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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 ... 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 ... 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.

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John Williams: Greatest Hits 1969-1999

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: John Williams

November 01, 1999
Bottom line up front, this is one of the best John Williams compilations available. It has not only memorable movie soundtrack songs, but also his music from the Olympics. While other John Williams music CDs have lots of songs, this one has some of the best variety compared to others.

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Tales from the Norse Legends (Junior Classics)

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: Edward Ferrie

April 06, 1998
I purchased the CD on the back of the two previous reviews. However, I must say I found the CD disappointing on two counts. Firstly, the stories could have been better written, and secondly the narrator's voice lacks resonance, age, depth call it what you will. Compared to several CD's I have purchased here in Germany on Greek Sagas, which score high in these two categories, I can't imagine that I will be listening very much to the CD again.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
from: Walt Disney Records

July 10, 2006
This is a BRILLIANT soundtrack and just as good as the first with the memorable theme tunes of the organ playing DAVY JONES, the satanic monstrous KRAKEN and the tuneful, boingy theme of the guy we all love JACK SPARROW. There's also plenty more music from the film (which did I forget to mention is AMAZING only second in my opinion to the STAR WARS SAGA) such as the music accompnying the brilliantly choregraphed sword fight on the island leading to the giant wheel and much more. However I agree with the previous review (that you may have read also) that the 'remix', the last track on the CD is absolutely AWFUL and I can't express this enough, its TERRIBLE, its DRAB, ITS THE WORST TRACK OF MUSIC I'VE EVER HEARD and does not fit in with the other music AT ALL or with the Pirates ... Read More:

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Book of Longing

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical Music
by: Philip Glass, Leonard Cohen

November 26, 2007
Yes, the lyrics are interesting and some of the settings are nicely done...but the singing? Good grief, it really is terrible stuff. The voices are those of sub-standard musical theatre, formal, careful and well-articulated, and with all the character and feel of cardboard. If you're a Cohen fan, I guess you'll find it simply cringe-making.

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Canto Gregoriano - Major Works of Gregorian Chant

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

March 03, 2008
The double CD is ideal for the person who enjoys the Gregorian chants for the pleasure of hearing the melodies that can be achieved. It is also good for anyone who wants to take away stress, the music is so calming that it will take away the stresses of the day. I would recommend this CD to anyone looking for music to relax by or for the ardent music lover.

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The John Rutter Collection

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

October 21, 2002
Ths album is pure joy and tranquility. Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to be part of a choir singing Rutter might immediately remember why you enjoyed it so much. (15 years ago last time I was in a choir singing - "For the beauty of the earth").

Even if you don't like choral music normally - this is light, accessible and rejuvinating. Wonderful after a bad day or to kick off a good one.

In short, not too bad.

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100 Classical Hits

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

October 13, 2003

This is a great low cost box set which does exactly what it says on the box - it gives you 100 classical music hits, covering all the styles such as baroque, classical, romantic and modern, and includes music from all the popular composers.

Some of the tracks are simply excerpts from the full piece, for example Beethoven's Ninth symphony, originally over 60 minutes long, is reduced to a two and a half minute rousing chorus of the popular `Ode to Joy'. Likewise, Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture is cut from 15 minutes down to the last few minutes of the exciting thunder and fireworks finale.

This editing enables a great range of `hits' to be squeezed onto five discs, and gives the classical music novice a chance to dip their toe in the water and maybe move ... Read More: