Cathedral

On this CD:

1. Suite for lute in E minor, BWV 996
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gordon Kreplin

2. Mass for solo guitar
Composed by Robert Powell
Performed by Gordon Kreplin

3. Suite compostelana for guitar
Composed by Federico Mompou
Performed by Gordon Kreplin

Editorial Reviews
Bill Ellis, American Record Guide 7/97
"Kreplin shows real flair with Bach's note spinning and creates a baroque lute hue in the bass ... the Mass ... is fascinating - a tonal, neoclassic work with chant and jazz overtones ..."

Ave Maria Press 3/97
'"Cathedral" is simply good music - magnificently performed - and delightfully encountered.'

Cathedral

Cathedral, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, Federico Mompou, Robert J. Powell, Gordon Kreplin, Chamber, Choral, Guitar Solo, Jazz, Lute Solo, Mass, Pop
Debussy's Greatest Hits
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Probably the best compilation of a single composer's works. Ever!
  • This is a brilliant assembly of Debussy.
  • THIS IS THE STUFF RIGHT HERE!
  • Debussy is the best. Ever.
  • i am dumb
Debussy's Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002A23
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

  1. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
  2. Preludes, Book One: The Girl with the Flaxen Hair
  3. Two Nocturnes: Fetes
  4. Preludes, Book One: The Sunken Cathedral
  5. Suite Bergamasque: Claire de lune
  6. Children's Corner Suite: Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
  7. Reverie
  8. Iberia: Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete
  9. Deux Arabesques: Arabesque No. 1: Andante Con Motto
  10. Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Prelude To The Council Of The False gods
  11. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: Scherzo. Assex Vif Et Bien Rythme
  12. La Mer: I. De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer
  13. La Mer: II. Jeux De Vagues
  14. La Mer: III. Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Probably the best compilation of a single composer's works. Ever!.......2007-05-06

Claude Debussy is perhaps the most understated composer in the history of man. His ability to compose both on the piano and for orchestra is unmatched, in my humble opinion. The fact that Debussy was able to also arrange many contemporary and previous composers' works just adds to his resume. He had a gift, pure and simple.

Although this album doesn't (well, honestly it couldn't) contain all of Debussy's catalog, it does certainly contain some of his best work. There is actually only one track on this CD that I don't care for; that would be Golligwogg's Cake-Walk; it is just a bit annoying to me.

Beyond my dislike for that one track, the entire CD is a beautifully aranged, beautifully played, well recorded compilation with good sound mixing and it is a respectful tribute to a truly great composer.

"Claire de Lune" (Moonlighting) is perhaps one of the most gorgeous pieces of music ever composed; this is the orchestrated version, which I prefer, but the piano version is nice. "Arabesque No. 1" is superb. "Fetes" is both haunting and airy. "Reverie" is the best piano piece I have ever heard. "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is also a wonderful piano piece. "The Sunken Cathedral" is dark and mysterious, a true wonder.

The rest of the album is fantastic. Listed above are just my personal favorites from the disc. I listen to this CD at least once a week, but often more. It is perfect for relaxation, for listening while reading, or for my personal favorite use, to block out noise while I am writing.

I would recommend this to any classical lover.

If you have not heard Debussy's music, you must get this CD; it will have you ordering more of his compositions almost immediately.

The man was a genius.

5 out of 5 stars This is a brilliant assembly of Debussy. .......2006-07-08

After listening to his "Greatest Hits," I know why he is considered one of the best.

5 out of 5 stars THIS IS THE STUFF RIGHT HERE!.......2005-09-12

I BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE I WAS TRYING EXPAND MY HORIZONS, YOU KNOW? CULTURALLY AND MENTALLY, YOU KNOW? SERIOUSLY THOUGH I WAS IN THE SHOP AND I WAS HAVING A GAZE AROUND THE PLACE AND THEN THIS PICTURE JUST JUMPS OUT AT ME, AND I PICKED IT UP AND IT WAS THIS DEBUSSY CHAP AND ID HEARD ABOUT HIM ON THE BBC LEARNING ZONE SO I THOUGHT ;why not?; SERIOUSLY THOUGH I DRAGGED IT HOME AND I POPPED IT IN THE OLD CD PLAYER AND IT FLOORED ME.......I MEAN SERIOUSLY THIS THING...AMAAZING STUFF..I MEAN TODAYS MUSIC HAS NOTHING, NOTHING NOTHING ON THIS STUFF RIGHT HERE.

SOME GOOD TRACKS ARE:
TRACK 1 IS THE BEST. THE OPENING FLUTE ON THE TRACK IS TOTALLY CHILLED AND COOL, REMINDS ME A BIT OF TRACK 13 ON ILL COMMUNICATION BY THE BEASTIE BOYS...A COINCIDENCE???

THE ONLY WEAK TRACK ON THE ALBUM IS TRACK 6, THE UNFORTUNATELY TITLED "CHILDRENS CORNER SUITE: GOLLIWOGGS CAKE WALK" THE MUSIC IS JUST DATED MAN, JUST AS DATED AS THE TITLE.

OVERALL THOUGH THIS IS A QUALITY ALBUM, WITH CHILLS, SPILLS AND THRILLS. SERIOUSLY THOUGH A FINE EFFORT.

5 out of 5 stars Debussy is the best. Ever........2004-07-23

I love Debussy and all of his brilliant work. I barely listen to any other classical music, so I am not an authority, just an honest lover of music. I play piano and love piano music, so I was not disappointed at a piano Flaxen-Haired Girl. I've never heard an orchestrated version and don't need to. This is a good introductory CD to Debussy's work, I love it! The only thing I don't care for is the Arabesque #1 (Track 9). The horn is kind of grating and clunky to hear in such an otherwise beautiful piece. Still, its interesting and different. Everything Debussy made is purest gold.

5 out of 5 stars i am dumb.......2004-07-01

And I'm a doomass because I didn't proof-read my other review and I wrote that Clair de Lune was performed by piano on this disc, which it isn't. Anyway, the piano version is better.
Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 1: Film & Television Music
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great compilation - and that's just the first half.
  • The best of Elfman!!!
  • Great Collection, A LIttle Too Eclectic
  • What Great Music
  • super
Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 1: Film & Television Music

Manufacturer: Fontana Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002OEB
Release Date: 1990-10-15

Tracks:

  1. Excerpts From: Pee Wee's Big Adventure
  2. Excerpts From: Batman
  3. Excerpts From: Dick Tracy
  4. Excerpts From: Beetlejuice
  5. Excerpts From: Nightbreed
  6. Excerpts From: Darkman
  7. Excerpts From: Back To School
  8. Excerpts From: Midnight Run
  9. Excerpts From: Wisdom
  10. Excerpts From: Hot To Trot
  11. Excerpts From: Big Top Pee Wee
  12. Excerpts From: The Simpsons
  13. Excerpts From: Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Jar
  14. Excerpts From: Tales From The Crypt
  15. Excerpts From: Face Like A Frog
  16. Excerpts From: Forbidden Zone
  17. Excerpts From: Scrooged

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great compilation - and that's just the first half........2005-09-14

I first got this on cassette in the summer of '94 and listened to it every day, drawn by its thematic range and compositional depth. And that was just side-one.

Elfman pioneered the sound that drives today's movie adaptations of comic-books and darker-themed children's stories. Side-One kicks things off with a rollicking, hyper-cartoonish theme from the first Pee-Wee movie - the one where Pee-Wee searches for his beloved bike. Elfman's theme contains layers of different rides - on tightropes, highways, in the middle of a NASCAR rally - which rudely yet melodically crash into each other.

The Batman entry actually contains several pieces - the opening credits, the extended sequence in the cathedral and the climax - which show Batman's darkened extreme at its "Frank Miller" best. (Dir. Tim Burton couldn't sustain the mood in the next sequel, and the franchise took a turn towards the camp of the TV series with the next 2 movies.)

The theme for "Dick Tracy" is perhaps the most romantic on this disc, a quality that surpasses the theme's comic-book origins, but ends on an ironic note that's pure Elfman.

"Beetlejuice" (opening & closing credits) gives Elfman's childish ID a chance to stretch its legs, or in this case, slam-dance.

"Nightbreed" is an enigma wrapped in a dark mystery, and that's just Elfman's score. Elfman's work on this movie is as good as the movie wasn't, having a more powerful narrative than the script - easily the best track on the entire disc, one likely to exceed the movie in its dose of chills.

"Darkman" doesn't quite rise to the occasion, though the score may be hobbled by the movie itself, which seldom surpassed one of the many "Batman" clones of the early 1990's. "Darkman" (the movie, I mean) excelled as a parody of many comicbook staples (the wronged hero, the relentless villain, the scientific breakthrough with just one flaw), but not enough to escape being largely anonymous. Within those constraints, it's still a moving if scary piece.

When is Elfman not like Elfman? When he was in the mid-late `80's and scored "Back to School" (A Rodney Dangerfield vehicle) and "Midnight Run". Horns in "School" bring it closer to Elfman's over-the-top style, while "Run" sounds like a love-theme for the run-down, out-of-the-way parts of America that seldom appear in Elfman-movies. "Run" is a fun score for a fun movie - it's nothing like Elfman's previous work but it perfectly captures the on-the-road-without-a-map craziness of the movie.

To this day, I don't know why I never ventured to Side-two, but it's irrelevant. Even half this disc is worth it

5 out of 5 stars The best of Elfman!!!.......2005-09-05

I was obsessed about getting this CD right from when I heard about it. I found it at the library and was so excited about it, and it didn't let me down. In fact, it was a lot better than I expected. It's a fun and creepy (strange mix, but it really works!) collection of Danny Elfman's film and television soundtracks. The first track, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, is probably my favorite. Also, I really like Batman and Wisdom. Batman is creepy and dark, and Wisdom is just weird, in the best possible way.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes film music, or everyone who is even the tiniest bit an Elfman fan. It's amazing!

4 out of 5 stars Great Collection, A LIttle Too Eclectic.......2003-08-19

You should be able to tell from the movies and TV shows listed here whether or not you'd be interested in this collection. It's a little too eclectic for my tastes (hence only 4 stars) but better than volume 2. I think thatthe miscellaneous collected ites here along with the previously unreleased stuff should make this worth buying. Especially if you're a fan of Elfman's movie soundtrack work.

5 out of 5 stars What Great Music.......2003-05-11

I fell in love with the music of Danny Elfman when Beetlejuice came out. There was something different about the music that he made. When Edward Scissorhands, and then Nightmare Before Christmas - I knew this man was a musical master. Its the verbal form of surrealism.

5 out of 5 stars super.......2003-04-17

What a great CD. Danny's music is so original and inventive. this CD contains his pre 90's quirky, gothic music. it's all very well written and beautifully orchestrated. batman and darkman contain some really excellent long, dark, gothic cues that really take u away from reality. in my opinion no one, apart from howard shore, is as inventive and original as danny in the world of filmmusic. he far surpasses the repetitive works of williams or horner. buy this, and volume two, and keep supporting one of the greatest film composers of all time.ohh...and buy fellowship of the ring and two towers by howard shore....amazing work!
Road to Perdition (Score)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fathers & Sons
  • Hauntingly Wonderful
  • Tells The Story
  • Road to Excellence!
  • MY MOM !!
Road to Perdition (Score)
Thomas Newman
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000068D1A
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

  1. Rock Island, 1931
  2. Wake
  3. Just The Feller
  4. Mr. Rance
  5. Bit Borrowers
  6. Murder (In Four Parts)
  7. Road To Chicago
  8. Reading Room
  9. Someday Sweetheart
  10. Meet Maguire
  11. Blood Dog
  12. Finn McGovern
  13. The Farm
  14. Dirty Money
  15. Rain Hammers
  16. A Blind Eye
  17. Nothing To Trade
  18. Queer Notions
  19. Virgin Mary
  20. Shoot The Dead
  21. Grave Drive
  22. Cathedral
  23. There'll Be Some Changes Made
  24. Ghosts
  25. Lexington Hotel, Room 1432
  26. Road To Perdition
  27. Perdition - Piano Duet

Amazon.com

Director Sam Mendes's much-anticipated follow-up to his Academy Award ®-winning American Beauty found him exploring the period gangster film--but with a moral fiber and undercurrent of family tragedy familiar from his Oscar ® triumph. As he did with Beauty, Mendes again wisely entrusts the film's music to Tom Newman, a composer with an instinctive knack for getting inside a film's characters via innovative and often orthodox methods. As many of Newman's preceding scores have been rhythmically driven and rife with improvisation-driven experimentalism, its good to hear his equally distinctive writing for orchestra largely take center stage here again. But Newman's inquisitive musical instincts can't be denied, and his melancholy string writing is leavened first with subtle uilleann pipe flourishes that echo the characters' Irish-American roots, then with savory, yet ever-restrained touches of his own ethnic-defying instrumental color and rhythmic accents. It's another moody and introspective gem, seasoned with some lively period jazz (courtesy of the Charleston Chasers, Fletcher Henderson and his Orchestra, and Chicago Rhythm Kings) and a warm, final surprise: a duet of John M. Williams's autumnal title track performed by none other than stars Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fathers & Sons.......2007-05-13

After losing my Father back in October, I began reaching for things that reminded me of him. One of the things I reached for was the score for the Road to Perdition. Although my Father was gravely ill the day I took him to see the film, it ended up being a day not soon forgotten. I am listening to the soundtrack as I write this review. Fathers and Sons.

5 out of 5 stars Hauntingly Wonderful.......2006-12-18

This soundtrack is amazing. Like Shawshank Redemption, Newman's music colors the film, reveals character, and highlights themes. I've listened to this soundtrack dozens of times, and I still love it. From the mournful "Piano Duet" to the driving "Lexington Hotel", this is a great purchase regardless of whether or not you liked the movie.

5 out of 5 stars Tells The Story.......2006-04-12

Wonderful soundtrack. If you've seen the movie, you can listen to these tracks and almost guess what or who they are written for in the script. I think Thomas Newman is the drummer of their composer family, because almost all of his music has the underlying ryhthms that make you tap to the beat (even though this is classically orchestrated music), with music that perfectly breathes the air of the times it was written for.

5 out of 5 stars Road to Excellence!.......2006-03-14

I own both the movie and the score, and I have to tell you, this film would not be half of what it is without this gorgeous, mellow, and sometimes violent and aggressive score. It really carries the film, and I think it even surpasses it some. Newman really outdid himself this time!

5 out of 5 stars MY MOM !!.......2006-02-27

I COME LATE TO THIS MUSIC!! I SAW THE MOVIE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO!! I LOVED THE MUSIC, BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME OF MY MOTHER!! SHE SAID SHE LIVED AT THIS TIME IN THE 1930'S. THE MUSIC IS HAUNTING LIKE SHE TALKED ABOUT HER CHILDHOOD. THE LOVE, VIOLENCE, AND HUMANITY,WHICH YOU FEEL IN THE MUSIC!! CLOSE YOUR EYES AND JUST LISTEN AND IMAGINE!!!
Sacred Treasures: Choral Masterworks From Russia
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Inner beauty
  • Music for the soul
  • Hauntingly beautiful
  • Divine Beauty and Peace!
  • A Soviet version of Russian music
Sacred Treasures: Choral Masterworks From Russia

Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000X8J
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

  1. Russian Cathedral Bells
  2. Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Great Ektenia
  3. Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of Praise
  4. Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Hymn of the Cherubim
  5. Bortniansky / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
  6. Kedrov / Our Father
  7. Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Fervent Supplication
  8. Rospev / The Noble Joseph
  9. Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Amen. And with Thy Spirit
  10. Russian Monastic Vespers (excerpt)
  11. Rachmaninov / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31: Bless the Lord, O my Soul
  12. Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpt)
  13. Christov / Hymn of the Cherubim (excerpts/edited)
  14. Tchaikovsky / Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41: Our Father
  15. Gretchaninov / I have Chosen the Blissful
  16. Lvovski / Hymn of the Cherubim
  17. Final Bells

Product Description

1. Russian Cathedral Bells
2. Great Ektenia
3. Hymn of Praise
4. Hymn of the Cherubim
5. Hymn of the Cherubim
6. Our Father
7. Fervent Supplication
8. The Noble Joseph
9. Amen. And with Thy Spirit
10. Russian Monastic Vespers
11. Bless the Lord, O My Soul
12. Hymn of the Cherubim
13. Hymn of the Cherubim
14. Our Father
15. I Have Chosen The Blissful
16. Hymn of the Cherubim
17. Final Bells

Format: CD

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Although this collection intends to transport the soul, it has a tremendously potent low-end depth to it that earns high marks indeed in the worlds of vocal and liturgical music. Dmitri Bortniansky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" is performed with a gracefulness that gets a warming fatness from the production, as does Alexander Gretchaninov's "I Have Chosen the Blissful," which travels with a ringing resonance. In a year of fine choral works--check out Sequentia's Hildegard cycle box, 900 Years or Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen for a "something old, something new" mix--this collection is highly valued for its sonic integrity and its excellent anthological mix. --Andrew Bartlett

Amazon.com

Words cannot describe poignantly enough the exquisite, angelic voices that permeate the heart and exalt the soul on Sacred Treasures. The most highly regarded Russian and Bulgarian choirs sing the hymns of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Lvovski, and other composers in the Russian Orthodox Church's tradition of "Divine Worship" (worship through chant). From the first tolling bells that open the CD with a willowy, floating piece from Rachmaninov's Liturgy of St. John, to the final bells closing the door on "Hymn of the Cherubim" (Grigory Lvovski), this CD creates a gentle, distinctly Byzantine glory. The rhythms slowly wisp along while the choirs' baritones, tenors, and sopranos mesh into one expansive blessing. Meant to comprehensively gather not all Russian liturgical pieces but rather hymns that emote an inner tranquility and celestial grace, Sacred Treasures plays like a piece of heaven on Earth. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Inner beauty.......2007-02-07

The sense of beauty emerge within us as these chorals fill the space of our head and heart. A music written by real masters and interpreted by voices rarely heard. Beautiful.

5 out of 5 stars Music for the soul.......2007-01-10

One of the best renditions of the Orthodox Liturgy most famous hymns.

5 out of 5 stars Hauntingly beautiful.......2006-12-28

A terrific production...a wonderful selection; great phrasing. See also "Holy Love" by 'Rossica Choir'

5 out of 5 stars Divine Beauty and Peace! .......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of "SACRED TREASURES III: Choral Masterworks From Russia and Beyond" as well as "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. One reviewer complained about the omission of the final (loud and fast) part of the Cherubic hymns, saying this is the best part, but I completely disagree! I feel that the slow "adagio" sections are by far the most beautiful parts, and that is what you will hear on these CDs.

Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the "Cherubic Hymns" on this CD prescribe) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these albums, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks from Russia"!

3 out of 5 stars A Soviet version of Russian music.......2006-05-29

I admit to some strong bias here, having sung on the recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy available here from the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York. I was in that choir for five years, and our conductor's view of how to properly interpret Russian music became my own.

Because of Stalin's efforts to cleanse the country of the influence of religion, many musicians and composers were sent to Siberia. They were replaced with those from peasant backgrounds. The result was a huge change in how classical Russian music was performed, becoming less subtle, more interested in brute power and flash.

This recording features a massive and powerful choir. But the listener mostly hears a series of vowel sounds, with the consonants lost in the shuffle. Dynamic range is not as large as it could be. Phrasing is largely absent and we hear a steady wall of sound instead. Precision of rhythm is spotty, what consonants we do hear are frequently smeared. Pitch and richness of tone are good, but on high notes, inevitably given the size of the choir, some members strain.

Having performed and recorded Tchaikovsky's Liturgy I am very familiar with the piece. But listening to this recording of excerpts from it I sometimes barely recognized it as the same work. Tchaikovsky gives us great artistry, frequently crecendos and decrecendos on a single phrase. Each choral voice comes and goes like a wave, not all together like a tsunami in all but a few places. The balance of voices is constantly moving.

I encourage you to listen to the samples available here of the Russian Chamber Chorus's recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy, compare the same pieces. This recording is more a Vegas neon version of this great artwork than the fine art it deserves to be shown as. James Oestreich, the New York Times critic, put the Russian Chamber Chorus recording at #4 on his top ten list of classical releases for 2001, and said that if you had not heard it "You only think you know Tchaikovsky."

I hope you give the real Russian classical tradition a listen. It deserves your time, and it will pay you back with a huge amount of pleasure.
Highland Cathedral
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great pipes
  • Two thumbs doon
  • Highland Cathedral - Pipes and Drums
  • Yawn...
  • Nice CD
Highland Cathedral
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Manufacturer: Scotdisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Amazing Grace
  2. The Bagpipes & Drums of Scotland
  3. Scotland the Brave: Bagpipes Greatest Hits
  4. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Bagpipe Marches of Scotland
  5. Atmospheres: Scottish Celtic Bagpipes

ASIN: B000031KBF
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

  1. Highland Cathedral
  2. The Last Of The Mohicans/The Gael: Main Theme
  3. 2/4 Marches, The Barren Rocks Of Aden: Crossing The Minch/The Jolly Beggarman/The Train Journey...
  4. Amazing Grace
  5. The Rebel Piper
  6. Steam Train To Mallaig
  7. My Heart Will Go On (Titanic Love Theme)
  8. Strathspeys & Reels, On Evil: Donald Ruadh/Henderson's Reel/Easy Club Reel/John Keith Laing
  9. The Castle Walls
  10. Waltz Set, Murray's Fancy: Ass In The Graveyard
  11. 4/4 Marches, The Roses Of Prince Charlie: Killiekrankie/The Rowan Tree/The Rose Of Allandale
  12. Erin's Green Shore
  13. Will You Go Lassie Go
  14. Medley, The Banks Of The Lee: A A Camerons/The Silver Spear/Flanagan's Fumbles...
  15. Ceilidh Set, Atholl Highlanders: Paddy's Leather Breeches/Rocking The Baby/The Eavesdropper
  16. Soldier Soldier: Absent Without Leave
  17. Hornpipes, The Walrus: Bob Strachan/Hamilton's Nutsack
  18. Braveheart Trilogy
  19. Jig Set, The Gold Ring: Sandy's New Chanter/Scarce Of Tatties/The Curlew
  20. Scotland The Brave/Heilan' Laddie
  21. Amazing Grace The Fling

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great pipes.......2007-04-05

Very well done, Amazing Grace is fantastic. All in all a fine pipes album.

2 out of 5 stars Two thumbs doon.......2006-03-21

Ach! T'were pipin' music I were wantin', not ELO does "Rebel Piper". I mean, disco bagpipes? Good lord. Yes, the cheap-hotel-lounge-rock-band backups were grim indeed; the full orchestra numbers weren't much better. In fact, the only reason I didn't give this one star was because a (very) few of the selections weren't TOO bad.

Unless you want Highland/Second-rate Hollywood fusion, then avoid this gobbler at all costs.

4 out of 5 stars Highland Cathedral - Pipes and Drums.......2006-03-21

I like it, up lifting, and exciting music. Dont like two of the tracks much with horns and band, but thats ok.

3 out of 5 stars Yawn..........2005-04-19

The tracks that are worth listening to on this CD are done far better on their more recent CD, "Parallel Tracks." Why they bothered with arranging the Titanic theme is beyond me... Not a bad CD, but they've done better.

4 out of 5 stars Nice CD.......2004-09-03

This is a very nicely done cd of the Scots Guards, playing with Military band and their Ceilidh Band. There's a good mix of music on this cd from Traditional to Movie (Braveheart, Titanic, etc). This cd has great recording quality and the pipers are together throughout the cd. I only give this cd a 4 star rating due to my own preferences for pipe music (I'm not a fan of The Castle Walls, The Rebel Piper, or Soldier, Soldier period!)
Vivaldi - Gloria · Nulla in mundo pax sincera · Nisi Dominus · Cantatas / Kirkby · Bott · Nelson · Watkinson · Bowman · Preston · AAM · Hogwood
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Good points far outweigh some minor deficiencies
  • More of Emma Please
  • amazingly beautiful
  • Glorious cantatas on the second CD
  • a "must have"
Vivaldi - Gloria · Nulla in mundo pax sincera · Nisi Dominus · Cantatas / Kirkby · Bott · Nelson · Watkinson · Bowman · Preston · AAM · Hogwood
Antonio Vivaldi , Christopher Hogwood , Emma Kirkby , Catherine Bott , The Academy of Ancient Music , Oxford Christ Church Cathedral Choir , James Bowman , Simon Preston , Simon Standage , Catherine Mackintosh , New London Consort , and Judith Nelson
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Pergolesi - Stabat Mater · Salve Regina / Kirkby · Bowman · AAM · Hogwood
  2. Shine: The Complete Classics
  3. Bach: Magnificat, BWV. 243; Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
  4. Vivaldi: The Great Choral Masterpieces
  5. Emma Kirkby sings Handel, Arne, Haydn & Mozart

ASIN: B0000042HT
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

  1. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: I Gloria in excelsis Deo
  2. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: II Et in terra pax
  3. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: III Gloria in D Major, RV 589 III Laudamus te (2 sopranos)
  4. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: IV Gloria in D Major, RV 589 IV Gratias agnimus tibi
  5. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: V Gloria in D Major, RV 589 V Propter magnam gloriam
  6. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: VI Gloria in D Major, RV 589 VI Domaine Deis (soprano)
  7. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: VII Gloria in D Major, RV 589 VII Domaine Fili unigenite
  8. VIII Gloria In D Major, RV 589 VIII Domaine Deus, Agnus Dei (contralto, chorus)
  9. IX Gloria in D Major, RV 589 IX Qui tollis peccata munid
  10. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: X Gloria in D Major, RV 589 X Qui sedes (contralto)
  11. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: XI Gloria In D Major, RV 589 XI Quoniam tu solus Sanctus
  12. Gloria In D Major, RV 589: XII Gloria in D Major, RV 589 XII Cum Sancto Spiritu
  13. Nisi Dominus, RV 608: Nisi Dominus
  14. Nisi Dominus, RV 608: Nisi Dominus, RV 608 II Vanurm est vobis, III Surgite postquam sederitis
  15. Nisi Dominus, RV 608: Nisi Dominus, RV 608 IV Cum dederit dilectus suis somnum
  16. Nisi Dominus, RV 608: Nisi Dominus, RV 608 V Sicut sagittae in manu potentis
  17. Nisi Dominus, RV 608: Nisi Dominus, RV 608 VI Beatus vir qui implevit
  18. Nisi Dominus, RV 608: Nisi Dominus, RV 608 VII Gloria Patri et Filio, VIII Sicut erat in principio, IX Amen
  19. Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630: I Nulla in mundo pax sincera
  20. Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630: Blando colore ... Spirat anguis
  21. Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630 III: Alleluia

Tracks:

  1. Amor, hai vinto, RV 651: I Amor, hai vinto ... Passo di pena
  2. Amor, hai vinto, RV 651: II In qual strano ... Se a me rivolge
  3. Trio sonata 'La folia', RV 63
  4. All'ombra di sospetto, RV 678: All'ombra di sospetto
  5. All'ombra di sospetto, RV 678: O quanti amanti
  6. Lungi dal bago volto, RV 680: Lungi del vago volto
  7. Lungi dal bago volto, RV 680: Allegrezza mio core
  8. Vengo a voi, luci adorate, RV 682: Vengo a voi, luci adorate
  9. Vengo a voi, luci adorate, RV 682: Portando in sen l'ardor

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Good points far outweigh some minor deficiencies.......2005-11-29

This whole set is gorgeous (although the second cd gets a bit tediuos unless you really like early music), and Emma Kirkby has one the most beautiful, distinctive soprano voices I have ever heard, one can't help but like her, but hard-core critics beware, her intonation is not flawless, especially in the "Alleluia" of the "Nulla in Mundo" cycle, one can hear her go off on some of the high notes. Like I said, it's beautiful, but that does bother me personally every time I listen to that track. But buy it anyway.

4 out of 5 stars More of Emma Please.......2004-01-02

I would have given this CD 5 stars if Emma Kirkby had sung all of the cantatas on Disc 2. Unfortunately, most of the cantatas on this disc are sung by Catherine Bott, who in my musically illiterate opinion, sounds more like a mezzo-soprano than a true soprano. Kirkby on the other hand is a legend in early music and brings her trademark "purity of sound" to this recording. The gorgeous duet she sings with Judith Nelson on disc 1 is alone worth the price of this set (that's probably a slight exaggeration, but it's pretty damn good anyway).

Getting away from Kirkby a sec, the Gloria on CD 1 is indeed glorious. The choral movements are sharp and lively, having that quality of all good choirs of sounding not quite of this earth. Listening to this CD after a couple of beers, you could be forgiven for thinking that your house has been invaded by cherubim and seraphim.

I'm not a huge fan of counter tenors (probably something to do with feeling threatened about my latent homosexuality or being emasculated) so I can't really provide any worthwhile comments about the Nisi Dominus which is a showcase of James Bowman's skills. Bowman has pretty impressive credentials, so I'm not about to get stuck into him. Suffice to say, I usually skip thru tracks 13-18 on disc 1.

5 out of 5 stars amazingly beautiful.......2003-04-27

This CD is worth buying just for "Nulla in mundo pax sincera." This is one of the most beautiful vivaldi motets and is simply heavenly. I absoluterly love it!

5 out of 5 stars Glorious cantatas on the second CD.......2002-06-14

For once the 5 stars are worth it. The choral works on disc 1 are masterful benchmark interpretations of the pick of Vivaldi's sacred output. What makes it a real bargain however is the second disc of cantatas - one of Emma Kirkby and Catherine Bott's finest achievements on the old L'Oiseau Lyre label. Couple this with full texts and an intelligent booklet. Wonderful!

5 out of 5 stars a "must have".......2002-05-11

This is the ONLY version of "Gloria" you should own! The Choir of Christ Church is amazing and truly does justice to Vivaldi's work.
Hymns Through the Centuries
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • How can you call these "Hymns"
  • wonderful collection of magnificent music
  • Flawed but enjoyable
  • Hymns through the Centuries
  • A must own for classic church music lovers
Hymns Through the Centuries
J. Reilly Lewis , Cathedral Choral Society , William Gardiner , Johannes Cruger , Melchior Teschner , William Henry Monk , Virgil Thomson , George Elvey , Thomas Hastings , and John [composer] Goss
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Monk, William HenryMonk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ThomsonAll Works by Thomson | Thomson, Virgil | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2
  2. Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection
  3. Hymns Through the Centuries 2
  4. Abide With Me
  5. Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B00003XB8M
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

  1. When In Our Music God Is Glorified
  2. Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
  3. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
  4. Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life
  5. O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
  6. All Glory, Laud And Honor
  7. Abide With Me; Fast Falls The Eventide
  8. My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
  9. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
  10. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
  11. Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me
  12. Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
  13. Come, Risen Lord
  14. Carillon Hymn: St. Peter
  15. Eternal Father, Strong To Save
  16. Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound
  17. Holy, Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty
  18. Nearer, My God, To Thee
  19. Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
  20. In Christ There Is No East Or West
  21. Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
  22. Crown Him With Many Crowns
  23. Word Of God, Come Down On Earth
  24. The Church's One Foundation
  25. God Of Our Fathers
  26. Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping
  27. Peal Bells

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars How can you call these "Hymns".......2006-08-05

Not to harp on anyone here, but it's obvious that none of you grew up in a church or environment that had a good choir. I know, a Hymn is a genre of music, but a recording of a hymn isn't one if it doesn't contain HARMONY. If they're a "choir," then why don't the tenors sing a different note than the sopranos, altos, and basses? The organist is quite good, I'll admit, but you're wasting your time if you're looking for a good recording of these beautiful songs that were COMPOSED with harmony, not unison. If they want to sing in unison like this, they need to be stripped of their "choir" status and simply be called a "group."

5 out of 5 stars wonderful collection of magnificent music.......2006-01-18

Most everything on this CD is very well done. The recording environment might have been less than perfect, but that shouldn't dimish one's enjoyment very much. Most of the arrangements are very traditional, with the notable exception of Amazing Grace, which though it isn't terrible, it isn't very good either. Some songs had verses removed, which is understandable, though it was poorly done in Eternal Father, Strong to Save -- they did verse 1 ("Eternal Father"), then they skipped(!!!) verse 2 ("O Christ, the Lord") and went on to the final verses ("Holy Spirit" and "O Trinity") -- which is skipping Someone important! However, outside of that, it was excellent.

If you like sacred music, or hymns, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this CD. If you're a Christian, you should enjoy this as well, no matter your taste in music (and you might just learn to like hymns as well!). It is a well-chosen set of some of the most magnificent, God-honoring music of all time, done is a mostly very traditional manner, and it was done well.

3 out of 5 stars Flawed but enjoyable.......2005-04-15

The huge size and reverberating acoustics of Washington National Cathedral make it difficult to hear any kind of live choral performance clearly, even if you're sitting in the front rows in the nave. The Cathedral Choral Society is handicapped by having to record in this acoustically mushy space, and it shows in this CD, often creating an uneven balance between the organ and the chorus as noted by other reviewers. The repertoire is well-chosen, but the quality of the arrangements is uneven. Too often, the chorus seems to be singing in unison right out of the Hymnal, like any parish church choir at an ordinary Sunday service. Certain pieces do suggest the heights which the Society is capable of attaining. But the group never achieves the splendor that the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys displays every Sunday morning. Just when the Society seems to be getting there, the conductor pulls them back. And the shrill folk arrangement of "Amazing Grace" will have you covering your ears as the sopranos shriek clumsily, confusing volume with fervor.

5 out of 5 stars Hymns through the Centuries.......2002-03-18

This is not a review. I just have a question. Does "Hymns through the Centuries" contain the hymn "It is Well with my Soul?" Thanks.

5 out of 5 stars A must own for classic church music lovers.......2002-02-16

I purchased this CD just based on the titles and am very glad I did. There are only two downsides to the album. First is the fact that there isn't a companion CD with 26 more hymns! Second is picky, but I do agree with another rater that the organ could have been a little louder related to the singing. Hope you enjoy listening!
Live at New Birth Cathedral
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great!
  • Byron Cage=True Praise and Worship
  • THE PRINCE OF PRAISE
  • Excellent!
  • Such a Blessing
Live at New Birth Cathedral
Byron Cage
Manufacturer: Gospocentric
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Live RecordingsLive Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. An Invitation to Worship
  2. Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
  3. One Church
  4. The J Moss Project
  5. Live from Another Level

ASIN: B0000894RC
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

  1. Intro
  2. Magnify
  3. The Presence Of The Lord Is Here
  4. Thou Art A Shield For Me: Psalm3
  5. Interlude
  6. There Is A Name
  7. Byron Cage Medley: Glory Song/Yet Praise Him/Shabach
  8. That's What You Are To Me
  9. It Is To You
  10. Glory To Your Name
  11. Never Too Busy
  12. Still Say Yes

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great!.......2006-03-20

This cd is better than i thought it has wonderful song of worship and thanks to God. I just love it i recomend it to evryone

4 out of 5 stars Byron Cage=True Praise and Worship.......2005-11-11

Listening to Cage's album, u get a sense of the old and new. If you're looking for another great gospel CD to add to your collection then look no further. All the songs were great. There isn't one that I didn't like. My favorites are Magnify, There is a name, That's what you are to me, It is to you, Glory to your name and never too busy. Everyone should listen to Never Too Busy. In this song, he talks about never being too busy to take time out and give God his praise.

4 out of 5 stars THE PRINCE OF PRAISE.......2005-10-20

NOW YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING WHY I ONLY GAVE HIM 4 STARS. I GAVE HIM 4 STARS BECUASE I THINK THAT AT THE END OF THE ALBUM ITS GETS A LITTLE WEAK. I WASNT LIKE THE BEGINNING OF THE CD WHERE THE SPIRIT IS. I THINK THAT HE COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING BETTER. ANYWAYS. OTHER THAN THAT THIS CD IS AWESOME. I LOVE IT. I COULDNT WAIT TO GET IT AND NOW THAT I HAVE IT. I AM BLESS. THIS CD IS AWESOME. EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE THIS THIS IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent!.......2005-08-14

Byron Cage has long been one of my favorites,but this project takes it to a new level. Can you not smell the Kurt Carr "stank" on this project? The combination of the two artist is almost genius. I love this project and continue to use it over and over for material for my group at church. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. You will not be dissappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Such a Blessing.......2005-07-26

This CD is so awesome. From beginning to end you feel the anointing and the presence of God. This is the perfect praise and worship CD. If you want to be ushered into the presence of God, listen to this CD. My favorite cut is Psalm 3, followed by There is a Name. I highly recommend this CD to everyone who wants to praise God for who He is in his or her life.
The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • IMPRESSED
  • St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns
  • Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral
  • LACK OF DICTION?!!!
  • Marred by lack of diction
The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
  2. Treasures of English Church Music
  3. The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
  4. A Vaughan Williams Hymnal
  5. Music of the Westminster Cathedral Choir

ASIN: B00004U2KC
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars IMPRESSED.......2007-05-21

AS A FIRST TIME BUYER AT AMAZON,I AM IMPRESSED AT THE QUALITY OF CD AND TIME OF SERVICE

5 out of 5 stars St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns.......2007-01-24

St. Paul's Cathdral is the second largest cathedral church in the basilican style, exceeded only by St. Peter's Rome. New York City's St. John the Divine is larger than St. Paul's, but with decidely gothic elements. All three cathedrals have fine choirs, but St. Paul's and St. John's continue the noble and unique sound of boys and men in the English tradition. St. Paul's great organ is one of the world's finest, with a decay of seven seconds. The great hymns are all here, conducted by John Scott, only recently appointed organist of St. Thomas' Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City. This is a recording will a be prized addition to your library of choral music. You will not be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral .......2006-02-24

This selection of recordings by The Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral contains pieces representative of traditional Anglican musical liturgy. The technical aspects of this production on compact disk seem to be outstanding, but beware that the original recordings were in some cases less than stellar. Another reviewer points out that on some tracks the lyrics sung by the choir are overwhelmed by the superb organ playing, which no doubt occurred due to inadequate microphone placement during the recording sessions. That said, I nevertheless rate this presentation of the St. Paul's Choir highly. It provides a mixture of musical types. In addition to the choir, the CD presents the work of four organists, including a marvelous organ solo, as well as several pieces sung a cappella by the choir and its boy treble soloists. I especially recommend this choir's rendetion of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere," which features the voices of two boy trebles, a boy alto and a bass, which yeilds a mesmerizing experience. Unless one is acquiring full sets of the St. Paul's Choir's music, this compact disk should delight anyone interested in traditional cathedral organ and choral music.

5 out of 5 stars LACK OF DICTION?!!!.......2003-11-12

Obviously the individual who wrote the review including the "marred by lack of diction" remark is not too familiar with the traditional boychoir sound. I am moved to sickness that they were so openly compared with the sound of the all-too-familiar MTC. THOSE WERE ADULTS!!! These are boys! Boys cannot give the kind of sound of the MTC because their voices are not developed enough. The greatest hope a boychoir has of wowing audiences is in their contrast in dynamics. They model this beautiffully in their acapella pieces. In their accompanied pieces, I feel they hold their own above the (sometimes blearing) organ.
Know the genre a little better before you slander a great performance.

3 out of 5 stars Marred by lack of diction.......2003-04-22

The singing is beautiful, melodious and full of harmony. The organ would make Bach proud.

But the lyrics do not stand out. In fact, they are obliterated by the surrounding melodies.

I hate to do this, but I am comparing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. These little boys would learn from them.

It is a pity that these grand lyrics should be obscured by inept singing by a choir of young boys and men.
Andrew Lloyd Webber - Requiem / Domingo, Brightman, ECO, Maazel
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Sir Andrew should stick to musicals
  • One Great Song
  • Not quite good enough....
  • Only game in town
  • ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S MOST SOLEMN PIECE OF MUSIC
Andrew Lloyd Webber - Requiem / Domingo, Brightman, ECO, Maazel
Andrew Lloyd Webber , English Chamber Orchestra , Lorin Maazel , Plácido Domingo , Sarah Brightman , and Winchester Cathedral Choir
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Brightman, SarahBrightman, Sarah | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Requiem: Vocal Score
  2. Nightingale: A New Musical - Original (1985) London Cast
  3. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection
  4. As I Came of Age
  5. The Trees They Grow So High

ASIN: B00000428O
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

  1. Requiem: Requiem & Kyrie
  2. Requiem: Dies Irae ... Rex Tremendae
  3. Requiem: Recordare
  4. Requiem: Ingemisco ... Lacrymosa
  5. Requiem: Offertorium
  6. Requiem: Hosanna
  7. Requiem: Pie Jesu
  8. Requiem: Lux Aeterna & Libera Me

Amazon.com essential recording

Before Andrew Lloyd Webber's seemingly endless run of Broadway shows, when he was known primarily for Jesus Christ Superstar, he managed to write this dramatic, tuneful, occasionally powerful religious work. Although Lloyd Webber takes some liberties with the text and organization of the traditional Requiem mass, the result is a unified and finely crafted composition. There are exciting moments in the "Dies irae" and in the "Lacrymosa", where voices and orchestra are most effectively used to convey the desperate yet hopeful feeling of the text. This work isn't performed much these days in its entirety, but, as in many of Lloyd Webber's musicals, it produced a "hit" tune--the "Pie Jesu"--whose popularity alone could have kept the composer living comfortably for the rest of his life. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Sir Andrew should stick to musicals.......2007-03-14

What's not to like about Andrew Lloyd Webber? Well, his attempt at liturgical composition. This work blends Old with New NOT very harmoniously. Much of the score rings of tunes reminiscent from his other works such as CATS, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera. His obviously intentional cacophony in places causes one to wonder if perhaps he had unresolved altar boy issues! Even if one wants to argue that musically, the piece is impressive, the volume levels of this recording make it difficult to listen to without having to constantly adjust the knob.

2 out of 5 stars One Great Song.......2007-03-13

This piece sounds like a musical and proves Sir Webber should stick to that medium. I bought this disk for one and only one cut; Pia Jesu. This is as beautiful a piece of music as I've heard and the credit goes as much to the boy tenor as to Webber.

3 out of 5 stars Not quite good enough...........2007-02-14

In reading these reviews, the smart people will always say things like "But don't compare this work to Verdi or Mozart". Which is the musical equivelent of "Those guys were good...but this Lloyd Webber guy...". This is the feeling I get listening to this CD. And before I get typecast as a "classical" snob (even though Verdi was romantic), I will point to the Alfred Schnittke Requiem for proof that effective music CAN be written in a wholy modern style. But this steamer just doesn't do it. Ray of light, though was Lorin Maazel, who does the best he can with a work that just doesn't give you anything after the 200th time you listen to it, unlike the above mentioned works. I hope he wasn't in charge of the solists, because they seem to be stuck on one idea throughout (Domingo, sing really really loud throughout without any emotional sub-text! Honestly, why is this guy so famous?). Really folks, there are better Requiems out there, in every respect possible. Buy those. Make Robert Shaw's family a bit richer. Seroiusly, it's like Webber cut and pasted the music at random, without caring, but not in a good way.

5 out of 5 stars Only game in town.......2006-11-10

Thank goodness this is a top-notch performance and recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber Requiem since the only one available.

5 out of 5 stars ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S MOST SOLEMN PIECE OF MUSIC.......2006-09-17

When Andrew Lloyd Webber's father William, a classical composer in his own right, died in 1982, his by that time famous son decided to commemorate his death with a piece of newly composed music. But it was not the musical that ALW had in mind for this intimate occasion; he rather returned to his own classical roots he acquired while frequenting the Westminster music school, where his father was an organist.

The result of this effort is captured on this CD in form of a requiem mass. This precise form, immortalized by the likes of Verdi and Mozart in the past, seems an awkward and a rather risky choice for a composer who became famous by revitalizing the concept and the perception of the modern musical theatre. And yet, the whole piece managed not only to be embraced by the public, but also it established itself as an important contribution to the genre.

All of the mass parts as recorded on this CD manage to invoke the much needed feeling this type of work requires. The opening `Requiem and Kyrie' number, with its gentle tune, a moving chorus accompaniment and the mixture of the capital voices leaves a deep and haunting feeling with the listener. We can oppose such quiet and dark moments with the fiery strength of `Dies irae', whose music captures the dramatic pace of the written word. `Hosanna', on the other hand, is something you would expect out of this composer-a big, lush melody, with strong choral back up and crescendos. One must also make reference to `Pie Jesu', probably the most touching passage in this score, which became the best known part from this whole piece. Its gentle melody works better as a part of the whole score. Nowadays it reached a new generation of listeners when it was recorded by a young soprano Charlotte Church.

One of the sources this requiem draws its power from is its cast. It was conceived for a high soprano, a treble and a tenor. The soloists who sing these voices are of top class. We have Sarah Brightman (who was then married to Lloyd Webber), Placido Domingo (who reached international stardom a couple of years later as one of the three tenors) and a young boy Paul Miles-Kinsgston. Their voices are perfect for the score and make an excellent bland. Lorin Maazel, a world famous maestro, conducted both this recording and the subsequent world premiere performance in February 1985 at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in New York.

Both the album and the single `Pie Jesu' reached the UK top 10 and the critics honored this piece by awarding Andrew Lloyd Webber a Grammy Award for the best contemporary classical piece.

The other important point this score makes is the fact how gifted a composer ALW really is, easily moving between the world of the classical and the musical theatre music, something his detractors have never seem to grasp or appreciate. This CD is therefore both the proof of a talent as it is a successful representative of the genre.

The fans of this style should have no trouble in liking it and it should also make a nice addition to the collection of ALW's work. Also, it may just serve as a much needed comfort during the time of mourning. When my 93-year old great grandmother Monika died this January, this music was a perfect choice to listen to while thinking about the loss of a loved person and commemorating the event in a most personal way. I would like to dedicate this review to the memory of her.

Music Track:

  1. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
  2. Caurroy: Requiem for the funeral of Henry IV, etc.
  3. Cherubini: String Quartets 2 & 5
  4. Classical Surroundings Vol. 11 (Guitar)
  5. Classical Surroundings Vol. 12 (Guitar 2)
  6. Classical Surroundings Vol. 7 (Trio)
  7. Classical Surroundings Vol. 8 (String Quartet 1)
  8. Classical Surroundings Vol. 9: String Quartet 2
  9. Czech Music of the 20th Century - Jindrich Feld: Symphony No. 1 / Three Frescoes / String Quartet No. 4 / Dramatic Fantasy "The Days of August"
  10. Dark Rosaleen: New American Piano Quartets

Music Track

music track

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