5 comments about The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994.

1. Yo tenia el Cd de este concierto, pero sin duda el DVD presenta la realidad, lo sublime de este evento, porque ademas de ver las interpretaciones, trae varios puntos y canciones extras. Carreras creo que esta bien, saca la tarea. Placido Domingo en Amor vida de mi vida, logra llevar el concierto a su punto mas alto en ese momento, punto superado unicamente por Pavarotti en Nessum Dorma. Pavarotti como siempre sublime como dije en Nessum Dorma, Ave maria y en los popurris. La calidad del DVD es genial, con full screen y sonido digital. Otro punto buenisimo es la aparicion de Frank Sinatra en la cancion My way y de otras luminarias del cine y la política. Espero que este comentario sirva de ayuda para aquellos que quieran este DVD.



2. Before I go on with this review . . .
   
   I join the music world in mourning the passing away of a world-class operatic tenor, Luciano Pavarrotti early morning of September 6, 2007 at his home in Italy. He was 71 and had been battling pancreatic cancer, a killer disease. I know how it feels to lose a loved one from cancer so my heart goes out to the family of the late Mr. Pavarotti. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. May his soul rest in peace.
   
   It gives me goose bumps thinking that I was just listening to this CD, "The 3 Tenors In Concert 1994" a few days before Mr. Pavarotti's death and savoring the beauty of this live concert recording by Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras with conductor Zubin Mehta in 1994 at the Dodger Stadium in L.A. with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus. Some of the most famous and remarkable works of my favorite classical masters are represented here -- Verdi, Massenet and Puccini. And not to mention Andrew Lloyd Webber, Nicholas Brodszky and Leonard Bernstein, among others.
   
   While I loved all the songs with their immaculate and flawless arrangements as well as heartfelt and sincere renditions, I have special favorites from this awesome concert.
   
   I'm totally smitten by the trio's medley called "Around The World" arranged by Lalo Schifrin which includes an all-time favorite of mine, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "All I Ask Of You," and "America," "Brazil," "Sous Les Ponts De Paris," "Torna A Surriento," "Lippen Schweigen" and "Be My Love," a song by Sammy Cahn and Nicholas Brodszky.
   
   I'm affectionately nostalgic by the trio's performance on one of the two encores, "Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici" from Verdi's opera "La Traviata." It reminded me and flashbacked in my mind that it was a favorite piece of my late father who also loved the music of The Three Tenors, but his number one favorite operatic singer was Enrico Caruso. He used to request this from my sister to play for him. He simply loved this beautiful piece of music. My sister and I loved it, too.
   
   I'm sentimentally drawn to Luciano Pavarotti's performance on "Pourquoi Me Réveiller." This is from the opera "Werther" (Act 3). Its beautiful music was composed by one of my favorite French classical composers, Jules Massenet and the lyrics by Blau, Millet and Hartmann.
   
   "Pourquoi me réveiller, ô soufflé du Printemps?
   Pourquoi me réveiller
   Sur mon front je sens tes caresses
   Et pourtant bien proche est le temps
   Des orages et des tristesses."
   
   I'm completely charmed by the medley of "My Way," "Moon River," "Because" and "Singin' In The Rain" performed by the trio and arranged and orchestrated by a fine conductor, Lalo Schifrin.
   
   I'm totally fascinated by "Granada" performed by Plácido Domingo. It's one of the most applauded performances here and I just love its fascinating rhythm. Ditto with the enchantment of Pavarotti's take on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from the opera "Turandot."
   
   I'm endlessly enthralled by a song composed by Richard Rodgers and penned by Lorenz Hart titled "With A Song In My Heart" sung as beautiful as ever by José Carreras.
   
   "When the music swells
   I'm touching your hand
   It tells me you're standing near, and . . .
   At the sound of your voice
   Heaven opens its portals to me
   Can I help but rejoice
   That a song such as ours came to be
   But I always knew
   I will live life through
   With a song in my heart for you."
   
   What is not to love about this CD? I just had an absolutely beautiful and glorious listening experience, and I'm sure you will, too!
   
   Wholeheartedly recommended.
   
   P.S. I wish they have included my all-time favorite "O Sole Mio" in the repertoire.



3. Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti: The Three Tenors in Concert / Mehta Glorious sound, fun and inspiring selections. Good for any mood.



4. The concert realized in LA as part of the celebrations of the World Cup in 1994 is one of the finest spectacles that took place during the last century. On July 16th three of the most celebrated artists the world has given : Pavarotti, Domingo & Carreras together with Zubin Mehta displayed all their art, virtuosity and magnificence and the world just applauded them......
   
   The Cd highlights are imho "Nessum Dorma" by Pavarotti, Domingo's interpretation of "Granada", "With a Song in my Heart" by Carreras and the part of the show in which the 3 Maestros join their wonderful voices : "A Tribute to Hollywood", "Around the World", "La Donna e Mobile" & "Libiamo Ne'Lieti Calici" .....
   
   I hghly recommend this Cd !



5. The "Three Tenors" concerts were basically a gimmick, but an enjoyable gimmick. I have not purchased all the "Three Tenors" reocrdings, because I have considerable other material from each of them.
   The 1994 concert was a lighter repertoire than most. I have shelved my copy in the "miscellaneous" category, rather than the "tenors." Even so, the recorded audience reaction seems to be stronger for the operatic arias than for the so-called "popular" selections. Whatever the case, I will continue to enjoy this particular recording.

5 comments about The Christmas Attic.

1. We went to a TSO concert, then purchased this CD. We were disappointed that we didn't recognise most of the songs on there.



2. There is nothing better than seeing TSO put to video. Their Rock Operas are amazing and filled with beauty. Wonderful wonderful DVD!



3. The Christmas Attic
   
   I first listened to this CD at work when a coworker brought his in. After hearing the first three songs I knew I had to get it.
   Even though this is a "Christmas" CD, it's music you can listen to through out the year.



4. It is so irritating to me when Christmas music starts to make its way to the airwaves by October that by the time December hits this songs have lost most of their luster. If you feel the same way, give this a try, it is a great rearranging of some Christmas classics with a great overtone of Rock and Roll.
   T.S.O. has managed to remake the sounds of Christmas without loosing the Christmas spirit.If you decided to stop buying Christmas music, buy this, or any of the other three recordings.



5. TSO is simply the most powerful modern orchestra of our time. If you've never heard them, you must do so. You will be truly moved by the experience.

5 comments about State of Grace.

1. I too checked a copy of this out of my local library! I put it in my car stereo and rocketed down the interstate but soon had to pull over. I was crying uncontrollably! I could not believe how beautiful Lizabeth's voice was!
   I took my copy to a friend of mine, who has a B&O system and played the masterpiece for him. He was positively blown away and plays his copy every night.
   I just bought a copy of the disc along with the second version, which I am listening to now.



2. I was totally hooked on this style of music after hearing this CD. It is incredibly deep and beautiful and lyrical and just the kind of music that brings ancient language and sounds to the 21st century. I have all of the music that Lizbeth Scott records - she is a very good writer of her own contemporary style of music. The entire State of Grace series is incredible but this one is my absolute favorite. Right behind this is Aria 2.



3. I had to laugh at the tag "similar to Mehdi"...that's like saying the Beach Boys are similar to the Monkees....
   
   For a while this CD never left my rotation, and I play a lot of music. I still get a quick thrill of anticipation when I run across it in my stacks of CDs, and decide to play it again.
   
   This is spiritual music, true, but it is modern vocal/electronica as much as anything. It has a beat, it has soul, it is full-toned and gorgeous. But not too sweet, as the female vocalist puts grit into the tunes. Don't be put off by "Amazing Grace": yes, its that song, but not like you've ever heard it before. The arrangements add a new feel, and counterpoint the melody in an interesting and new way. All the "familiar songs" are like that: e.g. "Gift to be Simple (AKA Lord of the dance, the Shaker song)". The original works are similarly wonderful. You will be amazed.
   
   Paul Schwarz has found a niche that I hope he never leaves. If he can continue to match the quality, beauty, composition and orchestration on this effort, he will become one of my top favorite artists of all time. (Other artists I enjoy: Enigma, Mark O'Conner, David Arkenstone, Acoustic Alchemy, Lesiem, Mars Lasar, Secret Garden, Bela Fleck, Moby, Bill Douglas, Dave Grusin, Fourplay, David Benoit, Angels of Venice, Loreena Mckennit, Andreas Vollenweider to name a very few. Mehdi is OK to go to sleep to.)



4. Paul Schwartz recordings in all three State of Grace albums are very well composed and orchestrated. The voice of Lisbeth Scott is angellic and the chorus performs flawlessly. You'll want to listen again and again and again. I highly recommend this item.



5. My youngest son was recently deployed to Iraq...the selection, "Be Still My Soul," has created a beautiful, peaceful place in my heart and spirit that provides a sense of peace and comfort. Lisbeth Scott's voice is angelic! She brings a depth of bliss that is calming...which radiates from her sweet voice, providing a magnificent place for solitude and prayer. I adore her...and appreciate her and this beautiful song more than she will ever know.

5 comments about Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics.

1. First, if you've seen the episode, you know what's on here. The songs are incredibly well-parodied. Really, just listen to it to find out if you like it or not.
   
   Second, if you are disappointed by the lack of the Santa & Jesus duet, it's because this CD was originally released before the episode; listen to the commentary on the episode, and you'll notice that Matt & Trey mention that the CD hadn't been getting anywhere in sales, so they figured to just make an extra episode with it, but create the Jesus & Santa bit.
   
   Lastly, regarding the review written by Doug Thompson, aka "laffnstock," I must say that your new-found faith has ruined your sense of humour. If you can't make jokes about your own religion, then you're no better than Jerry Falwell and Fred Phelps.



2. Listen to this every year and it always makes me laugh. If you're a fan, you will love it.



3. Love this CD with much of the Christmas songs from many of the South Park episodes. However, the CD is missing the song featuring Jesus and Santa singing in a nite club. Still a Super CD!



4. There is not one bad song on this hilarious CD. If you're a fan of the extremely funny SP antics, you will love this CD. Hysterical!!!!!!!



5. This CD was released to coincede with the South Park episode of the same name. However, this CD includes most of the songs from the episode (except for the Holiday Medley performed by Jesus and Santa Claus) and several more songs that were not featured in the broadcast.
   
   It's funny funny funny. My favorite song is Cartman's song, "Swiss Colony Beef Log" where all he tells us the only thing he wants for Christmas, as Swiss Colony Beef Log. It also includes his popular butchering of "O Holy Night".

5 comments about Christmas Portrait.

1. A good holiday CD, had all types of Christmas songs, hymns, pop, instrumental. Great for the season.



2. This is a classic Christmas Album! Great renditions of old standards and new material. With 40 songs, including 3 medleys, it's a great value.



3. I was very pleased with the product as well as the service. I am so glad it comes in CD as I only had the cassette tape & it is my very favorite.



4. Not only was the product shipped to the wrong address, the charge for the purchase was my paypal account, that for some reason charged to an expired credit card that was for some reason still in the system. I have been contacted by a collection agency to collect the $14 for the product plus a $45 returned payment fee!!! Ouch!!! You guys are really slipping.



5. This has been a favorite of mine for 20-30 yrs and her voice and her brothers arrangements on these Christmas classics are amazing to me and very traditional as how I like to see and hear the Christmas season.

5 comments about Now That's What I Call Christmas!.

1. Looking to update my Christmas CD collection, I chose this CD. It had so many of the "classic" Christmas songs...that being said, I love the first CD. And part of the 2nd, but honestly the second half of disc 2 is pretty bad. Britney Spears, N'sync? Yuck. Anyway, for $9.99, you can't go too wrong. And actually, the Michael Bolton song is kind of cute!!



2. I have a guilty little confession to make...I'm something of a Christmas music junkie. I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 80+ Christmas CD's, and seem to add to my nefarious collection every year. This year, among a few other CD's, I picked this up. I need help, I know. But I just couldn't resist!
   
   In all seriousness, this is an outstanding little collection for the money. It has a bit of something for nearly everyone to enjoy, and they wisely put the more traditional fare on the first disc, while disc two contains the more contemporary material. This makes an excellent background track during holiday mixers or when you're doing any number of a zillion holiday-related chores around the house. Go ahead and snap up a copy of this two-disc set today, and you'll be set for many Christmases to come!



3. I am very pleased with the CD "That's What I Call Christmas". It has many songs on it that my others don't have and I like it very much. I enjoy Christmas music and this CD is great.



4. Disc One contains such holiday music basics as Bing Crosby with "White Christmas", Gene Autry with "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and Nat King Cole with "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)", title slightly changed from "(Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire)". Disc One also includes The Beach Boys' "Little Saint Nick". According to the liner notes, The Beach Boys never recorded a Christmas album. So how exactly does the author of these liner notes explain a 16 track CD I also have in my collection titled "The Beach Boys' Christmas Album"? Included on Disc Two are Paul McCartney's joyful "Wonderful Christmastime" and Mannheim Steamroller's beautifully done version of "Away In A manger". The two disc holiday set concludes with a very good and wise choice in the selection of the harmonies of Boyz II Men with "Silent Night". An essential for anyone's holiday music collection.



5. This is my 2nd CD of this. My other one was kinda scratched up. It was like that when I bought it & it has gotten worse so I got me another one. I love the songs on there. I listen to them every year for a whole month sometimes a little longer. I have the other 2 CD's that goes with this one.

5 comments about Jethro Tull Christmas Album (Bonus DVD).

1. As 'the season to be merry' now approaches, perhaps you are thinking of buying some music that reflects the more traditional aspects of Christmas; well this album should certainly 'fit the bill' and, at the same time, offer something a little different. Not only should 'The Jethro Tull Christmas Album' appeal to fans who prefer the band's 'folksy-medieval' sound, it could well be a revelation to others - those who find JT's edgier music either too strident or too complex, or those who haven't even heard of JT. Also, fans of Fairport Convention might want to give this album a listen.
   
   The songs all have a strong Christmas feel, yet they still offer variety : modern arrangements of carols and classical pieces, with remaining songs being Ian Anderson originals; the album includes 7 instrumentals and 6 songs which are re-makes (not simply re-mixes) of earlier JT songs. Ian Anderson returns to strong form vocally and with a somewhat smoother delivery. The musicianship is first class (featuring flute/piccolo, piano/keyboards/accordion, acoustic/electric guitar and mandolin, bass guitar and percussion - also, the Sturcz String Quartet on one track). Ian Anderson's flute playing still employs a 'fluttering' technique but he also uses a more fluent style; the guitar playing (both acoustic and electric) by Martin Barre, and the keyboards of Andrew Giddings on 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', are truly outstanding. All the hallmarks of Ian Anderson's creativity are here - elaborate arrangements, frequent tempo changes and 'interesting' lyrics occasionally laced with some wry humour. I have 5 JT albums from the 1970s and, whilst the sound quality is reasonably good (if a little variable), it simply does not compare with the balance, clarity and consistency to be found on 'The Jethro Tull Christmas Album'.
   
   This album will be highly effective played only as background music to enhance the general atmosphere of a 'family' Christmas, but I hope you can also take the opportunity to listen to the music and lyrics more attentively (it is music you can listen to all year round) - but, at 16 tracks and over one hour, maybe not all 'in one go'. If you decide that you rather like this music, I would recommend the following JT albums also : Songs from the Wood (although 'Pibroch' may not appeal), Heavy Horses and, to a lesser extent, The Broadsword and the Beast (perhaps I should add - an album not well thought of by some music critics, but one that I enjoy a lot) - on these albums, the music is a little edgier, Ian Anderson's vocals are quirkier and the sound quality is not as good (but you could try the re-mastered versions); nevertheless, they share some similarities with 'The Jethro Tull Christmas Album'.
   
   JT's music divides opinion - even amongst fans, but I think this is one the best albums produced by the band for many years. Subjectively, I would have preferred a couple less re-makes in favour of some new material - but this might not bother you so much if you don't already have the original versions.



2. My husband is the Jethro Tull fan in our household, so when I saw this album I had to buy it for him. I myself am not a Tull fan, but I found myself enjoying this album. I appreciate Ian Anderson's take on Christmas celebrations and the music was great!! I would recommend this album to any casual Jethro Tull fan, or non-Tull fans as well.



3. Like this album so much that , though I gave my copy away thinking I'll get another one next year, I am not going to wait. If only I could have caught their show in November.



4. Is vintage Tull - a bit off the wall Christmas thing but not bad if you just like his style.



5. Ian Anderson and his crew are in fine form on this 2005 album, which includes many of his long-time band mates and a couple of younger musicians. Tull takes a brave approach with almost all new music, although many classic Xmas themes can be heard throughout.
   
   While lacking the hard edge of many Jethro Tull classics, it is worth savoring and sharing with friends during any time of the year. Likely to remain on both holiday and Tull playlists for many decades to come.

5 comments about Happy Holidays-I Love the Winter Weather.

1. Like many of the fine folks who reviewed this album, I grew up listening to, and absolutely cherishing the Ski Trails album. Jo's voice is absolute heaven and the Starlighters and Paul Weston's Orchestra (Jo's husband) are simply wonderful! I can't imagine Christmas without them! Through the years I have had several copies of the original Columbia LP release of Ski Trails, in fact I still have them all . . . each time I encounter it, I can't resist. Now these timeless and wonderful recordings are FINALLY available on CD! As a bonus, you also get the tracks from Jo's Happy Holidays LP . . . a wonderful collection of some of the best winter and holiday recordings ever made. Order this NOW. You will discover what I (and many others) have known for years: Jo Stafford, The Starlighters, The Norman Luboff Choir and Paul Weston and his Orchestra absolutely rule!



2. I, too, grew up with Jo Stafford's Ski Trails. I listened to cassette tapes for years of the scratchy old album and was amazed and delighted when her holiday CD including all the Ski Trails songs and more came out. My husband and daughter came to love the old songs just as much and that music is now part of our holiday traiditon.



3. JO STAFFORD IS BEFORE MY TIME BUT, I LOVE HER VOICE. I CANT WAIT TO LISTEN TO THIS ALL THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS.



4. I know it sounds like I'm rehashing every other review, but my mother played "Ski Trails" every Christmas and wintertime in our home. I grew up believing in the that ski slope on the cover, and wanted to ski ever since. I finally did, in college. As soon as I got online back in the 90s, I searched for "Ski Trails" in CD format. I still have the scratchy album! I gave "Happy Holidays-I Love the Winter Weather" to both of my sisters, who didn't really remember the original album . . . until they put the CD on; then the realization of it all showed on their faces. Even if you've never heard even one of Jo Stafford's songs, buy this CD, many copies, because the generation before us loves to get it as a gift!!!



5. This is a beautiful CD. Jo's voice is lovely and soothing. They don't make them like this anymore!

5 comments about This Time of the Year.

1. After all of the same old Christmas tunes, here comes a singer with substance...kind of like spending the holidays in your favorite nightclub. My wife is generally inclined to tune out a lot of the traditional offerings as semi-pleasant background noise, but she perked right up when Steve Tyrell came on the radio. "Buy me that CD for Christmas, please!" was her immediate request. Says it's the best present she got this year...



2. Cool, hip, and classy Christmas album. Steve makes it fun and even has the great Clark Terry (now in his 80s) playing his magical trumpet and doing a duet...true class. 'Nuff said.



3. This disc is OK, but in my opinion, not one of his best.



4. Steve Tyrell has such a warm, raspy voice...I could listen to it all year long.



5. This was the first Steve Tyrell CD that I've ever purchased and I was NOT disappointed! I prefer the more nontraditional Christmas songs, but Steve Tyrell's unique, gravely voice lent such a newness to even the traditional Christmas songs on the album, that I could play them over and over without tiring of hearing them. And the nontraditonal cuts on the album were superb! "This Time of Year" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" particularly standout. It's guaranteed that I will be sampling and buying more of his CDs.

5 comments about Grimm Tales.

1. Through many places dark and eerie have Nox Arcana been our guide. From odes to Lovecraft, Poe, and Stoker, to tales of Darklore's abode, and the Knight of Ebonshire. Frpm diabolical carnivals, to tales of fallen angels, and epic tales of legengary quests in times of yore where dragons ruled the skies in the time of the ancient gods. Within the dark and the macabre there always rests a touch of beauty, and the wondrous melodies of Nox Arcana are never silent for long. Now, they bring us their ninth gem in just four short years. Aye, in truth a wonderous new musical story is crafted, and in the spirit of the works of the Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm, Nox Arcana gifts us with:
   
   GRIMM TALES
   
   1- Fable - A gentle and lovely music box melody sets us on our journey's path. It bespeaks wonder and beautiful innocence. All too soon, however, it is joined by ominous deep male soaring female choir to grant an airof brooding menace and fear. Overlaid soon after is the voice of co-composer and storyteller extraordinaire Joseph Vargo himself, suitably sounding like a wise old crone bidding welcome to a captive and wonder-filled audidence with the following:
   
   Welcome children, gather round
   To heed grim tales of whispered lore
   As twilight falls, dark shadows rise
   To haunt the night for evermore
   For ghastly things lurk in the dim
   Beneath the shadows of your bed
   Waiting till you drift asleep
   To fill your dreams wuth mortal dread
   
   The piece is closed out with a couple touches of moaning winds mixed with a raven's cry, a sinister laugh, and more music box melodies and choirs. In my mind I can easily see a wizened old hag sitting at the bedside of a child in a homey cottage by candlelight, reading a scary story from an old leatherboud volume.
   
   2- Twilight - Here, the starting players are a pretty but somewhat sad and brooding piano melody that manages to give a sense of the coming of night, and of exploring an unknown realm. Xylophones and beautifully soaring melancholy strings join in with touches of choir to convey the coming of evening, painting in the mind a picture of a moonlit but starless sky, as darkness settles over meadows bereft of greenery.
   
   3- Once Upon A Nightmare- The 'swirling' nature of the opening xylophone melody that begins this does seem to hint at 'spinning' helplessly into troubled sleep. This is aided by beatiful strings turning into an urgent march, painting a picture of a terrified heartbeat, blending with tolling bells, deep timpani drums and ominous choral work and chanting. I can see 'inside the mind' of someone falling asleep, images of a mist-shrouded glade with gnarled tress, and a distant castle upon a cliff, guarded by churning stormy waters.
   
   4- Shadow Forest - Again, I see an arboreal realm, more grey and deep ebony than green. Shroudeded in thick gloom and mist. It is conveyed beautifully by low-voiced choral 'chanting' and delicate harp mated with tolling bells, darkly tense strings and pretty children's choirs. Again, a music box does appear nicely, and the pipe organ provides a tensse undercurrent. Moaning winds and more music box tonees close out the piece.
   
   5- Eyes In The Dark - The sense of being watched by something you might or might not see is more than ably conveyed here. The honors are done by somber strings, tolling bells and pipe organ. Percussion and moaning winds also chime in. The pace is steady, almost heartbeat-like but more brooding than urgent. I can eyes in my mind here, almost like looking through lightning flashes for repeated but brief glimpses of creatures just waiting for there time to strike.
   
   6- The Hollow- This piece is a very tense ambient mood setter evocative of a dark and hidden glade. The hollow rush of a chill wind is mated with sounds of owls, birdcalls, sinister laughter, animal growls and a baby's cry. I thought I picked up wolven howls as well. Despite being a non musical peice, the tension is undeniable here.
   
   7- Sylvan Spirits- Dancing xylophones mate with tolling bells as well as beautiful choir and strings. The 'swirling' nature of the melody more than ably suggests the elegant and graceful nature of the forest fae as they flit to and frow through a glowing but misty emerald locale. The piece isn't all about beauty though. There's a sense of something not quite right in it, as if the sylvan spirits have power that could be deadly to any visitors to their realm.
   
   8- Wicked Heart- Here, the stars are brooding strings, drums, tolling bells and both chanting and soaring choirs. The tempo is distinctively march-like but does also depict the heart that is the title's namesake. Getting closer and closer to the heart of the Witch Queen's realm, aren't we? Do be brave children, if you can. :)
   
   9 - Conjuration- One of the scariest pieces Nox Arcana has done to date. Moaning winds and raven's calls blend with owl hoots, deep low choir and eerie bubbling sounds. The vocal performance of Joseph Vargo in this piece is first rate indeed, as he, portraying once again a wicked old crone, intones:
   
   Cauldron blazing in the fire
   Lapping flames grow ever higher
   Tongue of toad, and wing of bat
   Mixed within this bubbling vat
   Raven's claw and serpent's scale
   Dragon's blood, and scorpion's tail
   A plague of nightmare's I invoke
   To rise up from the ash and smoke
   Spider's web and eye of newt
   Viper's venom and mandrake root
   Hearken ye to my commands
   Come forth to haunt these withered lands
   Unleashed from depths of blackest night
   Slither crawl and take to flight
   And in the darkest midnight hour
   All gather round the witch's tower
   
   To be able to see aforementioned old hag working a spell here is, for me, very easy. It is as if someone else is doing the bidding of the dark Witch Queen, that she herself thought was beneath her dignity even to do.
   
   10 - Night Wraiths - A companion piece to track nine to me. Tempestuous strings and percussion blend with rising choirs both chanting and singing wordless melodies, and dancing pipe organ passages. The urgency of the piece draws me in and the thundering timpani are a beautiful touch. Now the sky is black as ever it could be as denizens of the night blot out the blood red sky and moon, as they make haste to do the bidding of their cruel matriarch
   
   11- Deep In The Woods - I love the mournful piano and occasional string hits in this, mating with tenser flowing and vibrating strings in places. The sound effects of birds and a baby's cry are a great touch, but what really conveys the sense of being lost for me is the sad and almost crying children's choir work
   
   12 - The Forgotten Path- Here we get a sense of exotcism, mysticism, beaty and dread all together. Great guitar work and strings mix with beautiful flute , tolling bells and tamborines and choral work to take us through a forested realm both teeming with ethereal beauty and seething with the tension of the unknown.
   
   13 - Fairy Tale- Here, a musicbox like tune comes back to the forefront. Lovely soaring children's choir does a beautiful dance with it. This seems in a way a gentler respite for us, filled to the brim with loveliness and wonder, but I picked up a bit of sadness too. It's like your hearing a great story, that you want to turn out okay, but aren't sure it will.
   
   14 - Crone's Caverns - Brooding strings, mournful piano and pipe organ are back. Flowing chorals and moaning winds mate with them, along with tense and dreadful string vibrato. Percussion depicts a heartbeat to me once again here. Subterranean realms filled with mist and mystery are easily painted within my mind's eye.
   
   15 - Rise To Destiny - This piece to me is almost bellicose. Again, we get a theme that is marchlike and almost militaristic. The honors are done with steady pulsing strings, drums and blended male and female choirs. Somehow I see armies converging on a distant regal domicile backlit by a crimson sky and dim silver moonlight.Are they the armies of the Witch Queen? Yes, but maybe they amass to stop those who would dare get too close to her, or those who would be a threat to her reign.
   
   16- Labyrynth of Dreams- The namesake of this title, a beautiful maze, is in my mind expertlty depicted by the lovely xylophone and childrens' choral work. The stunner for me though is the mournful and tense string passages that weave as if they are crying through the piece. It is as if whatever might be sought in this maze, whatever ray of hope exists, it might remain for ever out of reach. Perhaps the realm of Fable itself is weeping, for it remains under the rule of a wicked matriarch.
   
   17- Castle of Nightmares- Tense violin and cello blend with deep timpani, moaning winds and soaring blended chorals. Pipe organ and thundering drums soon join, blending with choral chanting and vibrating string runs. Easily painted is the grand but bleak domicile of the Witch Queen which we must not approach. Ancient and powerful, standing in arrogant pride, ebon stone with jagged spired, backlit by crimson blood and dimmest gold. To reach the light, the shadow must be faced, and ever closer to that shadow we are coming. There is power and regality in this piece that stirs the heart, but there is tension that cannot be ignored or mistaken.
   
   18, Hall of the Witch Queen- An awesome thunderclap and rainfall open this piece. Soon we are accosted by the Witch Queen herself (voiced very nicely by Christine Filipak) as she demands to know "Who dares to intrude upon my dark domain?"
   
   Drums, choirs, and strings soon fill our ears. They dance beautifully together with male female choir in what sounds to me almost like a macabre promeande. In a strange but elegant and fitting way, they paint for us a picture of the royalty and beauty of the Queen, a beauty that is present despite her darkened heart.
   
   19. Ave Sinistra- This is my favorite peice on the disk. The beginning is tense and powerful, comprised of a steady- tripartite beat performed by timpani and strings, and ended with a solid piano "hit". Overlaid upon that, is a gracefully flowing three note violin melody that expands to alternate between seven, five and four.
   
   My favorite part is when the four-note strings are joined by the steady timpani and choral undercurrent, going slightly faster as another current of faster and more urgent strings swirls along underneath it all. The dance of strings drums, horns, blended choirs and chanting near the climax has great power. The piece is closed out nicely with male choir and piano, painting the image of countless denizens paying homage to the Queen whose dark beauty and power are told by the piece's character.
   
   20 - Black Spires - The first word that comes to mind here is either desperate or urgent. Strings and drums blend with choir to depict what seems to me a struggle to accomplish a heroic deed before it it is too late to take the chance. It is as if someone is running helter-skelter through the castle of the Witch Queen looking for the way to do what they must, or maybe just frantically seeking the way out, if there is one to be found at all.
   
   21 - Darkly Everafter- Three words for this one? Omionous, tense and beautiful. Xylophones, strings, percussion, and moaning wind effects blend with piano and tolling bells to do the honors. My favorite parts are the vibrating string hits that float behind the music box tones before the timpani hits come in. The melodies woven by all are most engaging, gripping, and powerful Can the Witch Queen be stopped, or does she indeed reign "darkly everater" as the title seems to suggest?
   
   There's one thing I must say to advise you. Do not hit stop when the music at first goes quiet. The bonus track is very well done and fitting. Featuring great vocal interplay between Christine Filipak and Joseph Vargo, coupled with a lovely melody and ended in a way that seems to suggest a sinister "wink" to the listening audience, it is not to be missed. It definitely made me smile to hear it.
   
   All in all, I must call this yet another brilliant piece of work by Nox Arcana. Taking a bold and grand step, they have composed a wondrous and engaging dark fairytale for the modern age that perfectly captures the spirit and tradtion of the best of the Grimm brothers' written works. It is, in its own way, very much a captivating tale that just might have you shivering under your blankets at night, and yet wondering, maybe wanting to go to the realm of Fable yourself. Beware though, for Queen Sinistra would doubtless be waiting, perhaps, to see you.... Pleasant dreams.



2. Wow! Wow! Wow! Did I say "wow"? I'm not Loren Gomez; I am his 13 1/2 year old daughter and I am so impressed by this album. It was just as good, if not better, than their last effort. I love the topic of the album. I love how Joseph Vargo made his voice sound like and old crone. I almost couldn't recognize his voice! The sound effects in this CD were perfectly done. I liked how Christine Filipak portrayed the Witch Queen so perfectly.I could almost see the Witch Queeen speaking. My favorite pieces were Twilight, Shadow Forest, Eyes in the Dark, Sylvan Spirits, Wicked Heart, Conjuration, Night Wraiths, Deep in the Woods, The Forgotten Path, Fairy Tale, Crone's Cavern, Labyrinth of Dreams, Hall of the Witch Queen, and the hidden track. Well done, Gentlemen. Well done.



3. BRILLIANT! Dark, Mysterious, Stirring.
   
   I am a professional magician and Nox Arcana's Music has never failed to inspire and invoke the imagination. It greatly enhances my performances; you can tell by the expressions on the audiences faces. Grimm Tales is a fantastic collection or gothic and haunting melodies. If you are stimulated by this genre of music, you cannot miss with this acquisition.
   
   - George Anderson, Magician & Illusionist



4. I love the genre of music that Nox puts out and wish there were a sat channel that played Nox's music. The Grimm Tales creates a beautifully dark nuance for the imagination to immerse itself in thats as a shadowy play land in an unhallowed forest.
   
   Earl Lothar Loc'Nar



5. This cd is very consistant with Nox Arcana's previous work. I like the quality of their mixes, although I wish it had some more tracks with narration as those work really well around Halloween.