5 comments about Schubert: Quintet in C D. 956; The Shepherd on the Rock.

1. Though this is indeed an unusual combination, I don't agree with the previous reviewer -- there is absolutely no reason to give this wonderful CD less than 5 stars. In fact, if I could, I'd give it more! Both pieces, I must admit neither of which was I familiar with before this, are exquisite jewels of Schubertian melody and beautiful, unexpected harmonic turns. The quintet is played with much love and devotion by the Marlboro crew assembled, and what can one say about the other piece -- "The Shepherd On The Rock"? The legendary Rudolf Serkin is at the piano (a better chamber player never existed), the brilliant Harold Wright is on clarinet, and the beguiling, bewitching soprano Benita Valente is at peak form here -- such purity of tone and lovely, delicate phrasing! This piece was recorded in the late 50's, but not to worry -- the sonics are just fine. This was truly a find. Personal note: this was recommended to me by the great Rudolf Serkin's grandson -- how could I resist? I'm glad to report that he certainly didn't let me down!



2. Many consider Schubert's String Quintet one of THE pinnacle masterpieces in the entire chamber repertoire. With its many and diverse emotional moods, memorable lyrical themes, dense textures, and its tonal richness from 5 strings (w/ two cellos), the quintet is clearly a masterpiece. Much of Schubert's chamber and leider music flowed from small, festive gatherings with his musical friends ("Schubertiades") and that kind of intimate spirit is captured in this festive, live performance. This recording can compete with the best in terms of sound and performance and is quite lively and vivid - partly from the dynamic of a live performance. You can clearly feel this energy and a sense of spontaneous music-making in the highly-spirited last two movements of the quintet. Lead violinist Pamela Frank brings a gorgeous tone and technique to these works - albiet one more focused on the moment than on clinical perfection in a studio. While not the highest-profile violinist around, Ms. Frank brings a refined technique and much artistry to the music she plays (her Beethoven violin sonatas being one fine example).
   
   For those not familiar with the Marlboro Festival ... no, it was not an event sponsored by the cigarette company but was an annual summer gathering for decades in rural Marlboro, Vermont of some of the best veteran and budding talents (like Ma, Perahia) headed by the legendary pianist and teacher, Rudolf Serkin. The quintet was recorded in 1986 while the song in 1960 which is quite lovely here. With minimal agenda and pressure in a lovely retreat setting, these musician followed their deepest musical inclinations, honed their talents among legends and often came up with memorable performances such as this Schubert quintet. Compare the clips to others and you can sense how good it is.
   
   As much as I admire the polished (studio) version of the Quintet from the Alban Berg Quartet, I must say I like this version even more for its live dynamic and the way the background strings create a greater sense of drama in the final movement by sustaining their harmony passages versus a more stacatto effect as most others do. Plus, the Marlboro group gives the first movement its due drama by retaining the often-omitted repeat. Another strong performance comes from the Emerson Quartet on DG if you like their bolder manner of playing. The second song piece on this CD (with piano, clarinet accompanyment) is most lovely and sensitively played/sung. I am not familiar with Schubert's songs, but it seems the gently-meandering and melodic performance here captures what he must have had in mind. From such songs with their natural spontaneity and lyricism, you can appreciate why Schubert was one of the finest and prolific composers in the leider genre. 4.5 stars.
   
   Note: while the Amazon text lists Yo Yo Ma as one of the two cellists, it is not the case (Wiley, Lichten).



3. Though recorded in 1986 at a live performance at the Marlboro Festival where outdoor ambience can either enhance or detract from 'pure music', this elegant recording of The Schubert Quintet in C major coupled with 'The Shepherd on the Rock' is right up there with the best of them. The quintet is especially sensitively played and the recorded sound, while a bit forward, still encourages appreciation of the communication among the five string performers.
   
   "The Shepherd on the Rock" is a favorite work, loved by chamber musicians. Written for voice, piano and clarinet - each of equal importance - it is a lovely mood piece. The performers here are the inimitable Rudolf Serkin playing with his usual refinement, Harold Wright providing the clarinet obbligato, and the rare opportunity to hear Benite Valente in top form, sailing through Schubert's lines and high tessitura with seemingly no effort.
   
   If you are looking for the most open and tender 'Shepherd' available, look no further. A very fine recording of an important music festival that celebrated some of our best musicians. Grady Harp, April 05



4. By 1986 the Marlboro Festival had acquired up-to-date recording equipment, so this live Schubert Quintet in C sounds very good, the strings natural and sweet, the balance perfect. (I am going on faith with an earlier reviewer, since the jacket notes don't say that this is a live performance.) The group is led by old hand Felix Galimir and a young Pamela Frank on violin. This is a sensitive reading, but there are many places where it's a bit timid and foursquare. The Quintet in C responds to the greatest emotional depth one can give, and here the performers take no risks, unlike the classic Prades Festival recording, also on Sony, with an impassioned Pablo Casals. Three stars.
   
   The coupling, from twenty years earlier, is Schubert's sublime Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (which, if translated literally, means something comical: Shepherd on the Rocks). Benita Valente sings with rapturous ease, inspired by Rudolf Serkin's piano and the clarinet obligatto of Harold Wright, the best American clarinetist of his generation. A treasurable performance. Five stars.



5. This is an excellent recording. Of course, both are wonderful pieces of music. Shepherd on the Rock is a beautiful song - probably the last that Schubert wrote before his death. It was written especially for a friend to sing. It has a lot of drama, and those lovely melodies that just flowed out of Schubert. I highly recommend this CD.

5 comments about I Have a Pony.

1. This is absolutely one of my all-time favorite comedy CDs. Considering that some of my favorite comics include Sam Kinison, George Carlin, and Lewis Black, Steven Wright may seem out of place, given his lack of profanity and the fact that most of his jokes are one-liners. But this guy is absolutely brilliant. If you haven't had the chance to see his short film "The Appointments of Dennis Jennings," you really should. I love that film, and I really love this CD.



2. Steven Wright was and is the most unique comic view of reality you could want. Surreal, cosmic, views of day to day life.



3. This is my favorite comedy CD, decades after I first heard it. Steven Wright makes a one-liner out of what lesser comics would stretch into a ten-minute comedy bit. The only possible problem is the jokes come so fast you're bound to miss some the first time through, still laughing from one joke as he moves on to other jokes. That's hardly a problem since it means once you finish you can immediately listen again and enjoy it.
   
   There is almost nothing objectionable, one short bit about a girl on her way to the psychiatrist comes to mind, but compared to contemporary comics this is refreshingly innocent. Many of the jokes require paying attention and some edumacation to understand, but like the Airplane movies, with so many jokes to choose from even 50% means you get more jokes per minute than anything else available. We listen to this at least once a year and at other times we frequently repeat the jokes or parts of the jokes to each other which causes some consternation among bystanders.
   
   I especially like his solution to the student loan dilemma but there are just too many jokes here to comment on. At least 95% are funny, 50% are hilarious, maybe I still don't get the last 5% or I'd think they were funny, too.



4. Few comedians have made me laugh like Steven Wright. He like a "Far Side" cartoon version of stand up comedy that is hilarious. He doesn't rely on foul language or it's shock to get a laugh. I can play this CD with my kids or Mother In Law in the room and they'll laugh right along with me. Good humor makes me laugh even when I've heard it before and already know the punch line. Steven Wright's oldest material still makes me laugh, even though I've heard it 10 time before.



5. That is what you find yourself saying over and over again, BRILLIANT. You will not find anyone that makes the types of observations he does. When you add him to your comedy CD collection, you can be sure that you will have a CD that is different from other stand-up routines. If you are looking for one of his CDs, because you already love his work, than you will not be disappointed with this one. It is the classic genius of Steven Wright.

5 comments about Swan Princess.

1. Sweet movie for kids and I love it too. True love wins in the end and that is always the best ending. One bad guy tries to take over the kingdom through taking the king's daughter. The music is so cute and some really funny like "this is not my idea of fun."



2. It seems that everyone has believed that one day Princess Odette and Prince Derek would marry. But, Odette will only marry for true love. And there is another who is determined that the marriage will never take place - the evil sorcerer Rothbart. He has taken Odette and placed her under a spell, and now it is up to Derek to rescue Odette by showing his undying love. But, will he be in time?
   
   I love this movie, and have been watching it over and over again since it first came out in 1994. Now, I must admit that the illustration work isn't quite up to Disney standards, but what this movie does have is a wonderful story, filled with interesting characters and a lot of fun scenes. If you have little ones, and are looking for a fun and entertaining cartoon movie, then go get The Swan Princess. My family and I give it out highest recommendations!



3. This movie has its charms; however I'm a bit skeptical that they're calling this a "special" edition: Where are the extra features, making of, commentary, etc.? And where's the original wide-screen version of the film? Why just the full-screen version? They've done this with the DVDs to other animated films ('Cats Don't Dance', 'Balto', just to name a couple. These, as well as Swan Princess, deserve the wide-screen formats.) So--4 stars for the film, but minus one star for perhaps-not-being-such-a-special-edition-after-all. (I guess that's what you'd call it!)



4. My 2 yr old and 5 yr old love this movie. My 2 yr old calls herself "odette," after the swan princess. But there is a lot of fighting for young ones. They love the songs, too.



5. It is a decent movie but I really bought it for my girlfriend. Kind a gift with the purpose of reliving the childhood and it worked out nicely. She loved it and it a very enjoyable movie. Great music and a cute storyline, it all ties together to create a good flick.

5 comments about Message In A Bottle: Original Motion Picture Score (1999 Film).

1. I had never listened to musical scores, much less purchased one until a friend recommended this one. It is simply the most beautiful CD I have ever heard and it has taken a permanent place in my CD changer. I never grow tired of it and it has prompted me to buy more musical scores.



2. If you have ever experienced being in love, thought of being in love, where your soul has been touched..this CD is for you! This CD stirs so many memories for me. It also helps me dream of a love that is to come. Yes, I know, I sound corny! I fell in love w. this CD before I've seen the movie. The samples do this CD no justice.....If you like to dream, fantasize, this CD is the one!



3. And the movie wasn't half bad, either. Gabriel Yared did an outstanding job telling the movie's tale in lyrics. Selection of the artists such as Marc Cohn, Sheryl Crow, Sinead Lohan, and Sarah McLachlan was particularly inspired. The movie is so-so. I don't own it and would not see it again, but I do revisit the soundtrack often. You'll have a much richer experience just listening to the story as the music unfolds.



4. The image shown on Amazon indicates on the CD cover that it is the Orignal Score from the movie. Yet, the item I received from a seller shows the same cover art (on the beach), but the actual contents and even the wording on the cover are "music from and inspired by the motion picture" which obviously is not the original score.
   Not quite sure who is to blame for this mix-up. It may be simply a packaging problem. However, I do like this CD, but love more the movie score. I'll be sure to contact a seller before trying to purchase this item again to ensure it is the score and not music inspired by the movie.



5. If I had background music for my life Gabriel Yared would be one of the few composers I'd consider. He simply taps into the spiritual dimension of Message in a Bottle and never lets it go. This is a demension above us all and this "spiritual" music keeps us in touch with it.

5 comments about So I Married An Axe Murderer: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. So I Married An Axe Murderer will hardly go down as a great movie, but I found it charming and funny. While watching, I also kept noticing how the soundtrack rocked! This CD contains a great mixture of bands from the late eighties and early nineties. From Toad the Wet Sprocketýs loving tribute ýBrotherý to a fun remix of Big Audio Dynamiteýs classic ýRush,ý youýll find many pleasing tunes. However, they really didnýt need to include Mike Meyerýs beatnik ode ýThis Poem Sucks,ý or two different versions of ýThere She Goesý (a song that has been remade at least once more since this albumýs release). Still, give it a listen. You might even want to see the movie!



2. Although I loved the movie, I can't say the same for the soundtrack. I don't really care for many of the songs on the album...they're very early nineties (if you're into that, more power to ya!). The only songs that I cared about were one of the versions of "There She Goes" which I think sounds better than Six Pence None The Richer's version (which I also like, by the way); the other is "This Poem Sucks": the song is jazzy and has Mike Meyers punchy voice and funny words. Yet, I'd much rather listen to his second poem, "Ode to Rose," from the movie, which is a bit better...too bad they didn't put it on this album... See the movie first (because it's definitely worth seeing) and sample the music before you buy. A lot of the songs that I like from the movie are not on this album.



3. Although I loved the movie, I can't say the same for the soundtrack. I don't really care for many of the songs on the album...they're very early nineties (if you're into that, more power to ya!). The only songs that I cared about were one of the versions of "There She Goes" which I think sounds better than Six Pence None The Richer's version (which I also like, by the way); the other is "This Poem Sucks": the song is jazzy and has Mike Meyers punchy voice and funny words. Yet, I'd much rather listen to his second poem, "Ode to Rose," from the movie, which is a bit better...too bad they didn't put it on this album... See the movie first (because it's definitely worth seeing) and sample the music before you buy. A lot of the songs that I like from the movie (none of the wedding songs are included...who could forget Mike Meyers version of "Do ya think I'm sexy"?) are not on this album.



4. This is my all-time favorite move and soundtrack. This gives Mike Myers' fans a view of his early wit. The music is great, although I have never heard of a soundtrack that included all the songs of a given movie. 5 stars for the 90's!



5. I LOOOOOOVE this movie! The soundtrack always brings me back! Great songs!

5 comments about The Swan Princess: Music From The Motion Picture.

1. I dont give this cd a 5 i give it a 1000 stars. Its that good I cant stop singing to the songs. I am 17 and I love the movie and songs.



2. This is seriously the best animated movie, and best songs ever. I, along with my best friend, am completely obsessed. The songs will stick in your head forever, but they are actually good. This is my idea is the best song for sure because you get to act it out. I suggest you buy the movie along with this. Hurry! Beforet heres none left ! When im older I am going to redo this movie on dvd. You wait and see.



3. I really enjoy this CD. I mean there are a couple of parts that are different from the movie, but it is still awesome. All of my family loves this.



4. I just got this yesterday and I love it! Even though I'm now almost fifteen, its so fun to look back on this fun soundtrack.
   OF course you have a few childish numbers, such as "Princesses on Parade", "NO Fear!", and "No More Mister NIce Guy(The movie and awful remake version)" which are rather lame and superfluous. But if you can look past these minor glitches, this CD is really a gem.
   The song "PRactice, Practice, Pratice!" is downright fun, and I think I appreciate it most as a musician myself. Even while listening to this song, its all I can do not to shout out "WEasley, you're a Rabbit!"
   "Far longer than Forever", is a beautiful ballad and is truely enjoyable. And what's better is the singing (and speaking?) voice of Derek is done by DOuglas Sills of "The Scarlet Pimpernel: THe Musical" who was also nominated for an Academy Award!
   The orchetral pieces are very pretty and relaxing to listen to. My favorites are "Derek Finds Odette" and "End Credits" which give us beautiful renditions of the main theme. However, I was surprised to find that in "The Enchanted Castle", you can almost hear traces of "Another Year Begins" from "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" by Patrick Doyle. WEird....
   ANyway, I highly recommend this for movie music enthusiests. IT's still as fun as ever!



5. 
   For being a Phantom fan now, I used to be obsessed with this movie. I found the screenplay awesome and the music to be quite rememberable on some occurances.
   
   But Howard McGillian? I could not believe he was in this movie too, wow. Now I definately have to buy this and listen to it. If you are a Phantom fan, check it out.

5 comments about Message In A Bottle: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture.

1. I happen to buy a lot of Movie Soundtracks and I can say that is one of my all time favorites. Great ensemble better than the movie, in fact I liked it so much more that once I got the soundtrack I appreciated the movie more. There are so many songs on this CD that I can't possibly list them all but I can say that if you enjoy soundtracks that make the movie you will not be dissapointed in this one. I must also mention that the some of the songs are tear jerkers so BEWARE and have your box of kleenex available. Some of the artists are also on "Anywhere but here" and "Pratical Magic"



2. If I could give this a perfect 10 rating I would. I loved this CD with it's mixture of beautiful vocals, especially the rarely heard "Carolina" by Sheryl Crow, and instrumentals so much that I purchased the Original Motion Picture Score as soon as it became available and I'd rate that a perfect 10 as well. I never go anywhere without them.



3. A couple nice tunes. Overall not worth buying. You won't listen to the entire album more than twice. You won't need too, it ain't worth it.



4. I have both of the Message in a Bottle cds. They are each filled with wonderful music. Unfortunately my absolute favorite song from the movie, "Beyond the Blue" a duet by EmmyLou Harris and Patty Griffin is NOT on either cd. Beware!
   
   It seems I am forever tracking down an errant song. Oftentimes the song is a critical heartbeat moment of the film - as in this case. Why such an important song is missing confounds me.
   
   If you are considering this cd because you want THAT CRITICAL SONG played during the montage showing Theresa and Garret finding their lives hopeful after years of despair and loneliness, you won't find it on either of the Message in a Bottle cds. You need to add to your cart the soundtrack for the movie, Where the Heart is. That beautiful song also played at the very end of that movie AND THOSE FOLKS had the sense to put it ON THEIR SOUNDTRACK! I have not found it on any of EmmyLou Harris' or Patty Griffin's cds. Maybe it was a licensing thing, I don't know... I don't really care. Just figured I would offer a heads up and a helpful hint!



5. I have heard the song theresa & garret( gabriel yared) from the soundtrack in a instrumental version which i beleive is the original one
   Does someone know the name of the song or which was the original one ..
   pls listen to the sample and help me
   
   thank you

5 comments about Cieli di Toscana.

1. "He is all heart; there's no pretense. You can feel it." No kidding. These were my mom's last comments about Bocelli two months before she left earthly existence.
   
   This album helped me process a lot of emotional residue affiliated with the strain of difficult dynamics between my mom and myself.
   
   Don't get me wrong. The music isn't sad; it's pure heart and emotion, so it may evoke emotions. The last cut, "L'Ultimo Re" is gorgeous with the way his voice soars!
   
   E.A. Davis, author: Waiting for Wings: Accompanying a Parent to the Edge of Life



2. Just what it says. See my other Andrea Bocelli reviews to get the idea I really like this guy.



3. It is out of this world. It lifts your spirit and takes you to a different world. I suggest it to all my friends.



4. It's been four years since I bought this and today it is not even in my iTunes Library. Therefore it must not have been that memorable or I would have ripped this CD and added it to my collection.
   
   I like Andrea Bocelli, though this one must not be one of his better albums judging by the fact that I haven't listened to it in three years.



5. I love this CD, and I love Andrea too. This opera star has such a pureness to his voice, so angelic. This particular CD would be excellant for a romantic dinner or if you want to take a nice drive alone. Reduce your stress, listen to this CD.

5 comments about I Still Have a Pony.

1. Play this disc right after 'I have a Pony' and you wont even know you changed years. Still funny as ever!!!



2. This audio CD is the audio portion of the DVD "When the leaves blow away" which is his new DVD.
   
   If you would like and audio version of his DVD to listen to in the car or rip for your mp3 collection, then get this.
   
   Otherwise I would recommend his DVD.



3. Steven Wright is a genius, and this is a great performance. I believe it's taken from the exact same performance as the When The Leaves Blow Away DVD.



4. It may not quite have the same hallowed stature, humour, and pithy observations of his previous Pony 2 decades past, but it's still vintage Wright. And that's not wrong.



5. Steven Wright with his deadpan humor is my favorite comedian. He makes me laugh outloud which doesn't happen very often.

5 comments about I Have a Pony.

1. This is absolutely one of my all-time favorite comedy CDs. Considering that some of my favorite comics include Sam Kinison, George Carlin, and Lewis Black, Steven Wright may seem out of place, given his lack of profanity and the fact that most of his jokes are one-liners. But this guy is absolutely brilliant. If you haven't had the chance to see his short film "The Appointments of Dennis Jennings," you really should. I love that film, and I really love this CD.



2. Steven Wright was and is the most unique comic view of reality you could want. Surreal, cosmic, views of day to day life.



3. This is my favorite comedy CD, decades after I first heard it. Steven Wright makes a one-liner out of what lesser comics would stretch into a ten-minute comedy bit. The only possible problem is the jokes come so fast you're bound to miss some the first time through, still laughing from one joke as he moves on to other jokes. That's hardly a problem since it means once you finish you can immediately listen again and enjoy it.
   
   There is almost nothing objectionable, one short bit about a girl on her way to the psychiatrist comes to mind, but compared to contemporary comics this is refreshingly innocent. Many of the jokes require paying attention and some edumacation to understand, but like the Airplane movies, with so many jokes to choose from even 50% means you get more jokes per minute than anything else available. We listen to this at least once a year and at other times we frequently repeat the jokes or parts of the jokes to each other which causes some consternation among bystanders.
   
   I especially like his solution to the student loan dilemma but there are just too many jokes here to comment on. At least 95% are funny, 50% are hilarious, maybe I still don't get the last 5% or I'd think they were funny, too.



4. Few comedians have made me laugh like Steven Wright. He like a "Far Side" cartoon version of stand up comedy that is hilarious. He doesn't rely on foul language or it's shock to get a laugh. I can play this CD with my kids or Mother In Law in the room and they'll laugh right along with me. Good humor makes me laugh even when I've heard it before and already know the punch line. Steven Wright's oldest material still makes me laugh, even though I've heard it 10 time before.



5. That is what you find yourself saying over and over again, BRILLIANT. You will not find anyone that makes the types of observations he does. When you add him to your comedy CD collection, you can be sure that you will have a CD that is different from other stand-up routines. If you are looking for one of his CDs, because you already love his work, than you will not be disappointed with this one. It is the classic genius of Steven Wright.