Classical music reviews

I have never heard anyone play "The Man I Love" the way Dr.Shirley does. It's 10 minutes of sheer joy! I love the Trio the best....from Water Boy to This Nearly was Mine....it's wonderful!

The fact that Don Shirley holds three doctorates (Music, Psychology, and Liturgical) only further underscores the sheer genius of the man and his music.
As an example: The rendition of "The Man I Love", from the biginning to the brief quote from "Rhapsody In Blue", is played by THE LEFT HAND ALONE!! This is quoted from the original jacket of the Don Shirley Trio (Water Boy) album -- 1960. The Cadence record President says: "Though hard to believe without seeing it, the piano solo from the beginning to the brief quote from Rhapsody In Blue..."
The quote that it is hard to believe, is a gross understatement.

Disc 2, which I knew many years ago as the "Don Shirley Trio" LP album, is incredible (which is not to slight in the least Disc 1, "Plays Love Songs"). Shirley has an inimitable style, and "Waterboy" is one of the great classics of jazz and belongs in the Jazz Hall of Fame, if it isn't there already. "This Nearly Was Mine" is one of the most poignant renditions you will ever hear -- if you've ever loved and lost, you can just feel your heart cracking on this cut (he gets you with his pauses every time). "By Myself" is another of my favorites on this album. As for Disc 1, curl up on the couch by the fire with someone you care about, and savor together the beauty of Shirley's mastery. You will never regret buying any album he's ever recorded!

Finally someone has delivered to today's music listener music where elements of
sensuality combine with that ever-so -hard to define "dream world" which, in turn
combine with the exoticness of points east or the south pacific - so that our desires
and our dreams all at once are transported to the world's most charming and
romantic locales. With all of the magic of a snake charmer in India "Fix the
Human" on the CD called "Drift" can both lure and carry you and your wildest
dreams along with your lover to a sidewalk cafe in Paris and then to a Tahitian
beach. The wind instruments used serve to entice us while the beautiful guitar work
lulls us to a whole new and better world of fantasy and passion. I can't wait to hear
more from this quietly titillating group - "Fix the Human" My advice to all you
hopeless romantics is buy this CD "Drift" now!!!

Susan Andrade
White Rock, BC

Wow....this is my new music for Sunday mornings; it's perfect for those times when I'm wanting to stay relaxed, mellow, serene and in a weekend frame of mind. (I'll also be taking a copy to my next Reiki session!)

Blend of excellent ambient music for relaxation coupled with
musical energy interspersed within.

R. Carlos Nakai is known as the preeminent virtuoso of the Native American Flute. There is good reason for this. No one does it better and no one sticks to the classical traditions surrounding this instrument than Nakai.

EMERGENCE is yet another testament of Nakai's devotion to his craft. Each track provides a soulful expression of the natural foundation for the flute's expression. No strange, New Age audiotechnics here. Nothing but the music and its ability to thrill the listener to the very center.

EMERGENCE, with solid performances like DREAMER'S CHANT, COYOTE RAINBOWS, WILLOW PEOPLE and AMAZING GRACE (just to name a few), is a masterful presentation of tone poetry that will soothe and inspire.

THE HORSEMAN

This album is excellent! If you are in need of the healing tones that the cedar flute can offer when played well, this is the gift for you. It is not a synthetic New Age mix, the kind of thing that leaves many Native Americans running for the nearest exit, it is an honestly composed and performed album. R. Carlos Nakai is the foremost and perhaps most accomplished of Native flute players being recorded today. This collection of contemporary and traditional compositions has given me many hours of solace and serenity in an otherwise wild and wooly world. We are fortunate to have this talented Ute/Dineh musician amoung us recording these offerings today!

Nakai produces a romantic, healing, while vaguely haunting music that gently transports you back to a time when music was more than just entertainment. Nakai emulates the traditional music of his Navajo-Ute in a way that is both touching and mystic. Be prepared to be taken on a journey where you will be introduced to the feelings an impressions that Nakai himself experiences. He will show you through his music what the world around his means to him, and he will instill that awe of life in you.

Nakai doesn't fall into the trap of giving the musical tourist exactly what he expects. There is no chanting or jingling bells, no corny sound effects or war cries. Instead he simply taps into that inner peace that we all look for. Perhaps that's the reason so many people have come to appreciate his music. The universal understanding of, and need for, peace and insight.

Those reviewers discussing the artistic merits of this great recording have pretty much said it all. As to the one reviewer taking serious issue with the sonic quality -- perhaps he got a bad copy or else Opera d'Oro has cleaned it up since then. My copy, just purchased, has extremely clean sound, a bit on the dry side, but overall satisfying. I totally agree that this is one of the gems in their catalogue.

Previous Amazon reviewers have commented on the history of this recording and its performers. I have nothing to add to that.

I shall say only this. When you hear the opening words of the very first duet you will be impressed. With each succeeding number, you will raise your opinion until you realize that this is one of those amazingly rare performances in which everything is right. This "Eugene Onegin" is the true measure of the opera, and a worthy companion to the Schipa "Don Pasquale," the Gigli "Andrea Chenier" and the Callas "Tosca."

Other reviewers unanimously give this set 5 stars, but some worry about the sound. For info, in Europe, this version has now been re-released by BMG under the Melodiya label at budget price. Presumably it will be available soon in the US.

What a find this remarkable CD is! If you love authentic Medieval music, played with the authentic instruments of its time and sung in the same way that a nobleman's court of the 14th or 15th Century might have heard it--this is the one for you. Beth and Barry Hall, both very gifted musicians, offer the finest collection of European Medieval carols I have yet found, and I have a large collection of the music of this period. A Bravissima performance to be savored all year round. Good Lords and Ladies all, grab this one!

The best medieval holiday music yet! A trip through time, and so well done. I have listened to many others, and this one rates the best! I am looking forward to their next release!

I have been listening to this album for two Christmas seasons and never seem to tire of it. The instrumental pieces are very well done, beautifully providing delicate, intricate harmonies. The vocal numbers are equally well done. There is a nice selection of songs, some familiar to the modern listener, and some providing a good introduction to medieval music. This is Christmas music for all ages.

I got this CD when I was very little and never really listened to anything but the first song "Isle of Shoals." I thought this song was gorgeous even when I was five but as I grew older and finished listening to the whole album, I was astounded by the haunting and mesmerizing melodies that poured from my stero. I feel so many emotions listening to this CD. For instance I feel happy listening to "Isle of Shoals" and "Ocean Ledges." I think of so many memories listening to "Cathedral of the Pines." I also feel slighty sad listening to "September."

But the thing that amazes me most is the fact that the music can capture majestic mountains, quiet fields, and things of that sort. I have always loved the views of beauty that nature provides us with. But because I live in an area that doesn't provide me with much nature, this music brings out the views I try and create solely with my imagination.

I think this is the perfect music for any emotion and I hope Tim Janis continues to provide the world with his music.

Tim Janis Flowers in October is one of his best performance ever.
It is a peaceful and relaxing type of music with a sense of relaxation to it.
I would encourage anyone to get this CD.

I happened to luck out and hear Tim Janis live one day and bought "Shores of Acadia" as a result. That was so good, I bought all of his other CDs. "Flowers in October" is the best in my opinion. I've found the first time or two I listen to a Tim Janis CD, it sounds good, but the more I listen, the better the music sounds. It really grows on me. The lush, inspiring sound really stirs the soul and is a great stress reducer. I would rank this the best CD I've ever heard. Try it and you'll know.

I too must agree that these four gentlemen have produced a very fine album that covers a wide variety of genres. They had obviously put a lot of work into these particlular pieces and, even though all of them are branching out into solo careers, manage to work well as a group. My favourites are the Haydn, Serocki and No more Blues, even though (dare I say it) I prefer some interpretations by other quartets (eg. Triton Trombone Quartet playing the Serocki). I personally feel that the recording quality lets them down a bit at times. The 2nd & 3rd trombones in particular sound a little 'fuzzy' from time to time; whether that's the recording or perhaps their horn I can't say. Nevertheless I have been inspired once again to practice diligently upon listening to this CD. It's worth the money.

No instrument blends as well with one another as the trombone, and these four trombonists are among the best at what they do. Joseph Alessi, Scott Hartman, Mark Lawrence, and Blair Bollinger all exhibit great musicality.

Other players in my college trombone section kept recommending this CD to me, so I finally ordered it, and I'm very glad I finally listened to them. This is a must-have for the serious trombonist. After all, these are four of the not only best trombonists you'll hear, but best musicians also. "Achieved" is always a good one, along with the beautifully simple "Three Equali" and "Trois Chansons." Who would have thought that such fine soloists would perform so well as one unit, a true ensemble sound. Where else can you hear a guy hold out a high D-flat for about 20 seconds, or a trombonists squeelin high E's and double-high A's at the end? As a trombonist and aspiring performer, I say BUY IT!

I believe this performance has beeen in the catalog constantly since I purchased it in the early 70's and that is as it should be: it is a rare confluence of composers at the height of their powers being interpreted by artists at the height of theirs. The performances (and sound) hold up admirably against all others I have heard since - on disc or live performance. This performance has 'classic' status and firmly deserves its reputation.

This recording should be available - Perlman and Ashkenazy are the only performers who can bring this sonata to life.

This is one of my favorite albums. The Franck is one of my favorite violin pieces...it's incredible, if you've never heard it. Perlman and Ashkenazy handle it wonderfully. The Brahms, another great piece, is also well played by all.

You have to love this set. You just put it in the driveway, pour some lighter fluid on it, drop the match and watch it burn baby burn!

Man, if only all music this agonizing came in these wooden boxes. They real make immolating the thing a pleasure. Much better than those fast burning cardboard boxes.

The beautiful sound of the recorder or piccolo in the morning, with birds chirping. That is the sound you hear throughout the boxed set of Fresh Aire 1-8. This constant mood of relaxation with a kick of rock is a true hit. I urge you to purchase this item. It is worth it.----KWZ

Excellent collection of Mannheim Steamroller selections. Of particular note is Vol 8. This music has a beat that makes it outstanding for either casual listening or to accompany a serious aerobic exercise. I walk for 1.5 hours daily and this is my most recent choice for brisk walking.

Is this the worst cover they could find, or was there anything else left in the file labeled "Revenge of the Eightes: The Bridal Years"?
Pay no mind: on this CD, Gruberova's easy high notes alone are worth suffering through the visual horror. She cuts to the chase and starts with Queen of the Night's Hoelle Rache, a very very good one. And the orchestra is very, very loud. This is Mozart with subtlety of a sledge hammer, but it works well with Gruberova's athletic style.
Donna Anna that follows is interesting- Or Sai Chi L'Onore is strong, but lyrical. Gruberova sang a mean Donna Anna live and this is strong evidence for how good she was it in that role. Non mir dir is overdone and swooned somewhat, but it still works.
Another Mozart aria that follows, Dalla sponda tenebrosa, is good too, if overswooned again, and Vorrei spiegarvi gives us more of Edita's trademark top notes and lyrical poise, and some high octane energy- this is a live recording and the ovation at the end is well earned.
What doesn't quite work is the rest of the album; Ah, se in ciel is flat in places, Lucia's scene is overdone and overcrooned in the worst way, Violetta's scene is cut in half and bland. The end piece, Klange der Heimat by Strauss is OK, just about that.
Gruberova was a veritable force on opera stages- still is, but this is a mish mash collection, exciting in places but uneven. Another CD she released, the "The Art of Coloratura" has more interesting choices, but the cover that is even worse. Take your pick.

I'm a great fan of coloratura singing and have samples of just about all the great coloratura sopranos (Sutherland, Sills, Pons, Grist, Dessay, et al) and I must admit that Gruberova is one of the best. However, I must say her voice leaves me somewhat cold - very little vibrato and lot of scooping makes about 50% of her notes something less than "spot on", which is distracting. In particular, her "Vorrei spiegarvi, o Dio!" is, in my mind, a tragedy. Her intonation is shaky throughout and the scooping and crooning is horrendous! If you want to hear a truly great rendition of this really challenging number, listen to Beverly Sills' studio recording (included on "The Singers: Beverly Sills"). Talk about amazing!

Don't mean to rain on anyone's parade (for Gruberova is a truly fine singer and many of the tracks on this album are worth hearing), but just felt compelled to point out another view on "Vorrei. . .", particularly.

Right away, we get Queen of the Night, which is very good, overall very fine. However, Gruberova doesn't have the rich texture and the power like Lucia Popp. Nevertheless, how many voices sound even remotely like this!!!