Home to Thanksgiving [Import] Review

This is a wonderful collection of music for thanksgiving - not just for the holiday, but for everyday. From the energetic opening, "Tis By Thy Strength The Mountains Stand", to the haunting "Evening Hymn" at close, this music is pure joy to listen to. The styles are quite varied and cover everything from plainchant to a somewhat modern take on Thoreau, and it is all very well performed. It is music that sends the soul soaring in thanksgiving to God.

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Product Description:
No Description Available.
Genre: Classical Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 12-NOV-2002

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La Tarantella: Antidotum Tarantulae Review

I heard this recording in a shop on a Friday evening a couple of years ago. I listened for a couple of minutes and I bought it then and there. This is a very unusual Early Music recording.

Instead of the usual polite and rather staid Tarantellas we often hear on recordings of Italian folk music today, this is wild and untamed music, much more suited to dancing tarantula venom out of one's system!

Christina Pluhar's L'Arpeggiata ensemble includes: three singers, 2 Baroque harps, theorbo, 4 Baroque guitars, 2 archlutes, colascione (a kind of lute), 3 "chitarra battente", psaltery, lirone, viola da gamba, cornamuse and percussion. The sounds are very rich and colourful.

The singers, Marco Beasley, Lucilla Galeazzi and Alfio Antico, sing with great verve and "naturalness" - Marco Beasley, for instance, is a tenor, but he doesn't let himself get too bogged down by his Classical technique here. This is music with a Folk origin and everyone concerned with this recording seems to have kept that in mind. The result is full of energy, colour (as I said) and rhythmical energy.

I cannot describe the music on display here, it defies description. However, take my word for it, this is a great recording and I think you will find it as fascinating as it is entertaining.

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The Mantovani Orchestra [Box Set] [Box set] Review

I'm a HUGE Mantovani fan and have had mixed results trying to upgrade my collection to CDs.This collection is the original orchestra arrangements of all the classics.This is the one to buy.

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MERIDIES Review

A splendid collection of music pieces from Sardinia, played by a great (apparently self-taught) guitarist and accompanied by a variety of traditional Sardinian instruments. Truly a gem. If you are looking for somebeautiful Italian folk music from the "mezzogiorno" (the South of Italy), ARC Music is a great label who offers some truly marvelous CDs. See, for instance, "Music of Sicily" and "The legend of the Italian Tarantella".

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Counterpoint Sings Noel Review

Tired of the usual seasonal drivel coming our way around the Hollidays? This album presents a truly sensational collection of Christmas songs, most of whom you have likely not heard before - this is a small part of what makes it so wonderful
The songs are beautifully arranged and executed to perfection.
For those of you wishing to celebrate the season without the mind-numbingly 'usual' collection of worn out songs, this album is a must-have.

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Product Description:
Robert de Cormier, a graduate of Juilliard, acted as music director of the New York Choral Society for seventeen years. His other conducting engagements have taken him from Broadway and opera to the Berkshire Choral Institute, the Zimriya World Assembly of Choirs in Israel and numerous tours throughout the United States and Europe with the famed Robert de Cormier Singers. He has also been musical arranger and director for Harry Belafonte and Peter, Paul and Mary. In 2000 he established Counterpoint, an eleven-voice vocal ensemble based in Vermont. Here they sing a beautiful collection of carols covering many periods and cultures, celebrating the holiday season in truly memorable fashion. Counterpoint is also featured on two other Albany releases: When the Rabbi Danced (TROY676) and Missa Criolla (TROY746).

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Southern Journey, Vol. 3: 61 Highway Mississippi - Delta Country Blues, Spirituals, Work Songs & Dance Music Review

These days, it's easy to forget that folk music is made by ... well, folks.And not folks in Greenwich Village.These field recordings are stunning in their breadth, clarity, and subtlety.The singers have playedthese songs for years and have a homey, bright feel to them."God'sUnchanging Hand" is beautiful, slow, deliberate gospel, and "FredMcDowell's Blues" is earthy and transcendent at once.This is myfavorite field recording EVER.

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Guitarea: Solo Guitar [Import] Review

What an absolutely fabulous collection.If you love fingerstyle guitar you'll enjoy this record.Having only heard of Franco Morone via the Soave guitar festival and never heard him play I was hesitant to purchase this collection. What a surprise! He is a true master musician. Many of the tunes including Vola Vola and Adeste Fideles are heart-wrenching performances.

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The Very Best of James Galway Review

Really is one of the best of James Galway, if not the very best.Easy listening, soothing, relaxing - easy to enjoy

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Prison Songs (Historical Recordings From Parchman Farm 1947-48), Vol. 2: Don'tcha Hear Poor Mother Calling? Review

I heard a great arraingement of "Berta" during the movie "The Piano" which stared Charles Dutton.I thought that arraingement or at least some approximation was on this CD but it turns out that track 8 'O' Berta' is a disapointing version of that great tune.Otherwise if you like to hear these types of songs you might like this cd.

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Product Description:
No Description Available.
Genre: Folk Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 12-AUG-1997

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Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 16: Lieder Review

Our family subscribed to the Beethoven complete collection when it was first published on LP's decades ago.The Lieder volume (still in my possession) was one of my favorites.I have been hoping for a CD version of this collection and am so glad to see it!As the downloadable excerpts demonstrate, these songs provide a simple presentation, but with depth of beauty and accomplishment that are a delight.Sometimes majestic, often playful, each song is a gem and many are sure to become your favourite themes in the world of music.We especially love Fischer-Diescau's performances; what a voice!The quartet arrangements bring out the pathos or frivolity of the genres in which they are used most excellently.If you like Beethoven's piano music, get the Lieder CD; the piano is lovely and the singing along with it add a dimension you are sure to love.

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Tarantata: Dance of the Ancient Spider [Import] Review

After years of hearing nothing but stereotypical "Italian" popular music, it was a true revelation to hear the real thing.This music changed my perception of the land of my ancestors--Calabria, Italy.Allesandra Belloni is an enchanting, mystical, energizing, passionate and earthy performer. She has to be thanked for preserving a music form of intense complexity and making it accessible to the general public. The one thing that disappoints me is that Ms. Belloni has only this single CD available. I know I want to hear more.

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Violet Gordon Woodhouse Review

This disc is one of my favorites of all time.Most notable is her use of rubato or flexible time.I find it facinating that such interesting music can be achieved through an instrument with a relatively limited tonal anddynamic range.

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Vol. 2 Omerta, Onuri E Sangu Review

When I first played this CD through, I did not like it near as much as Vol 1 Il Canto di Malavita. The song selection seemed weaker and the singers less polished than on the first compilation. So often does a follow-up to a surprise hit fail to live up to the listener's expectations, that I nearly resigned myself to putting this on the shelf and letting it collect dust.
Instead, I took a different tack and decided to listen with new ears as though I'd never heard the first volume. Once I'd done that, I found a lot about Omerta, Onuri e Sangu to enjoy.
To begin with, the music here is earthy and raw. It reminds me a lot of the folk music of many lands. I can hear strains of Greek, Spanish, Arab, and even Argentine musical influences as it plays through. My favorites are Ninna Nanna Malandrineddu, a mother's song urging her son to vengeance; Tira La Pinna, the mournful gypsy-influenced song of a condemned man; A Casanza, a rollicking guitar-driven tarantella that relates the story of a prison power struggle; La Me Galera, the story of a wrongfully imprisoned man that has an Argentine feel to the music; and Si Gira e Si Revolta, the melancholy story of a man rotting in his cell and yearning for freedom.
About the only negative here is that there are too many short pieces and "parlati" which clutter up the CD and give one the impression it is longer than it is.
If you liked Il Canto di Malavita, then come to this with an open mind and give it a chance, too. If you have heard neither "Il Canto..." nor this CD, then buy them both and try to listen without comparing them. You will be glad you did.

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Product Description:
Volume 2 is a continuation of a musical journey through achapter of Southern Italian cultural history that is asdark as it is fascinating. 22 tracks. PIAS America. 2003.

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Shake [Limited Edition] Review

This album, despite the title, is more contemplative and melancholy than its optimistic title might suggest. certainly "Baila" and "Shake" are true to the title, but its real strength lies precisely in the slower songs I believe. Some of my favorites in this respect are "'Rossa Mela della Sera"' and "Dindondio", perhaps the fines track on the album. Zucchero once agin confirms his artistic autonomyand has been able to create an album with music that is surely to be popular, but without compromising its style to commercial considerations. He is perhaps best comapred to Joe Cocker in the English singing world both in style and voice. For those of you that might be concerend about songs in a language other than english, Zucchero often mixes Italian and English and regulalry features blues and gospel type choires in the background in a very effective and original way.

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A Medieval Banquet Review

This CD really is fit for banquets, if you don't have live musicians, it will put ambiance at your feast! Of course, the music is from the late part of the Middle Ages, as we don't really know what it sounded like in the Dark Age.
Most of the tunes are quite lively, just like the atmosphere of your event should be! I personnaly most enjoy Robin Hood and the Tanner, as I'm trying to learn it by heart. The accent of the singer is ouch!, but ...
All in all, one of the best Medieval music CD I've listened to, even if a couple of tunes are boring.

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Best of the Red Army Choir [Original recording remastered] Review

When you listen to this album, voices ring true and clear with the gusto of "WE ARE THE RED CAVALRY" and "SONG OF THE VOLGA BOATMEN" seem to jump out at you.These recordings are priceless and have brought the years to the forefront, when this male choir took first place at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1937.
Silva Classics has taken the reins to bring the "ultimate" of full choir sounds, including classical hymns and traditional songs.If you love superb vocals with rich and vibrant styles ~ 32 selections guaranteed to take your breath away ~ this album has it all.
My highlight pick is the "CIVIL WAR SONGS", a medley of traditional tunes with outstanding arrangements and excellent performances within each members sections, a must have for your music collection.
Total Time: Disc One 57:24 on 16 Tracks & Disc Two 58:58 on 16 Tracks ~
Silva Classics SILKD-6034 ~ (2002)

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Music For Reading Review

The CD is nice - but I have to say, I've rarely dealth with a company so interested in taking care of their customers.Great communication, fast shipping - excellent!

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Bella Ragazza: Original Recordings 1934-1949 Review

Those who know and appreciate good vocal music will appreciate this disk - or for that matter ANYTHING from this artist. These include music lovers like myself who ordinarily listen to classical and operatic nusic only. Suffice it to say that before there was Lanza, before there was Bocelli, there was Carlo Buti who, perhaps with fellow Corsican Tino Rossi the Frenchman, started today's phenomenon of serious-tenors-singing-popular music. Yes, I am aware that Caruso and Gigli and many others also sang Neopolitan Songs; but like Buti there is none!
Run - not walk - to the nearest music store and buy this CD or any others you can find of this artist. Then perhaps you'll hear the imitatators from Crosby to Iglesias!

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World Library Of Folk & Primitive Music, Vol. 1: England Review

I love this CD.It has a fantastic collection of classics, sung by unique voices never to be heard from again.Have a few beers and sing along.

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20 Chansons d'Or [Import] Review

adamo, one of the great originals in the french language area and beyond. a classic!!

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Product Description:
2006 Issue of a Digitally Remastered Selection of 20 Great Golden Songs from the Recordings of a French Legend.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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The Renaissance Lute Review

This album now rates as my favorite from among the lute music offerings readily available from commericial sources in the US.Ronn MacFarlane plays enthusiastically and dynamically, and the great affinity he seems to have for the songs is readily transmitted through the recording.There is nothing monotonous here: each rendition sparkles.Here is an album you can listen to again and again, eagerly anticipating every listen.

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Southern Journey, Vol. 8: Velvet Voices - Eastern Shores Choirs, Quartets, And Colonial Era Music Review

Of the excellent Southern Journey series, this is my favorite.The Bright Light Quartet, singing work songs and gospel in close harmony are extraordinary, and I believe that these and the few other pieces on three other Southern Journey albums are their only recorded songs. Many other pieces on the CD are also outstanding, but the BLQ...

The sound is amazingly good; the remastering was done masterfully. (Sorry.) It's very hard to believe that these were field recordings.

I bought several of the Southern Journey series when they were on Prestige, and I bought them again immediately when the CD's became available.

I consider this an absolute must have, and it would be a desert island treasure.

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Zucchero & Co. [Extra tracks][Import] Review

It's incredible how Zucchero can take his old songs, gather the best artists in the world and make a miracle happen.
This album doesn't have one bad song, and it's all in different languages! Surely brings every culture together...
definitely a great effort! must listen to this one!

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Mario Lanza - The Ultimate Collection Review

This is truly a wonderful set to own whether you are a dyed in the wool Lanza fan or if you just want to hear what one of the greatest singers of al time sounded like.Lanza as a singer was a phenomenon .He soundedequally adept at singing a sweet love song like "Memories" or "A Night toRemember" as he did singing a highly dramatic aria like "Vesti la Giubba"or E Lucevan Le Stelle.Lanza's "Danny Boy" will literally melt your heartaway, showing a deep emotionalism here without having to resort to themaudlin.""And This is My beloved""is quite simply put one ofthe most beautiful recordings ever made.Other songs and arias in thiscollection like "Donkey Serenade," "Cielo E Mar", "The Serenadefrom The Student Prince", Song of India", "I'll Walk with God", and a hostof others have never been equaled in sheer power and beauty.Buy this setand treat yourself to listening to "The Voice of the Century" in hisglorious prime!

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World Library Of Folk & Primitive Music, Vol. 4: Spain Review

A week ago, I checked this CD out at the library.Prior to hearing this CD, I had grown up on Mexican music and that was the extent of my knowledge as far as Hispanic or Spanish music went.I passed off Spanish music as being dull; nothing more than fandangos and castanetas.But after hearing this tiny collection, my taste for Spanish music had developed.In fact, this collection is so good, that I had to ... purchase a copy of it for myself.
This collection gives the listener a prime example of, as the title suggests, primitive music.Some of the tracks were actually recorded while the women were working in the fields.One song is nothing more but flax being beaten against a stone with a young man singing along.But despite this simplicity, the music is complicated, intricate, and varied.It is also an interesting listen because I never had a clue as to how many other cultures influenced Spanish music.Some songs sound Arabian, others French, and a few even have a bagpiper playing along.
If you don't have the money to actually purchase the CD, at least listen to a few of the song clips; primarily the Galician 'Foliada', Asturia's 'De los tres colores, madre'and the standout track 'Jota manchega' from Castile.Though hearing the clips will suffice, it is desirable to get the CD to read Alan Lomax's AMAZING and detailed notes on every song.

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The Rough Guide to the Music of Italy Review

Please don't pay attention to Cassondra!She may have traveled extensively in Italy, but she obviously doesn't know anything about Italian music!Everything on this CD is Italian, not at all Spanish!If there is a slight similarity between some Italian folk music and Spanish folk it may be because much of Italy was dominated by Aragon for many years.But this music IS Italian, no mistake about it.I wonder, does Cassondra think that these Italian musicians went to Spain and copied the music especially for this CD?
This CD features a variety of Italian musical styles.The CD opens with a taranella, you can't get any more Italian than that!But who would have thought a taranetlla would sound so good with a saxaphone?The musical journey winds through the penninsula and islands of Italy with a wonderful mix of songs and tunes played using traditional instruments with the occasional addition of a contemporary instrument and arrangement.The songs are sung in various dialects.The musicians highlighted are respected in their field.The songs range from whimsical to bawdy to melancholic.
I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants an overview to contemporary Italian roots music.

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Product Description:
From high in the Alps to the Calabrian coast, the traditionalmusic of Italy is as varied as its landscape. This Rough Guide offers aglimpse of the country's rich musical heritage, from the mysterioussounding 'a tenore' singing style of Sardinia to the tarantellas of Naplesin the south.
Artists include: Daniel Sepe, Tenores Di Bitti, Riccardo Tesi, La Macina,Banda Ionica, Cantovivo and Totore Chessa

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Guitar Classics Review

This CD is pretty good. It has some nice classical guitar music. I like disk #1 better than disk #2, but I guess that is just a personal preference.

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World Library of Folk and Primitive Music, Vol. 8: France [Original recording remastered] Review

Half very "celtic" sounding instrumentals and half very strange but wonderful vocal performances... just wonderful.If you are interested in the European "roots" music, this is the real deal.I bought it on a whim, having no idea really what to expect, but it is awesome.Sorry I am not too good at explaining about this sort of music, as I have little else to compare it to.

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Southern Journey, Vol. 4: Brethren, We Meet Again - Southern White Spirituals Review

It's quite different.The more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it.

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Operamania (Box Set) [Box set][Import] Review

First rate selections, performed by first rate musicians.
Here are some of the most haunting melodies ever created.

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