Masters of Classical Music: Handel

On this CD:

1. Serse (Xerxes), opera, HWV 40 Largo
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Budapest Strings

2. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And He Shall Purify
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by RIAS-Sinfonietta
Conducted by Marcus Creed

3. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And the Glory of the Lord
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by RIAS-Sinfonietta
Conducted by Marcus Creed

4. Solomon, oratorio, HWV 67 Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Budapest Strings

5. Concerto Grosso in D major, Op.6/5, HWV 323
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by New Bach Collegium Musicum
Conducted by Max Pommer

6. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Hallelujah
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by RIAS-Sinfonietta
Conducted by Marcus Creed

7. Water Music Suite, No.1 for orchestra in F major, HWV 348
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Budapest Strings

Tracks:

Joy To The World
Carol Of The Bells
I Wonder As I Wander
Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?
Masters In This Hall
The First Noel
How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
Pat-A-pan
What Shall We Give To The Babe In The Manger?
One December Bright And Clear
Fantasy On 'What Child Is This?'
Hark! The Herald Angel Sing
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
Angels From The Realms Of Glory
Silent Night

Amazon.com

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has made more than 20 seasonal recordings since its first one (for broadcast to U.S. servicemen in Europe and the Pacific on Christmas Day, 1945), but none finer than this one, led by the group's newly appointed music director, Craig Jessop. Featuring lush arrangements by Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford, it emphasizes the gentler, more rapturous moods of the holiday, especially in such beautiful settings as Wilberg's of "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?" and "How Far Is It to Bethlehem?" and Bradford's fantasy on "What Child Is This?" Balancing these are several selections in which the choir's blazing, full-voiced splendor shines forth, including Wilberg's festive arrangements of "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as well as Bradford's colorful take on "Pat-a-pan." The choir's singing is magnificent. Listen to the way the men lead off "The First Noel" and to how the full chorus builds the piece to a gorgeous climax, or to the virtuosic job the singers do in the "Carol of the Bells" (with its echoes of Rachmaninoff's The Bells). Impressively backed by the Orchestra at Temple Square, this is a disc to treasure, and a tribute to the admirable work being done in Salt Lake City by maestro Jessop--who now seems poised to inherit the mantle of Robert Shaw. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy or a worthier musician. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

A Mormon Tabernacle Christmas CD.......2007-01-19

CD arrived in perfect condition; however, the front of the jewel case was cracked.

Is this the best Christmas album ever recorded?.......2005-12-29

There have been so many Christmas albums over the years, when I saw this I thought 'Oh no, not another one?' Then I looked at the track titles and saw that this was something different. Among the traditional carols there were many unfamiliar titles (I say this as a foreigner - some may be better known in the USA than in Australia). I decided to buy the SACD version of this release. What a revelation! Where do I start?
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is famous for producing very enjoyable choral recordings, usually with a religious theme, but frankly, on an international scale, they do not rate with the best (compare them with some of the better UK symphonic choirs, which is how the Tabernacle choir must be categorized, to see what I mean). But on this album, they have placed themselves well and truly in the international arena. Every aspect of their singing is, to me, perfect - diction, phrasing, musical expression, ensemble, and of greatest importance, a total involvement with and perfect expression of the words and the music. They don't sing about Santa Claus; they sing about the true meaning of Christmas, and mean it. And you really hear how well they sing in the few 'a capella' sections - musical moments that are unsurpassed.
Then there are the arrangements. These express everything from the implicit grandeur of God coming down to earth, through to the greatest tenderness of the simplicity of his birth as Jesus. All the orchestrations and choral arrangements are completely fresh and unhackneyed, ranging from the most exquisite harmonies through to extraordinarily bold key changes - the people who did these arrangements are amongst the best in the business.
Then there is the program. This ranges from fresh arrangements of old favourites (sample the fantasy on 'What Child is This?'), to an exploration of the most beautiful unfamiliar songs and carols you will ever hear.
Finally the engineering. Telarc are famous for the audiophile standards of their recordings, and this is one of their best. The SACD fully utilizes the multiple channels, without resorting to gimmickry. If ever there was a 'you-are-there' recording, this is it.
In summation: no matter how many Christmas CDs you own; buy this one too. The CD version works well (and remember, if you buy the SACD version - Telarc SACD-60552 - it will play on an ordinary CD player as well), but if you have the equipment to play the multi-channel SACD, you will get an even more rewarding experience.
All the above may sound over the top, but, as you may have gathered, this release has had a massive impact on me at every level. It is a prize in my collection. The greatest Christmas album ever? Quite possibly.

A Perfect Traditional Christmas Album.......2005-12-28

What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger. What an incredible piece, and how well- conducted it is. The music brings tears to my eyes, to be sure. The album is a classic example of how holiday choral music should be performed. This is done with spirit and tenderness.

If only other orchestras, choirs, and arrangements could be performed as well. Some are, but how often do we purchase an album just to find it not what we like? Fortunately, one can listen to clips of each of the pieces, before purchasing.

"What Shall We Bring" is becoming now my fondest Christmas song. The performance by the Mormon Choir and orchestra is incredible, to me. I've found other versions of the song, but this version is the finest, by far.

For those interested about my favorite piece: It is from a traditional Catalonian Carol, translated from Spanish, called, "The Son of Mary."

Stunningly beautiful.......2005-12-14

I have heard and enjoyed many recordings from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir over the years. Then, it happened. I heard Joy to the World from this album on the radio and it sent chills up my spine. That never happened. A thrilling arrangement. The other music equally excellent as described. If you have never been big fan of Christmas music, get this album and surprise yourself.

Beautiful...Intriguing...This is Christmas.......2004-12-09

The Mormon Tabernacle choir is already known for their beautiful voices of praise. When you add the orchestra of temple square and the spirit of christmas, you receive even more. This CD portrays the birth of Christ. It is beautiful!

Average customer rating:

The Handel Collection

Manufacturer: American Gramaphone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Johann Sebastian Bach Collection
The Mozart Collection

ASIN: B0000005MH
Release Date: 1990-04-30

Tracks:

Solomon: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Harpsicord Suite in E: Air and Variations. The Harmonious Blacksmith
Semele: Where'er You Walk
Concerto a due cori no. 1 in B Flat
Organ concerto in F op 4 no 5
Water Music: Minuet in G
Water Music: Country Dance
Water Music: Air
Harpsichord Suite in C: Sarabande
Harp Concerto in B Flat, Op. 4 No. 6
Saul: Bell Sinfonia
Concerto grosso, Op. 6 No. 12: Aria
Harpsichord Suite in A: Gigue
Obo Concerto in B Flat. Op.4 No.6
Water Music: Hornpipe

Average customer rating:

OK, just not what I thought
Perfect singers
Amici going from strength to strength
A Real Disappointment
Opera Band

Opera Band

Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Defined
Amici Forever: In Concert
Defined
The Opera Band
The East Village Opera Company

ASIN: B00042YC3U
Release Date: 2004-09-27

Tracks:

Prayer in the Night (After Sarabande by George Frideric Handel) [Classi
Senza Catene (Unchained Melody)
Canto Alla Vita
Vita Mia
Requiem for a Soldier (Theme from Band of Brothers)
Whisper of Angels (After Pavane by Gabriel Faur[Classic Mix]
Peurs de Perles/The Pearl Fishers
Cosan Tutte/Soave Sia il Vento
Lux Aeterna (After Nimrod from Enigma Variations)
Rusalka/Song to the Moon
Zadok the Priest
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
American Trilogy
Olympia: Eternal Flame
Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful)
Jupiter (After Jupiter from the Planets by Gustav Holst)

Album Description

Import exclusive pressing of 2004 debut album from the world's first 'opera band' features four bonus tracks, 'American Trilogy', 'Olympia Eternal Flame', 'Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful)', & 'Jupiter'. BMG.

Album Details

After Ten Years of Training and Performing in Opera Productions at Many of the World's Greatest Venues, Five Classiclly Trained Singers have Taken the Radical Step of Forming the First Ever Opera Band. To Celebrate the Quintet's Australian 2004 Tour, their Debut Album "The Opera Band" Will Be Re-released as a Very Special Double CD Tour Edition featuring Four Exclusive Bonus Tracks.

Customer Reviews:

OK, just not what I thought.......2007-04-26

I was hooked on the genre by "East Village Opera Company", and this group has some similarities, but they're closer to traditional opera by vocal production style, so I didn't appreciate them quite as much. As with most opera singers, their technique is admirable, and it's the sort of thing you'd like, if you liked that sort of thing.

Perfect singers.......2006-03-30

The first time ever I saw this group "Amici forever" as they were singing "Unchained melody", I have confused that song like classical music. Because, it was very familiar. Actually, I didn't know exactly what's that song that moment. Finally, I knew that song is popular music I used to sing. So, laughed myself.
It was brilliant and great performance I ever heared before.
I bought DVD, too. And I recommended my friend and he also felt their singing like me. He said great and thanks to me.

Amici going from strength to strength.......2006-03-23

AMICI FOREVER ARE THE ORIGINAL OPERA BAND - all others are just 'pretenders to the title'.

I have just read the review by Bob - to clarify this Special Edition is the same as the original version with a couple of added extra tracks - hence Special Edition so there obviously is not much of a difference!!

Having said that, the extra tracks are beautiful, but Amici are best appreciated live on stage where you can really appreciate their individual styles, which then blend together.

If you want to hear different tracks then buy Defined there second Original Album and not a re-issue as is this Special Edition Opera Band.

There is now talk of a 3rd Album which I await in anticipation.

A Real Disappointment.......2006-03-19

After really enjoying the Amici Forever album, I went shopping for another Amici album and found this one. There really is no comparison between the two. I've tried listening to it several times to see if I'm missing something, but somehow the selections and arrangements seem more appropriate for the Lawrence Welk generation than anyone interested in a spicy little opera troupe. I was very disappointed.

Opera Band .......2005-09-01

This CD is outstanding and I enjoy listening to it over and over. I even have one in the car and one in the house so I can have easy access to listening to this CD anytime.

Average customer rating:

Wild Variations of Quality
Wonderful
A real winner with plenty of talent.

Masters of the Voice: Soprano

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Masters of the Voice: Tenor
Masters of the Keyboard
Masters of the Guitar
Masters of the Bow: Cello
Masters of the Trumpet

ASIN: B0002IQAR2
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Customer Reviews:

Wild Variations of Quality.......2006-12-15

While many selections on this disc are enjoyable, some are absolutely execrable. Leontyne Price's performance of "He shall feed his flock/Come unto him" from "Messiah" is almost unbearably embarrassing to listen to, as is Mirella Freni's horrible "O Mio Babbino Caro." Equally baffling is the choice of Renata Tebaldi's "Un bel di", when there are far better performances of it available. A late recording of Birgit Nilsson's "Komm, o Hoffnung" does not do justice either to her or to Beethoven. One wonders why there are multiple tracks of Joan Sutherland, Cheryl Studer, and Montserrat Caballe, yet equally fine singers such as Margaret Price, Luciana Serra, and Hildegard Behrens are unrepresented. Get a pair of earplugs before listening to June Anderson's off-pitch, shrill quacking, hooting, and shrieking rendition of "Glitter and Be Gay," surely a lowlight of the album.

Wonderful.......2006-07-31

I picked up this cd at the library and it just blew me away! What a great collection! I highly recommend it.

A real winner with plenty of talent........2004-10-06

This 2-CD selection from Deutsche Grammophon, "Masters of the Voce, Soprano" follows a review we did earlier on the "Masters" series for tenors in which we rated the tenor package a success. This offering succeeds on multiple levels as well and proves to be an equally enjoyable listen. DG has put together 30 popular and diverse arias that not only give us a good sampling of some of the finest opera music being performed, but provides a sampling of some of the greatest operatic talent to sing those arias. We state at the outset that when reviewing a CD selection such as this, we don't set out to review the talent; the performers are first in their class and need only be acknowledged. Their work is neither new nor novel here. Rather, it is in the way the package is put together that earns either praise or criticisms - and no other. And that's what we offer here. First, with regard to the technical aspects of the recording: it is as you would expect from a digital transfer - smooth, clear and even throughout. This is a major plus when you consider that the performances were all recorded under differing circumstances, with different orchestras and choruses. Next, there is the selection of music. This can be tricky if not done well, but it was done well here and as a result gives us a pleasurable listening experience that offers continuity - meaning you don't have to sit with a clicker in hand waiting for that one cut that just seems out of place. There's none of that here; it's an enjoyable listen throughout. Lastly, but certainly not least, and what elevates this selection is the diversity of truly superstar singers. Joan Sutherland's lyric beauty truly shines when singing Rossini's "Bel raggio lusinghier" from "Semiramide" and "Ah, je veux vivre" from Gounod's "Romeo & Juliet", and the "Bell Song" from Delibes "Lakme". And it isn't just Sutherland's delivery that gets our attention. Brigit Nilsson's dramatic power in "Battle Cry" from Wagner's "Die Walkure" raises the hair on the back of ones neck. They're all here: Cheryl Studer, Kathleen Battle, Leontyne Price, Renee Fleming, Mirella Freni, Renata Tabaldi, Angela Gheorghu and more. Throughout, "Masters of the Voice: Soprano" offers a nice cross section from the lyric coloratura to the dramatic soprano, and a solid display of technical expertise in the way that the music is blended such that this 2 CD set can be added to anyone's collection with assurance that it will be enjoyed and listed to for years to come - and why not, it's some of the best.

Average customer rating:

Almost angelic
Great choir, but mostly recycled material
Glittering Chrismas Music
The Spirit of Christmas On CD
Superb voices!

Cambridge Singers Christmas Album

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The John Rutter Christmas Album
Christmas Star
Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity
The Holly and the Ivy: Carols from Clare College
John Rutter Collection

ASIN: B0000DJEOL
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

The holly and the ivy (arr. H. Walford Davies)*
Blessed be that maid Mary (arr. David Willcocks)
Somerset Wassail (arr. John Rutter)
Shepherds, in the fields abiding (French, arr. Willcocks)*
The Infant King (Basque, arr. Willcocks)
What is this lovely fragrance? (French, arr. Healey Willan)
Gabriel's message (Basque, arr. Willcocks)*
Still, still, still (German, arr. Rutter)
Quittez, pasteurs (French, arr. Rutter)
Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (French, arr. Rutter)
Personent hodie (German, arr. Rutter)
The shepherds' farewell (Hector Berlioz)
O holy night (Adolphe Adam)
O magnum mysterium (T. L. de Victoria)
Hodie Christus natus est (J. P. Sweelinck)
For unto us a child is born (G. F. Handel)
In dulci jubilo (Samuel Scheidt)
Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child (Kenneth Leighton)*
A New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten)
Balulalow (Peter Warlock)
I saw a fair maiden (Peter Warlock)
The Lamb (John Tavener)
Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Ralph Vaughan Williams)

Album Description

Christmas Never Sounded So Good!

For more than a decade, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have shared the Joy of Christmas with the world. The ethereal sound of perfectly blended voices, singing the most beautiful seasonal music ever composed never fails to touch the heart or lift the spirit. This year, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have assembled a NEW collection - compiled from the archives, including FOUR NEVER BEFORE RELEASED TRACKS! This is a holiday feast you will NOT want to miss!

Customer Reviews:

Almost angelic.......2007-01-18

Choral music by the Cambridge Singers is always top-notch. An older album that might have sounded better with newer technology but no complaints. Has great vocals and orchestral support.

Great choir, but mostly recycled material.......2005-12-16

I have the utmost respect for John Rutter and his Cambridge Singers, probably the best choir in the world (at least, the English-speaking world). I have almost all their CDs. Two of their Christmas CDs are "desert-island" class for this listener.

Unfortunately, I cannot give this otherwise excellent CD the same high marks. If they wanted to release a "best of Cambridge Christmas" CD, this would not be it. It does a few of the absolute best Christmas selections, including Sweelinck's "Hodie", Willcocks's breathtaking arrangement of "The Infant King", and Rutter's own quirky reading of "Personent Hodie". And it does contain a few tracks not previously released.

However, if you want the best of Cambridge and Christmas, start with "Christmas Night", which is always the first CD I pull out the day after Thanksgiving. The sound of the famliar Persall setting of "In Dulci Jubilo" sets my holiday in motion. And that CD also has Rutter's own magical "There is a flower". After that CD, get "Christmas with the Cambridge Singers", which has "The Infant King" and some other treasures.

So, you can't really go wrong with this CD, especially if you just want an introduction to how this fine ensemble addresses the most choir-friendly holiday of all. But if you're serious about getting all the good stuff, start with the other two mentioned above, then add "Christmas Day in the Morning" and the early "Christmas Star".

Glittering Chrismas Music.......2005-11-15

I own virtually all of the CD's of John Rutter (whom I greatly admire) and the Cambridge Singers, and I am a fan of English Choral music in general. If I were asked to recommend only one of the many Cambridge Singers Christmas albums, or indeed one of any English Christmas album, a hard choice, this would be it. As others have noted, this CD is a compilation of songs from previous cds with four new releases. It is, I believe, longer playing than the other Cambridge albums. In style, it is a mostly quiet sounding collection--in fact several carols are sung a cappella-- with pieces ranging from carols such as "The Holly and the Ivy" to the more robust "Fantasia on Christmas Carols". In sum, this is a sensitively arranged and performed collection of beautiful Christmas music.

The Spirit of Christmas On CD.......2005-06-02

I have never been disappointed by any Cambridge Singers release, so it isnt surprising that I thoroughly enjoyed this offering as well. This CD is a compilation of songs from previous cds with one or two new tracks, so check your library to make sure you arent duplicating your collection in the order to complete your collection. I purchased this disk to obtain a copy of the Fantasia On Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughn Williams which was originally released on Christmas Day In The Morning. As usual, every song is performed in a precise yet heartfelt manner. If you dont own any cds by the Cambridge singers I would personally recommend Christmas Night as the first disk to own, but if you know and love the Cambridge Singers as I do, then you will enjoy having this wonderful addition to your library.

Superb voices!.......2003-12-22

This CD was beautifully sung by the Cambridge Singers, a boys/mens choir, mostly a' capela. It's the first Christmas CD I've bought that really tempts me to crank up the volume so I can revel in every note.

Average customer rating:

Great music and an astonishing amount of it!

Christmas Album: Original Masters

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Merry Christmas
Christmas In Vienna: Vienna Boys' Choir
Weihnachten - A German Christmas
Frohe Weihnachten Mit Den
Stille Nacht - A German Christmas

ASIN: B0000AP6HJ
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Jauchzet, Frohlocket, Auf Preiset Die Tage - RIAS Kammerchor
Alle Jahre Wieder - Rita Streich
Maria Auf Dem Berge - Rita Streich
Ihr Kinderlein Kommet - Rita Streich
Echolied Der Hirten - Rita Streich
O Du Frohliche - Rita Streich
Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen - Rita Streich
Vom Himmel Hoch, O Englein, Kommt - Fritz Wunderlich
Was Soll Das Bedeuten - Fritz Wunderlich
O Freude Uber Freude - Fritz Wunderlich
Ich Steh An Deiner Krippen Hier - Fritz Wunderlich
Gottes Sohn Ist Kommen (Gott, Durch Deine Gute) BWV 600 - Helmut Walcha
Gelobet Seist Du, Jesus Christ BWV 604 - Helmut Walcha
Der Tag, Der Ist So Freudenreich BWV 605 - Helmut Walcha
Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her BWV 606 - Helmut Walcha
Vom Himmel Karn Der Engel Schar BWV 607 - Helmut Walcha
O Du Frohliche, O Du Selige - Maria Stader
On Christmas Night - Maria Stader
Als Die Welt Verloren - Maria Stader
Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging - Maria Stader
Herbei, O Ihr Glaubigen - Maria Stader
Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen - Maria Stader
Marie Et Joseph - Maria Stader
In Dulci Jubilo - Maria Stader
Kommet Ihr Hirten - Maria Stader
Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her - Maria Stader
Freu Dich, Erd' Und Sternenzelt - Maria Stader
O Jesulein Zart - Maria Stader
D'ou Viens-tu, Belle Bergere - Maria Stader
Ach Du Mein Liebes Jesulein - Maria Stader
Seht, Das Kindlein Weinet - Maria Stader
Kindlein Zart - Maria Stader
Schlaf, Mein Kindlein - Maria Stader
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht - Maria Stader
Denn Es Ist Uns Ein Kind Geboren - Gundula Janowitz
Es Waren Hirten Beisammen Auf Dem Felde - Gundula Janowitz
Ehre Sei Gott In Der Hohe - Gundula Janowitz

Tracks:

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht - Don Kosaken Chor Serge Jaroff
O Du Frohliche, O Du Selige - Don Kosaken Chor Serge Jaroff
O Tannenbaum - Don Kosaken Chor Serge Jaroff
SuBer Die Glocken Nie Klingen - Don Kosaken Chor Serge Jaroff
Vivace - Grave - Allegro - Fritz Neumeyer
Adagio - Allegro - Adagio - Fritz Neumeyer
Vivace - Fritz Neumeyer
Allegro - Pastorale Ad Libitum (Largo) - Fritz Neumeyer
Vom Himmel Hoch - Rita Streich
Die Hirten Auf Dem Falde - Rita Streich
Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging - Rita Streich
Still, Still, Still - Rita Streich
SuBer Die Glocken - Rita Streich
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht - Rita Streich
In Dulci Jubilo BWV 608 - Helmut Walcha
Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen, Allzugleich BWV 609 - Helmut Walcha
Wir Christenleut' BWV 612 - Helmut Walcha
In Dir Ist Freude BWV 615 - Helmut Walcha
Weihnachtslied Der Hirten - Schlaf Wohl, Du Himmels - Knabe Du - Jorg Demus
Uns Ist Geboren Ein Kindelein - Jorg Demus
Ich Steh An Deiner Krippen Hier - Jorg Demus
1. Christbaum - Irmgard Seefried
2. Die Hirten - Irmgard Seefried
3. Die Konige - Irmgard Seefried
4. Simeon - Irmgard Seefried
5. Christus Der Kinderfreund - Irmgard Seefried
6. Christkind - Irmgard Seefried
Maria Wiegenlied Op. 76, No. 52 -Maria Sitzt Am Rosenhag- - Wolfgang Schneiderhan
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht - GroBes Chorus Und Glocken
O Tannenbaum - GroBes Chorus Und Glocken
Kommet, Ihr Hirten - GroBes Chorus Und Glocken
Leise Rieselt Der Schnee - GroBes Chorus Und Glocken
Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her - GroBes Chorus Und Glocken

Customer Reviews:

Great music and an astonishing amount of it!.......2006-02-28

The business folks at DG must have a soft spot for Christmas music, probably leftover goodwill from growing up with caroling in the snow. Certainly the German language nations seem to have excelled in producing a wealth of Christmas tunes, jingles, chorales, hymns, and rounds. This compliation is a two CD set of very good to great singers and performers who are quite to the manor born, or maybe I should say manger.
The easy way to decide if two hours of German Xmas gemutlichkeit is for you is simply to listen to the enormous selections on Amazon's sound sampler.

Brahms: Variations in Bf Op24; Waltzes Op39

Average customer rating:

An outstanding show of virtuosity and beauty.

Brahms: Variations in Bf Op24; Waltzes Op39

Manufacturer: Music Masters Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.1
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.2
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.3
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.4
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.5
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.6
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.7
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.8
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.9
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.10
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.11
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.12
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.13
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.14
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.15
Waltzes, Op.39: Waltz No.16
Fants, Op.116: No.1, Capriccio
Fants, Op.116: No.2, Intermezzo
Fants, Op.116: No.3, Capriccio
Fants, Op.116: No.4, Intermezzo
Fants, Op.116: No.5, Intermezzo
Fants, Op.116: No.6, Intermezzo
Fants, Op.116: No.7, Capriccio
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Aria
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 1
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 2
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 3
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 4
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 5
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 6
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 7
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 8
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 9
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 10
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 11
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 12
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 13
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 14
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 15
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 16
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 17
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 18
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 19
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 20
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 21
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 22
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 23
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 24
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Var 25
Vars & Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Fuga

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding show of virtuosity and beauty........1999-07-30

The definitive Brahams recording

O Come, All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols of Many Lands from Across Many Centuries

Average customer rating:

O Come, All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols of Many Lands from Across Many Centuries

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

A Christmas Festival
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Wintersong

ASIN: B000AQACVG
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

O Come, All Ye Faithful
Masters In This Hall
Puer Nobis
What Is This Lovely Fragrance
In Dulci Jubilo
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
God Rest You Merry, Gentelmen
The First Nowell
Daquin: Noel VI
Coventry Carol
The Holly And The Ivy
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Fum, Fum, Fum
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
Silent Night
Joy To The World
Daquin: Noel X
How Brightly Beams The Morning Star
Good King Wenceslas
Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Carol Of the Bells
A Merry Christmas

Average customer rating:

Some truly outstanding performances
Do-Re-Me-WOW!

Masters of the Voice: Tenor

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Masters of the Voice: Soprano
Masters of the Bow: Cello
Masters of the Keyboard
Masters of the Guitar
Masters of the Trumpet

ASIN: B0001XANOO
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Tracks:

La Donna E Mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
Una Furtiva Lagrima - Placido Domingo
Nein, Langer Trag' Ich Nicht Die Qualen...Durch Die Walder - Peter Schreier
Non Mi Lasciar...Corriam! Voliam!...O Muto Asil - Luciano Pavarotti
Ach, So Fromm - Placido Domingo
Ah! Mes Amis, QUel Jour De Fete! - Luciano Pavarotti
Le Camarade Est Amoureux! - Luciano Pavarotti
Gott! Welch! Dunkel Hier! - James McCracken
In Des Lebens Fruhlingstagen - James McCracken
Il Mio Tesoro - Gosta Winbergh
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon - Fritz Wunderlich
Ombra Mai Fu - Jose Carreras
Che Faro Senza Euridice? - Andreas Scholl
Vi Ricorda, O Boschi Ombrosi - Anthony Rolfe-Johnson
Comfort Ye, My People - Stuart Burrows
Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted - Stuart Burrows
Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir Ces Jalouses Gardiennes - Vainement Ma Bien Aimee - Alfredo Kraus
Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida - Placido Domingo
Che Gelida Manina - Jerry Hadley
Vois Ma Misere, Helas! - Placido Domingo
Rachel, Quand Du Seigneur - Leopold Simoneau
Vesti La Giubba - Mario Del Monaco
Ingemisco - Jussi Bjorling
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Carlo Bergonzi
Ye People, Rend Your Hearts...If With All Your Hearts - Anthony Rolfe-Johnson
Wintersturme Wichen Dem Wonnemond - Jon Vickers
Morgenlich Leuchtend In Rosigem Schein (Prize Song)
Pourquoi Me Reveiller? - Jose Carreras
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante (Brindisi) - Carlo Bergonzi
E La Solita Storia Del Pastore (Lamento Di Federico) - Jose Carreras
O Vaterland...Da Geh' Ich Zu Maxim - Rene Kollo
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno - Luciano Pavarotti
Now The Great Bear And Pleiades - Peter Pears
Here I Stand - Ian Bostridge
Maria - Jose Carreras

Customer Reviews:

Some truly outstanding performances.......2004-07-11

This two CD set from Deutsche Grammophon does as it states: it offers some of the greatest tenors of our time in some truly outstanding performances. Thirty-seven arias all told, take a little getting used to as most "all tenor" recordings do. But overall it's a worthy and worthwhile effort. As those who read these reviews know I have a clear preference for CDs that have and maintain a theme throughout, so when I sit down to listen I don't have to keep the clicker nearby. Here, because the CD's represent a collection of favorites, the emphasis also has to be on consistency of musical reproduction, and with the exception of one or two songs, the consistency in the latter regard is good throughout. So, on these two criteria: theme and sound quality, "Masters" gets high grades. As far as selection goes, I might have suggested a change or two, but only one or two. The tenor voice can grate and on occasion it does just that. Still, there are more standouts than drawbacks: Pavarotti's "Le camarade est amoureux" from Donizetti's "La fille du regiment", for its rich, rousing chorus and full orchestration; Jose Carreras "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Serse" for its soulful melody - and there are many more. I had to listen to this CD three or four times before writing this review because I didn't want to miss what was occurring here, and I'm glad I did. It grows on you and stands as a truly remarkable assemblage of some powerful, moving music. These are the strengths of this set and why I would recommend it. There are some curiously abrupt endings (4 fade-outs) on side two - maybe the producers were counting minutes and realized that some songs just had to be cut - bad idea. These are noticeable and annoying, as in Juse Bjorling's "Ingemisco" in Verdi's "Requiem" and Carlo Bergonzi's "Come un bel di di maggio" from Giordano's "Andrea Chenier" and at least two more. Where did the endings go? Lastly, a personal recommendation on when best to listen to this set: no kids, no phone calls, no group discussions. I took it in the car for a few rides and then after I got used to it moved indoors -- and now listen to it when I am sitting and relaxing. I recommend it. (PJW)

Do-Re-Me-WOW!.......2004-05-15

This is a fantastic new collection of different classical music styles, languages, and singers. The production quality is excellent. If you are interested in singing or love opera then you would probably enjoy this CD. You may find some excellent singers you haven't been exposed to. I can't wait until they release Bass, Alto & Soprano.

Average customer rating:

De Pachmann's Successor

Piano Masters: Maryla Jonas

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Nadia Reisenberg - The Acclaimed Haydn Recordings
Rachmaninoff Plays Chopin

ASIN: B00004RDZF
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Customer Reviews:

De Pachmann's Successor.......2005-12-06

... and there is no higher praise.
Vladimir de Pachmann was lauded in the late 19th century for rescuing Chopin from Lisztian virtuosi and restoring him to the charm, intimacy and mystery of the salon (although De Pachmann managed to make his confessional tone carry in the largest halls).
More recently, the salon aspects of Chopin have been disparaged and pianists like Rubinstein were praised for giving us more masculine, literal performances. But Rubinstein, who spent more time training in Berlin with Joachim and his circle than he ever did in Poland, always struck me as being more sympathetic to Brahms than he was to Chopin. Indeed, it took many years and a changing aesthetic for Rubinstein's Chopin to be hailed by the same audiences who considered Toscanini and Heifetz to reign supreme.
Which brings us to Maryla Jonas. She was Polish through and through and somehow, like the Russian De Pachmann, channeled what I sense was Chopin's own capricious, witty, nostalgic and nocturnal poetry.
It speaks well for Rubinstein that, though his compatriot's playing was so different from his own, he helped bring Jonas back to the piano after the broken woman was forced to flee to Brazil to escape the Nazis. Sadly, Maryla Jonas was too ill to build a major carreer and died at just 48.
These 78's, lovingly restored by Roger Beardsley, are a precious link to the Chopin of his own time.

Music Track:

Music Track

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