CD-Charts Position 1
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Tippett: Vocal Music

Search: Shattered
by: Various Artists

Release Date November 14, 2005
I have chosen to review this set as it would appear to be the only way now left by which to acquire the sublime Byzantium, as performed by Solti, the Chicago Symphony and the majectic Faye Robinson.

The first disc comprises Tippett songs which I am in no position to comment on as they are some of the few Tippett items I do not own and know. A situation I will most certainly remedy.

The second disc gives us A Child of our Time, probably Tippett's most popular and performed work. Ironically so in my opinion because this is representative of the earliest era of Tippett's career when arguably he had yet to find the utterly distinctive voice and commence the journey to the most refined individuality that would eventually ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Tippett: A Child of our Time

Search: Shattered
from: Chandos

Release Date October 01, 1999
For many, this is the most moving oratorio ever written - not just because its principal subject matter is so emotive, but because musically and philosophically, it is a work of immense spirituality.

Tippett wrote his own libretto. One that, with searing insight, forces us to face the 'shadow' (the dark side) of humanity and recognise the 'glory of light'.

I cannot listen to this work now without being moved to tears at least twice; every time when the incarcerated teenager screams to his desperate mother: 'I will defy the world to reach you!'.

This Hickox recording is close to perfection. It is the four soloists that make this recording what it is, but the sound quality is incredible and Hickox responds to the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Bopha

Search: Shattered
by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date October 05, 1993
For many, this is the most moving oratorio ever written - not just because its principal subject matter is so emotive, but because musically and philosophically, it is a work of immense spirituality.

Tippett wrote his own libretto. One that, with searing insight, forces us to face the 'shadow' (the dark side) of humanity and recognise the 'glory of light'.

I cannot listen to this work now without being moved to tears at least twice; every time when the incarcerated teenager screams to his desperate mother: 'I will defy the world to reach you!'.

This Hickox recording is close to perfection. It is the four soloists that make this recording what it is, but the sound quality is incredible and Hickox responds to the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

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Massenet: Le Cid

Search: Shattered
from: CBS

Release Date October 11, 1989
This recording has been around for thirty years and now that I've acquired it I wonder why I didn't do so earlier. (However, this is now available in a bargain "twofer" format with Sony Classical rather than this expensive set - though you have to do without a libretto. Still, the plot is uncomplicated,the synopsis adequate, and the cues clear - so if you have a bit of French to boot you won't be lost.) There isn't, to my knowledge, an alternative version, but with a performance and recording of this quality you won't need one: the three principals are in magnificent voce - especially Bumbry - and the opera is packed with stirring emotion, lovely melodies and dramatic confrontations. Some of the triumphal music is redolent of "Aida" and Massenet ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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One Way Track

Search: Shattered
by: Lucky 7

Release Date December 15, 1995
This recording has been around for thirty years and now that I've acquired it I wonder why I didn't do so earlier. (However, this is now available in a bargain "twofer" format with Sony Classical rather than this expensive set - though you have to do without a libretto. Still, the plot is uncomplicated,the synopsis adequate, and the cues clear - so if you have a bit of French to boot you won't be lost.) There isn't, to my knowledge, an alternative version, but with a performance and recording of this quality you won't need one: the three principals are in magnificent voce - especially Bumbry - and the opera is packed with stirring emotion, lovely melodies and dramatic confrontations. Some of the triumphal music is redolent of "Aida" and Massenet ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

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One Way Track

Search: Shattered
by: Lucky Seven

Release Date January 01, 1994
This recording has been around for thirty years and now that I've acquired it I wonder why I didn't do so earlier. (However, this is now available in a bargain "twofer" format with Sony Classical rather than this expensive set - though you have to do without a libretto. Still, the plot is uncomplicated,the synopsis adequate, and the cues clear - so if you have a bit of French to boot you won't be lost.) There isn't, to my knowledge, an alternative version, but with a performance and recording of this quality you won't need one: the three principals are in magnificent voce - especially Bumbry - and the opera is packed with stirring emotion, lovely melodies and dramatic confrontations. Some of the triumphal music is redolent of "Aida" and Massenet ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

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Arabian Nights Ost

Search: Shattered
by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date July 03, 2000
i bought this cd in the hope of getting some of the ethnic style mucic from the tv program of the same name. i was not disappointed. the arabic/turkish blend of music is fantastic and one track follows the other. although the same rythem is used over and over throughout the cd, different instruments create a viraety that keeps the listner intrested. an example of this is my fave track 2. the main title music and then 15. the storytell, which is basically the same song- but never the less a fab cd and well worth adding to your collection.

CD-Charts Position 8
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Arabian Nights

Search: Shattered
by: Richard Harvey

Release Date April 18, 2000
i bought this cd in the hope of getting some of the ethnic style mucic from the tv program of the same name. i was not disappointed. the arabic/turkish blend of music is fantastic and one track follows the other. although the same rythem is used over and over throughout the cd, different instruments create a viraety that keeps the listner intrested. an example of this is my fave track 2. the main title music and then 15. the storytell, which is basically the same song- but never the less a fab cd and well worth adding to your collection.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

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Alone in the Bright Lights of a Shattered Life

Search: Shattered
by: Library Tapes

Release Date August 29, 2005
i bought this cd in the hope of getting some of the ethnic style mucic from the tv program of the same name. i was not disappointed. the arabic/turkish blend of music is fantastic and one track follows the other. although the same rythem is used over and over throughout the cd, different instruments create a viraety that keeps the listner intrested. an example of this is my fave track 2. the main title music and then 15. the storytell, which is basically the same song- but never the less a fab cd and well worth adding to your collection.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

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The Crypt Injection

Search: Shattered
by: Dawn Of Ashes

Release Date October 13, 2008
i bought this cd in the hope of getting some of the ethnic style mucic from the tv program of the same name. i was not disappointed. the arabic/turkish blend of music is fantastic and one track follows the other. although the same rythem is used over and over throughout the cd, different instruments create a viraety that keeps the listner intrested. an example of this is my fave track 2. the main title music and then 15. the storytell, which is basically the same song- but never the less a fab cd and well worth adding to your collection.