Metropolitan [Import]

Metropolitan [Import]

Metropolitan [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Following on from the Mimosa collection, bargrooves continues with the ‘taste and tastemakers’ quartet, to bring you Metropolitan, the perfect soundtrack to the early evenings of winter. This time, bargrooves resident DJ, Ben Sowton, has invited the Soul Avengerz to guest mix CD2. Ben turns in a beautifully melodic mix, with highlight tracks and mixes from Atjazz, Physics and Soldiers of Twilight while The Soul Avengerz up the tempo a little with a mix that fits right in with the bargrooves vibe. Their mix includes some of their own exclusive material and remixes, as well as tracks from Wave, Soulfuric, Defected and Susu. The Bargrooves series is world-respected for its international cocktail of style and sophistication. Metropolitan follows in that tradition with a double disc set of deep sexy grooves. Seamless.

Metropolitan,Bargrooves,Dance Collections
Metropolitan Opera Gala Honoring Sir Rudolf Bing [Highlights]
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A VERY SPECIAL EVENING AT THE MET
 Metropolitan Opera Gala Honoring Sir Rudolf Bing [Highlights]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Strauss, RichardStrauss, Richard | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Verdi, GiuseppeVerdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Wolfgang Windgassen singt Wagner
  2. La Nilsson: My Life in Opera
  3. Rossini - L'Italiana in Algeri
  4. Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera
  5. Eileen Farrell in New Orleans

ASIN: B000M05VNY
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A VERY SPECIAL EVENING AT THE MET.......2007-04-06

The 1972 Gala that honored the retirement of the late Sir Rudolf Bing was one of the first big international opera galas of note. I was a mere high schooler when highlights of the gala were aired on television, hosted by Rise Stevens. An LP of highlights was released (a slew of copies were produced domestically with a defect on the second side that had to be recalled). Shortly after this DGG announced a SECOND LP of highlights that would include additional items, including Dorothy Kirsten, Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti and others from the same gala. It never materialized.

When DGG announced the CD version, I was ever hopeful those unreleased items would finally see the light of day. Sadly, that's not the case. What we have left is a mixed bag. Arroyo expressive but unsteady, a young Domingo with Caballe sounding undermiked, Nilsson ripping the roof off, Price skipping the recitative and not in best voice, Tucker and Merrill trying to outshout each other, Resnik hamming it up, Zylis-Gara and Corelli's only evidence of Otello on record with the fans ruining the beautiful orchestral ending of the duet. Despite all my negatives, this CD is evidence of a very special evening in New York when the operatic lights shone a lot brighter than they do now, the likes of which will never be seen or heard again. It would get five stars if the missing items had been included.
Shopgirl
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Non-Score Mark Kozelek Songs
  • An older man who can write from the POV of a young woman
  • what is the song
  • sad, yet beautiful
  • Shopgirl...
 Shopgirl

Manufacturer: Filter U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie ScoresMovie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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  1. Shopgirl
  2. The Sky and the Ocean
  3. Shopgirl
  4. SHOPGIRL: A NOVELLA
  5. Ghosts of the Great Highway

ASIN: B000CC1U00
Release Date: 2006-01-03

Tracks:

  1. Meeting Mirabelle
  2. The Magic of Mirabelle
  3. Little Lonely Star
  4. Where is his Number?
  5. Coitus Interruptus - Silent Aftermath
  6. Leapfrog's Inspiration
  7. New Awakening
  8. The Fairytale Begins
  9. I'm From Vermont- Big Magic
  10. La Ronde #1 - The Dance Begins
  11. La Ronde #2 - The Dance Develops
  12. Mirabelle Falls In Love
  13. La Ronde #3 - The Dance of Three Lovers
  14. Stately Romance
  15. Lonely Mirabelle
  16. Recovering
  17. A Broken Trust
  18. Mirabelle's Story
  19. La Ronde #4 - The Frog becomes a Prince
  20. Forgiving Ray
  21. Breaking Up
  22. Mirabelle Grows Up
  23. Shopgirl - Main Titles

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Non-Score Mark Kozelek Songs.......2007-04-28

The 3 Mark Kozelek tracks are available:

"Lily & Parrots"
"Carry Me Ohio"
from the album "Ghosts of the Great Highway" by Sun Kil Moon
Ghosts of the Great Highway

"Make Like Paper"
from the album "Songs for a Blue Guitar" by The Red House Painters
Songs for a Blue Guitar

Mark Kozelek wrote and sings all 3 songs. He's been a member of The Red House Painters (now defunct) and Sun Kil Moon. I think at least one of the tracks above is available on a solo live recording, "Little Drummer Boy Live." Little Drummer Boy Live

5 out of 5 stars An older man who can write from the POV of a young woman.......2007-01-13

I loved the novella written by Steve Martin. It was a quick read that I really enjoyed. It is one of those books that is small, but says a lot.

Unlike most book-to-movie projects this one did not dissapoint. It was very true to the story. I love to see Steve Martin playing a subdued character. He is an amazing actor, comedien, and writer. Is there anything he can't do?

I would suggest buying the book as well. You will be able to read it in just a few hours, and it will make the movie even better.

5 out of 5 stars what is the song.......2006-10-31

hey whats the song they play at the end of the trailer?

5 out of 5 stars sad, yet beautiful.......2006-10-17

This is my all time favorite original score soundtrack. I call this cd a "night" cd, as I always listen to it when going to bed, or driving home late from work. The music is so beautifully passionate, and yet very sad and haunting. The songs will literally bring you to tears, depedning on what kind of mood you are in. Anyone who is a true lover of music will enjoy this cd as much as I do.

5 out of 5 stars Shopgirl..........2006-06-14

Shopgirl is an elegant soundtrack that is deeply in passion. I was dissapointed like Greenteagirl, because there wasn't any songs from the movie on the soundtrack. I really liked:

Lily & Parrots"
Written and Performed by Mark Kozelek



"Carry Me Ohio"
Written and Performed by Mark Kozelek



"Make Like Paper"
Written and Performed by Mark Kozelek



"Somewhere In My Heart"
Written by Jeff Oaks and Bill Peterson
Performed by the Volebeats



"Gimme Little Sign"
Written by Joseph Hooven, Alfred Smith and Jerry Winn
Performed by Brenton Wood



"I Only Want To Be With You"
Written by Michael Edwin Hawker and Ivor Raymonde
Performed by Dusty Springfield

But the score was beautiful and sad. It mostly has strings (violens, cellos, etc...) It brought a few tears to my eyes.

1. Meeting Mirabelle 4/5
2. The Magic of Mirabelle 4/5
3. Little Lonely Star 4/5
4. Where is his Number? 4/5
5. Coitus Interruptus - Silent Aftermath 4/5
6. Leapfrog's Inspiration 5/5
7. New Awakening 4/5
8. The Fairytale Begins 5/5
9. I'm From Vermont- Big Magic 4/5
10. La Ronde #1 - The Dance Begins 3/5
11. La Ronde #2 - The Dance Develops 3/5
12. Mirabelle Falls In Love 5/5
13. La Ronde #3 - The Dance of Three Lovers 3/5
14. Stately Romance 4/5
15. Lonely Mirabelle 5/5
16. Recovering 5/5
17. A Broken Trust 5/5
18. Mirabelle's Story 4/5
19. La Ronde #4 - The Frog becomes a Prince 3/5
20. Forgiving Ray 3/5
21. Breaking Up 5/5
22. Mirabelle Grows Up 3/5
23. Shopgirl - Main Titles 5/5

Hope you enjoy this peice of work!

Jordan
Overall grade* B+


The Metropolitan Hotel
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A little different than her others
  • Brilliant and Inspired
  • One of the best albuns of the year. and especially her best yet.
  • Love Chely
  • Best Yet!
 The Metropolitan Hotel
Chely Wright
Manufacturer: Dualtone Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
New TraditionalistNew Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Country RockCountry Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. Single White Female
  2. Never Love You Enough
  3. There's More Where That Came From
  4. Let Me In
  5. Everything

ASIN: B0007CNY7M
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

  1. it's the song
  2. back of the bottom drawer
  3. i got him ready for you
  4. the river
  5. just the way we did it
  6. the bumper of my S.U.V.
  7. your shirt
  8. between a mother and a child
  9. southside of lonesome
  10. wheels
  11. c'est la vie (you never can tell)
  12. what if I can't say no again

Product Description

  1. It's The Song
  2. Back Of The Bottom Drawer
  3. I Got Him Ready For You
  4. River, The
  5. Just The Way We Do It
  6. Bumper Of My S.U.V., The
  7. Your Shirt
  8. Between A Mother And A Child
  9. Southside Of Lonesome
  10. Wheels
  11. C'est La Vie (You Never Can Tell)
  12. What If I Can't Say No Again?


Format: CD

Amazon.com

The centerpiece to this sixth album by soulful country balladeer Chely Wright is "The Bumper of My S.U.V.," a song about the sort of patriotism that runs deeper than partisan sniping and that will therefore likely hit home with listeners on all sides of the political divide. As the album's primary producer and songwriter, Wright takes control of her artistry here, with material that has more depth and a sound that is less polished than what often dominates the airwaves. The narrative ambition of Wright's "The River," which features Vince Gill providing vocal counterpoint, merits comparison with the Bruce Springsteen song of the same title, while the prickly relationship detailed in "Between a Mother and a Child" is too painful not to ring true. Lightening the mood is a romp through Chuck Berry's "C'est La Vie (You Never Can Tell)." With the opening "It's the Song" (written by Bonnie Baker and Katrina Elam), Wright puts the emphasis on the strength of the material, and proceeds to deliver, with a selection devoid of filler. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A little different than her others.......2007-05-29

Chely Wright definitely has to be one of the most beautiful singers of our time. Her beautiful looks and silky voice is definitely a nice combination, worthy of a look/listen. Although I tend to favor her ballads over the up-tempo tunes, Chely does a good job of mixing up both styles in this album. The album also doesn't come up short on messages either, as "The Bumber Of My SUV" serves as a patriotic anthem to those that may oppose military acts/actions of our native land. "The River" is a also a nice addition to the album as well, with a nice blend of soft vocals and a catchy tune. "I Got Him Ready For You" sends a message to those of us that have felt hurt by the fact that our dedication to a relationship consequently leads to the ex-partner becoming a better match for someone else, due to the pain and suffering that teaches valuable lessons to the parties in a relationship-gone-wrong. "Between A Mother And Child" is a nice homage to the relationship of a different kind, a parental relationship that is bonded by unconditional love. If you prefer a more traditional, non-message-filled (but enjoyable) tune, then perhaps you'd rather listen to "Southside Of Lonesome" or "What If I Can't Say No Again". Both are tender ballads with a definite touch of country, which Chely never steers away from. If you're a fan of country music, then this album may catch your fancy. If you prefer more of the contemporary, pop-style of country, then maybe Faith Hill or Shania Twain would be a better bet for you.

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant and Inspired.......2007-04-20

I love Chely's eloquent alto on The Metropolitan Hotel; it is extremely moving and demonstrates a matuirty which serves her well. Single White Female was a great single and album, but this one's better. Chely produced this one; she's an older, wiser, more confident woman whose writing, like her voice, has never been better. Her best writing is confessional, yet accessible to any fan. For Country to work, you have to be able to relate to the song- and that sentiment is undeniable on this CD. "Between a Mother and a Child" is especially poignant. Likewise, "Back of the Bottom Drawer" is mature and delivered with conviction. "I Got Him Ready For You" sounds confessional; we all have regrets. Bottom line, give this CD a chance. Chely is more raw and emotional than most of what's coming out now.

I cannot say enough about "Bumper of My SUV." What a heart-felt anthem! I am a veteran and understand exactly what she's saying. Don't worry Chely, we know there are more supportive people than the "haters" who could never understand our patriotism. The sentiments she expresses bring tears to my eyes- this is in the same league with Alan Jackson's "Where Were You" (When The World Stopped Turning), the best post9-11 anthem. Chely, God Bless You. You represent the best of America, just like the U.S. Marines.

5 out of 5 stars One of the best albuns of the year. and especially her best yet........2006-06-27

I think this will go down as my favorite album of her for now. it was her best effort at making it "Hers" and if she keeps it up and learns from it to improve her art. then all i can say is i just can't wait for her next effort.
i just love how the album starts. no music intro, no other noise like an intake of breath for example, just her lovely voice softly starting the opening sentance of her song "...Different Day Different town..." then the simple strum of a guitar. it's beautiful - at that point she was telling me that this was different than what she has ever done before. she going to bare her soul for me,tell me her secrets, tell me what she thinks of a certain subject and then move on. (well, i think as much as she willing to let us know for right now.)
on the cover of the album it shows us a sweet, beautiful - but also a little sad picture of herself that looks like she wants to be vunerable and serious for a little bit. there is no sexy pictures within this CD. there is no need for it. that is not the point. there is no fan fair with this, no cookie cutter music,and no electronic or computer assitance with this. just some just some good music with good stories to go along with the melody and the effort.
she wrote most of the songs on the albums and even though i never really appriciated the early efforts of her being a singer and songwriter. i really enjoyed the songs she wrote. their not great songs but i think she's getting better and better with each song. "Southside of Lonesome" is my favorite.
i don't know the story behind the album but i really want to believe that they found this old run-down hotel and she had this inspiration to use it to cut the album and tell us the stories that she may have written in the very same building. it is what i think about when i listen to this. but i don't know if it is true or not. and i hope i never find out.
i don't know if this is the direction she wants to go now. i hope for a while it is - at lest for the next album it should be - and then if she wants to make another album where its silly and sexy and made just for the die-hard,honky-tonk country fans. then that's okay with me. but i really appriciate this album. its going to go down as one of my all-time favorites. and i want to see if she will go deeper - it dosen't have to be personal - i just think she is capable of a lot more than what the country music industry wants her to do. after hearing the album several times i kinda fell in love with her. so that's probably why i want her to do another one like this one.
i wnat to fall in love with her again.
by the way, her version of "C'est La Vie" is very good, other than the great Chuck Berry himself. i will say that her version is the best i ever heard.
so i reccomend this album highly.

5 out of 5 stars Love Chely.......2006-05-24

Chely Wright is my favorite female countryartist. I discovered her for just a half year ago, and she is defenetly better then Faith Hill and Shania Twain. I love her lyrics which comes from her heart. She often sings about broken hearted sad love and about ex boyfriends. The best lyric on this album is problably From The Bumper Of My S.U.V. She has very touching lerics.
Everytime I hear her albums my tears almost runs out...(Yeah,I now that they used to say that grown men dont cry, but I do everytime I listen to her).
I totally Love Chely Wright as an artist.
But this album isnt really a real countyalbum, its more like a singer & songwriter-album.

5 out of 5 stars Best Yet!.......2006-01-08

In my opinion, this is Chely Wright's best CD to date! My favorite cut being "The River". Nothing slick or over-produced about this CD. Mature and heartfelt. I highly recommend this CD.
Odyssey: The Definitive Collection
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Disappointing
  • Enough with the damn compilations!
  • worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs
  • Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs
  • Hip-O Records trying to make money from us
 Odyssey: The Definitive Collection

Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

VangelisVangelis | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
AmbientAmbient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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  1. Reprise: 1990-1999
  2. Themes
  3. Oceanic
  4. Voices
  5. Spiral

ASIN: B0000DHK5T
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

  1. Pulstar
  2. Hymne
  3. Main Theme From The 'Chariots Of Fire'
  4. Main Theme From The 'Missing'
  5. Love Theme From 'Blade Runner'
  6. End Titles From 'Blade Runner'
  7. The Tao Of Love
  8. Theme From 'Antartica'
  9. Theme From 'Cavafy'
  10. Opening Titles From 'Mutiny On The Bounty'
  11. Conquest Of Paradise
  12. La Petite Fille De La Mer
  13. L'Enfant
  14. Alpha
  15. Celtic Dawn
  16. Movement 1 From 'Mythodea'
  17. I'll Find My Way Home
  18. State Of Independence

Album Description

18 remastered tracks including titles from 'Missing', 'Blade Runner', '1492 Conquest Of Paradise' & the Oscar-winning 'Chariots Of Fire', as well as 2 bonus tracks, 'I'll Find My Way Home' & 'State Of Independence'. Digipak. Universal. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing.......2006-08-19

I like the music, but the sound quality is terrible. I bought this CD because it was released in 2003, but there is ZERO improvement in sound quality from previous older tracks.

2 out of 5 stars Enough with the damn compilations!.......2005-06-11

First of all I like Vangelis very much. However I have had it with the way that his music is being released. We are consistently given compilation releases (usually of the same tracks that are on other releases). WHAT IS THE POINT????!!
All the more frustrating is that Vangelis has a ton of unreleased music that many fans like myself have been after for years. Sorry the bootlegs on Ebay just don't cut it.
Where's an official release of "Cavafy", "The Bounty", "Francesco", and "Bitter Moon". Where is all the still unreleased music from "1492", "Blade Runner", "Antarctica" and "Chariots of fire", yes he released soundtracks for these films but they were sadly lacking.
Unfortunately we will probably have to wait for Vangelis to demise before we ever get these tracks, if even then.

4 out of 5 stars worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs.......2005-05-25

Some may complain that this is not a definitive Vangelis CD. Nope, it is far from being that, but it has seven good songs on it that make it worth purchasing for less than $20. Those seven good songs are: Hymne, Alpha, Chariots of Fire, Missing, Pulsar, Petite Fille de la Mer, and L'enfant. Of course, those are just my personal favorites.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs.......2004-06-10

It's hard to keep track of the number of compilations of Vangelis. Off the top of my head, I can think of "The Best of", "Greatest Hits", "Themes", "Portraits", and "Reprise". But they never got it right, something was always off, or one period or another of his career was not covered. Now comes "Oddisey: The Definitive Collection". While it may be pushing your luck to proclaim anything as a Vangelis "definitive" compilation", given his prolific output over the years, I am here nevertheless to tell you that this compilation is as good as it will get.

"Oddisey: The Definitive Collection" (18 tracks, 78 min.) in my opinion truly does compile all of Vangelis' best know tracks and greatest hits. Most of the tracks on here will sound immediately familiar, many because they are movie themes (Chariots of Fire being the most famous of course, but also The Missing, Blade Runner, thankfully containing both the beginning and end titles, Mutiny on the Bounty, and others), and other that became well known in commercials (Hymne, L'Enfant, among others). There can be no denying the creativity and talents of Vangelis. There are 2 bonus tracks, "I'll Find My Way Home" and "State of Independence", the 2 best known tracks of Jon & Vangelis, a nice touch to the album.

I share my frustration with other reviewers here that there is tons of great Vangelis music out there that remains unreleased. To be sure, Vangelis deserves a box-treatment of rare and unreleased tracks. But if you are looking for a single-disk overview of his best known songs, look no further: "Oddisey" is it. Released in Fall, 2003, it is a nice way to commemorate Vangelis turning 60 (say it ain't so!).

2 out of 5 stars Hip-O Records trying to make money from us.......2004-04-20

Hos this company dares to call this compilation definitive collection??? Bring something new and then I'll consider your work. Shame of you!!!
French Opera Arias (Dig)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Some of Montsi's finest singing
  • Mon Dieu! C'est merveilleux!!!!
  • A Masterpiece,with the original LP cover art !
  • CABALLE'S EXQUISITE FRENCH ARIAS FINALLY ON CD!
 French Opera Arias (Dig)

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Deutsche Grammophon: MusicDeutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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  5. Strauss: Four Last Songs; Death and Transfiguration; Wagner: Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde

ASIN: B000FBHSO0
Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

  1. Il Etait Un Roi De Thule/Ah! Je Ris De Me Voir Si Belle En Ce Miroir
  2. Voici La Vaste Plaine Et Le Desert De Feu
  3. Je Veux Vivre Dans Le Reve
  4. O Beau Pays De La Touraine
  5. Depuis Le Jour Ou Je Me Suis Donnee
  6. C'est Des Contrebandiers Le Refuge Ordinaire
  7. Ah! Me Voila Seule/O Mon Miroir Fidele
  8. Tu, Tu, Amore? Tu? - Placido Domingo

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Some of Montsi's finest singing.......2007-02-27

I've no idea why DG waited so long to release this superb recital but thank God they did! It captures Caballe in golden voice in some of her less recorded French roles. She is quite daring here and not scared of high notes, difficult turns or trills. Some of her ideas are very exciting if not always entirely accurate but it is rare for a voice of such richness and beauty to achieve this agility so no complaints. My favourites are the magical Depuis le jour, and the first aria from Huguenots. Both benefiting from her endless legato, unmistakable pianissimo and phrasing. I doubt her French is idiomatic enough for native speakers but DG wouldn't be able to find authentic French voices of such beauty even if their life depended on it. As a filler, instead of the otherwise fine Manon Lescaut duet with Domingo, DG should have put the French Manon Caballe did with the wonderful French tenor Alain Vanzo in the late 60s. I wonder what else is lying in those DG vaults...

5 out of 5 stars Mon Dieu! C'est merveilleux!!!!.......2007-02-06

I have just seen Montserrat Caballé, after more than 50 years on stage, in a painfull charity recital on my hometown, Málaga (Spain). How cruel time is. Fortunately we have records like this one to keep alive in our ears and souls the rare beauty, sure technique and great artistry that was Caballé. We won't hear anything like it again. There are many others, but this one is as good a starting place as any to experience her magic. And beware, after it, you'll be spoil forever.

5 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece,with the original LP cover art !.......2006-09-17

This is a must have recording for any Caballe fan.The sound quality is incredible,and she sings these french arias wonderfully.This recording is from 1970 and as recently been reissued with the original cover art! I have been waiting for years for DG to reissue this remarkable record complete on cd.Caballe has the most beautiful voice in recorded history and if you buy this cd you will here the beauty for yourself.I really loved her rendition of depuis le jour,stunning.This recording is full of caballe's sublime piannissimis and golden age forte high notes!I can't recommend this cd high enough !

5 out of 5 stars CABALLE'S EXQUISITE FRENCH ARIAS FINALLY ON CD!.......2006-08-11

This is vintage Caballe from the diva's extensive discography that has been MIA for years. Items from this wonderful album were reissued on various Polygram anthologies and collections, but everything is together for the very first time. These arias are performed with frankness and verve instead of gallic sensitivity (and I will not vouch for perfect French pronunciation either), but the overall singing is spectacularly beautiful! Her performance of the Faust scene recalls the diva's Met debut (and the performance is more spontaneous than on her rather uneven complete recording of the opera). This is her second recording of "Depuis le jour", and this time in better sound and without the flat notes that plagued the first recording. She negotiates the coloratura of the Huguenots and Juliette arias admirably, and her renditions of the Thais and Micaela's arias are among the best. A nice bonus is the Manon Lescaut duet with Domingo taken from the historic Bing Farewell Gala album (although the audio balance is problematic). Like Caballe's French album, the Bing Gala items have also been reissued piecemeal, and this collector would love a reissue of the complete Gala, including the unreleased items.

UPDATE: The DG website has announced the CD reissue of the Bing Gala in the coming months. It doesn't look like it will include any previously unissued items, but stay tuned.
The Best of Kathleen Battle
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Kathy Rocks Ever!
  • A wide presentation of the work of an amazing artist
  • A Great Coloratura Soprano
  • Great compilation of Kathleen Battle's work
  • Beautiful Voice
 The Best of Kathleen Battle

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00068CVF8
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

  1. Summertime
  2. I loves you, Porgy
  3. Porgi amor
  4. Welche Wonne, welche Lust
  5. S'altro che lagrime
  6. Una donna a quindici anni
  7. Depuis le jour
  8. E pur cosi / Piangeri la sorte mia
  9. Oui! pour ce soir... Je suis Titania
  10. Ah! tardai troppo... O luce di quest'anima
  11. 4. Pie Jesu (Sopran)
  12. Voices of Spring, Op.410 (Frohlingsstimmen) - vocal version
  13. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot / Ride Up in the Chariot
  14. Witness "Oh, Lord, what manner of man is dis?"
  15. Talk About a Child
  16. He's got the whole world in His hands

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Kathy Rocks Ever!.......2006-01-01

Oh,yeah!Also here in Brazil she commanded,complained,got her tantrums as well but,she is Kathy;highly gifted,charmingly glamourous,her elegant golden singing beautifully soaring over brazilian audiences and so on.About this cd,I would prefer a completely new one.However,this is a gorgeous compilation,just perfect to Battle beginners or her fans,especially these spirituals that belongs incontestablely to her heavenly throat.I hope much more from Miss Battle just 'cause she is a great performer,in fact nobody or nothing couldn't denies that no matter she's doing backstage.Cowardly,poisonous "kid's rewiews" show us solely how empty is this quarrel.I hope a DG reissue of her beloved,out of print Schubert recital as well.

5 out of 5 stars A wide presentation of the work of an amazing artist.......2005-12-23

This CD provides a sampling of Kathleen Battle's voice and interpretive abilities from coloratura virtuousity (Voices of Spring) to the simple, heartfelt spiritual (Talk about a child).

First of all, there's THAT voice. You hear a voice that is uniquely angelic and capable of expressing a wide range of moods. You hear a voice that glitters like a diamond, skips happily and effortlessly (and in impeccable tune) from note to note like it's nobody's business, one that that reminds you of moonbeams and early morning dew on pink rose petals. You've simply got to her it to believe it.

On this CD, the listener is provided with the the works/composers for which she's well known: Handel Opera (E pur cosi / piangero la sorte mia), Mozart Opera (S'altro che lagrime), Bel Canto Opera (Ah, tardai troppo...), French Opera (Depuis le jour), spirituals, and a few popular songs for sopranos such as Gershwin's Summertime and Faure's Pie Jesu

If you're just popping the CD in, try: (1) Ah, tardai troppo, (2) Voices of Spring, (3) Talk about a child, (4) I loves you, Porgy, and (5) Pie Jesu.

I suppose if you are a fan of heavy, dramatic voices, Kathleen Battle may not be to your liking. But I suspect that if you listen to her, you still might be amazed...

5 out of 5 stars A Great Coloratura Soprano .......2005-04-03

Coloratura sopranos are a dying breed today. The era of Lily Pons and Beverly Sills is long gone and opera audiences favor a more "heavy" coloratura sound- or at least a full lyric one, such as the voice types of Kiri Te Kenawa, Carol Vanness and Renee Fleming. Kathleen Battle was in many ways an artist who payed homage to the coloratura queens of olden days. Only Natalie Dessay, of late, represents that kind of singer. much This album showcases her best work, and she is in fine voice, bringing a luminous and sunny quality to her interpretations, while keeping the dramatic appeal of the text. She was at best a Handel/Mozart/Strauss/Gounod singer, and never fared well in the more dramatic reperotoire of Verdi or Puccini heroines. She never sang Madame Butterfly, which if she had gone through training, she could have nailed, especially because her dramatic aspirations coupled with her soft, vulnerable sound would have suited her as Ciao Ciao San, in the way that Ying Huang interpreted the role. Verdi opera must have frightened her and she could never dream of taking on the roles that Leontyne Price performed, surely an influence in her student days made all the more credible because Leontyne Price was a "sister" African-American. So Leonora, Aida and Suor Angelica were out of her reach. While she sang with Jessie Norman in concert and recitals (like the Spirituals Concert), she must have been secretly or overtly ? jealous of the fact that Jessye Norman had a voice that could swallow the world!! A big, beautiful voice such as Ms. Norman's is closer to the true goddesses of operas in the tradition of Maria Callas, while Battle is more of the "tiny, bright, canary" voice. She ranks among the best of the lighter sopranos- Beverly Sills, and like Sumi Jo today. Her fellow co-artists used to call her the "Singing Mosquito". But she is marvelous in singing Handel oratorio(the only times I've heard her sing live), Mozart- Sussannah, Zerlina, the Countess in Figaro, Gounod- Juliette, Bizet- Micaela, but could never truly master the more difficult Mozart heroines- Dona Ana in Don Giovanni or Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte or even Konstanza in Die Entfurung, though try she did. In Strauss operas, she made a fine Zerbinetta, though she always oozed a confidence that made it seem as if these difficult pieces were a piece of cake for her. Some arias in this collection appear that way too.

Kathleen Battle has long since disappeared from the opera world, singing off and on. Her last singing engagement was for the soundtrack to the Japanese action saga "House of Flying Daggers" in which she sings in a very Japanese/poetic style. Before that she sang in Mythodea opposite Jessie Norman in a massive choral work by Vangelis, and also in Disney's Fantasia 2000. Her constant bitchiness, diva antics and disrespect to conductors and singers became too much and finally Joseph Volpe fired her from the Met. She had stayed there for so long because James Levine took a shine to her. As a singer, she was a perfectionist and in her body of work it shows. But she displayed a nasty diva temperament that does not sit well today. In the 80's, she would come to rehearsals late, would criticize everyone from conductor to costuma makers and even once disrespected the much older and experienced Rosalind Elias, a beloved mezzo at the Met. While I think that Volpe did the right thin in firing Battle, I think that Battle's voice is glorious and would buy her albums, even if she mostly poses as if she were in Vogue cover shots.

5 out of 5 stars Great compilation of Kathleen Battle's work.......2005-03-26

This is a great compilation CD of recordings made by Battle, which are currently deleted by Universal Music.
The selections are first rate and capture the artistry of Kathleen Battle perfectly, a shimmering, silvery, clean and clear voice which has captivated millions of people worldwide

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful Voice.......2005-02-24

I find it hard to give anything under 5 stars for any work including Miss Battle. Her technique and mastery of the female voice is quite remarkable. I am a HUGE fan of the soprano voice and I have found no one who posses the talents, skills, and interpretations of Battle. I would like to have seen more variety in this compilation CD. Her Rosina, Zerbinetta, Semele, other such roles were obviously ignored in the making of this CD. I think anyone will be hard pressed to find any lyric/coloratura soprano who amounts to the skill level of Miss Battle. Talent is talent, and she's got plenty of it. A person's attitude has nothing to do with their abilities as a performer, and I am tired of people knocking Miss Battle because of the stigma with which she is attached. Personally, she has never done anything to me nor the number of others who criticize her for her actions which took place over a decade ago. You cannot say that this woman does not posses mad skills. She is a lovely woman who has accomplished great things. I would gladly buy any CD that carries the name "Kathleen Battle".
Greatest Hits: Bizet
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Highlights from Carmen and much more of Bizet
 Greatest Hits: Bizet

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002A9G
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

  1. Carmen: Prelude: The Toreadors. Allegro giocoso
  2. Carmen: Prelude: Andante moderato
  3. Carmen: Habanera (Act I)
  4. Carmen: Seguidilla (Act I)
  5. Carmen: Entr'acte (Act I - Act II): Les Dragons d'Alcala
  6. Carmen: Bohemian Dance (Act II)
  7. Carmen: Song Of The Toreador (Act II)
  8. Carmen: Flower Song
  9. Carmen: Entr'acte (Act II - Act III): Intermezzo
  10. Carmen: March Of The Smugglers (Act III)
  11. Carmen: Nocturne: Micaela's Aria (Act III)
  12. Carmen: March Of The Toreadors & Chorus (Act IV)
  13. Carmen: Duet & Final Chorus (Act IV) 'C'est toi? 'C'est moi' - 'Masi moi, Carmen, je t'aime encore'
  14. The Pearl Fishers: Je crois entendre encore (I Hear As In A Dream)
  15. The Pearl Fishers: Ouvre ton coeur (Open Your Heart)
  16. L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Prelude
  17. L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Minuetto
  18. L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Adagietto
  19. L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Carillon

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Highlights from Carmen and much more of Bizet.......2001-08-05

It is hard to believe that when Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" opened in 1875 audiences received it indifferently. Bizet was innovative in that he replaced artificial plots and acting in operas with more realistic representations of the human condition (comparable to what Gustave Flaubert did in literature with "Madame Bovary"). Bizet's masterpiece is represented by the first thirteen tracks on this album, so you might wonder why not just go pick up the entire opera and leave it at that? Because Bizet actually did go on and write some other works, the best of which are included in this collection. This CD also includes a couple of songs from "The Pearl Fishers," sung by Richard Tucker and Beverly Sills, and the "L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1. If this CD included the Farandole from "L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2," it would be prefect. But one of the impressive things about this Greatest Hits collection is that all those tracks from "Carmen" come from several different productions. So you have Bernstein, Stokowski and Ormandy conducting, and Jose Carreras, Rise Stevens and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing.
Wagner: The Compact Ring (Highlights from Der Ring des Nibelungen) / Levine; Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Right For The Money
  • Lovely moments from a disappointing Ring
  • A good introduction
  • Incredible. Levine/Met is the Wagner to buy.
  • Great driving music
 Wagner: The Compact Ring (Highlights from Der Ring des Nibelungen) / Levine; Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Richard Wagner (composer) , James Levine , and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GJ6
Release Date: 1993-03-16

Tracks:

  1. The Nibelung's Ring: The Rhinegold: Scene 1: 'Lugt, Schwestern! Die Weckerin lacht in den Grund' (Alberich)
  2. The Nibelung's Ring: The Rhinegold: Scene Four: 'Zur Burg fuhrt die Brucke' (Wotan, Fricka, Loge)
  3. The Nibelung's Ring: The Valkyrie: Act One: 'Der Manner Sippe sass hier im Saal' (Sieglinde)
  4. The Nibelung's Ring: The Valkyrie: Act Three: (The Ride Of The Valkyries) 'Hojotoho! Hojotoho!'
  5. The Nibelung's Ring: The Valkyrie: Act Three: 'Der Augen leuchtendes Paar' (Magic Fire Music) (Wotan)
  6. The Nibelung's Ring: Siegfried: Act Two: 'Aber, wie sah meine Mutter wohl aus?' (Forest Murmurs) (Siegfried)
  7. The Nibelung's Ring: Siegfried: Act Two: 'Nun sing! Ich lausche dem Gesang' (Siegfried, Woodbird)
  8. The Nibelung's Ring: Siegfried: Act Three: 'Heil dir, Sonne! Heil dir, Licht!' (Brunnhilde, Siegfried)
  9. The Nibelung's Ring: Twilight Of The Gods: Act Three: (Funeral March)
  10. The Nibelung's Ring: Twilight Of The Gods: Act Three: 'Fliegt heim, ihr Raben!' (Brunnhilde)

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Right For The Money.......2006-06-27

I've had this cd for as long as I can remember and love it. Some compilations want $30 and up for a Wagner opera, but this has it all condensed into one cd and it's both beautiful and inexpensive.

5 out of 5 stars Lovely moments from a disappointing Ring.......2005-10-07

Levine's Ring cycle was severely handicapped from the start by having no real siegfried and a Brunnhilde who is very musical but lacking a true Brunnhilde voice. Levine worked around these deficits, as every conductor since the heyday of Nilsson has had to do, with excellent musicianship and the wonderful MET Orchestra. HIs sound for Wagner is leaner than Solti's--one gets the feeling of an opera orchestra, not a huge symphony orchestra.
The cycle also suffered from Levine's extremely leisurely pace, which seems slack rather than profound.

That said, DG has made a silk purse of of half a sow's ear. These excerpts show off the best in Levine's approach and skirt the worst. One would have liked to hear much more of James Morris's Wotan, since he was by far the star of the show. Hildegard Behrens is heard to good effect in the Immolaiton Scene that ends the cycle, as well as the Awakening Scene from Siegfried. The orchestral excerpts are gorgeously played, and even though I would not rank any single opera from Levine's Ring as the best on record, this "compact Ring" is excellent on its own.

4 out of 5 stars A good introduction.......2005-08-08

A solid, well-rounded compilation of highlights from Richard Wagner's musically sublime, vocally gargantuan, and dramatically unsurpassed Der Ring des Nibelungen is a rare find. Deutsche Grammophon released a two-disc set of highlights from Karajan's Ring Cycle through its Panorama collection; Philips released a similar set from Karl Böhm's glorious live 1966-67 Bayreuth recordings. This collection of highpoints from James Levine's late-1980s/early-1990s rendering of the operatic epic through the Metropolitan Opera is not as successful. This is indeed a shame, for Levine masters Wagner's scores with surprising versatility; he crafts a fairly slow, precise, but deeply moving and rewarding musical portrait of the composer's Rhineland of yore which sparks more than a few memories of the most highly regarded studio recording of the four operas: Sir Georg Solti's (and, for all intents and purposes, producer and innovator John Culshaw's) and the Wiener Philharmoniker's triumph on Decca.

What results is a compelling but not overwhelming exhibition disc for James Morris and Hildegard Behrens, the former as a gravelly, sonorous Wotan, and the latter as a svelte, willowy Brünnhilde. Morris is certainly superior to the archaic, defeated Hans Hotter of Solti's Die Walküre (and, arguably, Theo Adam in Böhm's and Thomas Stewart in Karajan's) during his farewell to Brünnhilde ("Der Augen leuchtendes Paar"). Behrens is no Nilsson (nor a Dernesch, nor a Crespin) but she is, nonetheless, a very lovely Valkyrie, both in the Awakening Scene ("Heil dir, Sonne! Heil dir, Licht!") and in the Immolation Scene ("Fliegt heim, ihr Raben!"). Reiner Goldberg is competent as Siegfried in the Waldweben ("Aber, wie sah meine Mutter wohl aus?"), but he is far removed from the realms of Wolfgang Windgassen and Jess Thomas. Jessye Norman is a mature but lyrically radiant Sieglinde. Kathleen Battle supplies her sugary, enchanting tone for the small but potent role of the Woodbird. Siegfried Jerusalem makes a brief appearance as Loge (in a definitely less caricatured capacity than Gerhard Stolze). Mark Baker is a plain but virile Froh. Hei-Kyung Hong, Diane Kesling, and Meredith Parsons are particularly harmonious as the Rheintöchter.

However, the rest of the soloists are barely nonexistent. Christa Ludwig is insultingly truncated as Fricka. Ekkehard Wlaschiha's Alberich (which rivals the interpretations of Gustav Neidlinger and Zoltan Kélémén) is heard only twice. Matti Salminen's Hagen is limited to a sole outburst of "Zurück vom Ring!" Other noted performances from Levine's Ring are deleted entirely: Heinz Zednik's slimy but very human Mime, Kurt Moll's baleful Hunding, Cheryl Studer's Gutrune, and Bernd Weikl's Gunther.

In spite of everything, this "compact Ring" is an item to have simply for Levine's presentation of the Walkürenritt ("Hojotoho! Hojotoho!"). The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra is in superb form and the eight furious, calamitous voices of Wotan's battle maidens (supplied by Marita Napier, Linda Kelm, Reinhild Runkel, Ruthild Engert, Marilyn Mims, Anne Wilkens, Kesling, and Parsons) mesh in a tapestry of thunderous doom and emotion.

5 out of 5 stars Incredible. Levine/Met is the Wagner to buy........2005-02-05

I have the complete Ring cycle from which these highlights are taken. Chances are if you're browsing Wagner recordings you're already aware of how powerful and profound "Der Ring" is, so I'll just say what you want to know: BUY THIS CD. No other Wagner CD I've heard comes close. Usually I disagree with at least some tempo or phrasing choices of even the most famous conductors, but I must bow to Levine on this one. Not once did I ever think that I would've made a different choice, allowing me to become completely immersed in the music. For a classically trained musician like myself, this is no small feat since I've been conditioned to analyze what I hear almost automatically. The fact that these recordings are so good that they make me forget about mechanics makes this not only of the best Wagner recordings I have but one of the best classical CDs I own, period.

NOTE: If you like this CD, then trust me--just buy the whole "Ring" set conducted by Levine. It's expensive (over $100), but it's 14 CDs and one of the best musical investments you'll ever make.

5 out of 5 stars Great driving music.......2004-12-29

I have seen the Ring Cycle a couple of times live over the years. I also have the videos and some lengthy recordings. So periodically I refresh my self with the story. However I find "The Compact Ring" fun fro listing to in the car. As with any copulation it is someone else's idea of the highlights. But it comes close enough for me. And what is on the CD is excellent.
This also makes a good introduction.

Bryn Terfel - Opera Arias / MET, Levine
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Look out world
  • What fun!
  • I LOVE YOU, BRYN!
  • awesome..
  • Why do people think this guy can SING???
 Bryn Terfel - Opera Arias / MET, Levine
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Jacques Offenbach , Charles Gounod , Alexander Borodin , Gaetano Donizetti , Gioachino Rossini , Giuseppe Verdi , James Levine , Bryn Terfel , and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GP8
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

  1. Le nozze di Figaro: Non pirai, farfallone amoroso
  2. Don Giovanni: Deh, vieni alla finestra
  3. Don Giovanni: Madamina, il catalogo uesto
  4. Cosi fan tutte: Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo
  5. Die Zauberfl Der Vogelfer bin ich ja
  6. Tannher: Wie Todesahnung Drung deckt die Lande...O du mein holder Abendstern
  7. Der Fliegende Holler: Die Frist ist um
  8. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Allez!...Pour te livrer combat...Seintille, diamant
  9. Faust: Vous qui faites l'endormie
  10. Prince Igor: Ni sna ni otdycha izmucennoj duse
  11. Don Pasquale: Bella siccome un angelo
  12. La Cenerentola: Miei rampolli femminini
  13. Macbeth: Perfidi! All'anglo contra me v'unite!
  14. Falstaff: Ehi! paggio!...L'Onore!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Look out world.......2006-01-20

Maestro Terfel throws down the vocal gauntlet in this tour de force offering of selected opera arias and dares any male singer, future or current, to pick it up. From the elegance and humor of Mozart, to the giddy delights of Rossini, and the vocal power of Verdi, Bryn Terfel diplays clearly why he is the preeeminent bass-baritone of our age. Short of some misguided forays into American Musical Theater, there seems to be nothing that this proetean singer cannot do. James Levine leads the bravura Met Orchestra with equal parts style and substance. A must have for a fan of great singing and artful music making.

4 out of 5 stars What fun!.......2005-11-22

This is definitely the best recording of the selections chosen from "le Nozze de Figaro" I have ever heard. Terfel has a wonderful sense of musical humour, and is able to make his voice do seemingly, whatever he likes. In fact I think one could liken his voice to a big red bouncy ball, it's so round and fun to play with, you can tell that he himself has fun using it. However this is the only one of his albums I have really fallen in love with, in spite of listening to quite a few. Some of the same pieces are on his other cds, but not as well-sung as in this one.

5 out of 5 stars I LOVE YOU, BRYN!.......2005-06-03

Terfel is amazing. The voice is warm, wide and sensous, and the acting is top-notch. This recital is the best recording I have heard of him outside full operas, where he is (of course) at his best. Every peice on it is a gem, but especially the first five Mozart arias. You will never hear a better Catologue Aria. I make it a point to listen to his at least once a week.
If you are an opera lover and (God forbid!) have not yet stumbled upon Terfel, this is an excellent introduction. And by the way, you needn't be a singer to appreciate his voice - I know very little of the technicalities of singing (about as much as a year in the church choir can give you), but I play the violin and we violinists are very keen on singers who know what they are doing. In the words of my violin teacher, Terfel is "charming!"

5 out of 5 stars awesome.........2004-03-10

this is an awesome cd. if you're a fan of Bryn Terfel, you should buy this. you'll enjoy every song in this cd. I also recommend his recital dvd.

ps) don't listen to what the guy under my review said. i don't think this person knows how to sing.

1 out of 5 stars Why do people think this guy can SING???.......2004-02-09

It baffles me that people think that Bryn Terfel is a great singer. It sounds like he is SINGING HOLDING HIS NOSE CLOSED. Absolutely AWFUL. Just because you can sing LOUD and POWERFUL does NOT mean you are GOOD. I would rather listen to my dishwasher running than this stuff!! The TONE of the voice is what matters to MOST people, and this guy doesn't have it. If you want to hear a beautiful voice, do yourself a favor and go buy Josh Groban's new CD, Closer. You won't regret it!!
James Levine's 25th Anniversary Metropolitan Opera Gala
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • James Levine's 25th Anniversary Met Opera Gala
  • Passing the acid test
  • Great cd
  • Great variety of fantastic singers!
 James Levine's 25th Anniversary Metropolitan Opera Gala
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Giuseppe Verdi , Georges Bizet , Franz Lehár , Charles Gounod , Gustave Charpentier , Johann Strauss II , Jules Massenet , Camille Saint-Saëns , Richard Wagner , Jacques Offenbach , Richard Strauss , Metropolitan Opera Orchestra , James Levine , Plácido Domingo , Renée Fleming , Birgit Nilsson , Bryn Terfel , Roberto Alagna , Anne Sofie von Otter , Samuel Ramey , Ileana Cotrubas , Dolora Zajick , Jerry Hadley , Hei-Kyung Hong , Kiri Te Kanawa , Ruth Ann Swenson , Hakan Hagegard , Karita Mattila , Alfredo Kraus , Grace Bumbry , and Deborah Voigt
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GRR
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

  1. Les Pecheurs De Perles: 'Au Fond Du Temple Saint'
  2. Louise: 'Depuis Le Jour'
  3. Faust: Duet From Act I
  4. Giuditta: 'Meine Lippen Sie Kuessen So Heiss'
  5. Don Carlo: 'O Don Fatale!'
  6. Don Giovanni: Sextet From Act II
  7. Romeo et Juliette: Juliet's Waltz ('Je Veux Vivre')
  8. Die Fledermaus: Watch Duet ('Dieser Anstand, So Manierlich')
  9. Werther: 'Pourquoi Me Reveiller'
  10. Samson et Dalila: 'Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix'
  11. Tannhauser: 'Dich, Teure Halle'
  12. La Perichole: 'Ah, Quel Diner'
  13. Der Rosenkavalier: Trio From Act III
  14. A Tribute To James Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars James Levine's 25th Anniversary Met Opera Gala.......2006-08-14

It is an incredibly beautiful album. As with any album I like some pieces better than the next but overall it is beautiful and soothing. I keep it in the car and listen to it in horrid traffic time. It helps!

5 out of 5 stars Passing the acid test.......2004-07-04

My acid test is whether I leave the CD in the player for repeated (and repeated) playings. This one makes my cut. Every track is not as marvelous as some, but each has its charms. The whole adds up to a delicious opera excursion.

I saw this live and was completely captivated. Without the visuals, it is just as wonderful. I too wish they would release the rest of this marathon extravaganza. It deserves to be memorialized.

5 out of 5 stars Great cd.......2003-08-13

i recommend this cd it's great to listen to while walking the dog.Opera makes fluffy happy.

5 out of 5 stars Great variety of fantastic singers!.......2002-01-07

This is as good as it gets. An awesome roster of international stars singing some of the best (but not the most well known) selections in all of opera, and of course James Levine, the man they are all celebrating. It almost goes without saying that Levine's conducting is without comparison throughout the recording. He is truly one of the best conductors of the last thirty years, and he has molded the Met Orchestra into the best in the world. This celebration perfectly captures the incredibly broad repertoire that he is familiar for. It starts out with a well-rounded performance of the famous duet from The Pearl Fishers by Bryn Terfel and Roberto Alagana. When I bought the CD I had never heard the incredible melody that forms the theme of the duet, but it is one of the best in all of opera. Renee Flemming gives a performance of "Despuis le jour" that would be hard to match for sheer vocal beauty. Her final pianisimo is stunning. Domingo and Ramey sing a typically excellent performance of the Faust duet, while Ileana Cotrubas, in a Lehar excerpt shows why she was one of the best lyric sopranos of the last 25 years. "O don fatale" as sung by Dolora Zajick is the thrilling experience it should be. She nails the top notes perfectly and still maintains the warm fullness of the bottom of her register. The 'bravas' start almost before she finishes her final note. The sextet from Don Giovanni is given a world class performance (I have never heard it done better). Ruth Ann Swenson displays awesome coluratura ability in Juliet's lively waltz song, soaring to a high D in the final cadenza. I am not a big fan of Die Fledermaus, but if you are you will surely love the included duet. I was also never a big Alfredo Kraus fan, and I think he sounds more than a bit strained while singing the famous aria from Werther. Not so Grace Bumbry, who's seductive performance of Delila's music should be the standard for this aria. Deborah Voight's Tannhauser is impeccable, while Frederica von Stade sounds a little shrill in her aria. To round out the program is possibly the most exquisite performance ever of some of the most gorgeous music ever written; the final trio from Die Rosenkavalier. It will make a Strauss convert out of anyone.
There are no problems with the live sound, which is crisp, clean and sounds like it could have come from a recording studio. My only complaint is the lack of an overture or other orchestral number that would showcae the Met orchetra. Overall a CD well worth your money. Hopefully DG will release another CD soon with the rest of the concert. You won't find these selections anywhere else so every minute of it will be new and fresh. Fantastic for hard core opera fans or beginners. Highly Recommended!

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