Editorial Review

To clear up one thing first: this is not about the El Niño weather system that hits the western Pacific every few years. Instead, this is a rather beautifully done Nativity Oratorio by John Adams, filled with his trademark dancing minimalist rhythms and tuneful melodies. The text is in Spanish, English, and Latin, and comes from both New World and Old World sources, all centering on the birth of Christ. Particular kudos must go to the three principals: Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano; Dawn Upshaw, soprano; and Willard White, baritone. Even though there are moments when White's baritone threatens to dominate, they aren't significant enough to forestall any pleasure in the overall work. And while there are moments of drama here, they aren't nearly as spooky as those in Read more

Reviews (6)

John Adams El Nino
How can one lose with a cast like this? Adams' El Nino is what the Florentine Camerata would have produced in 1698 if film projection had been available! Unfortunately, Peter Sellars' staging, with film, can't be shared here, but it can be imagined because of the music--relentless on the one hand, soul-fully lyrical on the other--inspired by literary sources drawn from a wide variety of sources. Not opera. Not oratorio. But exciting and unique.

Revisiting El niño
Having first experienced John Adams' 'El ni�o' a couple of years ago fully staged by Peter Sellars and heard/seen more as a spectacle of video and quasi-choreography with the performers on the stage and the orchestra in the pit, this listener came away humming the visuals of bonfires on the beach with a Latino Holy Family: impressive evening but filler for a seemingly slight musical work. So why buy the CD set? Because I am a strong admirer of John Adams' work and felt I should give it more of a chance than a casual witness to a Christmas spectacle.
An American Masterpiece
John Adams' modern Nativity oratorio is not only the best thing he's written since "Nixon in China," it may be the best thing he's written. Filled with his usual driving rhythms and supple vocal lines, as well as more unusual features like a trio of countertenor angels, acoustic guitar, and settings of contemporary Latin American poetry, "El Ni�o" is big, bold and powerful without sounding busy or pretentious. The vocal performances are all heartfelt and perfectly nuanced, bringing out an emotional dimension in the Biblical characters rarely seen in more traditional approaches. It is a work that dares to be something both honest and majestic, and succeeds on every level. This is what new American music should be; and it deserves hearing by more than just fans of classical music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Music    5. Minimalism    6. Opera    7. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    8. Oratorio   

Editorial Review

This is the Read more

Reviews (44)

Perhaps the best performance ever of the Messiah
This is a tremendous recording of what may be the best of the many versions of the Messiah.It is a little known fact that Handel often modified his Oratorio depending on the singers who were to perform it.For the Messiah lover, this recording of The Foundling Hospital version, offers a vast array of surprises, from the very rapid tempo to the voice parts that sing some of the pieces.Additionally there is a modification of the order in some respects and some seldom peformed parts are included in this recording.All this is due to the unique nature of the Foundling Hospital version of the Messiah:how many of us have had the pleasure of listening to a performance of the Messiah with male altos in the chorus.It is a unique sound.It is crtainly a tribute to the Academy of Ancient Music that they were able to perform this piece at what is a blistering but exciting tempo.This is an absolute must have if you love the Messiah!I played this recording for the concertmaster of the Syracuse Symphony and he was quite taken by the challenge of the tempo and the beauty of the music and singers.

Opinions of a 17-yr-old Baroque lover.
I think that this is a wonderful recording. The boychoir is excellent and the bright, clear sound is wonderful for the Messiah. The tenor is excellent, with his clear, delicate vibrato and wonderful diction. And Emma Kirkby is, of course, brilliant as usual. I have only two problems with this piece. First, Hogwood occasionally takes the pace a tad too fast. Yes, Baroque is usually tempo giusto, but sometimes allowances must be made for dramatic qualities. Secondly, the alto sounds very affectatious and her heavy vibrato is not at all appropriate for Baroque music. It is sometimes hard to tell whether it is a man or woman singing. However, it is, overall, the best recording of the Messiah that I have ever heard and I strongly recommend it.

A superb recording re-creating a specific performance of 1754 from 1980.
It surprises many people to learn that there is no definitive version of Handel's "Messiah".Everyone knows the version they heard growing up, or the version they sang when they were younger.However, the scholar trying to put together an historically informed performance of this most important work is faced with many choices and even more questions.Do you use the score he wrote in 1741 but never performed, or the adaptations he made for the Dublin premier.Or maybe you want the version used for the London premier in 1743.If you do, you also have to reconcile that with the reality that Handel later abandoned these additions and changes.While the work settled into a more less standard form in the 1750s, Handel still made changes based upon the singers and players available.These are just the beginnings of the alternatives the scholar has to consider.
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Subjects:  1. Christmas Music    2. Choral    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Classical    5. Oratorio    6. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    3. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    4. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    5. American 20th/21st Century Opera    6. Bagatelle for Keyboard    7. Ballet    8. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    9. Berceuse for Keyboard    10. Cantata    11. Cello Concerto    12. Cello Solo    13. Chamber    14. Choral    15. Classical    16. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    17. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    18. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    19. Concerto    20. Concerto Grosso   

Reviews (10)

The Greatest Christmas Album
I have enjoyed this recording since it first came out on LP in the early 1960's.Our family played it every year, and always on Christmas morning when we got up to open presents.I did without it for years because our LP was so worn and scratched, so I was delighted when it was reissued on CD.You will love this recording!!!

Excellent Christmas Album
This is a sensational recording made in the early 1960s.My question has been about its sequel, "A Christmas Tree":Where is it?Sony/Columbia need to remaster it and release it.Arthur Harris did the incredible and masterful arrangements and Ormandy executed with great performances of the carols.

A Glorious Sound Indeed
I remember reading that THE GLORIOUS SOUND OF CHRISTMAS with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra was one of the best selling, if not the best selling classical album of all time. If this is true, it is easy to understand why. The arrangements on this album of classic Christmas carols are handled with pomp and dignity by this world class orchestra. The Temple University Choir joins the orchestra for some pieces. The album has beautiful renditions of many great carols. Some of the best include the arrangement of Ave Maria, O Sanctissima, and O Holy Night. The familiar sounds of this album have been favorites of many people for years now, and will certainly be loved in the years to come. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Choral    3. Christmas    4. Christmas / Chanukkah    5. Christmas Music    6. Classical    7. Holiday    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Orchestral Pop    11. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    12. Sacred Choral Music    13. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    14. Vocal    15. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Editorial Review

Initially released in 1979, this album built on the success of the legendary Read more

Reviews (9)

traditional, and comfortingly so...
In a world where new is better and change occurs at an ever-increasing rate, it seems logical that seasonal music would be included in the rush toward mass marketing and commercial airplay.It is amazing, but not surprising, that "carols" which extol the virtues of an electrically-illuminated ungulant, or which humourously recall the tragic events surrounding the collision of an elderly woman and another ruminating creature of the forest should be featured so prominently in the playlists of the popular culture.
Blissful
As many have mentioned here, this is a simply beautiful cd.The selections are some you may not have heard before, but they rapidly become old familiar favorites.Everything is perfect, from the blissful arrangements to the choir's and orchestra's soothing timbres to the enveloping emotion the performances convey.The flow of the first five tracks just completely sucks you in - Up! Good Christian Folk and Listen, Gabriel's Message, Donkey Carol, and Wexford Carol are wonderful back to back.Mary's Lullaby is, as others have described this disc, abosolutely Heavenly.I, as well, am thankful to the other reviewers whose words encouraged me to give this disc a chance.It is undoubtedly a holiday favorite I listen to repeatedly; often, I even go right back to the beginning and play it again.I'll definitely be looking for more similar discs this year to round out my collection.

A wonderful gifit to share with your family and friends ...
After listening to this album once, I immediately ordered several copies to give as gifts.This beautiful disc conveys the joyful mystery of the Christmas season without a hint of commercialism.It is pure and simple, and quite soothing in the face of the chaos that the holiday has become. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Christmas    4. Christmas / Chanukkah    5. Christmas Music    6. Classical    7. Keyboard    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    12. Vocal    13. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Reviews (15)

This is a MUST for anyone who enjoys classical music ...
...BUT not if you take it SO seriously that you have lost your sense of humor.
PDQ Bach -- The Spike Jones of Classical Music
For the classical music lover, this is an amazing spoof.For those who do not know classical music well, this is still highly entertaining.

Recaptured (Twisted) Youth
My friend and I saw the good Prof. Schickelehere in Pasadena last night (March 29th-- AND the conductor of the Pasadena Symphony is Jorge Meister!)-- and the last number on the program was the WONDERFUL "The Seasonings"-- I had a very hard time even after all these years of first hearing this on a REAL record of not singing along with every little tune!!!This piece last night, being sung by singers whom I do not doubt were not even born when I first heard a recording of it, were as good asthe ones I remember from my decadent youth on the original recording.Buy this C.D. if only for this piece! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Opera    2. 20th/21st Century Symphony    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Music    9. Comedy    10. Concerto    11. French Horn Concerto    12. Keyboard    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    15. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    16. Music with Spoken Words    17. Opera    18. Oratorio    19. Orchestral    20. Orchestral Music   

Reviews (4)

Christmas music done in Ormady's rich "Philadelphia Sound"
"Joy to the World" has Eugene Ormandy with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus providing a rich selection of Christmas songs, both classical and traditional, arranged by Arthur Harris.It is the former that are most impressive, although there are fewer of them, starting with Mendelssohn's "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from "The Nutcracker," then ending with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire," and the "Pastoral Symphony" and "Hallelujan Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah."
A Timeless Christmas Classic
I'm a lover of traditional Christmas music and I've acquired about 20 CDs of it.There's nothing my family likes better in December than putting on some good Christmas music and getting in the mood for the season, hearing once again the old favorites you've known since childhood.Of all the Christmas music CDs I've tried, I have two desert-island favorites, the two I always reach for first.This is one of them.I think it's one of the greatest recordings of traditional Christmas music ever made.The arrangements (by Arthur Harris) are joyous, beautiful, and soul-stirring; the performances are heartfelt and magnificent.If you can listen to this CD and not feel filled by the Christmas spirit, you must be (a) named Ebeneezer Scrooge, or (b) deaf.This one is a timeless Christmas classic, not to be missed.Warmest recommendation.

Joy to the World Indeed
At one point, the Philadelphia Orchestra switched recording labels from Columbia to RCA. Since the Columbia Christmas recording was so popular, RCA decided to have the orchestra record a new LP that is now a compact disk. The style of this recording is very different from the Columbia recording. The arrangements are new and the chorus plays a central role. The album contains popular pieces such as Sleigh Ride and classical pieces such as The Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker and the Pastoral Symphony from Messiah. The quality of the RCA recording, like the Columbia is excellent, and fans of the Philadelphia Orchestra and its conductor, Eugene Ormandy will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Ballet    3. Cantata    4. Choral    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Oratorio    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral Pop    14. Romantic Ballet    15. Vocal    16. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Reviews (5)

wonderful
This is well performed and recorded. A thrilling presentation of both works. Mozart would be pleased.

A Mozart Mass with a Difference. Buy It.
The 'Coronation Mass' or 'Mass in C major K. 317' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is just a bit different from the half dozen of Mozart's other masses I've been listening to lately. It is certainly at the other end of the spectrum from the great and famous 'Requiem' or 'unfinished' Mass, so famous from the end of the movie 'Amadeus'. This stands to reason, as the Coronation Mass is a celebration, while the Requiem is a funeral.
Beautiful Mozart Choral Compositions
This is a beautiful recording.Very clear, an excellent choir and wonderful Mozart compositions.I would recommend this CD to any lover of classical choral music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Mass    6. Sacred Choral Music    7. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    8. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Russell Watson's story is a classic rags-to-riches fairy tale: The former welder, after years of singing in pubs and clubs, traveled from Salford, his hometown, to London. He turned up unannounced at the Decca offices and was promptly signed up by one of the most important classical labels in the world. Vocal coaching followed, as did a number of successful live appearances supporting Cliff Richard. Now, we have this recital CD, which explores a wide range of musical styles. Watson's Italian is a little ponderous in tracks such as "Amor Ti Vieta," but this is more than offset by his captivating and utterly natural-sounding tenor voice. The inevitable popular arias are here, namely "La Donna è Mobile" and "Nessun Dorma," sung with a refreshing and youthful vitality. Pop tracks, including Ultravox's classic 1980s hit "Vienna" and a witty cover version of "Barcelona" sung with former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, sit comfortably on the disc. Watson performs them with integrity, not simply paying lip service to the music of his generation. Watson has the potential to do for classical music what Jamie Oliver has done for cookery, and there are few people who won't find this debut CD appealing. Read more

Reviews (433)

Unsure
I'm glad that musical artists besides opera singers are encouraging the art of opera.I also like some of his more upbeat selections as well.In my opinion though, I couldn't listen to his CD for very long.A couple of his arias sounded a bit splatty at times, and back in the throat at others.I don't claim to know everything about opera, I'm only in highschool, but his sound seemed quite pushed in places.
A tenor for the masses
I hesitate to add my two cents where others have commented in such number.Still, there are a couple of observations I'd like to pass along, hoping they provide further insight into the phenomenon of Russell Watson and his singing.
A wonderful voice
I'd just like to say that while most of the opera purist lot criticize his "untrained voice", they are completely neglecting to say that the beauty of his voice is completely NATURAl. He is a man with a naturally beautiful voice, not one worked on for dozens of years in a conservatorium. Personally, that in itself is commendable. Yes, his pronunciation is not exactly perfect, but I think that this adds to his charm - how his gift (and yes, it is a gift) to him from welding to living out his dream.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Crossover    5. Classical Vocals    6. Film    7. Film Music    8. Italian Romantic Opera    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    12. Opera    13. Popular Music    14. Sacred Choral Music    15. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Vocal    18. Vocal Music   

Reviews (2)

my favorite christmas cd
Usually period music is so poorly produced and cliche, but this CD is flawless.The quality of sound is amazing; the beauty of the music transcends time and space.If you buy one Christmas CD, buy this one.It's the perfect elegant moodsetter for the season.

Great for a snowy night and a quite house
I first heard cuts off this CD on the syndicated early music program Harmonia and was enchanted by it.I ordered it the next day and wasn't disappointed after it arrived.The CD comprises various English, French, & Italian carols, dance tunes, noels, and melodies from the 16th century.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Choral    4. Choral Music    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Early Music    8. Holiday    9. Hymn    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    13. Pop    14. Renaissance Motet    15. Vocal    16. Xmas Classical Instrumental   

Editorial Review

RobertShaw is so dependable a guideto the masterpieces of the choral repertory that it's safe to say youcan't go wrong in turning to himfor Haydn's greatest work for voices. That's true even in a field crowded withsolid alternatives geared to differing tastes. So if you want Haydn'soriginal German text ("Die Schöpfung"), there are excellentperformances byvon Karajan on DG andWöldike on Vanguard;for the same, with an extra dash of exuberance, there's Solti onLondon. If only original instruments will suffice,try Gardiner on Archiv. But for a Read more

Reviews (8)

Wonderful piece of music
I was assigned to sing this piece for my chorus class and when I heard it, I was just blown away. I'm not a believer in God, but it truly has a huge impact. The solos were especially mind-blowing.

I'm sold on it
I looked around for a new English language version of Haydn's "Creation" to use for practice before I sang in the chorus for my local choral society's performance of Haydn's "Creation" earlier this year. I am not naturally drawn to Robert Shaw or his work, having been disappointed by him in recordings of Poulenc, Bach, Penderecki and other composers. Wow.Just wow.
If the current flood of happy-sappy church music and "gentle Jesus" sermons is leaving you a little wistful, buy this cd and crank it up in the car...I guarantee you will be jolted with joy at being reminded of the "almighty" part of God.And until the Mensa member pointed it out, I was unaware that God spoke only German, so I really liked understanding the scripture as sung. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    6. Oratorio   

Reviews (8)

A most incredible, beautiful, and moving recording
I first became aware of Hodie when I performed the work in high school. While it is true that Vaughn-Williams does use a variety of styles, this is much more than a compendium of musical approaches. Each style is well chosen to provide an appropriate context for the words in a way matched by few composers - intimate in "The Oxen", hushed and reverential in "No sad thought his soul affright", and imposing and even majesterial in "The March of the Three Kings". I can't imagine how anyone could listen to the Epilogue (especially as performed here) with it's quoting of the beginning of St. John's gospel without being utterly undone.
An old friend
It is always a wonderful thing to find a beloved recording transfered to CD. My old LP is still on my shelves and has been there since 1973, though the recording dates from 1965.It is a fine performance of an unjustly neglected Christmas work. Can't go wrong with Hodie
The other reviewers have it right in giving this disc five stars, at least for Hodie. First the bad news: the Fantasia is given here in a slightly bloodless version for baritone, chorus, strings, and organ, which can't quite match the original. Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Christmas Music    3. Classical    4. Miscellaneous    5. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Subjects:  1. Austria    2. Chamber    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Concerto    11. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    12. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    13. Keyboard    14. Mass    15. Minuet for Keyboard    16. Miscellaneous    17. Miscellaneous Music    18. Opera    19. Orchestral    20. Piano Concerto   

Editorial Review

Sàndor, still active at 90 as this reissue appears, was a student of Bartók and a preferred interpreter of his music. Since this set appeared on nine LPs in the early 1960s, it has been the standard for Bartók's piano music; in this fine-sounding reissue, it still is. Sàndor can hit hard enough for such virtuoso pieces as the Piano Sonata and "Out of Doors," but he also retains the romantic element heard in the composer's own playing which tempers the harsher qualities of the music. While this collection isn't quite as complete as advertised (some early, insignificant piano music by Bartók is omitted), it includes all of Bartók's significant piano music, including such relatively obscure gems as the Bagatelles, eight Improvisations, and many delectable folk arrangements which will appeal even to listeners who think Bartók is too challenging for them. Vox's recorded sound, superbly remastered, resists obsolescence as effectively as Sàndor's performances. Even with the inclusion of the early books of "Mikrokosmos," which will appeal mostly to piano students, this set is worth several times the asking price. Read more

Reviews (7)

Great value with a few flaws
I am not a Bartok expert by any scale, but I do like the way these pieces, without exception, are played.There are, however, a couple of other problems.
eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much
I like the fact that Bartok is into the folk tradition and all, but he just tends to forget the fact that melody has to be SOMEWHERE in the music.I'm all for creative expression when you're sitting alone at the piano, but abstract music should be reserved for performance art.I like playing some of your stuff Bela, but I just don't want to listen to you.

Best classical value out there
To put this set in perspective, for months I would go to my local Tower Records fishing for worthwhile classical CDs at least once a week.One of the discs that sat in the bins the longest was a single CD of Bartok piano music, played by Zoltan Kocsis.It was Volume 7 of a complete series. This CD listed for $17.99, and as long as I went to that Tower Records, it did not budge an inch, nor was its price amended.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Allegro for Keyboard    3. Bagatelle for Keyboard    4. Burleske for Keyboard    5. Christmas Music    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Music    9. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    10. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    11. Dance-Based Keyboard Music    12. Elegy for Keyboard    13. Etude for Keyboard    14. Folk Dance for Keyboard    15. Impromptu for Keyboard    16. Keyboard    17. Keyboard Music    18. Orchestral & Symphonic    19. Rondo for Keyboard    20. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

One of the most frequently mentioned "favorite" works of Bach, the B MinorMass is not really a functional liturgical work, but an assemblage of movements writtenover a period of many years. Its grand scale is certainly awesome, but its musical andspiritual unity is more remarkable, considering its origin and the fact that it containsseveral different compositional styles--not to mention some of Bach's most profound andbeautiful music. Performing this work and preserving a sense of its grand design whilebringing out the considerable musical details is a challenge that most choirs, orchestras,and conductors are not up to. Almost by consensus, however, John Eliot Gardiner'sversion is the most successful--and it is indeed a phenomenal recording--at oncesumptuous and penetrating, with gorgeous choral and solo singing, and spacious, vibrantsound. Read more

Reviews (34)

My Opinion In Brief
The Choral singing is stunning and glorious, unfortunately the soloists are not at the same level (sometimes unbelievably the qualityis without real feeling or technical perfection or good tone color, in the soloist parts).The overall feeling of this recording is one of icy silvery clarity without intimate warmth and sometimes almost amateurish solo singing. Buy it for the choral singing with period instruments.
Beautiful
I have my entire music collection on my computer and sometimes like to put the whole thing on shuffle. The problem is that after something from this plays nearly everything else I have just sounds boring. This is some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard.

a voice teacher and early music fan
It is very obvious to the listener that Bach did not approach this composition in the same manner as in the Passions.Firstly he used a traditional orchestra not choosing to use the recorder, viola di gamba, violoncello piccolo, cornetto and trombone. Secondly, each section is a composition within itself and frequently various parts were performed for different occasions conducted by Bach,himself. And finally the vocal qualities of the work were emphasised in both the solo and the choral numbers. This recording of the Mass is excellent in every way.The Monteverdi Singers and soloists are perfection and with the dramatic and sensitive leadership of Gardiner one can feel secure in knowing that his knowledge of what and how Bach wanted this performed is being followed to the letter.The 2 alto solos sung by Michael Chance, countertenor were divinely inpired and marvelously rendered.And I always find Stephen Varcoe's bass voice very satisfying to hear.The English Baroque soloists were as usual outstanding in their performance.You will totally enjoy this disc.!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Mass   

Reviews (15)

Absolute Beauty
I've loved Kiri's voice ever since I first heard her sing. She has such amazing control over that gorgeous instrument of hers. This truly is the best of Kiri Te Kanawa, although pretty much everything she lends her voice to is perfect. The highlights of this album for me are: Dove sono...this is the most perfect and complete rendition of this lovely aria that I have ever heard. Period. Ave Maria...sheer elegance. And her crowning High B in this song is breathtaking. Ecco: respiro appena. Io son l'umile ancella...absolutely stunning. Just the opening word "Ecco" alone is stunning. The rest of the aria is no less perfect. Chi il bel sogno di Doretta. This may be my favorite on the CD. I never really cared for this aria till I heard Kiri sing it. Beautiful beyond words. Especially her ethereal High C. This album is worth buying just for those songs alone. So basically, if you want to hear divine singing, buy this album.

Beautiful voice, great collection
I think Kiri has a beuatiful voice, she is never overtly dramatic, but the people who call her the "church soprano" should hear this album. She can sing sacred music better than many other opera stars, but she is so great as Countess in Mozart's Figaro. This is a great collection of many different pieces, from operas, sacred works, musicals, all sung with lots of feeling. Let The Bright Seraphim is the aria she sang at the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, it is such a splendid performance. My favourite piece on this album is probably Mozart's Laudate Dominum, but there are no disappointing songs here. Her voice is so warm, and she really gets involved with the text. If you are a big fan of Kiri, you should get this collection, it is such a nice selection of her greatest hits, and it is a very good introduction for new fans.

Magnificent
I admit straightout to know nothing of opera - the cd is my first of its kind. Knowledge, however, is not required to enjoy this cd, only the ability to listen and feel.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Vocals    7. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Italian Romantic Opera    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    13. Music Theater    14. Musical Theater    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Requiem/Requiem Section    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Romantic Opera    20. Sacred Choral Music   

Editorial Review

Those who may have feared that Renée Fleming might approach Handel with a too-Romantic vocal attitude need not have; whether it's the leadership of the sympathetic, historically informed Harry Bicket, the sound of the spare but warm Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, plain good sense and musicianship, or any combination of these, here she offers sixteen arias in almost-impeccable Baroque fashion. I doubt whether sopranos of Handel's age had voices as plush as Ms Fleming's but she manages to keep her tone as light and as airy as possible in these selections, never leaning or swooping into an accompanying note in an "un-Baroque" manner, and the result is simply ravishing. The voice, of course, is almost unbelievably beautiful and agile, the technique impeccable, complete with a trill unmatchable in any soprano singing today. From the long-breathed lines of "O sleep why dost thou leave me" from Read more

Reviews (32)

Renee Fleming...somewhat out of her depth
While it's not the most thrilling Renee Fleming album in the catalogue, her interpretations of Handel pieces is quite an accomplished feat, but when compared to her earlier efforts, rings hollow with it's lack of emotion.As other reviewers have noted, Ms Fleming does not sound like she is in complete grasp of the material, and her performance lacks any real depth or dramatic weight.