Jenkins, John

Average customer rating:

very excellent indeed
Diamond Music - wow!
Minimalist classic fails in subliminal messaging
The music samples don't do it justice
Diamonds are forever

Diamond Music

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Imagined Oceans
Karl Jenkins: Requiem
Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi
Songs of Sanctuary
The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace

ASIN: B0000029OP
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

Palladio: I. Allegretto
Palladio: II. Largo
Palladio: III. Vivace
Adiemus Variations: I.
Adiemus Variations: II.
Adiemus Variations: III.
Adiemus Variations: IV.
Passacaglia
String Quartet No. 2: I. The Fifth Season
String Quartet No. 2: II. Tango
String Quartet No. 2: III. Waltz
String Quartet No. 2: IV. Romanze
String Quartet No. 2: V. Bits

Customer Reviews:

very excellent indeed.......2007-06-08

I have thoroughly enjoyed this Cd...I am a big Karl Jenkins fan anyhow, but this is definately worth the little money it costs.

Diamond Music - wow!.......2006-11-10

Love listening to this while preparing dinner or cleaning in my kitchen!

Minimalist classic fails in subliminal messaging.......2006-04-18

This is the popular music from the diamond advertisements on TV--the repeated string motif increases in urgency, creating a mood of excited expectation. I liked the music in the ad, and it's fun to have the CD.

Sadly, I had hope the recording would contain subliminal messaging to coerce anyone within earshot to buy me lavish jewelry for birthdays and Christmas. I have to report that so far, even playing this judiciously at holiday times, it has not worked for me.

The music samples don't do it justice.......2006-03-04

I bought it only for Palladio and the fact I couldn't get it on i-tunes. I'm still working through the rest of the music which sometimes sounds like a music class going through exercises and scales.

However, I'm finding other diamonds in the rough (pun intended). Specifically, Adiemus Variation II (track 5) which is another beautifully put together piece. My only regret is that I wish there were more variations of Palladio like those that were done on the de Beers commercials (I recall 2 or 3 variants during the run).

Aaron Copland is still the top composer of the 20th century, but Palladio alone puts Karl Jenkins in his company.

Diamonds are forever.......2005-10-08

After searching for years for this music, it was quite gratifying to finally pop it in my car's CD player. The entire "Diamond" piece is quite melodic and amazingly Vivaldi-like. Some of the other cuts are a bit repetitious in form and tend to blend into each other, but the music is pleasing and great for relaxation.

Average customer rating:

Bryn Terfel's beautiful voice.
Why do people think this guy can sing??
Relaxing
Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts
A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era

Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites
Sacred Songs
Bryn Terfel - If Ever I Would Leave You (Songs from My Fair Lady, On a Clear Day, Camelot, The Little Prince, Brigadoon)
Bryn Terfel - Something Wonderful (Bryn Terfel sings Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome

ASIN: B000B8ISN2
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

Ave Verum Corpus, K.618 - Adapted by Chris Hazell
Deep River - Arranged by Chris Hazell
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
I'll Walk Beside You - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Stabat Mater
Still, Still, Still Weils Kindlein Schlafen Will
Simple Gifts - Arranged by Chris Hazell
How Great Thou Art
Panis Angelicus - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Bless This House - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Ave Verum Corpus
Cavatina - Arranged by Chris Hazell
The Rose
Amazing Grace - Arranged by Chris Hazell
God's Mercy
Morning Has Broken - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Nearer My God To Thee - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Ave Maria
Send In The Clowns - Arranged by Jonathan Tunick
God Will Be With You

Amazon.com

Everything about Bryn Terfel is over-life-size: his physique, his personality, his breath-control, and of course his extraordinarily beautiful voice. This recording displays his stunning vocalism and versatility to full advantage, but its title belies its content. Alhough it does include some simple pieces, the execution is fussy, overdone, and calculated for maximum external effect. The program ranges from Mozart, Pergolesi and pseudo-Bach to Sondheim in arrangements that are pure Hollywood, complete with throbbing strings and rolling drums, often destroying the spirit as well as the letter of the original compositions. It begins with Mozart's heavenly "Ave verum" arranged for baritone solo and chorus, frustratingly cut off after a few phrases (another setting of the same text by Karl Jenkins, written for Terfel, is more satisfying, being complete and original). The splendid baritone Simon Keenlyside joins him here as well as in the opening number of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater;" originally for soprano and alto, this must be the baritones' revenge on female singers who usurp songs written for men, like Schubert's and Schumann's cycles. Franck's "Panis angelicus" also inexplicably becomes a duet; unfortunately, Terfel's and tenor Aled Jones' voices do not match. Bach-Gounod's popular "Ave Maria" is all swells and exaggerations. The rest of the program consists of folksongs, hymns, show and film tunes, inflated to operatic proportions and generally ending in a fade-out or a flourish. Even the title song is anything but simple. This record is not for purists who like their music performed the way the composer wrote it, but aficionados of great singing will love it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Bryn Terfel's beautiful voice........2007-05-13

Bryn Terfel has a beautiful voice. Listening to him is very pleasant and definitely something to look forward to. I read a review saying he would replace tenor Pavroti. However, I believe that Mr. Terfel is a Baritone and not a Tenor. That does not detract from the fact that he should be considered one of the world's top male singers. His voice is truly impressive. This CD by Bryn Terfel is one from our collection that is outstanding and a favorite.

Why do people think this guy can sing??.......2007-04-27

Sorry, I think this guy is one of the most overrated singers out there today. He always sounds like he is singing holding his nose shut. VERY nasal sounding.

If you want to listen to an incredibly beautiful voice, buy one of Josh Groban's CD's--you won't regret it! He has the voice of the century!

Relaxing.......2007-02-03

Excellent selection of music. It covers many different types. My wife likes being able to hear the words with out instruments drowning out the vocals. I find it relaxing and many of the songs are familiar and very well done.

Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts.......2006-02-25

Simply superb. I don't know what our local (Wash DC) paper was talking about when they said Deep River was the weakest link. I was enthralled from beginning to end. I have had the pleasure of hearing Bryn Terfel live in recital at the Kennedy Center. I can assure you that his voice has only improved with age. He was wonderful then and is spectacular now!

A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era.......2006-02-15

Bryn Terfel harkens back to earlier American operatic stars such as Richard Tucker and Robert Merrill who crossed grenres to satisfy their unquenchable need to sing any and all songs that moved them to an appreciative public. These great singers all had their origins singing sacred music from their respective religions and learned to lay their considerable talents before the altar of the simple inspirational song.

This recording is wonderful on many levels. The selections are an unusual mixture of classical sacred music, spirituals, hymns, Lieder, Austrian Christmas and Gaelic songs, musical numbers and movie theme songs harmoniously combined to touch the soul of the listener in a gentle ebb and flow of devotion, intensity and tenderness. All of these songs are beautiful in and of themselves and in his hands, we experience them anew.

Bryn Terfel sings with the commitment necessary to make the awesome challenge of simplicity look easy. To my way of thinking, he is the most communicative and articulate singer today, bar none. He is a poet who savors the sound, feeling and meaning of each and every word and marries it uniquely and faithfully to the music. He transports the listener into the life of a song and transfixes us each and every moment. His enormous talent is not overwhelming or distractive and is inextricably and wholly intertwined with the music. This is greatness and it is very, very rare today.

I like the inclusion of the choir in several of the numbers as it reflects on the nature and context of the songs. I am less fond of the selections with the guest soloists as I feel they do not match his ability to "get inside" a song. The orchestra and orchestations are sensitive and enhancing.

This recording is simply wonderful and should have a broad appeal. It will move and inspire the believer, satisfy and fulfill the otherwise spiritual, calm the troubled and renew a flagging soul.

Average customer rating:

Gwlad! Gwlad!
Pleasantly surprised
So Welsh!
Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD
Nostalgia for Wales

Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
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Binding: Audio CD

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Songs of My Welsh Home

ASIN: B00004XRY8
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Land Of My Father (Welsh National Anthem)
On The Seashore
David Of The White Rock
Men Of Harlech
My Little Welsh Home
A Pure Heart
Lullaby
Little Saucepan
The Shepherd Of Aberdovey
CWM Rhondda
Myfanwy
Cymru Fach
All Through The Night
Sunset Poem (Eli Jenkins' Prayer)
We'll Keep A Welcome
'Twas Thou Who Gave
Thanks To The Lord
Palm Sunday
Hyfrydol
Hiraeth (Longing)
Land Of My Fathers (Full Version)

Amazon.com

Bryn Terfel is the most recent in a long line of great Welsh singers (and certainly one of the greatest)--a people who proverbially are "born with music in the blood and poetry in the soul." Here, he sings the songs of his native Wales: hymns, folksongs, art songs, tender lullabies, yearning songs of love and homesickness, and heroic, defiant patriotic songs--including the Welsh National Anthem, which opens and closes the program. Terfel's voice, flowing out effortlessly like a golden stream, is phenomenal for its incomparable beauty, its range of dynamics, its inflection, and its intensity; his expressiveness is simpler and more natural than usual, and seems really to come straight from his soul. In honor of another great Welsh tradition, two splendid male choirs accompany him; in the fine orchestra, the English horn and harp soloists are particularly striking. The only false note on this heartwarming disc is the lush, garish orchestration, which runs counter to the ingenuous spirit of the songs and often almost resembles a soundtrack. The prime example is the lovely lullaby that's popular in English as "All Through the Night." Terfel sings it with wonderful simplicity; the orchestration is out of a grade-B movie. No wonder, therefore, that the more magical moments are those in which Terfel sings alone with a cappella chorus, harps, or piano; especially in the quiet, inward songs. The accompanying booklet is done beautifully, with stunning photographs of the Welsh countryside, a brief account of Welsh history and music, and texts in both Welsh and English. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Gwlad! Gwlad!.......2007-06-03

I saw Bryn Terfel sing Mozart at Lyric Opera in Chicago--unforgettable stage presence and energy, but I was more taken with his performances of English songs I'd heard on the radio. On this disc the full range of his musical talent is on display, alternately belting out nationalist songs, then singing hymns and traditional pieces with amazing tenderness. There are moments where the arrangements are a bit cheesy but the choirs are fantastic and Terfel is in fabulous voice throughout. Being a DG production the sonics are warm and natural. Overall, a beautiful addition to Terfel's wide ranging discography.

Pleasantly surprised.......2007-05-12

I only bought this CD because I wanted a good recording of Cvm Rhondda. Well I got that and much more. Myfanwy is just wonderful. I didn't know who Bryn Terfel was, but now I'm a fan.

So Welsh!.......2006-11-10

An absolutely delightful CD just full of the most wonderful melodic welsh songs and hymns, and what can you say about Bryn's voice other than 'fabulous', rich and vibrant - rather like smooth, dark chocolate. What a wonderful Christmas gift this CD would be for someone who has exquisite taste in music.

Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD.......2005-07-24

Bryn Terfel picked songs that meant a lot to him growing up in Wales, and also which represent the Welsh spirit. I really enjoy listening to this CD, and know you will, too! Simply beautiful and stirring melodies, sound food for both ear and soul.

Nostalgia for Wales.......2004-05-15

Bryn Terfel, with his magnificent baritone, sings a wonderful selection of songs that makes me wish that I was Welsh. My husband was born in Wales and this is a wonderful way for our children to know more of their heritage by listening to the Welsh language as it is sung and following the words in Welsh, then reading the translation. This CD is definitely a favorite.

Average customer rating:

Broadway Today: Broadway 1993-2005

Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Broadway Magic: Broadway 1968-1980
Center Stage: Broadway 1947-1958
Put on a Happy Face: Broadway 1959-1967
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ASIN: B0007ZEO14
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Mamma Mia
Popular
Seasons Of Love
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think
Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets)
Crazy
How Deep Is Your Love
Stars, Stars, Stars
People Like Us
I Go To Rio

Big: The Musical (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

didn't work for rehearsals
Big for folks doing the Musical
It's Awesome, It's Amazing, It's BIG!!!!
a lost gem
Ungodly awful

Big: The Musical (1996 Original Broadway Cast)
Richard Maltby Jr.
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Big: The Musical
Baby (1983 Original Broadway Cast)
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Big (Extended Edition)
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ASIN: B000005AY0
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

Overture/Can't Wait
Talk To Her/Carnival/Zoltar Speaks
This Isn't Me
I Want To Go Home
The Time Of Your Life/Fun
Josh's Welcome/Here We Go Again
Do You Want To Play Games?/Stars, Stars, Stars
Cross The Line
It's Time
Stop, Time
The Nightmare
Dancing All The Time/I Want To Know
Coffee, Black
The Real Thing
One Special Man
When You're Big/Skateboard Ballet
I Want To Go Home/Stars, Stars, Stars (Reprise)/Finale

Customer Reviews:

didn't work for rehearsals.......2007-03-22

I used this CD to help me rehearse for the BIG production I was in, but it didn't match the libretto at all. I think there was one song on there that I could use.

Big for folks doing the Musical.......2006-03-20

If you're getting this CD to help prepare for your school or community group doing the musical, there are a lot of changes from the CD to the book. Aside from finding the book in a new key and some chunks added/deleted, Here We Go Again and When You're Big aren't included anymore.

Overall, the music's a little trite, but there are some nice moments -- mostly the stuff sung by the female leads.

It's Awesome, It's Amazing, It's BIG!!!!.......2006-01-22

My high school did "Big" my sophomore year, and oh my god, it was such a fun musical to do. I kind of forgot about it until my senior year, when I suddenly craved some of that music again. So I purchased this CD and I've been loving it since. They got rid of a couple of the songs and replaced them with others as the show progressed on Broadway, so I was suprised to hear new material (to me anyways), and for the most part, I actually enjoyed these original songs over their replacements that my production contained. This cast is phenomenal and the guy who plays Josh Baskin sounds so much like Tom Hanks at points, its crazy. It's a simple, yet a bit fantastic musical about growing up, and it's funny and romantic, and a lot of fun. I love all the songs, and it's a shame it didn't do too well on B-way. At least this recording will keep the music alive.

"This Isn't Me" is one of my favorite tracks, as it's a lot of fun and has a great beat, but suprisingly it was replaced with "Good Morning to Mom", which was only so-so. "I Want To Go Home" is a great ballad that Josh sings, and its simple, a bit funny, and the ending is the best, as its cute and sad. Another song they got rid of, "Here We Go Again", is a song Susan sings, and again, I like it alot. It has a quirky melody that I like. "Stars, Stars, Stars" is another great song, and is quite cute. One of the more popular songs. "Cross The Line" is the finale to Act I and is also very excellent and up beat, and makes you want to dance. "Stop, Time" is my favorite song on the album by far. Sung by Josh's mom, it is one of the more poignant moments of the show. Heartfelt, sad, and truly beautiful, it defiantely makes you appreciate your mom. Barbara Walsh sounds superb on this: she has a great voice. I love this one. "Dancing all the Time" is another good Susan song, and it leads into "I Want To Know" by Young Josh, which is another good ballad. "Coffee, Black" is another showstopper, fun ensemble song, and again, very comedic. "One Special Man" is Susan's ballad to Josh, and it is very beatiful. My only regret is that its only 2:21 so its a short one, and I just want her to start belting at the end, but no, its a quiet ending. Still, I love this one too. The finale is great too, and features an amazing duet between Josh and Susan. I love the harmonies they do.

All in all, this is a great album. Sample the songs and give it a try. This is a must have!!

a lost gem.......2004-10-14

i saw this musical at the local high school in 2001 and was plesently suprised i of course saw the movie and the only thing i knew about this musical was it didnt stay long on broadway, so when i saw it was i shocked this is a delight cross the line still resenates in my head 5 years later.

Ungodly awful.......2004-06-19

BEWARE. This musical is perhaps one of the five worst pieces of music I have ever experienced. I began to wonder if the composer was attempting to make the world's worst musical. Listen for yourself and enjoy the disjunct vocal lines, the desperate attempt at "fun music", and - worst of all - how the highlight of the entire show both dramatically and musically is the insipidly awful "Heart and Soul". Stick to the movie because this baby is horrendous.

Average customer rating:

nice frist Cd
Katherine Jenkins
mezzo????
Good Start
A WONDERFUL ALBUM

Premiere

Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Second Nature
Living a Dream (Eng)
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Living a Dream

ASIN: B00016W7D6
Release Date: 2004-04-12

Tracks:

Questo E Per Te
Ash Grove
Ave Maria
Bailero
Lord Is My Shepherd
Ar Lan Y Mor
Sweetest Love
Habanera
Cymru Fach
Caro Mio Ben
Lascia Ch'io Pianga
Miserere
Absence
Cwm Rhondda

Customer Reviews:

nice frist Cd.......2005-05-08

I think this is a nice frist cd. The songs on it are nice. But I think it is not that powerfull which is why I give it 3 stars. I like the wlech songs alot they are very nice to hear.

Katherine Jenkins.......2005-04-27

Katherine Jenkins sings like an angel, & realy touches the soul I think you will be very impressed no amazed by the power of her voice.

mezzo????.......2005-01-24

I really can't believe all the hype regarding this girl. She is beautiful, but is an average singer. Her voice is pretty, but rather boring, and I am sure that this girl should be singing soprano rep, she certainly doesn't touch Bartoli and never will.

Good Start.......2004-12-22

This was Katherine Jenkins frist CD .Frist off I would have to start off by saying that Katherine has a very nice voice,But I think some of the song's on this CD can be boring but I still enjoy the CD.

A WONDERFUL ALBUM.......2004-12-20

THIS IS A WONDERFUL ENJOYABLE ALBUM. SHE HAS A STRONG BUT ANGELIC SWEET VOICE. I'VE NEVER HEARD CARO MIO BEN QUITE AS BEAUTIFUL AS ON THIS ALBUM. I LOVE HER ALBUM SECOND NATURE EVEN MORE AND IT'S AN ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE. THE CHOICE OF SONGS ON THIS ALBUM IS SUPERB.

Florence Foster Jenkins & Friends: Murder on the High Cs

Average customer rating:

Must be heard to be believed
This is the definitive FFJ!
Sounds Like A Vacuum Cleaner Ingesting An Owl
comedy classic
The "joke", never funny, is now painfully shabby

Florence Foster Jenkins & Friends: Murder on the High Cs
John Charles Thomas , John Charles Thomes , Robert Merrill , Alexander Kipnis , Ezio Pinza , Florence Foster Jenkins , Jack Barnett , Earl Cahn Sammy / Brent , Felicien David , and Leo Delibes
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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"Jonathan & Darlene Edwards - Greatest Hits, Vol. 2"
Jonathan and Darlene's Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000AE7AO
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

Queen of the Night Aria [From The Magic Flute]
Serenata Mexicana
Musical Snuff Box
Like a Bird
Bell Song [Lakme Dub]
Charmant Oiseau [Perle du Brl]
Adele's Laughing Song [Die Fledermaus]
Biassy [Prelude XVI]
Valse Caressante
Little Jack Horner - Alexander Kipnis
Sing a Song of Sixpence - John Charles Thomas
Blue Danube - Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra, Josephine Tumminia
Little Old State of Texas - Ezio Pinza, The Sons of the Pioneers
Fireman's Bride [Up in Central Park] - Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Merrill
Song's Gotta Come from the Heart - Jimmy Durante, Helen Traubel
Real Piano Player - Jimmy Durante, Helen Traubel
Please Don't Say No [Thrill of a Romance] - Lauritz Melchior

Customer Reviews:

Must be heard to be believed.......2006-04-09

Even the brilliant Judy Kaye in the recent play "Souvenir" about Ms. Jenkins couldn't quite match the unique sound of this singer, although she came close. For those who like this sort of thing, this is the real thing. The sound on this Naxos CD is superior to RCA's "Glory of the Human Voice??" which covers most of the same territory. The Naxos CD also restores the piano intro to the Bell Song and the heretofore rare Valse Caressante of which only a few pressings are known to exist.

That said, the rest of the (non-Florence) cuts are mostly forgettable. More kitch than camp. Annoying music abounds but the in the realm of the truly, stupendously awful Florence Foster Jenkins remains in a class by herself. No one can really compete with Ms. Jenkins on her own camp grounds and there is no sense in trying. The one exception being the sung "Blue Danube" with Josephine Tumminia and the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra which falls in the "what could they have been thinking?" department.

Personally a little of this sort of thing goes a long way. The Faust Travesty on the RCA set holds a bit more interest (but not all that much). I think a more interesting compliation would consist of "straight" renderings of the various arias and pieces contrasted with Madame Florence's so the listener may fully savor what she achieves in these performances.

Florence gets five stars but the rest of it gets a minus one, so it ends up with four.

This is the definitive FFJ!.......2005-01-09

A fellow reviewer has not paid close attention to the contents of "Murder On The High C's": this release actually contains every recording that FFJ made. She recorded 9 arias and released them on 5 78's (the fifth, "Valse Caressante", was split), all of them gathered here for the first time. What this album omits from the previous cd release ("The Glory??? of the Human Voice") is the arias by an almost equally incompetent baritone. "Murder..." more than compensates for this with the inclusion of some unbelievably tragic recordings by artists who could actually sing but found themselves saddled with shockingly bad material; it's an absolute feast for those who love outsider music. The 'nursery rhyme' songs provoke bewilderment, the swing version of "Blue Danube" must be heard to be believed, and the excellent liner notes accurately describe Lauritz Melchior's valiant performance of "Please Don't Say No" as "the single worst recording of anything ever made by an opera star who should have known better". "Murder On The High C's" is an insanely delirious treasure.

Sounds Like A Vacuum Cleaner Ingesting An Owl.......2004-10-15

Florence Foster Jenkins was a socialite who enjoyed singing in vast disproportion to her musical talent. This CD has some of her greatest works (so to speak) although the disc pales in comparison to her masterwork "The Glory (????) of Human Voice." (In fact several of the songs on this CD are available on that recording.) Particularly ear-shattering are "Musical Snuff Box" (watch out for that last note if you have pets, they will seriously dislike it), "Bell Song" which is essentially a series of a cappella pentatonic scales by and large, and finally the unique rendition of "Valse Caressante" (which was actually released as a single!) which will leave any listener in a near delirium.

In short, these rare Jenkins masterworks are amazing and hilarious. I can't recommend them highly enough to anyone even mildly curious about outsider music. Why the three star rating? It is certainly not due to Florence's participation, rather due to the packaging. The cover boasts "Florence Foster Jenkins and Friends." Little will most people suspect that the "friends" make up about half of the CD, and are totally unrelated to Jenkins except for possessing no musical talent. Some of the songs are merely boring (like the Jimmy Durante selections), and some are quite laughably funny like the dreadful "The Fireman's Bride," and "Please Don't Say No." Finally there is the real puzzler from the "what were they thinking?" file, "Little Jack Horner," an operatic retelling of the classic children's tale. The other reason I only give this disc three stars is because four of the nine Jenkins' songs are available on "The Glory (????) of Human Voice." I had expected different material on this CD.

The bottom line is that this CD is for Florence Foster Jenkins completists. (Ponder that.) People who want more exposure to Florence should buy her delightful "The Glory (????) of Human Voice," which I can't recommend highly enough.

comedy classic.......2004-05-27

In the summer of 2003, I had the luck of hearing Florence's recordings. Even though no one is quite sure whether she meant to be funny or not, listening to her cds always puts me in the best mood. Hearing her try to reach those high notes and missing terribly is the funniest thing in the world!! My family and I love Florence!!!

The "joke", never funny, is now painfully shabby.......2004-03-07

It is sad that a person who apparently had too much money and time to waste could have done so in preserving for an unsuspecting posterity such awful sounds. The so-called friends who flocked by invitation to her concert to relish an event of mockery were at least as much to blame as the poor woman herself for having encouraged such eccentric egocentricity.

The whole matter stinks of making fun of a person afflicted by illness. What a cruel species we were - and still are.

On the Wild Side
Average customer rating:

Inspired musicianship!

On the Wild Side
John La Barbera Big Band
Manufacturer: Jazz Compass
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Fantazm

The Bill Holman Band Live

Menza Lines

Live at MCG

Kindred Spirits

ASIN: B0001BS4S8
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Mayreh
So What
Tiger Of San Pedro
Message From Art
Walk On The Wild Side Suite
Cachaca Gotcha
Eleanor Rigby
Cloth Of Silver - Threads Of Blue
Highland Crossing

Customer Reviews:

Inspired musicianship!.......2004-11-22

I had heard La Barbera's work before -- he was the principal arranger for the Buddy Rich Band for over 15 years and contributed to arrangements by a host of other leaders such as Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Tormé, Harry James, Glenn Miller, and Doc Severinsen - but this is the first CD I've found under his own name. With kudos on the back of the CD from the likes of Elmer Bernstein (composer of the title track) and Horace Silver, I knew before listening that this recording would become a solid staple of my big band library... and it has lived up to that promise. Crisp, bright, and solid arrangements swing from the first cut. The tracks move from rich symphonic fullness to dynamic smaller ensembles - embracing a full palette of colors - and the musicianship is top flight with folks like Bill Cunliffe on Keyboards, Clay Jenkins on trumpet, Pat La Barbera and Bob Shepard on tenor, and Joe La Barbera on drums. Horace Silver wrote: "Good arrangements -- good band -- good performance." I couldn't agree more!

Average customer rating:

Rapturous !

Delius: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Frederick Delius: Orchestral Works
Delius: A Village Romeo and Juliet
Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring
Delius: Orchestral Works
Delius: Paris, the Song of a Great City; Double Concerto; Cello Concerto

ASIN: B000002S5L
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: Brigg Fair:I. Introduction (Slow. Pastoral)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: Brigg Fair:I. Theme (With Easy Movement)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: I. Variation 1
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: I. Var. 2
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: I. Var. 3
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: I. Var 4
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: I. Var. 5
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: I. Var. 6
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: II. Interlude (Slow And Very Quietly)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: III. Var. 7 (Rather quicker but not hurried)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: III. Var. 8
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: III. Var. 9 (With easy movement)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: III. Var 10
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: III. Var. 11 (Slow. With Solemnity)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: III. Var. 12 (Maestoso)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: III. Transition
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: IV. Var 13 (Gaily)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: IV. Var. 14
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: IV. Var. 15
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: IV. Var 16
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: IV. Transition (Rather quicker)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: IV.Var.17 (Rather Slower. Very Broadly)
Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody: IV. Coda(Very Quietly)
In A Summer Garden
Rehearsing Appalachia
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Appalachia:Introduction (Molto moderato - Tranquillo - Poco piu)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Theme (Andante)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Variation 1
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 2 (Moderato)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 3 (Piu vivo)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 4 (Molto moderato)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 5 (Con moto)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 6 (Giocoso. Allegro moderato)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 7 (Lento e molto tranquillo)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 8 (Misterioso)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 9 (Andante con grazia)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 10 (Lento sostenuto e tranquillo)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 11 (Allegro alla marcia)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 12 (Marcia. MOlto lento maestoso)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 13 (L'istesso tempo)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Var. 14 (Misterioso lento)
Apalachia - Variations On An Old Slave Song With Final Chorus: Finale (Lento - Piu mosso)

Tracks:

On Hearing The First Cuckoo In Spring - F. DELIUS
Summer Night On The River - F. DELIUS
A Song Before Sunrise - F. DELIUS
Intermezzo And Serenade From 'Hassan': Intermezzo - F. DELIUS
Intermezzo And Serenade From 'Hassan': Serenade - F. DELIUS
La Calinda - F. DELIUS
Late Swallows - F. DELIUS
Fennimore And Gerda: Intermezzo from 'Fennimore and Gerda' - F. DELIUS
The Walk To The Paradise Garden: The Walk To The Paradise Garden from A Village Romeo and Juliet - F. DELIUS
Irmelin Prelude - F. DELIUS
A Song Of Summer - F. DELIUS

Customer Reviews:

Rapturous !.......2003-01-15

I find these renditions by Sir John Barbirolli totally beguiling. He brings warmth and deep sincerity to everything he portrays here. One surely senses the great love he had for Delius' music. Much of the charm wrought by the conductor has to do with the turn of various phrases. Time and again he caresses melodies. Simultaneously, he conveys a feeling of simple joyousness. Hear the Intermezzo from Fennimore and Gerda; The Walk to the Paradise Garden; the Irmelin Prelude, with its pastoral beauty; La Calinda, where one feels serenaded in a happy, carefree manner. A Song Before Sunrise weaves a similar pattern. In addition, there's that wonderful exotic quality that here and there echoes in Delius' music. Brigg Fair seems to have both this at some moments and yet a pleasing, homespun British character during other moments. Sometimes too there is a nostalgic yearning. In this vein, one can only relax and drink in the expressive portrait of Late Swallows. And what about the playful, carefree In a Summer Garden or the imposing, spiritual folk picture, Appalachia ? In so many ways, both this sensitive composer and conductor reach out to touch the life-affirming soul. How can one not be soothed and refreshed by what is offered here ? If there's anything missing, perhaps it's the composer's Summer Evening, another of his memorable pieces. A wonderful collection, and a source of inspiration. By the way, I find Barbirolli's Delius more enjoyable than Beecham's.

Average customer rating:

Onward

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000N68K1W
Release Date: 2007-03-19

Tracks:

Living Prayer
Gaelic Blessing
Amazing Grace
Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
I Vow to Thee My Country
I Wonder as I Wander
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
Ceremony of Carols/Balulalow
Ave Verum Corpus
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
Stabat Mater/Cujus Animam
You'll Never Walk Alone

Album Description

Alfie Boe was the best kept secret within the classical world for several years. In 2006 that secret was finally shared with the nation. His debut album, entitled `Alfie Boe', was released last September and entered the Classical Chart at No.2, inspiring such comments as, ''Alfie Boe is a `stunning' discovery who could be the best tenor of his generation,'' -The Observer. Onward, offers a rousing collection of uplifting songs. ''I wanted to create a musical experience that the listener would be inspired by. I feel the arias we've chosen are all anthems in their own right and reflect a true spirit,'' explains Alfie. The album was recorded with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by John Owen Edwards.

Album Details

Debut CD Recorded with the Rlpo.alfie Was Nominated for the Classical Brit Awards 2007 'singer of the Year'. At the Age of 17, Alfie Started his Working Life in the Tvr Factory in Blackpool Where He was Well Known to his Colleagues for Singing Along to his Beloved Classical Music. It was on One Such Occasion that He was Overheard by a Customer who was So Impressed that He Pointed Alfie in the Direction of the D'oyly Carte Touring Opera Company Auditions. The Audition was Successful and after a Few Tours, Alfie Made the Bold Decision to Move to London and Embark Upon his Professional Training at the Royal College of Music, the National Opera Studio and Then the Royal Opera House Young Artists Programme.

Music Composers:

Music Composers

Music Composers