · Loges · Gardiner

ASIN: B00004SDO1
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

Love Songs: Oh, Our Love Does Not Bloom
Love Songs: Death Dwells In So Many A Heart
Love Songs: Now I Stumble Past The House
Love Songs: I Know That In Sweet Hope
Love Songs: Gentle Slumber Reigns Over The Countryside
Love Songs: Here In The Forest By A Brook
Love Songs: In The Sweet Power Of Your Eyes
Love Songs: Oh, Dear Matchless Soul
New Miniatures: The Rich Sweetheart
New Miniatures: The Forsaken Lover
New Miniatures: Lounging
New Miniatures: The Inquisitive Girl
New Miniatures: The Cheerful Girl
New Miniatures: The Unhappy Lover
New Miniatures: The Request
New Miniatures: The Tall Tower
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: Ponies On The Fallow Land
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: The Lost Little Slipper
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: A Religious Song
Songs For A Friend Of My Country: An Invitation
Four Songs: You Heartfelt Songs
Four Songs: Oh, That Was A Beautiful, Golden Dream
Four Songs: In Pain, My Heart Often Broods
Four Songs: Silence On The Mountains
Lullaby
Songs For One Page: Dew
Songs For One Page: Unlocking With A Single Word
Songs For One Page: Journey To The Beloved
Songs For One Page: The Footpath
Songs For One Page: At Mother's
Songs For One Page: The Virgin Mary's Dream
Songs For One Page: Rosemary
New Slovak Songs: So Tell Me
New Slovak Songs: I Had A Blouse
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Who Is The Posy For?
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: A Lover's Picture
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Little Posy
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Constancy
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Love
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: Parting
Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs: My Lover's Horses
Good Night, My Darling

Amazon.com

The composers Antonín Dvorák, Leos Janácek, and Bohuslav Martinu might not be the names that first spring to mind when love songs are mentioned, yet this fascinating collection gives us a taste of what delights we have been missing. They range from seven Moravian folk songs, collected by Janácek at the turn of the century, to songs written by Martinu in the U.S. in 1942. There's also early Martinu--including songs he collected in Slovakia in 1920--plus the world-premiere recording of Songs for a Friend of My Country, a cycle he wrote in France in 1940 on his way to America. All of these songs are of interest in giving us another aspect of each composer's work; most have much more to offer. Many are achingly lovely, especially those by Dvorák--including his Op. 2, a reworking of four songs from a cycle he had written almost 20 years earlier, and Love Songs, a revision of eight songs from the same cycle. "Good night, my darling," from his 1886 cycle In Folk Tone, is worth the price of this CD alone. Czech mezzo Magdalena Kozená, who put together the program, sings with pure, attractive tone. Graham Johnson is her excellent accompanist. --Richard Fawkes

Customer Reviews:

On the Subject of Intelligent and Sensitive Recitals.......2005-05-19

Combing the recorded literature to find CDs that showcase singers who not only own brilliant vocal gifts but who also possess the intelligence to program recordings of lesser known works in a sequence that makes for intelligent recitals, it is becoming more obvious that there are many singers who opt for purity of purpose rather than 'salesmanship' of careers in the PR arena. Magdalena Kozená is one of these gifted singers whose intelligence and sensitivity match her physical and vocal beauty.

LOVE SONGS is a tastefully selected panorama of lesser-known songs by Kozená's fellow countrymen (Czech) Antonín Dvorák, Leos Janácek, and Bohuslav Martinu. And while many of the Dvorák and Janácek songs have been occasionally heard in recitals, the Martinu "Songs for a Friend of My Country", an exquisitely beautiful work written in 1940, here receives its World Premiere recording. Kozená's voice is in prime condition for these songs and she is ably accompanied by pianist Graham Johnson. The special flavor of these Slavic emotions and songs has rarely been so well captured.

But over and above the beauty of Kozená's performance of these neglected masterpieces shines the glow of her sensitive programming. Recordings such as these are rare and should be included in the libraries of those who appreciate the lieder genre. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 05

Lovely.......2004-03-25

This is a beautifully performed selection of Czech lieder. Kozena has a lovely voice and sings with precision and nicely modulated emotion. The accompanying pianist, Graham Johnston, is excellent. Despite the title, not all these songs are love or romantic songs but all are well worth hearing. The selection of songs is excellent. Different listeners will prefer different songs. For me, the highlight of this recording are the rarely heard Martinu songs, many of which exhibit the lyrical aspect of his compositional style. Recommended strongly.

A Beautiful Disc.......2002-01-06

This is simply a magnificent recording. I like it better every time I put it on. The voice is fresh, supple, and expressive. I even find myself trying to learn some of the Czech words (from the translation in the booklet) they sound so nice. Both Kozena and the brilliant piano contributions by Graham Johnson are faithfully caught on the recording. There is enough variety and contrast that one doesn't tire in the least (over the generous 67 minutes of playing time) of hearing these playful, sometimes poignant, songs. One of the best discs, in terms of programming, performance, and sound quality, of the past couple of years.

A stunning burst onto the world stage.......2001-12-17

Magdalena Kozena is suddenly known around the world, thanks to this stunning disc of 42 lieder from her Czech homeland. Most of the songs are short - some come in under a minute, the longest 3-4 minutes. Each is a little gem and many have never been recorded before.

Kozena's voice is sheer delight. She does have resonances in her voice which are reminiscent of her compatriot, Lucia Popp, but is certainly a mezzo - although she has chosen her repertoire well so we hear no strain at the top. Her low resonances are delightful and consistent with her head voice. To compare Kozena's voice to that of the late diva (Popp), it is more pure, more consistent in tone from top to bottom, and doesn't have so much of the `squeezey' quality which Popp used to great effect in evincing the passion of her characters. Kozena can empty her voice of vibrato or let it out rich and full, and uses all her vocal resources to great effect in contrasting the individual songs. She has astoundingly mature lieder-singer's technique for such a young singer.

This recording rightly won a Gramophone award this year. Kozena deserves all the accolades she receives for this - doubtless all listeners will develop their own favourites from these delightful miniatures.

Wonderful songs, and a singer with great potential.......2000-10-08

What a wonderful, carefully thought out CD! Kozena obviously revels in these rarely performed songs by Dvorak, Martinu, and Janacek, and Johnson accompanies with his usual ease and sensitivity. What a pity the piano is balanced distantly -- we hear little of Johnson's variety of touch and dynamics. As for Kozena, she is obviously an intelligent musician with a voice of great potential. It is qutie beautiful as it is, yet the colour is still rather pale. Yes, there is something of the late Lucia Popp's timbre, yet it has little of Popp's depth and range of colour. BBC Legends released a CD of Popp a year ago which includes three Dvorak songs also sung by Kozena. The differences are quite marked -- while Kozena's timbre and interpretation suggests a dreamy yet earnest youth, Popp brings out an autumnal glow and a sharp pain that pierces at least this listener's heart. Kozena has started a wonderful career. Only time will tell how her voice will develop. I do hope it goes in the direction of Popp's unique lyric timbre. No one could ever equal Popp (perhaps it's obvious by now that Popp is my favorite singer of all time), but perhaps Kozena will become something of Popp's heir, while still being her own person. I hope so. But her musicality is not in question. Let's keep our ears open!

Average customer rating:

Paul Paray ... classical music's Lord of the Dance!
Truly Satanic.
"Fatal" Classical Music
Paray never was so inspired!
Epernay a la Paray

Paul Paray Conducts Dances of Death

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Bizet: Carmen Suite; Arlésienne Suites Nos. 1 & 2; Thomas: Mignon & Raymond Overtures
Paul Paray Conducts French Orchestral Music
Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody no 2
Chabrier: España, rhapsody; Bourrée fantasque
Antal Dorati Conducts

ASIN: B0000057M8
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

Mephisto Waltz
Invitation To Dance, Op. 65
Danse Macabre, Op. 40
'Shalome': Dance Of The Seven Veils
La Tragedie de Salome, Op. 50: I. (a) Prelude - (b) Danse des perles - II. (a) Lent - (b) Les Enchantements sur la mer - (c) Danse des eclairs - (d) Danse de l'effroi

Customer Reviews:

Paul Paray ... classical music's Lord of the Dance!.......2007-03-04

For those who only know Paray's "dance moves" in the light opera overtures he was so famous for playing, you might be surprised that he can do the same in these rather more serious compositions. Too often, conductors think that compositions such as those here need to be done in a lugubrious manner. Not so! And Paray proves it. You won't hear a better Danse Macabre than the one on this recording. And the Mephisto Waltz is performed here as a true dance -- not some sort of mini symphonic poem that you often hear with others. The Florent Schmitt Salome is one of the most successful renditions of the work ever recorded -- it was the first one in stereo, and it's outlasted all the others that have come since. All in all, a very satisfying musical experience.

Truly Satanic........2006-09-29

If you want music that is truly satanic, then look no further than "Dances Of Death." I like Classical music that has to do with death, and this one is no acception. Songs like "Dance Of The Macabre" are much better than those so-called Classical Opera works that don't have any feeling in them. This Cd truly has emotions that will chill you to the core. Highly recommended along with the three act Opera of The Omen. This is true Classical music. Buy it...if you dare.

"Fatal" Classical Music.......2005-10-18

Paul Paray and his Detroit Symphony Orchestra were top exponents of a variety of classical music in the post-World War II Era. Paray, born in French-Canada, became an American icon in classical music at a time when Bernstein, Karajan, Solti and other brand name conductors far outshone him. In this album, Paray creatively compiles fatalistic music- that is music in which death or tragedy is mixed with the art of dancing. The first track is Lizst's popular Mephisto Waltz, a frenzy of fingering on the piano. Liszt was known for having a penchant for music that was both sensual and even frightening in its primal force. Weber's Invitation to the Dance is a rondo for piano and sounds excellent in symphonic form. Saint Saens Danse Macabre is, inevitably, on this recording and sounds dark and lilting at the same time. Strauss' Salome and Schmitt's Salomes are two different versions of the same story. Herod's wicked daughter falls for the languishing Prophet John the Baptist and after he rejects her advances asks for his head on a platter. Schmidtt's version is the more obscure rendition while Strauss' opera is more popular. Both are excellent danceable but dark musical pieces. This is a great recording and if you are into this kind of music you will definately enjoy it.

Paray never was so inspired!.......2004-07-15

Paul Paray built literally to Detroit Symphony , elevating his average performances in a real triumph . He gave balance , nuance and above all a deep expresiveness in every page he conducted . His predilect taste for the french music , however was not a serious obstacle to win in other battlefields .
This album is the best proof for this statement . The Macabre dance or the Mephisto waltz until the moment has not any other recording that even gets close in fierce intensity, dyonisiac fire and powerful wildness .
Buy this one . Its interpretative values are so many that it's useless to describe with all the adjectives that deserves it.
Bravo for Paul Paray!

Epernay a la Paray.......2001-04-19

This disk is selling a lot of copies since it represents the finest of Epernay vintages at a Korbel price.

Absolutely the only thing I would argue with here is that Paray didn't use a soprano for the wordless descant in the Schmitt...here it's relegated to oboe, which Schmitt allowed, but what a soloist he is! Paray makes a case for Schmitt's counterpoint, of all things, but it makes superb sense: this is a ballet after all and the only way a dancer would hear what she needs from the pit is to hear the beat and the counterpoint. No one else has ever thought of it and it says quite a bit about the standard of Schmitt as a composer. As ever, you end up learning something every time you listen to one of Paray's uniformly inspired performances. Too bad he didn't essay Malipiero's Pantea which is designed idependently but separately for solo dancer!

The balance of the disk is no less exemplary. Everything sounds fresh, the orchestral execution is so astonishingly accomplished that it is no wonder Le Mousnier in his bio of Paray draws telling parallels with Toscanini. Yet Paray's not Toscanini--he's unique among maestri. If you read transcripts from Paray's rehearsals, the mystery only deepens as to what it was that he did to get such inordinately extraordinary results, such as this program demonstrates. He talks a lot, is very literate, tells lots of jokes, conveys his admiration of his musicians constantly.

But lots of great maestri have done that. We'll probably never know...and that's the mystery of great art.

Tracks:

Perpetuum Mobile, Op. 25
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Rudolph Wurther: Concert Etude on a Theme of Paganini 'La Campanella'
Invitation To The Dance, Op. 65
Hungarian Dance No. 5
Hungarian Dance No. 6
William Tell Overture
Hora Staccato
La Gioconda: Dance of the Hours

Amazon.com

Here's just what you've been waiting for: a collection of Viennese orchestral pops played by a roomful of accordions! The conductor also made the arrangements, except for one piece he wrote himself, which is the only bore on the program. Accordion freaks may be drool at the thought of a chance to hear Rossini's William Tell Overture played by this ensemble. But after hearing it even non-freaks will have to admit that the arrangements are tasty, the performances lively and involving. This is certainly a unique disc; it turns out to be surprisingly entertaining. The 1961 sound is still pretty lively. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

It Will Blow You Away!!!.......2000-09-12

I love this CD! I always have believed that the accordion had classical potential, and this recording proves it. This group is of the same class as any serious orchestra.

Wonderful - but ..........2000-05-10

I found Accordiorama to be a true delight. The only issue I have with the recording is the use of electronic instruments. Considering the date of the recording this is to be expected. I was truly hoping for a totally acoustic recording. I have played the accordion since childhood and have participated in accordion bands and appreciate the level of professionalism that went into the making of this album. I would recommend this recording to all accordion and/or music lovers.

At Last Accordiorama! on CD.......2000-03-10

When I was a boy growing up in Toronto Canada, I played the Accordion. Yeh I heard all the jokes. One day I bought a Vanguard L.P. called Accordiorama, by the Hohner Accordion Orch. Since I played in an all Accordion orchestra myself, playing classical music, I bought it. When I played the William Tell for my firends they couldn't believe how great it sounded. I wore it out. I even gave a copy to the legendary Garth Hudson of "The Band" who plays Accordion and he enjoyed it as well. I can't wait to hear this on CD. Thanks Amazon. com.

Average customer rating:

Good Stuff
perfect!
not so gripping if you weren't there....
Harnoncourt never boring
Yet Another Splendid VPO New Year's Concert From Harnoncourt

New Year's Concert 2003
Johann Strauss , Nikolaus Harnoncourt , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

New Year's Concert 2004
New Year's Concert (2002)
New Year's Concert 2005
2006 Neujahrskonzert - New Year's Concert
1992 New Year's Concert

ASIN: B00007BKJD
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Johann Strauss II: Kaiser-Franz-Joseph I. Rettungs-Jubel-Marsch op. 126
Johann Strauss II: Schatzwalzer op. 418; Treasure Waltz (from The Gypsy Baron)
Johann Strauss II: Niko-Polka op. 228
Johann Strauss II: Scherz-Polka op. 72, Joke Polka
Josef Strauss: Delirien (Walzer) op. 212; Delirium (Waltz)
Josef Strauss: Pjle-Mjle (Polka schnell) op. 161
Carl Maria von Weber: Aufforderung zum Tanz (Rondo brillant) op. 65, Invitation to the Dance
Johann Strauss II: Secunden (Polka francaise) op. 258
Johann Strauss II: Helenen-Polka op. 203

Tracks:

Johann Strauss II: Kaiser-Walzer op. 437, Emperor Waltz
Johann Strauss II: Bauern-Polka (Polka francaise) op. 276, Peasants' Polka
Johann Strauss II: Lob der Frauen (Polka mazur) op. 315, Praise of Women
Johann Strauss I: Chineser-Galopp op. 20, Chinese Galop
Johannes Brahms: Ungarischer Tanz Nr. 5 g-moll, Hungarian Dance no. 5 in G minor
Johannes Brahms: Ungarischer Tanz Nr. 6 D-Dur, Hungarian Dance no. 6 in D major
Johann Strauss II: Krvnungslieder (Walzer) op. 184, Coronation Songs
Johannes Strauss II: Leichtes Blut (Polka schnell) op. 319, Light of Heart
Johannes Strauss II: Furioso-Polka (Polka quasi galop) op. 260
New Year's Address
Johannes Strauss II: An der schvnen blauen Donau (Walzer) op. 314, The Blue Danube
Johann Strauss I: Radetzky-Marsch op. 228, Radetzky March

Customer Reviews:

Good Stuff.......2006-07-19

A couple years ago, I saw the 2002 Concert in an SACD bin and I decided to pick it up because I really like the SACD format. I was amazed to hear that it was an actual live recording. You don't usually hear clapping and cheering on classical CD's. The really amazing part is all the clapping during the Radetzky March. I was not aware that they show these every year. So I finally got to catch one on TV and I was impressed especially of the scenes of Vienna.

Anyways, I've been slowly picked up the rest of this series. I'll have to say that this one is not bad. I like and dislike that they mostly use STrausses. I like the Strausses because they create some very beautiful music, but I wish they would do some more composers. I also wish they would release more of these on SACD.

perfect!.......2005-01-22

This recording of the Wiener Philharmoniker's 2003 Concert conducted by Harnoncourt is excellent. This is a traditional and historical occasion. Harnoncourt really knows all-traditional dances (waltz, polka, czardas...) and his orchestra plays with emotion, impressive.

The concert opens with a majestic march,"The Jubilee March for return of Emperor franz Joseph I". After this fast prelude, the famous "Schatzwalzer" (Treasure Waltz) begins. And then there are two intermezzo-polkas : Niko-Polka and Scherz-Polka (especially the last is very interesting). And there is a waltz by brothr Josef Strauss: Delirien-Waltz. Harnoncourt says about Josef: I think, he is may be more romantic than Johann's. Josef paints like Turner, Johann paints like Caspar David Friedrich. And there is a guest-composer in the program of New Year Concert: Carl Maria von Weber and his famous "Invitation to the Dance" (originally for piano) with the succesful orchestration of Berlioz. And there are polkas again: Seconds-Polka and Hellenen-Polka.

At CD 2, begins with the celebratde "Emperor Waltz". This majestic and lovely waltz is one of my favourites. And then, there is brilliant and wonderful polka: Peasants' Polka. I will not say about the surprise of this polka! (But when you listen this, you will just love it!). And there is a unknown but very interesting and amazing galopp by Father Johann: Chinese-Galop.
And then, there is another and more famous guest-composer and very close friend of the "Waltz King": Johannes Brahms and his Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 in G-minor and No. 6 in B-falt major, orchestrated not by Dvorak, but by Friedrich Reichert, who the first orchestrator of these wondreful dances. And these versions discovered new, beacuse these are unpublishe manuscripts. And again a waltz: Coronation Songs. And the last polkas: famous "Light of Heart" and very nervous "Furioso-Polka". And the traditional encores beging with the New Year's Address of Harnoncourt and then, beautifully played "An der schönen Blauen Donau" and Father Johann's "Radetzky March" accompanied by claps the hands of the people, as usual! OK, but why this father Johann's Radetzky March played last and why the last piece doesn't of "the only rival of father" Johann II? Because, THE "FATHER" SAYS THE "LAST WORDS" USUALLY!!

This concert recorded reaaly excellent. I don't think about the critic, "this is not so gripping, if you weren't there". It is really worth-listening, without hesitation at all.

Highly recommended.

not so gripping if you weren't there...........2003-04-13

How quickly the world turns! At New Year's, filled with holiday cheer we hoped that our lives would improve. Barely four months later, anxiety about war and disease prevails. Memories of that happier time seem irrelevant. So too does this live recording of the 2003 Vienna New Year's Concert. The annual event is a social occasion, and criticizing the programming of light dance music from the time of Emperor Joseph I ignores the importance of tradition; it's rather like criticizing a 4th of July concert for having too many Sousa marches. Nevertheless, we are left with the equivalent of a 12-course banquet in which every dish is a meringue. Waltz fans, nostalgia buffs and escapists may enjoy this. The rest of us may want something meatier in our musical diet, especially now.

Polkas, Waltzes, Galops and Marches from the Strauss family make up the majority of the programme. Of these, most are by the Waltz King himself, Johann Strauss II. Performing this music, the Vienna Philharmonic should be the greatest orchestra in the world. They do play precisely, with impeccable intonation. The sparkling piccolo and raucous percussion of Johann Strauss I's Chinese Galop are delightful--the highlight of this two CD set. At other times, Nikolaus Harnoncourt's direction is reserved and somewhat emotionless. Warhorses like The Blue Danube and the Emperor Waltz may simply be too familiar to the performers. Not so to the audience-in one piece, apparently anxious to clap, the audience fills the pause before the coda with inappropriate applause. Clearly they enjoyed the event, but it is not as certain that we will be as thrilled with the recorded audio.

Harnoncourt never boring.......2003-03-20

Another fine Vienna New Years concert with a few new twists. The Weber Invitation to the Dance was a welcome addition, although it almost sounded out of place. However, the Brahms Hungarian Dances sounded perfectly appropriate and it is amazing they have never been programmed for these concerts before now. As always, Harnoncourt provides an interesting point of view. I was excited to see the Emperor Waltz for the first time in several years, and of course the familiar Blue Danube and Radetzky. The other novelties are delightful. I was personally a bit disappointed with the recording from a sound quality perspective. I don't think the recording is up to par with Harnoncourt's other New Year's recording in 2001, or with Ozawa's recording in 2002. Both of those were afforded better sound in my opinion. The sound is not as immediate here, but it is a marginal complaint in any case. Of course, the VPO are unsurpassed in this music and they play beautifully. It is an excellent value too as there are two discs for the price of one.

Yet Another Splendid VPO New Year's Concert From Harnoncourt.......2003-02-16

Once more the Vienna Philharmonic has made an inspired choice as its conductor for its annual New Year's Concert by choosing Nikolaus Harnoncourt again. The splendid musicologist/conductor offers a rather engaging selection of obscure works by the Strauss family coupled with such standard fare as the Emperor Waltz and the Blue Danube waltz, a brilliant Hector Berlioz orchestration of Carl Maria von Weber's Invitation to the Dance, and two of Johannes Brahms's Hungarian Dances. Of historical note this is the first time that works composed by Johann Strauss Sr., Johann Strauss Jr. and Josef Strauss have been performed during the same New Year's Concert program. Needless to say, the Vienna Philharmonic plays with ample enthusiasm for him, yielding some of the best performances I've heard at a New Year's Day Concert. The liner notes are indeed a celebration of Harnoncourt's longstanding ties to the orchestra and are well worth reading. And of course, the sound quality is splendid, though perhaps not nearly as fine as Harnoncourt's previous New Year's Concert recording with Teldec. Still, this two CD set will be sought after by fans of Nikolaus Harnoncourt, the Strauss family, and the Vienna Philharmonic.