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This set tells you why Jussi Bjorling is a perennial entrant in the "Tenorof the Century" sweepstakes. Even as the voice darkens from the light lyric to thefull, darker instrument of the later recordings, we hear a singer whose elegant style,lovely timbre and innate musicality touch the heart. Many of the selections are sung inSwedish, less of a liability than you might suppose. In whatever language, Bjorling'smolten gold flows lavishly. He eschews the sobs and sentimentality that disfigure somuch verismo repertory, making his points with stylish vocalism. He's been called a"cool" singer, but try his Puccini and Verdi arias on Disc One and you'll findmore than enough vocal and emotional heat. The selections include many neglectedScandinavian songs, sung, like the arias, with a naturalness that disarms criticism. -- Dan Davis ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Superb!
This is an wonderful compilation of one of the most incredible voices on record. Whether you are a new or old Bjorling fan -- and who could hear that voice and not be enthralled by it -- this is a fine CD to have. The quality of the recording is excellent, and the range in years, from 1930 to 1959, gives a splendid overview of his dazzling talent. In addition to many of the arias one might expect, there are also lieder and songs in Swedish, as well as some charming duets with Jussi's wife, Anna-Lisa. I have quite a few other Bjorling CDs, and this is one of the best in terms of quality and scope. It is a most worthy addition to any Bjorling collection, regardless of its size.

Beatiful singing - but where are the Swedish texts?
This is an excellent collection, the best available overview of a great tenor.

This would get 4 stars but has been marked down for only supplying token texts and translations in the large booklet. It is understandable (sort of) that the Italian opera excerpts don't merit texts and translations as (apart from the Callas recitals series) EMI generally doesn't provide texts with historical issues. However the tempting inclusion of a dozen or so texts to the Italian and Swedish songs makes one all the more aware of the miserliness of not providing all the texts.

if you like bjorling this is the best thing you can get!
this is so awesome, i love his voice, this is good for anyone, the professional or just someone who wants to hear the greatest tenor of all times! this is so great

The ULTIMATE Collection
When starting my Bjorling collection, I saw MANY CDs, with his early recordings. I was in a quandry as to what to buy, UNTIL I found this set. TRULY remarkable in many levels.FIRST and foremost, the voice. Captured in all levels, from the earliest to the latest. Truly wonderful, and the Swedish versions are a real treat to hear, don't worry, the Italian versions are here too!!Secondly, the remastering process. This set was remastered at Abbey Studios in London. For the first time I've heard, they actually pressed NEW 78s from the metal plates, and THEN remastered the new discs!!! Inspired, and the results--incredible.I find myself listening to Disc 3 the most. Very interesting, as it is the Swedish one. When the songs are terrific, along with the "standard" tenor arias, and it all comes together, it is PURE MAGIC!! I will admit that due to time limitations of recordings of this era, the opera house Bjorling is not fully conveyed. There are other CDs for that. Most notably "Romeo and Juliet", and for a REAL thrill, his ATLANTA concert, in STEREO, so much so, that the piano is even divided; left hand left, right hand right. Wait a minute, am I playing TWISTER??:-)) But if you want to skip all those unknown labels, you couldn't have a MORE complete set. ALL wit the great remastering I spoke of. Bjorling--His voice will NEVER die, at least in MY house!!!

Definitive survey of one of the finest singers on record
Jussi Bjoerling was one of the greatest singers of the century. His voice is pure, effortless and yet thrilling. Even better than the quality of the voice is his style. He never scoops up to a note nor does he ever whoop down from one, instead, he uses perfect legato and faultless intonation to deliver the cleanest sound you'll ever hear from a tenor.

This collection, from the large set of EMI recordings, provides a wonderful survey of Bjoerling's career. He was a straight 'spinto' tenor, that is, between a lyrical tenor (like Pavarotti) and a dramatic tenor (like Domingo). Most of the Puccini roles demand a spinto and those are the roles that Bjoerling was unbeatable in (particularly Des Grieux in Manon Lescaut). However, I think I most prize this collection for the songs sung in English on the last disc. I had some of them on a cassette I wore out in the car and others on a vinyl disc I wore out at home. For shear beauty of voice, the Berceuse by Jocelyn is stunning. For perfect diction, intonation and style, Love but a Day is breathtaking. Buy this set and I guarantee you'll fall in love with what many think is the finest voice on record. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Galway Christmas
If you could own one & only one Christmas CD,this would be it!Classic music taking you back to childhood memories.No modern re-worked garbage that keeps coming out these days.Wow,I am really starting to sound old! :)

Quality, Choral, Christmas
You don't need to be a flute-lover to enjoy this disc. This is a wonderful compilation of traditional Christmas pieces. Galway plays a few solos, accompanies a few choral pieces, and the choir sings a few pieces on their own as well. Inobtrusive as background music, but still beautiful under scrutiny, this is hands-down my favorite Christmas CD.

Gorgeous!
I enjoy the combination of flute and choir, and this collection is extraordinary. Galway's sound is superb and the arrangements well done. There was a good blend of classic Christmas music, and classical favorites. I recommend it to my flute students highly. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of the best I've heard
Not technically Gregorian, because of some polyphony. But this is one of the best selections of this kind of music that I've heard. Compare to expensive monastery or convert CDs, and others, and this is one you put on the CD changer more than the rest. Found it in a bargain bin at Fry's. Amazing CD.

Beautiful music
Beautiful musical rendition of Christmas music. Soothing and lilting, it'll help you get centered or reconnected or whatever it is you need for stress relief. A fantastic CD at a great price!

Do the holidays get you stressed?
This is a beautiful collection of soothing Christmas chants and motets...Put this in your CD player and you'll have trouble getting upset about the person who just cut you off for the last parking space at the mall! An excellent-quality recording for an amazing price...

Who record this? Capella Gregoriana?
There is an interesting descrepancy in who recorded these - the listing says: "Performed by Schola Hungarica Conducted by László Dobszay" while the cd itself simply says "Capella Gregoriana". I suspect the listing is more accurate given the overall quality of this recording. Other than a phrase in Procedentem Sponsum where I find the high notes to be less than ideal, the recording has voices clearly used to chant with careful unisons that keeps the words understandable. The first cut Dies est laetitia is my favorite. This is definately an acceptable album of traditional Christmas music - very traditional.

Accomplished singing, but no useful notes.
The disk -- focused on Christmas music -- includes both chant and polyphony so it is not strictly "Gregorian." As a recording by one of the most renowned ensembles for the interpretation of chant it is available at a ludicrously low price. The singing is accomplished, but there are no useful notes or texts. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Singer's Singer
John McCormack was a living textbook in the art of singing. His technique and vocal production are virtually flawless--and the absolute despair of anyone trying to emulate him. To hear a very simple piece, say Care Selve, sung as he sings it, is an on-going revelation.

Had these recordings been made in the digital age, then six or even ten stars would hardly be accurate. ... Read more

Album Description

BabyGenius offers an exciting assortment of the highest quality, award-winning music.Children discover the magical genius of Mozart, the musical brilliance of Vivaldi, the enchanting sounds of nature, favorite nursery rhymes, the soothing seranade of Spanish guitars and much more!Classical music arrangements are selected by Jack Allen from Minnesota Public Radio. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

An excellent starter CD
This is probably the best compilation of Sutherland hits out there. Everything was recorded in the 1960's (Joan's prime). The Norma aria "Casta diva," recorded in 1964, is more "right-brained," I feel, than her 1960 recorded one. What I mean is, pitch isn't wonderful, diction is not as clear, but she's giving her heart and soul and compassion into this performance. Notes sound more powerful and confident, opposed to the 1960 one, where I feel she has this flittery and weak quality (she needed time to fully develop this aria into her voice). The "Caro nome," here recorded in 1960, has a brighter and fresher voice than what she recorded in 1980. Likewise, the I puritani aria heard here was recorded in 1960 with beaming bright beautiful high notes and is SUCH a pleasure to listen to (there is another recording made in 1963 that I'm not as crazy about). The exception to all this is the "Doll Song" from Tales of Hoffman -- here recorded in 1972. Try to get your hands on the 1969 version (there isn't a HUGE difference, but I do prefer the 1969 one).

This is an excellent starter CD for anyone trying to get there first taste of what Dame Sutherland was all about.

Truly the voice of the century
The most remarkable facet of this extraordinary singer was her consistent ability to always deliver of her best. Leaving aside the miraculous clarity of her coloratura, the thrill of her upper register and sheer beauty of her tone, Sutherland simply refused to ever give a run-of-the-mill performance. This treasurable recital ranks as one of the two or three "must have" discs for any lover of the soprano voice.

Exquisite combination of lyricism and coloratura
Here Sutherland proves that she wasn't a "mere" lyric coloratura songbird but a full-voiced dramatic soprano d'agilita. Singing Violetta's aria and the Jewelsong she manages an exquisite balanche between glittering acuti and lyric ardour. This is by far one of the best recitals ever recorded and no opera-collection is complete without it!

Excellent representation of the beginning of her career
This is a wonderful collection of recorded arias, most have, though, been released on other compilations, so check the information about the various arias so you don't end up buying something that you already have. These arias were recorded near the beginning of Sutherland's career (there are exceptions from the early 70's) and we are hearing a very vibrant sparkling sound. Her diction was poor, and I think it was from this time period the condemnation regarding her diction started. Even though it did improve tremendously throughout her career, most people stayed stuck on the fact she was nothing but a mish mash of oo's oh's and that sort of thing with a consonant thrown in for good measure here and there.

What struck me about these recordings was the sound of the Sutherland voice. Some of these things were recorded before she had an operation of some kind dealing with her sinuses. Even she was frightened the balance of her focus would be altered. It was, slightly. It became a more mellow sound and lost some of its sparkle and the forwardness it had early in her career. Of course, those things were only extremely small changes to her sound, and her career testifies to the glory of her wonderful voice. It is just interesting that the sound is often more brilliant, brighter, and sparkling than we are accustomed to hearing. It really isn't her age, as some think, for other recordings made just after her operation reveal the voice we grew to love rather than this one.

Sutherland is a unique artist in many ways. She is a colorature whose voice was large enough for Wagner. Not only is her sound sparkling, and bright, it is huge and warm. There is the eternal weakness in her low notes, but they are there. The only thing I find bad about any Sutherland recording is the fact we are never hearing the actual voice. Hers, like Tebaldi's, is actually too large for the recording instruments we use, and in later recordings she will sing in a rather mannered sort of way, that kind of emotionally dropping way, almost like she is taking some of the life out of her sound. Fortunately, in these recordings, that habit has not begun. We are getting a singer who is willing to let loose. Her interpretations at this time of some things is wanting, and her characterizations nearly non-existent, but the vocal splendor is simply astonishing. I think she would have eventually become great no matter what course of things happened in her life.

Sadly, most of those out there just coming to opera will never hear this wonderful voice in any other form other than recordings. Most of hers are simply breathtaking, and you do hear the Sutherland sound, you just don't get the complete Sutherland power of tone. Her high notes are beautiful, but in performance she could open them up in such a way they seemed to out do everything and every one, including the orchestra. They were not just loud, they had a quality that simply filled the entire theatre. Even her weak lower notes (which appear worse in the recording balance) were not a strain to hear.

This is a lovely introduction recording to the work of a stupendous artist. Treasure it, for this is the only way, now, you will ever be able to enjoy the special gift of this marvelous singer. Then, after you have worn it out, buy her other recordings (she actually made tons of them; buy complete operas, for that is where you will really see her development, and it is there, her characters are living people), and feast on them.

The phenomenal singer of our time
I'm not going to bore you with all the details of Sutherland's spectacular voice. Just read all her reviews.
I will tell you that after being an opera fan for 50 years. She is by far the most exciting and talented soprano I've thus heard. Her high notes are incomparable. Better than Caballe, Price, or even Nilsson's. Her voice pure gold. No edge, no flutter-it's solid as a rock. But it's her command of trills, staccato, arpeggios, and fioritura that makes her the Queen of bel canto.
Even since she took the reign. She was never challenge.
Believe me when I tell you she if the most phenmomenal singer of the past, present, and most likely futu ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Pachebel in Taco Bell
You know what would be funnier than Pachabel in the woods, or Pachabel with whale noises, or Pachabel with the sounds of the rainforest in a snowstorm on a July day with a couple camels giving birth? Pachabel in Taco Bell. I would buy that CD.

I'd just like to point out the fact that Pachebel is far and away the worst, most overrated, most boring classical piece ever written. And if it wasn't before, it has been played so much, on so many occasions, with so many stupid accompaniments (yes, this includes with whale noises) that it is now. You want a beautiful piece? I give you Barbar's Adagio for Strings. I give you Meditation from Thais. I'll even give you sentimental, sappy garbage like Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet. Just please, for the sake of good taste everywhere, put down that Pachebel CD.

A great assortment of classical masterpieces.
This is definitely a fabulous cd to add to one's classical collection, especially due to the fact that it contains one of the best versions of Pachelbel's well-known "Canon" in addition to some of his other works. Various historic composers of classical music are well represented here, from Bach and his Brandenburg Concerto to Antonio Vivaldi's "Autumn" from the Four Seasons. Many of the pieces are played by string instruments, such as the "Canon," which is professionally performed by a string quartet. Overall, the Baroque period of classical period tends to be the main concentration of this cd. This cd offers listeners the valuable opportunity to be introduced to classical music that has been played for centuries throughout the world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Going for Baroque
Here lies master collection from ten years and fifty discs of examples from baroque era performed by choirs, soloists and instrumentalists.

Conducted by energetic Robert King and his King's Consort, this is just superb!

It will introduce one to baroque or add to one's enjoyment. Especially enjoyed Purcell's "Hear my prayer, O Lord" and Gabrieli's "Salvator noster." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A fine performance
Even though Christmas Oratorio is about 70% recycled, I really like it. In the process of creating this work, Bach freely borrowed from three previously written cantatas (BWV 213-215), but his genius succeeded in transforming these discrete secular works into an interlinked whole, quite suitable for religious content. Despite the adaptation, the music fits so well that those who didn't know of its genesis would have never guessed. For example, under Bach's magic wand, the same music that had served the allegorical figure Sensuality in BWV 213 became the newborn Christ's lullaby "Schlafe, mein Liebster!" Even though Bach reused many of the arias, he newly composed most of the chorales and recitatives, as well as the Pastoral Symphony which opens Part II. Christmas Oratorio has little in common with other oratorios of the time: it is actually a series of self-contained cantatas, linked together mainly by the Evangelist. The narrative feature makes Christmas Oratorio similar to a "historia" or a "passion." The role of the narrator is very important (although small). I'm not sure Gura is entirely at home in this role, but Jacobs likes him, and I don't much mind. If I could put together my own Christmas Oratorio, I would pick the tenor from the Christophers (Padmore), the alto from here (well, Scholl, obviously), the bass from the Herreweghe (Kooy), and the soprano... hmm... turns out I don't really have a soprano preference. Dorothea Roschmann will do. All in all, this is a very strong release.

A marvelous Christmas present
Rene Jacobs and the excellent Akademie fur Alte Musik, Berlin give us a joyful, very musical Christmas Oratorio. The soloists are remarkable, with the ravishing soprano Dorothea Roschmann, singing the most exquisite "echo" aria in the Fourth Cantata. Countertenor Andreas Scholl is equally good. The sound and presentation are in Harmonia Mundi's usual high standards. This is a much better recording than the also recent Philipp Pickett in DECCA.

Beautiful Bach Christmas Music
This is my favorite of the baroque-instruments versions. The vocal soloists are excellent, especially the tenor with the evangelist parts. The baroque instruments are good to hear; the oboes in particular sound more wonderful than their modern counterparts. The choral singing is superb. Jacobs favors some pretty fast tempos, and the whole work is very lively and Christmassy. Excellent recorded sound. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A nice disc . . .
I have always enjoyed the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (OCO). I own their recording of Handel's Concerti Grossi, Op 6 (Deutsche Grammophon, 3-disc set) and their recording of Vivaldi/Boccherini's cello concertos (DG, now out-of-print), to name but a few. I love their interpretation of the compositions they play/record, and this disc is no exception.

OCO tackles the obligatory Baroque compositons on this DG release (Pachelbel's 'Canon,' Albinoni's 'Adagio,' J. S. Bach's 'Air,' Corelli's 'Christmas Concerto,' etc.) with their typical virtuosity and grace. Their playing is once again exceptional, and the sound quality up to DG's high standards.

My only qualm is with the disc's price. ... it's pretty steep, especially considering the number of cd's currently available that offer practically the same (but not identical) selections at two-thirds of the cost (most of which are DDD, too). Some equally engaging recordings, for example, include I Musici's 1983 release on Philips (hopefully still in print), Karajan's 1972 release on DG (a pretty good ADD disc), and Polydor's 'Cannon and Gigue' (a 1982 DDD release, hopefully still in print). There are more, of course.

Granted, none will sound exactly like this disc (OCO certainly has a unique sound all its own). And again, the performance of each piece on this disc is wonderful. So if you don't mind paying full price, then I recommend that you buy this disc. Otherwise, you can still find a number of Baroque compilation discs out there that are reasonably priced.

MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE CLASSICAL CD (SO FAR)
I originally bought this CD for Bach's "Air" and "Jesu, joy of man's desiring" - but EVERY track on this CD is some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard, expertly played with passion. A must-have for chamber music fans.

Outstanding, but...
Most of the best tracks on this disc are also available on Deutsche Gramophon's "Mad about Baroque" disc, which sells for almost 1/3 the price. The Mad About disc has been filled up with the maximum amount of music, has most of the tracks on this disc as well as significant portions of also excellent discs by Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert. Needless to say, the performances by Orpheus and English are insurpassable. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent collection of beautifully sung arias and songs
I am a newcomer to Yvonne Kenny's singing. Her performance at the Olympic Games in Sydney (at which she sang the Olympic Hymn) certainly left an impression on me. I was struck by the richness of voice, and this recital disk shows that quality off to great effect.

At this point in her career, Kenny's voice is not flashy; there are no coloratura fireworks or even high C's. What there is however, is someone who sings with clarity, charm, and ultimately with beauty. Kenny, like a great actor with the words, lets the music do the "talking" and proves an elegant and impassioned conduit for the composer whose work she is interpreting.

Hers is a mature voice, an intelligent voice perfect for Mozart and Strauss, the former of whom is represented here. On the disk she excels in the arias by Mozart, Purcell, and Handel. She also dispaches with class the songs of Gilbert/Sullivan and Cole Porter (in truly disarming fashion in the latter case). There is a elegance to her singing that is rare, but she does not sacrifice passion or committment. She comes across as a consumate musician above all.

On the technical side of things: Her diction is pristine. Enough said. She has one of the most beautiful middle registers of any soprano active today, and her vibrato is fresh and lively without being obtrusive. To be picky, the upper register can sound the tiniest bit forced. Yet taken into consideration with the rest of her efforts, this is a minor quibble which seems silly when I think of Kenny's deft negotiating of Handel's ornamentation or her solid trill throughout the disk.

Outstanding contributions also come from tenor Barry Banks in duets from "The Pear Fishers" and "Linda di Chamonix" (where he really shines) and mezzo Della Jones in a duet from "Semiramide".

This is one of the most satisfying recital disks I have ever heard, and I recommend it for anyone who is a fan of a simply beautiful voice.

A treasurable record of a truly great musician
Those who have not seen Yvonne Kenny in the theatre have really missed out. I have been fortunate to experience many of her great performances in the UK both in Handel and Mozart(perhaps the composers to whom her light, silvery soprano is best suited) but also her fabulous Feldmarschallin, a performance that for its subtlety and understanding of this enigmatic lady stands with the all time greats. It is partly preserved on a Chandos recording of Rosenkavalier highlights which for those unfamiliar with it is a real gem.

Kenny's voice has changed over the years both for better and worse. There is some scratchiness at the top nowadays (the aria from La Wally suffers seriously here and could perhaps with profit have been omitted) but her gorgeous timbre in the middle range remains seductive and fascinating, with its deliciously rounded production and seductive, resinous edge. She can still float a sensuous pianissimo. Above all, for a recording of arias in English. her diction is exemplary, and her understanding and use of text a model for others to follow.

The selection of works here is certainly eclectic and contains a number of relative rarities. Leila's and Mathilde's arias are beautiful pieces, beautifully sung; there is some lovely Handel and - especially - Purcell ("Fairest Isle" is all the more powerful for its simplicity) and the operetta and musical numbers are delivered with charm. She is probably too mature now for Ann Trulove, though "Gently, little boat" is touching. As a reminder of her past achievements in Bel Canto, she sings a duet from Semiramide and one from Linda di Chamonix ably partnered by Della Jones and Barry Banks respectively. Banks returns as Nadir to her Leila in a passionate account of an Act 2 scene from Pearl Fishers. The highlight of the set? Perhaps for me it is "So in Love" from Kiss me Kate, a performance that captures the bitterness and tragedy of this great piece perfectly.

David Parry, seriously underrated here in the UK, conducts stylishly and sympathetically. A serious blot on the recording is the horrible cover, though the English texts are all in the booklet along with some photos of Kenny's great performances. Her retirement from the opera circuit may be in sight before too many years, but at least this disc captures many of her best qualities for posterity. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good disc
Nice to chill out to, and I've even fallen asleep to it a few times! ... Read more