Violin Virtuosity

Track Listings
1. Firedance    
2. Always Only You    
3. Jig Is Up    
4. Border Dreams    
5. New Grass Special    
6. Cry for Peace    
7. Trinity Time    
8. Great Scott    
9. Soul Sonata    
10. Appalachian Lullabye    
11. Timeless    

Violin Virtuosity, Music, Various Artists, Classical, Classical Music, Rock/Pop Collections, V/a Compilations
The Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Mendez
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Superb except for the Sound Quality!
  • The Greatest Trumpet player ever
  • "Today, I had the honor of becoming an American citizen"
  • Masterful Trumpet Virtuoso
  • Supurb Virtuoso
 The Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Mendez
Rafael Mendez , Leroy Anderson , Vittorio Monti , Anonymous , Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov , Russian Traditional , Vincent Youmans , Calleja , Georges Bizet , Felix Mendelssohn , Leo Delibes , and Pablo de Sarasate
Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SarasateAll Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
General ContemporaryGeneral Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RussianRussian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Legacy
  2. World's Greatest Trumpet Virtuoso
  3. Cornet Favorites
  4. Turn-of-the-Century Cornet Favorites
  5. Carnaval

ASIN: B0000038KF
Release Date: 1995-06-19

Tracks:

  1. La Virgen de la Macarena
  2. A Trumpeter's Lullaby
  3. Mendez Jota
  4. Czardas
  5. Chiapanecas
  6. Tico, Tico
  7. Flight of the Bumblebee
  8. Dark Eyes
  9. I Know that You Know
  10. Yuba
  11. Mexican Hat Dance
  12. Farewell, My Granada
  13. Dance Boheme from Carmen
  14. Mendez Czardas
  15. Mendelssohn Concerto
  16. Bell Song
  17. Samba Gitana
  18. La Rosita
  19. Zigeunerweisen

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Superb except for the Sound Quality!.......2006-05-10

I both love and detest this album. The title is correct. Mendez's virtuosity is legendary and the playing is great. The problem is with the quality of the recording. I don't know if that is an artifact of the originals or if it is an artifact of sloppy production for this release. In any event, it is disappointing.

The selections somewhat varied in style but ultimately all scream "Latin Trumpet". This is as true of LA VIRGIN DE LA MACARENA as it is of the selections from the opera, CARMEN. In all of them, the skill is superb. I just wish the recordings were as well.

I give it 5 stars for the art and 2 stars for the sound. I compromise with 4 because, deep down, I love it.

5 out of 5 stars The Greatest Trumpet player ever.......2005-09-19

Not to many people will argue that Rafael Mendez was the
greatest Trumpet player ever..yes better than M.Davis, Hirt,
Gillespie, Severson. This is a must own if you really want
to hear the greatest.

5 out of 5 stars "Today, I had the honor of becoming an American citizen".......2004-03-20

This recording is fantastic in every way. Mendez is truly one of the greatest to ever pick up a trumpet. From the outstanding renditions of latin classics "Tico Tico", "La Virgen De Macarena" and "Mexican Hat Dance" (which are all un-paralleled) to the flawless "Flight Of The Bumblebee" to the heartstring-pulling gem written by Leroy Anderson, "Trumpeter's Lullaby", this album is simply mint. As good as it gets. Mendez also plays amazing versions of "Danse Boheme" from Carmen, his own classic composition "Samba Gitana" and the grand finale, "Zigeunerweisen". However, the most touching moment comes on the live performance of "La Rosita", where Mendez plays wonderfully and then reveals his citizenship. He even plays some great big band with a latinized "I Know That You Know". That sound, the articulation is so crisp and perfect. Mendez is truly a legend. Any trumpet fan needs this.

5 out of 5 stars Masterful Trumpet Virtuoso.......2001-04-11

The name Rafael Mendez is synonymous with trumpet virtuosity, and this CD provides ample evidence as to why. The clarity and technique of the performances are astounding and constitute a must-hear CD.

The one down side is that these were originally 78 rpm recordings from the 40's and 50's, and, as such, the sound quality leaves something to be desired. But don't be put off by that. The greatness of the performances still comes through.

4 out of 5 stars Supurb Virtuoso.......2001-01-09

As a youth I had the wonderful opportunity to play in an orchestra which provided the accompaniment for several of Mr. Mendez's concets. I have never been in such awe of anyone before or since. There are no words to describe the command he has over the trumptet. There never has been anyone who even approaches his expertise and his virtuosity is timeless. The selections on this CD are many of the best he ever recorded and display his incredible ability in every style...every range. If you are not familiar with Mr. Mendez, this CD will make a believer out of you. You will be amazed at what a trumpet is capable of producing. I can't say enough about this incredible man's incredible talent. I don't know of any musician, trumpet or otherwise, who has the complete mastery of his instrument that Mr. Mendez does. NOTE: This recording was remastered and unfortunately, not very well. It is tinny and very "mono" sounding. Thus the 4 stars.
Bolcom: Haunted Labyrinth, Sessions 2 & 3, etc
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Donald Hall Songs will change your life!
  • Delightful
 Bolcom: Haunted Labyrinth, Sessions 2 & 3, etc

Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

DuetsDuets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
QuintetsQuintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Bolcom, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. William Bolcom: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 3; Seatlle Slew Orchestral Suite

ASIN: B00004SC18
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

  1. Scherzo Fant - Detroit Chm Winds & Strs/H. Robert Reynolds
  2. Three Donald Hall Songs: Horse Song - Joan Morris
  3. Three Donald Hall Songs: O Cheese - Joan Morris
  4. Three Donald Hall Songs: Wheel Of the Oxcart - Joan Morris
  5. Session II - Detroit Chm Winds & Strs/H. Robert Reynolds
  6. Virtuosity Rag - Detroit Chm Winds & Strs/H. Robert Reynolds
  7. Haunted Labyrinth - Robert Conway
  8. Session III - Detroit Chm Winds & Strs/H. Robert Reynolds
  9. Five Fold Five - Detroit Chm Winds & Strs/H. Robert Reynolds

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Donald Hall Songs will change your life!.......2004-05-21

This CD is worth it, no question, for the 3 Donald Hall songs alone. The musicians are great, Joan Morris is fabulous (so much meaning, so much context and feeling in just one voice) and the poems are powerful, profound, haunting, clever - once you hear them a few times with Morris' magnificent delivery you'll never want to be without them again. Or without her interpretations. Music lovers, song and cabaret lovers, poetry lovers, fans of anything quality - this CD has hidden treasures for you. Morris' ability to convey layers of meaning and deep feeling without ever stooping to sentimentality is amazing - this would be a wonderful introduction to Bolcom/Morris collaborations too.

5 out of 5 stars Delightful.......2000-10-29

As producer and engineer of this CD, I have to admit that I didn't know how good the results of our work at Ann Arbor would be. The sessions were fine but we had little time to accomodate everyone's schedules and had the inconvenience of working around the University orchestra which was rehearsing the Mahler 1st Symphony next door. Each piece required a different setup and slightly different sound philosophy. Now as I hear the disc again, I'm delighted by the results: imaginative playing of consistently delightful music. The Donald Hall songs are moving and funny, the wind pieces tinged with just a touch of jazz and the Duo for Violin and Viola looks back longingly to more tranquil times. I've never had to record a scream, but the Haunted Labyrinth begins with a convincing one (recorded at 8 AM, no less.) You don't need to be adventurous to try this one.
Spirit of Adventure
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Spirit of Adventure
 Spirit of Adventure
Kim Angelis
Manufacturer: Skysong
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Gypsy's Odyssey
  2. Esperanza
  3. The Messenger

ASIN: B00004KD6B
Release Date: 2000-01-20

Tracks:

  1. The Dancing Gypsy
  2. : The Sequoias
  3. : The Crossing
  4. : Last Waltz in Bodie
  5. : The Dardanelles
  6. : Taipei Taxi
  7. : Argus' Rhapsody
  8. : Full Circle
  9. : Songs My Mother Taught Me
  10. : Orofino Moon
  11. : The Gift of Wings

Album Description

Let the virtuoso violin of Kim Angelis spirit your cares away! Tour the world of the red hot gypsy! Experience realms of incredible beauty! Enjoy a musical journey where your passport is always valid! (Recorded on 16 track analog tape for the highest fidelity. A "must" for audiophiles!)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Spirit of Adventure.......2000-03-16

This is an incredible album. Kim's violin technique is nothing short of phenomenal and the music is grand. Sadly you don't get to hear the Suite Sierra. Last Waltz in Bodie is simply chilling. There's a broad range of music here and it will move and shake you.
The Golden Bow
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The Golden Bow
    Santosh Nahar
    Manufacturer: Sense World Music
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    IndiaIndia | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B0000C6VWE
    Release Date: 2005-04-19

    Tracks:

    1. Raga Yaman - Vilambit Ektaal
    2. Raga Yaman - Teentaal
    3. Raga Nat Bhairav - Ektaal
    4. Tappa in Raga Kafi - Addha Taal
    5. Rajasthani Folk Melody in Raga Mand
    6. Raha Bhairavi
    Celestial Body
    Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
    • Not Purely Double Violin - It's New Age
    • Splendid!
    		 Celestial Body
    Shankar & Gingger
    Manufacturer: Mondo Melodia
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Middle East | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B0002ABV2Y
    Release Date: 2004-06-22

    Tracks:

    1. Celestial Body
    2. Maya
    3. Voices From Heaven
    4. Sunrise
    5. Open Your Eyes
    6. Twilight
    7. Journey Through Life
    8. Revelations
    9. Transcend
    10. Palaces
    11. Lullaby

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars Not Purely Double Violin - It's New Age.......2006-11-03

    I saw Gingger perform on the double violin. She was accompanied by a fine tabla player and the performance was great. I have Shankar's Pancha Nadai CD and so when I saw this one of the two performing together I thought great! I'm sure there are many who will love this music, but as I could not find any disclosure that this was not purely double violin I thought I better add this review.

    3 out of 5 stars Splendid!.......2005-06-17

    I gave only 3 stars because I liked only 2 songs (Revelations and Sunrise) very much. With Revelations, Shankar has extended the limit of what a violin can do. It truly feels as though 4-5 people were playing violin at the same time. He is probably the fastest violinists I've known. The remaining songs are good too, but these two are a class apart. He comes up with something unexpected every time.

    -Shanker
    Unconditional Love
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Unconditional Love
      Lenny McDaniel
      Manufacturer: Cafe Au Lait Music
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000CADH44
      Release Date: 2005-05-17
      Violin Virtuosity
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • I bought my B&O entertainment system thanks to this CD!
      		 Violin Virtuosity
      Various Artists
      Manufacturer: Avalon (Rock Bottom)
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00004U4VI
      Release Date: 1998-05-26

      Tracks:

      1. Firedance
      2. Always Only You
      3. Jig Is Up
      4. Border Dreams
      5. New Grass Special
      6. Cry for Peace
      7. Trinity Time
      8. Great Scott
      9. Soul Sonata
      10. Appalachian Lullabye
      11. Timeless

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars I bought my B&O entertainment system thanks to this CD!.......2002-07-31

      This CD sports some good background tunes and even 3 reasonably good tracks: "Always Only You", "Trinity Time" and the delightful light and jazzy "Timeless".

      But buy it for the "Firedance" tune - you will not regret it!

      Alberto De Almar is brilliant. Firedance is an instant classic that is bound to make you engage the REPEAT button to listen over and over again. This tune is a goose bump inducing, neck hair rising masterpiece.

      My wife and I had a B&O system demonstrated in Hong Kong, hearing this CD for the first time. We instantly fell in love with the timeless class of both. We rushed to the HMV shop to track down Violin Virtuosity, that was the inexpensive part... We later made an expensive order for a complete B&O system setting us back several decades of savings but that was also worth it...
      Praeludium in the Park
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Praeludium in the Park

        Manufacturer: Classic Arts Studios
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000CAGOH6
        Release Date: 2004-01-01
        L'800 per Flauto E Pianoforte
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		L'800 per Flauto E Pianoforte

          Manufacturer: Eroica Classical Recordings
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by ChopinAll Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          ClarinetClarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
          FluteFlute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B00004SGCM
          Release Date: 2000-03-13

          Tracks:

          1. Rossini: Fantasy for flute and piano, Introduction, Allegretto, Andantino, Vivace
          2. Chopin: Variations on a Theme by Rossini
          3. Beethoven: Six Varied Themes, Op. 105
          4. Schubert: Introduction and Variation on "Trackne Blumen"; Introduction, Theme, and Variations 1 through 7

          Music Track:

          1. Vital Spark of Heavenly Flame
          2. Walk About & Back
          3. Wedding Bouquet
          4. A Viennese Evening at the Proms
          5. Adolf and Fritz Busch Conduct Mozart
          6. Alfredo Casella: Piano Music
          7. Arriba Allez [Import] [CD-single]
          8. Bach: French Overture, Toccatas
          9. Boult: Schubert Symphony No. 8; Ravel: Dahpnis et Chloe Suite No. 2
          10. Casella: Chamber Music

          Music Track

          music track

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