2 comments about Music for the Soul.

1. This is very emotional music that may easily bring a tear or many
   to your eyes.....this is very powerful music .....know that going into
   it.



2. I'm back to buy this CD for a friend who writes while listening to this type of music, as I do. The CD inspires and presents consistent selections of music that take you "out of it" and allow you to think. I've purchased many CDs looking for this type of music, and I listen to this one most often. It's a rare find.

3 comments about Michala Petri - Scandinavian Moods.

1. To be honest, I only heard a few selections from this CD on the radio. The music is haunting.

   You will be captivated, for example, by selection #17: Elegiac Melodies (2) for Strings, Opus 34: no 2, Last spring, composed by Edvard Grieg. This is a very effective orchestral setting of a well-known Grieg song which, in my opinion, is one the most beautiful songs ever written.

   The combination of Michala Petri on the recorder with the London Philharmonic Orchestra is quite marvelous.




2. The moment I saw the title of the new RCA Victor release (74321679502), I knew that I was bound to love it. When it arrived, the smiling face of Michala Petri confirmed my prediction even more, since I learned to love this master of the recorder years back when I enjoyed her Vivaldi and other Baroque concerts. To cut to the chase, grab this one!

   With a 58:10 minute running time, it offers 20 cuts of Scandinavian music, including two sung by baritone Bo Skovfus, featuring Petri as soloist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd conductor. Drawing upon music from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, the producers have mixed folk tunes with classical and modern selections to give us a very beautifully thought out and executed program of music, some of which is quite familiar ("Morning" from "Peer Gynt" and Alfven's theme from his Swedish "Midsummer's Vigil") and most of which is quite unfamiliar to this listener and all the more welcome for that.

   A superior offering and (again) a definite Grabbit.




3. The moment I saw the title of the new RCA Victor release (74321679502), I knew that I was bound to love it. When it arrived, the smiling face of Michala Petri confirmed my prediction even more, since I learned to love this master of the recorder years back when I enjoyed her Vivaldi and other Baroque concerts. To cut to the chase, grab this one!

   With a 58:10 minute running time, it offers 20 cuts of Scandinavian music, including two sung by baritone Bo Skovfus, featuring Petri as soloist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd conductor. Drawing upon music from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, the producers have mixed folk tunes with classical and modern selections to give us a very beautifully thought out and executed program of music, some of which is quite familiar ("Morning" from "Peer Gynt" and Alfven's theme from his Swedish "Midsummer's Vigil") and most of which is quite unfamiliar to this listener and all the more welcome for that. The lyrics to the two songs are given in the booklet but not translated.

   A superior offering and a definite Grabbit.

1 comments about Dawn at Dusk - A Late Night Recital by Dawn Upshaw.

1. My wife and I are both big fans of Dawn Upshaw, particularly her non-classical performances of songs by Sondheim, Bernstein, Vernon Duke, etc. This DVD has a terrific collection of such pieces (taped in 1996) and is very enjoyable to watch. Both picture and audio quality are stellar. Note that the audio is recorded in uncompressed 48 KHz PCM instead of compressed Dolby Digital, which makes it particularly easy on the ears but may confuse some DVD players. We had to adjust a setting on our DVD player in order to hear the audio track properly. Only one negative point to note: the disc's menus have annoying background music using a short repeating sound clip of Upshaw's own performance -- quite obnoxious, but we can forgive this given how enjoyable the recordings themselves are.

5 comments about Baby's First Songs From Around the World.

1. So many people have brought up the mary jane in one of the songs, that I just thought I'd mention -- not all of the songs on this CD even HAVE lyrics. The first two, for example, are instrumentals.



2. They say "marijuana" on here! That's all you need to know! These people are obviously terrorists! They're murderous drug fiends! They want to destroy America! Run! Hide!
   
   Hey but at least the cockroach isn't shaking her fake boobies and thrusting her pierced belly button in your face, eh?
   
   But anyhow, never ever share your marijuana with a baby. They are total bogarts.



3. The quality of the music is good. However, there are several mistakes in the origin of some songs. For instance, Guantanamera is from Cuba, not from Spain. The Brazilian song (Es Para Ti) is not from Brazil. But the worst thing is the version of that popular Mexican song, 'La Cucaracha'.
   
   The lyrics are saying the following:
   
   La cucaracha, la cucaracha,
   ya no puede caminar,
   porque le falta, porque no tiene
   marihuana pa' fumar.
   
   The English translation for that would be:
   
   The cockroach, the cockroach
   can no longer walk
   because she doesn't have
   marijuana to smoke.
   
   Do you mothers honestly think that this is the kind of vocabulary we'd like our kids to learn, and dance to?
   
   I don't think that's precisely the vocabulary that we'd like young kids and babies to learn. And it's sad that companies are selling products that are not being reviewed before sending them to the market. People that doesn't have the ability of understanding foreign languages cannot understand what's being said in the song. I bought the CD for a friend's of mine's little boy. My friend doesn't speak Spanish, but she was still able to understand that marijuana was being mentioned. As I do speak Spanish as first language, she asked me to confirm her what she thought she understood. I felt very embarrased when I found out that she was right.
   
   It's a shame. I'd not recommend anyone to buy these CD, at least not for kids.



4. I am a mother of two and an early childhood educator so I listen to a lot of children's music. I gave this CD a rating of four stars because though it has wonderful beats on it and seems to be diverse i feel the company should have left "la Cucaracha" from MEXICO out of this cd or changed the words to be more child appropriate. There is a verse in this song that repeats various times that references smoking marijuana. My children are both bilingual in english/spanish and think "the wiggles" version of this song is funny. I feel as if the song promotes drug use and is not a positive value that i would like to instill in my child or others.



5. As a first time parent I want to give my child every advantage I can. Studies have shown that playing music to your child helps to enhance their learning ability.

   I saw "Baby's First" cd series and as they were so affordable I decided to go ahead and buy them without hearing them first.

   My decision has been rewarded! The cd's are very good, and provide hours of music to stimulate my babies mind.

   Buy this CD today, you won't be disappointed, and neither will your youngsters! :)

4 comments about Debussy: Images; Arabesques; Children's Corner; Clair de Lune; L'Isle Joyeuse.

1. Simon Trpceski is a brilliant young Macedonian pianist that deserves the serious attention of all music lovers. We are indeed fortunate to have a plethora of exciting young pianists at present and while the media has not pushed Trpceski into the spotlight and glamour as the other young lions, here is a pianist of such prodigious gifts and wide-ranging musicality that he is bound to become a major artist both in concert halls and on recordings. He recently brought a technically brilliant and emotionally satisfying performance of the brief but demanding Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 1 as guest soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, and the result was an experience that brought an extended ovation from the audience. Trpceski's gift as an encore was one of the Debussy Arabesques, and here is a CD that carries the suggestion that he may be a significant interpreter of this repertoire to fruition.
   
   Trpceski has that amazing facility of rapid passage work coupled with complete control of the dynamic range and a keen sense of phrasing that makes him wholly at ease in the works of Claude Debussy. He understands the importance of the sustaining pedal, when to use it an when to release it, a trait that keeps so many pianists foreign to Debussy's music. The 'recital' here opens with the ethereal Arabesques 1 and 2, moves into the gentle playfulness of the 'Children's Corner', both books of the 'Images', the ever-popular 'Clair de lune' from the Suite bergamesque, and ends with a richly portrayed 'L'Isle joyeuse.' This is Debussy played as well as many an older master and with an atmosphere that seems to assure us that Simon Trpceski is becoming a durable and exceptional artist. Learn to pronouce his name - we'll be hearing much more form this artist! Grady Harp, April 08



2. This performance of Debussy totally lived up to reviews I had read of it in British newspapers. I'm looking forward to hear him perform other composers.



3. It would surprise me if this disc wasn't voted the best instrumental recording of 2008!
   
   Having had the pleasure of hearing this artist in person (in the very different Prokoviev Piano Concerto No.1 with Dudamel), let me assure you that it was he - and not the more famous maestro - who had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Interestingly, his encore was a Debussy prelude, during which one could hear the proverbial pin drop - and this CD will demonstrate why!
   
   Every aspect of his fabulous pianism is on display here, wonderfully recorded, and I urge you not to miss it. You will not hear a more beautiful disc - SO GET IT, RELAX AND ENJOY!



4. Great artists are often accused of being too egocentric to care for various members of their family, but in the case of Debussy, it is a well-known fact that for his only child he experienced a very tender love. "The Children's Corner" is as if the great composer had side-stepped his own stature to donate the best of his art to the infant child. When his daughter Chouchou was very young, Debussy brought her some delightful little toys to enjoy which induced him to compose "The Children's Corner." Pianist Simon Trpceski performed this collection of pieces as a part of his recent concert in Toronto which I attended. His playing was extremely opposite to that heard on this recording. "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" was played with a very harsh attack, crashing accents and at an overblown triple forte throughout. As a result the playful, humorous character was totally destroyed. This kind of approach was evident in "Golliwog's Cake-Walk" as well. The tempo was so fast and touch so steel-like that the supple cake-walk character and varying features simply did not occur. This was most puzzling to me, because Trpceski's playing on this disc is totally the opposite as mentioned earlier. "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum", reflects the progressive gymnastics, clarity, fluency and delightful charming take-off on piano exercises "a la Clementi or Czerny?" In "Jimbo's Lullaby, Serenade For The Doll, Snow Is Dancing and The Little Shepherd", Trpceski finally came through with the playing I was desperately looking for! He produces a suppleness and caress in his touch and penetrating softness where needed. The scale of nuances went from pianissimo to a controlled forte without ever losing the subtlety of the harmonies."Golliwog's Cake-Walk", is immediately successful conveying a basically diatonic jazzy playmate. Humor in quantities is conveyed by sudden halts, sharp accents, dynamic contrasts and an array of dance steps, of grotesque poses, tumbles and recoveries of the little puppet. Trpceski becomes ironic in a passage of the middle section, creating a delightful take-off on the prelude to "Tristan und Isolde," with yearning emotion. The two "Arabesques", are early compositions in which Trpceski fills the first with charm, the charm of decorative patterns gracefully adorning objects, monuments, a room, or even the frame of a picture. His touch defines the interlacing flowing fancy, characteristic of this work. The second "Arabesque" is less lyric in character than the first. Its patterns have sharper outlines and its rhythmic pulsations are more active. Trpceski creates the necessary overall brightness, with occasional sturdiness, in contrast to the supple fluency of the first. It is strange to reflect that only three of the six "Images" are performed with any degree of frequency and that even these do not enjoy the remarkable popularity which they should. "Reflets Dans L'Eau", could say that what Debussy saw in the water was the reflection of his own love of subtle design. Trpceski conjures the tremendous variety of shades which are intimately pervading as well as its poetic lines, simplicity, and ever-changing animation. "Hommage A Rameau", is a slow sarabande in which Debussy pays homage to Rameau's affinity for the classic dance forms. In performing this work, Trpceski respects the scoring and with stylistic understanding conveys the moods of reverence, great sorrowful tenderness and its expressive and emotionally intense conjuring of the memory of a departed musician. "Mouvement", is a composition of a basically abstract nature, despite the very human charm of its central theme. Trpceski creates the impression of a delicate wheel running at high velocity fully exposing the strange harmonic elements. "Cloches A Travers les Feuilles" ("Bells heard through the leaves.") Here, Trpceski artistically makes use of pedaling as a kind of breathing to create full chime effects and to support texturing and the harmonies. He magnificently carries its impersonal tonal sensation into a sphere of inner peace. "Et la Lune Descend..." In this performance Trpceski gently conveys a sensitive transportation of something unseen in nature, yet present in a dream. He attentively defines the important subtleties, which can make or destroy the aesthetics of the performance. "Poissons D'or", is amazingly conveyed. Trpceski simulates the delicate fining of a goldfish remaining almost still, then its rapid fast gliding, its colorful brilliancy and weightless nature. "Clair de lune" is a composition that speaks to each of us in a most personal way. Trpceski performs this with a penetrating softness staying close to the keyboard. The entire plan communicates the romantic character, an expressive, singing tone almost always in half shades, sensitive harmonies and a thoughtful sketch, which never quite forgets its opening mood. "L'Isle Joyeuse" is one of the most extroverted of Debussy's compositions. Trpceski's virtuosity captivates the orchestral conception of this work in a way that represents an equivalent to the Lisztian endeavor in piano literature. He conveys the enchantment of the "land of love" with full sonority and expressive power as it pervades the music, culminating into triumphant dance rhythms that create a glorious fanfare in honor of the goddess at the temple of Venus. Trpceski's finale is one that is filled with turmoil and exuberant joy!
   "I am so relieved that this recording proves that even the great artists can have an "off" live performance.
   Gramophone Magazine hit this one right on the head!"
   
   Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus. A.Mus. L.R.S.M. Licentiate (honorary)

5 comments about The Irish Tenors - Ellis Island.

1. As a child I listened to stories of emigrants who arrived at Ellisland. Leaving homeland, family and friends maybe never to see them again. Sometimes they lost touch with their families fo make it easier for them to settle in this beautiful large country. A lot of songs were written about it. The lyrics came across as haunting and beautiful. You could feel the lonliness of those people some only 14 years. It is a wonderful Tribute to Ellis Island.



2. Although Ronan, Finbar, Anthony, and Frank hit home runs, the sound engineers were a little sloppy. In many sections of the DVD the audio/video sync is very slightly off. It is not distracting, but it is noticeable. A little more troubling is the sound quality. It lacks the bold presence of a live performance. Again, not distracting, but noticeable.

   Overall, it is a "must have" for any Irish Tenors collection.




3. Long a fan of Irish music, I have turned to a series of artists to satiate my appetite. Bing Crosby and John McCormick have been succeeded by the Irish Tenors.

   This CD has a bit more of an Irish American theme as "Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears" and "God Bless America" illustrate. Interspersed among these tunes are traditional Irish tunes such as "Macushla" and "Croppy Boy", along with newer songs, such as "The Green Fields Of France" and "How are Things In Glocca Morra?"

   The singing is excellent, the words understandable. I appreciate the inclusion the lyrics of the songs contained on the insert of the cover. These are songs you will want to learn, whose stories you will want to research. I have. Listen again and again!




4. Have waited a long time for this to come out on dvd, the sound and picture are so much better than the video. I love everything that the Tenors sing, this is a concert with a difference, as it tells the story of Ellis Island. Martin Sheen is excellent, his own Mother came from Ireland.
   My favourites have to be Love thee Dearest, Green Fields of France,Danny Boy, The Croppy Boy, Forty Shades of Green, in fact I like every song.Parts of it make me laugh, The Irish medley and Courting medley, some of it makes me cry, like nearer my God or Love thee Dearest, I 'm sure anyone would enjoy this concert,if they are not already fans of the Irish Tenors I'm sure they soon will be.



5. I think that the Irish tenors Ellis Island CD is great. They are better then before. The rich vocies of Anthony,Roana and Finbar. I am telling all who haven`t yet saw it please go and watch it. You`ll love it.I promise you.

4 comments about Andiamo: Love, from Italy [DVD Video].

1. I was pleasantly surprised and very entertained by these three
   handsome and talented Italians! Young men singing alot of old
   popular Italian songs. It is refreshing and uplifting to see
   these songs kept alive. Very touching and enjoyable. I hope
   they find success. Ciao!



2. I actually bought this dvd for my mother. She'd seen the tv-registration and just wouldn't shut up about it. How the three tenors of Andiamo weren't just fantastic vocalists, but genuine nice guys as well. Now, my mother isn't one to swoon for anyone (Maybe David Bowie in his prime, but then, who wouldn't?), so I ended up being curious myself, and sure enough she was happy to bring the dvd with her when she visited me last month. Indeed, the almost tangible joy that radiates off the faces of these three tenors as they sing, is warming from the inside out. I've caught the bug, definitely. It's not just the selection of songs, the jubilant air in which they sing them, or the skill involved. It is, quite definitely, all of those things combined, the result bigger than the sum of its parts. I'm 28 years old and a lover of classic rock, hardrock and whatnot, but these charming men actually moved me to tears with their rendition of classic Italian songs. And frankly, that is a skill extremely few people possess in our world today.



3. This has to be one of the most enjoyable concert DVDs ever! Three young men with a fresh charisma send this music to a higher plane. The orchestration and arrangements are newly beautiful. Bonus material is truly bonus,featuring a delightful out-there interview. Real men sing!



4. This product was defective. I had to send the CD back twice to Amazon. It would not play on 4 different CD players I have. I was really disappointed. We saw these singers on PB and wanted this CD and we even preordered it.

3 comments about The Recorder: 4 Centuries of Recorder Music.

1. When I first played this CD, my downstairs neighbor came up and begged me to lend it to him. I know why. It contains one hauntingly lovely piece after another, all played with exquisite taste. The recordings were made a long time ago, so this may be the only CD that will ever become available from this Argentinian group. I plan to give it as a gift to special people, including my composer brother, who writes for the flute--to encourage him to write for the recorder, too. Highly recommended.



2. I was not sure about this, but saw another 5 star rating, and decided to take the gamble. This is a really nice CD. It has all sizes of recorders played, and lots of various percussion instruments of the day. This has lots of happy ancient dance songs and more solumn sounding but beautiful peices. The cover says the group is from Argentina. I am now looking for more of their CDs.



3. I was introduced to this collection at an institute of The California Arts Project which focused on teaching beginning recorder. This CD has an excellent variety...using the different types of recorders, and music of different periods. This CD is good for developing listening skills and for appreciating the importance of the recorder throughout musical history.

No comments about The Very Best of Bach.

2 comments about Wind Journey.

1. I have purchased cd in the summer of 2002. Back then, all I could think of doing was listen to 88.5 on the radio and hope that they will play music from Erik Wollo. The first song I heard was "Dream Lines". The music didn't seem familiar to me at first. I didn't consider it really ambient but it turned out that it was. After listening to it, I was into it very much. I never heard such a song played like that before and I knew it was something I would like. Wollo plays the guitar in a way that the sound echoes in my head and makes me feel like Im somewhere far and distant. In a short time, I heard "Wind Journey 1". That was amazing. After I listened to it few more times, I was into it so much that I couldn't help buying it from Amazon.com. Just about every beat and sound seems to echoe as if it was played outside where nothing surrounds you and where the music can travel and be heard. Listen to the samples and decide. Buying this cd is something to consider.



2. The last Eric Wollo CD featured wonderful virtuoso guitar, most closely akin to a "fingerpicking" style. Each piece was different, almost like a "best of" CD. This CD is completely different in that the artist uses the guitar as part of a series of thematic atmospheric tone poems based on the idea of wind and its forms and effects. The overall feel of the music is very ambient, with the guitar used less as a melody-maker, and more as a symphonic, electronic instrument, almost like a timescape. The orchestration includes atmospheric electronic soundscapes within which the artist creates mood music of the highest quality. I was absolutely fascinated by the CD on first hearing it, and it only gets better with each re-playing as I discover new nuances to the music. What a master of the guitar this man is. I highly recommend that you take a listen to this CD, and take a journey into the wind with Mr Wollo. This is a thinking person's delight!!!