The Symphonic Lloyd Webber

On this CD:

1. Cats, musical Orchestral Suite
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Performed by Brad Dechter / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Ettore Stratta

2. Evita, musical Orchestral Suite
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Performed by Jorge Calandrelli / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Ettore Stratta

3. Aspects of Love, musical Orchestral Suite
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Performed by Homer Denison / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Ettore Stratta

4. Phantom of the Opera, musical Orchestral Suite
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Performed by Richard Blackford / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Ettore Stratta

Tracks:

Ave Maria (new recording)
La Wally (from Time To Say Goodbye)
Winter Light (new recording)
Anytime, Anywhere (from Eden)
Alhambra (new recording)
Lascia Ch'io Pianga (from Eden)
Dans La Nuit (new recording)
Serenade/How Fair This Place (from La Luna)
O Mio Babbino Caro (new recording)
La Luna (from La Luna)
Pie Jesu (new recording)
Figlio Perduto (from La Luna)
Nessun Dorma (new recording)
Bailero (from Eden)
Time To Say Goodbye (New solo version--previously unavailable)

Amazon.com

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Classics, so they'll have no more excuses to remain clueless. Sporting a Botticelli-inspired image of the platinum-selling soprano on the cover, Classics is a classy anthology including highlights from three of Brightman's chart-topping releases along with seven new tracks. Songs personally selected by the diva as her favorite classical interpretations are culled from her previous blockbusters: Time To Say Goodbye, Eden, and La Luna. And whether you're a fan already in the fold or one in the making, the new material here shows the diva at the top of her form, in new renderings of "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma" (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic)--fascinating displays of the operatic confidence she's developed over her career. Other new offerings include a touching version of Schubert's "Ave Maria,' "Winter Light," a fresh take on her signature song "Pie Jesu" (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem). "Alhambra" and "Dans La Nuit"--a real treat, bathing the listener in Brightman's silky, sensuous vocalism--add two original titles to her famous adaptations of classical melodies to new lyrics (using Chopin's haunting E major Etude in the latter case). All told, a lovely affirmation of the directions Brightman has boldly taken in her career to date. -Sarah Chin

Amazon.com

Sarah Brightman Photos

More from Sarah Brightman

Time to Say Goodbye
Diva: The Singles Collection
Eden

Diva: The Video Collection
Live from Las Vegas
La Luna (Live in Concert)

Customer Reviews:

Sarah's Best Easy Listening CD.......2007-03-15

Sarah Brightman's talent is limitless. Her soprano and/or alto voice is among the best and she lets it show in 'CLASSICS'. CLASSICS is a beautiful, easy listening, and peaceful CD. CLASSICS is one to listen to in tranquil or relaxing moments. "CLASICS" is a collection of great pieces of music written by great composers (Shuburt, Handel, Chopin, Puccini, and the like). I have listened to CLASSICS about 15 times now and it always puts me in a quiet and peaceful mood (I am ~50 years old).

Best Brightman CD.......2007-02-07

A classical composition which showcases the beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman. A timeless CD which will continue to be a favourite over the years.

Sarah Brightman is a Classic.......2007-01-02

Sarah Brightman is at her best in "Classics." From Dvorak's "Rusalka" (Opera B.203) to Beethoven's haunting Op 52, slow movement (Symphony #7), Brightman's voice and lyrical style are a joy. I particularly enjoy her performances of Schubert's Ave Maria and Andrew Lloyd Weber's Pie Jesu. This is a great add to my collection of serious music.

Not The Best - Not the Worst - From Sarah Brightman.......2006-12-30

After purchasing this CD for my iPod for iTunes, I must say that I'm a little bit dissapointed. 7 new recordings and 8 old ones, ones that I already happen to have. I do like the fact that they're all on one CD! Some of her new recordings, including, "Ave Maria", "Winter Light", "Alhambra", "Dans La Nuit", and the new recording of "Pie Jesu" are just too breathy for my taste. It seems as with every changing CD, Sarah's voice changes. I'm not saying that the result is bad; it actually gives the songs more of a dream like quality, but I'm used to the younger, more Andrew Lloyd-Webber integrated Sarah. Scooping continually occurs in new recordings of "O Mio Babbino Caro", and "Nessun Dorma". In some tracks from La Luna, like "Figlio Perduto", Sarah's voice is TOTALLY dominated by harmonizing recordings that sound almost mechanical.

OVERALLY - The new songs sound O.K. and the old recordings are just as good as they were back then. This album is still a great buy!

Nice Cover.......2006-12-27

I'm a heterosexual guy who's not an opera aficionado - I only mention these facts because I seem to be right in the bull's-eye of the target market for this product. Sarah B. has a nice voice and she's pretty. Both of these are featured prominently on this CD. The cover and several pages in the insert are devoted to what must have been a very long and expensive photo shoot (and Photoshop) of a semi-clad Sarah looking marvelous. (The CD also comes with a flyer so you can buy various Brightman "Classics" apparel - perhaps not for the heterosexual male).

As far as the music goes: not bad, not great. I don't claim to have the most discerning ears for this sort of music, but everything was OK by me. However, the pieces on the CD with which I'm somewhat familiar, such as "O Mio Babbino Caro," didn't sound quite as good as other versions I've heard (and that includes by Charlotte Church, not just opera stars). Also, the solo version of "Time to Say Goodbye" didn't sound nearly as good to me as the duet with Bocelli.

In sum, there were 3-4 songs I liked enough to rip to MP3s - which is enough so that I didn't feel ripped myself...

Average customer rating:

Happy Trails
The most soothing sounds
moving and lyrical
Wonderful Music !!
Just one listen changed my life

Zamfir: The Lonely Shepherd

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pan Pipe Dreams

ASIN: B000001F9H
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Lonely Shepherd
The Rose
Floral Dance
Theme From Summer Of '42
Bilitis
Adagio 8
Black Rose
Ete D'Amour
She
Laryssa
Theme From Limelight
Run To Me
Elsha
Don't Cry For Me Argentina

Customer Reviews:

Happy Trails.......2007-01-11

Item arrived in perfect condition and very quickly. Will trade again in the future. Thank you.

The most soothing sounds.......2006-02-20

I grew up listening to Zamfir's pan flute soothing music, then for the past 15 years, I've been away from it until I heard The Lonely Shepherd while watching Kill Bill. I was pleasantly surprised to find the CD at Amazon and bought it at once. Many of the other songs on this CD are good as well, but nothing beats The Lonely Shepherd.

moving and lyrical.......2005-10-08

I dont care for any of the other songs on the CD, but the "Lonely Shepherd" theme is very beautiful and sad. Zamfir was obviously deeply in love with the panpipes. Listen to his "Picnic at Hanging Rock" soundtrack and you'll know what I mean. I highly recommend this CD.

Wonderful Music !!.......2005-09-26

THis CD by Zamfir is out of this world. There is nothing better than "The Lonely Shepherd"... I haven't heard a better one than this. Just the type of soft instrumental one would like...very soothing.

Just one listen changed my life.......2005-01-19

I was once a punk rocker. I listened to the Sex Pistols, Ramones, Black Flag, and The Dead Kennedys. I have a string of gigs under my belt with various punk bands, a long list of one night stands with rocker chicks, and did enough drugs to make Keith Richards OD. All that changed the night I listened to Zamfir.

Alone in my apartment I played this CD while cleaning a puke staine off my carpet. I don't know whose it was, but I'd like to thank him because it led me to my new life. I have since thrown away my guitars, amps, and entire music collection. It is all garbage by comparison to this and in the trash is where it all belongs.

How can anyone listen to 'Summer of 42' and not fall to their knees by the sheer beauty of it? The Lonely Shepard title track brings tears to my eyes everytime I listen to it. It brings me to a magical place where no one gets arrested for shoplifting and everyone has peace in their hearts.

I cannot find a panflute at the music store, so I'm trying to make one out of PVC pipe and old bongs. I think I found the G, A, and D major chords, but can't quite find F. A silly straw with a slit in it can make a pretty decent B minor, but it stretches out after a couple of days.

All my friends have abandoned me and I haven't been with a woman in three months, but it is all worth it. I now happily skip through life with merriment in my heart. No more drugs for me, Zamfir is my natural high.

Average customer rating:

Very Enjoyable for all music fans
Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music...

The Classical Album 2005

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Number One Classical Album 2006
Time to Say Goodbye
Vittorio
Defined
Romanza

ASIN: B000A8AXWW
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Customer Reviews:

Very Enjoyable for all music fans.......2006-03-02

This is very good collection of music that brings to life a wide variety of music that is both old and contemporary. The selections vary from composers, historical and famous such as Pavarotti and Puccini to today's James Horner (Titanic, A Beauituful Mind) and John Williams (Star Wars, Sabrina, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan).

If you enjoy the sounds of Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Enya, Kate Bush, Andrea Bocelli, and various theatre music (Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Cats), then you will find this collection worthy of your appreciation.

I have often wondered why classical music radio channels do not play modern composers (i.e., Horner, Willams), and am glad that this album gives them credit that they deserve. There is so many good compositions being created every day that only appear to have a voice on the big screen, which is unfortunate.

Track 11, composed by The Doors, and is a nice version, indeed. I also enjoy the Bond players giving a new twist to some old favourites.

Ciao,
Neil

Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music..........2005-11-08

First, let me begin by saying that I am by no means an expert in classical music, but have grown to appreciate it immensely in the past year. I can say wholeheartedly that this is the most beautiful compilation of music I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It's simple irresistible. There are few words to describe how emotional it is to hear Pavarotti sing "II Canto", or Placido Domingo belt out "Questa o quella". You just get numb with joy!! I have NO idea what they are saying but a translation not necessary. The entire collection (TWo jammed-packed CDs) is phenomenal (excluding the selections from "Bond" which I found to be particularly annoying and not at all "classical" in the true sense of the word). There is something here for everyone, regardless of your personal musical tastes or tolerances.

A guaranteed hit -- Don't miss this one.

CD One

Andrea Bocelli "En Aranjuez con tu amor"
Bryn Terfel - "Granada"
Bond - "Viva" ( not my favorite, sounds almost disco-ish)
Hayley Westenra - "Pokarekare Ana"
Luciano Pavarotti - "Una Mattina"
Katherine jenkins - "Time To Say Goodbye" (a heart stopper - so beautiful!)
Duel - "Canon" (lovely!)
Janine Jansen - "Allegro from 'Spring'"
Andreas Scholl - "Ombra mai fu"
Nigel Kennedy - "The Unknown Soldier"
Kiri Te Kanawa - "Nuns' Chorus"
Nelson Freire - "Chopin Etude No. 1 op. 25
Julian Lloyd Webber - "Flight of the Bumble-bee"
James Horner - "For the Love of a Princess
Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard "Now We Are Free"
Renee Fleming - "Mesicku na nebi hlubokem"
Russell Watson - "Amore e Musica"

CD TWO

Luciano Pavarotti - "II Canto" (I MUST see him sing this in person!!)
Placido Domingo - "Questa o quello" (I never tire of hearing this)
Andrea Bocelli & Bryn Terfel - "the Pearl Fisher's Duet"
Jose Carreras - "Funiculi, funicula
Dominc Miller & Kaori Muraji - "Fragile"
Tavener - "Song for Athene"
Josep Calleja - "La donna e mobile"
Jean-Yves Thibaudet - "Gymopedie No. 1"
Juan Diego Florez - "Una furtiva lagrima"
Kathleen Ferrier - "Blow the Wind Southerly"
Angela Gheorghiu - "Ave Maria"
Janine Jansen - "Schindler's List Main Theme"
Bond - "explosive"
Secret Garden - "You Raise Me Up"
Hayley Westenra - "Never Say Goodbye"
The Three Tenors - "Nessun Dorma"

Enjoy!

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

Erich Kunzel - Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) / Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Kunzel's different perspective on ALW's musicals

Erich Kunzel - Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) / Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Andrew Lloyd Webber , Erich Kunzel , Ernest [organ] Hoffman , Randolph Bowman , Timothy Berens , and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Big Picture

ASIN: B000003D18
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

The Phantom Of The Opera
The Music Of The Night
Think Of Me
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
All I Ask Of You
Angel Of Music
As If We Never Said Goodbye
The Greatest Star of All
With One Look
Memory
I Don't Know How To Love Him
Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)
King Herod's Song
Don't Cry For Me, Argentina
Starlight Express
Any Dream Will Do

Customer Reviews:

Kunzel's different perspective on ALW's musicals.......2005-11-06

Kunzel's offering of Andrew Lloyd Webber suites is a worthwhile tribute to this modern-day titan of globalised musicals. Although this album has a different feel from the original cast albums, Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops still perform these affectionate arrangements of Lord Lloyd Webber's musicals expertly, superbly and voluptiously. The creative arrangements by Crafton Beck and Steven Reineke are tastefully and, for the most part, faithfully done, and allow Kunzel to offer a fresh perspective to these musicals in their orchestral settings. And as always Telarc provides its trademark audiophile-quality recording - surround sound quality with a sumptuous spatialiser such that you might be overwhelmed by the Phantom's laughter in the Phantom suite.

Kunzel contrasts the dramatic and lyrical sides of the PHANTOM and SUNSET BOULEVARD suites as if they were written for the Pops. The Phantom suite gains from a breathtaking organ introduction of the Phantom's theme, and from the contrasts in Music of the Night that match the lyrics perfectly, even without the cast album. The tender arrangement of Think of Me cleverly weaves the Angel of Music melody as a counterpoint, while All I Ask of You, complete with some of the details of the original orchestrations, makes a calming answer to Christine's Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again. The JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR suite depicts the contrasting and conflicting moods of this groundbreaking rock opera, from the contrasts in I Don't Know How to Love Him to the sheer anguish in Gethsemene (I Only Want to Say).

There are some interesting arrangements on this ALW offering, especially the arrangement of Don't Cry for Me Argentina from EVITA. Although some listeners might be offended when it transmorphs itself into the Ravel Bolero after doing an about-turn from its lush, Spanish feel, it still depicts Evita's rise to power and her manipulative trait in her character, well-suiting an orchestral concert arrangement of the tune and fitting in with the spirit of the musical. Another interesting arrangement is the rousing theme-and-variation finale of Any Dream Will Do from JOSEPH, which incorporates many different musical styles throughout the variations, from ballroom waltzing to jazz, movie music (Magnificent Seven) and circus-style music. I know some listeners might be offended, but in their own inimitable and creative way, Kunzel and the Pops still pay tribute to this early ALW musical by evoking the myriad of colours on the coat and the diversity of musical styles in the original JOSEPH musical. This arrangement certainly fits the trademark style of the Pops perfectly.

The only fault with this collection is in the arrangement of Memory from CATS. Here, this song is treated as a flat-out romantic ballad, rather than as the haunting anthem for respect that Grizabella sings. Nevertheless, the arrangement by Tommy Newsom (who wrote this arrangement for a Doc Severinson album) is innofensive to this well-loved ALW melody (this is the only arrangement that Crafton Beck or Steven Reineke didn't write for this album). Also, I wish that Kunzel had included Love Changes Everything and Whistle Down the Wind, but given the fact that this was a 1996 recording, ALW hadn't written Whistle down the Wind as yet. But these are minor caveats, since Kunzel offers much to savour in these infectuous and spirited performances.

Yet I still feel that Kunzel's ALW offering is a winner in its lush orchestral suite arrangements of his well-loved and great musicals, far superior to any shopping-mall synthesised arrangement. This would surely count towards another feather in Kunzel's cap and stand pride of place with his rousing offering of Rodgers & Hammerstein. I'm sure Lord Lloyd Webber would have been proud.

Philip Glass: The Concerto Project, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Timpanists excel
Two fantastic concertos
This is my story why I bought and fell in love with this album.
Great!
A must for all percussionists and music lovers

Philip Glass: The Concerto Project, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Orange Mountain Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002X4UBA
Release Date: 2004-09-11

Tracks:

Concerto for Cello and Orchestra - Movement I
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra - Movement II
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra - Movement III
Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra - Movement I
Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra - Movement II
Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra - Cadenza
Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra - Movement III

Product Description

CONCERTO PROJECT 1 This is the first of a series of four CDs that Philip Glass and Orange Mountain Music have planned entitled The Concerto Project, No. I-IV Each disc contains two concerti. Omm0014 features Julian Lloyd Webber with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gerard Schwarz performining Concerto for Cello and Orchestra and Evelyn Glennie and Jonathan Haas performing Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra also with Gerard Schwarz conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. World-class soloists, excellent orchestra, excellent conducting and the beautiful sounding Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, together with major compositions from the worlds preeminent composer, Philip Glass.

Album Details

Recorded in January 2004 at the Orchestra's Acoustically Magnificent Home of the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, this Superb Release Marks Another Landmark in the Development of Philip Glass' Orange Mountain Music Label. The First Release in the Four Volume Concerto Project Brings Together a Top English Orchestra with Two of the Country's Best Known Classical Instrumentalists, Together with the Paganini of Thetimpani, Jonathan Haas. With an Exclusive Booklet, this Release Signals an Elevation in the Profile of this Already Important Label.

Customer Reviews:

Timpanists excel.......2007-03-09

The concerto for two tympanists and orchestra was worth the price of the disc.

Two fantastic concertos.......2006-08-09

Unlike certain individuals within the more "sophisticated" crowd, I am not afraid to admit that I like the minimalist music of Philip Glass (b. 1937). Glass' style is very distinct, making use of recurring arpeggios, recurring syncopated patterns and recurring melodic ideas. I used to the word "recurring" three times in the previous sentence to emphasize that repetition is an important element of Glass' music. This would spell trouble for most composers, but Glass pulls this off by continually driving the music forward to achieve greater intensity and incorporating fascinating harmonic shifts that give his music an almost hypnotic quality.

Some have faulted Glass for continuing his reliance on the techniques mentioned above (for decades!). So first off, anyone looking for a radical new direction in Glass' music will be disappointed with this release. While others, such as myself, who enjoy Glass' unique style, will surely love this CD. Rest assured, arpeggios abound, and syncopated motifs propel the music forward.

Of the two concertos, the Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists (premiered in 2000) is probably the one that will compel people to purchase this album. A concerto for a percussion instrument is a bit of an oddity. And this concerto, scored for nine timpani played by two timpanists, is pretty much what you would expect. It is intense, it is propulsive and it is aggressive. Glass doesn't seem too keen on exploring the subtleties of the timpani here. The music begins at a good clip with pounding timpani at forte, banging out the movement's theme in 5/4 time. Although, the themes employed by Glass vary in their intensity, the timpani part itself continues its aggressive, perhaps primitive, pounding until the conclusion of the movement. Now how do you compose a slow movement for nine timpani? Not an easy feat, but Glass pulls it off the (for the most part) by composing a processional that gradually builds in intensity to a climax, which then fades away. The finale of the concerto is similar to the opening movement. Lots of aggressive, percussive playing is to be found here. The syncopated opening theme of this movement, to me, has a decidedly Nordic feel to it. In short, this concerto is fantastic and will not disappoint percussion enthusiasts or admirers of Glass' style, just as long as they don't expect this piece to be something it is not. It's a timpani concerto.

Although this CD will be purchased for the timpani concerto, I think after a couple of listenings, the more reflective cello concerto (premiered in 2001) will prove equally interesting; and possibly more so. The mood of the first two movements is somber, with the rhythmic intensity of the timpani concerto nowhere to be found. However, the music is no less fascinating, with Glass' distinctive harmonic modulations and characteristic orchestration. The themes themselves are weightier and more substantial than the ones from Glass' earlier days, but repetition is still an important element to this concerto. The slow movement is especially lovely. This movement does last 14 minutes, for some reason, but is none the worse for it, as the cello's expressive recurring theme never gets stale. Things heat up a bit more in the finale, with the previously released violin concerto coming to mind. Julian Lloyd Weber, does well navigating through the sixteenth-note-laden solo part, while the percussion section, especially the castanet player, propels the music forward with repetitive rhythmic ideas. My only quibble with this piece is the ending, which is very abrupt, as if Glass was unplugged or blew a fuse in the midst of his syncopating. However, Glass' tendency to conclude with sudden, harmonically bizarre, codas is one of his "trademarks." Like a car going down a hill with no brakes, Glass' music has no problem sustaining its forward momentum; however its halt isn't pretty.

Despite this, this disc has my full recommendation. The reflective cello concerto contrasts nicely against the assertive timpani concerto. This is fascinating music that will appeal to all (except those who take themselves too seriously) and deserves a place in the library of any acquirer of recent classical music.

55:12

This is my story why I bought and fell in love with this album........2005-12-26

I still remember the incredible sensation I felt one night listening to Philip Glass' "Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra" for the first time on my car radio.

It happend about a year ago. After dining at Hooters in Santa Monica with some of my drumline friends, I hopped back into my car, turned on the engine, and all the sudden, the sound of timpani filled the car! I mean LOTS and LOTS of it! Listening to the orchestral accompaniment, I knew it was a concerto piece... a very modern concerto piece. The music was simply mesmerizing, with the orchestra playing rather refreshingly consonant chords, while the drums were struck all over the place, at times arpeggiating, and at times singing the melody. It either had to be a soloist playing so many drums, or even two playing them.

I simply had to know what this strange new piece was, so I listened throughout my whole drive on the dark highways and freeways back home. Lasting pretty long, I knew I must have listened from the first movement. As the music progressed, there was a slower movement, the followed by a huge cadenza featuring the timpani, before another fast movement. By the time I reached home, the music came to an exhilirating close, and listened like an eager student... "Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra by Philip Glass ("Philip Glass? Really?", the soloists being Jonathan Haas and Evelyn Glennie ("Evelyn Glennie? I know her!"), with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic under Gerald Schwartz."

I never hesistated by buy the album featuring this work. It only took days for me to find the right album with the right performers (well, this IS the only performance so far, being a premiere recording).

As a percussionist (with timpani being my favorite instrument), I bought this album just for the Timpani piece... obviously. Based on the booklet, the soloists Jonathan Haas (dubbed the "Paganini of Timpani") and Evelyn Glennie (probably THE best percussionist in the world), played on seven drums each, so that's FOURTEEN total! The work did prove a challenge to the performers, but the recording came out very well.

If you love timpani, then you'll absolutely love this work. Guaranteed! I truly cherish the work, and I am hoping to play it in the future to show my obsession with my favorite percussion instrument.

Great!.......2005-07-01

Excellent service, as always. They seem to have all the stuff you can't find anywhere else.

A must for all percussionists and music lovers.......2004-11-13

In listening to the first movement of the Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists, I was completely drawn into the play of these two brilliant percussionists, Evelyn Glennie and Jonathan Haas. The very sound of fourteen timpani in concert together with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is just amazing and from the start makes you sit up and take notice. The play between the strings and timpani is fantastic in the first movement. In this work the listener will get a true appreciation for the beautiful and powerful tone of the timpani. This is especially true in listening to the Cadenza where Glennie and Haas coax and reveal a variety of different tones and colors from their timpani, the voice of the timpani is revealed here. Movement III is the marvelous reward and bright payoff off of the piece, with the timpanists playing in harmony with the full orchestra once again. Featuring the timpani as a solo instrument in this context is fresh and very different. I hope to have the opportunity to see and feel a performance of this concerto in the future, especially if performed by Glennie and Haas.

Average customer rating:

Very Nice
Eh... it's okay for the young.
Almost perfect...
okay
Almost Perfect!!!!

Classical Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pure Classics
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ASIN: B00005NNNC
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Pie Jesu from Requiem
Ave Maria, "Ellens Gesang III"
Duel Of The Fates from Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom of the Opera
Rose
Nella fantasia
Pavane for Guitar and String Orchestra
'O mio babbino caro (from Gianni Schicchi)
Jesus, bleibet meine Freude (Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring)
'O sole mio
Maria from West Side Story Suite
The Second Waltz (Music from the motion picture Eyes Wide Shut)
Now We Are Free (from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of Gladiator)
The Eternal Vow from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
'O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
Theme From Braveheart (from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Prince of Denmark's March
Spring - I. Allegro
Appalachia Waltz
Nessun dorma! (from Turandot)

Customer Reviews:

Very Nice.......2006-08-12

I must say I enjoyed pretty much all of the songs on this album. "Victory" by Bond was the only thing they shouldn't have included, since it doesn't quite qualify as "classical" and wasn't what I would call a hit, anyway. True, it was instrumental, but real classical music is of a higher caliber. ("Now We Are Free" isn't quite classical either but it's not 'commercialized' like "Victory.") I really liked "Duel of the Fates," "Maria," "Now We Are Free," and "O Fortuna." Those were my favorites out of a great selection of songs. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't really care for full-blown classical.

Eh... it's okay for the young........2006-02-03

I bought this cd when it first came out, as my first real taste of anything even remotely classical. And for that purpose, it works. For someone getting into classical seriously though, I'd start somewhere else.

Almost perfect..........2005-09-17

aside from the second track (Bond-Victory) and the title track from the movie Braveheart, this is a decent classical album. The Bond-Victory selection is embarrassing commercial crap.

okay.......2002-11-08

This is a perfect album for someone who doesn't like classical music. It's almost like classical crib notes. The mix is great for dinner or party music but I was left wanting more. I'm not sure of it, but it felt like each song was shortened some how.

Almost Perfect!!!!.......2002-01-17

This album contains many of contemporary classic music's finest songs sung by many of the finest singers in the world. Bocelli, Brightman, Fleming, Watson, just to name a few. The problem here is with the opener, where the song is sung by the execrable Charlotte Church. Its a mystery to everyone I know who has heard this CD why this song is not sung by Sarah Brightman who did the original and defining version. The rendition by Church simply demonstrates her lack of vocal control and emotion. Even a cover by Renee Fleming is far superior to that of Church's. The only thing I can think of here is that since the album is put out by Sony, and Charlotte is owned by Sony, they had to find some place for her songs after paying her so much money.
If not for Church poisoning the well on track 1, this album is an absolute 5-star

Julian Lloyd Webber plays Andrew Lloyd Webber

Average customer rating:

Awful and Tacky!
Julian Lloyd Weber Plays Andrew Lloyd Weber
Too much of a good thing and I prefer the originals
Lloyd Webber Plays Lloyd Webber
Absolutely excellent!

Julian Lloyd Webber plays Andrew Lloyd Webber

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Phantasia
Gentle Dreams: The Best of Julian Lloyd Webber
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Lloyd Webber Plays Lloyd Webber

ASIN: B00005BJNF
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera
The Phantom Of The Opera: Music Of The Night
Cats: Memory
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina
The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love
Sunset Boulevard: With One Look
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him
Starlight Express: Starlight Express
Evita: Buenos Aires
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything
Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You
The Beautiful Game: God's Own Country
Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday
Vars: Vars 1-4
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door
Jesus Christ Superstar: John
Requiem: Pie Jesu
Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - Julian Lloyd Webber/Andrew Lloyd Webber

Amazon.com

Apparently, Julian and Andrew Lloyd Webber's first collaboration occurred when the latter was 9 and the former 6. It took place on the stage of a toy theater, and Julian's role was then limited to operating the collection of tiny plastic soldiers that made up the cast of Andrew's latest musical. More than 40 years have passed since then but, as this disc proves, the brothers still enjoy a remarkable familial and musical relationship. Julian first recorded a series of cello arrangements of hits from Andrew's musicals in 1990, and this disc updates the enterprise with six new tracks from Whistle Down the Wind, The Beautiful Game , and Sunset Boulevard. The orchestral arrangements are deliciously soupy (especially "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera, "Love Changes Everything" from Aspects of Love, and the Riverdance-esque "God's Own Country" from The Beautiful Game) and suit Julian's appropriately swoony and uninhibited approach to the music. Fans of the Lloyd Webbers shouldn't be disappointed. --Warwick Thompson

Customer Reviews:

Awful and Tacky!.......2005-05-11

The reason I checked out this CD from local library is because I just watched the disappointing movie version of `Phantom of the Opera' and hoped Andrew Lloyd Webber who appears suffering from `over-esteem' would redeem himself in this format of presentation. It really would have worked, considered the similar quality of cello and human voice and the already famous melodies.

But it didn't! This is a tacky and totally forgettable presentation only suitable for elevators and ... well, you know, some public facilities. It makes the critically panned 'Phantom of the Opera' movie like a masterpiece! It's not so much the music's or musician's faults. There just isn't any thought process in the music making at all. If the cello is just going to play by the numbers, what's the point then? And the music arrangements on the orchestra side are just as shameful and insulting.

Compare to 'Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone', it's a clear example how a good taste of music adaptation can make a difference between Heaven and Hell.

It should be a minus star!

Julian Lloyd Weber Plays Andrew Lloyd Weber.......2001-07-14

Fantastic collection for true Andrew Lloyd Weber fans. A perfect gift for you or your friends. Everyone who hears mine wants a copy.

Too much of a good thing and I prefer the originals.......2001-06-02

Certainly Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote some superb melodies and certainly his brother Julian is an accomplished, outstanding cellist. That said, while it is fine to listen to a couple of these songs at a time played in this format, the real greatness of Andrew was in his collaboration with his lyricists like Tim Rice, and the songs just work better in my opinion as Broadway/theatre, with the rich diversity of soloists who have sung them.

Lloyd Webber Plays Lloyd Webber.......2001-05-22

I got an e-mail recommending this CD....Being the Andrew Lloyd Webber fan that I was, I just decided to buy it thinking it was his greatest hits by the original casts of his Play.

Boy was I wrong...but pleassantly so. Julian Lloyd Weber does a brilliant job of his brothers work...Purely instrumentational and incredibly beautiful... definately worth buying if your are ALW fan

Absolutely excellent!.......2001-05-14

An updated and improved version of Lloyd Webber plays Lloyd Webber. The original was great; and this new one is even better. The old songs have been enhanced, and there are six new selections from Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind (the title song featuring Andrew on piano) and the two best Andrew songs brother Julian has ever done: "Our Kind of Love" and "God's Own Country" from the Beautiful Game. Even if you aren't into the Lloyd Webber brothers, any fan of classical and/or show music would absolutely love this CD.

Average customer rating:

Best of Broadway

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000K2VDL8
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Tracks:

Chicago: Overture/All That Jazz
A Chorus Line: Medley
Mack & Mabel: When Movies Were Movies
Grease: Medley
Cats: The Jellicle Ball
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You
Les Miserables: I Dreamed A Dream
Miss Saigon: Medley
Sweeney Todd: Johanna
Blood Brothers: Tell Me It's Not True
The Lion King: The Circle Of Life
Copacabana: Copacabana
Mamma Mia: Medley
Little Shop Of Horrors: Suddenly Seymour
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: Hushabye Mountain

Tracks:

The Producers: Overture
Sunday In The Park With George: Putting It Together
Wicked: Defying Gravity
La Cage Aux Folles: I Am What I Am
Cabaret: Don't Tell Mama
Evita: Don't Cry For Me, Argentina
Beauty & The Beast: Orchestral Suite
Beauty & The Beast: If I Can't Love Her
Follies: Broadway Baby
Guys & Dolls: Luck Be A Lady
Jekyll & Hyde: Someone Like You
Hairspray: Hairspray
Hairspray: You Can't Stop The Beat
Tell Me On A Sunday: Tell Me On A Sunday
Billy Elliot: Electricity
Company: It's The Little Things
Avenue Q: There's A Fine, Fine Line
Spamalot: The Song That Goes Like This

Album Description

Hit songs from hit musicals! A double-cd featuring music from Broadway favorites such as Chicago, Grease, Cats, Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, Little Shop of Horrors, The Producers, Cabaret, Evita, Follies, Billy Elliot, and many more.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful music for little ones (and big ones)

For Your Baby

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Just For Fun
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ASIN: B00016MT70
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

Lullaby - Julian Lloyd Webber
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star - Ingrid Haebler
Fur Elise - Wilhelm Kempff
Air On A G String - Sir Neville Marriner
Claire De Lune - Naoko Yoshino
Childrens Prayer - Edita Gruberova
Baby Steps: Allegro - Mitsudo Uchida
Reverie - Julian Lloyd
Adagio Cantabile - Claudio Arrau
Nocturne No. 2 In E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 - Julian Lloyd Weber
Humming Chorus From Madama Butterfly - Barry Wordsworth
Greensleeves - Toyohiko Satoh
Berceuse - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Traumerei (Dreaming) - Christoph Eschenbach
Aquarium - Andre Previn
Berceuse (Lullaby), Op. 16 - Christian Ferras
Beautiful Dreamer - Carl Davis
Menuet And Trio - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful music for little ones (and big ones).......2006-03-03

If you are searching for a true classical music CD for your little one, this CD is a pleasure. From the sweet, tinkling Aquarium to Mozart's playful Baby Steps, you and your child will experience classical music as it was meant to be, with all its rushes and subtleties.

Average customer rating:

All the best
Truly essential

Essential Rachmaninov

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Essential Bach
Essential Beethoven
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ASIN: B00005Y2JD
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: I. Moderato - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: II. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: III. Allegro Scherzando - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Renee Fleming
Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.3 No.2 - Vladimir Ashknazy
Suite No.1 For Two Pianos, Op.5: IV Paques: Allegro Maestoso - Andre Previn
Symphony No.2 In E Minor, Op.27: III. Adagio - Valery Gergiev
Piano Concerto In No.4 in G Minor, Op.40: II. Largo - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Symphonic Dances, Op.45: I. Non Allegro - Concertgebouw Orchestra

Tracks:

Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43 - Zoltan Kocsis
Piano Concerto In No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Vivace - Concertgebouw Orchestra
Vespers (All-night Vigil), Op.37: Nyne Otpushchayeshi (Kievian Melody): Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart In Peace - St. Petersburg Chamber Choir
Prelude In G Minor, Op.23 No.5 - Rafael Orozco
Romance In F Minor - Julian Lloyd Webber
Liebesfreud - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Symphony No.1 In D Minor, Op.13: IV. Allegro Con Fuoco - Concertgebouw Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

All the best.......2005-01-29

This splendid collection of Rachmaninov is a must-have for fans of classical. Wonderful for quiet evenings at home, the background for romantic dinners, or just to enjoy on the drive to work. It's called "Classical Music" for a good reason.

Truly essential.......2004-02-22

You can see the track listing above, so you can decide for yourself if what you want it on it. I bought it mainly for the second piano concerto so I'll only review that part thoroughly.

I spent a while looking for a good Rachmaninov CD. My main objective was to find a nice version of Piano Concerto No. 2, and I can safely say mission accomplished.

Vladimir Ashkenazy does a good job with the solo piano and it moves at a pace to which I am accustomed. (Is it wrong to not like the composer's intentions? :) ) I actually prefer a performance with the London Philharmonic from the 70s slightly more than this, but all the recordings of that have a prominent hiss.

That brings me to the audio quality. Its Much better than most Rachmaninoff CDs I have found, as it has been digitally remastered. But I was a little dissapointed when playing it on my dad's audio-phile surround sound system. I felt like I was being fed the music in one lump instead of a weave of the different tones and timbres. But that's no reason not to buy it; it still sounds great on my stereo, my car stereo, and my computer speakers (I have good computer speakers) I may have been expecting too much from my dad's audio system.

In conclusion, this two disc set has nearly everything else you would want from Rachmaninoff. (They don't call it essential for nothing) There is no background hiss or hum, and the choice of performances is excellent.

Music Track: