Editorial Review

In its own way, this soundtrack to the cult SciFi Channel series embodies all the trends of film and, to a certain extent, TV-scoring circa 2006. Alien universes and mysterious plots are suggested by exotic instruments like gamelans and taikos; an otherwordly woman comes in at regular intervals to vocalize esoterically ("Lords of Kobol"); and thundering percussions suggest action ("Scar"). It's as if cult band Dead Can Dance were on the required listening list for American screen composers ("Gina Escapes"). Composer Bear McCreary pulls off the mix better than some of his contemporaries because, this being TV, he probably doesn't have the budget of a big Hollywood composer and so he can't rely on a ginormous orchestra to do the work for him (i.e., he can't just pile on dozens of violins to suggest mood). Look for ex-Oingo Boingo member Steve Bartek (who's orchestrated many of Danny Hellman's finest scores) on guest guitar on the final track, "Black Market." Read more

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• Soundtrack

Reviews (24)

Absolutely Stupendous
Enchanting. Superb. Mesmerizing. Heart-stopping.
An evolution beyond compare
This iteration of the Battlestar Galactica soundtrack series is, so far, the best. In fact, I'm convinced this is one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard, for film or TV. First - the variety of styles from episode to episode involves a lot more string and guitar arrangements than did season 1, yet they all still maintain a cohesive thread that binds them together. The taiko drums depicting the deep, dark, quiet solitude of space are still there, and very prominently on a couple of tracks. The refinement of the opening credits theme song, which appears 2nd to last on the disc, fits nicely... and provides a nice gap between the main part of the soundtrack, and the killer finale - a heavy guitar laden tour de force written for the Black Market episode.
Lovely
The music for Battlestar Galactica just keeps getting better and better.This music in season two is rich, densely layered, and full of emotion. I applaud the creators of the show for presenting new music in each season.I will happily keep buying the soundtracks. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

For better or worse, Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of Gaston Leroux's gothic horror/romance novel has done for stage musicals what Spielberg's Read more

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Reviews (167)

How could this not be good?
First of all, the cast was great!For those of you that are die-hard original cast fans, you still have to admit that Hollywood did a good job on this one.The music, of course, is incredible.The added song, sung by Minnie Driver, although really not of the same caliber as the other songs, is a great addition to the CD.As you're listening to the songs, you know exactly where you are in the movie, they've set it up really well.As per the usual, Amazon provided speedy, quality service and I received the CD right away.Anyone who liked the movie and found themselves singing along will find this CD to be a must-have for their personal collection.

Not Broadway, But Still Worth Watching
If you have never seen any version (Broadway, book, or movie) of The Phantom of the Opera, this is a worthwhile movie to watch.However, if you have seen the Broadway show or read the book of The Phantom of the Opera, then you will probably be a little bit disappointed, but it is still worth watching.
Breathtaking Music
I felt Gerard Butler was the perfect Phantom despite what some other reviewers have stated...he is dark, sexy, passionate with his emotions - his voice is incredible and fits the character perfectly.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Musicals    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Unlike his popular score for 2002's Read more

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Reviews (7)

The Music Is Always A Necessary Ingredient.
Music played a big part in the illusion of this movie as it set the tone for what was taking place on the screen."Wish I Would See You Again" was effective as the two lovers meet and discover all over again that the chemistry is still there, and most effective was the train scene when "Eisenheim Disappears." It was all an illusion (the whole movie), but the music helped to try to sort things out.
Glass is a Master
The music for the film The Illusionist adds enormously to your appreciation of the film, it underlines the mystery, the illusion, in the story, and heightens the emotion and fantasy elements.I loved the film, and listening to the music has made me more aware of what I loved about it. For example, the music begins with a major chord. Followed by a minor chord. This creates a sense of drama and shadow - sunlight obscured by darkness. Glass is also a master of melody, with a beautiful theme for the Sophie music. The Illusionist theme is dramatic and portentous, perfectly suiting the magical doings of the plot. This is a skillful, seductive score. If you loved the film, you will love the music.

Bravissimo Philip Glass!!!
This is more than a score for a film, it is classical music deserving of the highest respect.Echoing sentiment of many others based on his early works, I, too, thought Philip Glass was just another minimalist experimenters with a limited ouvre.But time and time again, especially with powerful scores notably; The Truman Show, Fog Of War and now, The Illusionist, I believe Philip Glass proves his place among the finest composers of our time, period.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

The soundtrack for the first Read more

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Reviews (88)

Beautiful music!
The music is beautiful! If you enjoyed this film you will enjoy this CD. A rollercoaster of POTC is waiting for you! The most themes are from the first movie. You'll hear all kinds of moods in this music: heroic, lyrical, dramatic, ironic, and, all together - very inspirational! It just makes you feel the movie better - a great example of soundtrack and movie complementing each other. This music gives a lot of speed, passion, feeling of "being there" and, makes the movie complete. Thank you to composers for such a great work done!

Excellent! A Must Buy for Pirates Fans!
This soundtrack is just as good, if not, better than the actual movie! Hans Zimmer is an amazing man and has written perfect music for this movie. The soundtrack rocks from beginning to end. It tells the movie's story while taking on a life of its own. Mr. Zimmer definitely deserves an Academy Award for this project! Highly Recommended.

Excellent Soundtrack - some repeat tracks
Having heard about the darkness manifested in "Dead Man's Chest", I almost did not go and see it. I was pleasently surprised however, that when I did go see it I enjoyed it alot. I own the sound track for "Black Pearl" and having really enjoyed that, I really hoped the sequal would not decrease in music quality. I was not disapointed.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

The Paganini concerto, with its combination of wild virtuosity and fatty, gushy melody, is a favorite of audiences and violinists; fiddlers love to strut their stuff and the public can't resist anything so juicy. Hilary Hahn here throws her violinist hat into the ring with Perlman, Kogan, and Gil Shaham and comes out looking just fine. She handles the incredibly showy outer movements with flair, poise, and startling precision, and spins out the long, Italian melodies in the middle movement beautifully. Similarly, she handles the Spohr almost as if it were composed for the voice--it's an enchanting performance. Simply stunning and highly recommended. Read more

Reviews (1)

The Storm Before The Calm
Well, its mostly a happy, festive storm (the Paganini) and a sometimes melancholy, but sometimes tense calm (the Spohr).
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson has been scantily represented on CD, and that makes this gorgeous, deeply felt release all the more valuable. Here she sings two Bach cantatas composed for solo voice. Her mezzo is not particularly heavy, but it can darken or lighten expressively, and she uses its dusky qualities handsomely. Read more

Reviews (22)

Stirring
The quality of Ms. Lieberson's singing and the emotional depth of her performance make one especially regretful that she died so young. Lovers of classical vocal music were deprived of a superb artist.

Supreme
Supreme musicianship and vocalism by the mistress of early music. A brilliant Cd and a must for every lover of Bach Cantatas.

Ethereal
I admit to being a novice at hearing a lot of classical vocal music.I do listen to operas and I quite enjoy a lot of Bach - he is my favorite composer.I have heard of Lieberson a lot over the past few years.Last week, I stayed as a guest in a house where this cd was playing and I felt my whole spirit rise up.The musical selections are truly sublime and Ms Lieberson's voice is so magical.I enjoyed listening to it in perfect silence so that each note was audible and appreciated.It's truly a masterpiece.Thank goodness that music of this quality is still produced and out there.Thanks to the great master Johann and to the ethereal and talented Lorraine Hunt Lieberson. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Vocals   

Editorial Review

Having left medieval chant and somewhat later polyphony behind and moved, musically, across the Atlantic with their last CD (Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful, but may not be your cup of tea
This is another gorgeous set of music from Anonymous 4. However, these ladies do come from the classical rather than the vernacular tradition. If you're very committed to either performing style this album may not appeal to you.
Ethereal contentment
Once again A4 has outdone themselves. Following in the tradition of 'American Angels' they have created a wonderful continuation of Sacred Harp traditions. May the Creator of the universe give them health and goodness to keep on praising creation and recording for us lowly mortals. Bless A4 and their poise, grace and heavenly sound.
"Accurate"?
I'm not sure what the Amazon reviewer means when he says that the music on this CD is "accurate," but one thing is for sure: it's not authentic.Anonymous 4 seems to have contempt for the sources of some of the material on this CD (NY Times 13 Sept. 2006: " 'When I first heard the shape note recordings, I ran screaming,' Ms. Horner said. 'It's a gutteral [sic] sound, very raw.'"No word on whether Ms. Horner thinks Anonymous 4 has "improved" the songs with their arrangements, and their flutey, polished renditions of the shape note songs included here and on their previous release may appeal to their fans - but they are in no way "accurate" and lack the power and drive, and feeling, of traditional shape note singing.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Vocals    6. Medieval    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Music   

Reviews (1)

The Homecoming....Andre Rieu
I know it is relative, but this is the most enjoyable, exciting, inspiring, entertaining program I have watched in a long, long time. I did not get enough with one viewing, I will be watching it again and likely again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Concerto    5. French Romantic Opera    6. German/Austrian Operetta    7. Guitar Concerto    8. Italian Romantic Opera    9. Music Theater    10. Musical Theater    11. Opera    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral Music    14. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music   

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Vocals   

Editorial Review

Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Read more

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• Cast Recording

Reviews (150)

cd
I love this music and had recently been to the stage play with friends.This was a wonderful way to keep the memory of the music for myself.. AND to give another copy to our hostess as a thank you.

Mamma Mia - the CD
Having seen the show in London, I was looking forward to the CD.I did not purchase the CD at the show, and was suprised that your price was less.
For those who hate musicals
I love this CD.You have to like ABBA.If you don't, don't buy it obviously.It's great to listen to even if you don't like musicals.This is another broadway soundtrack that my fellow workers don't mind me putting in the CD player while working in the kitchen.They like ABBA and hate musicals, so this is right up their alley.The story is a little hard to follow by the songs, but you can get the very basic plot from them.I think you'll like it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Showtunes / B'way    9. Soundtracks    10. Swedish Pop/Rock   

Reviews (9)

Gabriela the Great!
I am so glad that someone recently "found" Gabriela and her work is getting published! This is some of the best piano solo I have ever heard.After hearing a spot on National Public Radio I bought the CD, and am delighted.

Absolutely beautiful
Gabriela Montero can do no wrong. She is a gifted pianist who intuitively interprets challenging piano pieces and often gives them a special twist of her own. I love her work.

Unique experience
After hearing a CD review from public radio, I decided to buy this CD. Listening this CD gave me a unique experience between classical and jazz music. This is something not to be missed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    4. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    5. Etude for Keyboard    6. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    7. Keyboard    8. Keyboard Music    9. Moment Musical for Keyboard    10. Opera    11. Orchestral & Symphonic    12. Prelude for Keyboard    13. Spanish/Portuguese 20th/21st Century Opera    14. Waltz for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (45)

Little Boy and I love it!
My 3 YO son, who wouldn't sit through the whole movie, still loves everthing CARS. He knows and plays with all the characters, enjoys the video game, and LOVES the CARS the music soundtrack. He dances to the songs or has me play it while he eats his lunch or dinner. It's fun to watch him enjoy this album so much, especially when his second favorite is a toddler tunes CD that sings ABCs and 123s.
Out for a Drive.
small towns, and Route 66.Like most Pixar pictures, the music from CARS captured on the soundtrack is a delightful musical representation of what happens in the film; an audio figment embodying the film's spirit.Unlike previous Pixar soundtracks, about half of the music on the soundtrack are songs sung by various artists, with the rest of the music being parts of the score.The songs on this album range from rocking country to classic oldies to a lonely, longing folk medly.I especially like the following tunes:
Fasten your seatbelts
Unless you're a die-hard country music fan, you'll need to watch the movie first to fully appreciate this fun album.However, if you've seen the movie as often as my family has, the soundtrack becomes part of your daily life.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Miscellaneous    4. Miscellaneous Music    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as the beloved British comedy troupe and their 1975 cinematic savaging of the Arthurian legend that inspired it, this adaptation ofRead more

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• Cast Recording

Reviews (117)

Monty Python's Spamalot
I love the songs on Monty Python's Spamalot . It's so great with wonderful actors & singings on here & I think it's a win for everyone who buys Monty Python's Spamalot . So , go get your money for this cd & get it fast. You will not go home unhappy with hearing Monty Python's Spamalot . Always look on the bright side of life :)
Could you think of a better soundtrack that could define Monty Python any better?
I recently purchased "Monty Python's SpamAlot" and that was money well spent.The lyrics are hilarious and couldn't define the humor of Monty Python any better.It captures that greatness of the 1970s movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and adds new laughs.Sara Ramariez has an amazing voice and (if you didn't know) I truly understand why she won the Tony in 2005 for her portrayal as The Lady of the Lake.If you are a Musical Theatre Junkie, like myself, then I highly suggest that you order this soundtrack.

Way too funny!!
I purchased this CD after seeing Spamalot because the songs from the show are clever, witty and, well, just plain funny. Listening to the CD at work or in the car just sends me into a great mood as I remember the show and how funny and entertaining it was.Anyone who has seen Spamalot will know what I mean and will want that same recollection over and over as they listen to the tracks.If you loved the show this CD is a must. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Britain    2. Cast Recordings    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way    8. Soundtracks    9. United States of America   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (41)

Bear McCreary is a genius composer
The soundtrack sounded refreshing and unique. Many of the tracks left a chilling impression on me, especially Passacagl ia, Kobal's Last Gleaming, and The Shape of Things to Come.
Better than the miniseries!
I loved the miniseries soundtrack, but I love this one even more.I love the war drums, they are awesome!

the first review/kagemusha
well, this is the first time for a review, and i was recomended to this review. so here it goes.First of all wow!!! i mean wooow
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores    6. TV Soundtracks   

Editorial Review

It's not that surprising that Read more

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Reviews (153)

Superior to the Original
I'm not just a casual fan of Rent -- I've seen the Broadway show, I've heard the original cast recording, and I know a bit about each of the original cast members. But I must part ways with most of the fans of the stage show by saying that yes, the movie's cast recording is indeed superior.
Unbelievable
I love my OBC recording.But the production on it is less than stellar and it can sound almost "tinny" at times.So when I listened to this version, I was scared that it would not live up to the standards set by the cast album.
Loving Rent the soundtrack
Hello, My name is Michael, Im 15 years old. I love the rent soundtrack, I mainly like it becuase it has EVERY SINGLE SONG recorded for the rent movie instead of the highlited one, (I suggest you listen to Another Day and Goodbye Love if you purchace this) I've played it over a billion times by now (no joke) and it still is just plain lovely. Its a must have for all rentheads, or someone who just liked the movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Under its enigmatic title lurks a remarkably entertaining little show. Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (91)

Monkey song dull? Maybe cuz you haven't seen the show?
The first time I saw this show, the surprise after surprise really impressed me. When Aldolfo appeared in the Nightingale song, I asked my friend, "What's going on here, this scene does not make sense." The surprise a minute after I asked that, made me laugh and laugh and laugh.
Another 'On the Nose' show that oddly delivers
It's both perplexing and oddly reassuring to me that in today's cynical landscape musicals that are not cynical at all could be direct hits on broadway.Between The Producers and Spamalot there's been a kind of resurgence in old school humorists with a contemporary self-awareness which somehow doesn't take away from the earnesty and humor... Add Drowsy Chaperone to this list.I'll throw in my two cents- Foster is, as always, a master at her craft, the music is, if a little old fashioned, still completely satisfying... I'm kind of in love with this little show...

Wonderful Show!
It's amusing reading these reviews.So many people just don't seem to get it, but who cares? I love The Monkey Song and As We Stumble Along, the latter being a Zen masterpiece! Both reflect the genius of this show.How can you complain about something with lyrics like: "But what a thrill when lovebirds trill" or "But heartbeats rush when sweethearts gush"?Some of the jokes of course don't come off unless you see the show...otherwise, how can you possibly understand "Message from a Nightingale"?All I can say is,
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

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

Features

• Deluxe Edition
• Limited Edition

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

Editorial Review

It's impossible to hear Andrea Bocelli singing Perry Como's "It's Impossible" without being overcome by a sense of utter enchantment. As the ripe-hearted have known since 1997's Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Vocals