A.W.O.L. [Explicit Lyrics]

Track Listings

1. Playa Hataz

2. They Said It Couldn't Be Done

3. It Feels Good

4. Niggaz Die Everyday

5. Bump Bump - Big Jsa, Ronnie Gizmo

6. Smokeout

7. It's On

8. Betcha Don't Know

9. Don't Do the Crime

10. Tears

11. Put 'Em Up

12. Dead on Arrival

13. Get Closer

14. Professional Flo-Ers

15. Big Jsa from the Penal

16. Respect

Editorial Reviews
FUNKYGIC@Jacking4beats.com
WHO IN DA HELL IS DOING YOUR PRODUCTION- SLAP DAT NIGGA A POUND . Dat shit iz too tight.

Product Description
Dirty south

A.W.O.L. [Explicit Lyrics]

A.W.O.L.,Big JSA,Pyramid,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop

A.W.O.L. [Explicit Lyrics]

Average customer rating:

Thoroughly enjoyable
Disappointed
Gratzi for the Italian Renaissance
refreshing, sprightly and fun

Italian Renaissance Dances

Manufacturer: Hmf Classical Exp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Galliardes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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Italian Renaissance Dances, Vol. 2
English Country Dances
Baroque Lute Music, Vol. 1
Lute Music, Vol. 2
Early Venetian Lute Music

ASIN: B000059WLF
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

Galliard III Based on "La Mantoana"
Galliard
Non Ha'l Ciel Cotanti Lumi - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
Qual Cadavero Spirante - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
Pavane II
Se Pur Ver
Dances from il Scolaro:Aria del Gran Duca
Dances from il Scolaro:Gagliarda Di Santino Detto la Muzza
Dances from il Scolaro:la Bergamesca
Dances from il Scolaro: Basso Delle Ninfe
Dances from il Scolaro: Bassa Gioiosa
Dances from il Scolaro: Il Ceferino
Gagliarda Falsa
Lagrime d'Erminia - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
Sonatae Concertate, Book 2:Sonata XVI a 4
O Durezza Di Ferro - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
Galliard
DSoletto
Galliard I, Known as "The Gallant One"
Consonanze Stravaganti

Customer Reviews:

Thoroughly enjoyable.......2005-01-28

I have listened to this CD a great deal and I love it. I just want to answer vvic's point below: it's true that not all the tracks on this disc are rumbustious romps, but Renaissance dance had many different forms, genres and functions. It was an important means of personal expression and social interaction - you only need to think of the formal and ritualised minefield that surrounded love and courtship (especially in the higher strata of society) to be able to see dance's potency as an emotional outlet. In fact, dancing quickly was the one thing that would have been difficult because costume was often bulky and ungainly, especially for ladies.

So give these performances a chance, because this disc is bursting with life and musicianship: The King's Noyse play like a group of old friends together; Andrew Lawrence-King's harp playing is enchanting, and Ellen Hargis produces richly nuanced, beautifully coloured and poignant performances of the laments. The whole mixture is delighful.

It's also superbly engineered: the sound is detailed, rich, vibrant and delicate. (It's set in a fairly warm acoustic, which may partly account for vvic's feeling of 'churchiness'.) A pity there are no sound samples here on Amazon.

I presume this is a re-release of an earlier disc. The budget savings come from corners cut in packaging - the booklet is fairly perfunctory, but as my Dad says, 'you pays your money. you takes your choice'!

ps. I'm a really terrible dancer!

Disappointed.......2003-05-04

I am a big fan of renaissance instrumental music, and since these are dances, I was expecting some pleasant, spirited melodies, like on the excellent English Country Dances. Although there are several tracks like this on this CD, many are slow and dirgy. These, combined with the tracks with soprano vocals, make one feel as if they were in church, which is not a bad thing, if that's what you're looking for.

Gratzi for the Italian Renaissance.......2002-03-24

The sounds of the Italian Renaissance are very uplifting, beautiful and rational. The songs have structure and melody and flow very naturally. This collection is a pleasing variety of instrumental and vocal music with period instruments and authentic arrangements. The performances and sound quality are extremely good.

I don't know if I should feel guilty for having spent so little on this CD or irritated that more CDs of this quality are not available at this price. The other releases I have heard from the Classical Express label have been as good. (e.g. Mozart Horn Concertos, French Love Songs)

refreshing, sprightly and fun.......2001-07-12

THis is a sprightly and thoroughly well performed arrangement of Renaisaaance music. If you think there is no place for such period music think again. I snuck this on while entertaining and everyone began complimenting it. They loved the joyful upbeat quality it posseses and as I, were delighted with the quality of musicianship and recording. Give that next dinner party a historical twist or just give yourself this wonderful CD

Average customer rating:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation
Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices
**An Exquisite Album**
Samples
Great Sampler!

Simply the Best Classical Anthems

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Thunderous Classics
Thunder & Lightning
25 Thunderous Classics
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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B00004SUVI
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
The Planets: Mars
The Ride Of The Valkyries
Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
Fanfare For The Common Man
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
Aida: Grand March
Summer - Four Seasons: Presto
Te Deum: Prelude
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Symphony No. 5: First Movement
Spartacus: Adagio
Sabre Dance
Symphony No. 40: First Movement
Zadok The Priest
Turandot: Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathoustra
Romeo And Juliet: Dance Of The Knights
Requiem: Dies Irae
1812 Overture
Piano Concerto
Spring - Four Seasons: Allegro
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
The Royal Fireworks: La Ruissance From Music
Flight Of The Bumble Bee
Symphonie Fantastique: March To The Scaffold
Carmen: Overture
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Jerusalem
The Planets: Jupiter
Symphony No 9, 'Ode To Joy'
Swan Lake: Scene
Enigma Variations: Nimrod
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini [Variation 18]
Pictures At An Exibitions: Promenade
Symphony For Organ No 3: Finale, Symphony For Organ No 3

Customer Reviews:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation.......2007-06-11

We were concerned after reading some other reviews that this version of Pomp and Circumstance wouldn't be the correct movement or the full length version. This selection has the song for graduation AND the extended length, so it gives plenty of time for processionals. If this is what you need, this is the CD to get.

Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices.......2004-08-13

"Simply the Best Classicial Anthems" is exactly what the title indicates. This is a collection of what the CD says are "36 of the most powerful classics on Earth". My review of this CD comes from someone who is a Classical Music Novice. I'm familiar with some of the composers, musical styles, musical periods, and some of the terminology that is key to understanding Classical Music. By no means am I an expert. I have basically popped in this two CD collection into my player and have enjoyed the sounds it produces. If you are in the same category as I am or maybe just wanting to be introduced to Classical Music - this is going to be a very good CD to have in your collection. For the more seasoned Classical Music fan, this could be either enjoyable or overkill.

The CD contains 36 songs composed by the legends of Classical Music Composers from the past. The bulk of the works come from Composers in the the 19th and 20th century, but there are works from the Romantic and Classical eras of the late 18th and early 19th century (such as Beethoven and Mozart). In general you will find most of the major names of Composers you would expect to find - names such as Tchiakovsky, Handel, Verdi, Strauss, Elgar, and Bach are all there. The only major composer who I would have expected to see on this CD that I don't see is Frederic Chopin. The composers of the late 20th century are not included on this collection - so you won't see Leonard Bernstein or John Williams on this set. While these Composers are excellent, I do think style of the tracks on this collection pre-date their style.

The recordings themselves are done by the great Orchestras around the world. For the most part, European Orchestras were used to deliver the tracks. There are a few exceptions: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra delivers "The Ride of the Valkyries"; The Toronto Symphony Orchestra delivers "Dance of the Knights"; and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra delivers Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Some of the European Orchestras that are well known include: BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Choeur Philhamonique de Strasbourg, and more. Also included are performances by well known names in the Classical space such as Marie-Claire Alain (Bach's "Toccate and Fogue in D Minor" and Saint-Saens' "Symphony for Organ No 3"), Piero Toso (Vivaldi's "Allegro From Spring - Four Seasons"), and Placido Domingo appears on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma".

The 2 Disc collection contains a total of over 2 hours and 6 minutes of music. The selections that are included in the set will sound very familiar to you when you play them. You probably have both heard and seen the names of tracks such as: Oref's "O Fortuna"; Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man"; Beethoven's "First Movement from Symphony Number 5" and "Ode To Joy"; Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Many of the other tracks will also sound familiar, but maybe not so much by name - such as Wagner's "The Ride of the Valkyries", Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathoustra"; Grieg's "Piano Concerto", and "Dies Irae" (versions included by Mozart and Verdi - you can compare the two and judge for yourself). As for the Discs themselves, I think most of the casual fans will like the selections on Disc Two better, but Disc One is still very good. On a sidebar, the Israel Philharmonic's version of "1812 Overture" is by far the best you will hear - particularly at the end, the booming drums create almost a 3 dimensional vision of fireworks being launched into the air.

There one big negative on this collection is some of the recording quality. The clarity of the recording is there, but some of the recording levels leave a lot to be desired. On some of the softer parts, it is barely audible without significantly turning up your volume. This is very evident on "O Fortuna" where you will hear almost dead silence during from the 30 second to 1:30 mark of the track unless you crank your volume up. Same with the first few seconds of Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathoustra" and Tchiakovsky's "1812 Overture". When the volume is cranked up you will hear them - but then the other sections will be way too loud. I'm surprised with modern technology that this couldn't be addressed better.

The liner notes are pretty thin. You do get the Composers, Performers/Orchestras, and recording dates. There isn't any more details than that and you won't learn anymore insight on the tracks than this information. Despite some of the shortcomings of the liner notes and recording volume, I still think this is an excellent place to start and do recommend this CD if you are a novice to Classical Music and are looking for a great place to start listening to what the Classics have to offer.

**An Exquisite Album**.......2004-02-21

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

Simply The Best Classical Anthems is a compilation album of `36 of the most powerful Anthems on Earth'. But, it is also said to be something else. It is said to be a gateway. A gateway to another world. A world where our imagination can run free without being shackled down by any borders or boundaries or rules or limits. A world that we have all seen or perhaps more accurately have all heard of but for many of us a world that we have never dared to enter. Never dared to enter because of fear. The fear of being ostracised and shunned by our community.

THE MYTH
`Classical Music!', I can hear some of you cry. `That isn't another world. That's just music for the upperclass, the high-brow, and the pompous.' Surprisingly, I too felt this way for a long time until I accepted the invitation made to me by Simply The Best Classical Anthems. I always felt that Classical Music was nice to listen to as background music for a Levis ad or a Car ad but I would consider people strange if they chose to hear it on its own. However, after having listened to this album I realised how wrong I was in my assumptions.

THE TRUTH
Music as with all forms of amusement helps to take you away from where you are now. It helps to relax you when you are stressed with anger; it helps to give you strength when you are vulnerable; it helps to keep your spirits up when you have faced tragedy or loss. It helps. And, for me the type of music that best conjures up the most passionate emotions (love, hate, courage and anger) at our most testing times is Classical Music.
How? I don't know.
Why? I don't know.
I can only promise you that in my experience it does.

THE CHEST
The album, in visual terms, is very difficult to overlook amongst the plethora of records that may surround it. This is because the album has a very distinct purple sleeve cover. Not any kind of purple mind you but the Cadbury's kind of purple. The kind of purple that carries with it an invitation. An invitation that if accepted promises you a treasure inside.
And since, I have always enjoyed the treasure within the purple Cadbury's Dairy Milk wrapper, I asked myself why would an album carrying the same invitation promise to be anything different? Thus, I parted with my tuppence worth and went back home to open this purple chest of promised treasures.

THE PROMISED TREASURE
As you may have guessed, the contents of the album are somewhat different to the contents of a Cadbury's bar. When I opened the album, I was presented with two compact discs. At first glance, there did not seem to be anything special about them. They were just your average, everyday, run of the mill compact discs. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed because I suppose I had hoped for something more.
However, looks can be deceptive. (Afterall, a Cadbury's Dairy Milk does not seem very appetising until you taste it!) And, also come November each year, I am always bemused and surprised at how the shabby contents of a cardboard box can both light up the sky and light up the faces of the neighbourhood. Thus, I pushed aside my assumptions and I ignited the discs (not literally of course, I just pressed the play button on the CD player). And, I let the fireworks begin.

THE KEY
From the very beginning, you will feel like you have unlocked the doorway to something special. And, after a full two hours of listening to both discs, you will feel like you have been taken out of this world and transported to another. Welcome to the world of Classical Music.

GUIDANCE
In the beginning, continue to listen to both discs in one go (i.e. one after the other). After a while, you will know which tracks you enjoy listening to the most. For those tracks you enjoyed the most make a promise to yourself that you will listen to the whole of the piece from which that track came from.
Good Luck on your quest if you choose to accept it.
Ride amongst the Valkyries, listen to the Flight of the Bumblebees, and use The Planets to keep you on the path.

I am not a good reviewer because as with all of my reviews I refuse to comment too much about what is inside the product but rather more about what effect the product has had on me. (Me, me, me. Vain & Egotistic, I know, so my friends and family keep telling me). But, I just want to cause a raucous about the product, enough not to spoil but enough of a raucous to let you experience it for yourself.

So my final words are:
Simply The Best Classical Anthems is an invitation. An invitation to the world of classical music. A world where you can begin a never-ending quest of curiosity. A curiosity that will always be rewarded with fulfilment.

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

Samples.......2003-11-23

The samples are too short and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Having said that the choices are wonderful and the price is great. If you're looking for a overview of the best of classical music then this is for you. However if it's quality you're looking for then spent the extra money and look at other choices.

Great Sampler!.......2002-03-20

This is a good sampler, since it covers what you would want in a classical music CD. Looking at the tracks, it has the classic hits, such as "Ride of the Valkyries," "Toccata and Fugue," "Fanfare for the Common Man," "'Jupiter' from `The Planets,'" "Eine Klein Nachtmusik," and "Hallelujah Chorus."

There are also some new pieces that I have fallen in love with, such as "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," "'Promenade' from Pictures at an Exhibition." The compilers did an interesting double take by including both Verdi's and Mozart's "Dies Ire." I'm not sure which is better.

This music is good for the brain and good for the soul. There is a power and passion that the blaring and glaring music that makes up most of the FM band. I'm reminded of the religious man who said that there is no music in hell. Probably because they wouldn't appreciate it there.

Tracks:

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Dies Irae
Men of Harlech
You'll Never Walk Alone
Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
Old Folks at Home
Il Liza Jane
Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Vergine Degli Angeli
Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
My Hero
God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
German Mass/Gloria
German Mass/Sanctus
Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Arwelfa
Invictus
Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

Diolch l'R L
Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
Memories of Martha
I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
Creation's Hymn
In the Spirit!
Shall We Gather at the River
Nos a Bore
Very Best Time of Year
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Thanks Be to God
Flower That Shattered the Stone
Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
Where Shall I Be?
Bywyd y Bugail
Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
Cymru Fach
Nidaros
Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
Watching the Wheat
Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
Misbles/Stars
Rachie
Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
There Is a Balm in Gilead
Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
My Lord, What a Mornin'
Bryn Myrddin
Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
Ride the Chariot
Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

Y Nefoedd
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
By Babylon's Wave
I'm Gonna Sing
Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
That's All I Want from You
Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
Give Me Jesus
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
My Wish for You
Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
Mose in Egitto/Prayer
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
God's Choir in the Sky
Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
Smilin' Through

Tracks:

Calon Lan
True Love
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
Aberystwyth
Comrades in Arms
Cats/Memory
They Led My Lord Away
State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
When I Fall in Love
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Windmills of Your Mind
How Soon
Non Nobis Domine
Rhythm of Life
Kalinka
Sound an Alarm
Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
Christus Redemptor
Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Average customer rating:

Voices of Angels!
Where Is the Sparkle?
Miss Hong not in her element
Magnificent!! 5 stars do not suffice!!
More Duet, less Recit-chat

Bellezza vocale ~ Beautiful Opera Duets

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Larmore, Jennifer | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000IWR5
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Belle nuit, 6 nuit d'amour: Les Contes d'Hoffmann (Hoffmanns Erzungen) -
Mir ist die Ehre widerfahren: Der Rosenkavalier
Caro....Bella: Giulio Cesare (Julius Cr) -
'Signor, hoffi rinasco': L'incoronazione di Poppea -
' Non ci pentiam': La Clemenza di Tito
'Viens, Malika': Lakm
'Mira, o Norma': Norma
'Dio, che mi vedi in core': Anna Bolena
'Una nave da guerro': Madame Butterfly - Blumenduett
'Fiero incontrol': Tancredi -
'Sandmann war dal': Hel und Gretel - Abendsegen

Amazon.com

This generous disc of duets for soprano and mezzo-soprano offers a wonderful selection: from the very familiar "Barcarolle" of Tales of Hoffmann, the "Flower Duet" of Madama Butterfly, and the Presentation of the Rose in Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier to the more exotic Anna Bolena-Giovanna Seymour duet from Donizetti's opera and Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito, there's not a bad piece of music or performance here. To be sure, these two singers do certain things better than others--Hei-Kyung Hong's silvery soprano is not ideal for the emotional outpourings (and low notes) of either Anna Bolena or Butterfly, but it's a perfect fit for Sophie in Rosenkavalier, Cleopatra ,and Poppea. Jennifer Larmore's creamy, agile mezzo is gloriously suave in the "Barcarolle," her Seymour is compelling, and her Adalgisa is stunning, but the voice lacks some of the color necessary for Octavian or Nero. But this is a very high-class, entertaining undertaking, and the program is nicely varied. Love good singing? Here you are. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Voices of Angels!.......2007-03-08

Purchased for one song: Viens Malika (lockme), but like the entire cd. Purchased a few more elsewhere and gave as gifts to my opera buff colleagues.

Where Is the Sparkle?.......2003-11-11

I found this CD very disappointing. To paraphrase Mark Twain, I was hoping for lightning, but found only a lightning bug. Something seems slightly OFF in the blending of their voices in some of the tracks. They are not the worst I've heard, but I have not "imported" any of this CD's tracks to my computer's hard drive to listen to while I'm doing other work. Verrett and Caballe are the ones to listen to if you wish to hear how bel canto duets SHOULD be done.

Miss Hong not in her element.......2003-01-11

This recording must have been driven by the Larmore camp. For Miss Larmore, who was in good voice for this recording, the selections were in her fach for most of the CD. However, the same cannot be said for Miss Hong. Especially disappointing was the Anna Bolena. Miss Hong's voice is much too light for this role. Additionally, she chose not the take many of the upper embellishments more suited for her voice. Miss Hong should have researched her options more carefully on this selection seeing that it takes up 15 minutes on the CD. Similarly, Miss Hong was not well suited for Butterfly. Both divas were out of tune on the Hoffmann. However, the Lakmé was one of the more beautiful recordings I have heard. Likewise, the Rosenkavalier was particularly affecting and the Norma was immaculately in tune.

If you choose to buy this recording, buy it because you want to here a mezzo in good voice. It's a showcase for Miss Larmore. Although Miss Hong is a wonderful singer, this recording does not show what her voice can do when she is in her element.

Magnificent!! 5 stars do not suffice!!.......2002-12-20

I was astounded by the quality of the singing and the absolutely gorgeous music that was sung on this album. The two singers sing like goddesses and are very committed to the drama of the music.

The sound is excellent, both spacious and crystal-clear. Teldec sure knows how to capture voices and operatic music on CD. Many thanks to Teldec for recording this exquisitely sung duet album. If only they were around to record a duet album featuring Joan Sutherland and Marilyn Horne. Now that would have been great!

The soprano, Hei-Kyung Hong, has an excellent coloratura technique. Her trills vary from mediocre to very good. Overall, her fioritura is first-rate. Her diction is crystal clear. Her Italian is exquisite. Almost every "r" is rolled. Her French is generally excellent. Her German is quite good. I love the sound of her voice. It is bright and silvery-toned with a brilliant top. The mezzo-soprano is Jennifer Larmore. She has a gorgeous voice, rich and dark. Her voice reminded me of the voice of that great coloratura mezzo, Marilyn Horne. Her coloratura may be a bit below that of the soprano's but it is more than passable. Her trills also range from mediocre to very good. Her diction is sometimes obscured by her rich tone but it is generally excellent. Her track record with rolling the "r's" is not as good as the soprano's but it is more than passable.

The first duet is the Barcarolle from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffman". I had never heard it before. The simple yet exquisite quality of the music is just wonderful. Both singers acquit themselves admirably in this duet. Their voices blend together beautifully in this love duet.

The second duet is the wonderful duet from Strauss' "Der Rosenkavalier". I had never heard this duet before. Strauss' music is sparkling and brilliant, an absolute joy to the ears. The two singers are wonderful in this duet.

The third duet is a fine love duet from Handel's "Giulio Cesare". The harp accompaniment is fantastic. It was the harpsichord's sounds that made this duet so enjoyable. Handel did a great job writing the music for this very fine opera. Hong is breathtaking in this duet. Larmore supports her wonderfully. I can't decide if I like this duet the most or the one from "L'incoronazione di Poppea". The notes in the booklet say that this duet comes at the end of the opera. This is incorrect. It comes well before the end of the opera.

The fourth duet is from Claudio Monteverdi's underperfomed and underappreciated masterpiece, "L'incoronazione di Poppea". It was an absolute delight to hear this exquisite duet with its fine Baroque music. From Hong's first note, the listener knows that he/she is in for a wonderful treat. The perfomance of this duet is so good that words do not do it justice.

The fifth duet is from Mozart's "La Clemenza di Tito". I didn't realize that Mozart could write such fine Baroque music. The music is beautiful and noble. The singing is excellent.

The sixth duet is the Flower Duet from Léo Delibes' "Lakmé". It is an exquisite piece of French music. I love this duet. No wonder it is considered by many to be the most beautiful operatic piece ever composed. The singing done by Hong and Larmore is transcendental. Mere words cannot describe the sounds that they make with their beautiful voices.

The seventh duet is from Bellini's "Norma". What you get is wonderful, vigorous bel canto music at its best and gorgeous singing by two very able singers. The coloratura is amazing! The staccati notes done in unison are wonderful. The high notes of both singers are powerful and clear. Larmore makes a powerful and convincing Adalgisa, but Hong is clearly not suited to Norma. She doesn't have the temperament to sing the role and her voice is too light to tackle the role's heavy dramatic demands.

The eighth duet is from Donizetti's masterpiece, "Anna Bolena". The bel canto melody found in this piece of music is very fine indeed. Hong tries her best to sound like Bolena, but this role does not show her in the best light. Her voice is too light for this heavy role and she doesn't have the queen's regal temperament. Larmore is very convincing as the repentent Jane Seymour. The singing is fabulous. So is the diction of the two singers. The high C done in unison that ends the duet is spectacular and breathtaking.

The ninth duet is from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly". This is the other Flower Duet on the album. The singing is magnificent. Larmore makes a very fine Suzuki. Hong's Cio-Cio San is excellent. She would make a fine recorded Butterfly. She is, after all, Asian. Some people say she is not good enough to be a Butterfly. I strongly disagree. If Freni and Scotto, two of the lightest-voiced sopranos to have sung the role, were allowed to record "Madama Butterfly", then Hong should be able to do so too.

The tenth duet is from Rossini's "Tancredi". This taxing piece of bel canto is handled superbly by Hong and Larmore. It is 10 minutes and 35 seconds of some of the most difficult coloratura ever written. I was astounded by the singers' amazing virtuosity in this piece. They show us why their coloratura techniques are world-class. The trills, runs over octaves, and roulades are tossed off expertly. Even though this music is very taxing, they still manage to characterize! Sutherland and Horne would be proud.

The eleventh and last duet is from Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hänsel und Gretel". The duet opens with beautiful music but I found this piece to be the weakest of the selections chosen for this album. The music doesn't rise to new heights after the opening notes. The singing is more than average but the piece is not a good showcase for the talent of these two singers. Really, another duet from a better opera should have been included that would have done justice to these singers' unique talent.

Finally, I have to comment on the superb conducting and orchestral playing on this album. Jesús López Cobos is an above average conductor, that's for sure. His conducting supports the singers very well and never intrudes upon their singing. The Münchner Rundfunkorchester provides excellent orchestral playing. They never play too loudly as to drown out the singers. Overall, this duet album is one of the finest ever made with two female singers.

More Duet, less Recit-chat.......2002-01-11

While the vocal talents of these two ladies is considerable, and the duets, when they get to them, are lovely, thrilling and so forth, there is way too much recitative included. It would not be an exaggeration to say that 2/3 of this CD is recitative. Added to that, Teldec has not bothered to include side-by-side translations of the text. Instead, previous to the text, are synopsi of the plots of the various scenes. These things really detract from the overall listening enjoyment. I would prefer just to listen to the duets, but even all the recitative wouldn't be that bad if the translations were included.

Average customer rating:

asdf
AZ keeps coming with the real
AZ - A.W.O.L.
AZ Purely Poet
He Hasn't Lost His Touch

A.W.O.L.
AZ
Manufacturer: Fastlife
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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Doe or Die
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ASIN: B0007VZ92G
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

So Sincere
Never Change
New York Feat. Raekwon & Ghostface Killah
Can't Stop
Still Alive
AZ's Chillin
City Of Gods
Street Life Feat. Half-A-Mill & Begetz
Bedtime Story
The Come Up
Envious Feat. Bounty Killer
A.W.O.L.

Customer Reviews:

asdf.......2007-02-04

just raising the average here, and what the hell can I tell you that others haven't? since 99/100ths of the people who will ever purchase this album have already done it, i just have to say that if you happen to be one of the single 100th of the losers that haven't purchased this yet, DO IT! You won't regret it!

peace,

AZ keeps coming with the real.......2007-01-10

AZ is so slept on. He doesnt write "club bangers" or jingles just street beats with poetic flow. The man should easily be top 10 MC's all time if not higher. This album to me ties with AZIATIC for 2nd while DO OR DIE is number 1 always . At this day and age though this album is a rarity

AZ - A.W.O.L........2006-10-02

After his last album, "Final Call" was heavily bootlegged and eventually scrapped, AZ didn't waste much time in creating "A.W.O.L.". He released it in Fall of 2005, the same year as "Final Call" was supposed to be released. With features such as Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, can AZ come correct again or will this be another 4 star effort?

1. So Sincere - 4/5

2. Never Change - 5/5

3. New York (Featuring Raekwon & Ghostface Killah) - 4.5/5

4. Can't Stop - 4/5

5. Still Alive - 3/5

6. AZ's Chillin - 4/5

7. City of Gods - 4/5

8. Street Life (Featuring Half-A-Mill & Begetz) - 4.5/5

9. Bedtime Story - 3.5/5

10. The Come Up - 4.5/5

11. Envious (Featuring Bounty Killer) - 4/5

12. A.W.O.L. - 4.5/5

13. Live Wire - 4/5
Magic Hour (Featuring CL Smooth) - 4/5
The Truth - 4/5

Overall:

61.5/75

4 Stars

AZ drops another solid album but once again it could have been better. He had lots of good tracks on here but some of the production and hooks failed to grab my attention. Still check it out though, AZ hasn't put out a wack album yet...and I doubt he ever will.

AZ Purely Poet.......2006-08-20

Anthony Cruz has been burning mics since Life's A B-tch! His heartfelt flow and raw street mentality is the definition of what hip hop is all about. Lyrics for days and realism for nights, AZ is by far probably the most underrated in the game. And with hip hop stuck in the state of mind it is in now, it looks as though he'll continue to stay underrated. But for hip hop heads, AWOL is definately on point in every aspect on the album. From production to lyrics. Best song on the album is Street Life followed by The Come Up. "Pac is gone, the state of Hip-hop is wrong, and if you want more then log onto AZ.com"...Cop this album if you want the truth, you will not be disappointed on the money well spent!

He Hasn't Lost His Touch.......2006-08-06

Once again AZ brings street crafted rhymes over pure hip hop music. The production on this LP is solid, much like all the work he puts out. For AZ fans this will sure help re-kindle their hip hop light.

Average customer rating:

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music
For the price you can't lose

Discover Music of the 20th Century

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Discover Music of the Classical Era
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Discover Early Music
Luigi Nono: Como una ola de fuerza y luz, for Soprano, Piano, Orchestra & Magnetic Tape (1971-72) / ...sofferte onde serene... For Piano & Magnetic Tape (1976) / Contrapunto dialettico alla mente, for Magnetic Tape (1968) - Maurizio Pollini / Claudio Abbado

ASIN: B000B6N6B8
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

Prelude A L'Apres-Midi D'un Faune - Alexander Rahbari
Walzer - Peter Hill
I. Andante-Scherzo - Rebecca Hirsch
Sehr Ruhig Und Zart - Ulster Orchestra
Lebhaft Und Zart Bewegt - Ulster Orchestra
Sehr Langsam Und Ausserst Zart - Ulster Orchestra
Fliessend, Ausserst Zart - Ulster Orchestra
Sehr Fliessend - Ulster Orchestra
Forlane: Allegretto - Klara Kormendi
First Tableau: The Shrove-Tide Fair - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Mountebank - Philharmonia Orchestra
Vivo - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
III. Moderato Pesante - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Hymn To St. Cecilia - Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge
IV. Allegretto - Ondrej Lenard
Introduzione: Andante Non Troppo-Allegro Vivace - Alexander Rahbari

Tracks:

Romance - Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)
II. Allegro - Ladislav Slovak
III. Allegro Agitato - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Main Theme From Schindler's List - Paul Bateman
The Unanswered Question - Northern Sinfonia
Second Electonic Interpolation (Conclusion) - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Third Electronic Interpolation (Beginning) - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
I. Liturgie De Cristal - Amici Ensemble
IV. Commentaire - Idil Biret
Warming Up, Leading To Model 1, Bass - Gregory Rose
'Gott Nochmal' Sun God - Gregory Rose
'Vishnu' God Of Storms - Gregory Rose
God Of The Earth - Gregory Rose
First Interlude - Boris Berman
I. - Roger Heaton
Short Ride In A Fast Machine - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
The Lord's Prayer - Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge
II. Lento E Largo-Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
Lullaby - Philharmonia Orchestra
Vision Of The Hunt I - Philharmonia Orchestra
Voice For Solo Flute - Robert Aitken

Customer Reviews:

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music.......2007-03-22

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music.

Should be continued, plenty more 20th-century composers to be discovered.

For the price you can't lose.......2007-02-21

This 2 cd set consists of, as the title indicates, various 20c pieces or movements from the Naxos catalog. Sound quality is uniformly high, although for some such as Stockhausen's it's not clear if that's good or bad. What is excellent is the variety of the collection--some familiar (Debussy), others not, some pretty, others intentionally weird. Few will find every piece to his or her taste, but many listeners who do not spend much time on 20c music will find something to like. Overall, a great introduction to a period of much off-putting, yes, but also much compelling music.

Anne Sofie von Otter - Beethoven, Meyerbeer, Spohr ~ Lieder / Melvyn Tan

Average customer rating:

Good sing

Anne Sofie von Otter - Beethoven, Meyerbeer, Spohr ~ Lieder / Melvyn Tan
Giacomo Meyerbeer , Louis Spohr , Ludwig van Beethoven , Anne Sofie von Otter , and Melvyn Tan
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Lamento
Anne Sofie von Otter - Schumann: Frauenliebe und -leben / Forsberg
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Susan Graham - La Belle Époque (The Songs of Reynaldo Hahn)
Anne Sofie von Otter - La Bonne Chanson

ASIN: B00005M05D
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Tracks:

40 Melodies: No.12. Mina (Lied Des Venezianischen Gondoliers)
40 Melodies: No.6. Komm (Eigentlich: Du Schones Fischermadchen)
40 Melodies: No.16. Ma Barque Legere
40 Melodies: No.22. La Fille De L'air
40 Melodies: No.27. Sicilienne
40 Melodies: No.28. Priere D'enfants
40 Melodies: No.29. Le Voeu Pendant L'orage
Das Schafers Lied (Hirtenlied) - Anne Sofie Von Otter//Eric Hoeprich/Melvyn Tan
In Questa Tomba Oscura, WoO 133 (2. Ver)
T'intendo Si, Mio Cor, Op.82 No.2
Als Di Geliebte Sich Trennen Wollte (Empfindungen Bei Lydiens Untreue), WoO 132
Seufzer Eines Ungeliebten - Gegenliebe, WoO 118
Sehnsucht, WoO 146
An Die Geliebte, WoO 140 (2. Ver)
Ariette (Der Kuss), Op.128
Maigesang, Op.52 No.4
Adelaide, Op.46
Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op.154: 1. Abend-Feier - Anne Sofie Von Otter/Melvyn Tan/Christina Hogman/Kristana Hammarstrom/Eric Hoeprick/Nils-Erik Sparf
Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op.154: 2. Jagdlied - Anne Sofie Von Otter/Melvyn Tan/Christina Hogman/Kristana Hammarstrom/Eric Hoeprick/Nils-Erik Sparf
Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op.154: 3. Tone - Anne Sofie Von Otter/Melvyn Tan/Christina Hogman/Kristana Hammarstrom/Eric Hoeprick/Nils-Erik Sparf
Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op.154: 4. Erlkonig - Anne Sofie Von Otter/Melvyn Tan/Christina Hogman/Kristana Hammarstrom/Eric Hoeprick/Nils-Erik Sparf
Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op.154: 5. Der Spielmann Und Seinne Geige - Anne Sofie Von Otter/Melvyn Tan/Christina Hogman/Kristana Hammarstrom/Eric Hoeprick/Nils-Erik Sparf
Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op.154: 6. Abendstille - Anne Sofie Von Otter/Melvyn Tan/Christina Hogman/Kristana Hammarstrom/Eric Hoeprick/Nils-Erik Sparf

Amazon.com

A new disc from Anne Sofie von Otter always arouses eager expectation, whatever the repertoire. None of the composers featured on this recording of Lieder and Mélodies is regarded primarily for his songwriting prowess, yet von Otter conjures winner after winner. Even at their lightest, these pieces never fail to charm, and some of them do a good deal more than that.

Listen to the way that Meyerbeer reflects the text of "La Fille de l'air" (The daughter of the air) in the tinkling accompaniment, superbly realized by Melvyn Tan. Or the way the arching violin arabesques spice up the vocal line in the first of Spohr's irresistible Six Lieder. And Beethoven's tolling "In questa tomba oscura" (In this dark grave) is a small masterpiece, as is, in a quite different vein, Meyerbeer's deceptively simple "Sicilienne." It is only in some of the darker songs (such as Meyerbeer's setting of "Le Voeu pendant l'orage") that the difference between prodigious talent and genius is made explicit. And, of course, comparison between Spohr's timid "Erlkönig" and Schubert's infernal creation is as inevitable as it is cruel.

As one would expect from such an experienced lieder artist, the program is beautifully constructed, with songs carefully placed for maximal variety, not just of tone but also of instrumentation (excellent playing from clarinetist Eric Hoeprich and violinist Nils-Erik Sparf). This is another winner from von Otter and friends. --Harriet Smith

Customer Reviews:

Good sing.......2001-09-23

This is a nifty collection of lieder, including many which are not familiar. Melvin Tan's fortepiano balances the voice nicely, and the addition of other instruments and voices obviates the boredom which often sets in after five or ten songs. Von Otter handles these songs well, rarely breaking into operatic timbre. The new (to me) setting of The Earl-King was especially interesting. Very worthwhile if you like lieder (texts are in German, mostly; translation included).

Average customer rating:

Canadian Bagpipes American Brass
Not a Great CD

Canadian Bagpipes American Brass
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Altissimo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Bagpipes & Drums of Scotland
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Highland Cathedral

ASIN: B00006RY82
Release Date: 2002-10-29

Tracks:

Olympic Fanfare
All The Blue Bonnets Are Over The Border
The Marines' Hymn
Pipe Major Sam Scott and Donald Maclean Of Lewis
Chariots of Fire
William's Lullaby
Glengarry Pipe Band, Lass O' Fyvie
The Gairloch And Loch Duich
Galician Jig
Killiecrankie And Battle of Waterloo
Amazing Grace
Battle Of The Somme And Vimy
Dead March From "Saul"
Flowers Of The Forest And Mingulay Boat Song
Green Hills of Tyrol
Going Home For the "New World Symphony"
Bugle Calls To The Colors and Retreat
Bugle Calls To The Colors and Retreat
Highland Cradle Song
The Star Spangled Banner

Album Description

Together on the same CD! The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) Pipes & Drums and The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band of The United States Marine Corps.

Customer Reviews:

Canadian Bagpipes American Brass.......2003-11-11

I recently ordered and have just received the above mentioned album.
THANK YOU........
I ordered it just to have a copy of "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes, but after listening to the album, I am completely blown away. It is perhaps the greatest piece of music I now own. Depending on the song, I can get lifted up, mellowed out, or layed back, again THANK YOU, for having this album. I'm a very satisfied customer.

Not a Great CD.......2003-11-07

This CD was originally longer with more titles. It seems the Altissimo! people after they acquired it from the Canadian Scottish cut out several titles and reduced the overall quality of the CD. Because of this and various other technical factors I would not recommend this CD at this inflated price.

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