Why do the Roses

On this CD:

1. Why do the roses, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

2. Hie away!, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

3. Springs she not as light as air, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

4. Waters of Elle, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

5. Caput apri defero, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

6. I saw lovely Phillis, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

7. Down by a river straying, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

8. Great God of love
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

9. No, no, Nigella, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

10. Why weeps, alas, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

11. Who Shall Have My Lady Fair
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

12. Sir Patrick Spens, ballad-dialogue for 10 voices
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

13. Take heed, ye shepherd swains, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

14. True love, today I must away!, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

15. Sing we and chaunt it, for 4 voices
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

16. Light of my soul, for choir
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

17. Sing we and chaunt it, for 8 voices
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

18. In Dulci Jubilo for soloists & chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

19. O, who will o'er the downs so free, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

20. 'Tis raining, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

21. My mother loves me not, for chorus
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

22. Lay A Garland
Composed by Robert Lucas Pearsall

Conducted by Nigel Perrin

Tracks:

Nice Work If You Can Get It
Isn't It Romantic
Swinging On A Star
Ask Me Again
Rhode Island Is Famous For You
'S Wonderful
Wonder Why
Too Marvelous For Words
Where Do You Start
Theme From The Bad And The Beautiful
Easy To Love
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Who Are You Now?
You're An Education
You Are There
Sophisticated Swing
Love Can Change The Stars
Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
Half Of April (Most Of May)
Marianne
They Can't Take That Away From Me
I Love A Piano

Tracks:

That's Entertainment
My Favorite Year
Ten Feet Off The Ground (With Rosemary Clooney)
I Never Felt Better
Someone To Watch Over Me
Kiss Her Now
The Ugly Bug Ball
For You, For Me, Forever More
The Mole People
And So To Bed
You're All The World To Me
Old Friend
Isn't It A Pity (with Rosemary Clooney)
Pattisserie
Open Your Eyes
For Love Alone
I Won't Send Roses/Time Heals Everything
Get Out And Get Under The Moon (with Page Cavanaugh)
My Romance
Love Is Here To Stay
Violin (with Liza Minnelli)

Amazon.com

The line between evangelist and entertainer has always been somewhat indistinct. But as showcased on this 43-track, double-disc collection culled from his '87-'96 recordings for Elektra/Nonesuch/Atlantic, Michael Feinstein's dedication to spreading the gospel of the American song often blurs it beyond recognition. While the singer's pedigree for the task is impeccable (a long-term stint as Ira Gershwin's assistant and early career sponsorship by Liza Minnelli), his interpretations often succeed by playing off a tense axis of fervent emotionalism and a joyous sense of irreverence.

If his readings of romantic standards can sometimes tend toward the precious, they're often balanced here by sheer dramatic power and telling insights ("Isn't It Romantic" fairly bristles with ironic chauvinism) and a few loopy curves ("The Mole People," the Sherman Brothers' "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the previously unreleased "Rhode Island Is Famous for You"). Feinstein's dedicated song archaeology is also showcased on several gems: "Violin," a duet with Liza Minnelli; "My Favorite Year," a rejected ballad for the film of that name; the sublime "lost" Gershwin classic "Ask Me Again."

Sprinkled with live performances (the forum where Feinstein's talents seem most energized) and studio outtakes and featuring a lengthy print interview with the singer, the set chronicles both the pioneering efforts of one of pop music's most successful revivalists and, crucially, the cream of his beloved American songwriters, from stalwarts Gershwin, Berlin, and Porter to later legends like Herman, Styne, Lane, Martin, and Mercer. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The definitive collection of performances by the Grammy nominated singer features 43 tracks from 14 albums released by Elektra, Elektra Nonesuch, and Atlantic labels from 1987-1996. Plus 8 previously unreleased live tracks only available here 'Rhode Island is Famous For You', 'S Wonderful', 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', 'I Love A Piano', 'Patisserie', 'Get Out And Get Under The Moon' (with Page Cavanaugh), 'Love Is Here To Stay' & 'Violin' (with Liza Minnelli). 2 Digipacks housed in a slipcase with a booklet. Rhino Records. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Mixed feelings.......2005-10-05

This album has some GREAT songs on it; sophisticated swing being one of my favorites. However many of the other songs are too operatic and lame. I give three stars but this album is definatly worth it just for some of the better songs.

Your love for this superb collection will be here to stay..........2002-07-18

The magnificently talented Michael Feinstein has made one wonderful album after another for nearly two decades. Now that Elektra and Rhino have put together this anthology, I am blown away by the versatility and diversity in Feinstein's recorded output. Such amazing rare gems, combined with the most beloved favorites in the history of American Popular Song. Assembled with wit, intelligence, and obvious affection on the part of the record company, this set is a keeper. You'll love it!

He's done it again.......2002-07-15

Is there anything this man can't sing? This collection is so varied as to be the definitive collection of songs for any occassion.

This is perfect background music for a dinner party for a whole group but especially for two. Light, romantic and just gorgeous. You just can't go wrong when Michael Feinstein is your musical choice.

Way to go Michael, you've done it again!

Absolutely 'S WONDERFUL!.......2002-06-10

There are very few contemporary performers who can hold their own with the truly great interpreters of American popular song. Michael Feinstein is truly the ONLY performer of the "younger" generation who really understands what these songs are all about. His incredible knowledge of this music, and his enthusiasm and passion for it have fueled his career. Rhino Records has done a truly outstanding job of putting together an anthology that exemplifies why Mr. Feinstein has become so beloved by audiences around the world. The packaging is excellent, and filled with interesting photos and background information about many of the selections.

This collection not only contains all the favorites one would expect, but a neat group of surprises too. I especially love the duets with people like Liza Minnelli and Rosemary Clooney, and the various collaborative efforts with songwriters like Jule Styne and Burton Lane accompanying Michael at the piano.

This collection is a classic to be treasured. Bravo Michael!
Bravo Rhino!

A beautiful 2 disc CD-another hit for Michael.......2002-06-09

I have every CD Michael has ever made and this is by far one of the best ones because of Michael's range in singing and his wonderful singing voice. I love his duets with Rosemary Clooney and Liza Minelli. He is a wonderful performer on this double CD and am looking foward to the next CD.

Average customer rating:

Shakespeare's Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shakespeare's Songbook
Songs and Dances from Shakespeare
Shakespeare Songs
Shakespeare's Musick (Songs & Dances from Shakespeare's Plays) / Pickett, Musicians of the Globe
William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B0002IQL08
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Tracks:

Ah Robin (Round)
And Let Me The Cannikin Clink
And Will He Not Come Again
Be Merry, Be Merry
Black Spirits
Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind
Bonny Sweet Robin
But Shall I Go Mourn
Can'st Thou Not Hit It
Come Away
Come Away, Hecate
Come Live With Me
Come O'er The Burn
Come Thou Monarch (Version 2)(Round)
Come Unto These Yellow Sands
A Cup Of Wine
Farewell, Dear Heart
Fathers That Wear Rags
Fear No More
Fie On Sinful Fantasy
Fill The Cup (Round)
Flout 'Em And Cout 'Em (Round)
Fools Had Ne'er Less Grace
For I'll Cut My Green Coat
The Friar And The Nun
Full Fathom Five
The George Alow (Version 1)
Get You Hence
The God Of Love
Hark, Hark The Lark
Have I Caught My Heavenly Jewel
Heart's Ease
Hold Thy Peace (Version 2)(Round)
Honor, Riches
I Am Gone Sir
I Loathe The I Did Love
It Was A Lover And His Lass
Jepha
Jog On
Jolly Shepherd (Round)
King Stephen Was A Worthy Peer
Lawn As White
Love, Love, Nothing But Love (Version 2)
The Master, The Swabber (Version 2)
No More Dams
An Old Hare Hoar (Version 1)
O Mistress Mine (Version 1)
Orpheus With His Lute
O Sweet Oliver
Pardon Goddess Of The Night
Roses Their Sharp Spines
Sigh No More, Ladies
Some Men For Sudden Joy (Version 1)
Take, O Take Those Lips
Tell Me, Where Is Fancy Bred
That Sir Which Serves
There Dwelt A Man In Babylon (Version 1)
There Was Three Fools
Three Merry Men (Round)
Tomorrow Is St. Valentine's Day
Under The Greenwood Tree
Up And Down (Round)
Urns And Odours Bring Away
Walsingham
Was This Fair Face
Wedding Is Great Juno's Crown
What Shall He Have (Round)
When Arthur First In Court
When Daffodils Begin To Peer
When Daisies Pied
When Griping Grief
When Icicles Hang By The Wall
When That I Was And A Little Tyne Boy
Where The Bee Sucks
While You Here Do Snoring Lie
Who Is Silvia
Why Let The Strucken Deer
Willow, Willow (Version 1)
Will You Buy Any Tape
The Woosel Cock
You Spotted Snakes

Tracks:

Awake, Awake
Battle Of Agincourt
Bride's Goodmorrow
Broom
Callino
Carmen's Whitle
Chi Passa
Come Kiss Me, Kate (Round)
Come Thou Monarch (Version 1)
Cup Of Wine (Version 1)
Damon
Daphne
Diana (2 Versions)
Dulcina
Eglamore
Eighty-Eight
Fortune My Foe
George Alow (Version 2)
Glass Doth Run
Goddesses
Go From My Window
Greensleeves (2 Versions)
Guy Of Warwick
Hem Boys (2 Versions)
Hey Ho for A Husband (2 Versions)
Hobbyhorse
Hold Thy Peace (Versions 1 & 3)
Hunt's Up
I Cannot Come Every Day (2 Versions)
In Crete
In Peascod Time
Jack Boy (Round)
King Cophetua
King Lear
King Solomon
Light O Love
Loath To Depart (2 Versions)
Love, Love (Version 1)
Master, Swabber (Version 1)
Mounsier Mingo
Mounsieur's Almaine
My Mind To Me
Nutmegs (Of All The Birds)
Nutmegs (Wooing Of The Baker's Daughter)
O Death (2 Versions)
Old Hare Hoar (Version 2)
O Mistress Mine (Version 2)
O' The Twelfth Day Of December
Oyster Pie
Peg A Ramsey (2 Versions)
Phillida (3 Versions)
Please One
Pyramus
Queen Dido (2 Versions)
Ratcatcher
Rich Jew
Robin Goodfellow
Robin Hood
Rogero
Rowland
Sellenger's Round
Shore's Wife (2 Versions)
Sick, Sick (3 Vesions)
Some Men For Sudden Joy (Round)
There Dwelt A Man (Version 2)
Titus Andronicus
Tom A Bedlam (2 Versions)
Troilus
Troy Town
Wellady
Whenas We Sat In Babylon
Where Is The Life
Whoop
Why Let The Strucken (If Care Do Cause)
Willow, Willow (Version 2)
Will Ye Buy A Fine Dog
With A Fading

Average customer rating:

Ars Britannica

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000SCS
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Average customer rating:

Insipid lyrics-just what I wanted!
An Operetta Gem
Beautiful Singing Sabotaged by Insipid Lyrics
An enchanting disc

Essential Operetta

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000029WW
Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

The Great Waltz: I Long For Vienna
Paganini: I Have Been in Love Before
Boccaccio: Medley
The Merry Widow: Vilja
Der Vigelhandler: Roses From Tyrol
Song Of Norway: Strange Music
Schon ist die Welt: Darling, Trust In Me
Show Boat: You Are Love
A Waltz Dream: Lovesong Of May
New Moon: Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
The Merry Widow: Merry Widow Waltz
The Count of Luxembourg: Medley
Show Boat: Why Do I Love You?
The Opera Ball: In Our Secluded Rendezvous
Das Land des Lachelns: Yours Is My Heart Alone
Song Of Norway: I Love You
Paganini: Love, You Invaded My Senses
Schon ist die Welt: Wonderful World
The Merry Widow: Women
Kismet: Stranger In Paradise
Frasquita: Frasquita's Serenade
Vienna, My City Of Dreams

Customer Reviews:

Insipid lyrics-just what I wanted!.......2001-01-27

I received this CD several days ago and have just ordered two more copies of it so I can play it in the car and living room as well as on the computer. I also have "Vienna, City of My Dreams" sung by Placido Domingo in German and love them both. Many years ago before I ever knew who Richard Tucker was, I bought his record, "Vienna, My City of Dreams" with those English lyrics-I wore out three copies of that record and am finally getting it on CD-regardless of the language he sings in, Richard Tucker's music is a treasure and how wonderful that it will never be silenced!!

An Operetta Gem.......2000-06-29

For those of us who have an unbridled passion for operetta, this CD is a treasure. The focus here is Richard Tucker. Fourteen of the 22 tracks are by him. There is much love and affection in these readings. The english translations are just fine. Original languages are just as confectionary in their own tongue. This is part of the magic--part of the fantasy. I would like to have seen this as a single vehicle for Mr. Tucker. The other selections were extracted from full production highlights from other albums and were transition works from operetta to American musical comedy--Song of Norway, Show Boat and Kismet. While nice, they do not necessarily qualify as essential operetta. My only real concern with the collection is Mr. Tucker's use of falsetto for the concluding high note on four selections. This was particularly disconcerting in the revered Siecynski favorite, VIENNA, MY CITY OF DREAMS. The transition to the high note resembled a yoddle. He hits the same notes so beautifully in the other numbers. But what the heck, you still have 10 other solos to treasure. An investment well worth the price.

Beautiful Singing Sabotaged by Insipid Lyrics.......2000-02-27

Kitch!

Wonderful singing, really wonderful, but 12 (of 22) of the songs are marred by the insipid lyric translations of Merl Puffer and Deena Cavalieri. Unfortunately, the singers sing so well that you hear every word with crystal clarity. Here are some lines: Darling trust in me, for I'll always be a loving subject waiting your command...for a love sincere, conquers every fear...champagne will flow, and our hearts will glow...social pressures I faithfully shun, I defy, those who pry, boredom exists everywhere, and I'll escape from it's snare...ah, you see, what love can be...I languish as I linger, from love's fragile bloom, if you'll but raise a finger, I'll clime to your room, the night is growing colder, the world is growing older, don't turn an icy shoulder. I am no expert on poetry but I think that stuff is awful. If these lyrics won't bother you, these are beautifully sung operetta/show tunes. Tucker and Della Casa are fantastic.

An enchanting disc.......1999-04-15

An enchanting disc with Richard Tucker in quite unbelieveably fine voice, even purists will quickly adjust to the slightly cute "English lyrics"

The great surprise of this disc is that it is sung in English using slightly suspect English lyrics, rather than translations it seems, of the non-American works. Mostly it does not matter much, occasionally they are an improvement or even enlighten the music, such as Lehar's "I have been in love before" from his Paganini. In other cases they seem quite unnecessary or simply wrong and difficult to sing to boot. Given that Tucker also sometimes applies an accent that seems vaguely Viennese and it might seem to add up to a recipe for disaster. Not so at all. The voice wins you over within minutes and the recording and remastering were clearly undertaken with equal and genuine affection.

Then there are the pieces sung by other than the tenor, such as Lisa Della Casa singing Vilja and the Merry Widow Waltz, once again in English, with her individual timbre complete with her usual melancholy tones plus simply exquisite top notes, no strain at all. Della Casa has a distinct and charming (natural, of course) Swiss-German accent mainly evident in the Waltz she sings & hums with John Reardon.

In between we find Tucker singing one of the sacrileges of the re-constructed English lyrics, Zeller's "Roses from Tyrol", it misses the originals dialectic charm, "Schenkt man sich Rosen in Tyrol" does not translate somehow as "In the Tyroler lover knows the special promise of a rose for every blosom that you send swears that your love will never end.......". But the singing is so lovely and the last top note bewitchingly floated you forget the quibbles.

The tempos are leisurely but never quite pure schmalz, even in the Grieg' Song of Norway.

The worst lyric irritation I found to be Heuberger's "Im Chambre separee" as "in our seculded rendevue." English instead of German and French as well as being sung by a tenor, for which it may well have been written but here it lacks the soprano accompaniment. I prefer this as two soprano voices in the original sprachen. The text here really is not well matched to the notes though Tucker fits the syllable's across octaves where necessary, swallowing others that can't be fitted in. Again he finishes on an amazing high note floated literally into the distance.

I am amazed how Allers & Tucker make the Romberg piece sound like an operratic version of Rawhide. I adore Hadley & Swenson in "Stranger in Paradise" as well as the others, especially the rare Della Casa and as I type this I am listening to it all on the computer's CD player for the N'th time since I unwrapped my considerably less than 10 bucks worth.