CD-Charts Position 261

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Vaughan Williams - Tallis Fantasia etc

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: EMI Classics

Release Date October 13, 2003

CD-Charts Position 262
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Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Wagner [2001] (NTSC)

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
starring: Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Ben Heppner, Karita Mattila, James Morris

Release Date January 17, 2005
"It didn't fit any of the rules." Thus does Hans Sachs contemplate at his leisure the new song by Stolzing, which provides the autobiographical key to Wagner's great comic opera. This DVD features a performance of Otto Schenk's traditionalist 1993 production at the Met. The performance was filmed live in December 2001.

A beaming James Levine clearly enjoys himself in the orchestra pit as he commences the opening prelude, and that smile of joy is prevalent throughout the following 290 minutes. The glorious sound of his orchestra and the perfect phrasing are a joy to hear.

The cast are superb. James Morris as the hero Sachs is indescribably flawless; Thomas Allen is equally so as the prim and officious Beckmesser, and ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 263
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The Essential Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
by: George Gershwin

Release Date September 18, 2006
The most prominent feature of this set is Gershwin's historic recordings of "Rhapsody In Blue" and "An American In Paris", but the remaining 45 tracks draw on a wide range of both American and British performers to produce a wide spectrum of classic interpretations. Whispering Jack Smith, Hutch, Jack Hylton, Roy Fox, Jack Simpson and Carroll Gibbons are all represented, as are Ella, Bing, and Billie, to name but a few. This really is a superb compilation.

CD-Charts Position 264
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Mario Lanza: The Ultimate Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: RCA

Release Date January 22, 1994
A superb collection of some of Mario Lanza's finest recordings. Considering some go back to 1949 - 1958, the recordings to CD are excellent. You'll never walk alone, sung as it was originally intended by the great Mario Lanza. A perfect collection for new comers or fans looking for the best of Mario Lanza. A track for every occassion.

CD-Charts Position 265
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Strauss, R.: Four Last Songs, etc.

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
by: Jessye Norman Gewandhausorchester Leipzig Kurt Masur

Release Date June 11, 2007
If you find this on Youtube and listen to im Abendrot, she seems to sing for just about a whole minute from about 2:20 to 3:20, without any significant chance to breathe. No strain, just a great sound that keeps on coming. I could listen to this record every day.

CD-Charts Position 266
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Bach: Christmas Oratorio

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Archiv Produktion

Release Date November 04, 1987
This disc is a bit of an oddity. I can give it a perfectly sincere recommendation, but I think I had better explain myself carefully, and explain exactly what I am recommending.

The spirit of the selection is much what you would expect in a disc entitled `Christmas Treats from JSB' or `Immortal Melodies from The Christmas Oratorio' or something of that sort. Bach's Christmas Oratorio is not an oratorio in the Handelian sense. In the 1730's Bach faithfully turned out a cantata for each Sunday and major feast, but in one particular year he elected to reprocess some of his older music, most of it secular originally, and string the numbers together for the entire festive season under the overall title of `Christmas Oratorio'. Borrowing, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 267
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Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Decca

Release Date January 20, 1984
I believe, like may other reviewers here, that this recording is the finest of this perfectly proportioned opera. It is quite literally flawless. Amongst the many wondrous highlights, I am at a loss to describe the tender and layered vocal beauties contributed by Lucia Popp. Recorded at her musical peak, her version of 'Deh vieni non tardar' sets the benchmark in the art of perfect vocals. An angelic delight. A categorical must-have disc for any music collection.

CD-Charts Position 268
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Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake [1966]

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
starring: Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn
directed by: Truck Branss

Release Date May 09, 2005
NO VERSION CAN COMPARE WITH KIROV. MY FAVOURITE IS MAKHALINA AND ZAKLINSKY. BOLSHOI A CLOSE SECOND THE ROYAL BALLET VERSION IS NOT ONE OF MY PREFERRED VERSIONS.EVEN THE 1966 KIROV VERSION IS BETTER THAN NURYEVS VERSION.

CD-Charts Position 269
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Pachelbel's Greatest Hit

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Red Seal

Release Date October 13, 2003
It goes without saying that if you like Canon, you'll love this CD. It contains fifteen delicious variations of the Canon (and one Gigue). There are one or two versions that are bound to become your favourites. For one of the most repetitive songs around, I'm amazed to say I've never tired of this song. You know where it's going, but it's still relaxing and uplifting, whether as background music or to listen mindfully (try listening through headphones to feel ultra calm and wonderful!). Would probably make great background music at a party or wedding reception, shop etc. This CD is a regular feature on my CD player. It's great value for money too. There should be more like it!

CD-Charts Position 270
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David Oistrakh - Complete EMI Recordings

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
by: David Oistrakh

Release Date August 04, 2008
What a wonderful collection - truly a definitive archive of one of the century's greatest artists. Oistrakh's combination of power and serenity, with that individual unmistakeable sound make this a must-have for anyone who enjoys listening to the violin. Even more so if you play - to hear just what the instrument is capable of. In particular, the accounts of the Beethoven and Brahms concertos are the finest I have ever heard. Recordings can be cold - you have to play a bit safe - but these recordings have all the magic of a live performance.
I had a number of these recordings on LP - if anything, the sound is better on these CDs and for the huge number of recordings - what a bargain.