Reviews (14)

Servicable, well-recorded introduction. to the Master.
Let's see. The John Eliot Gardner "period" cycle goes for about sixty bucks, this one for sixteen. I love John Eliot Gardner's Missa Solemnis, & I enjoyed the couple of his Beethoven symphonies I've caught on the radio. So why is it that I have Giulini's 7th, Klemperer's old school booming 4th, Szell's crisp 5th, a treasured complete set on Deutsche Grammophon vinyl by Karl Bohm given to me as birthday gift years ago? What attracted me to the ancient Seraphin Cluytens/Berlin Philharmonic 9th? Probably because I detest "the latest is the greatest because it's the latest" standards of musical purity & enjoy the concepts & idiosyncrasies of conductors from different recording eras & cultures. Good heavens, this music is 200 years old!! It stopped sounding the way Beethoven wanted it to sound the first time the old man stepped up to the podium & couldn't hear the band.

I was familiar with good reputations of Ferencsik & the Hungarian Philharmonic in the Eastern European & Russian musical marketplace, particularly with Eastern European music - some of it available here at ridiculously low prices, & almost totally ignored. True, Ferencsik conducts in the Toscanini "It's my ballgame 'cause I brought the ball" tradition. But these are more than servicable, well-recorded interpretations for newcomers want to become familiar with all nine, then move up to more individualist performances of the symphonies that most attract them. It's also an excellent addition to one's portable CD player library. Today, I left the house at the beginning of the 3th, went to the supermarket, & arrived home just as the 8th was ending - all on one CD.

'Old School' Beethoven
Janos Ferencsik belonged to the 'old school' of conductors. A craftsman rather than a showman. Sadly we'll not see their like again!

These are thoroughly balanced, lovingly conceived performances. They reveal strength of character, discipline, mature insight.
The Hungarian Philharmonic Orchestra play beautifully. They have an attractive and distinctive sound. Reminiscent of a piece of much-loved, deeply polished mahogany. This is real music-making! Worth hearing whatever recordings of these inexhaustible symphonies you may have. Heartily recommended.

Rather Good At A Give Away Price
Janos Ferencsik (1907-1984)was one of the most prominent conductors in post World War II Hungary. Although he recorded mostly for the state run Hungaraton label he did make a few for other labels. A very fine recording of Schoenberg's "Gurrelieder" on EMI is highly recommended. Ferencsik was not a flashy conductor but instead concentrated on the inner workings of a score often providing some interesting insights that many glossed over. A concert of Bartok's music that I heard some 25 years is still quite vivid in my mind.Like many of his generation clarity of textures among the different sections of the orchestra was a hallmark.

These Beethoven recordings were made towards the end of his life and are a fine example of his work. These are solid performances that avoid some of the Romantic excesses that crept into the scores via Wagner. One gets the sense in these performances of a Beethoven emerging from the Classical period of Haydn and Mozart in the Romantic era which he would forge. Performers are all first class and the price is really a steal.

You probably have one or two sets by more well known names but this set would make an ideal back up to take along on vacation, for the office or for your portable player. Either way you will be getting some very fine performances at an incredible price. Off the top of my head I can think of about 3 sets by other conductors selling for 3 to 4 times the price that do not even approach the quality of Ferencsik's performances

Unbeatable for the price, but...
I only listened to the 6th symphony before I wrote this, but I can presume it shows Janos Ferencsik's feel of Beethoven's music. I've had a couple of other versions of Beethoven's complete symphonies: Toscannini and someone else on CD whom I can't remember (my CD collection was burnt up in a house fire). They were both excellent, and have shown me what Beethoven's symphonies should sound like. But Ferencsik conducts the 6th as if he doesn't have a true artist's feel for Beethoven's intended interplay of the various instruments. Sometimes inappropriate secondary instruments come to the foreground when they shouldn't, giving a clumsy feel to the whole. In general he gets it right, but there are many occurrences that make me say to myself, "Ah, well, the complete symphonies for $13.89, an excellent orchestra, and very good sound fidelity. It's still a great deal!" One more excellent example of the importance of the man with the baton.

Great Cycle
Janos Ferencsik does a fine job here with the Hungarian Philharmonic. The symphonies are performed with intensity, vigor, and great energy. Ferencsik's interpretations are strong. His treatment of these symphonies is classical - he does not handle Beethoven as a romantic. Thus, the symphonies are well balanced, controlled, and tight. The playing of the orchestra is superb as well. Although a bit too controlled for my taste, nevertheless, these are wonderful performances. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Forget the age of battling boy bands, the era of dueling young tenors is upon us. Hot on the heels of Josh Groban's dizzyingly successful, Ally McBeal-fueled debut comes this first international release from African-born, Greek-raised tenor Mario Frangoulis. There are some clear parallels between Groban's debut and this Frangoulis release, but some distinctive differences as well. While Groban coated his slick, David Foster-molded pop sense with a veneer of classical respectability, Frangoulis has effectively turned the formula inside out. With similar classical training--but a few crucial years of experience on his American rival--Frangoulis treats the classics reverently but not slavishly, with the title track effectively turning an aria from Puccini's Tosca into romantic Europop. Elsewhere, the international flavor is further expanded by three melody-rich songs ("Hijo de la Luna," "La Luna de Valencia," and "Naturaleza Muerta") by Spanish singer-songwriter Jose Maria Cano and a sing-along-ready take on the 1950s Neapolitan chestnut "Luna Rossa."

Like Groban, Frangoulis and producer Steve Woods also plumb the music of la cinema italiana for inspiration, turning Nicola Piovani's bittersweet Life Is Beautiful theme into the ponderous "Buongiorno Principessa," but faring better with a moody, dramatic take on Rota-Wertmuller's "Canzone Arribiata." The obligatory rock-pop cover here is the flamenco-inflected"Nights in White Satin", with Frangoulis joined in a bilingual duet with original Moody Blue Justin Hayward that's surprisingly effective. Less showy perhaps than Groban's debut, but a more nuanced and emotionally satisfying album overall. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (82)

INCREDIBLE VOICE...INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL!
I am simply floored by the beautiful tone of this guy's voice. Why he's not a bigger star here in the U.S. is beyond me. He blows Josh Groban(Josh who?), out of the water! Not only is he a great talent, but he's also got a strong musical education/foundation behind him too. And on top of it, he's got movie star looks to boot. (You know, I'm beginning to hate this Mario guy!). But seriously, there is not a bad song on this set. I love them all, especially "Buongiorno Principessa" and the Greek song "Lunna Rossa", which has me dancing like an drunken idiot whenever I play it! If you don't get up and dance to this song, then you're heartless. I was dancing around the place like I was freekin' Zorba!

I hope this guy really blows up big in AMerica. Josh Groban needs some real competition from a guy who knows his stuff.
Just BUY this CD..buy 2 or 3..this guy can SING his ass off!!!!!!!!

We Should Have Known Mario Long Time Ago!
I give Mario more than 5 stars if I can. It is a truly amazing CD.

I bought this CD by chance. When it was first released, I listened to the 30-second clips on the net and did not appreciate it. I finally bought it after hearing a few lines on a store promotional TV. Now Mario's voice has become part of my life.

Mario's got the pop appeals - the gentle touch, the expressiveness and passion. In addition, he has very solid classical and music theater background behind him. The Mediterranean flavor with danceable rhythm is contagious. His pronunciation is exceptionally clear and his English sounds like a native speaker. His timing is breathtaking. Yet he sings opera like a pro with the magnificent voice of a true tenor. Yet he composed two of the most beautiful tracks in the CD - Track 3 "Sometimes I Dream" and Track 7 "Ton Eafto Tou Paidi" (He Himself As A Child). The lyrics of quite a few songs have poetry quality. Mario got the good looks too. But he does not need to depend on his looks. He is a truly amazing musician.

My favorite tracks:

1. Vincero Perdero. Great poetic lyrics, beautiful melody. Original song for the CD and for the artist's voice. Mario feels it is his own life story that he sings to us.

2. Buongiorno Principessa. Lyrics written for Acadamy winning movie music. Mario sings at very low range at beginning and end with dramatic ballad in the middle. There is a splendor the way he sings it.

3. Sometimes I Dream. The music and lyric lead into the opera piece seamlessly. The song demonstrates Mario's vocal versatility in pop and opera. It brings life to a classic piece. The rhythm makes you swing.

7. Ton Eafto Tou Paidi. One of the best tracks in the CD. Composed by Mario and written by a well known poet for his personal experience as a child. A very sensitive and touching song. A beautiful way to be introduced to the Greek language.

All said, I am still shocked to find myself listening to this CD over and over again everyday since I got it a few weeks ago. I can now even understand most the Vincero lyrics in Italian. Since Mario already has a good-sized repertoire, it may be possible to see more of his works soon.

No need to buy any other tenor cd
Mario has obviously excelled in the lessons of opera. There is something for everyone on this cd.
This album should have catapulted him to mega-stardom.
Forget Groban and Watson. No one compares. His voice is a rarity in this day and age.
A God-given gift! Now go buy his cd and dvd and tell everyone about him. You won't regret this purchase!

I'm still enchanted...
I heard Sometimes I Dream by Mario Frangoulis more than a year ago and still love it. I am so impressed by this cd that I have given it as a gift to several of my friends and family and they are equally enchanted. I only wish that Mario would visit the US on one of his upcoming tours. I've even thought about flying to Greece just to see him perform, I'm that overwhelmed by his voice. I truly believe the most beautiful song I have ever heard is 'Non Sara'. What passion he has in his voice.

Favorite CD - hands down.
Superb music on this CD... his voice is wonderful. This is definitely the best album I've purchased in the past decade. I look forward to the new album scheduled to be released this summer. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

No Casio? No Problem.
Just another amazing recording of a composer who will forever be immune to cliche and by whom we will constanly define what is and is not.

Would be better if...
I'm all for the preservation of the treasures of history, but c'mon, let's hip it up a little. Distortion isn't really a bad thing, you know. How bad ass would it be to hear these gems with one slight adaptation: forget piano, that's so 1830. Get with the times and pony up a few bills for a new-fangled invention called a keyboard. It's a really keen contraption with which you can actually play a variety of music from different time periods. Maybe you've heard of a little revolution called techno. Tell me that it's not an artform to mix pre-recorded samples with subtle manipulation of the different tracks. Not to mention the complex composition of original pieces. Imagine, if you will, composing a full spectrum of melodies and beats through the original creation of a bassline and then adding, piece by piece, different rearrangements of various tones and miscellaneous noises. The parallels between "classical" and techno are innumberable. If that's not sub-genius, I don't know what is.

A very good choice, but get the Philips too
There is not that much to add to the other reviewer's comments: these two discs are a bargain and unreservedly recommended. Ashkenazy is indeed the very best overall Chopin interpreter around. I immensely enjoyed his treatment of pieces such as the second scherzo and the g minor ballade. Not to mention the etudes, the preludes, etc. etc. Ashkenazy is never doing stupid things, such as beating the hell out of the numerous fortissimo chords. Instead he offers a very pleasant sounding forte at a ferocious Steinway. All is crisp and clear, and the fact that some recordings are analogue doesn't matter at all: in fact, they are hard to be discovered.

But keep something in mind: as I said, Ashkenazy is arguably overall the best. This implies that he can be bettered in some ways. Philips has also released a Best-of Chopin set, which contains better renditions of some Waltzes (Kocsis), the Barcarolle and Mazurkas (Kovacevich) and the impromptus (Davidovich). Additionally, the Philips discs give you the Marcia funebre, the Fantaisie-Polonaise and the fourth Ballade, three big pieces that cannot be found over here. Overall it is more balanced too. So if you are going to buy just one best-of-Chopin set, go for the Philips. The best choice, however, is to get both of them!

First-rate compilation of Chopin
First-rate compilation of Chopin pieces, sensitively played by Vladimir Ashkenazy and beautifully recorded by Decca. Personally, I couldn't live without the complete sets of Chopin's works, but if you only need a selection of favorites or a good starting point to explore Chopin, this double CD may come as a clear first choice. Highly recommended.

Highly Recommended!!!
In this recording we hear one of the great piano performers in Vladimir Ashkenazy playing pieces from one of the greatest piano composers in Fryderyk Chopin; with the utmost quality in recorded sound. And if one needs more convincing, you get two hours of music for the price of one cd. Hard to find a better buy in classical music. Moreover, this cd not only looks good on paper, but it also is one of my favorites to listen to. I usually listen to music to help enrich and exonerate an otherwise mundane (computer) task, and I find myself stopping work several times each listen because I'm overcome by the beauty of these pieces, and the both spirited and soulful playing of Ashkenazy. For anyone new to Chopin, I cannot think of a better starting point (no, this double cd does not cover all his great compositions!) than this recording. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Josh Groban fans who caught the singer's 2004 Closer tour would no doubt take note of Lucia Micarelli, who was the violinist and concertmaster for Groban. Like her boss, who also is executive producer ofMusic From A Farther Room, Micarelli is a young, attractive, and talented player who has the classical training, but who is also enchanted with pop music. Also like her boss, her strain of classical crossover works thanks to tasteful accompaniment, in this case from arranger/composer Paul Schwartz. The smartly chosen program of material comes from such varied catalogs as David Bowie and Rogers and Hart. Micarelli's playing is emotional without being overreaching, assertive when called upon, and nuanced. When she does go over-the-top pop on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," it's brief but fun; when she navigates Piazzolla’s "Oblivion" she draws upon the song's passion more than its technical requisites. This is a debut with likeable pizzazz, coming in a genre not often enough known for it. -- Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Absolutely Amazing
This girl is extremely talented. She plays with such emtion. I had the extreme privalage to see in concert with Josh Groban and let me tell you that this girl is great. She plays amazing music and you can see her emtion on her face. To see her play Bohemian Rhapsody was just...i can't say any more. It takes your breath away. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, director Nick Cassavetes film spins the bittersweet tale of a 60-year romance, as seen from the polar perspectives of its promisingyouth and the travails of an old age cursed by Alzheimer's. Its soundtrack effectively echoes those polar dramatic concerns, with composer Aaron Zigler's gentleorchestral score largely giving voice to the character's melancholy present, while a rich, well-chosen slate of vintage material by Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, BennyGoodman and Glenn Miller imparts a restless energy to their youth. There's a certain schmaltz to much of Zigman's work here, yet cues like "House Blues/The PorchDance.." and "Noah's Journey" argue he's achieved something more elusive than mere melodramatic wallpaper with the deceivingly difficult task at hand; it can't beeasy to have your work seasoned with the likes of Ellington's sassy "Alabamy Home" and Goodman's still-vibrant "One O'Clock Jump." Sharply contrasting versionsof"I'll Be Seeing You" by Holiday and Jimmy Durante bookend the soundtrack, perfectly evoking the story's alternating shades of hope and fading nostalgia andframing Zigman's understated work in the bargain. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (26)

The music
I absolutely loved The Notebook, I watched it last night. It's the most beautiful love story I've seen since Moulin Rouge.

I've seen a lot of people respond to the name of the piece that Allie plays on the piano, and they've all said it's Prelude in E minor by Chopin. That's correct, but for those who are not as familiar with classical music it will be a little easier to find, knowing that the entire title is "Prelude no. 4 in E Minor" by Chopin on his album, "Rubinstein - 24 Preludes / Piano Sonata No. 2 / Impromptu No. 3"

Hope that helps!

To Kim:
Well, I haven't heard the soundtrack yet, I'm thinking of getting it because I just saw the movie and I really enjoyed the music. But I've played that piece before that Allie played on the piano and it's a Chopin Prelude in E minor. Hope that helps.

The Best Soundtrack Ever Made!!!
I give this cd the highest rating. The music on this cd is high class. It is so sweet and so nice to listen to. The compilation is extroidinary! It fits the movie perfectly. I had my grandmother listen to it and she loved it. She said the music on it brought back so many memories. It would be a great gift for anyone!

What is the song from the trailer?
I was wondering if anyone knows what the song's title is and who sings it on the commercial for the movie, "The Notebook." I don't think it is found on the soundtrack, and I would really appreciate anyone's help! Thanks.
MWright223@aol.com

What did Allie play on the piano??
I absolutely fell in love with the piece Allie played on the piano! Can anyone help my find that song? I have no idea what it's call or anything. All I know is that I love it!! Thanks so much for your help! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Mozart: music's greatest
This CD includes samples from many of Mozart's best-known and most popular wrorks--sonatas, operas, etc. It's a good starting point for those new to Mozart or the casual classical listener. Buy it for a friend, get them hooked on Music's genius.

p.s. I know some people may turn their noses up at me for calling Mozart the greatest, but he was better than Beethoven because of his operas, and he was better than Bach because although Bach is more complex, intricate and elaborate in his instrumentation and harmony, Mozart is more perfect. That is the bottom line.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"

Truly Essential
This Compact Disc is truly essential and any true musician must own a copy.I think that the collection of pieces entitled The Russian Flute Ballet by Dsoeteffsky is more Essential in the sense that it holds more complicated suites.With that in mind I suggest you go pick up both because one with out the other is impossible.

A nice diverse selection
The only drawback to this CD is the amount of opera it contains. While the 'singing' selections are relatively short, I've had to program the player to skip them. Now, the purist may sniff their nose at my dislike for opera, but I listen to classical to get away from singing...and opera does NOTHING for me. The rest of the selections are first rate, with only a few duplicates from among my other CD's (Classical Masters Box set's, and the ubiquitous Eine klein Nachmusik). If you have no objection to opera and are relatively new to Mozart, I would highly recommend this CD

a Mozart sampler for any reason you want
This is a great sampler of the world's greatest composer! Rather than deciding where to begin -- operas? symphonies? concertos? sonatas? -- you can begin everywhere at once. The performances are not second-rate, they are excerpts from world-class recordings. You can use this set as the basis for further listening adventures, or you can use it as an end in itself. As such, it is surely a contender for Best CD In The World. If you bought complete recordings of every composition excerpted on this disc, you might have to file bankruptcy, so don't let purism stand in the way of enjoying Mozart. I used this set as my introduction (it was previously packaged as "The Greatest Mozart Show On Earth") when I first ventured into classical music a couple of years ago, and so far I've expanded into operas, piano concertos, and string quintets. The genius revealed over the range of forms led to love at first listening!

Not for purists, but a great introduction nevertheless
I don't think Mozart purists would want a collection that consists in large part of excerpts or single movements from various works, but I bought this for my kids and it really is an entertaining, first-rate, diverse introduction to the endless repertoire of Mozart. Perfect for someone who is only a casual fan of classical music, or kids who need memorable tunes to sustain their interest in classical music, or I suppose for someone who just wants beautiful music in the background. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented asLeonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versionssince they were first issued--better even than the composer's own, laterrecordings. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to theextended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three greatCopland ballets together, along with the ever popular Fanfare for the CommonMan. Bernstein brings to this music the right sharpness of rhythm but also atypically open-hearted warmth. He coaxes a virtuoso response from the New YorkPhilharmonic, which knows this music as well (or better) than anyone. Self- recommending. --David Hurwitz ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Not enough superlatives to describe this gem of a disc.
There are many recordings I have heard of these classic Copland works, conducted by such luminaries as Zubin Mehta, Donald Johanos, Morton Gould, even Eugene Ormandy. But none of these conductors knew the music of Aaron Copland better than his friend of 53 years, Leonard Bernstein, who Copland many times said conducted his music as if he had written it himself. No disc displays the tenderness and vivacity of Copland's Americana better than Bernstein and the Philharmonic's sensational performances of "Appalachian Spring," "Rodeo," and "Billy the Kid." These are works I know by heart, but it takes some doing for specific performances to make me emotional, and the fading last strains of "Appalachian" did it on my first listening test. The sound quality is top-notch, even for these recordings from 1959-1961. Look no further than Bernstein - who knew Copland better than anyone else - to deliver the finest recordings of these works ever. This is America at its most beautiful and exuberant. Do yourself a favor and start your collection of American music here.

Aaron Copland - Leonard Bernstein - New York Philharmonic
I am not in favor of short reviews, yet the names speak for themselves. It is not conceivable that you missed any of them unless you are new to this planet. That being said let me toss in some of the music before my opinion. Appalachian Spring - Rodeo - Billy the Kid - Fanfare for the Common Man.

Now here is the cliché. If you are starting out and only buy one Copland, this is it. There are many great recordings, yet you are not likely to find this combination of Composer and conductor and music again. My favorite on the set is Fanfare for the Common Man; however the others come close. You should obtain this album for your favorites also.

Copland/Bernstein on SACD
These pieces are now availible on SACD, and as great as the CD is, the SACD version is breathtaking. I have owned these pieces on LP and cassette in my youth, but these works really "open up" in multichannel SACD with an extremely wide dynamic range and soundstage. Lenny was a personal friend of Copland and was a great admirer of his works. The performances here show his love and respect for these works. I have heard other conductors, but none come close to the exciting interpretations given here. Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony come a close second...but these are the definitive interps. The SACD multichannel version really out classes the CD version...but, alas, it doesn't seem to be offered on Amazon!

BUY THIS ONE!
Pardon my shouting, but it's true. All the accolades this disc receives are warranted, and more. The playing on Appalachian Spring is pure, impassioned, eternal. No wonder Copland won the Pulitzer for it in 1945. It's just incredible. This recording of the Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo is DEFINITIVE. Every nuance and outburst of joyous energy in Buckaroo Holiday and Hoe Down is perfect. No one has done it better. And while Billy the Kid is "harder to mess up" in my opinion, I still haven't found a better reading of it than this one.

Just a couple of caveats, though. If you want the COMPLETE ballets for Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, and Billy the Kid, you will NOT find them here. These are the suites. For the complete Appalachian Spring (all 36 minutes in one track), I recommend Michael Tilson Thomas' version on a CD with the San Francisco Symphony called The Populist. And for complete versions of the other two, you need look no further than Leonard Slatkin's recordings with the St. Louis Symphony.

And then three more notes on the playing. The timpani player did an incredible job on this Bernstein Century recording; he consistently played the heck out the ample parts he got in all four pieces. This is one of the best features of the disc (I mean, you've gotta have good timpani for the Gun Battle in Billy the Kid, and here he does!)

Secondly, take particular note that the version of Fanfare for the Common Man is NOT the original. It is Copland's rescoring for his third symphony (which is also great in its own right). If you want the real original version, the best you can find features Copland himself conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, released on various other CDs on the Sony label, including a 36-minute "EP" called Aaron Copland Super Hits. If you do happen to buy that CD, note that it is mostly chopped up excerpts. However, the readings of El Salon Mexico and Fanfare make it worth the purchase price.

Thirdly and finally, I expected some sheer grandioso from the Variations on a Shaker Tune (Simple Gifts), which happens to be track seven on this recording. While Bernstein's reading is balanced and polished, this is the one place where he really should've played it up but didn't. Incidentally, Michael Tilson Thomas DOES play it up on his version of the complete ballet that I mentioned previously, really getting the low brass to ripple and rumble. It's very satisfying at high volume.

Please don't misconstrue these warnings to be negative. If you're getting a start in Copland's most popular repertoire, this Bernstein Century CD is the ONLY place to start. I just caution you that if you don't move on the other recordings as well, you are really missing the whole picture.

I enjoy this one
I enjoy this CD. I'm a fan of both Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. The greatest of friends, their collaboration is a joy.

For American classical music lovers, and for fans of the current commercials for beef. The theme music is contained here in "Rodeo" the second movement. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Whether Tom Cruise's portrayal of a 19th century American soldier cum samurai warrior will be remembered with the same pangs of pop-cultural bemusement that befell John Wayne playing Genghis Khan remains to be seen. But its musical soundtrack does mark an auspicious occasion: pop musician-turned-composer Hans Zimmer's 100th score since beginning his film career in 1988. A pioneer of fusing both the electronic and orchestral and the Westernized with the indigenous, Zimmer does both here with skill, drawing heavily on samples of the traditional Taiko (a massive Japanese drum) for its rhythmic action sequences, while constructing a melodic Western motif for Cruise's character that's both centerpiece and counterpoint for the score's transcultural intent. Aside from the brief, ominous thunder of the expected action/suspense boilerplate, Zimmer has constructed passages of gentle, Asian-inflected pastoralism that have parallels with much of his evocative work on The Thin Red Line. Those cues are the score's very soul, a canvas against which his more traditional themes reverberate all the stronger. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Superbly Composed and Arranged
Hans Zimmer has always been one of the greatest contemporary composers of all time. Having brought life to movies like The Rock, Black Hawk Down, Gladiator and the greatest and most memorable score of all time, the Lion King. Zimmer this time brings life to the Japanese epic, the Last Samurai.

The thing about Zimmer and how he plays things is that he is able to bring a movie from it's high epic mode to the low sad mode in just one take in just a scene. In this score, Zimmer brings forward a Japanese background into a crisp well developed composition. He seems to be more in sync with the instruments this time and avoids the mistakes of Black Hawk Down where his eclectic mix could not do justice to the Middle Eastern background. He also does not incorporate the vocals that were used in Gladiator which took the edge off the main melody.

Though not the Lion King, the Last Samurai is a good, well packed soundtrack that makes East and West come together in a dance that takes you to the sky and beyond.

Recommended.

Last Samurai
Zimmer's new score for the epic canvas of a film is truly a revelation. This is among Zimmer's finest music, though that is becoming a cliche these days with him. He just keeps getting better and better, borrowing from his old works, inverting them and turning them into something new and refreshing, but just new enough to know that what you're listening to is the great Hans Zimmer. This soundtrack brings to mind the vivid imagery of the film (the battlefields, colorful villages perched upon serene mountain tops, many other images reminiscent of Kurosawa's films), but even better, just like of Zimmer's other great works, the music has a life of its own. You can take this music and apply it to your own life.

Every track is fantastic. Each manages to have the reflective, weepy, and somber strings of "Thin Red Line" mixed in with the dramatic punches of "Pearl Harbor, Crimson Tide, Gladiator" and many of his other works. But those who loved the profound depth of "Thin Red Line" FANS WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED. The non-action music has the same beautiful melodies of his work from that soundtrack, except that it has its own distinct own voice. Zimmer sprinkles the entire soundtrack with wonderful flavors from Japan, but not too much. He applies just the right amount, without turning the music into stereotypical international fluff. He goes beyond the borders of cultures, just as he did in Thin Red Line, and finds that place that is within every person's soul and expresses it with his masterful command of strings.

The action cues are amazing. They are memorable and impossible to forget; very heroic and powerful without being too contrived. the bridge between track 10 and 11 sounds JUST like the bridge in THIN RED LINE tracks 8 and 9.

Track 1: "A way of life" has great cues that sound like ponderous Thin Red line and then heroic cues sounding like Gladiator and even a little black hawk down.

"Spectres in the fog" starts off with a nice meoldy that is one of the main themes in the soundtrack the turns into a grat action piece

"Taken" has an adventure feel reprising the action main theme

"a hard teacher" is a lot like "light" from thin red line; thinking melodic music

"to know my enemy" is a good dramatic piece and gets very good and dramatic near the end

"Idyll's end" is another great one; starts off very subtle and beautifully melodic then turns into a great heroic theme with shades of gladiator

"safe passage" is a weepy melancholy tune that has shades of the "attack" from pearl harbor

"ronin" is a great short track that starts out sof then jumps to some of the loudest finest percussion beats youll ever hear, slightly echoing the heroism of black hawk down and gladiator.

"red warrior" is a great action track that sets the scene for the big battle

"the way of the sword" is a great action adrenaline-pumping track with equally great melodies. the part from 2:45 to 4:50 is truly powerful and when you match it with the specific scene from the film, you'll know what I mean. a great "dying on the battlefield song" What follows is similar to the high blissful strings that wrap up "journey to the line" soaring to the highest peaks.

"a small measure of peace" is the last track and brings great closure to the CD with beautiful and haunting melodies, a la thin red line once again. reprises the quiet subtle theme that is present in track 1 and track 6.

well thats the lowdown. obviously I can't recommend it enough, fans of Hans Zimmer/ film scores or not. This is good music for anything; workout, doing work, thinking and reflecting on life. I've already listened to it about 8 times and it truly gets better every tinme I hear it. Very haunting melodic and beautiful zimmer has outdone himself once again. I didnt think he could do it after black hawk down, gladiator, and thin red line. as I said, all of these songs sound like his previous works, except they all have a new refreshing sound and a slight Japanese flavor thrown in there. A great CD not just for the sake of the film, but for anythin outside of it.

Streams of "idyll's end"
As I write this review,my thoughts float in the calm stream of Idylls end.The soundtrack as a whole is inspiring.From the thought provoking tunes of 'spectres in the fog ' to the heart-stomping shouts of "red warrior",this is one of Hans Zimmers' best works and it is indeed a must have.

NICE BUT
THE MOVIE I DID NOT SEE,THE SOUNDTRACK WELL WOW I HOPE THE MOVIE IS NOT LIKE THIS BOREING SCORE?THE CURSE OF THE EVIL LAKE BY LEE DONG JUNE IS SO MUCH BETTER OR THE BEATIFUL SCORE TO "HERO" BY TAN DUN IS WAY BEYOND THIS OVER RATED SCORE.HEY THE OTHER SCORES BY ZIMMER ARE SO FULL OF LIFE.

Peacefull!
This soundtrack is very toutching in every sense. Some of the movements are so peacefull that we fell been lifted from the earth universe and enter in another dimension. This is a very emotionall musical composition, like the movie, that is so very interesting. Some of the tracks are very powerfull in sound and imagery, letting our imagination go around and remember some of the wonderfull scenes of the movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

In this follow-up to the smashing success of her 1997 CD Time to Say Goodbye, Sarah Brightman continues down the primrose crossover path, blithely gliding from covers of Hooverphonic (the title track) and Kansas ("Dust in the Wind") to Puccini and film scores (Titanic and The English Patient). Sometimes, as in "Anytime, Anywhere," the crossover happens within the same song--in this case welding a rhythm track to the somber harmonies of Albinoni's "Adagio."But there's nary a stylistic speed bump to jolt her listeners, as Brightman focuses her tiny, seraphic voice like a beam of light on each melody.The result, bless her heart, may be the invention of a whole new form of kitsch.Like plastic surgery, Brightman's years of specialized vocal training have helped refine her ability to float confidently well-rounded, sparkling tones in her upper range. These have a Dresden china-like, touching fragility in such songs as "So Many Things" and are well-suited to the gauzily romantic (and overproduced) gloss of the string-heavy arrangements that predominate.Eden also introduces Brightman as songwriter ("In Paradisum," with its mix of sitar and modal chant) and features a bonus track unavailable on the album's European-released version ("The Last Words You Said"). --Thomas May ... Read more

Reviews (330)

One of the most beautiful CD's I've ever listened to.
There comes a time, once maybe every 5 years or so, an artist creates an album where every song is perfectly performed, perfectly sung. To change even the slightest detail...the slightest note, would be the worst thing that could happen to this album. I've listened to this CD over & over and become more impressed with it every time. This album, Sarah Brightman's Eden, is the epitomy of what beautiful music should be. Her voice is flawless, almost angelic. She especially stands out in the album's opening. In Paradisium opens this album with Sarah Brightman beautifully, emotionally, grabbing the heart of the listener from the get-go. It does not let up there! It's a shame this CD had to end, but you can always press play once again! My favorites are Scene D'Amour, Dust in the Wind, Il Lio Cuore, and the title track, Eden. Thank you Sarah Brightman, for showing us what beautiful music is once again!! Don't miss this one! If you have this CD, you already know, if you don't, please don't go another day without hearing it.

Sarah Is Still Shining Bright!
I love this CD! I listen to it all the time, and I couldn't live without it!
1. In Paradisum is a great beginning to this CD and works as a wonderful introduction.
2. Eden, the title track is classic Sarah! The lyrics are slightly confusing but the song is great!
3. So Many Things is not one of my favorites. It's a little slow, but Sarah's voice is gorgeous!
4. Any time, Anywhere- What can I say? This is my favorite Sarah song ever! (I actually got hooked on Sarah when I heard this song on TV used as part of a figure skating show.)
5. Bailero is a great song- I think Sarah's ability to sing in sooo many different languages is marvelous. Her CD La Luna is incredibly multilingual...
6. Dust In The Wind is a beautiful, beautiful song. My dad thought that Sarah ruined this song and showed me the original version (by Kansas? Chicago? I get all these place name bands mixed up-) and anyway who let those guys record? Sarah does a much better job!!!
7. Il Mio Cuore Va is lovely and delicate, and I can't get enough of it as the English version is one of my favorite songs ever.
8. Deliver Me is a different sort of song for Sarah and not what she usually does, but she does it well and it's fun to sing with.
9. Un Jour Il Viendra- I must confess that I cannot remember this song! So sorry!
10. Nella Fantasia- a gorgeous song! Incidentally, if you like it, there's a guy named Russell Watson or something like that who does a great version of it too.
11. Tu is a fun song. I wish I knew what the lyrics meant.
12. Lascia Chi'o Pianga is the only song that I am slightly disappointed in. Charlotte Church's version is much better.
13. Only An Ocean Away- I love to sing with this song, it is soo romantic!
14. Scene D'Amour- Another song I discovered watching a skating show, although at the time I did not know the artist was Sarah, I just liked the song!
15. Nessun Dorma is the best classical piece ever written and Sarah does it full justice. You must hear Vanessa Mae's violin version!
16. The Last Words You Said is a very pretty, haunting song, although I think the lyrics are rather depressing...
Well, that's my opinion- Hopefully you will buy this CD and find out for yourself what a great singer Sarah is!

The Amazon.com review here is almost just right!
Yes, the angelic and fragile voice of Ms. Brightman is one of a kind, and she's doing contemporary music a great service by recording some really fine, unique tunes, in a new pop/classical hybrid. To call her sound "kitsch" is surely an unfair criticism, since Sarah and her collaborators have recorded some of the finest pop CD's ever, and she is especially good, considering the huge amount of true junk is out there. This album does not have the drive and orchestral brilliance of the earlier "Time to Say Goodbye", but is still a near-masterpiece. Listen to "Dust in the Wind", a very underrated pop masterpiece, redone here by Sarah. Indeed, though not perfect, it's tough to find anyone around today with such a high quality of finely done tunes as the divine Sarah!

This COULD have been a great album!
I am surprised that so many have given this album such positive reviews because it has one fatal flaw: the synthesizer mucking up about half the tracks.

Whatever in God's name possessed her, or her producers, to put that godawful synthesizer throughout the album. Here we have these great orchestral backgrounds, only to be mucked up by a cheesy sounding synthesizer.

I love her selection of songs, I love her voice, but I only wish she'd stop trying to be "hip" (although synthesizer sounds went out years ago, except for some New Agey crap) and just do some straightforward musical arrangements using traditional arrangements, with real drum tracks, not drum machines! (Actually I'm not sure they are drum machines, but if they aren't they sure tried to make them sound like they are!)

So anyway, I hope her forthcoming albums continue in the same vein of pop mixed with classical sounds, but without the synthesizer which only cheapens the overall sound quality!

The Best Sarah Album Overall
Eden has something for everyone. It has the more pop songs done with that special Sarah twist of lyrical melody. The Cd also has operatic tracks that don't sound as if any effort was put into singing them at all. From the rythmic "Anytime, Anywhere" to the powerful "Nessun Dorma", Eden is one of the best Cd's I have ever owned. The truth is you either like Sarah or you don't, and this album gives you a very good reason to like her. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tan Dun straddles the very different worlds of concert music and film scores, winning admirers in both. He's perhaps best known for his score to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which shares with Hero a visual poetry that transcends the sword-filled action film genre. In Crouching Tiger, Tan Dun's music was often striking. In Hero he often lapses into repetition and cliché, a failing compensated for by several appealing cues. The Overture, for example, begins with the mournful wail of ancient Chinese instruments set against pounding drums, a promising start that evokes ancient China and the struggles to come.There's a mournful soprano vocalise in "Gone With the Leaves," and the "Warriors" cue recalls Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky. The plucking of the ancient Chinese lute in "In the Chess Court" evokes a timeless, peaceful mood, contrasting with the thrilling kodo drummers showcased in "Swift Sword." Itzhak Perlman gets cover billing for violin solos any competent studio fiddler could have handled. Tan Dun's admirers will want this, and audiophiles will love those kodo drummers. --Dan Davis ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Buy this CD!!
We bought this CD to play as background music for our son when he was in the ICU, and now regularly give it as a new baby gift. I know that "Mozart for.." titles are suspect, but this is a lovely collection of fine renditions and it WORKS. Our youngest son is an absolute screamer in the car, but we pop this CD in and he's calm within five minutes. Moms who have received this from me as a gift report a similar effect on both the new baby and older siblings.

Listen for all 9 months, reap the rewards forever!!
I played this CD close to my belly while pregnant and would feel my baby move to the works of Mozart. Now, at age two, my son (the same baby) still responds to it - if he is screaming in the car - I turn it on, and he's promptly a calm baby. Not just that, it has been researched that listening to the complex compostion of Mozart's works increases a child's ability to think abstractly and develops them at a higher level of mathematical intellgence.

Highly Rated Recordings. Excellent Song Selection
Too often classical music CD's for families or kids are poor in quality. But that is not the case with this excellent CD. The recordings on this CD were selected from the very best, previously released recordings.

The songs were carefully chosen for the theme of "mothers-to-be and young children," and then outstanding recordings by legendary artists were used. The quality and performances are outstanding.

You can find these recording on the legendary "Complete Mozart Collection" by Phillips. It's a who's who of classical music superstars. That's how regarded this music is.

Some people would not notice the difference between this quality CD and, say, new-age influenced synthesizer classical music, but the quality difference is important. This is just wonderful music!

What everyone will appreciate is the pleasant selection of music. This is pleasant music for parents and young children, or anyone. Mozart is like that anyway. Everyone likes this Mozart CD, and it's great for kids.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
I love this CD! I play it all the time when I am at home because it helps me to relax, and being 8 months pg...it definitely eases the stress. I also bring the CD to work with me sometimes and it's very relaxing. I highly recommend this for anyone who is pregnant or expecting

An Excellent Choice for Baby and Parents!
This is an excellent Mozart compilation CD. The selections are very relaxing, and my three week old baby loves nothing more than a walk around the house with "Mozart for Mothers-to-Be" playing in the background.

I greatly prefer this to the Baby Einstein products (e.g. "Baby Mozart"): the arrangements on this CD are much more complex (a bonus for parent and child, in my mind), the performances and sound quality are far superior, and the playing time is nearly twice as long (a much better value).

Baby seems to like it better the more loudly it plays (I think she enjoys the deep bass notes, but she's not saying!), but it works great at quiet volumes also.

I highly recommend it as a soothing, enjoyable CD for kids of all ages. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For one brief, shining moment, there was a place known as Camelot--and this 1961 recording is the only document available of JFK's favorite musical, the one that's been used to describe his presidential administration ever since. Truthfully, Lerner and Loewe's musical score for this retelling of the King Arthur story doesn't measure up to My Fair Lady, which was still playing when Camelot opened on December 3, 1960. That being said, the three principals here were stronger musically than their 1968 film counterparts--Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet (who became a star as Lancelot, thanks to "If Ever I Would Leave You") could sing, while the pre-Liz Richard Burton could recite those great lines with Shakespearean flair, even if he never scored a hit with "MacArthur Park." --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (39)

simply the best, by far
Now with improved sound, the original Broadway version blows away the competition. Richard Burton, a remarkably good singer considering that he had never taken a singing part before, is the definitive King Arthur, Julie Andrews is unsurpassed as Guinnevere, and Robert Goulet is wonderful as the self infatuated Sir Lancelot. After his "C'est Moi" (featuring the title line of this review), why would anyone else bother to perform it? The musical itself is of course one of the greatest of all time, with the title number, How to Handle a Woman (sounds a bit sexist, no? but it really is a beautiful love song), and What Do the Simple Folk Do? being my personal favorites. Even if you are not nostalgiac, this is great, great music.

Absolutely beautiful--a work of genius
Where to begin with this lovely work of art? Well, I suppose we must begin with the actors...

Richard Burton, as Arthur, is stunning in his powerful, lordly acting, is incredible, and he sings so well that I find it astinishing that this was his first singing role. Julie Andrews is as wonderful as Guinevere as she is anywhere else, perfectly distilling both the joy and wit of "Lusty month of May" and "You may take me to the fair", and the quiet melancholy of "Before I gaze at you again" and "I loved you once in silence". Roddy McDowall is impishly delightful as Mordred in the deliciously profane "Seven deadly virtues". But Robert Goulet's proud, passionately performance, very reminiscent of Richard Kiley's Don Quixote a decade later, has made Lancelot, potentially a boastful, insipidly sappy boor, into my favorite character from "Camelot".

Since there is little of the play's dialogue on this CD, the other aspect of its greatness is the songs. Guinevere's slow, tragic romantic ballads are a bit bland, but they have quite clever lyrics and are stunningly well-performed by Julie Andrews. Still, my favorite songs remain "Ce'st moi", Lancelot's self-praising solo, and the heart-rending finale, "Camelot (reprise)". Ironic, isn't it, that the song I like the least is the original version of the song "Camelot".

Also high on the list is the sardonic, maliciously hilarious "Fie on goodness", which is sung by Arthur's traitorous knights, and which gives a rather persuasive argument in favor of the human need for sin and guilt. Yet more favorites are the bitterly tragic "Guinevere" and the joyous "Lusty month of May", both of which are a true joy to listen to. The only songs that are lacking are "Camelot" (although, as I said, the reprise was stunning), and "The simple joys of maidenhood", whose brilliantly witty lyrics are marred slightly by a rather lackluster tune. Still, this CD comes highly recommended, as even those two songs are quite adequate efforts, and there is not a single song truly lacking in value. Get this CD; you'll almost certainly enjoy it (unless you're a cretin entirely lacking in good taste), and it is certainly the best performance of this musical available anywhere, at any place or time. Richard Burton IS Arthur! Julie Andrews IS Guinevere. And Robert Goulet is DEFINITELY Lancelot! Ce'st moi forever! Camelot forever! And for the last time--leave this review, go back to the top of the page, and GET THE CD! _NOW_!

Julie Andrews and Richard Burton in fine voice
CAMELOT, the ravishing musical re-telling of the King Arthur legend by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, has never sounded better than in the original 1960 Broadway cast album, now happily reissued on the Columbia Broadway Masterworks label. Richard Burton, Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet lead the cast as the troubled love-triangle of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere and Sir Lancelot. Julie Andrews, fresh from the London production of MY FAIR LADY, is in glorious voice and sings some of the score's best numbers like "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood", "The Lusty Month of May", "Then You May Take Me to the Fair" and the achingly-poignant "I Loved You Once in Silence". Richard Burton has an attractive singing voice (remember, he was a Welshman!), and has a ball with numbers like "I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight?" and the Title Song. Robert Goulet delivers the definitive "If Ever I Would Leave You". CAMELOT enjoyed a modest run of 873 performances (modest in that the composers hoped to outdo their MY FAIR LADY success. MFL ended up running over 2, 000 performances). Out of the myriad of CAMELOT cast albums available, this is still the best of the bunch.

Spectacular voices, beautiful score, flawed, but lovely
The level of talent helped to elevate this overlong work to "classic" status. This is an unwieldy piece - it aspires to be operatic, but falls short. The book isn't wonderful, but the scope of the story is. It's one of those musicals, like Man of La Mancha, that has as many supporters as detractors. I love parts of this show, and these beautiful voices preserve it as it should be, not like the filmed musical drek that came later. I always get a little farklemt at the end....

Far from day, far from night...
I absolutely loved this recording and would reccomend it to any potential buyer. Even though i have never seen it performed, or watched the movie, Lerner and Loewe's brilliant musical has become one of my favorites, entirely on the strength of this recording. The music is sweetly pretty, and the lirics are superb, but it is the stars that make this recording such a timeless classic. Being a confirmed Julie Andrews fan means that I invariably enjoy her singing, but in my opinion she is at her personal best in this recording. The shine and the sparkle that shines through in such songs as The Simple Joys of Maidenhood and Take Me To The Fair, is unquestionably wonderful, even to those who dislike Julie Andrews. The other stars are equally talented. Richard Burton's voice is perhaps not astonishing, but his enthusiasm and energy fully makes up for this. Robert Goulet fully deserved the fame he recieved for If Ever I Would Leave You. The company songs are equally good. Guineviere, for example, is an excellent song. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that there is not a single song on this recording that is not a classic. A must have. BUY IT! ... Read more

Amazon.com

What is there left to say about this musical, deservedly one of the most famous in the canon? Created by what lyricist Stephen Sondheim described as "a unique concatenation of people" (Leonard Bernstein, Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins), the show remains as explosively vibrant, daring, and modern as it was decades ago. Bernstein integrated Latin percussion and jazz into his electrifying score, dazzlingly translating New York's unique vitality into a musical idiom. West Side Story has been adapted for jazz and interpreted by pop and opera singers, but you owe it to yourself to check out the original version to see what the fuss was all about. This new reissue adds over 20 minutes of "symphonic dances" as well as liner notes and production photos. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (24)

a Broadway masterpiece
WEST SIDE STORY is indeed one of the greatest Broadway musicals. Rarely has it been better-sung than on the glittering 1957 original cast album, now reissued on the Columbia Broadway Masterworks label.

The young, vibrant cast was made up mostly of unknown actors, who all went on to make big names for themselves on the stage. The musical launched the career of triple-threat Chita Rivera, as the fiery Anita. Carol Lawrence (SARATOGA, SUBWAYS ARE FOR SLEEPING) played Maria whilst the role of Tony was essayed by a young Larry Kert (COMPANY, FOLLIES).

The Leonard Bernstein-Stephen Sondheim score is simply gorgeous and includes "Maria", "One Hand One Heart", "Somewhere" and "The Jet Song". Chita Rivera adds her brassy belt to the showstopping "America"; Carol Lawrence's clarion soprano is perfectly showcased in "I Feel Pretty"; Larry Kert is the picture of youthful longing in "Something's Coming". Equally thrilling is the energetic "Quintet", which is a major highlight of the colorful score.

Chita Rivera went on to star in the equally-successful London production, and went on to appear in both the Broadway and London companies of BYE BYE BIRDIE. Other lauded Broadway appearances came in BAJOUR and her Tony-winning roles in THE RINK and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN. As of this review's writing, she's winning a whole new generation of fans in the 2003 revival of Maury Yeston's NINE.

WEST SIDE STORY continues to be recognised as one of Broadway's landmark musicals. This new remastered edition of the peerless 1957 production is a must-have in every cast album collection.

Romeo and Juliet on the West Side
I was born six years after West Side Story premiered on Broadway, and I have only seen the movie version, so for me this CD is the next best thing to building a time machine to see the original stage production of the Jerome Robbins/Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim modern take on Romeo and Juliet.

While an original cast recording is no substitute for having seen West Side Story on the New York stage, hearing the cast (which included Larry Kert, Chita Rivera, and Carol Lawrence) gives 21st Century listeners an aural glimpse into the brilliance of composer Bernstein and lyricist Sondheim's musical constructs.

While I love the "standards" associated with West Side Story (Tonight, Maria, Somewhere), my favorite songs are Something's Coming, which reflects Tony's optimistic outlook as he looks to the future rather than to his past as a member of the Jets. The complicated quintet "Tonight" expresses the conflicting dreams and desires of the major characters and mixes the romantic aspects of the two pairs of lovers (Tony and Maria; Anita and Bernardo) as well as the hostility between the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks.

My favorite song, Gee Officer Krupke, is a sardonic ode to the cluelessness of adults as seen through the cynical eyes of teenage gang members. I remember this song vividly because when I was a member of the glee club at South Miami High, Gee Officer Krupke was in our repertoire for the first concert I performed in. Its wry humor never failed to make us laugh while we were learning it, and afterwards I wanted to hear the entire playlist from West Side Story.

An Essential Original cast Album!
Recorded just days after WEST SIDE STORY opened on Broadway this original cast disc is one of the best from the golden days of Goddard Lieberson at Columbia Records. He knew exactly how to translate a stage musical to records. The prologue needed more excitement so he added the sonds of the gang members and had the orchestra increase the tempo. Not every note would fit (the Lp was very long for its day: 57 minutes!) so some trims were made here and there but done with such skill that they are hardly noticed. On the other hand, the entire "Somewhere" Ballet is heard here. It was not used in the movie.

Some people prefer the movie soundtrack for its beefier orchestrations. It too is a very fine recording of the score. But this is the first, the original. The way WEST SIDE STORY sounded when it premiered.

Sony's reissue sounds sensational: crisp, and clear with every orchestral texture. The bonus tracks are a symphonic suite of dances that Bernstein extracted for concert performances.

A Musical Theatre Classic
The remastered recording of the original Broadway cast of West Side Story is one of those purchases I am happy I made. Go ahead; compare this to the movie soundtrack - you'll find that this cast, these actors definitely give most of the movie cast a run for their money. (I say "most" because Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera are both strong performers, so there's no weakness with Anita. The B'way cast's Tony and Maria beat the movie by a longshot.) I agree with a lot of other people, Larry Kert is the definitive Tony. In the recording he transmits a huge amount of youthful exuberance and hope. Just listen to "Something's Coming," which is definitely a beautiful moment in the show. Even from this recording you get the sense of longing and wishing for "something" that Tony expects to come soon. An excellent, excellent album, and a great purchase for anyone who loves musical theatre or opera.

Neither "popular" nor "classical"--simply great!
Leonard Bernstein, more than any other 20th Century composer, bridged the somewhat artificial gap between "popular" and "classical" music. To wit: the transition from the Broadway show music (tracks 1-16) on this CD to the Symphonic Dances performed by the New York Philharmonic (tracks 17-25) is seamless. Columbia is to be congratulated on this inspired coupling.

Stephen Sondheim's lyrics--especially the insightful "America" and "Officer Krupke"--are brilliant. Perhaps surprisingly for social commentary of this nature, they have worn extremely well with time; they are just as apt now--not to mention downright funny--as they were back in the '50s.

In summary, this album is everything that good music should be, regardless of the category you may choose to place it in. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bond is a string quartet made up of four good-looking women, two from Australia, two from Great Britain. Their training is in purely classical music, which this CD certainly is not. Their previous CD was banned from the UK classical charts, presumably because of the overly insistent use of beats and other intrusions, and this CD too contains African, electro, Latin and hip-hop beats. Bond will be the first to acknowledge that they're heavily influenced by the club scene and pop culture from London to Bangkok. Here they are joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the sound is enormous: there's level upon level of overdubbing. Some of the tracks have, as their basis, classical works: Pachelbel's Canon, snippets of Swan Lake, the Nutcracker, Carmen's Habanera, Brahms' Hungarian Dance no. 5, Barber's Adagio for Stings. But the sound we get is lush, beat-heavy, club-ish, full of excitement and basic rhythms, and the "classical" connection--aside from the melodies from the above-mentioned pieces--must be taken on faith. The women's solo playing, if there is any, is not audible. The over-riding feel is disco; this is for dancing and for creating a mood of excitement. --Robert Levine ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Simply explosive..
I could not wait to buy this album.. I ordered it previously on Amazon.com.. but ended up buying it a day after it got released at Virgin.. I simply could not wait for Amazon to ship it to me.

I already bought "Shine", "Born", and "Remixed", which I don't consider to be a true representation of Bond's work.. you have to listen to "Shine" or "Born".. or "Classified" now that it is released.

Listening to the album over and over.. and reading the harsh comments that customers and "Fans" that bought the newest Bond album.. I have to disagree. Bond is consisted of 4 very talented, very beautiful girls. They're pretty, suck it up. If one actually took the time to look at the album cover, you will see an electric violin in one of the girl's hands.. it allows listeners of the album to see the type of instrument they use. A modern instrument, as their music is more modern..

Bond is a group that puts a contemporary taste to classics of classical music.. not the original drab, put-you-to-sleep type music.. but make it exciting and fun to listen to. Bringing beats of cultures around the world, electro, salsa, Latin, hip-hop, rock, they put a whole new sound to classical music.

This album for those who have listened to Bond's previous albums like "Shine" and "Born" and enjoyed them, will enjoy this album as well. There is more upbeat songs to this album, it is faster paced than previous albums. They also combine rock on this album in their new single, "Explosive", a song that starts off strong with hard rock and violins with awesome melodies with a softer part with flutes in the middle, then going to the drums and violins with trumpets. You can imagine the whole symphony on this song.

Other songs are fun to listen to, not faster, but more upbeat and the girls lend their voices in "Samba". "Midnight Garden" uses "Swans Lake", "Fly Robin Fly" is a somewhat hip-hopish song, which this style hasn't been on any of their other albums. "Lullaby" is the well-known Canon D.. using a popish guitar intro bringing the song into the violin piece. It is a very fresh, updated version of Canon D. Amazing to listen to. Hungarian is a fast paced song, much like a few of the songs on "Born". "Adagio for Strings", yet another well-known song, starts off with synthesized sounds and drums, then fades into the main melody of "Adagio for Strings".. the drums seem to distract some, but if listening to this song.. there is a lot going on with all the ambient and surrounding sounds. A world of sounds. It is another great remake of a classic song. The re-mix by producer Orion of "Explosive" is not great.. sticking to original songs by Bond is the better choice.

This album is a great listen.. I enjoyed every track. Something that every true Bond fan should have.. and anyone who is interested in Bond I recommened first listening to "Shine" and "Born".

My opinion on this album may not have the "expertise" of someone who studied years on end of music theory and classical music.. but I listen to what sounds good. If Bond was 4 fat guys in their 40's, I still would listen to Bond. I listened to Bond for the first time playing "Allegretto" off their first album "Shine" and was blown away. I have never heard a cross-over of classical music with the fast beat of trance.. it was amazing to listen to. Bond still does what they acheived with their first album.. make great-sounding music. Sure, they may have been banned from UK charts, and others may shun them for bad techniques, or bad remakes.. but the choice is for the listener to buy the album or not. The girls from Bond are attractive.. but that's just a bonus. No one can deny their talent.. If you don't like the remakes.. just stick to the original, boring, put-you-to-sleep scores..

I highly recomment this album.

Simply explosive!
The CD is pink.. that threw me off too, but don't let that make a first impression of the music on the CD itself---

I could not wait to buy this album.. I ordered it previously on Amazon.com.. but ended up buying it a day after it got released at Virgin.. I simply could not wait for Amazon to ship it to me.

I already bought "Shine", "Born", and "Remixed", which I don't consider to be a true representation of Bond's work.. you have to listen to "Shine" or "Born".. or "Classified" now that it is released.

Listening to the album over and over.. and reading the harsh comments that customers and "Fans" that bought the newest Bond album.. I have to disagree. Bond is consisted of 4 very talented, very beautiful girls. They're pretty, suck it up. If one actually took the time to look at the album cover, you will see an electric violin in one of the girl's hands.. it allows listeners of the album to see the type of instrument they use. A modern instrument, as their music is more modern.. and yes, the girls from Bond are actually performing. They performed live at Royal Albert Hall (DVD) and provided the music for the Ms. Universe Pageant of 2003. They are even going on a first-ever U.S. tour in the summer.

Bond is a group that puts a contemporary taste to classics of classical music.. not the original drab, put-you-to-sleep type music.. but make it exciting and fun to listen to. Bringing beats of cultures around the world, electro, salsa, Latin, hip-hop, rock, they put a whole new sound to classical music. Think of it as the ultimate re-mix of classical music.

This album for those who have listened to Bond's previous albums like "Shine" and "Born" and enjoyed them, will enjoy this album as well. There is more upbeat songs to this album, it is faster paced than previous albums. They also combine rock on this album in their new single, "Explosive", a song that starts off strong with hard rock and violins with awesome melodies with a softer part with flutes in the middle, then going to the drums and violins with trumpets. You can imagine the whole symphony on this song.

Other songs are fun to listen to, not faster, but more upbeat and the girls lend their voices in "Samba". "Midnight Garden" uses "Swans Lake", "Fly Robin Fly" is a somewhat hip-hopish song, which this style hasn't been on any of their other albums. "Lullaby" is the well-known Canon D.. using a popish guitar intro bringing the song into the violin piece. It is a very fresh, updated version of Canon D. Amazing to listen to. Hungarian is a fast paced song, much like a few of the songs on "Born". "Adagio for Strings", yet another well-known song, starts off with synthesized sounds and drums, then fades into the main melody of "Adagio for Strings".. the drums seem to distract some, but if listeni