Peace Be With You

On this CD:

1. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Sonatina
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

2. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Coro con Choral: Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

3. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Arioso: Ach Herr, lehre uns bedenken
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble with Br. Richard Cragg
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

4. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Aria: Bestelle dein Haus
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble with Dr. David Chalmers, Br. Francis Hempel, James Jordan
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

5. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Coro: Es ist der alte Bund
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble with Kathy Schuman
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

6. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Aria: In deine Hände befehl ich meinen Geist
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

7. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Arioso und Choral: Heute wirst du mit mir im Paradies sein
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble with Br. Francis Hempel
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

8. Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," ("Actus Tragicus"), BWV 106 Coro (Choral): Glorie, Lob, Ehr und Herrlichkeit
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

9. Prelude and Fugue for organ in G major, BWV 550
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Dr. David Chalmers

10. Cantata No. 158, "Der Friede sei mit dir," BWV 158
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble with Dr. David Chalmers, Br. Francis Hempel, James Jordan
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

11. Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue for organ in C major, BWV 564
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach


12. Jesu, meine Freude, motet for chorus & continuo, BWV 227
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

13. Cantata No. 78, "Jesu, der du meine Seele," BWV 78
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble with Dr. David Chalmers, Br. Richard Cragg, James Jordan, Br. Timothy Pehta, Kathy Schuman
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

14. Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, motet for chorus & continuo, BWV 225
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson

15. Prelude and Fugue for organ in E flat major ("St Anne"), BWV 552
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach


Editorial Reviews
Album Description
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the death of J.S. Bach, Gloriæ Dei Cantores releases a double CD set of his sacred choral cantatas, motets, and works for organ. These compositions provide a window into Bach the young musician, to Bach the aging master. Featured works include the well-known cantata Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit (God's time is best) and the bass solo cantata, Der Friede Sei Mit Dir (Peace Be with You). Like the choral works, the organ works featured on this recording exemplify Bach's entire creative outpouring.

Peace Be With You, Music, Br. Francis Hempel, Br. Timothy Pehta, Johann Sebastian Bach, Elizabeth C. Patterson, Gloriae Dei Instrumental Ensemble, Dr. David Chalmers, James Jordan, SharonRose Pfeiffer, Kathy Schuman, Br. Richard Cragg, Cantata, Choral, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Classical Vocals, Keyboard, Motet, Music for Organ
Be Thou My Vision
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Listening Treat
  • Be Thoy My Vision CD
  • Really good, but don't listen to it all at once.
  • A must for choral music fans
  • An outstanding collection of Rutter's hymns
Be Thou My Vision

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  2. John Rutter Collection
  3. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
  4. Christmas Star
  5. Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection

ASIN: B00030ES2S
Release Date: 2004-10-01

Tracks:

  1. Be Thous My Vision
  2. Open thou mine eyes
  3. I will sing with the spirit
  4. A gaelic Blessing
  5. Wings of the morning
  6. O be Joyful in the Lord
  7. All things bright and beautiful
  8. I will lift up mine eyes
  9. As the bride groom to his chosen
  10. A prayer of Saint Patrick
  11. Loving Shepherd of thy sheep
  12. Look at the world
  13. O clap your hands
  14. The Lord is my light and my salvation
  15. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace
  16. I believe in springtime
  17. God be in my head
  18. A Clare Benediction
  19. For thy beauty of the earth
  20. Thy perfect love
  21. The Lord bless you and keep you

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Listening Treat .......2007-03-08

What a delight to listen to this collection of pure Rutter ! The melodic sounds of the Cambridge Singers bring me such pleasure The sheer joyfulness of this music is to me a religious experience of such depth It is superb and will lift ones spirits instantly. highly recommended to all lovers of the English contemporary choral sound and scene,____ not to be missed

5 out of 5 stars Be Thoy My Vision CD.......2007-02-19

My husband sang many of these John Rutter compositions with his church choir, and this CD is perfect since the choir is directed by Rutter, singing his own music. If you love religious music, this will bring tears to your eyes, the choir is "that" perfect.

5 out of 5 stars Really good, but don't listen to it all at once........2007-01-07

I really liked this CD. It really showcases Rutter's knack for religious choral music. Perhaps it helps that I have sung some of his stuff with various groups. However, as with any similar compiliation, the composer's sameness of style and motif becomes apparent. This repetition can become boring on the third or fourth listening. On the other hand, this makes a great reference tool for any choral director or performer. Buy it, however, it's worth it, but don't listen to it all at once.

5 out of 5 stars A must for choral music fans.......2006-09-19

Simply fabulous, 10/10. These are all Rutter-composed pieces, directed by Rutter himself. If you have any interest in religious choral music at all, you must get this album! One of the highlights of my musical life was attending a concert of a University of Maryland choir in which my mom sang, that featured Rutter as a guest conductor. Listening to this album is almost as good! ;-) There are too many good pieces to start naming all of my favorites, but these are some of the best known ones: "Open Thou Mine Eyes", "A Gaelic Blessing", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "As the Bridegroom to His Chosen", "For the Beauty of the Earth", and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You".

5 out of 5 stars An outstanding collection of Rutter's hymns.......2005-11-22

I sought a recording of Rutter's beautiful hymn, "Wings of the Morning", after we sang this lovely tune in church and this was the only CD I could find that contained it.

This collection includes many of Rutter's church hymns recorded over a period of 20 years performed by The Cambridge Singers, a group of Brits, that are conducted by the composer. Ergo, these performances must be considered definitive.

Many of Rutter's popular hymns are included here. "O be joyful to the Lord" and "All things bright and beautiful", a popular children's hymn done here by adults, follow "Wings of the morning" on tracks 5-7. Others you may have performed in church represented here are "O clap your hands", "Lord make me an instrument of your peace", "For the beauty of the earth", "Look at the world" and "The Lord bless you and keep you" among the 21 assembled hymns.

While The Cambridge Singers, on their Web site, identify themselves principally as an a capella group, I was pleased when I received this CD to find all the hymns supported by a full orchestra, the esteemed City of London Sinfonia. The renditions are uniformly lovely although some listeners may find the singing a bit on the white side lacking brilliance and individuality. Everything is done in keeping with Rutter's score markings and style.

The recording tends to be a little variable given the 20-plus year difference in performances. The most recent copyright listing is 2003, the same year "Wings of the morning" was published. I don't hear an appreciable difference in that recording than the others but still hear some age in older works.

If you seek a Rutter hymn collection you can't go wrong here. You have wonderful English performers mated to the composer in his more popular works. I'd recommend this without reservation to anyone seeking this collection.
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I waited for this for five years
  • Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
  • ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
  • SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
  • A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Broadway & MusicalsBroadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
  2. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
  3. Evita (Original London Cast)
  4. Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
  5. Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)

ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

  1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
  3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
  4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
  5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
  6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
  7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
  8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
  9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
  10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
  11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
  12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
  13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
  14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
  15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
  16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
  17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
  18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
  19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

  1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
  2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
  3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
  4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
  5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
  6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
  7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
  8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
  9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
  10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
  11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
  13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
  14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
  15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
  16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
  17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
  18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
  19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

  1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
  2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
  3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
  4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
  5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
  6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
  7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
  8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
  9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
  10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
  11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
  12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
  13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
  14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
  15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
  16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
  18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
  19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
  20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

  1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
  2. Memory - Betty Buckley
  3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
  4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
  5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
  6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
  7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
  8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
  9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
  10. With One Look - Petula Clark
  11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
  12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
  13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
  14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
  15. No Matter What - Boyzone
  16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
  17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
  18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

  1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
  2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
  3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
  4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
  5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
  6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
  7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
  8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
  9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
  10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
  11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
  12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
  13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
  14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
  15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
  16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
  17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
  18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
  19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
  20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
  21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
  22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

4 out of 5 stars ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

5 out of 5 stars SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

4 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!
Shakespeare's Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Shakespeare's Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2

    Manufacturer: Azica
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Shakespeare's Songbook
    2. Songs and Dances from Shakespeare
    3. Shakespeare Songs
    4. Shakespeare's Musick (Songs & Dances from Shakespeare's Plays) / Pickett, Musicians of the Globe
    5. William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Two-Disc Special Edition)

    ASIN: B0002IQL08
    Release Date: 2004-07-06

    Tracks:

    1. Ah Robin (Round)
    2. And Let Me The Cannikin Clink
    3. And Will He Not Come Again
    4. Be Merry, Be Merry
    5. Black Spirits
    6. Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind
    7. Bonny Sweet Robin
    8. But Shall I Go Mourn
    9. Can'st Thou Not Hit It
    10. Come Away
    11. Come Away, Hecate
    12. Come Live With Me
    13. Come O'er The Burn
    14. Come Thou Monarch (Version 2)(Round)
    15. Come Unto These Yellow Sands
    16. A Cup Of Wine
    17. Farewell, Dear Heart
    18. Fathers That Wear Rags
    19. Fear No More
    20. Fie On Sinful Fantasy
    21. Fill The Cup (Round)
    22. Flout 'Em And Cout 'Em (Round)
    23. Fools Had Ne'er Less Grace
    24. For I'll Cut My Green Coat
    25. The Friar And The Nun
    26. Full Fathom Five
    27. The George Alow (Version 1)
    28. Get You Hence
    29. The God Of Love
    30. Hark, Hark The Lark
    31. Have I Caught My Heavenly Jewel
    32. Heart's Ease
    33. Hold Thy Peace (Version 2)(Round)
    34. Honor, Riches
    35. I Am Gone Sir
    36. I Loathe The I Did Love
    37. It Was A Lover And His Lass
    38. Jepha
    39. Jog On
    40. Jolly Shepherd (Round)
    41. King Stephen Was A Worthy Peer
    42. Lawn As White
    43. Love, Love, Nothing But Love (Version 2)
    44. The Master, The Swabber (Version 2)
    45. No More Dams
    46. An Old Hare Hoar (Version 1)
    47. O Mistress Mine (Version 1)
    48. Orpheus With His Lute
    49. O Sweet Oliver
    50. Pardon Goddess Of The Night
    51. Roses Their Sharp Spines
    52. Sigh No More, Ladies
    53. Some Men For Sudden Joy (Version 1)
    54. Take, O Take Those Lips
    55. Tell Me, Where Is Fancy Bred
    56. That Sir Which Serves
    57. There Dwelt A Man In Babylon (Version 1)
    58. There Was Three Fools
    59. Three Merry Men (Round)
    60. Tomorrow Is St. Valentine's Day
    61. Under The Greenwood Tree
    62. Up And Down (Round)
    63. Urns And Odours Bring Away
    64. Walsingham
    65. Was This Fair Face
    66. Wedding Is Great Juno's Crown
    67. What Shall He Have (Round)
    68. When Arthur First In Court
    69. When Daffodils Begin To Peer
    70. When Daisies Pied
    71. When Griping Grief
    72. When Icicles Hang By The Wall
    73. When That I Was And A Little Tyne Boy
    74. Where The Bee Sucks
    75. While You Here Do Snoring Lie
    76. Who Is Silvia
    77. Why Let The Strucken Deer
    78. Willow, Willow (Version 1)
    79. Will You Buy Any Tape
    80. The Woosel Cock
    81. You Spotted Snakes

    Tracks:

    1. Awake, Awake
    2. Battle Of Agincourt
    3. Bride's Goodmorrow
    4. Broom
    5. Callino
    6. Carmen's Whitle
    7. Chi Passa
    8. Come Kiss Me, Kate (Round)
    9. Come Thou Monarch (Version 1)
    10. Cup Of Wine (Version 1)
    11. Damon
    12. Daphne
    13. Diana (2 Versions)
    14. Dulcina
    15. Eglamore
    16. Eighty-Eight
    17. Fortune My Foe
    18. George Alow (Version 2)
    19. Glass Doth Run
    20. Goddesses
    21. Go From My Window
    22. Greensleeves (2 Versions)
    23. Guy Of Warwick
    24. Hem Boys (2 Versions)
    25. Hey Ho for A Husband (2 Versions)
    26. Hobbyhorse
    27. Hold Thy Peace (Versions 1 & 3)
    28. Hunt's Up
    29. I Cannot Come Every Day (2 Versions)
    30. In Crete
    31. In Peascod Time
    32. Jack Boy (Round)
    33. King Cophetua
    34. King Lear
    35. King Solomon
    36. Light O Love
    37. Loath To Depart (2 Versions)
    38. Love, Love (Version 1)
    39. Master, Swabber (Version 1)
    40. Mounsier Mingo
    41. Mounsieur's Almaine
    42. My Mind To Me
    43. Nutmegs (Of All The Birds)
    44. Nutmegs (Wooing Of The Baker's Daughter)
    45. O Death (2 Versions)
    46. Old Hare Hoar (Version 2)
    47. O Mistress Mine (Version 2)
    48. O' The Twelfth Day Of December
    49. Oyster Pie
    50. Peg A Ramsey (2 Versions)
    51. Phillida (3 Versions)
    52. Please One
    53. Pyramus
    54. Queen Dido (2 Versions)
    55. Ratcatcher
    56. Rich Jew
    57. Robin Goodfellow
    58. Robin Hood
    59. Rogero
    60. Rowland
    61. Sellenger's Round
    62. Shore's Wife (2 Versions)
    63. Sick, Sick (3 Vesions)
    64. Some Men For Sudden Joy (Round)
    65. There Dwelt A Man (Version 2)
    66. Titus Andronicus
    67. Tom A Bedlam (2 Versions)
    68. Troilus
    69. Troy Town
    70. Wellady
    71. Whenas We Sat In Babylon
    72. Where Is The Life
    73. Whoop
    74. Why Let The Strucken (If Care Do Cause)
    75. Willow, Willow (Version 2)
    76. Will Ye Buy A Fine Dog
    77. With A Fading
    Handel: Messiah
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Finally a Messiah with fervor!
    • Great recording!
    • Good and Bad
    • This is a great recording!
    Handel: Messiah

    Manufacturer: Naxos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Christmas at Trinity

    ASIN: B00002R16A
    Release Date: 1999-11-30

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: No. 1 Overture
    2. Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
    3. Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
    4. Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
    5. Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
    6. Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
    7. Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
    8. Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
    9. Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
    10. Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
    11. Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
    12. Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
    13. Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
    14. Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
    15. Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
    16. Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
    17. Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
    18. Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
    19. Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
    20. Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
    21. Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
    22. Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
    23. Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
    24. Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
    25. Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
    26. Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
    2. Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
    3. Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
    4. Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
    5. Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
    6. Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
    7. Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
    8. Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
    9. Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
    10. Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
    11. Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
    12. Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
    13. Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
    14. Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
    15. Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
    16. Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
    17. Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
    18. Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
    19. Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
    20. Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
    21. Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
    22. Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
    23. Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
    24. Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
    25. Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
    26. Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
    27. Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
    28. Messiah: Amen

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

    I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

    5 out of 5 stars Great recording!.......2003-09-22

    There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

    2 out of 5 stars Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

    I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

    4 out of 5 stars This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

    I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

    Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

    As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.
    Like No Other Sound
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Like No Other Sound
      Turtle Creek Chorale
      Manufacturer: Turtle Creek Chorale
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
      MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00004W1NC
      Release Date: 2001-08-02

      Tracks:

      1. Behold Man
      2. Simple Gifts
      3. America the Beautiful
      4. Star Spangled Banner
      5. Psalm 150
      6. Bridge Over Troubled Waters
      7. When I Fall in Love
      8. Bring Him Home
      9. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
      10. Once Upon a Time
      11. In This Heart of Mine
      12. I Shall Miss Loving You
      13. Looking Forward
      14. Who Will Heal the World
      15. Who Will Heal the World [Multimedia Track]

      Tracks:

      1. Soon-Ah Will Be Done
      2. Swingin' With the Saints
      3. Gloria Fanfare
      4. Ave Maria
      5. Gloria
      6. Peace, Peace
      7. Spaseniye Sodelal (Salvation Is Created)
      8. Nessun Dorma
      9. Majesty and Glory of Your Name
      10. Never Ever
      11. Let Me Be the Music
      12. Lux Aeterna
      13. I Have Loved
      14. Awakening
      15. We Shall Overcome
      Magical Moments in Cantorial Music
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Pure delight
      Magical Moments in Cantorial Music

      Manufacturer: Israel Music
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Jewish & Yiddish MusicJewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music
      KlezmerKlezmer | Folk | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
      IsraelIsrael | Middle East | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. First S'lihot: Midnight Service
      2. A Jewish Celebration in Song
      3. Cantorial Concert Masterpieces

      ASIN: B00005LZVC
      Release Date: 2001-06-26

      Tracks:

      1. Hashem Ma Rabu Tzaraai (God, How Many Are My Assailants)
      2. Veliyerushalayim Ircha (and To Jerusalem Your City)
      3. Kol Nidrey (All Vows)
      4. Yismechu (Those Who Observe the Sabbath Should Rejoice With Your ...)
      5. Mimkom'cha (God, You Will Appear from Your Place)
      6. T'Fila Lisholom Ham'dina/Avinu Shebashamayim (A Prayer for the Welfare
      7. Heye Im Pifiyot [God, Be with the Mouths of the Messengers (Cantors]
      8. Modim (We Thank You, O God)
      9. Eliyahu Hanavi - Joseph Malovany
      10. Sim Shalom (Grant Peace)

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Pure delight.......2006-02-06

      I'm a bit biased...because the performer is my father. However, objectively, this work is one of his best. It includes performances from all over Eastern Europe. His musical genius is evident and his masterful voice leads one to experience the pure artistry and grandeur of the selections. I have been told by some that his voice is healing and puts the listener into an altered state of consciousness, closer to the creator.
      Haendel: Saul [Hybrid SACD]
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Haendel: Saul [Hybrid SACD]

        Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
        ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
        Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. Handel: Messiah [Hybrid SACD]

        ASIN: B000A169OK
        Release Date: 2006-01-10

        Tracks:

        1. Symphony: Allegro - Larghetto - Allegro - Andante Larghetto
        2. 1. Chorus: How Excellent Thy Name, O Lord
        3. 2. Air (Soprano): An Infant Raised By Thy Command - 3. Trio (Alto, Tenore, Basso): Along The Monster Atheist Strode
        4. 4. Soprano, Alto, Tenore, Basso: The Youth Inspired By Thee, O Lord - 5. Chorus: How Excellent Thy Name, O Lord
        5. 6. Recit & 7. Air (Michal): He Comes, He Comes! - O God-Like Youth! - 8. Recitative (Abner, Saul, David): Behold, O King, The Brave, Victorious Youth
        6. 9. Air (David): O King, Your Favours With Delight - 10. Recitative (Jonathan): Oh Early Piety!
        7. 11. Air (Merab): What Abject Thoughts A Prince Can Have! - 12. Recitative (Merab): Yet Think, On Whom This Honour You Bestow
        8. 13. Air (Jonathan): Birth And Fortune I Despise!
        9. 14. Recitative (High Priest): Go On, Illustrious Pair! - 15. Air (High Priest): While Yet Thy Tide Of Bood Runs High
        10. 16. Recitative (Saul, Merab): Thou, Merab, First In Birth, Be First In Honour - 17. Air (Merab): My Soul Rejects The Thought With Scorn - 18. Air (Michal): See, With What A Scornful Air - 19. Air (Michal): Ah, Lovely Youth, Wast Thou Designed
        11. 20. Symphony: Andante Allegro - 21. Recitative (Michal): Already See The Daughters Of The Land - 22. Chorus: Welcome, Welcome, Mighty King!
        12. 23. Accompagnato (Saul): What Do I Hear? - 24. Chorus: David His Ten Thousands Slew - 25. Accompagnato (Saul): To Him Ten Thousands - 26. Air (Saul): With Rage I Shall Start Burst His Praises To Hear
        13. 27. Recitative (Jonathan, Michal): Imprudent Women! - 28. Air (Michal): Fell Rage And Black Despair Possessed
        14. 29. Recitative (High Priest): This But The Smallest Part Of Harmony - 30. Accompagnato (High Priest): By Thee This Universal Frame
        15. 31. Recitative (Abner): Racked With Infernal Pains - 32. Air (David): O Lord, Whose Mercies Numberless
        16. 33. Symphony: Largo - 34. Recitative (Jonathan): 'Tis All In Vain, His Fury Still Continues
        17. 35. Air (Saul): A Serpent, In My Bosom Warmed - 36. Recitative (Saul): Has He Escaped My Rage?
        18. 37. Air (Merab): Capricious Man
        19. 38. Accompagnato (Jonathan): O Filial Piety! - 39. Air (Jonathan): No, Cruel Father, No!
        20. 40. Air (High Priest): O Lord, Whose Providence - 41. Chorus: Preserve Him For The Glory Of Thy Name
        21. 42. Chorus: Envy! Eldest Born Of Hell!
        22. 43. Recitative (Jonathan): Ah! Dearest Friend - 44. Air (Jonathan): But Sooner Jordan' Stream, I Swear
        23. 45. Recitative (David, Jonathan): Oh Strange Vicissitude! - 46. Air (David): Such Haughty Beauties Rather Move

        Tracks:

        1. 47. Recitative (Jonathan): My Father Comes - 48. Recitative (Saul, Jonathan): Hast Thou Obeyed My Orders
        2. 49. Air (Jonathan): Sin Not, O King, Against The Youth - 50. Air (Saul): As Great Jehovah Lives - 51. Air (Jonathan): From Cities Stormed, And Battles Won
        3. 52. Recitative (Jonathan, Saul): Appear, My Friend - 53. Air (David): Your Words, O King, My Loyal Heart - 54. Recitative (Saul): Yes, He Shall Wed My Daughter!
        4. 55. Recitative (Michal): A Father's Will Has Authorised My Love - 56. Duet (Michal, David): O Fairest Of Ten Thousand Fair - 57. Chorus: Is There A Man
        5. 58. Symphony: Largo - Allegro
        6. 59. Recitative (David): Thy Father Is As Cruel - 60. Duet (David, Michal): At Persecution I Can Laugh
        7. 61. Recitative (Michal, Doeg): Whom Dost Thou Seek - 62. Air (Michal): No, No Let The Guilty Tremble
        8. 63. Recitative (Merab): Mean As He Was, He Is My Brother Now - 64. Air (Merab): Author Of Peace, Who Canst Controul
        9. 65. Symphony: Allegro
        10. 66. Accompagnato (Saul): The Time At Length Is Come - 67. Recitative (Saul, Jonathan): Where Is The Son Of Jesse?
        11. 68. Chorus: Oh Fatal Consequence Of Rage
        12. 69. Accompagnato (Saul): Wretch That I Am - 70. Recit - Accompagnato (Saul): 'Tis Said, Here Lives A Woman
        13. 71. Recitative (With, Saul): With Me What Would'st Thou - 72. Air (Witch Of Endor): Infernal Spirits
        14. 73. Accompagnato (Samuel, Saul): Why Hast Thou Forced Me From The Realms Of Peace
        15. 74. Symphony: Allegro
        16. 75. Recitative (David, Amalekite): Whence Comest Thou? - 76. Air (David): Impious Wretch, Of Race Accurst!
        17. 77. March: Grave
        18. 78. Chorus: Mourn, Israel
        19. 79. Air (High Priest): Oh Let It Not In Gath Be Heard
        20. 80. Air (Merab): From This Unhappy Day
        21. 81. Air (David): Brave Jonathan His Bow Never Drew - 82. Chorus: Eagles Were Not So Swift As They
        22. 83. Air (Michal): In Sweetest Harmony They Lived! - 84. Solo (David And Chorus): O Fatal Day! - 85. Recitative (Abner): Ye Men Of Judah, Weep No More!
        23. 86. Chorus: Gird On Thy Sword, Thou Man Of Might
        Peace Be With You
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Enchanting in the Morning
        Peace Be With You
        Marcel Khalife
        Manufacturer: Nagam
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        ArabicArabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. Ode to a Homeland
        2. JADAL (Oud Duo)
        3. Magic Carpet (Bissat el-Reeh)
        4. Caress/Mouda'aba
        5. Promises of the Storm

        ASIN: B00003GO1C
        Release Date: 1990-06-10

        Tracks:

        1. Dewdrop
        2. A Child
        3. Poems Grow
        4. Poem of the Earth
        5. Peace Be With You
        6. salute of a Traveller
        7. Homeland of the Martyrs
        8. I Love You More
        9. Pigeon's Coo
        10. The Anthem

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Enchanting in the Morning.......2000-02-26

        I cannot get enough of the main song, Peace Be With You. It is the perfect choice on an early morning, next to Fairuz, of course!
        My Beloved Spake: Music for Strings and Voices
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          My Beloved Spake: Music for Strings and Voices

          Manufacturer: Guild
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Finzi, Gerald | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          MagnificatsMagnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000057DWE
          Release Date: 2005-01-17
          The Water Gipsies (Original London Cast) with Bonus Tracks
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            The Water Gipsies (Original London Cast) with Bonus Tracks

            Manufacturer: Sepia
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
            Similar Items:
            1. The Buccaneer (Original London Cast) and Bonus Tracks
            2. Salad Days (1954 Original London Cast)
            3. Baker Street, A Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes (1965 Original Broadway Cast)
            4. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
            5. Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

            ASIN: B000CNDXH2
            Release Date: 2005-12-26

            Tracks:

            1. Overture - Orchestra
            2. Why Did You Call Me Lily? - Dora Bryan
            3. Clip-Clop - Laurie Payne
            4. I Should Worry - Dora Bryan
            5. When I'm Washing Up - Pamela Charles
            6. Jane's Prayer - Pamela Charles
            7. Lily's Tale - Dora Bryan
            8. He Doesn't Care - Peter Graves
            9. Castles And Hearts And Roses - Laurie Payne
            10. Peace And Quiet/Little Boat - Laurie Payne
            11. Why Should Spring Have All The Flowers? - Doris Hare
            12. This Is Our Secret - Peter Graves
            13. It Would Cramp My Style - Dora Bryan
            14. You Never Know With Men - Dora Bryan
            15. Here's Mud In Your Eye - Chorus
            16. I'm Not A Jealous Woman - Joan Sims
            17. Finale - Chorus
            18. I'm So Terribly In Love With You - Robert English
            19. I Never Dreamt (You'd Fall In Love With Me) - Lido Dance Orchestra
            20. My Heart Is Saying - Billy Milton
            21. Selections From 'Little Tommy Tucker' - The Million-Airs
            22. You Looked At Me - Olive Groves
            23. My Heart's A Compass - Olive Groves
            24. You Have That Extra Something - Phyllis Stanley
            25. Three Songs From 'Big Ben' - Vivian Ellis
            26. Three Waltzes From 'Big Ben' - Vivian Ellis
            27. Selections From 'Tough At The Top' Part One - Vivian Ellis
            28. Selections From 'Tough At The Top' Part Two - Vivian Ellis
            29. The Music From 'And So To Bed' Part One - Vivian Ellis
            30. The Music From 'And So To Bed' Part Two - Vivian Ellis

            Album Description

            English composer Vivian Ellis had a prolific career spanning five decades, during which she wrote nearly 70 West End shows. The Water Gipsies was a 1955 collaboration between Ellis and A.P. Herbert. Contains the cast recording of The Water Gipsies plus bonus tracks including early Ellis compositions, many appearing on CD for the first time!

            Music Track:

            1. Piano Concerto 26 in D Coronation
            2. Plays Rachmaninoff
            3. Portuguese Keyboard Music Vol. 2
            4. Réflexiones
            5. Rite of Spring
            6. Schnittke: Trio; Reger: Trio No1
            7. Schubert: String Quartet in Dm No14, D810, D810; Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht Op4
            8. Seven Last Words
            9. Somei Satoh: Mandara Trilogy
            10. Somewhere Between the Bars and Home

            Music Track

            music track

            Recommended Music:

            Murray Head - Greatest Hits

            Richard Tauber and The Acoustic Lieder Recordings

            Sonatas for Violin and Piano

            Music: Tony Joe White

            Fed to Your Head

            The Age of Possibility

            The Complete Recordings 1941-1947

            Schnabel: Violin Sonatas

            Sing the Sorrow [Import]

            Sacred Feast

            That's Nat [CD-single] [Import]

            The Best of Chet Baker: Sings and Plays

            Pieta

            Love on My Mind

            Impact