An Orchestra of One

Track Listings
1. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (from Cantata No. 147, BMV 147) (J.S. Bach, arr. Myra Hess)    
2. Sheep May Safely Graze (from the Birthday Cantata, No. 208) (J.S. Bach, trans. Mary Howe)    
3. Beloved Jesu, We Are Here, BMV 731 (J.S. Bach, arr. Harriet Cohen)    
4. Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5 (Sergei Rachnaminoff)    
5. Daisies, Op. 38, No. 3 (Sergei Rachmaninoff)    
6. Liebesfreud (Fritz Kreisler, trans. Rachmaninoff)    
7. Troubled Water (Based on the spiritual Wade in the Water) (Margaret Bonds)    
8. The Man I Love    
9. Strike Up the Band    
10. I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise    
11. Who Cares?    
12. That Certain Feeling    
13. Fascinating Rhythm    
14. I Got Rhythm    
15. Waltz from Faust (Charles Gounod, trans. Franz Liszt)    
16. Varlaam’s Song (from Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov) (John Ogden)    
17. Chaconne in D minor (from Partita No. 2 in D minor) (J.S. Bach, trans. Robert Strassburg)    

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Clipper Erickson explores the amazing ability of the piano to become an orchestra in this program of brilliant and colorful transcriptions. Some of these are faithful representations of works in their original form while others are like a new creation indulging the wild imagination of the transcriber. From the comforting faithfulness of Bach, the sensuousness of Rachmaninoff, the jazzy style of Gershwin to the dazzling fantasies of Liszt and John Ogdon, Erickson takes the listener on a panoramic tour of the piano.

An Orchestra of One, Music, Ca Erickson, Classical Artists
25 Classical Favorites
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • classic music CD
  • Good for beginners
  • Great mix
  • Good for first-timer
  • 25 Classical Favorites cd
25 Classical Favorites

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
PolkasPolkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ChopinAll Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Ravel, MauriceRavel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RachmaninovAll Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SousaAll Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Concerto GrossiConcerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
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GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000058HT
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

  1. Eine Klein Nachtmusik: (I. Allegro)
  2. Nutcracker Suite: (Russian Dance)
  3. The Four Seasons, Op. 8: (Spring: I. Allegro)
  4. Hungarian Dance No. 5 In G Minor
  5. Symphony in D, K. 161 - 163: (III. Presto)
  6. Waltz In D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1
  7. Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
  8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, S. 1048: (III. Allegro)
  9. Swan Lake: (Dance Of The Swans)
  10. Carmen Suite No. 2: (Habanera)
  11. Messiah: (Overture)
  12. Wind Serenade 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
  13. Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 12: (III. Allegro)
  14. Water Music: (Overture)
  15. Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite, Op. 66: (Panorama)
  16. Symphony No. 26 In E-flat Major, K. 184: (III. Allegro)
  17. Waltz No. 10 In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
  18. Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor, S. 1041: (III. Allegro)
  19. Water Music: (Lentement)
  20. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049: (II. Andante)
  21. Habanera
  22. Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat Major, K. 447: (II. Romanza)
  23. Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: (Variation No. 18)
  24. Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
  25. Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars classic music CD.......2007-06-27

The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.

4 out of 5 stars Good for beginners.......2007-02-15

It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

4 out of 5 stars Great mix.......2007-02-14

All the best composers! Over an hour of music. A samble of the greatest pieces.

5 out of 5 stars Good for first-timer.......2007-01-22

This is the first time I have ever bought a classical music CD and I was very pleased with this one. It has a good variety of selections. I would buy it again.

5 out of 5 stars 25 Classical Favorites cd.......2007-01-06

This CD has so many of my favorite, lively classical music -- love it!!
Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Selection is not good
  • Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies
  • Saved My Sanity
  • A Very Pleasant CD for Little Ones in the Car
Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

PolkasPolkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Classical (c.1770-1830)Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances
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  1. Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
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ASIN: B0009AJK3O
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

  1. Orchestra Tune-Up
  2. Bartered Bride Overture
  3. Symphony 5, 1st Movement
  4. The Four Seasons, Autumn, RV293, 1st Movement
  5. Divertimento In F, K.138, 1st Movement
  6. March Militaire
  7. Symphony 5, 4th Movement
  8. Annen Polka
  9. Capriccio Espagnol, Alborada
  10. Trish-Trash Polka
  11. Concerto In C, RV537, 3rd Movement
  12. Capriccio Espagnol, Fandango
  13. The Four Seasons, Spring, RV269, 1st Movement
  14. Serenade For Strings, Waltz
  15. The Bartered Bride, Polka
  16. Symphony 100, 'Military' 2nd Movement
  17. Piano Sonata 15, Op.28, 4th Movement
  18. Waltz In G Flat Op.70, No.1
  19. Symphony 101, 'Clock' 2nd Movement
  20. 6 Children Pieces, Op.72, 2nd Movement
  21. Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Selection is not good.......2006-07-27

This tape is short and the melodies are not engaging for kids. It was waste of money.

5 out of 5 stars Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies .......2006-02-23

Hello everyone,
This CD is great!
My son has ADD & when we are out & he gets Anxious I put this CD in his portibale CD player.
It seems to help him calm down & better cope with things.
I think that every parent should have this CD that has a special needs child.
Thanks so much for putting it online for people to buy.
Thanks Again,
A Greatfull Mom

5 out of 5 stars Saved My Sanity.......2005-11-03

My husband and I are musicians so I inwardly groaned when we were given this CD as a gift--I'd rather play the originals rather than some synthesized kiddie version. However, on a recent road trip we got desperate when our colicky son would not stop screaming. We popped this in the CD player and it calmed him down immediately. I swear, it's like aural crack for babies. We now play it at bedtime to help calm him down and it still works. You may not love this CD, but your baby will.

4 out of 5 stars A Very Pleasant CD for Little Ones in the Car.......2005-11-01

I picked this up for driving around music and was very pleasantly surprised. Quite enjoyable (and my son seems to like it too!) and perfect for exactly what it says--traveling around. Easy listening and could possibly make your child smarter, great!
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • something to have
  • Excellent Music
  • buy now
  • Lovely
  • Aesthetically Pleasing
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ChopinAll Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Granados, EnriqueGranados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Grieg, EdvardGrieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LisztAll Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Robert SchumannAll Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ShostakovichAll Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by DebussyAll Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RachmaninovAll Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
EtudesEtudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
BagatellesBagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
VariationsVariations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000059Q4Q
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

  1. II: Andante - Stephen Hough
  2. I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
  3. Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
  4. Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
  5. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
  6. II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
  7. Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
  8. Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
  9. Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
  10. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
  11. Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
  12. La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
  13. Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
  14. Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
  15. Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
  16. Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
  17. Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
  18. II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

  1. II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
  2. II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
  3. Aria - Maria Tipo
  4. II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
  5. Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
  6. Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
  7. II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
  8. An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
  9. Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
  10. II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
  11. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
  12. Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
  13. II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
  14. Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
  15. Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
  16. Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
  17. Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
  18. Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

5 out of 5 stars buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

5 out of 5 stars Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

5 out of 5 stars Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

Moulin Rouge 2
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Wow.
  • Love this CD
  • Could it get any better?
  • Moulin rouge tried to fill up the GAP
  • ahahahahaha
Moulin Rouge 2

Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005YW4Z
Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

  1. Your Song
  2. Sparkling Diamonds [Original Film Version]
  3. One Day I'll Fly Away
  4. The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular) [Original Film Version]
  5. Come What May [Original Film Version]
  6. Like a Virgin [Original Film Version]
  7. Meet Me in the Red Room [Original Film Version]
  8. Your Song
  9. The Show Must Go On [Original Film Version]
  10. Ascension/Nature Boy (From the Death and...)
  11. Bolero (Closing Credits) [Original Film Version]

Amazon.com

There are but two kinds of people in the world: Those captivated by Baz Luhrmann's heady, postmodernist musical romp Moulin Rouge--and everybody else. Oddly, the film's initial soundtrack release may have been the project's most traditional element, marketing a slate of pop-star contributions that gave listeners a sometimes-skewed perspective on its true musical charms. This follow-up corrects much of that oversight, offering original film versions of "Sparkling Diamonds" (the lavish, Nicole Kidman-performed medley of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and "Material Girl"), Jim Broadbent's and Richard Roxburgh's loopy take on "Like a Virgin," as well as the lively Offenbach "Can Can" parody "The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular)." It also pays homage to the efforts of composer Craig Armstrong, whose quietly compelling underscore often binds the film's other far-flung musical influences together, be they stately orchestral readings of Elton John's "Your Song," a dramatic arrangement for Kidman and Ewan MacGregor's original film duet of "Come What May," or his dark, melodramatic take on Queen's "The Show Must Go On." The first Moulin Rouge soundtrack collection flaunted the film's bold, cross-genre ambitions; this one chronicles its nakedly emotional heart and soul. --Jerry McCulley

Album Details

Volume Two Includes the Memorable Renditions of 'like a Virgin' and 'your Song' and 'the Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular).' It also features a Mix of the Nicole Kidman Song 'one Day I'll Fly Away.'

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wow........2007-01-15

I must say...I was very glad when they released Part Two of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Don't get me wrong...the first part was great and all, but it was nothing spectacular. I was specifically looking for certain songs from the movie, and I was completely disappointed when they were on there. The release of a second soundtrack was, in my opinion, an absolute necessecity.

The highlights of the album are:

-Your Song (Instrumental)
-Sparkling Diamonds (original film version)
-Come What May (original film version)
-The Show Must Go On (original film version)

In my opinion, "The Show Must Go On" is the best song on this album...it was just so perfect for the ending of the movie, and I fell in love with the song. I was so disappointed that it wasn't on the first soundtrack. This song is part of what makes the second soundtrack so amazing...the song is fierce!!

If you love the movie and are a fan of the first soundtrack, then definitely, get this one. Many of the songs are versions taken straight from the movie - I recommend this with 4.5 stars...you will NOT be disappointed!

5 out of 5 stars Love this CD.......2006-07-04

I love everything about this movie. The music is amazing and the instrumental songs on this CD are perfect. The first CD seemed to be more for a bunch of teenyboppers that wanted to hear the worst song on the whole CD (Lady Marmalade). If only they could combine the good songs from the first CD into this one.

I gave this 5 stars even though it's about a 4.5 because they split the soundtrack over two seperate cds.

5 out of 5 stars Could it get any better?.......2006-03-02

So i thought that the first instalment in these soundtracks was great (and it was) but the purchase of this sequel is a must if you want the full effect. With the original film versions of these songs, sung by the stars of the movie, you get the real feel that was the magnifisence of Moulin Rouge! Ewan McGregor is still by far the star, with his talent spilling over the dramatic lovesong 'Come What May' and 'Your Song', but Nicole's brilliant performance as Satine definatly takes front and center in 'One Day I'll Fly Away' and the film version of 'Sparkling Diamonds'...I have noticed that many complain about how the first soundtrack did not include the film version of this song...well you need this CD then...you will not be dissapointed. Other highlights include 'Like a Virgin' which is downright histarical, and the dark cover of 'the show must go on' which highlights the tragidy behind this tightly woven tale. THis is one must have soundtrack for your ever growing collection. A perfect companion to soundtrack number 1!

4 out of 5 stars Moulin rouge tried to fill up the GAP.......2006-02-12

This contains many great tracks missing from the original soundtrack, including Like A Virgin, Spectacular Spectacular and The Show Must Go On. I thought the inclusion of two instrumental versions of Your Song might be a bit redundant, but upon listening to them I really enjoyed them and they are quite different from one another. OK, it's not the best soundtrack that could have been put out. But it's pretty darn close. One thing that many DEDICATED fans of the movie (including myself) said is that the original movie soundtrack lacked the actual original movie score. There are 10+ songs in "Moulin Rouge" and many didn't make the final cut.

Baz did the smart thing, taking the audiences favorite music, a few gems from the first soundtrack such as "Come What May" and "Sparkling Diamonds" as well as a few new songs, like "Like a Virgin", "The Show Must Go On" and "The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular)" and releasing the Original Film versions, allowing for the amazing vocal performances of the actors, including the fabulous Jim Broadbent, to be shine through. Also, released is background music "Meet Me in the Red Room", played during Christian's arrival in the elephant, marking the only non-actor/orchestral piece within the context of the CD.

One thing that this soundtrack included that I didn't expect was several orchestral pieces that were mostly used as background music throughout the film. "Your Song - Instrumental" (#1) has personally become a favorite and is constantly being repeated in the CD player. Also included is the ending credits music "Bolero" and the final piece ... known as "Ascension/Nature Boy". Also included is a remix of "One Day I'll Fly Away", and like all MR remixes, is a little tough to listen to at first but after repeat listening, it becomes music to your ears.

To all you MR diehards out there: this is a must. Not like I could stop you anyways. To others who haven't been introduced to the spectacular (spectacular) world of Moulin Rouge, this is a great introductory piece, especially side-by-side with the first soundtrack.

4 out of 5 stars ahahahahaha.......2006-02-01

Everything the other customers are saying is true: more music from the film, thankyouverymuch, not irritating pop conceits like the first. However, I would not have reviewed this album unless I found it absolutely necesary to point out that, in the climactic moments of track 5 "Come What May," Ewan MacGregor's voice is for some reason missing and replaced by a bizarre, operatic man's voice. It truly had me crying with laughter the first few times I heard it, and I wanted to share this wondrous discovery with the world.
Let Yourself Go
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • One of the best ever!
  • Kristen Chenowith
  • Has its moments
  • Great CD!
  • This woman has what it takes, and then some...
Let Yourself Go
Kristin Chenoweth , Jule Styne , George Gershwin , Richard Rodgers , Jeanine Tesori , Kurt Weill , Jerome Kern , Vincent Youmans , Ricky Ian Gordon , Richard Dworsky , Lawrence Ellington Duke / Brown , Harry Warren , Bobby Troup , Jason Alexander , Irving Berlin , Rob Fisher , and The Coffee Club Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. As I Am
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  4. Leonard Bernstein's Candide (Great Performances)
  5. Meredith Willson's The Music Man (TV Film)

ASIN: B000059T4T
Release Date: 2001-05-29

Tracks:

  1. Let Yourself Go
  2. If
  3. How Long Has This Been Going On?
  4. My Funny Valentine
  5. Hanging Around with You (with Jason Alexander)
  6. The Girl in 14G
  7. I'll Tell the Man in the Street
  8. I'm a Stranger Here Myself
  9. Nobody Else But Me
  10. Nobody's Heart Belongs to Me/Why Can't I?
  11. Should I Be Sweet?
  12. He's Just an Ordinary Guy
  13. Going to the Dance with You
  14. On a Turquoise Cloud
  15. You'll Never Know
  16. Daddy

Amazon.com

Kristin Chenoweth won a Tony for the supporting role of Sally Brown in the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, made a memorably vampy Lily in the 1999 television film of Annie, and had an NBC sitcom created for her, Kristin! Now she grabs the spotlight in Let Yourself Go, her first solo recording. She mixes torchy standards ("My Funny Valentine," "How Long Has This Been Going On?") with Faith Prince-style sauciness ("If"), gets to show off her operatic and scat chops in the miniplay "The Girl in 14G," and shares a light duet with Jason Alexander (reviving his musical theater career post-Seinfeld). Perhaps her "Stranger Here Myself" isn't the weightiest you've ever heard, but this is an enjoyable album with a good deal of old-fashioned class, expertly accompanied by Rob Fisher and the Coffee Club Orchestra. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of the best ever!.......2007-04-24

Do I mean the best album or the best singer? You are correct if you said both! I saw Kristin Chenoweth on a PBS show "Broadway's Best at the Pops," (though it was not the first time I had heard her) and decided to check out the offerings here. This is a collection of the kind of music and performances I love. She has a great range, a precise pitch, and a great style that is at the same time true to the music and to herself. In an era when singers try to outdo each other re-interpreting the composer's original work, not usually with great success, she is a blessing!

5 out of 5 stars Kristen Chenowith.......2007-02-26

I bought this CD for the Girl in 14G. Yes, it's that good...

4 out of 5 stars Has its moments.......2007-02-19

After watching Candide endlessly and going to see Ms. Chenoweth in The Apple Tree, I was hungry for something more portable to listen to. At times this fits the bill, but what surprised me the most is how thin her voice comes across on this recording. Perhaps it was the joy of seeing her live that has ruined this listener; perhaps I need to upgrade my aging music system. Then again, maybe the recording is just not as good as Ms. C singing Bernstein or as good as staring at Ms. C command a Broadway stage.

4 out of 5 stars Great CD!.......2007-01-19

I truly enjoy listening to this CD. Kristin Chenoweth's vocal style and abilities are very well-matched to the songs selected for this album. If you enjoy classic, older-style Broadway/popular tunes, I would highly recommend this CD. Ms. Chenoweth has a bright, expressive voice and does a fantastic job with this material.

As with any full-length CD, there are a couple of songs I am not as crazy about, but that has to do with the songs themselves, not Ms. Chenoweth's vocal performance. Overall, I love this album and have listened to it several times now, since receiving it as a Christmas gift last month.

5 out of 5 stars This woman has what it takes, and then some..........2007-01-12

Kristin Chenoweth brings new life to some timeless Broadways tunes while introducing a few wonderful new ones. This high pitched vocal goddess effortlessly provides for a nearly flawless and easy listening experience. I definitly recommend this CD for anyone who enjoys jazz vocals, showtunes, or just a new spin on some old classics.
Piano Favorites
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Elegance at the piano
  • VALUE FOR MONEY
  • Good bang for the buck.
  • Really good price.
Piano Favorites

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Chopin: Preludes & Nocturnes

ASIN: B000000UVY
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

  1. Fantasie Impromptu in C-sharp minor, OP.66
  2. Waltz No.15 in A-flat, Op.39
  3. Rondo all turca from Sonata in A, K.331
  4. Minuet in G
  5. Traumerei Op.15 No.7 (from Kinderzenen)
  6. Un sospiro
  7. Etude in C-sharp minor, Op.10 No.4
  8. Etude in G-flat, Op.10 No.5
  9. Humoresque, Op.101 No.7
  10. 'Fur Elise' (Bagatelle Wo0.59)
  11. Claire de lune (Suite Bergamasque, No.3)
  12. Golliwog's Cakewalk (Coin des enfants, No.6)
  13. Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op.3 No.2
  14. Melody in F, Op.3 No.1
  15. The Cuckoo
  16. La fille aux cheveux de lin (from Preludes Book I)
  17. Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op.64 No.2
  18. Waltz in G-flat, Op.70 No.1
  19. Jeux d'eau
  20. Gymnopedie No.1 (Lent et douloureux)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Elegance at the piano.......2007-06-16

I grew up listening to Moura Lympany's playing, especially Litolff's Scherzo. Never could understand how a person could play with absolute control at high speed. In this recording, most (though not all - the Etude in C# minor an obvious exception)of the music is more laid back, and played with great grace and with the controlled touch of a pianist at the peak of her career.
The ambience of the recording is a wide open one, giving us the full clear sound that makes listening to a grand piano to enjoyable.
If you enjoy listening to good piano music, this is a recording that you will enjoy a great deal.

4 out of 5 stars VALUE FOR MONEY.......2006-08-24

Dame Moura is my favourite pianist. Her great style and sublety of expression comes out in all her recordings. this CD is the best value for money ever!!

4 out of 5 stars Good bang for the buck........2005-12-07

I was killing some time in the store the other day and was in the mood for a cheap CD for the car for the ride home. I ran across this and saw a few recognizable titles so for about $5 I figured I'd take a chance. I'm fairly impressed, I wasn't crazy about some of her dynamics in Un Sospiro plus her little added frill in there but still enjoyed it...I'd learned that piece myself years back, still can't play it and probably never will! Another piece I've known for years is the infamous Rachmaninov Prelude in C#m. Again, I wasn't crazy about some of the dynamics of her style but she still nails it without a hitch. Then I got to some other interesting pieces, I love the Debussy Golliwog's Cakewalk...really sticks in your head. Sort of a classisized (?) ragtime and it's cool enough that I'm going to dig through my music and see if I don't have it somewhere. I thought the Chopin Etude in C#m was absolutely fabulous, she just cooks through it from beginning to end. I probably have the music for that too...I'm not even going to attempt it! ;-) In fact, I liked all the Chopin she plays here, it seems she had a real flair for his music. Without going on forever here I'll just say that there are several tracks I listen to extensively on here and I'm fairly impressed. For a lousy $5 how can you go wrong? Just buy the thing! I'd never heard of her before so I just did a little 'net searching and I'm saddened to find that she just passed away about 8 months ago at age 88, truly a loss to the classical music world. In any case, even at twice the price I doubt anyone would be disappointed with this CD.

5 out of 5 stars Really good price........2002-06-15

This is a great CD and you can't beat the price. These piano compositions are great for restful backgroud music after a hard day. I want to get a second one for when this one wears out.
20 Years of Beautiful Music
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 20 Years of Beautiful Music
  • not good for dancing
  • Perfect easy-listening fare...
  • Wonderful Memories!
  • Beautiful in every way.......
20 Years of Beautiful Music
101 Strings Orchestra
Manufacturer: Alshire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000000KQH
Release Date: 1996-05-21

Tracks:

  1. Memory (From Cats)
  2. Music Box Dancer
  3. Don't Cry For Me Argentina
  4. New York, New York
  5. Nancy's Song
  6. Feelings
  7. A Taste Of Soul
  8. Elvira madigan Theme
  9. Summer Of '42
  10. Aura Lee (Love Me Tender)
  11. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
  12. This Guy's In Love With You
  13. Scarborough Fayre
  14. Everybody Loves Somebody
  15. Strangers In The Night
  16. The Shadow Of Your Smile
  17. Girl From Ipanema
  18. Call Me Irresponsible
  19. Guantanamera
  20. Moon River

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 20 Years of Beautiful Music.......2007-05-07

I really am enjoying the arrangements of the old classics here. A nice CD to provide unobtrusive background music for a calming environment.

2 out of 5 stars not good for dancing.......2006-12-31

I bought this thinking it would be a nice change for recital music....I think it would put the audience to sleep. The 2nd track would have been perfect but it adds in the stupid drums...it was trying too hard.

5 out of 5 stars Perfect easy-listening fare..........2006-09-17

I put this CD in the car anytime I'm going on a relaxing drive or anytime I'm headed to somewhere like Wal-mart that makes my stress-level rise. The 101 Strings are a timeless entity--you might not like this sort of music, but you have to understand that perhaps if YOU were to become famous, they would make an album of YOUR hits as well.

If I could cut one song from the album, it would be "New York, New York"--the piano bridge seems like an interruption.

But this is Easy Listening/Beautiful Music at its finest.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Memories!.......2006-08-27

Having listened to 101 Strings many years ago, this CD brought back so many wonderful memories of this style of music. I found this recording to be relaxing and enjoyable.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful in every way..............2006-08-06

Great cd its too bad that artists like 101 Strings,Mantovani, Percy Faith et al can only be heard on "pay radio" like satellite & cable and all the cds are produced outside the US (!) Nontheless keep buying them until the record companies realize there is profits in this market.
The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II
  • Great music listein to while you read in bed
  • A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan.
  • A bliss of spirit.
  • Boring
The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
Gabriel Faure , Frederic Chopin , Antonio Vivaldi , Gustav Mahler , Claude Debussy , Sir Neville Marriner , Maris Jansons , Lorin Maazel , Sir Adrian Boult , Miklos Rozsa , Riccardo Muti , Stephen Cleobury , Sir John Barbirolli , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus , Academy of St. Martin in the Fields , and Berlin Philharmonic
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
  2. The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
  3. The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
  4. Mozart for Relaxation
  5. Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B00002439O
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

  1. Sheep May Safely Graze - Sir Neville Marriner
  2. Serenade In G 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Sir Neville Marriner
  3. Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor, Op.26 - II. Adagio - Yedudi Menuhin
  4. Nocturne No.2 In E Flat Op.9 No.2 - John Ogdon
  5. Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
  6. Schindler's List - Tasmin Little
  7. Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
  8. Dance Of The Sylphs - Sir Neville Marriner
  9. Water Music - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
  10. Symphony No.9: II. Largo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
  11. Jean De Florette - Toots Thielemans
  12. Concerto For Lute And Two Violins - II. Largo - Anthony Bailes
  13. Cello Concerto In E Minor Op.85 - III. Adagio - Jacqueline De Pre
  14. Waltz No.15 In A Flat - Dame Moura Lympany
  15. Romance - Piers Lane
  16. Pavane - Maurice Handford
  17. Woodbrook - Micheal O Suilleabhain
  18. Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra

Tracks:

  1. The Four Seasons - Concerto No.1 In E 'Spring' - Yehundi Menuhin
  2. Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - New Philharmonia Orchestra
  3. Double Violin Concerto In D Minor - II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin
  4. Prelude No.7 In A Op.28 No.7 - Tzimon Barto
  5. Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
  6. The Lark Ascending - Hugh Bean
  7. 'Pathetique Sonata Op.13 - II. Adagio Cantabile - Leonard Pennario
  8. Pie Jesu - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
  9. Salut D'Amour - Richard Hickox
  10. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (The Girl With Flaxen Hair) - Dame Moura Lympany
  11. The Coventry Carol - Medeval Babes
  12. Pavane For A Dead Princess - New Philharmonia Orchestra
  13. Liebestraum No.3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
  14. Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
  15. Piano Concerto No.2 In F Op.102 - II. Andante - Dmitri Alexeev
  16. Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
  17. Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor - IV. Adagietto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
  18. My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II.......2006-08-28

Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged. Good album for a tag sale. Same comment applies for Volume I.

5 out of 5 stars Great music listein to while you read in bed.......2005-08-21

I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night. I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

5 out of 5 stars A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan........2004-10-22

I bought Vol. 1 of this series and was quite satisfied, but I have to say I'm more than satisfied with this one. If you can just mellow out and enjoy some great pieces, you'll love this CD. #15 on Disc 2 is almost worth the price alone!

5 out of 5 stars A bliss of spirit........2004-09-18

That's disc will open You a wonderful, beautiful world of sounds, their harmony & emotion : you'll feel your heart full of
Joy, Tears, Love.
Good LUCK!

2 out of 5 stars Boring.......2004-05-11

Yes this CD will put you to sleep in minutes. Its the most boring uninspiring classical music. The first CD was very good but this Vol. 2 is like most movie sequels....AWFUL !
Grieg: Greatest Hits
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful!!!
  • Relaxes your mind.
  • Relaxing music from a great composer
  • Better than just an introduction
  • Great CD
Grieg: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002A21
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

  1. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Morning Mood
  2. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Ase's Death
  3. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Anitra's Dance
  4. Peer Gynt Suite No.1: In The Hall Of The Mountain King (Peer Gynt Suite #1)
  5. Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 16: I Allegro molto moderato
  6. Norwegian Dance, Op. 35 No. 2
  7. Sigurd Jorsalfar: Homage March
  8. Jeg elsker dig, Op. 5: Jeg elsker dig, Op. 5 (Ich liebe dich)
  9. Lyric Suite, Op. 54: No. 3: Norwegian March
  10. Two Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: No. 1: Heartwounds
  11. Two Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: No. 2: The Last Spring
  12. Lyric Suite, Op. 54: No. 4: March of the Trolls
  13. Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: I The Abduction of the Bride - Ingrid's Lament (Peer Gynt Suite No. 2
  14. Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: II Arabian Dance
  15. Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: III Solvejg's Lullaby
  16. Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: IV Peer Gynt's Return Home

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful!!!.......2007-05-14

I bought this for my husband but fell in love with it myself. I had never heard of it but now consider Edvard Grieg my favorite composer. It is magnificent.

5 out of 5 stars Relaxes your mind........2005-12-30

The peer gynt suite is very delicate and it relaxes me. Whenever I hear the first movement of Peer Gynt, I feel as if I am walking along the forest at dawn with sunshine passing through the tall trees. It calms me and I usually close my eyes to imagine Grieg's creative masterpiece. What also interests me the fourth movement. It starts with slow and quiet and then slowly the music accelerates with power. Like the title, "Mountain King," says itself, you can feel the grandness of the music toward the end.

The piano concerto in a minor is my favorite. This music seem to convey the full spectrum from quiet and delicate or gracious feel of music to more powerful and magnificent all proportionally adequately. It is very enjoyable. Whenever I listen to this music, I feel as if I am resting in the high mountainn looking at the full panorama. Anyway, that's just my imagination I feel from his music and of course, yours can be very different from mine.

As for the CD quality, I hear no distraction sound and it is recorded well, I think. The little cover booklet can be informative about Grieg. Also nice price from Amazon.

4 out of 5 stars Relaxing music from a great composer.......2005-08-02

I absolutely loved the string music on Track 3. I remembered it from an old PC RPG called Quest for Glory IV. I was disappointed to find out that Track 4 was only a minute and a half long, because I grew up loving that song from the various places I heard it (Fantasia and a kid Detective PC game from the late 80's).
Overall, though, Grieg's greatest hits is a must-have for collectors of classical music. Grieg is revered as Norway's greatest composer of all time and he certainly has a knack for creating imagery of bustling fjords and majestic mountainsides with interlaced river ravines.

5 out of 5 stars Better than just an introduction.......2004-04-28

This CD goes beyond just introducing Grieg. It is a truly beautiful and for me, invaluable collection of this excellent composer. Grieg had an inimitable gift for exploring emotion, often sadness and nostalgia. However, he also had a large touch of the virtuoso, as demonstrated by the famous Piano Concerto. True, the last 2 movements are not included here; however, the first is still stunning. The Peer Gynt Suites are wonderfully played, and Ase's Death and Heartwounds are especially noteworthy - the lush orchestral sounds of these gorgeous pieces unfold exquisitely. Homage March is a nice change of pace, upbeat and with a memorable theme, and Leonard Bernstein moves at a devilish pace in March of the Trolls. This CD will not disappoint you - buy it today!

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2002-01-29

For an intro to Greig, this is great. The "hall of the mountain king" is done very well.
Chess
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • This should never have worked at all
  • A GREAT AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED MUSICAL FROM THE 80-IS
  • Chess
  • One of my favorites!
  • Concepts get better with practice
Chess
Bjorn Ulvaeus , and Tim Rice
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Chess (1988 Original Broadway Cast)
  2. Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
  3. Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
  4. A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)

ASIN: B000002GLR
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

  1. Merano - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Murray Head
  2. The Russian And Molokov/ Where I Want To Be - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Tommy Korberg/Denis Quilley
  3. Opening Ceremony - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Bjorn Skifs
  4. Quartet (A Model Of Decorum And Tranquility) - Elaine Paige/Tommy Korberg/Denis Quilley/Bjorn Skifs
  5. The American And Florence/Nobody's Side - Elaine Paige/Murray Head
  6. Chess - LSO/Anders Eljas
  7. Mountian Duet - Elaine Paige/Tommy Korberg
  8. Florence Quits - Elaine Paige/Murray Head
  9. Embassy Lament - Tommy Korberg/The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas
  10. Anthem - Tommy Korberg

Tracks:

  1. Bangkok
  2. One Night In Bangkok
  3. Heaven Help My Heart
  4. Argument
  5. I Know Him So Well
  6. The Deal (No Deal)
  7. Pity The Child
  8. Endgame
  9. Epilogue: You And I / The Story Of Chess

Amazon.com

Chess is a musical that sounds like it shouldn't work but instead succeeds surprisingly well. This is the original concept album that was recorded before the musical was staged in London. Chess is the story of a love triangle told against the backdrop of an international chess tournament during the height of the cold war. The composers are Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (the Bs in ABBA) and the lyrics are by Tim Rice, who supplied the words for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, as well as Disney's Aladdin (with Howard Ashman), The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast. The six-member cast does a beautiful job with the songs, which are a combination of ballads, rock, and operatic choruses. Murray Head's version of "One Night in Bangkok" became a surprise hit in the mid-'80s and it still turns up on the turntables in dance clubs around the world. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars This should never have worked at all.......2007-06-18

And on that basis alone, you've got to cut it some slack. Fortunately, not all that much slack turns out to be necessary.

While "Chess" may be a document of an era that no longer exists, there's a lot more going on than the surface metaphor. It holds up very well indeed. When it aims for humor, it generally succeeds, and likewise when it aims to devastate. What more can you ask for?

5 out of 5 stars A GREAT AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED MUSICAL FROM THE 80-IS.......2007-03-04

`Chess' is a musical that should be counted among the best of what the 1980-is had produced: side by side with `Cats', `The Phantom of the Opera', `Les Miserables' or `Miss Saigon'. The score as heard on this concept album, written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (formerly of ABBA) and with the exceptional lyrics written by Tim Rice, stand proof to this. And yet, due to various reasons, like the changing of the director half way through London staging; a heavy rewrite for Broadway and a pan review from Frank Ritch (a.k.a. `The Butcher of Broadway'), `Chess' seems to be unjustly neglected.

This concept album is the main reason why the show has so many ardent fans until this day. Tim Rice wanted to write the show with the main plot revolving around chess for years and after his long time partner Andrew Lloyd Webber remained uninterested, he found the new collaborators in Ulvaeus and Andersson. The subject matter follows two international chess players in a championship, a Russian (Tommy Körberg) and an American (Murray Head) and a woman called Florence (Elaine Paige) who is a manager to the American but falls in love with the Russian. The story also draws a parallel between the game of chess and the cold war/real life situations.

This concept album was recorded in 1984, two years before the original London production took place. As the authors noted in the accompanying booklet, it was a work in progress and thusly the story is not quite readable here from the musical numbers alone. Despite that fact (which is amended by the synopsis included in the booklet), this album remains a winner. The score (played here by the London Symphonic Orchestra) itself makes an intriguing bland of the famous ABBA sound, the classical; the rock and the pop enhanced by the orchestral solo passages and the strong choral parts. The lush orchestrations add an epic touch to it and on the whole it is melodic and hummable, packed with great tunes. Some of the songs achieved huge success outside the musical: `I know him so well', a duet between Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson, held the number one spot on the UK singles charts for 4 weeks in February 1985 and won Ivor Novello Award as the Best Selling Single; Murray Head's `One night in Bangkok' became one of the biggest dance hits of its time, often heard today. Some other notable tunes include `The Anthem' (Russian's deliberation on his homeland); the soaring rock songs `Where I want to be' and `Pity the child' (in the former, the Russian reflects upon his life under the spotlight; in the latter, the American ponders about his own unhappy childhood) or the gentle `Heaven help my heart' (in which Florence weighs up her relationship with the Russian).

A special reference must be made to Tim Rice's excellent lyrics. With `Chess' he managed to keep up to the high standards he set himself in `Jesus Christ Superstar' and Evita'. Again in this case he shows he is a lyrical wizard, with his familiar cynical touch. `The story of chess', in which he gives a history of the game in a couple of crafty verses, is a pure masterpiece. The same can be said of the song `I know him so well', where the two women reexamine their relationship with the same man. As a whole, `Chess' owes a lot of its appeal to Tim Rice's written word.

The cast on this album ranks the high standard of the material. The principal parts (sung by Elaine Paige, Tommy Körberg and Murray Head) are delivered in a strong and impeccable fashion.

This 2-disc edition comes with a booklet containing a note from the authors, a text about chess, a full synopsis and a libretto, together with the photos of the principal singers.

Anyone interested in the modern musical theatre should find `Chess' to be a great score with great lyrics, which should be enough to satisfy any aficionado.

4 out of 5 stars Chess.......2007-01-15

A magnificent musical, i have enjoyed the music since i first heard it and read the storyline. Had been unable to find it in our local music stores.Very pleased to find it on your site.

5 out of 5 stars One of my favorites!.......2007-01-12

I love "Chess"! I still remember the first time I heard the single "One Night in Bangkok" on my car radio. I thought it was so unusual and so very cool, so I tracked down the album and bought it. Then I taped it onto a cassette, which is what I've been listening to for years, so I finally broke down and got it on CD. Of course, it's on my iPod now. I've seen the musical, and I loved that, too.

2 out of 5 stars Concepts get better with practice.......2006-11-27

I love this show! That said, I do not care for this version of it. The inclusion of the word "concept" in the title means it is just that. This was, thankfully, not the final version of the show that would later spawn the hit song, "One Night In Bangkok".

With most Broadway musicals, the musical numbers tell the basic story of the show. If you listen to the recordings of Phantom, Mama Mia, Beauty and the Beast, you can discern the basic storyline of the show. Listening to this particular recording of Chess, though, will leave you wondering "What was that?" The Broadway arrival of Chess saw a much needed reworking of the storyline and arrangement of the musical numbers. This recording seems too much like a mish-mash of songs that don't really relate to each other.

For musical fanatics (like myself), I say "yes, you should have this recording in your collection", if only to understand how much work went into the show before it opened on Broadway.

If you are only buying the album because of "One Night In Bangkok", purchase the Broadway recording instead; you'll be much happier with the performance by Phillip Casnoff rather than Murray Head.

Music Review:

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  2. Bach: Magnificat in D; Cantata, BWV 21
  3. Bach: Masses, BWV 233 & 236
  4. Bach: Suites; Concerto for Flute, Violin & Harpischord
  5. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 21, 23, 26
  6. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 53, 78 & 110
  7. Bernstein: Age of Anxiety; Fancy Free
  8. Bizet: Carmen & L'Arlésienne Suites
  9. Brahms: Piano Works, Op. 76, Handel Variations
  10. C.-V. ALKAN : Portrait : "Le temps qui n'est plus" - Laurent Martin

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