CD-Charts Position 1
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Monodia

Search: Was I
by: Kim Kashkashian

Release Date February 02, 2004
With contributions from Kim Kashkashian, Christoph Poppen, Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, you'd be forgiven for expecting another record along the same magnificent lines as "Officium" or "Morimur" or "Abii ne Viderem".

And you'd be right! This is just as mesmerisingly beautiful as those records. Buy this if you like Jazz, Classical, Early Music, chess, chips or chihuahas - anybody with ears will enjoy this tremendous record.

CD-Charts Position 2
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The Industial Sessions

Search: Was I
by: Alternative TV

Release Date June 17, 2002
With contributions from Kim Kashkashian, Christoph Poppen, Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, you'd be forgiven for expecting another record along the same magnificent lines as "Officium" or "Morimur" or "Abii ne Viderem".

And you'd be right! This is just as mesmerisingly beautiful as those records. Buy this if you like Jazz, Classical, Early Music, chess, chips or chihuahas - anybody with ears will enjoy this tremendous record.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds (Hybr) (Ms)

Search: Was I
by: Jeff Wayne, Richard Burton, Various Artists

Release Date July 05, 2005
What an astonishing work of art! I don't just mean the music and the various versions of the songs on this album, but the case itself is such a compliment to this compilation. The way the CDs are housed on the inside of the covers enveloping a book detailing all the songs, H G Wells' backgound, and his inspiration for writing WOW is amazing! I don't think you have to be a die hard fan to enjoy it, as there are so many layers to listen to on each track - even your Gran would enjoy it! Each instrument seems to jump out at you and you will definetely hear melodies you just weren't aware of on the old 70's LPs and 80's/90's CDs. There just aren't enough hours in the day to get the full benefit of this album. I think I'll book a week off work and ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress

Search: Was I
from: DG

Release Date August 09, 1999
This set captures such excellent, vivid and clear performances that the story leaps out by just listening. You won't really even need to follow the printed libretto. Every single character is perfectly sung and the orchestra and conductor are in top form. The whole thing brims with wit and charm making it very very enjoyable. I have listened to it several times already.

CD-Charts Position 5
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Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress

Search: Was I
by: Philip Langridge Cathryn Pope Samuel Ramey London Sinfonietta Riccardo Chailly

Release Date October 17, 2005
Well, it depends what you want from a Rake whether this is the recording for you. Conducting, orchestra and some of the cast are superb. Sarah Walker's Baba is the best you'll find and Sam Ramey is in fine, though rather inexpressive voice as Shadow. Terfel is by far the more interesting interpreter but his voice either shouts or whispers with nothing in-between. His interpretation is unrealistic theatrically too and makes his difficult to bear repeated listening. I don't warm to Pope's rather lumpy Anne on this recording and she doesn't compare to Upshaw's glorious singing for Nagano but still better than the undernourished sound of York for Gardener. Langridge sings beautifully often, strains at other times (there is no rake who doesn't), is occassionally ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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Songs of Pasha

Search: Was I
by: Various Artists

Release Date January 03, 1996
Well, it depends what you want from a Rake whether this is the recording for you. Conducting, orchestra and some of the cast are superb. Sarah Walker's Baba is the best you'll find and Sam Ramey is in fine, though rather inexpressive voice as Shadow. Terfel is by far the more interesting interpreter but his voice either shouts or whispers with nothing in-between. His interpretation is unrealistic theatrically too and makes his difficult to bear repeated listening. I don't warm to Pope's rather lumpy Anne on this recording and she doesn't compare to Upshaw's glorious singing for Nagano but still better than the undernourished sound of York for Gardener. Langridge sings beautifully often, strains at other times (there is no rake who doesn't), is occassionally ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

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Songs of the Pashai-""""

Search: Was I
by: Various Artists

Release Date October 01, 1999
Well, it depends what you want from a Rake whether this is the recording for you. Conducting, orchestra and some of the cast are superb. Sarah Walker's Baba is the best you'll find and Sam Ramey is in fine, though rather inexpressive voice as Shadow. Terfel is by far the more interesting interpreter but his voice either shouts or whispers with nothing in-between. His interpretation is unrealistic theatrically too and makes his difficult to bear repeated listening. I don't warm to Pope's rather lumpy Anne on this recording and she doesn't compare to Upshaw's glorious singing for Nagano but still better than the undernourished sound of York for Gardener. Langridge sings beautifully often, strains at other times (there is no rake who doesn't), is occassionally ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
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Tippett: Vocal Music

Search: Was I
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 define him. The ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

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Talks and Plays

Search: Was I
by: Jimmy Giuffre

Release Date
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 define him. The ... Read More: