5 comments about One Chance.

1. I've never been impressed with any singer that could sing "the right way". All Technical Blah-Blah and BS (sorry). It's all about singing with the heart, and being able to move people so deeply, that tears start flowing. THAT's REAL singing. Pavorotti never moved me to tears. This guy did. Music is not only hearing with your ears... it has a lot to do with feeling as well. Real singers sing from the heart and are therefore also able to touch the hearts of others as well. Not a mystery, just a common fact. May Paul Potts keep singing like this always, and doesn't loose himself in technical voice gymnastics and his songs ending up flat and heartless.



2. There are three different groups of people in this world. The first are those who are born great. The second group are those who greatness was bestowed on them. The last group are people who worked very hard to become great. Paul Potts is one of those who was born great with a voice that i can only describe as legendary. It is a sad thing to hear people discredit him like that. This singer is on his way to become the next Luciano Pavarotti.



3. I saw him sing on the "talent" show, I was amazed just like the audience was & yes I got goose bumps too.



4. Coming from a family of opera singers, I listened to operatic voices all my life. Paul Potts is a true talent. Hope we hear more from this young man.



5. This is such an enjoyable CD--the music is quite familiar. Much of the music is in Italian--but absolutely fantanstic. Have shared the music with friends and they are also purchasing this CD

1 comments about Lorraine at Emmanuel.

1. As a Boston resident from 1985-1994, I attended numerous Emmanuel Music events ranging from the Sellars production of Handel's "Giulio Cesare" (brought to Boston by Sarah Caldwell & the Opera Company of Boston) to several of the weekly Bach Cantatas that they performed Sundays at the Emmanuel Church services. I even returned to Boston once to specifically hear the ensemble's performance of Handel's "Solomon."
   
   Emmanuel Music, under the directorship of its founder Craig Smith, never made much of a misstep in any of its performances. Undoubtedly the people who played and sang for Smith did so out of a love for the ensemble and a high respect, admiration of and love for him. The performances were outstanding because the performers were driven to perform for the experience and the musical involvement Smith provided them with, not for great sums of money.
   
   Craig Smith was not a flashy showman kind of conductor (in fact he was quite the opposite) and one always suspected that he might be a bit eccentric in an endearing sort of way. However, what he was was a musician/conductor searching for truth in music and in character. And it's in that regard that he singularly stood out - not just in Boston, but also internationally. He always paid great attention to the finest of details in the music he conducted and he knew how to get refined, genuine and transcendent performances from those working with him. He was, in some regards, one of the musical world's best kept secrets.
   
   I first heard Lorraine Hunt (later Lorraine Hunt Lieberson) in her phenomenal performance of Sesto in the Sellars' "Giulio Cesare" in Boston. I heard her on several other occasions as well, including a commanding performance of Cleopatra in Handel's oratorio "Alexander Balus" with Emmanuel Music under Smith's direction.
   
   It could be argued that no one knew how to conduct Hunt Lieberson better than Smith. Likewise it could be said that Hunt Lieberson excelled in her singing for Smith, who had played such a crucial role in the rise of her vocal career, because they were musically on "the same page." She had evolved out of Smith's brand of musicality while individually searching for and finding command of her own voice and interpretative skills.
   
   This recording is taken from the archives of Emmanuel Music (I wonder what else they have sitting around waiting for the world to hear) and is a tribute to both Smith and Hunt Lieberson. As expected from both of these artists, the performances here are more than "lovely", "pretty" or "splendid". What they are is music at its elemental truth - a representation of the finest of these two artists. These performances take the listener to the place in music where truth and art are whispered to them - not shouted. Here, both musicians understand that less is more when one knows how to strip away the gimmicks that music sometimes has thrust on it by conductors and/or performers.
   
   The orchestra has a bit of a hollow sound to it, but the sound is quite true to what the performances at the Emmanuel Church sanctuary sounded like. Emmanuel's main sanctuary is quite large and Smith generally had a very small orchestra.If one likes recorded performances miked close, then the orchestral sound may be a bit of a disappointment. However, don't think that the "hollow" sound detracts any from the detail or articulation of the performances. Furthermore, these are live performances that were probably never intended to be internationally released. (But maybe any other recorded performances should be. The "Alexander Balus"?)
   
   For those of us who heard Emmanuel Music so often, the recording is bittersweet. Somehow one thought Craig Smith and the ensemble would go on forever. It was simply expected. The same can be said for Hunt Lieberson. Who thought such a glorious voice would ever be silenced. But they both have passed on now. However Emmanuel Music still thrives - and I expect will continue to do so even though it may have to mourn for awhile. But I have no doubt that they will prosper because of Smith's dedication and love of them and because of their dedication and love of him.
   
   If you have ever wondered what all the fuss was about regarding Emmanuel Music, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson or Craig Smith, this recording should stop that wondering. One rarely hears such refined and soulful performances. The Bach is sublime and Dejanira's arias from "Hercules" are, to this listener, without peer in their execution, depth, and character. The "Mad Scene" is stunning! This release will likely make many "best of " lists for 2008.
   
   Although I never met or knew any of the members of Emmanuel Music, I will forever remember and treasure their gifts to me.

3 comments about Norton Recorded Anthology of Western Music, Fifth Edition, Volume 1: Ancient to Baroque (6 CDs).

1. The CDs in this set are not packaged in standard jewelboxes nor even in cheap sleeves, but are mounted directly atop a printed surface. As a result, when I purchased the set from my school bookstore, I found that several of the CDs had dried flecks of ink on the data side that made it impossible to play or rip certain tracks. Beware.



2. I received these cds well on time, and upon discovering they were the wrong cd set the return also took place quickly.



3. If you're a music student at almost any major school (I just finished my undergraduate at Indiana University, for example) you'll most likely need to take a course that uses these CD's as part of its history survey. For that purpose, this set is an excellent collection. These, with their companion Norton Anthology of Western Music, and in conjunction with Grout/Palisca's History of Western Music, make for a thorough survey of the roots and history of Western music. Both the History and the Anthology use these CD's, and make constant references to them. (At least, up until 1750, after which you'll need the second volume)

   Having said that, however, i'm afraid that these CD's are limited to their intended purpose. Obviously, there would be absolutely no way to have a comprehensive collection of music and text be affordable to an average college student. As it is, the Grout, Norton, and CD's total about $200 total. However, for that cost they provide an extremely good survey of Western music. A student can follow historical developments through the music, and learn an enormous amount from these CD's. They provide a fairly good cross-section of different styles of major composers, and even a few examples of lesser known composers. One is far less likely to criticize the music of the twentieth century, for example, if one finds that Gesualdo (of the late 16th century) was writing music that was MUCH stranger than anything before the turn of the twentieth century.

   For someone outside of the music school (who will most likely be required to buy these anyway), these are also an excellent (and comparatively affordable) way to survey the mainstream and less-mainstream trends in Western music. The recordings are all relatively high-quality, often using historical instruments and interpretations (something important to a student of musical history) and providing a good introduction to classical music.

   For that reason, then, i recommend these to the casual listener as a good introduction to Western music. If you seek a "greatest hits" album, these are not that; go buy those Time-Life things they advertise on television. This is rather a serious collection of music from as many different styles as allowable while still maintaining some depth. The only thing that keeps the fifth star empty is the lack (by necessity, though i must admit) of a more wide-ranging selection of music. Despite that, they are still an excellent buy. The casual listener of classical music should find these to be a valuable introduction to the well known, and also the more obscure realms of early music.

5 comments about 25 Mozart Favorites.

1. This CD is brand new and -- YAY -- didn't arrive with cracks in the case! Very happy with this purchase.



2. Toma una dimensión distinta de Mozart cuando escuchas sus mejores temas.
   
   ...



3. I was extraordinarely ignorant when I purchased this recording. I thought,"WOW!! Look at all the music you get in this CD set. The price cannot be beat!" When I received the CD, I discovered that you don't really get any music at all. This is a great sample CD, and should be bought by a person brand new to classical music. However, if you have any experience with classical music, you will want to pass on this CD.
   
   Each of the pieces are hacked apart to the point of it being comical. It's interesting to listen to the greatest music in the world, only to have the development cut. All of a sudden I was thrust into a new key, I thought my ears were going crazy. Perhaps an effort by a decent high school orchestra, but this music is not up to snuff with any other recording.
   
   Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase real recordings of Mozart, and not watered down stereotypes.



4. Very pleased with product, delivery, cost and service. Will use this vendor again.



5. I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

5 comments about 25 Classical Favorites.

1. Bought this product for my grandchild to introduce him to classical music. It was perfect. Thanks



2. Overall an excellent collection of classical favorites and for $3.99 its a steal, but strangely there is not a single Beethoven composition in the CD.



3. This turned out to be the right pace and type of classical music that I was looking for. (I like and appreciate classical music but can't stand, nor understand, a lonesome violin screeching away for 55 minutes).
   I think this set is a great gift and/or as an introduction to classical music especially to younger audiences.
   As for the sound quality - it sounds like...well..a regular "Digital Audio" CD. Nothing to write home about. Its not the audiophool quality recording you might be looking for. Some tracks are recorded better than others. But if you think MP3 sounds freakin' awesome, don't worry about what I said about sound quality.



4. The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.



5. It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

5 comments about Sarah Brightman Classics.

1. Love Sarah Brightman, however, this CD doesn't have one song on it in English. While I enjoy a mixture of her other CDs that are bilingual, this entire CD consists of songs in other languages I don't understand. Very disappointing. Played it thru only once. Probably won't play it again. No speakers on my computer so I can't "test run" these. My own fault, I guess.



2. An absolutely dreadful CD, with one decent rendition (Ave Maria); the rest -- pure awfulness.
   
   It's like listening to Susan Alexander Kane (Citizen Kane's second wife) sing a whole album. Brightman's voice wavers & quivers all over the high notes. Oh, it is SO bad.



3. Superb performance. Great selection. Incredible voice.
   Can suite easy listening as well as classic lovers.



4. Is there a better singer in the world? I don't think so, but in any case, this new album from the now very svelte and very georgeous Sarah Brightman is superb. The power, the control, the clarity is all there. This experienced vocalist is the definition of a world class diva. The proof of it all is the fact that her fans, of which I am one, could listen to her for days on end without getting tired of her lovely voice. This album has it all. Get it, and enjoy!



5. Of all the excellent Brighton discs I have heard, the Classics is the best. Her voice is as awesome as the selections.

5 comments about Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics, Vol. 2.

1. It has different classical music composers and music selections. If you bought the Baby Bach, Bay Mozart #1 and #2, there will be some repeats. I still enjoy the music selections of the other composers.



2. This is great CD. We love Vol. 1 but it was getting a little over played so we bought Vol. 2. It's THE best thing for a car ride. Especially with a fussy baby who hates cars.



3. My son had a rough time giving up his musical mobile. He needed the music to help him calm down as he was falling asleep.
   
   In a moment of desperation, I purchased both this CD and volume 1 of the Lullaby Classics.
   
   When I played the CD I was pleasantly surprised, that the music on the CD was very calming. I also know most of the songs which made it more enjoyable. I even enjoy hearing it on the baby monitor when my son was trying to fall asleep.



4. This is a very nice cd to have home, it's the best way of introducing music to your baby. Amazing composers, great selection and the instruments used, made it easy for "little ears". It's a calming, sweet way of putting your baby to bed. Everytime I have time I turn it on and give a full body massage in my daughter... we both love it.



5. These are so good for the young kids in your family!!! I love all their products

5 comments about The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!.

1. The music on this cd is excellent. I would listen to it on my commute home from work, and it keeps me from getting annoyed with traffic. I would just focus on the rhythms and soothing sounds.



2. The musics are wonderful. I love it at all. Everybody can appreciate this excellent product.



3. This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.



4. I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.



5. If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

5 comments about The Mystery Of Santo Domingo De Silos Gregorian Chant From Spain.

1. I purchased this version of the monks of Santo Dominto De Silos at the same time I bought the 2008 edition of the Gregorian chant by the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz (Chant: Music for the Soul). While the effort of the Santo Domingo monks was highly praised when it was released, I fully understand why the version by the Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz was so brightly hailed. The Spanish recording seems regimented, in contrast to that of the Austrian Cistercian monks of 2008, who seem quite sublime, un-regimented, and singing only in response to their devotion to God. Even so, this recording by the Spanish monks is clear, pure, and by the books; it is authentic. If you are interested in Gregorian chant, you should have a chant rendition of this style in your repetoire because these fellows deliver it in a style considered normal in the recording world before their performance was usurped for many by the Austrian monks.



2. This is superb. The passion in the voices melts my heart...I can hear the longing for Christ in their voices. One of my all time favorites.



3. I am a writer, so I got this CD to listen to while I write. Each chant on this CD is a jewel in its self. The voices are mystical and haunting and at the same time so peaceful, each of the singers is so insync with the others. When listening to this CD, I feel like I am transported into a medieval abbey surrounded by gregorian chant. I have heard many gregorian chant albums and this is by far one of best, it had the richness and a haunting, beautiful quality that many of them lack.



4. While I agree with the other reviewers that this is a fine recording, two precisions are necessary for the sake of accuracy. The disc is titled "Gregorian Chant" but in fact it is Mozarabic or Old Spanish Chant. The reviewer who wrote that the monks observe this rite is mistaken. The monks observe the same monastic rite as the monks of Solesmes and other Benedictine abbeys. The choir director at the time (1968), however, is a musicologist who prepared a special program of Old Spanish Chant for the historically based Archiv Produktion of Deutsche Grammophon.



5. The monks of Santo Domingo de silos follow the rites and traditions of the ancient Mozarabic period of Hispania (modern day Spain). This period stemmed from the Visigothic period of control over the former Roman protectorate. And from this period throughout the generations this form of pure, magical and yet authentic chant has been saved and will continue to be saved. I brought this CD initially for my stepdad but I decided to keep it with me after listening to it. I fell in love with the sound, the atmosphere and it made me great when I listened to it.
   I hope to one day visit the abbey and listen to these chants in person and live. 22 tracks of solid gold chants and the voices are so in sync with each other that the real mystery is why there is not more monasteries like this one.

5 comments about 25 Bach Favorites.

1. And the company still sent me the wrong cd.The cd i received was 25 most classical favorites,so instead of returning the wrong item,i just took the lost.



2. I was looking for a CD of exclusively Bach music, not necessarily played by a famous artist or orchestra. This had a lot of his well-known pieces and was exactly what I was looking for.



3. I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!



4. My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.



5. Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.