Average Rating:

.

Italia

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
by: Chris Botti

October 02, 2007
The ninth abum by the handsome trumpeter has an Italian theme and has been recorded in in London, Los Angeles, and Italy.
"Italia" is an object lesson in how to expand the range of small-group jazz.
Botti's knowledge of the jazz tradition is absolute, but the interest here lies in his integration of other forms like pop, classical, soundtracks of Ennio Morricone and opera.
Usually that type of experimentation can be a messy, muddled business.
Moulded with controlled eloquence and subtle dissonances, the tracks have a peculiar, surprising beauty, each one affecting the next, and creating a meditative yet majestic symphony : "Italia".
Generous spirited and open, with impeccable ensemble blowing and superb singing ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

One Chance

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
by: Paul Potts

September 18, 2007
I have observed Paul's appearances on Britain's Got Talent competition and, like the three judges, I have been left speechless after listening to Paul's renditions of nessum dorma and con te partiro. It is amazing how the simple push of a green button by a lady off stage, in Paul's first BGT appearance, did signal a change in his life forever. As Amanda said, the lump of coal has turned into a diamond. Paul's first CD is excellent and, as a lover of good music, it rates as one of the best among my many CDs. I say "well done Paul and keep up the good work!" I strongly recommend this CD to whoever loves good music.

Average Rating:

.

James Ehnes Barber Korngold

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
by: Bramwell Tovey, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

October 24, 2006
This disc featuring Manitoba-born violinist James Ehnes (pronounced 'Ennis') confirms for me my suspicion that he is one of the best of the younger generation of violin soloists on the concert circuit. I had heard and greatly admired his earlier recordings of Bach's Unaccompanied Violin Partitas and of Mozart's five Violin Concerti, but this is the first I've heard him play anything from the Romantic violin concerto literature. And although these three concertos -- those by Korngold, Barber, and Walton -- are from the twentieth century they are quintessentially Romantic in thrust.

Korngold's luscious concerto, written in a style I've always thought of as '1940s Hollywood chromatic' (think of Raksin's 'Laura' or Korngold's own film scores) was ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

No Reservation Music From The

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
by: Soundtrack

July 24, 2007
This disc featuring Manitoba-born violinist James Ehnes (pronounced 'Ennis') confirms for me my suspicion that he is one of the best of the younger generation of violin soloists on the concert circuit. I had heard and greatly admired his earlier recordings of Bach's Unaccompanied Violin Partitas and of Mozart's five Violin Concerti, but this is the first I've heard him play anything from the Romantic violin concerto literature. And although these three concertos -- those by Korngold, Barber, and Walton -- are from the twentieth century they are quintessentially Romantic in thrust.

Korngold's luscious concerto, written in a style I've always thought of as '1940s Hollywood chromatic' (think of Raksin's 'Laura' or Korngold's own film scores) was ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Vivere Best Of

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
by: Andrea Bocelli

October 30, 2007
Sugar Records presents "THE BEST OF ANDREA BOCELLI: VIVERE" --- On October 21, 2007, he sang "Con te partirò" with Katherine Jenkins on the popular UK television series 'Strictly Come Dancing' results show, and on October 30, 2007, he sang "The Prayer" with Celine Dion on the soon-to-be-aired ITV special "An Audience with Céline Dion." --- He sang alongside fellow Italian singer Laura Pausini "Vivire" ("Dare To Live", in English, which was also released in "The Best of: Andrea Bocelli as "Dare To Live (Vivere)") during the 2007 Latin Grammy.

Andrea Bocelli (born 22 September 1958) is an Italian singer --- He is both an operatic tenor and a classical crossover singer --- To date, he has recorded six complete operas -- La Bohème, Il Trovatore, ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Mozart For Meditation Quiet M

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
from: Universal Music Group

February 15, 1995
I love this CD. Anyone been through high stress times and found a CD that calmed you to the point you could function? That is what this CD did for me. I listened to it in the lab and while I was writing my dissertation. Now I am looking for a CD for my baby and decided to look this up to find some like it. Really really enjoyed it. But I guess I said that.

Average Rating:

.

Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 (1963 recordings)

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
from: Universal Music Group

January 01, 1990
this is a review of the much-maligned pastoral symphony is this set. most find fault with its fleet tempos but after listening to the much lauded bohm and walter, i find this is the only pastoral that doesn't put me to sleep, especially in the first movement. where with bohm you feel like it's a funeral march through the countryside, with karajan it actually feels like a joyous outing, full of sunshine, blue skies, and fresh air. it captures the sense of coming alive upon entering nature that the other recordings miss. my only gripe with this recording is that it has the karajan trademark string-laden sound. for the pastoral, i'd prefer a better balance with the winds. other than that, this is an excellent 6th. oh, the the rest of the cycle is pretty good, too!

Average Rating:

.

Goldberg Vars

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
from: CBS

November 15, 2006
Gould was more than one of the great pianists in recorded history, he was a world teacher through sound. Both of the famous recordings of what has to be regarded a his signature performance (1951/81) are worth far more than what you would pay for the disc. Technics aside (and they are dazzling, as always with Gould), the purpose of music is to remind you that you do feel, to engage you in what is being communicated. Melancholy, in the richest sense, and then, at moments, the eptiome of serene dispassion, always profound, this performance is a deep exploration of feeling and truth, and creates a meditative ambience which can evoke in the listener higher realizations. An immortal rendering of great music.

Average Rating:

.

Best (W/3 Bonus Tracks)

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
by: Luciano Pavarotti

September 13, 2005
Luciano Pavarotti will live on forever.
His powerful voice is so uplifting and soothing.
I love this music, because it sparked my interest in learning the Italian language.
My favorite track is the lively "La Donna E' Mobile" composed by Verdi.
I also love Pavarotti's rendition of Verdi's "Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici"(Let's make a toast). This song is a celebration of life.
"La Danza" (The Dance) is an up tempo track from Rossini.
"O Sole Mio" is such a pretty romantic song, a hymn to the Sun.
This track is a pure gem.
His voice sounds so elegant on the track "Nessun Dorma" (Let nobody be asleep}.
"M'appari" (She appeared to me) is another standout track.
Pavarotti sounds so peaceful here singing about a place where ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Surprise

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical > Classical
by: Measha Brueggergosman

September 11, 2007
Luciano Pavarotti will live on forever.
His powerful voice is so uplifting and soothing.
I love this music, because it sparked my interest in learning the Italian language.
My favorite track is the lively "La Donna E' Mobile" composed by Verdi.
I also love Pavarotti's rendition of Verdi's "Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici"(Let's make a toast). This song is a celebration of life.
"La Danza" (The Dance) is an up tempo track from Rossini.
"O Sole Mio" is such a pretty romantic song, a hymn to the Sun.
This track is a pure gem.
His voice sounds so elegant on the track "Nessun Dorma" (Let nobody be asleep}.
"M'appari" (She appeared to me) is another standout track.
Pavarotti sounds so peaceful here singing about a place where ... Read More: