Mr Rutter has come in for a fair bit of stick over the years, because writing popular, fairly easy to sing music arranged for groups ranging from the BBC Singers to Mrs Miggins, her cat and the choir of St Mary on the Wold MUST be a sin...
This collection is mostly his 'greatest hits' taken from various Collegium recordings, with a few bonus tracks. What really comes across in this recording is not just Mr Rutter's ability to write a good tune, harmonise it, give it good varience etc, but the clarity of music. This is truly brought about by his Cambridge Singers, who sing with an extraordinary clarity and sweet sound.
The title track is a new piece by Mr Rutter, and is a complete gem - accompanied by a flute and guitar ... Read More:
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Quite simply pure joy. This music is an experience that will inspire you, transport you and delight you. John Rutters arrangements are special and this particular collection is one treat after another. Buy the CD and you will appreciate all that lies within. I enjoyed it so much I bought two (in case one ever got damaged). Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
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Mozart is deceptively hard to play - everything is so exposed and must sound clean and polished. I have a lot of respect for Ashkenazy as a pianist, because in these Mozart concertos he has achieved just that. Perfect legato, even playing. I find these recordings so satisfying to listen to, as he is in utter control of everything. The playing of the Philharmonia is beautifully refined (Ashkenazy conducting from the keyboard) - every melodic line is brought out, and the emphasis on phrases is exactly where it should be. I would say that the orchestral playing in the Ashkenazy cycle is superior to that of the revered Murray Perahia cycle - Mozart - The Piano Concertos.
Everything you would want as in introduction to Vaughan Williams is here and it sounds fabulous. Whilst not my favourite recording of "The Lark Ascending", its still a treat and more than compensated for by the magnificent recordings of the "English Folk Suite" and "Oboe Concerto".
Disc 2 is just a sheer delight from start to finish. Every track is sublime and you couldnt ask for a better selection of Vaughan Williams on 2 discs. The only comparison I can draw is the "Abba Gold" collection. Thats how good Vaughan Williams and this cd is. Just buy it and enjoy England's finest composer. It makes my day better whenever I put it on.
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It has to be said that there is little more versatile as the human voice as an instrument. This proves the point beyond measure.
Clarity, emotion and total respect for the piece are in abundance throughout the album.
Wonderful.
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I have all of Bocelli's CDs and for me this ranks number 1, followed closely by Cieli di Toscana. As with most of his works, the first time of hearing doesn't have too great an impact but the music grows on you. I will be humming a tune during the day and wonder what is that? Then I remember that it's off the Sogno album or Cieli di Toscana album. I then cannot wait to get home so that I can play the cd again. His voice is great, the tunes are melodious and the overall production superb. Highly recommended.
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Well I would have to disagree with the previous reviewers. Of course, it's all a matter of personal taste, but I was quite disappointed (having read the first review before I purchased) with this recording. I thought the pace a little slow -- ponderous, even -- at times, especially the "Te decet hymnus" passage. And the soloists, who look so promising on paper, failed to deliver, to my mind. The singers are supposed to serve the music, not the other way around. Having said that, Gheorghiu does hit some beautiful notes. I'm afraid that Daniela Barcellona's voice has a tinny quality, and Roberto Alagna may have been having an off day. Picky of me? Probably, but I expect more of such a line-up.
The orchestra and the chorus, on the other hand, get a ... Read More:
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whoever wrote the 'whats on this cd' blurb mislead me to buy this item - I needed the WHOLE of the Messiah AND THE WHOLE of Faure's Requiem and reading this blurb you think you have it - but guess what - there are only extracts - the titles given are just for the whole work - not the individual piece of music - so I cannot learn the pieces for two concerts I am performing in before Christmas off this - very misleading. Sorry - but it is not the only album Ill ever need.
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whoever wrote the 'whats on this cd' blurb mislead me to buy this item - I needed the WHOLE of the Messiah AND THE WHOLE of Faure's Requiem and reading this blurb you think you have it - but guess what - there are only extracts - the titles given are just for the whole work - not the individual piece of music - so I cannot learn the pieces for two concerts I am performing in before Christmas off this - very misleading. Sorry - but it is not the only album Ill ever need.
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