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Classics: the Best of Sarah Brightman

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: Sarah Brightman

October 02, 2006

Fans of Sarah Brightman have expressed mixed opinions on this `Best Of' release.

Being labeled as a `crossover' artist I think can be a burden, for there are times when he/she will perform opera and classical music but get criticized by the `classical buffs' for trying to step on the toes of their treasured elitist professional musicians of the classical world.

Then there is the criticism from fans of `popular music', who see their idol apparently deserting their pop roots and alienating themselves by joining the orchestral high society club.

So when pop meets classical is there always friction?

No, I don't side with either of these views, for I believe everyone is free to sing anything ... Read More:

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Dvorák: Symphony No 9 'From The New World'.

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
from: The Originals

April 04, 1995
A splendid bargain in every way. This recording is, as the series suggests "A Legendary Recording from the Deutsche Gramophon Catalogue." Kubelik brings a sense of mystery, and a cheery air to Dvorak. I have heard the Karajan recording from 1965, and although it is good, this recording does win with flying colours.

In 8, Kubelik does not hesitate to slow down, indeed some bits are daringly slow, especially the third movement, but he then compensates by whipping things back up into a vigorous tempo in the finale. Watch out for some bouncy rhythms in the first movement, exciting fanfares, and bouncy timpani playing in the second movement.

In the almost too well known Ninth (From the New World), this makes outstanding value ... Read More:

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A Night at the Opera

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: Queen

November 21, 2005
This is the album, that set Queen on their way to the big time and you can see why. It is terribly over rated....though only when you compare it against their other ablums many of which are just as excellent.

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Bach: Partitas Nos. 2-4

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
from: Sony

March 18, 2008
This is a superlative recording.

For years, I have enjoyed both playing and listening to Bach's keyboard works. These partitas are among my favourites (especially the 2nd) in the repertoire, and who better to record them than Murray Perahia...

Some of you may be aware of his excellent recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations (from several years ago). For years, Glenn Gould's mechanical (and mathematical) approach to those variations had loomed like a spectre over any other recording I heard. It took Perahia to remind me that one can retain technical precision without sacrificing the flow and feeling of the contrapuntal piano record. I exalted Perahia's recording at the time, and always held out a hope that he would some day turn his ... Read More:

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Buena Vista Social Club Presents Omara Portuondo

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: Omara Portuondo

April 17, 2000
Best known as the only female member of the Buena Vista Social Club she has been well established and respected as a singer in Cuba for over 50 years. Her passionate and emotional voice glides effortlessly through big band numbers, jazz and more traditional tunes and makes them all her own. The world has woken up over recent years to the mighty talent for so long hidden on this island, and Omara is up there with the best of them.

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Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
from: Philips

May 13, 2002
A CD that has so much beauty it moves you from beginning to end. His voice portrays so much emotion that you don't just appreciate the sound, you feel every note that he sings.

There are some CDs that are simply labelled "mood music", and this for me is one that I file under such a category. Every time I listen it lifts me and transports me to places only I can go to. Somewhere that escapes the modern world.

The choice of arias is perfect. Many of which I was unfamiliar with. However, I have since introduced this CD to a number of people, many who listen to an entirely different genre of music; nearly all have been captivated by it.

All I can say is buy it and soak up the rich fare on offer.

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The Penguin Cafe Orchestra - A Brief History

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
from: Eg

November 12, 2001
what a fantasic album. i first heard of the penguin cafe orchestra on irelands classic radio whilst on holiday there. on my return home i bought a copy of "a brief history" and my ears have been truly treated. if you have heard anything by the pco but dont own any of their stuff, but like this sort of music then take the plunge you wont regret it and just like me treat your ears.

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Battlestar Galactica: Season Three

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: Bear Mccreary


I've been following the show since its beginnings and have always, when gushing about it to friends, cited the music as one of the key selling points. Now we are into the third album, and its pleasing to be able to say that McCreary has continued to go from strength to strength - building on the strong foundations of the first two scores.

This album has more of a concept theme to it than either of the other two which I find lends it an extra level of depth; weaving the strains of "All Along the Watchtower" (the final track) into the opening few seconds of "Distant Sadness" (the opener) works wonderfully and is a lovely touch. McCreary also developes themes present on the previous albums occasionally, reminding us of characters and times past and giving ... Read More:

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Bernstein: West Side Story

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
from: DG

August 10, 1998
This recording is simply superb. What some of the reviews seem to forget is that this is a recording of the *music*, not the musical. And in this sense, to my mind at least, the performers' accents are irrelevant. What matters is the fact that this recording brings together a group of some of the most talented singers of the time, and boy does it show.

The luscious soprano voice of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is, as always, simply superb, as is the rich tenor sound of José Carreras; these are complemented nicely by Troyanos' mezzo and Ollmann's baritone voices. The orchestra, featuring Miles Davis on trumpet, is similarly exceptional - their prowess and cohesion is demonstrated particularly in tracks such as "Jump".

Finding faults with this recording is very difficult. ... Read More:

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Danielle de Niese - Handel Arias

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: Danielle de Niese Les Arts Florissants William Christie

May 12, 2008
This is a very good debut recording from an upcoming soprano. Being a big admirer of Baroque and Handel my expectations were rather high, and it isn't quite as good as the recordings of Ruth Ann Swenson or Magdalena Kozena, but she is still a force to be reckoned with. Although the voice isn't quite as securely agile in this repertoire, she is very good at investing each aria with individuality and character. Still a very enjoyable recording and after having fallen in love with her as Cleopatra I'm looking forward to hearing more from her.