Swedish Vocal Music

On this CD:

1. Songs by the Sea, for voice & piano
Composed by Gosta Nystroem
Performed by Geoffrey Parsons, Birgit Finnila

2. Undinen
Composed by Hilding Hallnas
Performed by Marta Schele

3. Ser du...
Composed by Hilding Hallnas
Performed by Marta Schele

4. Saliga väntan
Composed by Hilding Hallnas
Performed by Marta Schele

5. Night hunt
Composed by Lars Johan Werle
Performed by Marta Schele

6. For vilsna fötter
Composed by Ingvar Lidholm
Performed by Marta Schele

7. Vid medelhavet
Composed by Ingvar Lidholm
Performed by Marta Schele

8. Den sista kvällen
Composed by Ingvar Lidholm
Performed by Marta Schele

9. Saga
Composed by Ingvar Lidholm
Performed by Marta Schele

10. Jungfrulin
Composed by Ingvar Lidholm
Performed by Marta Schele

11. Madonnas vaggvisa
Composed by Ingvar Lidholm
Performed by Marta Schele

12. Pá reveln
Composed by Gosta Nystroem
Performed by Marta Schele

13. Otrolig dag
Composed by Gosta Nystroem
Performed by Marta Schele

14. Havet sjunger
Composed by Gosta Nystroem
Performed by Marta Schele

15. Chinese Songs (14) for voice & piano
Composed by Hilding Rosenberg
Performed by Helene Leanderson, Rolf Leanderson

16. Songs of Trusting (4) for voice & piano, Op. 3
Composed by Hans Gefors
Performed by Rolf Leanderson, Jorgen Rorby

Tracks:

Ave Verum Corpus, K.618 - Adapted by Chris Hazell
Deep River - Arranged by Chris Hazell
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
I'll Walk Beside You - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Stabat Mater
Still, Still, Still Weils Kindlein Schlafen Will
Simple Gifts - Arranged by Chris Hazell
How Great Thou Art
Panis Angelicus - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Bless This House - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Ave Verum Corpus
Cavatina - Arranged by Chris Hazell
The Rose
Amazing Grace - Arranged by Chris Hazell
God's Mercy
Morning Has Broken - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Nearer My God To Thee - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Ave Maria
Send In The Clowns - Arranged by Jonathan Tunick
God Will Be With You

Amazon.com

Everything about Bryn Terfel is over-life-size: his physique, his personality, his breath-control, and of course his extraordinarily beautiful voice. This recording displays his stunning vocalism and versatility to full advantage, but its title belies its content. Alhough it does include some simple pieces, the execution is fussy, overdone, and calculated for maximum external effect. The program ranges from Mozart, Pergolesi and pseudo-Bach to Sondheim in arrangements that are pure Hollywood, complete with throbbing strings and rolling drums, often destroying the spirit as well as the letter of the original compositions. It begins with Mozart's heavenly "Ave verum" arranged for baritone solo and chorus, frustratingly cut off after a few phrases (another setting of the same text by Karl Jenkins, written for Terfel, is more satisfying, being complete and original). The splendid baritone Simon Keenlyside joins him here as well as in the opening number of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater;" originally for soprano and alto, this must be the baritones' revenge on female singers who usurp songs written for men, like Schubert's and Schumann's cycles. Franck's "Panis angelicus" also inexplicably becomes a duet; unfortunately, Terfel's and tenor Aled Jones' voices do not match. Bach-Gounod's popular "Ave Maria" is all swells and exaggerations. The rest of the program consists of folksongs, hymns, show and film tunes, inflated to operatic proportions and generally ending in a fade-out or a flourish. Even the title song is anything but simple. This record is not for purists who like their music performed the way the composer wrote it, but aficionados of great singing will love it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Bryn Terfel's beautiful voice........2007-05-13

Bryn Terfel has a beautiful voice. Listening to him is very pleasant and definitely something to look forward to. I read a review saying he would replace tenor Pavroti. However, I believe that Mr. Terfel is a Baritone and not a Tenor. That does not detract from the fact that he should be considered one of the world's top male singers. His voice is truly impressive. This CD by Bryn Terfel is one from our collection that is outstanding and a favorite.

Why do people think this guy can sing??.......2007-04-27

Sorry, I think this guy is one of the most overrated singers out there today. He always sounds like he is singing holding his nose shut. VERY nasal sounding.

If you want to listen to an incredibly beautiful voice, buy one of Josh Groban's CD's--you won't regret it! He has the voice of the century!

Relaxing.......2007-02-03

Excellent selection of music. It covers many different types. My wife likes being able to hear the words with out instruments drowning out the vocals. I find it relaxing and many of the songs are familiar and very well done.

Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts.......2006-02-25

Simply superb. I don't know what our local (Wash DC) paper was talking about when they said Deep River was the weakest link. I was enthralled from beginning to end. I have had the pleasure of hearing Bryn Terfel live in recital at the Kennedy Center. I can assure you that his voice has only improved with age. He was wonderful then and is spectacular now!

A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era.......2006-02-15

Bryn Terfel harkens back to earlier American operatic stars such as Richard Tucker and Robert Merrill who crossed grenres to satisfy their unquenchable need to sing any and all songs that moved them to an appreciative public. These great singers all had their origins singing sacred music from their respective religions and learned to lay their considerable talents before the altar of the simple inspirational song.

This recording is wonderful on many levels. The selections are an unusual mixture of classical sacred music, spirituals, hymns, Lieder, Austrian Christmas and Gaelic songs, musical numbers and movie theme songs harmoniously combined to touch the soul of the listener in a gentle ebb and flow of devotion, intensity and tenderness. All of these songs are beautiful in and of themselves and in his hands, we experience them anew.

Bryn Terfel sings with the commitment necessary to make the awesome challenge of simplicity look easy. To my way of thinking, he is the most communicative and articulate singer today, bar none. He is a poet who savors the sound, feeling and meaning of each and every word and marries it uniquely and faithfully to the music. He transports the listener into the life of a song and transfixes us each and every moment. His enormous talent is not overwhelming or distractive and is inextricably and wholly intertwined with the music. This is greatness and it is very, very rare today.

I like the inclusion of the choir in several of the numbers as it reflects on the nature and context of the songs. I am less fond of the selections with the guest soloists as I feel they do not match his ability to "get inside" a song. The orchestra and orchestations are sensitive and enhancing.

This recording is simply wonderful and should have a broad appeal. It will move and inspire the believer, satisfy and fulfill the otherwise spiritual, calm the troubled and renew a flagging soul.

Average customer rating:

Sissel Into Paradise
now I'm in paradise
Angel like voice & face
Sissel "Into Paradise"
Sissel - gifted Norwegian artist

Into Paradise

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

My Heart
Sissel
Sissel in Concert - All Good Things
Gift of Love
Odyssey

ASIN: B000E0OETY
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

Dusk (Velkomne Med Aera)
Bachianas Brasileiras
Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme (Sleepers Awake)
Dido's Lament
In Paradisum (Into Paradise)
Sancta Maria
Vitae Lux
Ingen Vinner Frem
Bereden Vferran
Marble Halls
Adagio
Like An Angel Passing Through My Room

Album Description

With a unique voice that defies all labels, Sissel can turn her hand to any style of music, from operatic arias and centuries-old classical melodies to traditional folk and pop. USA Today raved Sissel has "one of the most exquisite voices..." and with her new album Into Paradise, she continues to showcases her angelic voice. "My heart is in beautiful music," she says. "Music that touches me." Into Paradise is the follow-up to the 2004 release of My Heart and her 2002 self-titled debut. A PBS Concert Special of the same name was taped in Dalhalla, Sweden, to air on select PBS stations across the nation in March 2006 with tour dates to follow.

Sissel's ethereal voice, coupled with sweeping orchestral melodies, is once again on display with this new recording. Into Paradise was recorded in Norway with the internationally renowned Trondheim Soloists and reflects her passion for music in all its many varied forms. Mozart and Bach rub shoulders with Puccini, while Abba jostles for attention alongside Norse folk tales that have been handed down from generations. Among the performances are "Wachet Auf" by Bach, the otherworldly "Marble Halls" and the haunting "Sancta Maria." Sissel remarked, "I called this program and album Into Paradise because of the blissful feeling I get when I sing these songs. I hope that you will have the same feeling when you join me as we go Into Paradise."

The captivating Scandinavian superstar Sissel has performed at the 1994 Winter Olympics, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony with Josh Groban, and on Good Morning America with Placido Domingo. Her voice also graces one of the biggest-selling film soundtracks of all time--Titanic. Her first PBS TV special All Good Things was a hit in 2003, spawning her own headlining U.S. tour that garnered critical acclaim. The Chicago Sun-Times dubbed Sissel the "hottest new voice of classical-pop." Of her last album, My Heart, the Philadelphia Daily News stated that she may be the "next Josh Groban" and the Associated Press thought she sang with "pure, effortless style." Recently Sissel toured the world as the lead vocalist in the Howard Shore's Lord of the Rings Symphony concerts and co-headlined several concert dates with friend and past collaborator Placido Domingo. Look for Sissel to launch another U.S. tour in Spring 2006.

Customer Reviews:

Sissel Into Paradise.......2007-01-30

Absolutely gorgeous CD! Sisel sings like an angel! I was completely absorbed into her music. One of the best CD's I have ever listened to.

now I'm in paradise.......2007-01-25

Sissel is amazing on her latest CD. I've met her in person and she is just as dazzling out of the studio as in. Her voice is so pure and soul searching and yet happy. Be ready for some ear candy with this CD! It is what I have playing in my CD player in my car, full volume!

Angel like voice & face.......2007-01-22

I bought this cd on the strength of her live concert in SLC, Utah with the Morman Tabernacle Choir. It was impossible to not fall in love with this beautiful, bell-like, effortless voice. As well, she is very easy on the eye and a joy to watch her sing.

Sissel "Into Paradise".......2007-01-22

Sissel is an exquisite vocalist. This collection will take you "Into Paradise."

Sissel - gifted Norwegian artist.......2007-01-17

I love Sissel's equisite, clear voice. These songs beautifully sung. She has such a vocal range and depth. I would recommend Into Paradise for anyone who loves sacred music.

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Average customer rating:

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Favourite Welsh Choirs
Land of Song Welsh Choral Classics
Welsh Choirs: Wonderful Welsh Choirs
Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome
Traditional Songs of Wales

ASIN: B0009SOFXG
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Tracks:

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Dies Irae
Men of Harlech
You'll Never Walk Alone
Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
Old Folks at Home
Il Liza Jane
Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Vergine Degli Angeli
Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
My Hero
God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
German Mass/Gloria
German Mass/Sanctus
Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Arwelfa
Invictus
Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

Diolch l'R L
Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
Memories of Martha
I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
Creation's Hymn
In the Spirit!
Shall We Gather at the River
Nos a Bore
Very Best Time of Year
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Thanks Be to God
Flower That Shattered the Stone
Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
Where Shall I Be?
Bywyd y Bugail
Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
Cymru Fach
Nidaros
Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
Watching the Wheat
Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
Misbles/Stars
Rachie
Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
There Is a Balm in Gilead
Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
My Lord, What a Mornin'
Bryn Myrddin
Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
Ride the Chariot
Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

Y Nefoedd
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
By Babylon's Wave
I'm Gonna Sing
Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
That's All I Want from You
Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
Give Me Jesus
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
My Wish for You
Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
Mose in Egitto/Prayer
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
God's Choir in the Sky
Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
Smilin' Through

Tracks:

Calon Lan
True Love
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
Aberystwyth
Comrades in Arms
Cats/Memory
They Led My Lord Away
State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
When I Fall in Love
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Windmills of Your Mind
How Soon
Non Nobis Domine
Rhythm of Life
Kalinka
Sound an Alarm
Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
Christus Redemptor
Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Mistletoe and Wine: A Seasonal Collection

Average customer rating:

buy this one first
Great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes
Great choral versions of ancient songs
A pleasing tone
A "best of", not really a Christmas record

Mistletoe and Wine: A Seasonal Collection

Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mirabilis
The Rose
Worldes Blysse
Undrentide
Salva Nos (Save Us)

ASIN: B0000AM6O4
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

The Holly & The Ivy
Gaudete
L'Amour De Moi
Salva Nos
Glass Window
There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu
Kinderly
In Dulce Jubilo
Love Me Broughte
I Am Eve
Quan Vey La Lauzeta
The Coventry Carol
Undrentide
Ecce Mundi Gaudium
Blow Northern Wind

Customer Reviews:

buy this one first.......2006-06-29

This is not really a Christmas, or even a seasonal, album, more of a best of the Babes. yYs, they lead off with "The Holly and the Ivy" (and do it beautifully) but do not buy this as a "holiday music album"... or do... you won't regret buying it whatever your reasons!
This was my introduction to this band and I was absolutely floored. It lived in my car CD player for 2 months straight, and still is in the first section of my CD storage unit.... a rare honor for *any* Cd. It is also responsible for causing me to go out and try to buy every other CD the band has out, and I have not been disapointed in any of the ones I have gotten so far.
Speaking as a former music major, religious student, and medieval re-creationist, I know I can be pretty nit picky when it comes to "medieval" music; all too often it is neither medieval, nor (in my opinion) music! This is one of those rare exceptions that can manage to get you out of a chair to dance, while singing at the top of your lungs in Olde Englishe, Latin, or whatever. There isnt a bad voice in the lot (although some of the harmonies can be a bit odd if you arent used to medieval music) and the instrumental backings are pure gold.

Great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes.......2006-02-27

This CD has many songs from previous albums and a few new songs. It is a great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes music and serves as "best of" type of collection. It is billed as a "holiday" collection but I listen to it year round and quite often. The Mediaeval Baebes have a very unique and wonderful sound.

Great choral versions of ancient songs.......2005-11-19

I first heard the Mediaeval Baebes on a UK double CD (Best carols in the world ever) featuring three of their trackss (Guadete, Coventry carol, Adam lay ibounden), all of which can also be found on their debut album, but my curiosity only became aroused when that UK double CD was updated and repackaged with a different title (Best Christmas carols ever) and all the Mediaeval Baebes tracks were omitted with other choirs replacing them. My research showed that they have become an established group (albeit with line-up changes) and are now very successful in their chosen style, which some may regard as classical but (since they sing with their natural voices rather than operatic voices) seems more like traditional folk music to me.

This is not a Christmas album in the true sense of the word although there are some recognizable Christmas carols here - rather it is a compilation of music taken from their earlier albums together with a couple of re-recordings and two completely new recordings. I would have liked some liner notes giving some detailed information about the songs but very little information is actually provided. Apparently, much more information can found in the booklets provided with the original album releases. Still, it's the music that counts and, when it comes to choral music, this is as good as it gets.

The set opens with The holly and the ivy, set to the tune that everybody is familiar with. I seem to remember reading somewhere that this tune, although old, is not the original tune written for the song. This is where liner notes would be useful - and as this is one of the new recordings, their original albums won't help. Given that the Mediaeval Baebes aim to re-record very old songs, it would have been nice to hear them sing it to its original tune if it really was different from the current one. I suppose it doesn't matter since they sing the song superbly anyway.

Other Christmas carols that you are likely to recognize are Gaudete (revived most famously by folk-rockers Steeleye Span), In dulce jubilo (a new recording for this album, it was recorded in the seventies by Mike Oldfield, who had a UK hit with his instrumental version) and The Coventry carol. The other songs are unfamiliar to me but the group perform them all brilliantly. The other song of theirs on that UK carols compilation (Adam lay ibounded) is not included, but there's plenty else to make up for that omission.

The instruments used to back the group (mostly played by members of the group) are interesting. They include a zither, a hurdygurdy, a citern, a glockenspiel, an astrowheel and three different types of recorder - not the kind of instruments to be heard regularly on pop and rock albums. I was particularly pleased to find the recorders here. Like many Brits of my generation, I was forced to learn to play the recorder at school (I did so very badly) and so the recorder has never had a great reputation, but when played well and in the right setting (as here), it sounds wonderful.

This is a fine compilation in many ways but it may be that one of the original albums (which apparently have detailed liner notes) will provide an even better introduction to the music of the Mediaeval Baebes. Despite my reservations, this is still (easily) a five-star album and I'll certainly listen to more of their music eventually.

A pleasing tone.......2004-12-02

This is probably one of my new favorite Christmas albums. It is an absolute gem. It isn't an over-powering album with new or different things but they have recorded a few lesser known Latin Carols that are not given much attention anymore. Gaudete was one that stood out. The arrangement is rather simple and beautiful and the song itself is melodic in an unusual way. I have found that this CD has appealed to a fairly wide spectrum of people and would make a great album to play in the background during the Holidays. I think this would be the perfect thing to put on in the late afternoon in December while curling up with a good book or wrapping presents.

A "best of", not really a Christmas record.......2004-03-27

Potential purchasers should bear that in mind. As with the Medieval Baebes debut album it contains a small proportion of `holiday season' material, but most of it can be listened to without embarrassment at any time of the year. (In my experience, all of it can - even on a warm spring afternoon I can't bring myself to program out `In Dulci Jubilo', `The Holly...' etc).

Another thing potential purchasers should bear in mind - this compilation winds up being a better "best of" than the album of that name.

It's more representative - career-spanning and able to demonstrate the increasing ambition and complexity of the arrangements, and of Katharine Blake's compositions. (Of course, some of their experiments with modern instrumentation on the `Undrentide' album didn't work, but they don't appear here).

It's also more enjoyable on a basic musical level - there are no over-repetitive pieces, no odd song-fragments...nothing that drags. Or maybe there are a couple of weak spots - "I Am Eve" which goes on a little too long, and Audrey Evans's rendition of "L'amour de moi" which is suprisingly weak, and no substitute for the original featuring the much-missed Dorothy Carter - but these are easily forgiven.

Tracks:

Preludium: Allegro Molto
Andante Espressivo
Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Trio: Poco Meno Molto
Marcia: Tempo Di Marcia, Molto Ritmico
No. 1: Maestoso
No. 2: Moderato
Praelude: Allegro Vivace
Sarabande: Andante
Gavotte: Allegretto - Musette: Poco Piu Mosso
Air: Andante Religioso
Rigaudon: Allegro Con Brio - Poco Meno Mosso
'I Fjol Gjaett'e Gjeitinn': Andantino
No. 1: 'Allt Under Himmelens Faste': Adagio
No. 2: 'Du Gamla, Du Friska, Du Fjellhoga Nord': Moderato
Praludium: Andante Con Moto
Intermezzo: Allegro Moderato
Finale: Andante Con Moto - Allegro Con Brio - Piu Mosso

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful!.......2003-03-16

When it comes to composing for and playing strings, I will go out on the limb and say that no group of musicians does it better than the Scandinavians. This cd caught my attention after hearing Johan Svendsen's "Icelandic Melodies". That alone I thought would be worth the discounted Naxos price. But after hearing the rest (especially Grieg's "Holberg Suite" and Dag Wiren's "Serenade for Strings"), I can't seem to get this out of my cd changer. It's always nice to find a cd where you get twice the pleasure for half the price!

Wonderful selection of works for strings..........2001-04-18

Grieg is unfortunately often credited with having composed only two masterpieces: his single piano concerto and the incidental music to Peer Gynt. I disagree and the work contained on this bargain Naxos release, his "Holdberg Suite", ranks up there with the Serenades of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, and Suk as a masterpiece for string orchestra.

On this disc, rather than pair the work up with other compositions by Grieg, Naxos has provided us with some wonderful performances of less frequently heard works for similar forces by fellow Scandinvian composers.

The other major pieces here, if you can call them major, are Nielsen's "Little Suite in A Minor" and Wiren's "Serenade". Though composed by Nielsen when he was only 23 the Suite more than hints at the more mature Nielsen of the symphonies, especially in the finale. Wiren's work is much lighter and a delight from start to finish especially in the playful scherzo and the familiar fourth movement - the "marcia".

Johan Svendsen, a contemporary of Grieg, is represented by five shorter works, all based upon folk songs and all with a very melancholy feel to them.

Tracks:

Some Enchanted Evening
Three Coins In The Fountain
The Impossible Dream
More
Send In The Clowns
Charmaine
Somewhere My Love
Elizabethan Serenade
Carnival Of Venice
Overture-Die Fledermaus
Merry Widow Waltz
Summertime In Venice

Tracks:

The Shadow Of Your Smile
The Sound Of Music
Italian Fantasy
For Once In My Life
Swedish Rhapsody
I've Grown Accustomed To His Face
The Entertainer
For Once In My Life
Skater's Waltz
Tales From The Vienna Woods
Londonderry Air
Autumn Leaves

Customer Reviews:

It contains songs not on other CD........2007-01-01

I am pretty happy with the CD I have. I noticed that these songs are not on other CD. Summer Time in Venice, Three Coins in the Fountain, The Impossible Dream, Send in The Clown, Somewhere My Love and Elizabethan Serenade. The sound quality is acceptable.

The Best Of The Mantovani Orchestra.......2004-04-13

This cd is an ok collection of tunes from Mantovani.It's not the best but it's ok.This 2 cd set features songs such as three coins in a fountain,send in the clowns,skater's waltz,for once in my life and others.This isn't the only version of for once in my life Mantovani did.This version is light strings.Manti's other version is with a harpsicord and heavy strings.It is on Mantovani Scene/Mantovani Sound which has just come out from Vocolion.It also has such songs as dear heart,both sides now,honey and a lot of others.Amazon doesn't have this yet but I have just recieved my copy from another website.Like the other viewer said unfortuanly the sound quality is bad on the best of collection.I even heard somebody coughing on one track and there is some tape hiss from the transfer.I would like to recommend a 2 cd set by John Fox going under the name of the starry night orchestra that is put out by yestermusic(good music group)and has 30 tracks by Mr.Fox.Every song has a heavy string contingment and it states that these were played on beautiful music stations.John Foxes Strings are so beautiful.
The John Fox I'm talking about isn't the same John Fox that is a commedian that is sold on this site.

The Best of the Mantovani Orchestra (vol 1 & 2).......2002-09-14

The Madacy Label has betrayed Mantovani's genious, and substituted poor recordings in these 2 CD's. I have immediately
cancelled all Madacy Label orders with everyone, and will investigate all future items with a Canadian origin prior to purchase.

Joseph C. Jernigan

Poor Recording.......2002-09-05

The quality of the recording is poor. You can hear flutter in the string passages, which is 90% of Mantovani's music! There is also hiss noise, and pops in piece transitions... Amateur transcription from tape to CD's, is my guess. Someone else made bad reviews regarding the poor recording on the same record label, so my suggestion is to stay away from the label Madacy Records.

Top of the "Beautiful Music" Heap.......2001-02-19

This CD has a nice collection of Mantovani's work. The combination of older standards with "newer" (such as Stevie Wonder's "For Once In My Life")is great. This is the stuff that is usually mocked as "elevator music" but also considered by many good romancing background music. Many of these arrangements were heard on a local Beautiful Music FM station where I live before the format change. The only negative I have is for a "box set" there is no write-up on the Orchestra. It would have been nice to read about Mantovani and what inspired his arrangements, and the orchestra personnell. My copy was made in Canada by Madacy. Maybe someone who has contact with that company could recommend a booklet for any future copies made.

Average customer rating:

Excellent
Perfect
Classic Dale Warland

Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers

Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Harvest Home
December Stillness
Christmas Echoes, Vol. 1
Blue Wheat
Cathedral Classics

ASIN: B00009W0HQ
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant (He Is Born)
The Virgin's Cradle Hymn (Dormi, Jesu!)
Susanni
Prepare The Way
Fum, Fum, Fum! From Seven Joys Of Christmas
Sweet Was The Song The Virgin Sang
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
The Holly And The Ivy
This Endris Night
Wonder Tidings
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Ai, Nama Mamina From Three Latvian Carols
The Friendly Beasts
Carol Of The Bells
Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen (Lo, How A Rose)
Huron Carol ('Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime)
Patapan From Seven Joys Of Christmas
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
Gabriel's Message
Silent Night

Album Description

The Dale Warland Singers make their debut on Gothic with a beautiful new Christmas CD, featuring imaginative arrangements of carols from around the world. The sound is incomparable!

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-01-19

To anyone who appreciates choral music, or even some of you who only like to listen to it during the holidays, this is the album for you. The music is so familiar, but so aesthetically pleasing to listen to. The choir sounds clear and majestic from the clear sounds of the basses to the beautiful pings of the sopranos. Forget the garbbled sounds of Choirs with people who think that singing in Forte the whole way through is beautiful. This is angelic, yet very fun to listen to. Enjoyment for the whole family. 5 Stars

Perfect.......2005-12-02

This CD is worth buying for the track Prepare the Way alone. All the tracks are amazing, but that one is the best.

Classic Dale Warland.......2003-10-31

As has been the case with most DWS recordings, this is truly a classic. Beautifully sung, with new and interesting arrangements of traditional favorites, this disc is a must for all holiday music and DWS fans. Of note are Stephen Paulus' rhythmic "The Holly and the Ivy" and Praetorius' beautiful "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" arranged by Jan Sandström. I highly recommend this recording.

Average customer rating:

Among Organ Hymn CDs, this is really one of the best
king of hymns plays king of instruments
Excellent Hymn Playing
A good recording, but not for "organ snobs"

Hymns on the Crystal Cathedral Organ

Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2
Hymns Through the Centuries
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Best Loved Hymns
Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection

ASIN: B000003J9Z
Release Date: 1995-01-25

Tracks:

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
When Morning Gilds The Skies
Amazing Grace
Now Thank We All Our God
Fairest Lord Jesus
How Great Thou Art
Praise The Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him
More Love To You, O Christ
There's A Wildeness In God's Mercy
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
Rejoice, The Lord Is King
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
To God Be The Glory
O Master, Let Me Walk With You
Jesus Shall Reign Where're The Sun
Spirit Of God, Descend Upon My Heart
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Our God, Our Help In Ages PAst

Customer Reviews:

Among Organ Hymn CDs, this is really one of the best.......2007-01-13

I am quick to criticize any organ CD that isn't really inspiring. It should be something that we want to play once again when we pick it up. This CD definitely doesn't lack such inspiration.

Mr Swann makes good use of the numerous ranks of pipes to achieve a superb voicing of the organ. His choice of pipes and their sequencing is among the best I have heard anywhere. The size of the cathedral gives a really superb reverberation. Call me sentimental, but this CD can raise the hairs on your spine, or at times bring tears to your eyes.

Those with decent heavyweight speakers will be able to accurately render the high and low notes (hint: if your home speakers are tinny or small, try this in the car--it might be better).

Note: I enjoy both sacred and secular organ: this CD resembles a classical recital to some degree. If your preference is vocal accompaniment, or modern church music with snare drums instead of organs, you will not be happy; fair warning. There is no choir, thankfully; plenty of such CDs exist elsewhere. For example the Mormon Tabernacle Organ is superior to nearly all others, but their organ is always subservient to the choir, so the organ cannot shine. Note: I am not opposed to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir--I flew up to Salt Lake City just to watch Thursday night Choir practice, and it is a uplifting experience not to be missed. But the organ cannot shine; it will be subservient to the choir--the resulting music is different from a pure organ CD. Also, they cram 30 hymns onto a CD--each track ends up being a medley of three hymns. Summary: how nice to have a pure organ CD, which is very rare.

One weakness which needs to be pointed out, in fairness (as in another review), is that each hymn lasts no more than two stanzas. So even though Mr Swann pulls out more and more stops as the pieces progress, and accomplishes key changes flawlessly, we can only imagine the wonderful fortissimo multi-pipe crescendo that would result if he played four or five stanzas of, say, "A Mighty Fortress" or "Rejoice," each building on the other. Alas, with twenty hymns on the CD, time is short for each hymn. This is my minor criticism of this CD. The answer clearly would have been to release vol 2, 3, 4, etc.... Could the faithful flock out in California please petition the pastor & get this done?

In conclusion, this is my old reliable and ranks (tied) in the top two of my organ CD collection. Most reviews in Amazon give 1 star or 5 stars (we love it or hate it). Five is really inadequate, it deserves 6; this from someone who doesn't like to give praise.

I hope this has been helpful in your purchasing deliberations. Please let me know via the comments button if you have additonal or contrary thoughts. Is there a better title? Thank you for your attention & courtesy.

king of hymns plays king of instruments.......2001-08-17

we all know that the organ is called the king of instruments due to its complexity and size,range,color with its stops,etc. playing hymns is not the same as written comppositions for solo organ.why?because playing written organ works is just playing the composer notes what is written. on the other hand playing hymns requires a very well trained organ player that knows how to impro vise and add colors to each stanza. and that is what fred swann makes here,nobody plays hymns as he does,improvising,modulating and make us meditate in deep of what we hear.thank you mr swann. thank you gothic records.this is a must for everybody that goes to church,sings hymns or just likes organ music.don't hesitate to buy it,you will be able to see what a gifted musician does with a simple melody or hymn tune.

Excellent Hymn Playing.......2001-02-16

Fred Swann plays wonderful arrangements of well known Hymn tunes. Many of these arangements were published in a book by Fred Bock. "Organ Snobs" should take a listen and learn how to play hymns. A truely talented organist.

A good recording, but not for "organ snobs".......2000-12-26

"Organ snobs." Yeah, you know who you are, and I'm one too. This is not the recording for you. Swann plays at most three verses of each song, and does not improvise to the level he is capable, making the CD a great one for a more general-interest audience. I do not mean to disuade potential buyers, only to warn you that what you are getting is a quick couple of verses of each hymn on a CD that advertises the Crystal Cathedral as well or better than it portrays the talent of Swann and the extensive capacity of the Cathedral organs.

Average customer rating:

This is a very unusual cd, buy it and you will see why......

O Perfect Love and Other Wedding Songs

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Heart Beats: Now & Forever - Timeless Wedding Songs
25 Wedding Favorites
Classical Wedding
I Will Be Here: 25 of Today's Best Wedding & Love Songs

ASIN: B000000BK8
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Canon in D
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
On Wings of Song
Menuet
Hymm Medley: Morning has Broken (Gaelic) - Amazing Grace (American Folk Melody) - How Great Thou Art (Swedish Folk Melody)
Theme from 'Ice Castles' (Through The Eyes Of Love)
Love Theme From 'Romeo And Juliet'
The Wind Beneath My Wings From 'Beaches'
Unchained Melody From 'Ghost'
Somewhere In Time
I Will Always Love You From 'The Bodyguard'
Endless Love
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Sheep May Safely Graze
O Sanctissima
Hymne
Trumpet Voluntary
Bridal March From 'Lohengrin' (Here Comes The Bride)
Whither Thou Goest
One Hand, One Heart From 'West Side Story'
O Perfect Love
Whither Thou Goest
The Lord's Prayer
Ode to Joy
Trumpet Tune

Customer Reviews:

This is a very unusual cd, buy it and you will see why.............2000-09-20

This cd is a little different from most. Let me explain! This cd has a great mixture of several types of music. This cd features popular, classical, sacred, and wedding music. What a treat it is to have all these beautuful songs together on one cd.

The main concern I have for this cd is the fact that some of the arrangements were not up to par. As you will see, all songs are not ideal for harp arrangements. I liked about half of the songs performed on this cd. I feel like the song selection could have been a little bit better. If that had happened, I think this would have been an outstanding cd.