Anthony David

I absolutely love this musical more than life itself! I hope to some day fulfill my dream of seeing it on Broadway, but it would of course have to come back, but I'd settle for London or Shea's (my local theater) if it doesn't happen.
The first Les Mis song I ever heard came from this CD, "Master of House" which is one of my favorites. Alun Armstrong sings the best version of it on here. I also love Colm Wilkinson, who will always be THE original Valjean. Michael Ball and Judy Juhn do an awesome duet of "A Heart Full of Love," and he does an amazing solo of "Empty Chairs." And Lea Salonga last but not least, is great as Eponine. Her and Ball do a very uplifting, but very sad version of "A Little Fall of Rain," the second Les Mis song I ever heard, which I personally like better then either of Cosette and Marious' duets simply because it sends shivers down my spine evry time! Being in concert, I think the Chorus also sounds better.
They don't call it the Dream Cast in Concert for nothing, if you want a Les Mis CD, and you don't mind that it misses like 2 songs, buy this one!

It's the best around. The cast is fantastic

Vajean= Colm Wilkomson= Valjean...the end...I like his sound the best here overthe OLC and OBC recordings

Javert- Philip Quast...he is the best Javert EVER there is no comparison

Fantine- Ruthie Henshall... she is great as Fantine her version of I Dreamed A Dream is the only one that can bring me to tears

Theinadirs(sp. ck)- they're great totally disgusting

Marius- Michael Ball...he is great his Empty Chairs... is amazing

Cosette- Judy Kuhn... she has a fine voice and is a great Cosette

my favorite charactar.....
Eponine- Lea Salonga... she is Spectacular so much better than Frances Ruffele on the OLC and OBC in my opinion she makes her voice just whiny enough not over done like Ms. Ruffele she is the best 'Ponine EVER!! her version of A Litle Fall of Rain made me ball and eat comfort food for a week

Overall the best cast and recording.

I have this performance on DVD and love it, so I was excited to get it on CD to replace my (good but not as good) Original Broadway Cast CD. The cast in the 10th anniversary performance is unparalelled in my view, so no regrets there. In the CD version, though, some of the editing that was done for TV/Video is a bit annoying on CD, as are all of the (well-deserved) applause at the end of numbers and the assorted coughs, throat clears, popping balloons, etc. that are unavoidable in live performances. Those things are much more bothersome on CD than in the DVD. So I will probably keep my original Broadway Cast performance as well. If you don't have it, I'd skip this CD and buy the DVD instead. That's still the ultimate!

CANT GET ENOUGH OF ONE OF THE GREATEST MUDICALS EVER PRODUCED. ALL THE SONGS ARE PERFORMED BY THE BEST ARTIST TO HAVE APPRARED IN THIS PRODUCTION AND EACH PERFOM MAGNIFICENTLY. AND IF THIS ISNT ENOUGH BUY THE DVD PERFORMRD AT THE ROYAL PRINCE ALBERT HALL IN LONDON PERFORMED IN CORCERT STYLE.

The title says it all.

This is by far the best cast, Colm Wilkinson and Philip Quast are perfect as ValJean and Javert. I bought this recording specifically for the cast having watched the original concert. If you love Les Mis, or even if you are a first timer - you should be buying this recording.

My next purchase will be the accompanying DVD!

Christmas Adagios
Two record set which gives me all the best in Christmas music.

This is the BEST Christmas collection that I have ever heard. I would like
to purchase 15 more to give as gifts this year; however, it appears that
Decca is out of stock or no longer releasing it. HELP!!

this was one of the best assortment of classical holiday songs that i have ever heard. it contains a marvelous array of the best composers and performers that the world has to offer. if you are a fan of classical music, i think this cd will be a positive addition to your music collection

Beautiful Adagios and a rich selection for the price. Audio travels to Vienna, London, Cambridge etc

What a delightful surprise this 2 disc album was and I'm not a big fan of Christmas music. I loved all the selections and felt they were well performed. This is a true "must have" for any Christmas collection. Superior to many other compliations on the market. This one is a keeper! It is the one album I'll pick first to listen to after Thanksgiving.

This is one of the most enjoyable CD'S, in that the variation of both the music and the libretto leave one stunned.

This recording is not what it says it is. I put it in my computer CD player and the information on my monitor listed the performers as conductor Kent Nagano, tenor Jerry Hadley and others. I listened to the recording and the voice is clearly a tenor. Alan Titus is a baritone and Bernstein wrote the piece for a baritone. How can this be possible? I gave it one star but it deserves no stars.

Barbara Kober

An excellent cd sung in english with a libretto to guide you. This two cd set is very much worth owning and is conducted by the composer. It is not like the usual mass in that it employs two orchestras, singers, dancers and two choruses.

This is one of the biggest embarrassments of Bernstein's career. In the late 60s/early 70s, everyone was trying to make Catholicism "hip and cool and relevant" in an attempt to appeal to the youth culture of that time. That's why we have time pieces like Jesus Christ Superstar and songs like "Put Your Hand in the Hand" -- a song which would fit nicely here, by the way, so you get the picture. The fact that Bernstein is Jewish, and therefore non-Catholic, didn't seem to deter or bother anyone involved in this ridiculous project. With its dippy-hippy lyrics ("God said it's good to be poor") and mindnumbingly dumb "theological" reflections ("I believe in one God, but I believe in three" huh?) this "mass" is hopelessly dated. This, after all, is a theater piece, not a liturgical mass in the great tradition of Catholic composers such as Beethoven Bruckner and Mozart. As it tries so hard to fit into the youth culture of the early 70's, it ultimately rests there and never transcends into anything musically interesting, spiritually uplifiting, or spiritually challenging. Strong point: "A Simple Song" which is, a simples song from the Psalms sung by Alan Titus without -- mercifully -- any cynical interpolations. Otherwise, file this with the Godspell movie soundtrack.

Even though I always considered L. Bernstien to be my favorite conductor, it took me a long time to like his "Mass". I would listen to it every year or two and gradually it grew on me. Though Bernstien's music is unmistakable, he draws on Mahler, Stravinsky, Ives, Copland and Gershwin. This piece reveals musical genius and also presents an interesting approach to the Christian faith.

P.S. Bernstien also wrote a symphony called "Kaddish" which is based on Jewish prayers. Like Gustav Mahler, Bernstien must have been quite a seeker and we are to benefit from his variety of religious experiences.

Let me start by saying that Anthony David has a magnificent voice but I feel that most of his talent was wasted here.With this largely hiphop sometimes ghetto material.

The songs Words and Stop playin are the songs that I like on here apart from them I am hard pressed due to the thuggish nature of some of his lyrics. For example the song Smoke one could have been great because it has an awesome beat and tempo and He wastes this track describing hooking up with a women he has not seen in a while, so he goes on to say smoke one with your boy , drink one and lets do something bad to get reaqqainted instead of making this into a romantic ballad he chose to go really "hood". Which is not always wrong but I felt that it was not appropriate here. Also many of his lyrics are rudimentary and way too basic. When I heard the range of the song Words with India Irie. I rushed out and bought this CD. Sadly to say that most of the rest of the CD apart from Words is dissappointing and it kind of puts you in the mind of Lyfe Jenning's 2nd CD The Phoenix, which I was totally not feeling either.

Sorry Anthony but you took something that could have been great and made it blah. Many mature R&B music listening fans will understand what I mean when you take a listen to most of the lyrics on here.

I'm so amazed. This cd is GREAT! It never ceases to amaze me how often the great artists go unrecognized and are only admired by a select few that search for great stuff. Anyway, this cd is SOOO great that I'm not even done listening to it and I've already rated it a 5 just based off the first 6 songs. This man can sang! His production is great. He's picked amazing women to duet with, including the ever-so talented India Arie. Just a wonderful collection of music. Great live sounding songs and studio tracks as well. What are my faves? Well so far, as I've stated I'm not done, I'm really feeling Lady, Spittin Game (love the live sound on this one), and Smoke One. May add more when I'm done though! If u like Anthony Hamilton, you NEED to get a load of this Anthony! Definitely on par, and perhaps even better!

I thoroughly enjoy this CD. It's perfect for when you're just trying to relax and enjoy the day.

4 songs on this CD and from the last Cd!Love you Anthony David but you short changed me on this one.

Anthony has definitely found that neo soul niche and working with India Arie has been a great idea. Very steady and strong voice productions make this a must have.

I have the black box full set and I love it, but I have a friend who just can't sit and listen to three CD's worth of music and was having a hard time getting into Les Miserables. SO I thought that this CD would give him the basics and maybe want to listen to the whole thing. I listened to it and thought that it sounded poorly made. It's almost like the music and the singers are not in sync in some of the songs. The voices and the music don't sound nearly as crisp in this version as it does in the full version. I wish I could get my money back for it and make my own mixed CD!!

Great CD! I love the music! This is a disc of "highlights" from Les Mis. It contains all of the big songs from the musical. The most popular ones. If you are only quasi-familiar with the musical, this is the CD I'd recommend. All the essential songs on one disc. (Including the rousing "Do You Hear the People Sing?", the beautiful "Little Fall of Rain", and my favorite, "One Day More", which is, like, the greatest medley song ever.)

I, unfortunately, have never seen the musical, but I love the music. The liner notes provide a synopsis of the story that helps put the songs in context (very useful for a novice).

The full 2-disc cast recording is also available (if you're a more serious fan), but for almost DOUBLE the price. For the casual fan, or the fan on a tight budget, this is the way to go. This is also ideal if you want to listen to Les Mis on your CD player from beginning to end without having to switch discs.

This CD features the cast from the original Broadway production (1987). A couple performers are the same as in the original London cast (1985), including Valjean (Colm Wilkinson). The London show was the original English-language production, adapted from an earlier French show. Also available is the Tenth Anniversary Concert recording, which includes a "dream cast" of performers from the London, Broadway and other productions.

If you're looking for a more complete album (and are not finicky about accents), I'd recommend the Original London Cast Recording. It is the original original of the musical as it is currently known, it's the full 2 discs, AND it's a bargain (priced in the same range as this highlights CD). The Tenth Anniversary Concert Recording is excellent, too, and comparably priced (for the full 2 discs). But it's a concert and has applause and stuff at the end of each number.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
This highlights CD is GREAT for the casual fan or someone who wants just a single disc. Anyone looking for ALL the songs from the musical would do better to pick up the London Cast or the Tenth Anniversary Concert, which are both 2-discs and reasonably priced. But any way you go, I highly recommend Les Misérables!

This is a great disk although it does not include all the songs of the show.

This is the BEST!! I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes this kind of music!

Each member of the Les Miserables cast stands to deliver this musical to its audience. Within moments we are transported to France during their Restoration. We experience sadness, laughter and, indeed, want to join in their crusade. The music and deliverance, in my opinion, is excellent.

Pinnock and the English Concert manage to imbue these popular pieces with both originality and good taste on period instruments. Other ensembles might throw all caution to the wind in striving for a sort of punk Baroque, still others might strip them of excitement and make them appropriate dinner music, but Pinnock and company take a just-the-other-side-of-moderate approach which is both ingratiating and mostly enlivening.

I had once been put off by extended listening to the often strident tones of the period instruments here, seemingly exacerbated by the early digital recording (1982). However, a slight cut in the upper-treble and slight boost in the mid and lower-bass seems to have alleviated that problem.

If you like baroque music. If you like (or love) Bach, then seek no further! Trevor Pinnock is your man! It's difficult to believe, I know, but every single recording the man has made (at least, as far as I can see) is superb or excellent or at least very good. So, if these classics are what you're after, this classic recording of Bach's Orchestral Suites and Brandenburgs is the one to have. Excellent sound, packaging, notes, photos. Get it!

I first heard this recording when I got it out of the library and found it so incredible that I had to buy it for myself. The sound is warm, not tinny like the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (the other recording I have, which I've never been terribly fond of), and very expressive. I cannot add any technical comments to the other reviews already written, but I can say that I agree that Trevor Pinnock and Simon Standage are a Baroque musical force to be reckoned with.

For me the only lacks in here are just for personal tastes: I find the fifth and sixth concertos a bit boring. On the other hand I've got already six different versions of these Brandenburg and this is which I like the most. The sound is (IMPRESSIVE) crystal clear and is played not only flawless, but with such devotion and passion that I almost fell on my knees the first time I listened to it.
I also recomend the version of Reinhard Goebel guiding the Música Antiqua Köln: it's awsome with its fabolous recreation of the baroque sounds.
If you like Bach and if you had the I Musici version of these Concertos, throw them away and get this Pinnock's: you won't regret a bit and you will be skyrocketed to Heaven.

These recordings are excellent. Pinnock's Brandenburg concertos remain the standard for period instruments, offering exceptional musicianship and an authentic rendition. The Overtures are also great, although I greatly prefer the readings of Reinhard Goebel and Musica Antiqua Koln to these. Still, as a low-priced compilation of Bach's most popular orchestral works, this is an excellent set, and you could do much worse. Those who are new to classical music will find this set to be a great starting point.
In spite of the fact that the Brandeburg concertos were recorded using early digital technology, the intimate setting of these small ensembles neutralizes many of the problems of tinny, hollow sound that plagued the digital format in its early years. As for the Orchestral Suites, these were recorded using analog technology and sound fantastic.
These recordings are integral for those who prefer period instrument performances, and this is one of the great pioneering period instrument ensembles out there. Recommended.

The selections chosen are, for the most part, to my taste, but the volume is comprised of fewer supurb selections, such as those masterpieces by Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart that were found in Vol. I.

Beautifully done, arranged, and selected. All are very good performances, and there are many lesser known but wonderful pieces such as the movement from Shostakovich's second piano concerto.

Not as relaxing as the first volume. But still a great collection of relaxing music. The orchestra that plays the music in the CD is excellent.

Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged. Good album for a tag sale. Same comment applies for Volume I.

I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night. I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

I wasn't sure what to expect. I know the cover art is a little cheesy. But the recording is fantastic. I think great pains were taken to make this as true to Hermann's original score as possible. It's clean, dynamic and really show how much contemporary film scoring was influenced by Bernard Hermann. And the thereminist on this is really first rate.
If you liked the original movie, are into film scoring or a theremin fan, this CD is highly recommended.

Listening to this soundtrack recreates a haunting story wherein a visitor with an important message was spurned-- to our dismay. Turn it up!

but I like it as well if not better. This is Bernard Hermann's original score performed by orchestra (including Theremin) at Abbey Road Studios in 2002. The attention to detail and consideration of original arrangement is exemplary. As a long time fan of this film classic (and if you haven't seen it, find it ! After 58 years, it still speaks volumes of the human condition and futile politics) I've heard the original soundtrack within the film many times. This is different, of course, but excellent within its own right. If you wish to study the Theremin exquisitly used in an orchestral environment, this is the score and one the best recordings I've heard. Hermann's composition is simply classic of the genre.

FANTASTIC----THIS IS EXACTLY FROM THE MOVIE. ALL ORIGINAL STUFF. NOTHING HAS BEEN CHANGED. I LOVE THE SOUNDTRACK AS MUCH AS THE MOVIE---TOTALLY UNCHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL 1951 SCORE.

being a huge fan of the movie and having the original soundtrack already I decided to give this re-recording a listen as it had extra tracks, well I was pleasantly suprised by how joel mcneely had reproduced the sounds and style of herrmanns original soundtrack,
with it obviously being in stereo it gives you that extra depth and feel to the movie,
well done mr mcneely your a credit to the industry.

I am the proud owner of at least thirty Christmas CD's. This compilation is the best collection of quality music performed superbly that I have ever heard. I had to drive 1400 miles by myself before Christmas and I never tired of listening to this wonderful music. I also ordered several more copies of "#1 Christmas Album" to gift to family and friends who enjoy quality music.

The cover of this 2 disc set features half a dozen of the great voices of our time: Pavarotti, Domingo, Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Leontyne Price. However, selections by these soloists comprise only 2/5 of the set, the rest being choral and orchestral works.

Nor are these fabulous voices given equal representation. Pavarotti and my personal favorite, Joan Sutherland, have four songs apiece; Price and Kanawa have three apiece; Renata Tebaldi two and only one for Placido Domingo.

However, this is basically a very good collection. The first disc is a bit on the solemn side, while the second is brighter. Pavarotti leads off the entire collection with "Adeste Fideles" and returns later on the first disc with "Mille Cherubini in Coro". His renditions of "Panis Angelicus" and "Gesu Bambino" help grace the second CD.

Joan Sutherland brightens the first disc with her "Joy To The World" and then sets the lighter mood of the second disc with "Deck The Halls" and later returns with a sprightly "Twelve Days of Christmas". She also gives us the beautiful and tender "Virgin Slumber Song". Leontyne Price gives us Schubert's "Ave Maria", "O Tannenbaum" and "O Holy Night". Kiri Te Kanawa gives us Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria", surprises us with "White Christmas" (a very beautiful & unique interpretation), and winds up the entire set with "Mary's Boy Child". Renata Tebaldi's contributions are Brahms' "Lullaby" and "Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle". Placido Domingo's sole appearance is with the dynamic "Hosanna in Excelsis" from Lloyd Weber's Requiem.

It is a splendid feast of vocal performances. However, the choral and orchestral selections have weak spots. I was especially disappointed in the Chicago Symphony & Chorus rendition of "For Unto Us a Child Is Born", and also thought that a good rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus would've worked better. The orchestral selections did have bright spots such as "Sleigh Ride" (Mozart's, not Leroy Anderson's), Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Snowflakes" from the Nutcracker, and the "Skater's Waltz".

All in all, this is a collection which belongs in your Christmas Classical collection, but can't be considered an absolute essential.

I have not listened specifically to this edition, but I can tell you with near absolute certainty that this is a classic example of marketing at its most shameless. This is nothing more than a reissue of "The Greatest Christmas Show on Earth", but with a different title! (Something similar was done back in 1963, when the Harry Simeone Chorale's ever-popular 1958 LP, "Sing We Now of Christmas", was retitled and re-released as "The Little Drummer Boy"--its current CD title--, but at least the advertising there seemed slightly more honest.)

Everything on "The #1 Christmas Album" is exactly the same as on "The Greatest Christmas Show on Earth", right down to the order of the musical selections on the album. Only the cover design is different. Decca/London apparently believes that it can fool its customers into thinking that they are buying another album if they simply change the title. Of course, the album itself is reasonably good, though not on the level of most of my favorite Christmas albums, not even the now-deleted RCA Victor "Christmas Treasures", a collection culled from RCA Victor's Living Stereo series. The offense lies in the marketing gimmick,something I have never seen in all my years of avid CD buying. This is worse than all those "collections" which just rehash old material--at least each collection is a newly organized album.

If you enjoy opera or choir, this is a must collection. The Choir of King's College probably knows the secret how to make the listener flying among thousands of Christmas candles. Pavarotti's opening is so mighty that remind people, this year, to be courageous and to believe (not limited from religious sense but the humanity perspective.) And his Mill Cherubini and Panis Angelicus can vibrate one's tear from the heart, reflecting to the tragedy and the war in 2001. As for the sopranos, this collection is a Jewel. Joan Sutherland's Deck The Hall and The Twelve Days of Christmas bring out the merry atmosphere of the season and cheer one's mood to celebrate. Also her Virgin's Slumber Song has so much beauty and grace . Kanawa's Ave Maria is so dramatic performed that perfectly drawn out the human's longing for love and protection. All the orchestra also have done a splendid job. The arrangement is perfect there is no dull moment from the beginning to the end.

This lady has one great voice. She can certainly sell a song. My only reservation about her is that she's a bit cocky. I think she could use some humility.

Unbelievable breath control, phrasing, and style. My 10 yr. old Granddaughter who heretofore has listened and loved the usual rap
and hip-hop, heard me playing this disc and begged me to buy her
one........and I did, and she plays it all the time, and to her
friends. Linda Eder exceeds the Streisand mystique by far.

i am turning 60 years old this year. i went to my 1st.broadway
musical in 1960. over the years i have had the honor to see
almost all of the giants of american song, garland, streisand,
patti lupone, lena horne, betty buckley, barbaracook etc. in
"broadway, my way" linda eder cements her place as the best of the best. from an anthem like "i am what i am" to the lovely
"on the street where you live" captures you body and soul.
i loved this album, and don't ever miss a chance to see her live. JOHN POWER

A great selection of songs. Tremendous amount of energy in Linda's voice. I just love it.

Wow! Linda Eder has an outstanding voice. She sells Broadway in the styles of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. After hearing this you will want more.