René Clemencic: Apokalypsis [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
On the Occasion of the Change of Millennium, Rene Clemencic Presents his Masterpiece "Apokalypsis" - after the Revelation of St. John from the Newtestament.

Album Description

Mozart Edition: The Complete Works will make a great gift this Holiday season for the music lover in your life or someone who is hard to buy for. This collection contains 170 discs of completed works by Mozart in one beautiful package. Also included is a cd-rom containing essays on his works, artist bio's, text and libretti's. At this super low price all music lovers will enjoy the Symphonies - Concertos - Serenades - Divertimenti - Dances - Chamber Music - Church Sonatas - String Ensembles - Violin Sonatas - Keyboard Works - Sacred Works - Concert Arias - Songs - Canons and Operas in this collection.

Customer Reviews:

a surprising offer.......2007-07-05

Complete works of Mozart for such a price is a surprising offer. We are pleased of the good quality, and the availability of otherwise difficult to find works of Mozart

Welcome to Perfection.......2007-06-28

Dispite what anyone else says, if god ever tried to talk to humanity it was through Wolfgang because his music is absolute perfection.It is the most beautiful music i've ever heard in my life( and this is coming from a 21 year old metal-head ).If one has second thoughts about buying this collection dispell them right now because this is probably the first item i've bought in a long time that i have not regreted.

Buy this as an encyclopedia of Mozart, then add other recordings..........2007-06-22

Brilliant Classics Complete Mozart edition, released for the 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth (he was born in 1756), has much to recommend it. It contains almost all the works of Mozart, and has many fine performances: the piano sonatas by Klara Wurtz, Piano Concertos by Derek Han, Paul Freeman/Philharmonia, The Magic Flute, conducted by Charles Mackerras (licensed from Telarc), String Quartets by the Franz Schubert Quartet (Licensed from Nimbus) each stand out. The Symphonies, by the Amsterdam Mozart Academy/ Jaap ter Linden, are "So-so": I don't like the small period ensemble, but Symphonies 20, 40 (both versions: one with clarinets and the other without), 23, 24, and 34 are pretty good. Symphonies 1:I, 25 and 41 are sub-par: scrappy playing and weak violins make for a pretty rough experience. I would supplement this with the complete Mozart Symphonies by Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (DG), among the best recordings of these works, and the best complete set of Mozart's Symphonies, completed in 1968.

The Requiem, conducted by Nicol Matt (2001 recording) has had better performances, and for this I would recommend Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG) and Colin Davis/London Symphony (Philips), which use a larger choir and orchestra, and have more drama where it is needed. The other choral works conducted by Nicol Matt are better, especially "Exsultate Jubilate" motet, the short Masses, and "Ave Verum".

Also worthy of mention are the "Posthorn" and "Haffner" Serenades, by Colin Davis/Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, licensed from Novalis for this release.

This is a great overview, and Brilliant Classics are to be commended for making it available at a low price, to get Mozart's music out to the mass public. It's a great buy, but I would get the Bohm Symphonies, and also Piano Concertos by either Ashkenazy/Philharmonia (Decca), Perahia/English Chamber Orchestra (Sony) or Anda/Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg (DG) for supplements. Also, Karl Bohm's recordings of the operas: The Magic Flute, the Marriage of Figaro, Idomeneo, and La Clemenza di Tito (all DG) are required listening, too. Recommended, but not as the only recording of Mozart's works.

Great value..Cant beat this deal at all!!!.......2007-06-13

As others have reviewed the product and highlighted that there are a few poor pieces... But who cares when there is 170 discs.. if you had have 10 cds that are poor quality and had a 160 disc set of good cd's and you paid $90 for the set.. would you be happy? I would think so... So don't get frustrated and just buy the set.. Enjoy the music for the price.. I am not going to go into details like others did but just buy the set!

Incredible Bargain.......2007-06-10

This offer is an incredible bargain at just over 50 cents a CD. The price jumps around often - you can sometimes get it for $4 or $5 less. but still at 50 cents. Mine arrived in excellent shape - it's hard for them to do otherwise. The way they are packaged they are either in good shape or some major disaster has happened destroying a whole bunch. Those I have played sound great. It will probably take a life time to play them all. Meanwhile we can just revel in our riches and feel all warm and fuzzy.
I also own the Bach set and am wildly happy with that as well.

Average customer rating:

Loved it then. Loved it now.
Under da Sea
little mermaid soundtrack
a brilliant rebirth in film and song
JUST like the movie!

Little Mermaid

Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Aladdin: Special Edition Soundtrack
The Little Mermaid (2-Disc Platinum Edition)
Cinderella
Beauty And The Beast: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B000FZDIL8
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

Fathoms Below
Main Titles Score
Fanfare Score
Daughters of Triton
Part of Your World
Under the Sea
Part of Your World (Reprise)
Poor Unfortunate Souls
Les Poissons
Kiss the Girl
Fireworks Score
Jig Score
The Storm Score
Destruction of the Grotto Score
Flotsam and Jetsam Score
Tour of the Kingdom Score
Bedtime Score
Wedding Announcement Score
Eric to the Rescue Score
Happy Ending

Tracks:

Kiss The Girl - performed by Ashley Tisdale
Poor Unfortunate Souls - performed by Jonas Brothers
Part of your World - performed by Jessica Simpson
Under the Sea - performed by Raven-Symone
Music Video - Poor Unfortunate Souls - performed by Jonas Brothers
"Making Of" Music Video - Kiss The Girl - performed by Ashley Tisdale

Amazon.com essential recording

Before Broadway was Disneyfied and Times Square became a mall, the best Broadway musicals were being written for Disney animated features by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman. Their songs for The Little Mermaid created the mold from which their even more popular work (Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin) would be cast. Almost every tune in Mermaid has its (slightly inferior) counterpart in Beauty, for example. But there's no topping the Oscar-winning calypso show-stopper, "Under the Sea"--in which a Caribbean crab convinces you that "Darlin' it's better/Down where it's wetter." Other songs, just as delightful, are even more impressive in the context of the movie. The rapturous "Kiss the Girl" accompanies a scene in which, despite the whispered urgings of creatures all around, the romantic hero does not act on the title's advice! That's the kind of abstract dramatic (OK, comedic) conceit you'd expect from Harold Pinter rather than Disney. And the gruesomely hilarious "Les Poissons" gives us a fisheye view of a kitchen where the seafood chef is a sort of French Ed Gein--a sadistic murderer who brutally tortures and chops up his victims, then eats them! Who says Disney never did black comedy? "...I stuff you with bread/It won't hurt, 'cause you're dead/And you're certainly lucky you are...." Lyricist Ashman may not have been Cole Porter, but he was the next best thing. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Loved it then. Loved it now........2007-04-10

Little Mermaid was the first video I ever owned myself. Loved it from the first day I saw it. I don't hold the same view as I did as a child but it's still a wonderful story. And the music is just plain fun. The best part of this special edition is Ashley Tisdale's rendition of Kiss The Girl. Let me start by saying I have issues about Disney's need to turn every actor into a singer and every singer into an actor and the promote them to the ends of the earth. And it's not so much Ashley Tisdale - though she's very talented - that makes me love this version of the song. Whoever revised the arrangement is who I'd like to really thank. I love every thing about how this version was put together. Upbeat. Fun. Totally "sqeeable". But then I'm a hopeless romantic.

Under da Sea.......2007-03-05

We actually own the CD that was originally released when the movie was first released. It is one of our favorites. I'm not sure what several others are talking about when they say this one has the origninal score. The CD's have the same exact music, with the exception of the 2nd CD. As for the songs on the 2nd CD, we have heard several on Radio Disney. They are okay once you get passed the whole remake issue. I actually enjoy the Jonas Brothers version of Poor Unfortunate Souls.

little mermaid soundtrack.......2007-02-21

i bought this for my 5 year old --who loves ariel and all the princesses---it is great for her she loves to sing and dance to all the songs and she knows the songs inside and out--i recomend this product if your child loves the movie she will love this soundtrack

a brilliant rebirth in film and song.......2006-11-24

by 1989, disney animation was pretty much dead, the department itself was pretty close to getting axed. basically all hopes were riding on the little mermaid. cinematically it is of course a gem and it managed to bring about the renowned disney rennisaince that lasted untill around the mid to late 1990's. musically, this soundtrack jumpstarted the dead musical genre as well. alan menken and howard ashman teamed up for the first time on a disney picture wiht amazing results.

alan menken's first of four academy award winning scores is a musical gem. the intense flourishes on the main titles and in the happy ending finale are truly beautiful but the fun lighter tone that the majority of the score takes on is great to hear. the score really lightens up the piece and gives it an airiness (ironically enough) and allows the whole piece to really take on a fun fresh sound that is crucial for the film to work

SCORE 5 out of 5

as far as the songs go, this may just be the most consistanly good soundtrack all the songs are fun and fresh but advance the story well. no other album really contains as many sure fire hits as this one. menken and ashman made great songs here that utilize the necessary carribean influences that are truly wonderful.

FATHOMS BELOW - this is a fun opener that provides a great sense of nautical mythology and fun. it sets the film up well for the following songs that are obveously meant to juxtapose it. originally, the song was longer, but jeffery katzanberg required that ashman shorten the lyrics, the original extended version can be found on the special edition 2006 dvd.
5 out of 5

DAUGHTERS OF TRITON - this short little snipet introduces all of ariel's sisters. its pretty bland and dry and thankfully its quick. if it were longer it would definately bring the entire soundtrack down, but luckilly its short and over with quickly
3 out of 5

PART OF YOUR WORLD - this is ariel's only real song and it is truly beautiful. her song of longing is emotional and jodi benson's vocals take to a whole other level. many have covered this song, but none have topped benson's heartfealt version that combines longing and real sorrow. A+
5 out of 5

PART OF YOUR WORLD (REPRISE) - here is that trademark mermaid-on-rock scene from the movie and the fact that benson gets to belt out the ending bars makes this a real treat even though its so short, but this definately ranks right up there with the full version, and possibly tops it.
5 out of 5

UNDER THE SEA - this fun song was the oscar winner for best original song and it combines great carribean rhythms and sounds wiht fun fresh and witty lyrics to epitomize the fun and freshness that the little mermaid brought to the screen. the infecteous song is one that jsut stays in your head and wont leave too, but its all ok since this is such a great song.
5 out of 5

POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS - this is ursula's big number and pat caroll is amazing at it. this song is wickidly entertaining and great. the darkly comic tone and cabaret feel make this a great vilian song and a great song in general. the incredable rollar coaster of intensities make this an impressive number that never loses the audience's interest impressively enough.
5 out of 5

LES POISSONS - this song has gotten a lot of credit for its comedic strengths, but really this is the weakest song on the whole soundtrack. it's just too comical and goes too far over the top. it fits well in the film, but feels mildly disjointed on the soundtrack itself.
4 out of 5

KISS THE GIRL - this is the second oscar nominated song and it is possibly the best of all. the combination of soft vocals provided by samuel e wright and the great soft tropical rhythms make this song an unexpected winner. on paper, these combinations are strange for a defining love song, but it all comes together with great ease.
5 out of 5

SONGS OVERALL 5 out of 5

this entire piece brings an impressive combination of airiness and emotion to make a musical soundtrack that is truly spectacular. menken and ashman showed for the first time their true greatness when working together. this piece isn't their greatest, but it was a great starting point that revitilized what a movie musical and disney film could truly be. this timeless classic is a wonder to hear and never gets old or tired.

JUST like the movie!.......2006-10-25

Listening to this in it's entirety is almost as great as watching the movie. My daughter gets happy when she hears the first couple of notes and runs to the TV thinking the movie is on. I was really planning on buying the original CD that was released in 1988 because there were not many reviews for this new release but I'm so glad I changed my mind. This CD sounds great and is truely a score of the movie. Every song is there. If you end up not liking the second CD, doesn't matter because the 1st cd is worth your money already, I didn't mind the 2nd cd but that's not why I purchased the set anyway. made no difference to me, we just keep the first one on repeat and love every minute of it.

The Last 5 Years (2002 Off-Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Best work by the new Sondheim
second time buying this
Jason Robert Brown's newest, not best.
If You Didn't Believe In Jason Robert Brown, You Should Now
The Last 5 Years

The Last 5 Years (2002 Off-Broadway Cast)
Jason Robert Brown , Norbert Leo Butz , and Sherie Rene Scott
Manufacturer: Ghostlight
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Songs for a New World (1996 Original New York Cast)
The Last Five Years - Vocal Selections
Parade (1998 Original Broadway Cast)
Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Wearing Someone Else's Clothes

ASIN: B000065CXP
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Tracks:

Still Hurting
Shiksa Goddess
See I'm Smiling
Moving Too Fast
A Part of That
The Schmuel Song
A Summer in Ohio
The Next Ten Minutes
A Miracle Would Happen/When You Come Home to Me
Climbing Uphill
If I Didn't Believe in You
I Can Do Better Than That
Nobody Needs to Know
Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Rescue You

Amazon.com

Jason Robert Brown burst on the musical-theater scene with a bang when his first Broadway show, Parade, won the Tony for original score in 1999. This new offering is more modest in scale than Parade, but it allows Brown to refine his skills. A two-character, one-act play, The Last 5 Years retraces a relationship through a complex structure that involves varying viewpoints and a chronology that unfurls backward and forward. Brown himself plays the piano and leads a small ensemble, while Norbert Leo Butz (Thou Shalt Not) and Sherie René Scott (Aida) sing the composer's heartbreaking melodies. Brown's lyrics need a bit of work (he can be oddly crass at unexpected moments), but he knows how to write songs that incorporate a pop sensibility and a distinctly theatrical narrative drive. That in itself is quite an achievement. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Description

A fresh and contemporary musical from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade), "The Last 5 Years" chronicles a young couple's romance in a new and exciting way: Her story starts at the end of their relationship, his begins on the day they met. Funny and uplifting, the show captures some of the most heartbreaking and universally-felt moments of modern romance. Co-star Norbert Leo Butz was last seen on Broadway in Harry Connick Jr.'s "Thou Shalt Not," appeared in the hit musical "Rent," and portrayed the emcee in the touring production of "Cabaret." Sherie Rene Scott, last seen on Broadway in Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida," also starred in "Rent" and "The Who's Tommy." Songs: Still Hurting, Shiksa Goddess, See I'm Smiling, Moving Too Fast, A Part of That, The Schmuel Song, A Summer in Ohio, The Next Ten Minutes, A Miracle Would Happen/When You Come Home to Me, Climbing Uphill, If I Didn't Believe in You, I Can Do Better Than That, Nobody Needs to Know, Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Rescue You.

Customer Reviews:

Best work by the new Sondheim.......2007-06-08

If you like Sondheim, you will like Jason Robert Brown. His music is more sophisticated than Jonathan Larson, and yet still akin to popular music for our generation! I feel this musical is his best-to-date, but I can't wait to see the new pieces in store. If you liked "Songs for a New World", you will not be disappointed in this work. It is a little more like a traditional musical with a plot that weaves between two parts of a couple, and how they move through their relationship together (the trick is, he is going backwards in time, she forwards--they meet at the wedding.)

second time buying this.......2007-03-28

i have bought this cd twice now. the first time it got stolen and i put off buying as long as i could, but it's just too good. jrb is a wonderful composer and w/ nlb and srs singing his stuff; it's just too good to pass up if you dig show tunes.

Jason Robert Brown's newest, not best........2007-01-19

Parade is fantastic in every way shape or form, its deep, emotional, full of everything, great lyrics and singers. The Last Five Years is good in every way shape or form. The concept is amazing (although it doesn't really come through unless you read the synopsis). The Lyrics really capture the internal monologues of relationships. The orchestrations are simple, which is fine for a show like this. The singers... I was surprised by. Norbert Leo Butz, has been stellar in the other shows I've heard him in, but this one has moments that make him sound amateurish. Sherie Rene Scott has an interesting voice, that sometimes sounds like it isn't being treated healthy. That really comes through in this CD, sometimes she doesn't sound very good. But overall, this is a great CD. Brown is wonderful, the singers are broadways hottest, the topics are very close to home. I would suggest this for almost everyone. Its new and edgy, but borrows some mechanics of the classics. Definitely one for collectors, and people who just started listening to musicals. Favorite Song: "Climbing Uphill"

If You Didn't Believe In Jason Robert Brown, You Should Now.......2007-01-10

Jason Robert Brown wrote a splendidly beautiful musical, semi-autobiographical, chronicling the 5 year span of a relationship. The first five minutes had me hooked. In these first five minutes, Kathy is "Still Hurting" after the torential breakup of her marriage due to many particulars including adultery. With this tender introduction to Kathy, I was immediately sucked into her world of pain, loss, and failure. "What about lies Jamie? What about things that you swore to be true?" It is a question we've all asked time and time again. The music here is outstanding as well. Brown has decided to use a piano, drum kit and a string quartet in lieu of full orchestrations. And this works very well for the cast of two characters. Brown's previous musical, the large-scale "Parade" won him accollades of acclaim from critics everywhere on his music and orchestrations. He knows how to write. After Kathy, sung to perfection Sherie Renee Scott (she has such a conversational way of singing, and not to mention seamless voice), Jamie enters the stage with samba beat singing about this "Shiksa Goddess" he's just met...and her name is Kathy! "WAIT!" I said. Didn't he just lie to her, hurt her, and isn't she still pushing through all of the aftermath of their divorce? And isn't he fine with it? It was then that I knew this was no ordinary musical. Brown has done something revolutionary on the Musical Theatre Stage. Throughout the course of the show, the characters are moving in different directions; not only in their relationship, but in time. Kathy starts at the end of the 5 year relationship and regresses to the beginning, whereas Jamie starts at the beginning of the relationship and progresses to the end. They rarely interact until their marriage, where they sing finally sing together. This is of course another beautiful duet ballad Brown has written a la "All The Wasted Time" in "Parade." In this song, they sing their vows which focus on how much they love one another despite what their fault may imply. During one of Kathy's earlier songs "See I'm Smiling," we really get a sense of how hard it can be when you can see the end of a relationship falling upon you. It's a hard song to get through, though mostly quiet as she smiles through her tears and tries to see everything as "fine." But it is not. When she finally breaks, it is because Jamie decided to go to a party celebrating his book, than take her out for her birthday. When this happens, it is some of the best writing musically and lyrically in musical theatre. The way in which the lyrics seamlessly blend into the melody making it sound as though she were really just talking; the ups and downs through the anger; the breaking point where she finally realizes it is no use. And Scott sings her heart out of it. It raised the hair on my arms.
Further into the show, we have some more beautiful melodies arise and wonderful lyrics. You never think that Brown is trying to hard to rhyme. Norbert Leo Butz has the pleasure to sing Jamie, and in "Nobody Needs to Know" we get an sense of the sadness that came with all of Jamie's fortune. He is not happy. He did love Kathy. Fame, however, tainted that and hurt him in the end. As he lies in bed with another woman, we see the regret of his loss of innocense. With his rock-belter voice, Butz pulls this off with just the right amount of self-pity, without over-indulging. The Last 5 Years is definitely one of the bright shining moments of musical theatre in the new millenium. Brown should have received much more acclaim for this, as it is not as widely known as it should.

The Last 5 Years.......2007-01-03

One of the best musicals I have ever heard. It's amazing.

Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra

Average customer rating:

K.Teezy
Bizet: Carmen (Callas, Gedda, et al)
Imperfect? Maybe. Worthwhile? Yes!
Throw me into solitary confinement with this CD
Callas...Callas...Callas...

Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra
Georges Bizet , Maria Callas , Nicolai Gedda , Georges Prêtre , Orchestre de Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris , Choeurs René Duclos , Robert Massard , Jane Berbié , Andrea Guiot , and Claude Cales
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Puccini: Madama Butterfly (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Lucia Danieli, Nicolai Gedda, Herbert von Karajan, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan
Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Ghiaurov, Karajan
Puccini: La Boheme (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Anna Moffo, Antonino Votto, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

ASIN: B000002RXS
Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

Carmen: Prelude - (Orchestre)
Carmen: Act One: Sur la place - (Choeur/Morales/Micaela)
Carmen: Act One: Avec la garde montante - (Choeur d'enfants/Morales/Jose)
Carmen: Act One: C'est bien la, n'est-ce pas
Carmen: Act One: La cloche a sonne... Dans l'air, nous suivons des yeux la fumee - (Choeur)
Carmen: Act One: Quand je vous aimerai ?... L'amour este un oiseau rebelle - (Carmen/Choeur)
Carmen: Act One: Carmen ! sur tes pas, nous nous pressions tous ! - (Choeur/Carmen/Jose)
Carmen: Act One: Quels regards ! Quelle effrontere !
Carmen: Act One: Parle-moi de ma mere !
Carmen: Act One: Reste la, maintenant, pendant que je lirai - (Jose/Micaela)
Carmen: Act One: Que se passe-t-il donc la-bas?...Au secours! Au secours! - (Zuniga/Choeur)
Carmen: Act One: Mon officer, c'etait une querelle - (Jose/Zuniga/Carmen)
Carmen: Act One: Pres des remparts de Seville - (Carmen/Jose)
Carmen: Act One: Voico l'ordre; partez - (Zuniga/Carmen)
Carmen: Entr'acte - (Orchestre)
Carmen: Act Two: Les tringles des sistres tintaient - (Carmen)
Carmen: Act Two: Messieurs, Pastia me dit - (Frasquita/Zuniga/Carmen/Mercedes)
Carmen: Act Two: Vivat ! vivat ! le Torero ! - (Choeur/Zuniga)
Carmen: Act Two: Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre -(Escamillo/Choeur)
Carmen: Act Two: La belle, un mot - (Escamillo/Carmen/Zuniga)
Carmen: Act Two: Eh bien ! vite, Quelles nouvelles ?.. Nous avons en tete une affaire - (Frasquita/Le Dancaire/Mercedes/Le Remendado/Carmen)

Tracks:

Carmen: Act Two: Mais qui donc attends-tu? - (Le Dancaire/Carmen/Le Remendado)
Carmen: Act Two: Halte-l- (Jose/Carmen/Frasquita/Mercedes/Le Dancaire/Le Remendado)
Carmen: Act Two: Enfin c'est toi! ...Tout doux, Monsieur, tout doux
Carmen: Act Two: La fleur que tu m'avais jet...Non, tu ne m'aimes pas - (Carmen/Jose)
Carmen: Act Two: Holarmen! HolHol- (Zuniga/Jose/Carmen/Le Dancaire/Le Remendado)
Carmen: Entr'acte - (Orchestre)
Carmen: Act Three: oute, ecoute, compagnon, ecoute - (Choeur/Le Dancaire/Remendado/Jose/Carmen/Mercedes/Frasquita)
Carmen: Act Three: Reposons-nous une heure ici, mes camarades - (Le Dancaire/Carmen/Jose)
Carmen: Act Three: Mns! Coupons! - (Frasquita/Mercedes/Carmen)
Carmen: Act Three: Eh bien? - (Carmen/Le Dancaire/Frasquita)
Carmen: Act Three: Quant au douanier, c'est notre affaire - (Carmen/Mercedes/Frasquita)
Carmen: Act Three: C'est des contrebandiers le refuge ordinaire...Je dis, que rien ne m'epouvante
Carmen: Act Three: Je ne me trompe pas...c'est lui sur ce rocher - (Micaela)
Carmen: Act Three: Quelques lignes plus bas...HolholJos (Escamillo/Jose/Carmen/Le Dancaire/Micaela/Frasquita/Mercedes/Remendado/Choeur)
Carmen: Entr'acte - (Orchestre)
Carmen: Act Four: A deux cuartos! A deux cuartos! - (Choeur/Zuniga)
Carmen: Act Four: Les voici! voici la quadrille! - (Choeur/Escamillo/Carmen/Frasquita)
Carmen: Act Four: C'est toi!...Carmen, il est temps encore ...Viva! viva! la course est belle! - (Carmen/Jose/Choeur)

Amazon.com essential recording

This recording was made near the end of Maria Callas's career. It is a role she never sang onstage, but it suited her almost perfectly, and she gives a deep, compelling performance on this recording. The mezzo-soprano tessitura was comfortable for her voice, and the role did not call for a pretty sound. Nor did the recording studio require the kind of huge vocal power expected in an opera house. And furthermore, the character of a strong-willed, capricious, sexually compelling woman who thinks exclusively of herself was close to the offstage personality that made Callas so famous. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

K.Teezy.......2007-07-11

Received the product in a very timely manner....I've enjoyed listening to the CD on the way into work. It helps me relax.

Bizet: Carmen (Callas, Gedda, et al).......2007-01-10

Of the many recordings of Carmen that I've owned, this is the best. Callas has the perfect voice for it.

Imperfect? Maybe. Worthwhile? Yes!.......2006-10-11

Maria Callas' CARMEN has had at best, a checkered history. It seems to have found a permanent home in many record collections over the years, considering it has been released as an LP, cassette, and now CD, so it's loved by many if not by all the critics. It had some foes before it was released. Callas had never performed CARMEN on stage and in 1964 when the set was first issued, it was believed that a recording should only showcase an artist's best work after years of perfection. Since Maria Callas was Maria Callas, Angel records took a chance and released it, knowing she'd probably never attempt the role on stage. As soon as it was released, there was a noticeable decline in her vocal abilities, which caught many fans off guard. Still, it's stood the test of time. Maria Callas at her not so great is still better than some at their peak, and even if the voice isn't perfect, it still has an expressive quality to it that's evident to anyone who listens to it.

Maria Callas' performance for this set is interesting. One of the greatest strengths of her singing was her ability to portray a character through her voice and this may be why this set has a loyal following. We feel as if we are encountering the fiery, sensual woman that is Carmen in just about every note that Callas sings. It's hard not to forgive what some critics called an imperfect vocal performance when there is such a passion behind the singing. In the end, we have one of the most original interpretations of the role. Callas is joined by tenor Nicolai Gedda. Technically Gedda's performance cannot be faulted. He hits the notes and sings with ease. For Don Jose, this may not be enough, however. We want Jose to darken vocally as the opera progresses, and this does not happen. Gedda's strength is his beautiful voice that has suited him well in a great array of operas, but it doesn't have the robust quality that tenors such as Domingo or Corelli can bring to the role. For some of the opera's more tender moments, most notably the Don Jose/ Micaela duet in Act I "Parle-moi De Ma Mere," Gedda's light and lyrical voice is a perfect fit. I find the duet astounding and it could arguably be the best rendition of this work, which is due in no small part also to the beautiful voice of Andrea Guiot, who likewise gives a great solo performance in her aria "Je Dis, que rien ne `epouvante". Robert Messard as Escamillo does the job, but lacks the bravado of the confident lady-killer bullfighter he supposed to be. The orchestra and chorus under the direction of Georges Pretre perform beautifully and the smaller roles are all well cast.

With an opera such as CARMEN, where so many great singers have performed and recorded major roles, there is stiff competition between sets. It also seems as if there isn't one perfect set. Some great Carmens have been paired with lousy casts, and some lousy Carmens have great casts. This set isn't perfect, but overall it has a certain flow to it and for me, it feels like a CARMEN should feel.

Throw me into solitary confinement with this CD.......2006-01-25

My favorite singer singing my favorite opera. No other opera is so filled with fresh, innovative melodies... dramatic polar contrasts/opposites, and choir-multiple character interactions. No singer is as clean ( with accurate timing of gasps and rests) dramatic and prolific as Callas. In my mind this is the pinnacle of opera and most definitely of the non-Italian 19th century operatic landscape.

Callas...Callas...Callas..........2005-12-21

Even though Callas did not play "Carmen" on stage, she really saw through Carmen. AMAZING.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
DULL DULL DULL
Such an awesome musical, but it wasn't the cast I saw, but a great soundtrack!
Good old dirty rotten fun
Catchy and Entertaining !

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
David Yazbek , John Lithgow , Norbert Leo Butz , and Sherie Renee Scott
Manufacturer: Ghostlight Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
The Light in the Piazza (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Little Women The Musical (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000929AB4
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Overture
Give Them What They Want
What Was A Woman To Do
Great Big Stuff
Chimp In A Suit
Oklahoma?
All About Ruprecht
Here I Am
Nothing Is Too Wonderful To Be True
The Miracle
Ruffhousin' Mit Shuffhausen
Like Zis/Like Zat
The More We Dance
Love My Legs
Love Sneaks In
Son of Great Big Stuff
A Message From John Lithgow
The Reckoning
Dirty Rotten Number
Finale
Here I Am (Demo)
All About Ruprecht (Demo)
Nothing Is Too Wonderful To Be True

Amazon.com

With this giddily entertaining show, David Yazbek confirms that The Full Monty wasn't a fluke--few on Broadway can equal his melodic verve and lyrical cleverness. Based on the 1988 movie of the same name, the show deals with a pair of con artists swindling rich women on the French Riviera. Lithgow brings debonair charm to the Michael Caine part, while Norbert Leo Butz (Wicked) proves to be a comic dynamo in the Steve Martin part. And Yazbek provides them with an array of catchy tunes (adorned in beautiful Bacharach-style arrangements by Harold Wheeler). Butz goes ballistic on the hilarious "Great Big Stuff," which demolishes conspicuous consumption, then pairs up with feisty leading lady Sherie Rene Scott on "Love Is My Legs," a wicked sendup of Celine Dionstyle torch epics. Meanwhile, Lightgow nails the tender ballad "Love Sneaks In." A delicious jazz reprise of "Nothing Is Too Wonderful to Be True" by Scott and pianist Bill Charlap shows that Yazbek's songs don't need flashy pizzazz to be memorable. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Other Great Musicals of the Season

Spamalot
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Light in the Piazza

Little Women
All Shook Up
Altar Boyz

Customer Reviews:

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.......2007-01-03

Norbert Leo Butz is absolutely amazing once again and once again Sheree Renee Scott is a usual disappointment. But one of the bonus tracks she actually sounds alright.

DULL DULL DULL.......2006-07-24

I haven't seen the show, but I certainly hope it works better on stage with visuals than it does listening to this tepid CD. Not a memorable note of music in the entire score.

Such an awesome musical, but it wasn't the cast I saw, but a great soundtrack!.......2006-06-13

I loved this musical when I went to see it in late March of 2006. It's based off the movie with Steve Martin and Michael Kain.

I think EVERYONE in this original cast is PERFECTLY suited for their part. John Lithgow does a great job at being the haughty, elegant, charming and educated British con man. Norbert Leo Butz will make you laugh your a** off with his crass humor, and he just brings it ALL out in "Great Big Stuff" singing about how he wants to be rich! Sherie Rene Scott is a fantastic Broadway singer, and she's perfect as the sweet, innocent, ditzy American blonde (or is she? hmmm?) While she acts ditzy, her voice is big, telling everyone "Here I Am," making everyone so happy. Joanne Gleason really kicks it with her snooty little role as a rich American woman who, while a bit uneducated, gives each song an attitude! Gregory Jbara is a perfect, snooty Frenchman, always looking out for master Lawrence Jameson (John Lithgow).

Great musical. If you've seen the movie, see the musical, then buy the soundtrack.

Good old dirty rotten fun.......2006-04-29

At first, I borrowed this from the library because I love Norbert Leo Butz. He was very good in Wicked, but the part of Freddy Benson seems made for him. I can't wait to see the show; the entire cast is amazing. Some of my favorite tracks:
-Great Big Stuff
-All About Ruprecht
-Here I Am
-Ruffhousin' mit Shuffhausen
-The More We Dance
-Love is my Legs
-Dirty Rotten Number

All three of the leads are completely at ease in their parts, even though John Lithgow and Sherie Rene Scott have since moved on. If you like good old-fashioned comedy, this is a show for you!

Catchy and Entertaining !.......2006-04-15

Perhaps not one of the great musicals of all time, I have to say that none-the-less this is one darn nifty show... held together by its stylish sets, stylishly catchy tunes, melodies and orchestrations, a "deserves to be a standard" love ballad, and over the top Blake Edward's type physical comedy. - - The only thing that holds it back is the book which seems to lack consistency at times and took until the second act to pick up. Further, I don't think the final plot twist was foreshadowed enough to be believable. But all of this put aside, I'd say this is definitely one fun cast recording - - and I'd even consider seeing it again (though I hope if it were to ever be revived, the play would be cleaned up a bit in order to make the musical more effective overall.)

One big disappointment... The play-out music is not included on the cast recording, but when you see the musical the brass is really wailing out on it !

Once On This Island (1990 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Why tell this story? It's a good story, with better music!
BROADWAY
Very Authenic and Beautiful Work
Stunning and flawless Musical Fairy Tale
superb musical

Once On This Island (1990 Original Broadway Cast)
Lynn Ahrens
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Once on This Island: Vocal Selections
My Love, My Love, Or, the Peasant Girl
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000003F2N
Release Date: 1990-09-25

Tracks:

We Dance
One Small Girl
Waiting For Life
And The Gods Heard Her Prayer/Rain
Pray
Forever Yours
The Sad Tale Of The Beauxhommes
Ti Moune
Mama Will Provide
Some Say
The Human Heart
Pray (Reprise)
Some Girls
The Ball
Ti Moune's Dance
When We Are Wed
Forever Yours (Reprise)
A Part Of Us
Why We Tell The Story

Customer Reviews:

Why tell this story? It's a good story, with better music!.......2007-03-11

There is nothing worse than a weak story linked together with weaker tunes. However, Once on this Island is operatic in its beauty, organic in its execution (not a note out of place!) and is bound together with a strong story, stronger performances, and some of the most upbeat and uplifting music I have ever heard. The music brings you to the Antilles and establishes the place of this island, with its symbitioc relationship with nature and its gods. And you will root for Ti Moune and her faith in her place in the world, and even though she doesn't get the guy, it could be argued that she gets something even better.

Give it a listen....

BROADWAY.......2006-05-14

My schools 8th grade play was Once On This Island and I loved it so i'm gonna buy this cd! you should too!

Very Authenic and Beautiful Work.......2006-04-25

The team of Flaherty and Ahrens truly blew me away with "Ragtime", and I didn't anything could come close to that power. While "Once On This Island" is nothing like "Ragtime" in terms of gandeur, it still is a wonderful work filled with some wonderful music. The ensemble on this recording sounds exactly as they should in my opinion, and they perfectly depict people on a magical island. The story is also one that I enjoyed in that it was very simple, yet had a great message. While the vocal work provided by the ensemble is great, it is LaChanze who truly makes this recording soar. Her voice is like that of a goddess, and she makes all of the emotions of Ti Moune come alive, especially in "Waiting For Life", which is this recording's star number.

It may not be big, bold, or grand, but "Once On This Island" is a magical recording of a magical little musical that proves to be quite effective. It's authenticty and clever musicality are what make it great.

Stunning and flawless Musical Fairy Tale .......2006-04-08

This musical represents all that is RIGHT with new musicals. Flaherty creates musical themes that recur throughout the piece and Ahrens' lyrics are brilliant. Through this musical, which I saw in NY 7 times, I was introduced to the talent of La Chanze and now as the lead in Color Purple, the world is getting another glimpse at what a great singer she is. Listening to her interpret a song is beautiful. For those who never had the privilege of seeing the show, we can all thank our stars that the production lives on forever in recording. Many other notable performers from Milton Craig Nealy (Rain) to Kecia Lewis Evans (Mama Will Provide) to Jerry Dixon (Some Girls)to Eric Riley (in every stand out number), this cast recording is worth every penny. I am on my 2nd copy and rapidly working toward my 3rd.

superb musical.......2006-01-29

I saw the broadway play and I had to purchase the musical scores.
Very nice!

Average customer rating:

Introducing the Greatest Voice of All Time
The Greatest Tenor of the 20th Century.
Easy listening
Lanza of the joyous voice!
Not bad as an introduction to Lanza

Lanza: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
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Christmas with Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza Sings Songs From The Student Prince & The Desert Song / Romberg
Sixteen Most Requested
Mario Lanza: At His Best!
You'll Never Walk Alone

ASIN: B000003FVZ
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

The Toast Of New Orleans: Be My Love
Because
Very Warm For May: All The Things You Are
The Student Prince: Serenade
Rigoletto - La Donna e Mobile
Pagliacci: Vesti La Guibba
O Sole Mio
The Student Prince: Beloved
South Pacific: Younger Than Springtime
The Great Caruso: The Loveliest Night Of The Year
Carousel: If I Loved You
Carmen: Flower Song
The Student Prince: Golden Days
Spring Is Here: With A Song In My Heart
The Land Of Smiles: Yours Is My Heart Alone
Because You're Mine
Cavalleria Rusticana: Adido Alla Madre
Aida: Celeste Aida
The Lord's Prayer
Granada

Customer Reviews:

Introducing the Greatest Voice of All Time.......2007-03-13

A new generation of music lovers deserves to know, understand and appreciate the greatness of Mario Lanza. Five decades after his passing, millions of lovers of "grand voices" still are held in awe by the power, passion and beauty of his voice.

This selection of recordings has a number of fine selections that give a small "flavor" of his fantastic talent and skills. It is a good beginning for someone who wants to know "The American Caruso."

The Greatest Tenor of the 20th Century........2007-01-21

In a professional career that lasted just a bit over ten years Mario Lanza created more memorable recordings, broadcasts, concert perfomances and feature films than any other major vocalist in the classical and pop-jazz music genre. He was a man blessed with arguably the finest tenor voice in recorded music. Fans of Caruso, Pavarotti, Jan Peerce, Placido Domingo or Careras may argue that their tenor interpreted a particular aria better than anyone else but few if any can argue against the sheer beauty, power and emotion of Mario Lanza. He achieved worldwide success too fast and his penchant for the good life: wine, women and good food got the best of him in the end. It is so sad, when one contemplates Lanza's short but brilliant career and what might have been, that he was gone at age 38, an age when some tenors are just beginning to hit their stride. This album is a fine overview of some of his most memorable heavy classics as well as lighter operetta standards and showcases his voice so well. Nearly fifty years have transpired since his untimely death in 1959 and there is yet to appear on the scene a tenor with the power, charisma or sheer beauty of Lanza's voice. I highly recommend this album to the Lanza novice or those just starting their Opera CD collections.

Easy listening.......2006-02-27

I have always liked Mario Lanza and the album is wonderful and relaxing.

Lanza of the joyous voice!.......2005-07-14

This album has some really splendid songs, and yes, it's a good introduction to the King of the high last notes. I grew up with one of Lanza's albums and more or less learned to sing by singing along with his wonderful warm voice. What good energy he had... and too bad he died so young (sigh). It certainly lifts my spirits to listen to his music again and I hope anyone reading this will take a chance and get to know him too.

Not bad as an introduction to Lanza.......2001-11-13

I recommend this collection as a good starting point for those interested in this extraordinary tenor. It's not a complete representation of the man by any stretch of the imagination, but it includes a handful of unforgettable recordings that will make newcomers to Lanza sit up in astonishment.

Highlights include the immortal Serenade & Golden Days from The Student Prince, Beloved (from the film version of the Student Prince, and arguably Lanza's best English-language love song), Because You're Mine, If I Loved You, and the stirring Addio Alla Madre from Cavalleria Rusticana. If love songs seem a little over-represented at the expense of arias and (notably) Italian & Neapolitan Songs, then blame BMG for their habitual neglect of Lanza's more serious side. In any event, this is essentially a one-CD version of the three-CD set, The Mario Lanza Collection. All of the renditions are the same as on the earlier CD, as are the sound sources. With the exception of The Student Prince Serenade, most of the selections here have never sounded better.

Be aware, however, that several of the arias are in fact retakes of more familiar versions. Vesti La Giubba, for instance, is an alternate take from Lanza's May 1950 session, and although the tenor is in great voice, the orchestra lets him down on the climactic phrase by moving on before he has finished his High A on the word "infranto". The Flower Song is even more unrestrained than the familiar take - great fun, but not the kind of recording you'd want newcomers to Lanza to hear! (Lanza never quite "nailed" this aria, but his heart was in the right place.) La Donna E Mobile is the familiar 1950 version in the first half, but is replaced by an inferior retake in the second half, followed by an edited-in High B ending (on "pensier") from the original recording!

The only truly bad recording is the inexplicably popular With A Song In My Heart. Lanza is unfocused, and strains his way throughout the piece. Yours Is My Heart Alone is somewhat better, but is easily surpassed by the tenor's 1956 recording with the conductor Henri Rene (and currently unavailable on CD).

The "Greatest Hits" are here: the million-selling Be My Love, Loveliest Night of The Year and the aforementioned Because You're Mine. I have to confess to an aversion to the first two - Lanza was often a far better singer than these recordings suggest - but most fans, I'm sure, will continue to cherish them. Besides, what tenor since Lanza has ever sung Be My Love without straining his way through the wretched thing and then fudging the High C at the end? Lanza made it his own, and to be fair to the song, it is actually a very difficult piece to pull off, as Messrs Domingo, Carreras and Leech will no doubt attest. But that was also one of Lanza's most under-appreciated strengths - he made everything sound so easy. Listeners accustomed to the laborious efforts of most present-day tenors will be astounded by the freshness, ease, and sheer bravado of these performances.

Mozart - Requiem / Augér, Bartoli, Cole, Pape, Wiener Phil., Solti
Average customer rating:

Awesome

Heavenly Music

Best recording of Mozart's Requiem

Solti gives us a grand cathedral experience

In Celebration, In Memoriam

Mozart - Requiem / Augér, Bartoli, Cole, Pape, Wiener Phil., Solti
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Sir Georg Solti , Cecilia Bartoli , Arleen Auger , Wiener Philharmoniker , Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor , René Pape , and Vinson Cole
Manufacturer: Decca
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Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Requiem

Verdi: Requiem & Operatic Choruses

Mozart: Coronation Mass - Exsultate, Jubilate - Vesperae Solennes / Bonney, Wyn Rogers, MacDougall, Gadd; Pinnock

ASIN: B0000041ZS
Release Date: 1992-03-10

Tracks:

Introitus
Kyrie
Sequenz: Dies irae
Sequenz: Tuba mirum
Sequenz: Rex tremendae
Sequenz: Recordare
Sequenz: Confutatis
Sequenz: Lacrimosa
Offertorium: Domine Jesu
Offertorium: Hostias
Offertorium: Prayer Over The Gifts
Offertorium: Preface
Sanctus
Bendictus
Canon
Pater noster--Ecce Agnus
Agnus Dei
Communio

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-01-11

Listen to Mozart's requiem during a live performance and an actual mass.
Quite a treat.

Heavenly Music.......2006-08-17

I highly recommend this CD to all Mozart lovers and to all who appreciate classical, religious music. Masterfully performed under the direction of Sir Georg Solti.

Best recording of Mozart's Requiem.......2006-05-24

Near the end of Solti's illustrious career, I believe that Solti had developed an unparalleled understanding of Mozart's music that allowed him to bring musical and dramatic perfection to his works. While Solti's earlier recordings show a conductor who heavy handedly conducted Mozart as if it were Wagner, the later recordings (especially those after the births of his daughter Claudia and Gabrielle) sound more tamed, more musical, more religious. Solti was famous for his innate sense of rhythm, and not only does his music come to perfection (it does, but unlike Karajan, his music is full of life), but it also allows the meaning of the score to jump out of the page and affect the listeners. This, I can say about his Mozart requiem. I find that the recording is very heartfelt and dramatic where needed. The soloists, as expected of the standard that Solti would choose, are excellent. The chorus, orchestra, and conductor all come together to make a great enterprise such as this work, and for Mozart, Solti does work.

Solti gives us a grand cathedral experience.......2006-05-23

The cathedral bells that begin this recording, coupled with the interspersed spoken liturgy, give Solti's 1991 Mozart Requiem a unique feeling (contrary to two misguided reviewers below, the conductor didn't die soon thereafter; he died in France in 1997). Thorughout his career Solti's reputation in Mozart was as close to zero as one could get, but this is a grand, emotional, beautifully controlled performance that almost equals Bruno Walter's famous 1956 account from New York (Sony).

The Viennese chorus and orchestra are beyond praise, of course, and the solo quartet is as good as any I've ever heard. They blend beautifully and sing with great feeling. The sonics are resonant, as befits a cathedral, but the soloists are placed close enough so that we can easily make out the text. I own almost no Solti recordings beyond the Ring cycle, but this one was a wonderful surprise.

In Celebration, In Memoriam.......2006-01-28

Happy 250th Birthday, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! While the world celebrates a year of festivities around the extraordinary composer, it is also a time to recall the life and output of one of the true geniuses of music. This recording of the Requiem was made during a live performance in 1992 at St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Mozart's death. It is not just another of the many recordings of Mozart's Requiem K626, it is a true tribute to the young master. The concept of incorporating the spoken portions of the Catholic Requiem Mass with the musical aspects of Mozart's work may hinder some as disruptive, but taken as a whole the effect is stunning.

Sir Georg Solti (at the end of his brilliant career) conducts the Vienna Philharmonic chorus of the Vienna Staatsoper with élan and profound religious texture. The soloists are superb and include the now departed and deeply missed soprano Arleen Augér, mezzo soprano Cecilia Bartoli bringing her usual intelligent musicianship to her lines, tenor Vinson Cole who sings with a purity of ringing tone, and the now famous bass Rene Pape adding glowing thunder. Not only are the soloists individually excellent but also their emergence out of the orchestral fabric is otherworldly.

The ambience of the cathedral complete with the spoken recitations lend a feeling of solemnity and yet also a spiritual uplifting. And isn't that what Mozart was all about - the beauty of the spirit? This is a beautiful commemoration and whether or not there are other performances of the Requiem in your library, this special recording deserves a special place. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (Collectors Edition)

Average customer rating:

Just Super
scratches easily
Bernstein is gone, but thankfully, his music is not
Bedrock stuff
Come on, reviewers !

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (Collectors Edition)

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mozart: The Late Symphonies: Nos. 25, 29, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41
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Mahler: The Complete Symphonies
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Schumann: The 4 Symphonies

ASIN: B0001WGDX0
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Customer Reviews:

Just Super.......2007-06-10

This a great collection, and Bernstein displays all his usual expressiveness. I'm sorry, Eroica is not at all boring. It is fantastic!

scratches easily.......2007-05-31

I don't have a problem with the quality of the recordings but has anyone else noticed if the disks scratch easily? I have about three of them now that are scratched up pretty badly. Or maybe I don't take care of my CD's like I should.

Bernstein is gone, but thankfully, his music is not.......2007-05-15

Bernstein is one of my favorite conductors and this set is another reason why! For live recordings they really sparkle (like the ghost of Walt Disney was up in the sound booth). The cellos and bass with their gritty tone come thru loud and clear and it almost seems like they are in my living room, not coming out my speakers. The same for the flutes, even the low parts.

I thought the first symphony was a bit average and dragged a little, but still very enjoyable. Beethoven's 3rd and 7th were the two symphonies I was slow in warming up to. Now I wonder what was wrong with me! Bernstein really nails the 3rd symphony! WOW! The 2nd and 5th are paired on disc two. I have always liked this pairing since the 2nd reminds me so much of number 5. I had my musical moment during symphonies 3, 2, and 5. The last movement of number five, what JOY of life! The 6th is played serenely and very beautifully.

Some Beethoven symphony performances seem to bring out the majesty of the music while others the thunder and excitement. Bernstein nails both of these features, especially in symphyony 5 and the musicians play with such warmth and joy. Don't miss the JOY in Beethoven's music. Even with his loss of hearing, Beethoven did not loose hope, nor the joy of life and this comes through with great passion in these symphonies. "The last enemy to be destroyed will be death." "katepothe ha thanatos eis nikos" Death will be swallowed up in victory.

Bedrock stuff.......2007-02-21

I couldn't live without recordings of classical music, but please, somebody shoot me if I ever get as snobbish as some of the reviewers nitpicking this box set. The sound quality is excellent. (These symphonies were all recorded live in concert, so the performances truly breathe.) The interpretations are, to my ear, deeply considered and extremely moving, especially the second movement of the Seventh. And best of all, you can't beat the price (and this is Deutsche Grammaphone we're talking about, usually the most expensive pressings). So if you know some person, young or old, who wants to know where to start with building a classical collection, get them this set as a gift. How can you not like this music?

Come on, reviewers !.......2006-08-03

...sorry, but: these lukewarm reviews are a crock. These are
the most heartfelt performances of Beethoven that money can buy.
This is the set that big bad Ludwig would buy. Don't invite these crusty old reviewers to your party ! They'll only critique it !

Average customer rating:

Shattering
One of the Mid-Twentieth Century's Greatest Operatic Works

Poulenc: Dialogues des Carmélites

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001O3YBW
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Ou Est Blanche?
Les Soldats Surviennent A Temps
Blanche, Votre Frere Avait Grand'hate De Vous Revoir
Son Imagination Va Toujours D'un Extreme A L'autre
Je Vois Qu'il N'y A Heureusement Rien De Grave
Mon Enfant Cherie
Prelude
N'allez Pas Croire Que Ce Fauteuil
Je Vois Que Les Severites De Notre Regle
Ma Fille, Les Bonnes Gens Se Demandent
Vous Pleurez?
Prelude
Encore Ces Maudites Feves!
Vous N'avez Pas Honte De Parler Ainsi
OH! Soeur Blanche
Prelude
Ayez La Bonte De Relever Ce Coussin
Je Trouve Que Blanche De La Force Tarde Beaucoup!
Relevez-vous, Ma Fille
Dieu Se Glorifie Dans Ses Saints
Monsieur Javelinot, Je Vous Prie De Me Donner
Mere Marie De L'Incarnation!
La Reverende Mere Veut Que Vous Approchiez
Qui Lazarum Resuscitasti A Monumento Foetidum
Que Faites-vous?
Soeur Blanche, Je Trouve Notre Croix
Pensez A La Mort De Notre Chere Mere
Mes Cheres Filles
Mes Soeurs, Sa Reverence Vient De Nous Dire

Tracks:

Que Se Passe-t-il?
Prelude
Pourquoi Vous Tenez-vous Ainsi
Dans Des Temps Comme Ceux-ci
Oh! Ne Me Quittez Pas Sur Un Adieu De Facherie!
Remettez-vous, Soeur Blanche
Mes Cheres Filles
Qu'Allez-vous Devenir?
On A Tire La Clochette!
Ou Sont Les Religieuses?
Mes soeurs, Notre Reverende Mere Viendra Bientot
Prelude... Parlez-leur, Mon Pere
Il Ya A Une Seule Opposition
Citoyennes, Nous Vous Felicitons
Soeur Gerald, Il Faut Absolument Prevenir Le Pretre
Prelude
C'est Vous!
Soeur Blanche De L'Agonie Du Christ!
Deuxieme Interlude
Mes Filles, Voila Que S'acheve
Le Tribunal Revolutionnaire
Mes Filles, J'ai Desire De Tout Mon Coeur
Elles Sont Condamnees A Mort
Prelude
Salve Regina

Customer Reviews:

Shattering.......2006-05-26

Poulenc's Dialogues of Carmelites is nowhere near the tuneful, melodically-rich operas you've ever come across. It is largely set in recitative, and the orchestra sets the grim atmosphere of the whole work. As a whole, Dialogues is a really outstanding opera, full of atmosphere and grabs you with its mysterious charm. This recording, largely supervised by Poulenc himself during the recording sessions, definitely offers the perfect idiom of the work. Most of the voices cast in this recording are also the creators of their respective roles: Duval as Blanche, Gorr as Mere Marie, Crespin as Madame Lidoine...What you have here is not only an outstanding musical recording, but also a rare historical footage of immense power. All the voices on the recording are perfectly cast. The little known Duval gives here a wonderful portrayal of a fearful yet sensitive Blanche. Rita Gorr and Regine Crespin, caught here at an early stage of their careers, are in their usual prime, bringing not only their wonderful tones but also great insight into the characters. Dervaux's conducting is inspired and solid throughout. The supporting cast, all French and all good voices, all give memorable moments.
Dialogues des Carmelites has perhaps the most shattering final scene in operatic history: A chorus of nuns that gets diminished one by one at the sound of a guillotine. It literally numbs you and leaves you emotionally drained by the final pianissimo chord. Duval said that the challenge of singing Blanche in this Salva Regina scene is overwhelmingly difficult, since the singer has to overcome the emotions and sing a totally pure line over the grim atmosphere of the scene. It is perhaps also overwhelming for the listener. It is so real, so powerful that admittedly I don't dare to listen to it until I'm totally ready.
Dialogues des Carmelites, other than the wonderful music, also deals with social and psychological problems, among which are faith, life and death, community life and evolution. This recording has it all. A great recording of the century.

One of the Mid-Twentieth Century's Greatest Operatic Works.......2006-05-07

I became interested in Poulenc's DIALOGUES des CARMELITES long before I heard a note of the opera. I was twelve or thirteen at the time and was looking something up in an encyclopedia and I came across the entry for opera. Glossy photographs accompanied the entry and a stark black and white photograph of singers dressed as nuns lying prostrate on the floor piqued my curiosity. I'm sure it was a number of years later before I ever heard a note of the opera itself, but that image has remained with me for many years and it may be a reason why the opera has fascinated me over the years.

The story of the opera is about a Carmelite convent that was suppressed during the French Revolution and its nuns, who resisted the order of suppression were martyred. The story has become part of French culture and it caught the attention of Francois Poulenc, a composer who had moderate success during his lifetime but up to that time had not composed anything that would outlive him. DIALOGUES turned out to be his masterpiece. The powerful music, with a lush and fluid sound, a far cry form much of what was written for the operatic stage in the 1950's, is aided by a powerful libretto written by none other than Georges Bernanos, the great French writer who had the literary talent to write a wonderful story and the an understanding of Catholicism and a spirituality that can only come from a person of authentic faith.

This recording was the first studio recording of the work and the cast includes some of the singers who performed in the work's premiere. Poulenc himself was also an advisor when the work was recorded, so perhaps this may be one of the few operatic recordings that we have that is true to the composer's intentions since the composer was involved in the recording. The cast includes one of opera's greatest voices, Regine Crespin as well as one of the best known mezzos of the French repertoire Rita Gorr. While the recording has been remastered, listeners will immediately notice it was first recorded in mono so it has an aged sound to it. Yet this should not be a deterrant because it has dramatic intensity. Very often I listen to opera while doing something else, and I will have to admit I can be working away as some of opera's most gory death scenes occur and barely notice. Yet whenever I listen DIALOGUES and hear the nuns sing "Salve Regina" and hear the chorus diminished one by one as the nuns are executed, and hear the guillotine (a percussion representation of the guillotine, of course) I always stop and pause. Even the total destruction of DIE GOTTERDAMMERUNG doesn't cause me to pause the way DIALOGUES can.

If your purchasing this recording, you may also want to consider reading M. Owen Lee's commentary on this work in his volume A SEASON OF OPERA FROM ORPHEUS TO ARIADNE. In this entry Fr. Lee combines all that makes this a wonderful opera.

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