Take You High [CD-single] [Import]

Take You High [CD-single] [Import]

Take You High [CD-single] [Import]

Track Listings
 
1. Take You High (Edit)
2. Old Time Religion
3. Haunt You
4. Word Up

Take You High,Willis,Wea International,5"CD Singles,Pop,Rock
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!
  • One of the best cds I ever bought.
  • Never Sounded Better
  • Somewhere Over The Rainbow
  • "Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us"
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Ultimate Broadway
  2. Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need
  3. The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology)
  4. Greatest Hits: Broadway
  5. That's Entertainment!: The Best Of The M-G-M Musicals - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

ASIN: B000066RO5
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

  1. Singin In The Rain - Gene Kelly
  2. Theres No Business Like Show Business - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern
  3. 'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary
  4. Thats Entertainment! - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant
  5. Stranger In Paradise - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone
  6. Easter Parade - Judy Garland & Fred Astaire
  7. Lullaby Of Broadway - Winifred Shaw, Dick Powell & Chorus
  8. Get Happy - Judy Garland
  9. Night And Day - Fred Astaire
  10. True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
  11. Honeysuckle Rose - Lena Horne w/ Benny Carter & His Orchestra
  12. They Cant Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
  13. Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Nancy Walker & The M-G-M Studio Chorus w/ Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
  14. Baby, Its Cold Outside - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban
  15. For Me And My Gal - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
  16. Puttin On The Ritz - Clark Gable & Co.
  17. Hallelujah! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs & Co.
  18. Bless Yore Beautiful Hide - Howard Keel
  19. Taking A Chance On Love - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
  20. As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson w/ Elliot Carpenter (Bonus Track)
  21. Laras Theme (Main Title) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (Bonus Track)

Tracks:

  1. Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
  2. Its A Most Unusual Day - Jane Powell
  3. Wunderbar - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel
  4. Cant Help Lovin Dat Man - Ava Gardner
  5. Going Hollywood - Bing Crosby
  6. The Trolley Song - Judy Garland, The M-G-M Studio Chorus
  7. Gigi - Louis Jourdan
  8. I Got Rhythm - Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney & Co.
  9. Aba Daba Honeymoon - Debbie Reynolds, Carleton Carpenter & M-G-M Studio Chorus
  10. The Lady Is A Tramp - Lena Horne
  11. The Best Things In Life Are Free - June Allyson & Peter Lawford
  12. Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire
  13. A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong
  14. Put 'Em In A Box - Doris Day & The Page Cavanaugh Trio
  15. If Swing Goes, I Go Too - Fred Astaire
  16. Almost Like Being In Love - Gene Kelly
  17. Lets Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
  18. Be A Clown - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
  19. Embraceable You - Connie Francis
  20. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe - Judy Garland & Co.
  21. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Fred Astaire

Amazon.com

The "Golden Age" referred to here spans The Jazz Singer and the advent of the talkies to the death throes of the old studio system in the 1960s. So vast was the era's musical landscape that even this 42-track, double-disc anthology can't encompass all its peaks. Not surprisingly, the bulk of this collection originated with the Tiffany's of the screen musical, M-G-M, a body of work whose riches here encompass both pop-cultural bedrock ("Over the Rainbow," "Singin' in the Rain," "There's No Business Like Show Business," etc.) and some less familiar, if equally delightful star turns: Clark Gable gamely "Puttin' On the Ritz"; the sassy, 1948 original of "The Lady Is a Tramp" by Lena Horne; and a loopy duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban. Fred Astaire's elegant, epochal reign at RKO and M-G-M is represented by "Night and Day," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and three others, while Metro mainstays Gene Kelly and Judy Garland share equal time and billing. It's not perfect--Cagney's "Yankee Doodle Boy" and/or some Sinatra seem more logical choices than the odd "bonus" duet of Casablanca's "As Time Goes By" and "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago that close out disc one--but it's a stunning, surprisingly comprehensive primer on the Hollywood film musical nonetheless. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!.......2006-11-18

Everything that happens in life
Can happen in a show
You can make 'em laugh
You can make 'em cry
Anything
Anything can go....

The clown with his pants falling down
Or the dance that's a dream of romance
Or the scene where the villain is mean
That's entertainment!

The lights on the lady in tights
Or the bride with the guy on the side
Or the ball where she gives him her all
That's entertainment!

The plot and the hot simply teeming with $ex
A gay divorcee who is after her ex
It could be Oedipus Rex
Where a chap kills his father
And causes a lot of bother

The clerk who is thrown out of work
By the boss who is thrown for a loss
By the skirt who is doing him dirt

The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment!

This two CD set amply proves that the musical melodies and lyrics from the golden age of the Hollywood musical remain unsurpassed to this day. This generous two CD set offers 42 incredible songs from Hollywood classic musicals. Most of these fine numbers are indeed from MGM, as Amazon correctly notes; but there are some RKO numbers and even a little from Warner Brothers. Thank goodness, though, that most of these songs came from MGM movies; MGM was the only studio that could boast that it truly had "more stars than there are in the heavens."

I love so many songs on these two CDs. Of course, there's the unforgettable classic "Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland; she also performs "Easter Parade" and "Get Happy" on this two CD set and she carries most of the tune for "I Got Rhythm" even though Mickey Rooney helps her a little. I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for its' romantic overtones; and Lena Horne's "The Lady Is A Tramp" is flawless! We also get a rare chance to hear Clark Gable sing in "Puttin' On The Ritz;" and Bing Crosby's "Going Hollywood" may be brief but it's a fun song anyway.

There are two "bonus" tracks on the first CD: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca and "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. "As Time Goes By" is a good choice; it is another unsurpassed classic song that brings back memories and touches even the hardest of hearts. "Lara's Theme," however, is from the mid 1960s and I don't consider this period to be part of the "golden age" of Hollywood musicals.

The liner notes are excellent and they offer wonderful photos of the stars as well. The cover art is well done and the reverse cover art tells which movie each song is from and who is performing each song. Moreover, the quality of the sound is excellent especially when you consider that these numbers were recorded quite a few decades ago.

In short, this superlative two CD highlights the glory of the Hollywood musical when a certain type of sophistication dominated professional movie production. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Hollywood musicals, classic pop vocals and fans of the artists and actors who perform on this two CD set.

5 out of 5 stars One of the best cds I ever bought. .......2006-06-07

What an amazon collection of songs! This is bar none my favorite cd just because of the variety and the quality of songs on it. I love music from this era, and this cd is the perfect companion to my life. Love it! Buy it, you won't regret it for a moment!

1 out of 5 stars Never Sounded Better.......2006-03-16

Apart from the great selection of soundtracks, what really makes this compilation top value is the quality of the sound processing. Executed with finesse, these tracks sound better than when first issued and many are unedited, fuller versions: like "Singing In The Rain", for example. Throw in the great price, and this double disc set is a "must have" for all lovers of classic movie music.

5 out of 5 stars Somewhere Over The Rainbow.......2006-02-24

A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!!

5 out of 5 stars "Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us".......2005-07-13

Rhino Records and Turner Classic Movies Music present - "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS", some of the long ago musicals and stars that will never be forgotten...a 2-CD-Set covering several decades from 1935-1965 with many of the show stoppers of that time...some rare moments from entertainers that you haven't heard or thought of in sometime.

The lineup is fantastic and gives the listener a variety of what musicals were all about in the "Golden Age of the Hollywood Musicals"
June Allyson, Kay Armen, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Ann Blyth, Jack Buchanan, Louis Calhern, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Doris Day, Nanette Fabray, Connie Francis, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Kathyrn Grayson, Georges Guetary, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Louis Jourdan, Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Peter Lawford, Oscar Levant, Ann Miller, Ricardo Montalban, Page Cavanaugh Trio, Debbie Reynolds, Winifred Shaw, Nancy Walker, Ethel Waters, Esther Williams, Dooley Williams and Keenan Wynn.

On Disc One 21 Classic Songs from great musicals with songs in alphabetical order:
AS TIME GOES BY - Dooley Wilson with Elliot Carpenter, pianist (1942)
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban (1949)
BLESS, YORE BEAUTIFUL HIDE - Howard Keel (1954)
EASTER PARADE - Fred Astaire & Judy Garland (1948)
FOR ME AND MY GAL - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland (1942)
GET HAPPY - Judy Garland (1950)
HALLELUJAH! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs (for Russ Tamblyn) (1955)
HONEYSUCKLE ROSE - Lena Horne with Benny Carter & His Orchestra (1943)
LARA'S THEME (MAIN TITLE) - M-G-M Studio Orchestra (1965)
LULLABY OF BROADWAY - Winifred Shaw & Dick Powell (1935)
MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET - Nancy Walker with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (1944)
NIGHT AND DAY - Fred Astaire (1934)
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ - Clark Gable & Company (1939)
'S WONDERFUL - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary (1951)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Gene Kelly (1951)
STRANGER IN PARADISE - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone (1955)
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson (1943)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant (1953)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern (1950)
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME - Fred Astaire (1949)
TRUE LOVE - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly (1956)

On Disc Two more memorable performances from the Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals:
A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Louis Armstrong (1951)
ABA DABA HONEYMOON - Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter (1950)
ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE - Gene Kelly (1954)
BE A CLOWN - Judy Garland & Gene Kelly (1948)
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE - June Allyson & Peter Lawford (1947)
CAN'T HELP LOVIN' DAT MAN - Ava Gardner (beautiful woman, who my youngest grandaughter is named after...Avalon) (1951)
CHEEK TO CHEEK - Fred Astaire (1935)
EMBRACEABLE YOU - Connie Francis (1965)
GIGI - Louis Jourdan (1958)
GOING HOLLYWOOD - Bing Crosby (1933)
I GOT RHYTHM - Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney (1943)
IF SWING GOES, I GO TOO - Fred Astaire (1946)
IT'S A MOST UNUSUAL DAY - Jane Powell (1948)
LADY IS A TRAMP - Lena Horne (1948)
LET'S FACE THE MUSIC AND DANCE - Fred Astaire (1936)
ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE - Judy Garland & Company (1946)
ONE FOR MY BABY (AND ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD) - Fred Astaire (1943)
OVER THE RAINBOW - Judy Garland (became her theme song for the rest of her life) (1939)
PUT 'EM IN A BOX - Doris Day & the Page Cavanaugh Trio (1948)
THE TROLLEY SONG - Judy Garland & MGM Studio Chorus (1944)
WUNDERBAR - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel (two of MGM's favorite singing duos) (1953)

It was once said by the songwriters of that era - "There are two artists you want perform your songs on the big screen, they are Fred Astaire and Judy Garland they sing it just the way we wrote it, for which you will have a guaranteed hit on your hands"...well, this collections certainly has some merit to that statement...because with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire performing seven songs each, there must be something to it.

This collection of musicals still has the magic that we remember from those bygone years...but as long as we have the labels and networks who play and show these wonderful films of yesteryear, they will never be forgotten...hats off to Rhino Records, George Feltenstein (producer) and Doug Schwartz (engineer) and Turner Classic Movies for sharing those 42 selections from 42 films...celebrating decades of the tunes and artists that gave it their all...from what it commonly called "The Hollywood Dream Factory"...The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals is still among us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino Records 78323 ~ (6/02/2002)
The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Well worth the price
  • Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
  • Where's the chicks?!?!
  • Not quite the ultimate....
  • Great Music - Questionable Selection
The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Brannigan, OwenBrannigan, Owen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
  2. Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
  3. Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  4. Topsy-Turvy
  5. The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

  1. H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
  2. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
  3. H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
  4. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
  5. H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
  6. H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
  7. H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
  8. H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
  9. H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
  10. The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
  11. The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
  12. The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
  13. The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
  14. The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
  15. Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
  16. The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
  17. The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
  18. The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
  19. The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
  20. The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
  21. The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
  22. The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
  23. The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
  24. The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
  25. The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
  26. The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
  27. The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
  28. The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
  29. The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

3 out of 5 stars Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

2 out of 5 stars Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

4 out of 5 stars Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.
John Barry: The Collection
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra needs a guitar player!
  • Persuaders Theme!
  • A Variety Of Classics!
  • Incredible Barry Collection
  • " one of cinema's greatest composers...John Barry"
John Barry: The Collection

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie ScoresMovie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
SoundtracksSoundtracks | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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  1. The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music
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  5. Eternal Echoes

ASIN: B00005BADD
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

  1. Zulu
  2. From Russia With Love
  3. From Russia With Love - 007
  4. Goldfinger
  5. The Ipcress File
  6. The Knack
  7. Mister Moses
  8. Thunderball
  9. The Wrong Box
  10. Born Free
  11. The Quiller Memorandum
  12. You Only Live Twice
  13. The Girl With The Sun In Her Hair
  14. Deadfall

Tracks:

  1. The Lion In Winter
  2. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
  3. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
  4. Midnight Cowboy
  5. Midnight Cowboy
  6. The Appointment
  7. The Last Valley
  8. Walkabout
  9. Monte Walsh
  10. Diamonds Are Forever
  11. The Persuaders
  12. Mary Queen Of Scots
  13. The Man With The Golden Gun
  14. The Dove

Tracks:

  1. The Tamarind Seed
  2. King Kong
  3. Eleanor And Franklin
  4. Robin And Marian
  5. The Deep
  6. Hanover Street
  7. The Black Hole
  8. Moonraker
  9. Somewhere In Time
  10. Raise The Titanic
  11. Body Heat
  12. Frances
  13. Octopussy
  14. The Cotton Club

Tracks:

  1. High Road To China
  2. A View To A Kill
  3. Out Of Africa
  4. The Living Daylights
  5. Dances With Wolves
  6. Dances With Wolves
  7. Chaplin
  8. Moviola
  9. Indecent Proposal
  10. The Specialist
  11. The Scarlet Letter
  12. Cry The Beloved Country
  13. Mercury Rising
  14. The James Bond Theme

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra needs a guitar player!.......2006-11-09

Granted, they only need it for one composition (the last one, "The James Bond Theme") but still, without the guitar it's just not the same. Barry didn't compose this one so I suppose it was a bonus and I shouldn't complain, really. The rest of the music on all the CDs is fantastic. Some of the stuff I had heard before without realizing who had composed it. Very enjoyable, to say the least.

5 out of 5 stars Persuaders Theme!.......2006-03-02

Buy it for the Persuaders theme, probably the best TV theme song ever written.

5 out of 5 stars A Variety Of Classics!.......2005-12-06

John Barry has been composing film scores for over forty years and this is only scratching the surface of his productions. Never mind that the entire set is recorded by the Prague Philharmonic; it's pure to Barry's themes. While John Williams compositions ("Star Wars", etc.) are wild and flamboyant and Jerry Goldsmith's (Hoosier's, etc.) are mood pieces, John Barry crosses over all barriers and is amazingly diverse. Barry has recorded most of the exciting James Bond themes, melodramatic classics like "The Lion In Winter' and moody theme hits like "Midnight Cowboy". He also tugs at the heartstrings with compositions from, "Somewhere In Time", "Frances" and "Out Of Africa". He varies his themes for all types of films and few composers capture it so well.

There is over four hours of music in this set with a colorful and informative booklet.

5 out of 5 stars Incredible Barry Collection.......2004-03-11

Any fan of movies will absolutley love this collection. Being a movie buff I couldn't wait to get this boxed set. Knowing Barry from all the James Bond movies, I did not realize his involvement with so many others. The orchestra is magnificent in all these themes. I'm listening to "High Road to China" right now and I'm drifting in the clouds in a Tiger Moth with Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong. If you are familiar with a movie it will definitely have you seeing it again, if not the scores are still beautiful. Any fan of classical music will be pleased as well. Travellers will defintitely enjoy it for a long drive. I know from when I use to travel that music like this made the miles float by faster. I highly recommend these four CDs even if you just know a handful of the songs.

5 out of 5 stars " one of cinema's greatest composers...John Barry".......2001-07-06

This collection of four compact discs...are worth their weight in GOLD! Barry creates visual moods for each film he scores...romantic, sentimental, action, adventure, suspense and mystery...the list could go on. Strings, brass and lush-velvet arrangements overlay each cue in his distinctive style of legendary scoring...we have ~ "John Barry:The Collection", Silva Screen's release traces 40 years of film music, featuring "The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra" ~ conducted by Mr. Nic Raine (outstanding)..."Crouch End Festival Chorus" ~ David Temple, Choir Master...perform 56 selections, over four hours of symphonic suites with a full orchestra sound...all individually wrapped-up into one neat package...just the way "film-score-buffs" like 'em!

Must ask the following to take a bow ~ James Fitzpatrick (compilation producer), always in their pitching, Reynold da Silva (executive producer), Nic Raine (conductor, arranger, orchestrator & associate producer), a tremen!dous asset to every project he undertakes...and the man who made it all possible...a legendary icon always leading the way in film scoring ~ JOHN BARRY!

Total Time: 258:76 on 56 Tracks ~ SSD-1128 ~ (2001)

You might try other albums from Silva Screen, all worthy of a good listen ~ "The Essential James Bond" (SSD-1034)..."Bond:Back In Action" (SSD-1100)..."Bond:Back In Action 2" (SSD-1119)..."Zulu" (SSD-1095)..."Raise The Titanic" (SSD-1102)..."Walkabout" (SSD-1120)...check out my reviews on amazon.com/music.
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

    Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    TriosTrios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Concerto GrossiConcerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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    GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Trio SonatasTrio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00062FLI8
    Release Date: 2004-11-30
    Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • I waited for this for five years
    • Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
    • ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
    • SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
    • A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans
    Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
    2. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
    3. Evita (Original London Cast)
    4. Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
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    ASIN: B00005R5UJ
    Release Date: 2001-11-20

    Tracks:

    1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
    3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
    4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
    5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
    6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
    7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
    8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
    9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
    10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
    11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
    12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
    13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
    14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
    15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
    16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
    17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
    18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
    19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

    Tracks:

    1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
    2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
    3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
    4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
    5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
    6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
    7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
    8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
    9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
    10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
    11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
    13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
    14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
    15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
    16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
    17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
    18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
    19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

    Tracks:

    1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
    2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
    3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
    4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
    5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
    6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
    7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
    8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
    9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
    10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
    11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
    12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
    13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
    14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
    15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
    16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
    18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
    19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
    20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

    Tracks:

    1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
    2. Memory - Betty Buckley
    3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
    4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
    5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
    6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
    7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
    8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
    9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
    10. With One Look - Petula Clark
    11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
    12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
    13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
    14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
    15. No Matter What - Boyzone
    16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
    17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
    18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

    Tracks:

    1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
    2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
    3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
    4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
    5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
    6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
    7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
    8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
    9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
    10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
    11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
    12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
    13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
    14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
    15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
    16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
    17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
    18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
    20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
    21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
    22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

    Album Description

    Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

    Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

    Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

    CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

    Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

    Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
    It was worth the wait.

    The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
    I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
    The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

    I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

    There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

    But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

    First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

    Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

    On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
    So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

    The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

    There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

    With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

    Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

    In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

    Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

    4 out of 5 stars ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

    Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

    Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

    Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

    * Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

    * Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

    * ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

    * Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

    * The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


    Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

    5 out of 5 stars SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

    "Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
    Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
    ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
    Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

    4 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

    This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
    The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
    My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
    A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!
    Jussi Björling Edition: Studio Recordings 1930-1959
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Superb!
    • Beatiful singing - but where are the Swedish texts?
    • if you like bjorling this is the best thing you can get!
    • The ULTIMATE Collection
    • Definitive survey of one of the finest singers on record
    Jussi Björling Edition: Studio Recordings 1930-1959

    Manufacturer: Angel Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Jussi Björling Rediscovered
    2. Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection
    3. The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
    4. Jussi Björling: Opera Arias
    5. Voices of Firestone: Jussi Bjorling

    ASIN: B000002S9L
    Release Date: 1998-01-20

    Tracks:

    1. Aida: Se quel guerrier...Celeste Aida
    2. Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
    3. La Boheme: Che gelida manina
    4. Tosca: Recondita armonia
    5. TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
    6. La fanciulla del West: Ch'ella mi creda
    7. La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
    8. L'africaine: Mi batte Il cor...O paradiso
    9. Ideale
    10. O sole mio
    11. The Vagabond King: Only A Rose
    12. For You Alone
    13. Manon: Instant Carmant ... En ferman les yeux
    14. Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
    15. Faust: Salut! demeure chaste et pure
    16. Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
    17. Martha: Cujus animam
    18. Messa da requiem: Ingemisco
    19. Il Trovatore: Ah si ben mio
    20. Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
    21. Il Trovatore: Ah si, ben mio
    22. Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
    23. Rigoletto: Questa o quella

    Tracks:

    1. La Boheme: O soave faniculla
    2. Rigoletto: E il sol dell'anima
    3. Rigoletto: Questa o quella
    4. Un Ballo in Maschera: Di' tu se fedele
    5. Turnadot: Nessun dorma!
    6. Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
    7. Fedora: Amor ti vieta
    8. Cavalleria Rusticana: Mamma!...Quel vino
    9. Pagliacci: Recita! ... Vesti la giubba
    10. Mattinata
    11. L'Elisir D'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
    12. Les Pecheurs De Perles: Je crois entendre encore
    13. Romeo et Juliette: Ah! leve-tol, soleil!
    14. Manon: Je suis seul! ... Ah! fuyez, douce image
    15. L'arlesiana: E la solita storia
    16. Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola
    17. Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
    18. Tosca: Recondita armonia
    19. Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
    20. La Boheme: O soave fanciulla
    21. Romeo et Juliette: Ange adorable
    22. Jocelyn: Concealed In This Retreat
    23. L'albe separa dalla luve l'ombra

    Tracks:

    1. Romeo et Juliette: Hoj dig, du klara sol
    2. Rigoletto: O, I kvinnor: Questa o quella
    3. L'illustre Fregona: Fylld av vemod sanker sig natten: Melancolque tombe le soir
    4. Knyaz (Prince) Igor: Dagen gick langsamt till ro: Vladimir's Cavatina: Medlenno den' ugasal
    5. Tosca: Det skona star att finna: Ricondita armonia
    6. Tosca: Ja minns stjarnorna lyste: E lucevan le stelle
    7. Rigoletto: Ack, som ett fjun sa latt: La donna e mobile
    8. Il Trovatore: Skyhogt mot himlen
    9. Pagliacci: Spela komedi! ... Pudra ditt anlet: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
    10. Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola
    11. La fanciulla del West: Lat henne tro: Ch'ella mi creda
    12. Fanal: I manner over lag och ratt
    13. Sadko: I sonderns hav
    14. La Belle Helene: Uti en skog pa berget Ida
    15. Der Zigeunerbaron: Vem har oss vigt?
    16. Der Bettelstudent: Skall jag tala ... Antag det fall
    17. Der Bettelstudent: Ny ar jag pank och fagelgri: Ich hab keion Geld, bin vogelfrei
    18. Nar hag for mig shalv i morka skogen gar
    19. Bland skogens hoga furustammar
    20. Ack Varmeland, du skona
    21. Allt under himmelens faste
    22. Tonerna
    23. Sommarnatt: I de lyse naetter
    24. Ett Folk: Sverige
    25. Land, du valsignade
    26. Namner du Sverige

    Tracks:

    1. Adelaide
    2. Morgen
    3. Cacilie
    4. Bon i ofredstid
    5. Bisp Thomas frihetssang
    6. In The Silence Of Night
    7. Siren: Lilacs
    8. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
    9. Because
    10. Sylvia
    11. A Spirit Flower
    12. Ah, Love But A Day
    13. Tonerna: I Bless Ev'ry Hour
    14. Till havs
    15. Sangen till havest
    16. Visa king slandblom och manskara
    17. Jungfrun under lind
    18. Kung Helmer och Aslog
    19. Trollsjon
    20. Sa tag mit hjerte
    21. Demanten pa marssnon
    22. Cantique de Noel: Julsang (O helga natt) : Cantique de Noel

    Amazon.com

    This set tells you why Jussi Bjorling is a perennial entrant in the "Tenor of the Century" sweepstakes. Even as the voice darkens from the light lyric to the full, darker instrument of the later recordings, we hear a singer whose elegant style, lovely timbre and innate musicality touch the heart. Many of the selections are sung in Swedish, less of a liability than you might suppose. In whatever language, Bjorling's molten gold flows lavishly. He eschews the sobs and sentimentality that disfigure so much verismo repertory, making his points with stylish vocalism. He's been called a "cool" singer, but try his Puccini and Verdi arias on Disc One and you'll find more than enough vocal and emotional heat. The selections include many neglected Scandinavian songs, sung, like the arias, with a naturalness that disarms criticism. -- Dan Davis

    Amazon.com

    Swedish tenor Jussi Björling gets many votes for the distinction of greatest all-time tenor. Up to the end, the voice projected a boyish vulnerability, though he also had enough stentorian power to sing the heavy Puccini roles and was ready to take on Lohengrin when he died. He was so deeply musical he eschewed the usual tenor vulgarity without ever slighting the music's theatricality. Even these four well-filled discs of arias and songs can't fully encompass the vocal riches he left behind, but there's a lot here, much of it from his earliest years and (hope you don't mind) sung in a Swedish translation. --David Patrick Stearns

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Superb!.......2001-07-29

    This is an wonderful compilation of one of the most incredible voices on record. Whether you are a new or old Bjorling fan -- and who could hear that voice and not be enthralled by it -- this is a fine CD to have. The quality of the recording is excellent, and the range in years, from 1930 to 1959, gives a splendid overview of his dazzling talent. In addition to many of the arias one might expect, there are also lieder and songs in Swedish, as well as some charming duets with Jussi's wife, Anna-Lisa. I have quite a few other Bjorling CDs, and this is one of the best in terms of quality and scope. It is a most worthy addition to any Bjorling collection, regardless of its size.

    3 out of 5 stars Beatiful singing - but where are the Swedish texts?.......2001-06-22

    This is an excellent collection, the best available overview of a great tenor.

    This would get 4 stars but has been marked down for only supplying token texts and translations in the large booklet. It is understandable (sort of) that the Italian opera excerpts don't merit texts and translations as (apart from the Callas recitals series) EMI generally doesn't provide texts with historical issues. However the tempting inclusion of a dozen or so texts to the Italian and Swedish songs makes one all the more aware of the miserliness of not providing all the texts.

    5 out of 5 stars if you like bjorling this is the best thing you can get!.......2000-06-26

    this is so awesome, i love his voice, this is good for anyone, the professional or just someone who wants to hear the greatest tenor of all times! this is so great

    5 out of 5 stars The ULTIMATE Collection.......1999-11-02

    When starting my Bjorling collection, I saw MANY CDs, with his early recordings. I was in a quandry as to what to buy, UNTIL I found this set. TRULY remarkable in many levels.FIRST and foremost, the voice. Captured in all levels, from the earliest to the latest. Truly wonderful, and the Swedish versions are a real treat to hear, don't worry, the Italian versions are here too!!Secondly, the remastering process. This set was remastered at Abbey Studios in London. For the first time I've heard, they actually pressed NEW 78s from the metal plates, and THEN remastered the new discs!!! Inspired, and the results--incredible.I find myself listening to Disc 3 the most. Very interesting, as it is the Swedish one. When the songs are terrific, along with the "standard" tenor arias, and it all comes together, it is PURE MAGIC!! I will admit that due to time limitations of recordings of this era, the opera house Bjorling is not fully conveyed. There are other CDs for that. Most notably "Romeo and Juliet", and for a REAL thrill, his ATLANTA concert, in STEREO, so much so, that the piano is even divided; left hand left, right hand right. Wait a minute, am I playing TWISTER??:-)) But if you want to skip all those unknown labels, you couldn't have a MORE complete set. ALL wit the great remastering I spoke of. Bjorling--His voice will NEVER die, at least in MY house!!!

    5 out of 5 stars Definitive survey of one of the finest singers on record.......1998-09-25

    Jussi Bjoerling was one of the greatest singers of the century. His voice is pure, effortless and yet thrilling. Even better than the quality of the voice is his style. He never scoops up to a note nor does he ever whoop down from one, instead, he uses perfect legato and faultless intonation to deliver the cleanest sound you'll ever hear from a tenor.

    This collection, from the large set of EMI recordings, provides a wonderful survey of Bjoerling's career. He was a straight 'spinto' tenor, that is, between a lyrical tenor (like Pavarotti) and a dramatic tenor (like Domingo). Most of the Puccini roles demand a spinto and those are the roles that Bjoerling was unbeatable in (particularly Des Grieux in Manon Lescaut). However, I think I most prize this collection for the songs sung in English on the last disc. I had some of them on a cassette I wore out in the car and others on a vinyl disc I wore out at home. For shear beauty of voice, the Berceuse by Jocelyn is stunning. For perfect diction, intonation and style, Love but a Day is breathtaking. Buy this set and I guarantee you'll fall in love with what many think is the finest voice on record.
    Carmen (Sung in English)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • English is an asset and a drawback
    • You Will Love Opera After Hearing Carmen In English
    • A wholly credible "Carmen" -- finally!
    • I love Carmen!
    Carmen (Sung in English)
    Bizet , Bardon , Gavin , Plazas , Magee , and Parry
    Manufacturer: Chandos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Mozart: The Magic Flute
    2. The Barber of Seville / B. Ford, D. Jones, A. Opie; G. Bellini [in English]
    3. Verdi: La Traviata
    4. Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro
    5. Mozart - Don Giovanni / Garry Magee · Cullagh · Banks · Plazas · Shore · Tierny · PO · David Parry

    ASIN: B00007JGRN
    Release Date: 2003-03-11

    Tracks:

    1. Prelude
    2. In The Plaza
    3. Just Look At That Delicious Morsel
    4. Here Come Our New Soldier Boys
    5. Jose! There Was A Girl Here Looking For You Just Now
    6. Off With You Old Soldier Boys
    7. Corporal! Sir!
    8. We Have Heard The Bell Summon Us To Meet Here
    9. Ah, Just Look!
    10. But Why Hasn't She Come, Our Carmencita?
    11. Love's A Bird Wild As Any Rebel
    12. Carmen! We Will Follow You High And Low!
    13. The Cheek Of It!
    14. Give Me News Of My Mother!
    15. Your Dear Mother And I Were Leaving Church This Morning
    16. I See My Mother's Face!
    17. Wait A Moment - I'm Going To Read The Letter
    18. Come And Help
    19. So, Corporal: Tell Me What Happened
    20. Well, Carmencita: What Do You Have To Say For Yourself?
    21. Where Are You Taking Me?
    22. There's An Old Bar In The City
    23. Careful - It's Lieutenant!
    24. Entr'acte
    25. From Far Away Mysterious Sounds
    26. Bravo, Bravo! More! Keep Dancing!
    27. Hurrah! Hurrah! The Torero!
    28. Who's That? It's Escamillo, The Bullfighter From Granada
    29. Hurrah! Hurrah! The Torero!
    30. You're Most Kind
    31. We'll Come With You, Senor Torero
    32. Toreador, Be Ready!
    33. At Last! We Got Rid Of Them As Quickly As We Could
    34. There's A Little Job That We're Starting!
    35. Being In Love Is Not A Reason

    Tracks:

    1. To Bid You Welcome To Our Bar
    2. La La La La La La La La...
    3. Back To Camp!... Go At Once!
    4. That Flow'r You Threw To Me I Treasured
    5. No, It's Not Love At All!
    6. Hello! Carmen!
    7. Lieutenant Fair, It's True
    8. The Sky Above The Open Road
    9. Entr'acte
    10. Keep Going, Dear Old Friend, Kep Going!
    11. Right! Let's Stop For A While
    12. Shuffle! Cut Them!
    13. In Vain You Would Avoid The Bitter Things They're Saying
    14. You're Back!
    15. As For That Man, It Should Be Easy!
    16. Is This The Place?
    17. I Say That There's Nothing To Fear
    18. It's Him! I'm Sure It's Him Over There!
    19. Escamillo Is My Name, And I Come From Granada
    20. She Had A Lover Here
    21. Hola! Hola! Jose!
    22. You Should Take Care, Carmen
    23. Alas! Jose, Your Mother Is Ill
    24. Entr'acte
    25. A Few Cuartos! A Few Cuartos!
    26. Here They Come! Here They Come!
    27. If You Love Me, Carmen
    28. It's You! It's Me!
    29. Viva! Viva! What A Corrida!

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars English is an asset and a drawback.......2004-07-20

    The best thing about this recording of Carmen is the libretto. Conductor David Parry penned this facile and dramatic English translation. He avoids the pitfalls of literal translation to achieve an idiomatic flow that matches the rhythm of the original lyrics. I use this as a reference libretto for any of the French Carmens.

    Unfortunately, the performance suffers from being sung in English. The singers declaim their parts with such proper British diction that Carmen comes across as a school marm. The spoken dialog is delivered beat for deliberate beat and is dripping with reverb. It makes the plaza, tavern and mountain pass all sound like a sewer pipe.

    This is a good first Carmen for someone trying to understand the work. The libretto itself is a good investment for further listening. For an enjoyable performance with an emphasis on character and action, I recommend Regina Resnik on the London Double Decker set.

    5 out of 5 stars You Will Love Opera After Hearing Carmen In English.......2004-02-09

    What a perfect introduction to opera. This newly released recording will surely get you hooked into opera. Carmen, a French opera by Georges Bizet, is the most recognizable and most popular in the opera world. It's famous melodies- the overture, the Habanera, The Toreador Song have all been featured in everything from cellular phone ring tones to Superbowl Commercial (last year's Superbowl with The "Opera In English" label has been making Italian operas into English for a number of years now. Also on the market are Verdi's La Traviata in English (with soprano Valerie Masterson as Violetta) Handel's Julius Caesar with Janet Baker and even Wagner's epic Ring Of The Nibeling sung in English. This is a terrific recording and I highly recommend it if you want to get into opera. Listen to this version first and then try the real, original French version Bizet had written. Patricia Bardon is sensational, sexy and dramatic as Carmen.

    The real strength of this version is the dynamic drama. With the advantage of being sung in English, we get better insight on characters' emotions and motives, and we understand the drama a lot better. Carmen is all about great drama. Bizet drew the plot from the French writer Prosper Merimee's dark short story. Carmen is the ultimate femme fatale- a devil-may-care, sexy Gypsy living in Spain, seduces the conservatively raised soldier Don Jose, stealing him away from his fiancee, the passive Micaela, living a life of underground smuggling and rowdy taverns. "Habanera" and "The Gypsy Song and Dance" are very expressive of Carmen's extraordinarily liberal lifestyle. Don Jose, however, has fallen deeply in love- as he shows us in his song/aria "The Flower Song". But Carmen soon becomes tired of his constancy. Don Jose wants a committed, monogamous relationship with Carmen. But Carmen will not submit to love, since she is first and foremost a carnal creature. Eventually, she falls for the handsome Toreador Escamillo. Don Jose, consumed by jealousy, stabs Carmen at a bullfight after Carmen declares her love for Escamillo and rejects Don Jose's love. Don Jose's crazed, obscessive personality shines through in the English version as well. This tragedy has been done in English before so don't think this is the first time. Back in the 50's, there was a film, starring black actors "Carmen Jones" which was treated the same way as this opera- more like an English Broadway musical and with the dubbed singing voice of Marilyn Horne as Carmen. All in all, this recording is excellent.

    5 out of 5 stars A wholly credible "Carmen" -- finally!.......2003-09-17

    This recording really sells "Carmen" as a drama. Although I have two other recordings of this opera and have seen it performed several times, it never quite worked for me dramatically. But thanks to the fine performances, conducting, and translation here, I've become a "Carmen" convert. Producing a good English-language performance of a foreign opera, especially a warhorse like "Carmen," is much more difficult than it might appear. You need performers who not only can sing the parts (of course) but also can sing *English* and make it halfway intelligible and make it sound like English and make it dramatically convincing to English-speakers. The singers on this recording do an excellent job all around. Don't be put off if you don't recognize their names -- they are up to the task musically and (especially) in their acting. Admittedly, as with *all* English-language recordings, some passages are very hard to understand without reading along, but most of the time the words are clear and effective. I would recommend this recording to any opera beginner or opera lover, even those who normally turn up their noses at performances in translation.

    4 out of 5 stars I love Carmen!.......2003-08-15

    I do. I can think of no other opera with more melodic inventiveness, and few others with so sure a dramatic pulse. Carmen is popular and it thrills me to say that it is also a very good opera - not always true of popular things.

    And what of this recording? Carmen sits well in English, so it is good to hear in translation, although some of the detais in the text jar. Escamillo refers to Jose as "my dear", which sounds rather peculiar, and the guide's line to Micaela: "it's not exactly inviting, is it?" sounds distinctly Middle England rather than Rural Spain. Some of the performers, not least Carmen herself, make the words work, although there are long tracts, especially with the chorus, where the language is distinctly indistinct.

    The soloists are, by and large, strong. Patricia Bardon's deep, Handel-friendly voice adapts well to Carmen and she colours the music with phenomenal detail, sounding sexy and provocative from the start with an edge of pride and anger that emerges as the show goes on. She is out of her depth above the stave, though, and some extra top notes in the second act don't show her off to her best advantage. I have previously said that Julian Gavin is poorly served by recordings, though here he sounds much more even and gives a thrilling and musical performance (but his wooden spoken lines let him down). Mary Plazas is a lovely Micaela, rich-voiced and sincere (and word-perfect), but Garry Magee sounds miscast as Escamillo, lacking the ballast at the bottom of the voice to do justice to this tricky role.

    The supporting cast is good (Mary Hegarty seems to do nothing but Frasquita these days!) but the really treasurable thing is the conducting. Stepping out of Italian Ottocento, David Parry turns his hand to this French Comedie with an appropriate lightness of touch. His pacing and handling of the set pieces is exemplary and the enrtractes go with a real swing.

    A pleasure, then, for the Carmen naive or a novelty for the Carmen-acquainted. I nearly wrote Carmen-weary - but I don't think it's possible.
    The English Lute Song
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Too cool for some
    • Ethereal and Hauntingly Beautiful
    The English Lute Song

    Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    MadrigalsMadrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Heavenly Love, Earthly Joy

    ASIN: B000001Q7S
    Release Date: 1993-08-02

    Tracks:

    1. This Merry Pleasant Spring
    2. Woods, Rocks And Mountains
    3. April Is In My Mistress' Face
    4. No More Shall Meads Be Deck'd With Flow'rs
    5. Lute Solo: The French King's Masque
    6. Come My Celia
    7. O Death, Rock Me Asleep
    8. Where The Bee Sucks
    9. Full Fathom Five
    10. Come Away, Hecate
    11. The Willow Song
    12. Lute Solo: Alman, 'Hit And Take It'
    13. Dear, Do Not Your Fair Beauty Wrong
    14. Come Hither You That Love
    15. Have You Seen But A White Lily Grow
    16. I Must Complain
    17. Nothing On Earth
    18. Fain Would I Wed
    19. Miserere, My Maker
    20. O That Mine Eyes
    21. Lite Solo: Alman
    22. Care, Charming Sleep
    23. Cupid Is Venus' Only Joy
    24. O Let Us Howl
    25. As Life What Is So Sweet
    26. Turn, Turn Thy Beauteous Face Away!
    27. Take, O Take Those Lips Away

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Too cool for some.......2005-02-22

    Julianne Baird is breathtakingly good at what she does: intelligent, stylistically convincing, technically brilliant ornamentation, in a sweet, phenomenally accurate voice. I love it. Those not accustomed to this sort of thing, though, may find it lacking emotional immediacy. Consider also Kathleen Battle with some of the same material: not that she's better, but the appeal is more directly sensual rather than intellectual.

    5 out of 5 stars Ethereal and Hauntingly Beautiful.......2003-11-05

    How could you go wrong with the clear seraph voice of Julianne Baird accompanied by the delicate skill of Ronn McFarlane on the Lute. Not only is the talent exceptional but the composed works of Lute music divine.

    You listen to each song and are carried away to time/place devoid of any worry let alone any task other than to listen to Julianne and Ronn execute perfection. You truely feel part of the Elizabethan Court listening to this CD it is both beautiful and dark simutaneously.

    Another fabulous feature to this CD is the simplicity of the recording of only lute and vocals with no special effects. To retain the warmth and purity of the composition it was recorded on location in 'The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall' in Upstate New York and is one of the finest acoustical settings in the world. Unlike modern pop music Lute music as written needs no manipulation or adjustment in the studio if executed by skilled artists and musicians in an acoustical atmosphere and this recording does exactly that.

    I highly recommend this CD of beautiful music. It truely will evoke deep feeling and emotion.
    The Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber

      Manufacturer: Madacy Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      Orchestral PopOrchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0009VNBQK
      Release Date: 2005-07-05

      Tracks:

      1. Phantom of the Opera [From Phantom of the Opera]
      2. Music of the Night [From Phantom of the Opera]
      3. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again [From Phantom of the Opera]
      4. Sunset Boulevard Entr'acte [From Sunset Boulevard]
      5. With One Look [From Sunset Boulevard]
      6. Memory [From Cats]
      7. Tell Me on a Sunday [From Song and Dance]
      8. Last Man in My Life [From Song and Dance]
      9. Love Changes Everything [From Aspects of Love]
      10. Anything But Lonely [From Aspects of Love]
      11. Seeing Is Believing [From Aspects of Love]

      Tracks:

      1. Phantom Overture [From Phantom of the Opera]
      2. Take That Look Off Your Face [From Song and Dance]
      3. Another Suitcase in Another Hall [From Evita]
      4. Rainbow High [From Evita]
      5. Buenos Aires [From Evita]
      6. Heaven on Their Minds [From Jesus Christ Superstar]
      7. Everything's Alright [From Jesus Christ Superstar]
      8. John 19: 41 [From Jesus Christ Superstar]
      9. Aspects of Aspects [From Aspects of Love]
      10. Too Much in Love to Care [From Sunset Boulevard]
      11. Pharaoh's Story [From Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]

      Tracks:

      1. Don't Cry for Me Argentina [From Evita]
      2. Sunset Boulevard [From Sunset Boulevard]
      3. Overture [From Jesus Christ Superstar]
      4. Think of Me [From Phantom of the Opera]
      5. Last Supper [From Jesus Christ Superstar]
      6. Memory [From Cats]
      7. Starlight Sequence [From Starlight Express]
      8. Peron's Latest Flame [From Evita]
      9. King Herod's Song [From Jesus Christ Superstar]
      10. Any Dream Will Do [From Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]
      20 Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • A good shot at a 'Best Of' Album.
      20 Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber

      Manufacturer: Madacy Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      Orchestral PopOrchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
      4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
      4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
      4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
      4-for-3 Soundtracks4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
      4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B00027JZ8E
      Release Date: 2004-05-25

      Tracks:

      1. Phantom of the Opera: Phantom of the Opera
      2. Phantom of the Opera: Music of the Night
      3. Phantom of the Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
      4. Phantom of the Opera: All I Ask of You
      5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright
      6. Jesus Christ Superstar: John 19: 41 [Instrumental]
      7. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How to Love Him
      8. Jesus Christ Superstar: The Last Supper
      9. Evita: Another Suitcase in Another Hall
      10. Evita: Buenos Aires
      11. Evita: High Flying Adored
      12. Evita: Don't Cry for Me Argentina
      13. Cats: Memory
      14. Cats: Magical Mr. Mistofelles
      15. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Pharoah's Story
      16. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do
      17. Sunset Boulevard: Too Much in Love to Care
      18. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye
      19. Song and Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face
      20. Song and Dance: Tell Me on a Sunday

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars A good shot at a 'Best Of' Album........2006-01-16

      I was pleasently surprised at this CD. The singers were all pretty good, and the music was great. My only complaint is with the 'Phantom of the Opera' tracks. "Christine" does fine on the title song and 'All I Ask of You', but on 'Wishing Your Were Somehow Here Again', she falls a little short of a good preformance.

      The thing that impresses me the most on this CD are the 'Jesus Christ Superstar' tracks. They all sounded superb, and I prefer them to my original broadway cast soundtrack.

      I was dissappointed that they only chose two songs from 'Cats', one of Lloyd Webber's crowning acheivements as a composer. THe show was remarkably successful and is the second longest running show in Broadway history, only topped by 'Phantom'. Also, I felt the songs they chose were a bit...odd. 'Memory', of course, is a given. But why throw 'Mister Mistoffelees' into the mix? Why not the Prolouge,'Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats'?

      All in all, I was very impressed with this CD. I give it 4 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it for any fan of Lloyd Webber's music.

      Music:

      1. The Outlaws of Comedy [Explicit Lyrics] [Import]
      2. The World of Ballroom Hits [Import]
      3. Timewarp V.4 [Import]
      4. To France [CD-single] [Import]
      5. Totally 80's Dance [Import]
      6. Totally Wild
      7. Trailer Park [Extra tracks] [Import]
      8. Tunnel Trance Force, Vol. 22 [Import]
      9. Urban Chill Session Two
      10. Weltreise [Import]

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