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Romance of the Violin
: :Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. 'O mio babbino caro' from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi opens the disc, with Bell delicately accompanied by a harp and spinning the long melody with great sensitivity. Bellini's 'Casta diva' from Norma lives up to its reputation as the epitome of bel canto in Bell's hands; his violin sings. The middle movement of Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto takes well to the violin, ...
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Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies
from: Rounder / Umgd
: :From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's 'Violin Concerto #2,' Strauss' 'Blue Danube Waltz') and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing ...
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The Light in the Piazza (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
from: Nonesuch
:Album Description:The Light in the Piazza is arguably one of the most highly anticipated theatrical events of the decade for serious Broadway theatergoers. The Los Angeles Times has already declared its creator, Nonesuch artist Adam Guettel, 'a composer for the new century,' on the strength of his two Off-Broadway productions, the 1996 Obie-Award winning 'folk musical' Floyd Collins and the 1998 song cycle, Myths and Hymns, TIME has described him as 'a startlingly original songwriter.' Few theatrical composers have been ...
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Ladies in Lavender
: :The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its ...
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Bach: Greatest Hits
from: Sony
: :The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its ...
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I Wish It So
: essential recording:With a spirit of innocence and excitement, no audible breaks of register, and perfect diction, Dawn Upshaw graces us with a satisfying crossover recording in which each song is a fully realized musical monologue. The eclectic and infrequently performed repertoire, from Bernstein, Blitzstein, Sondheim, and Weill, compliments her charm and interpretive acuity. There's her humorous 'Saga of Jenny,' her adorable 'That's Him,' her poignant 'Like It Was,' and her freshly vibrant 'I Feel Pretty.' Conductor Eric Stern is ...
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Sullivan, Sibelius: Shakespeare's Tempest
from: Reference Recordings
:Album Description:A brilliant first collaboration between Reference Recordings and the Kansas City Symphony features the first modern recording of the suite by Sir Arthur Sullivan, and the best performance ever of the Sibelius suites. First audiophile recording by Music Director Michael Stern, son of famed American violinist Isaac Stern. Dynamic high-resolution HDCD recording by multi Grammy nominee 'Prof.' Keith Johnson. The Kansas City Symphony has recorded for Naxos, and Michael Stern has recorded for Arabesque, Denon, Hyperion, Naxos, and Sony--including ...
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Rags
from: Sony
:Album Description:A brilliant first collaboration between Reference Recordings and the Kansas City Symphony features the first modern recording of the suite by Sir Arthur Sullivan, and the best performance ever of the Sibelius suites. First audiophile recording by Music Director Michael Stern, son of famed American violinist Isaac Stern. Dynamic high-resolution HDCD recording by multi Grammy nominee 'Prof.' Keith Johnson. The Kansas City Symphony has recorded for Naxos, and Michael Stern has recorded for Arabesque, Denon, Hyperion, Naxos, and Sony--including ...
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A Total Embrace: The Composer
from: Sony
:Album Description:A brilliant first collaboration between Reference Recordings and the Kansas City Symphony features the first modern recording of the suite by Sir Arthur Sullivan, and the best performance ever of the Sibelius suites. First audiophile recording by Music Director Michael Stern, son of famed American violinist Isaac Stern. Dynamic high-resolution HDCD recording by multi Grammy nominee 'Prof.' Keith Johnson. The Kansas City Symphony has recorded for Naxos, and Michael Stern has recorded for Arabesque, Denon, Hyperion, Naxos, and Sony--including ...
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Tell Her I Love Her
: :Discovered singing in a noted New York City watering hole, the Syracuse native's successful major label debut quickly made him a rising star who garnered comparisons to Mario Lanza--from Tony Bennet, no less. But Amante's showy, soaring style and good looks seemed destined for a wider audience than opera's, and indeed this sophomore release largely delivers on the tenor's rich crossover potential. While many classically educated singers seem challenged to throw off the formal constraints of their rigorous training in ...
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