Editorial Review

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (652)

Best Show on Broadway
I saw this musical last year, and thought it was amazing!!! The music is unbelivable!!!! Idina Menzel and kristin Chenoweth are wonderful, two of the best voices I've ever heard.If you like musicals, then you HAVE to get this CD.I've almost worn it out.

Not Necessarily Wicked!
I was excited about getting this compact disc about Wicked, the hottest ticket on Broadway. I liked the beginning about how the witch was born green. I think the compact disc does serve a service in providing us a closer view of the musical itself. I didn't care for the story involving Glinda, the good witch, and Elfaba, the bad witch who is green. I didn't like the story itself. While I am sure that the musical is much better than just listening to it but I was uncomfortable with Elfaba's portrayal as being born green and bad while Glinda was both popular and pretty. I think I was just more sympathetic towards Elfaba because she was the outcast and I always find myself among the outcasts so I felt sorry for Elfaba. I don't find much sympathy for Glinda who has spent her entire life being both popular and gifted so of course, she doesn't change. She gets rewarded while poor Elfaba gets treated as bad.

The Best Musical EVER.
I'm the kind of person that listens to showtunes all of the time. Seriously. Wicked is what made me that kind of person. The first time I had ever heard it was my first year doing choir, and ever since then, I've loved it. It's got amazing songs and two of the best musical theatre actressess to ever be on stage, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. So if you love musicals, this is the CD to buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Original Score    7. Pop    8. Show Tunes    9. Showtunes / B'way   

Reviews (13)

Almost!
I have always been a sucker for Sarah and so glad they stuck with the original duets like Jose Cura's (my favorite tenor oozing with great machismo) and Andrea Bocelli.My only complaint is the Phantom of the Opera with Steve Harley (who is he?)Pardon me, I don't want to be mean but this is soooo horrific, let alone it was on track no. 1.What a terrible thing to start the cd.When I play cd, I skip no. 1 and the rest is simply divinely Sarah.I would have seen soooo tickled if she dueted Phantom with Gerard Butler (another macho cutie pie).

Good
Well, being a fan of Sarah Brightman since her Phantom days says that I liked this album,it is not her best album, but its a good singles album and for new fans to get to know her better.She always and mainly have themes in her albums, for example, FLY, more pop sounding, TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE, more classical, or just songs from Webber, but this album is just her songs from past albums.so its good to that part.

Sarah Brightman La Diva
This is an amazing CD for new fans and for your collection if you are a fan yet, the songs are carefully selected for being a great CD!! A question of honour is different from the Fly CD, if you are a Sarah's fan this CD is perfect, if you don't you will be a Sarah's fan!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. England    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Rock/Pop    7. Show Tunes   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (443)

To say the least.....brilliant.
DO NOT EVEN QUESTION THE NEED TO BUY THIS CD!!!Seriously, unless you've just spent the past year living on mars (PS, welcome back), you could not have escaped the worldwide hoopla that has surrounded High School Musical.This sort of thing happens for a reason!This movie, is almost entirely faultless, even in aspects that in other movies most would immediately point out and pick apart, because in this movie, it just works.
Great, Awesome, Fantastic!
This is a very very good movie.My friends and i can sit watching it over and over again!The songs are very fun and i seam to be singing them all around the house!I think they have a very good cast!This is the best movie ever!! :-)

Dorky!!!!
This movie is so dorky! Zac Efron literally can't sing! This guy named Drew Seely's voice was"blended" with his. And Ashley Tidesdale's voice is so whiny and annoying! This movie came out in Jaunary-february and it's still all anyone talks about! Zac efron and ashley are on the cover of ALL TEEN MAGAZINES! If u get a tigerbeat or bop magazine, basically every article is about someome from hsm! This movie is overrated and dorky and childish at my school! Nobody likes it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Teen Pop    8. Television Music   

Reviews (142)

This Album Is A Triumph.
Every Track Delivers The Majesty Of This Musical Giant. Every song on the CD emotionally moved me. Listening to it really made me think about certain things and to be honest helped me make life-changing changes in my life. His beautiful voice captures your attention & doesn't let go.

Andrea Is Wonderful!
This new CD, Amore, is just beautiful. His music makes my heart sing!

Amazing
This CD convinced me more than ever about the flexibility, quality and capabilty unique to Andrea Bocelli's musical artistry.Since high school Spanish years, I've heard Bésame Mucho and thought it okay but a bit lame.No longer.Never has a song been performed with more sensual beauty.His rendition of Júrame is one I have to bypass when I'm driving because I'm afraid my car is going to dance right off the road.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Crossover    5. Classical Vocals    6. Italy    7. Opera    8. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

This compilation of previously released material gathers the best-known tunes sung by women in Andrew Lloyd Webber's repertoire. Do all the singers here count as divas? A surprisingly high number certainly does. A few offer both outsize personality and outsize pipes: Betty Buckley ("Memory"), Patti LuPone ("Buenos Aires"), Barbra Streisand ("As If We Never Said Goodbye"). Some don't have as much name recognition but still offer blistering readings of famous songs (Yvonne Elliman's vintage version of "I Don't Know How to Love Him," from Read more

Reviews (1)

A Broadway Primer
For those of us who do not collect Broadway Soundtracks, this compilation can be a good addtion to your CD collection. It features many very well known songs written or co-written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the Broadway stage.
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Subjects:  1. Classical Composers    2. England    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way    6. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

Constantly exhorted to "sing," string players naturally try to emulate that most beautiful musical instrument, the human voice; no wonder they literally want to get their fingers on the treasures of the vocal repertoire. Joshua Bell has appropriated some of its best-loved songs and operatic arias, from Mozart through the romantics to Orff. Slow, sustained, lovely and yes, singing, these beguiling melodies and wide emotional range are eminently well suited to the violin. Credit for most of the arrangements is given to J.A.C. Redford, a well-known film and television composer, and indeed the throbbing strings and jarring modulations typical of sound-tracks invade his orchestrations, in startling contrast to the composers' own. In Debussy's "Beau soir," pianist Frederic Chiu partners Bell so beautifully that one wishes he had supplanted the orchestra in all the songs with piano accompaniment. The violin transcriptions of the vocal line closely follow the originals, except for Redford's compulsive habit of adding octaves in the repeats and jumping from the lowest to the highest register. Of course, Bell is very good at all this, and it's the playing that's really the thing. His tone is ravishingly beautiful, warm on the G-string, radiant up high, and always deeply expressive. His love and innate feeling for the music---its inward simplicity, romantic yearning and passionate ardor---speak straight to the heart. In the only authentic violin part, the obbligato of Richard Strauss' "Morgen!" he is joined by the golden-voiced soprano Anna Netrebko; at first overly intense, she relaxes into a blissful, magical ending. Read more

Reviews (7)

Prolific recording artist whose entirelibrary is worth owning
Joshua Bell has this unearthly ability - almost eldritch result to his music.His violin has profound impact and hearing him play live is like a spiritual experience.This cd doesn't deviate from his formula of pouring his love of music through his instrument and conveying a joy for every piece he plays.
JB are you reading
I ordered a cd from az, then later found out bn has extra track on their edition, bought that one too.Why did they do that?But the extra track, smaller orchestra version of Mozart's laudate dominum, is worth it.Bell is breathing into his music, just like a singer put their heart in their song, just like gould humming along as he played... is that how artists enjoy their own arts, any other way?If I am the tertiary audience the artists themselves must be (what's the word for zero ordered?) audience.Anyhow, if an art is so beautiful I would like to enjoy it purely, no need of accompaniment, or just at minimum.Check out Yoshikazu Mera sings Uguisu.Check out Hong-mei Yu playing Three Sighs At The Guan Pass in String Glamour. Will Joshua Bell ever do Morgen in double track even?I was expecting voice of the violin, not human!Joshua Bell and his violin: every sound is beautiful.I just wish that there was less interference.That is why it was worth it to get the 2nd cd from bn.The 16th track is leading really gently, quietly into the beautiful voice of Bell and his violin.
Absolutely gorgeous violin music!
The violin is the instrument closest to the human voice in its ability to express a multitude of shades of emotion, with a tonal and dynamic range that allows the violin to sing with a voice unique among instruments. Joshua Bell beautifully exhibits the expressive potential of the violin's voice in the carefully chosen and sensitively played pieces on this CD.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Art Song (General)    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Artists    10. Classical Pop    11. Czech Romantic Opera    12. French Romantic Opera    13. Italian Romantic Opera    14. Keyboard    15. Mass    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Sacred Choral Music    20. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra   

Editorial Review

Taking as her base 12 works of Bach, Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero proceeds to play variations on each. The works are familiar and most Classical fans will recognize their melodies instantly. But Montero, who is closer to a jazz improvisationalist than a classical pianist merely embellishing, alters rhythm as well as melody, and the results are invariably both surprising and delightful. The Presto from the Italian Concerto is positively wacky, but "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" sticks to the piece's mood with truth and originality. Montero plays "beyond" Bach with good taste and respect, and always with intense musicality. The results may seem improvised, but I doubt they are---they seem to well worked through---but that is more of a plus than a minus. You'll revel in hearing old favorites "interpreted" and find some unexpected pleasures here. Read more

Reviews (4)

True improvisations -- a wonder!
I struggle for the words to express how thrilled I am. Ms Montero is resurrecting the art of spontaneous improvisation in the field of classical music. Robert Levine, the Amazon site reviewer, hopefully has listened to the NPR interviews or the podcast and is now aware that Ms Montero did indeed improvise these on the spot. The only preparation lies in the fact that Gabriela Montero has been playing in this spontaneous way since before she was 3 years old! She was given a toy piano when she was 7 months and soon started picking out the songs her mother sang her to sleep with. Her talent today truly is astonishing! Give her a tune or theme never heard before, and she magically weaves a new piece out of it. We have read of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin all doing this -- it's a wonder and a fresh delight to hear how marvellously she does it for us. Kudos!

Very gifted pianist playing beautiful music
I have her CDs playing in my car and in my home.Her improvisation skills are top notch.Beyond Bach is one of my favorite pieces in this collection.Her other pieces are excellent as well.You can also find her interview on NPR.

Bach, Mozart and Beethoven Would Be Delighted...
It's an often neglected fact that Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were master improvisers, and I often wonder how they would feel about 'classical music' having become so exclusively addicted to reproducing the notes on the page. It seems that the latter of the three important legs of a musician's stool -- technique, interpretation, and improvisation -- has been forgotten in lieu of endless variation on the former two legs.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Concerto Grosso    8. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    9. Invention for Keyboard    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Concerto    12. Keyboard Music    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Toccata for Keyboard    18. Violin Concerto   

Reviews (7)

Welcome relief
I first listened at my computer and found myself slowly relaxing and really enjoying the beautiful music but wondered if it would REALLY work since I find it very hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. Well,folks, if youhave doubts about it working, throw them out the window! I did not make it through Track 1! Not only that but when I woke 5 hours later and turned it on againhoping to just enjoy the music - right----didn't make it through Track 1 again and got another 2hours of sound sleep.This CD is a godsend for those of us who have trouble getting to sleep.I highly recommend you buy this CD - you'll never find a better deal.Kudos to the Mercurios and everyone associated with it who have given us this beautiful pair of CDs. I'm getting several for friends and family.
I Haven't Heard the Second Half Yet..........
Usually, when I write a review, I like to let the songs play in the background, hoping that it will inspire me to some new revelation as I write. In this instance, though, I can't risk it; every single time I play either disk from this two-disk set, I start to drift off. I'm not kidding! For insomniacs, this collection could work better than Sominex. My normal procedure for any review is to listen straight through every note of music at least once, and then listen twice more, emphasizing the bits that made the deepest impression. Nearly a month ago, I thought I would do just that, but this disk threw that methodology right out of the window. For three weeks, I listened to this collection at home, at night, in the environment that it is intended for - my bedroom. For three weeks straight, I fell asleep before track five...
Not as tasty as Merlot...
...but it doesn't come with the unpleasant side effects either!!
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Adagio for Orchestra    3. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Concerto    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Nocturne for Keyboard    15. Orchestral    16. Pavane for Keyboard    17. Piano Concerto    18. Prelude for Keyboard    19. Quartet for Four String Instruments    20. Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet   

Editorial Review

In the fall of 2006, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (7)

Great CD of a Cassic Show
I had trepidations about this revival.After hearing this CD, I want to get down to B'way ASAP to see it.This recording is wonderful.The few middling spots ("Sing" being the chief offender) are completely outweighed by the most complete recording of the piece, in proper order finally, and the exuberant cast performing a classic score.Charlotte D'Amboise my not have Donna MacKechnie's pipes, but her stirring rendition of "The Music and the Mirror" is a showstopper.Jason Tam's few moments of "Oh God I need this job..." are eloquent and subtle (wish we heard more from him on this disc).But the entire cast is euphoric in their eagerness to please and present character.Easily the best new Broadway recording since "Sweeney Todd" (and that's saying something).Go, go go.And buy, buy, buy. It's "One Singular Sensation."

deja vu ???
I was really excited about this revival... and still want to go see it when I get back to the U.S., but in all honesty, this revival album sounds like -- errrrrrr, the original one, only at different tempos.
What Who Did For Love?
I was really pumped for this revival...ACL is in my blood, but I can honestly say, I'm not sure why anymore.The guys, are amazing, they all are cast well, and handle their roles well (My roommate walked in on "I Can Do That" and thought I was listening to the OBC), but the girls are seriously lacking.I felt that Deidre Goodwin and Mara Davi were the two weakest (Anyone else notice Mara go flat during "At the Ballet"?), and Jessica Lee Goldyn as Val is way too ditzy, she may be a blonde, but she was smart enough to figure out she needed to get some body work done.Even more disapointing vocally was Charlotte D'Amboise, who really IS Cassie (Just look at her carrer), but sounds more like Katherine Hepburn during "Music and the Mirror." (Maybe we need a revival of "Coco")Then, when you get to he meat of it all, the amount on the recording is barely better than the OBC, there is more extension in the Montage, and more for Zach to have dialogue in, but that is MINIMAL compared to the lack of the song "And..." or the fact that "What I Did For Love" sounds more like a stereotypical sanitized 11'o Clock number ala "For Good."And, big suprise, Paul's monologue was left off (It may not be a song, but to reduce the role to just "Who Am I Anyway?" seems like a slight crime) The Orchestrations make some moments, like the opening sound way to polished to be a rehearsal piano.This was a mediocre recording, nothing to get really fired up over, but still above the level of only being useful as a coaster. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Pop    3. Showtunes / B'way   

Reviews (18)

Just some coverage.
Going over what most people have already said.
Gorgeous Choral Music
Eric Whitacre is an amazing composer.He uses just the right amount of tension and release in his chord structures, creating the kind of beauty in music that gives you goose bumps. Some of the cluster chords and progressions are absolutely breathtaking. If you have ever sung in a choir or enjoy choral music, you will understand and appreciate the talent used to sing cluster chords as in tune as the choir on this CD. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes choral music and anyone else who would like to expand their level of music listening.

Cloudburst and other Choral Works/Eric Whitacre
These beautiful songs transported me into a whole new space. The well-chosen poetry (eg. Rumi) and the magnificent harmonies demand well-focused attention. This is not "background music". Not recommended for driving! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers   

Editorial Review

Unlike Russell Watson, to whom he is being compared (along with Andrea Bocelli), Vittorio Grigolo is a real opera singer. He sang as a boy treble with Pavarotti many years ago and has sung in Read more

Reviews (15)

A very pleasing voice, but...
I was very impressed by Mr. Grigolo's singing. I think he has an amazing voice and a very successful future ahead of him. However, I hope that his choice of songs improves. I did like Tu Sei, it was my favorite on the album. The singing was pure and the music accompaniment was very good. I also liked You Are My Miracle (duet w/Nicole Scherzinger). I was pleasantly surprised by Nicole's singing. I think they made a great collaboration on this song.
AWESOME!
This is an amazing CD. Mr. Grigolo has a marvelous voice. Cannot wait to see him in concert. BRAVISSIMO!!!

WOWWe have a new addition to the Tenors
I also saw Vittorio on PBS and just loved the music and this man's singing ability.I bought 6 cd's to give to all my friends for Christmas.When they arrived I had to listen to all the selections to make sure I had made a good purchase.Whew, Vittorio Grigolo is really fantastic and I know my friends will agree when they get their CD's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Classical Crossover    3. Miscellaneous    4. Miscellaneous Music    5. Music Theater    6. Musical Theater    7. Pop    8. Pop Vocals    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Paul McCartney's new "classical" oratorio is called Read more

Reviews (9)

Classical Music From a Class Act
After years traveling down his Long & Winding Road that led to this collection, it was well worth the wait.Paul McCartney has turned his travails into triumph; his challenges into championships.
Just Beautiful
I've never been a fan of classical music, but I've really enjoyed this cd. You can feel the spirituality in the music. Paul McCartney is a rare talent! I love this CD!

Great classical McCartney effort.
I am a Mccartney fan. I liked his other classical work. But this is something different. It's much better. More flowing sounds. Coherent. It was 9 years in the making.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers   

Editorial Review

Loosely based on the popular Disney theme park audio-animatronic ride, one might expect a modicum of good-natured "Yo-ho-ho-ing"--or maybe a little rousing Korngold/Errol Flynn/Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (397)

best soundtrack EVER!!!!!!!
the soundtrack is very very good and i will give a list of the songs with a score and a bit of descrpition
Great Soundtrack
Excellent sound track.All of the scores are rich and mellifulous.Also the recording quality is top notch.This is recommended to all.

A Real Statement
Very few soundtracks are actually worth buying i would say. This is truly a wonderful one. it makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action, it makes you feel that you can feel the characters, it brings out the best of the movie to you wherever you wanna take it. and you never get bored! go ahead and buy it, no worries there, no regrets later. it is far mi favorite movie, my favorite soundtrack! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (71)

OH OH OH THOSE JERSEY BOYS!!!
THE BEST SHOW ON BROADWAY I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS.FROM BEGINNING TO END!LISTENING TO THE CD BRINGS BACK THAT WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE AT THE THEATER.I WAS ONLY ONE WHEN SHERRY CAME OUT SO, I OF COURSE DIDNOT GROW UP WITH THIS MUSIC BUT, LOVE IT!. IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE BROADWAY SHOW BUY THE CD (ALSO GET THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS) OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!

Those Jersey Boys!
I never thought that Jersey Boys would be such a hit on Broadway enough to win Tony Award for Best Musical. Although Broadway has not really brought out anything spectacular but everybody who has seen it live as loved it. If you can't spend money on tickets to see the show, you might as well by the compact disc and just imagine the live performance. The Four Seasons were one of the biggest music groups of the last century. Who would have thought that these four Jersey boys from Belleville, New Jersey also hometown to actor Joe Pesci would become such a huge hit. The show and the compact disc show how it began for them with all the trials and tribulations. If you can't see the show regardless of cost or travel, why not buy the compact disc? I have bought two for other people.

Jersey Boys Rule
Great show and great CD.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Cast Recordings    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Showtunes / B'way    8. Soundtrack   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (21)

What's not to like?
Reasons to buy this item immediately:
Tom
Okay, so why did Amazon raise the price of this sucker thirty bucks??? Was it in response to the N.Y Times review crediting them with the discount??? In resonse, I just went to Tower Records, where I did get it on sale. I used to be the #1 fan of Amazon, they were a "10", the have slipped to a "4", no longer worth the hassel.

Initial impressions.

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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

From his childhood on the family farm in rural Tuscany to the worldwide stage, Andrea Bocelli has achieved phenomenal success. His singing is only partially the point, and his fame owes much more to the aura of romance and the Read more

Reviews (282)

It is different
I prefer Amore - this one is not as I had foreseen but still good.

raw and pure
There is something about Bocelli's voice that is completely revealed, raw, yet pure.His songs climax and grow.I have some opera fans who snub his voice because they say it not purely classical, yet