Barry Brown

I saw this play on Broadway when it opened. I still know the lyrics!

"Oliver!" is not a musical to be analyzed song-by-song or voice-by-voice. It is a musical to be enjoyed as a whole. While a couple of the songs did enjoy some popular success, there is really no stand-out among them; and none of the voices is out of the ordinary.
However, every song either propels the plot or reveals character traits. And every voice portrays the person it represents.
So--Sit back, close your eyes, relax, visualize the version of "Oliver!" you have seen (either the movie or on stage), and relive your theater experience. You will not be sorry.

Charle's Dickens'musical adaptation for "Oliver Twist" showed to be a most acclaimed work of art. This is the very original version, which makes it as twice as valuable as any other version, although the movie soundtrack is quite good. Wonderful songs and a very attractive story make this an experience for all.

Although this original cast recording includes all the musical numbers, I can see why songs like "My Name" and "That's Your Funeral" were not embraced by the 1968 Academy Award winning film; they simply do not measure up to the high standards of the other tunes. Also, the orchestration lacks the lushness and fullness of the film. The singers of this and the film version both give credible performances; however, I would have to give the nod again to the film performers, if only because this collectors edition has a thin recording studio sound. It is evident from the information brochure that is included that this cast recording was hastily gotten together and seemingly lacked the numbers of choral boy singers to overcome its musical deficiencies.

I love the songs from Oliver! -- learned them as a child from the LP of the film and from a songbook. They are so sprightly and clever, with melodies that capture the lilt of the words perfectly. I remember them as very tuneful and fun to sing. So I am disappointed in the musical style on this recording.

Everyone seems to be shouting instead of singing. I expected Fagin to "patter" in that speaking-singing hybrid, but on this recording MOST of the characters do it, and in a loud, forced voice -- the Artful Dodger, Nancy, and the kids' chorus. The ones that aren't pattered are belted out in the "Oom-Pah-Pah" style. The score comes across as not very nuanced or varied, which is a shame.

This is a fine reading of the lesser-appreciated Brandenburgs. While the 3rd is the "greatest hit" of the six, I think these last two are also beautiful in their own way.
Marriner sure has the Touch, and despite this performance being on modern and not period instruments, I prefer it to some of the more "faithful" BCs I've heard, mainly due to the heartfelt perfection of the playing. Bach was all about perfection, on many levels, and these guys bring home how incredibly layered and harmonically rich these pieces are.
Hard to pass up for five bucks.

Marvelows recording by Neville Marriner of these Bach's masterpieces. I was pleassed to hear this record

I think with the Brandenbergs, the deciding factor on which set to buy is whether you prefer modern instruments or period instruments. There are probably more great period instrument recordings (Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert is my personal favorite) to choose from than modern instrument recordings, but I think this is the best available modern instrument recording. You pretty much cannot go wrong with anything by Marriner and the ASMF, but this is truly one of their better recordings and has been for a number of years. There may be others out there just as good, but I doubt if you will find any better.

I am not a musician nor can I identify Bach's Brandenburg Concerto number one from number five. However, I am an avid listener and do enjoy classical music. I know how good the Academy of St Martin in the Fields is and what a great conductor Sir Neville Marriner is. Most of all, I can identify a real bargain when I see one and this CD qualifies as a great bargain.

Bach's concertos are relaxing and very enjoyable. The Academy performs under the sure hand of Sir Marriner at the highest level. Each CD is just over an hour, the sound is clear and as Gramophone says "these performances are easy to enjoy".

This review refers to both the CD for concertos Nos. 1-4 and the CD for concertos Nos. 5 & & with Orchestral Suite No. 1.

I had forgotten how delightful it is to hear these pieces in their entirety! Every now and then I'd hear excerpts on the radio, etc., but not the whole work. These are marvelous examples of the best J.S. Bach had to offer in a wonderful set of recordings by Sir Neville Mariner and the band.

I'll admit it: I was coerced into participating in a local production of Titanic The Musical recently and while I never had, nor do I have any desires to perform on stage, I almost reluctantly fell in love with this incredibly moving story that involves an absolutely amazing musical score. I played Benjamin Guggenheim, who along with some of the most famous millionaires in the world (John Jacob Astor, George Widener and the Thayers, literally the Bill Gates and Donald Trumps of their day) died as the Largest Moving Object on the earth slipped beneath the waves, April 15th 1912.

First, one major difference between this re-telling of one of the greatest maritime disasters of all-time and others, there really isn't any two or three characters that stood out as lead roles. The story was carried almost collectively with a large group of people--ALL based on real passengers and crew of the ill-fated luxury liner. Oh, and Molly Brown is entirely absent from the tale having already been done to death many times before.

Second, the music--oh the music! If you are a fan of wonderful music, you simply owe it to yourself to experience this soundtrack. Everything from the opening number to 'Doing the Latest Rag' and so many in between to the closing 'Sail On, Sail On Great Ship Titanic' evokes a tremendous amount of emotion (which was exactly as planned) and is at once music you don't have to LEARN to love.

Kudos to those who helped to bring this magnificent story to the Broadway Stage. The Titanic will forever be one of my favorite stories, and now I add the musical to my long list of reasons to be utterly fascinated by what happened all those years ago in the North Atlantic.

One of my favorites. Although it is wonderful as a whole, there are little bits and pieces of amazing that pop up which are what really make this album soar. Moments such as

Barrett and the other sailors optimistic, "Fare thee well my darlin', I'll be back before a fortnight has passed..."

Alice Beane expressing her longing to be apart of the first class: "I want more than we've got Edgar. Why don't you?"

Jim Farrell coaxing Kate McGowan onto the lifeboat by singing [the semi-reprise], "You're going to be a lady's maid! Lady's maid in America!"

Also, "The Blame" is an excellent song. Highly reccommended.

Wow a great musical do not understand why it was cancelled in this country. The music and lyrics are very moving and make great listening. I will have to visit USA to see it I suppose.

This is my all-time favorite musical! It really works out when you're in love with Broadway Musicals and Titanic, like me! Michael Cerevis really shines as the builder Thomas Andrews in the song "In Every Age", as does Brian d'Arcy James as stoker Frederick Barrett in "Barrett's Song". This recording is definately worth your money for the most part and you'll probably love it almost as much as do.
Godspeed Titanic!

Robyn
aka Mrs Harold Bride :)

Very good CD not normally that easily available but delivered on time for a reasonable price.

Of course there should have been much more. I remember there been a Metropolian Opera series called CAST ALBUMS- 100 YEARS that was put out for a limited time only and had like five volumes.
As Peter Filichia noted they left out SHE LOVES ME, BRIGADOON and SWEENEY TODD. Also nothing from PACIFIC OVERTURES, BIG RIVER, CHESS, CRAZY FOR YOU, JEKYLL & HYDE, TITANIC, THE SCARLET
PIMPERNEL, FOOTLOOSE- THE MUSICAL, THE FULL MONTY, URINTOWN...
But they couldn't have put it all. I would have done without Lee Remick's
"Anyone Can Whistle", because the show was a flop. I guess because it was Sondheim's first "serious" show...

The first three discs were only OK. I had forgotten how much better the later Broadway musical recordings were. The last two discs were very good, maybe because I could relate better to the shows or perhaps the productions were better.

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Is there any music lovers at Universal/Polydor? Is the money so important that you have to keep releasing the same old tired disc.
Love Is A Many Splendored Thing is chopped off at the end again!
Stop the insanity and release it thy way you know it should be. The way you would want to hear it. If the segway into Grease (reprise) is so important then include both on the disc. Please!!

"Grease - Deluxe Edition" was released to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the film and features two CD's in a nice case and a booklet with all the lyrics.

Disc 1 is the same as the standard movie soundtrack Grease (Original 1978 Motion Picture Soundtrack). It features original songs from the movie and good clean audio. What's not to love with that?!

Disc 2, the reason you're paying the extra bucks here, is a disappointment. I bought "Grease - Duluxe Edition" because I thought it would include more music from the movie that wasn't included on the original soundtrack. The bonus disc is a big let down.


The second disc features an instrumental version of "Grease" originally released as the "B side" of the "Grease" single.

There are four songs here touted as sing-a-long versions ("Summer Nights", "Hopelessly Devoted to You", "You're the One That I Want", and "Sandy".) This comes across as sort of a poor man's karaoke. The sing-a-long versions include the original music track and background vocals. I put the CD in my PC to see if they display the lyrics the way a real karaoke disc would - they don't. But, if you get stuck, there are always the lyrics in the booklet I suppose.

Also, included are the single version of "Greased Lightnin'", a 20-second "Rydell Fight Song", a four and a half minute instrumental called "Greased Up and Ready to Go".

There is a Megamix medley, a Dream Mix medley, and two songs are presented in a Martian Mix format. I found the mix versions kind of weird and unappealing.

If you can pick up a good used copy of "Grease - Deluxe Edition" for the same price as the standard soundtrack, go for it. Otherwise, unless you're a "Grease" fanatic or a completist collector, "Grease - Deluxe Edition" isn't worth the extra money.

Five stars for the original soundtrack performances, but a two star deduction for the disappointing Disc 2.

I have loved Grease since I was little and I remember singing along with the characters. I bought the original soundtrack to the movie, but when I saw this special deluxe edition, I knew I had to buy it (I had already purchased the 25th anniversary DVD).

I loved the fact that the first disc included songs that were not in the movie such as "It's Raining On Prom Night" and "Freddy My Love." These were actually two of my favorite songs from the musical, so having them here makes this CD that much better.

I liked the Grease Megamix and the Dream Mix from the 2nd disc. In a strange way the megamix reminded me of the end of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Strange, I know but I was somehow reminded of that. Anyway, this is a great CD to add to your collection, especially if you've loved the movie either since it came out or since you first saw it on VHS. Grease is the word!

The complete Grease experience. This cd is a two disc-set with disc one being the complete soundtrack, while disc two is all bonus material including the popular Grease Megamix. Fans of the movie would want to make this cd an essential part of their music collection.

I'm enjoying listening to this great soundtrack that I loved as a child after a long hiatus. I had it on 8-track 25 years ago. So it's fitting that I should get the 25th Anniversary Edition on CD. The 24 songs from the movie are just as everyone remembers them, so I'll talk about the Bonus Disc, which contains 10 alternative versions of the songs plus 2 previously unreleased instrumentals from the film.

Track 1 on the Bonus Disc is an instrumental version of the film's theme, "Grease", written and produced by Barry Gibb. Frankie Valli's voice has been replaced by a saxophone. The chorus is vocal, but the voices are not those in the original song. You could use this as a sing-along version, as it would be easy to sing over the sax. Tracks 2-5 are officially sing-along versions. "Summer Nights" includes the chorus vocals from the film and sounds good. "You're the One That I Want" has new chorus vocals of questionable merit. "Sandy" is a new arrangement. It's not as good as the film version, but you can sing along. Track 6 is the single version of "Greased Lightning" that you may have heard on the radio back in the day. It's differs from the original in that the bad words have been replaced for radio airplay. Tracks 7-8 are previously unreleased instrumentals from the film. "Greased Up and Ready to Go" is lively. Tracks 9-10 are mixes that I occasionally hear on the radio. The "Grease Megamix" and the "Grease Dream Mix" are fun, if awkward. Tracks 11-12 are Martian Remixes of "Summer Nights" and "You're the One That I Want". They retain the original vocals, but set them to a Latin rhythm. They make pretty good dance tracks.

This 2-disc set isn't in a jewel case. The case is paperboard with 4 panels that fold out. This is inside of a clear vinyl slip case on which the tracks are written. This isn't convenient packaging. On the bright side, the case won't crack in the mail. Tucked inside one of the panels is a booklet that contains lyrics and credits.

The "Grease: 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition" is a terrifically fun soundtrack to one of the all-time great movie musicals. And for all those preteen girls who go wild over the movie with each new generation, the bonus material is perfect for parties and horsing around.

I saw this play on Broadway when it opened. I still know the lyrics!

"Oliver!" is not a musical to be analyzed song-by-song or voice-by-voice. It is a musical to be enjoyed as a whole. While a couple of the songs did enjoy some popular success, there is really no stand-out among them; and none of the voices is out of the ordinary.
However, every song either propels the plot or reveals character traits. And every voice portrays the person it represents.
So--Sit back, close your eyes, relax, visualize the version of "Oliver!" you have seen (either the movie or on stage), and relive your theater experience. You will not be sorry.

Charle's Dickens'musical adaptation for "Oliver Twist" showed to be a most acclaimed work of art. This is the very original version, which makes it as twice as valuable as any other version, although the movie soundtrack is quite good. Wonderful songs and a very attractive story make this an experience for all.

Although this original cast recording includes all the musical numbers, I can see why songs like "My Name" and "That's Your Funeral" were not embraced by the 1968 Academy Award winning film; they simply do not measure up to the high standards of the other tunes. Also, the orchestration lacks the lushness and fullness of the film. The singers of this and the film version both give credible performances; however, I would have to give the nod again to the film performers, if only because this collectors edition has a thin recording studio sound. It is evident from the information brochure that is included that this cast recording was hastily gotten together and seemingly lacked the numbers of choral boy singers to overcome its musical deficiencies.

I love the songs from Oliver! -- learned them as a child from the LP of the film and from a songbook. They are so sprightly and clever, with melodies that capture the lilt of the words perfectly. I remember them as very tuneful and fun to sing. So I am disappointed in the musical style on this recording.

Everyone seems to be shouting instead of singing. I expected Fagin to "patter" in that speaking-singing hybrid, but on this recording MOST of the characters do it, and in a loud, forced voice -- the Artful Dodger, Nancy, and the kids' chorus. The ones that aren't pattered are belted out in the "Oom-Pah-Pah" style. The score comes across as not very nuanced or varied, which is a shame.

When it comes to Vivaldi's works, the majority of people usually tend to associate him solely with composing the Four Seasons. However, this particular cd will introduce classical music lovers to other music that he composed for various stringed instruments, including the violin and cello. It does include a section from Winter of the Four Seasons, but the rest is other music that some may not be too familiar with. For a low price, you'll be getting a great selection of music.

I don't really know a lot about classical music even though I listen to a lot of it. All I can say is that every piece on this collection evokes a tremendous amount of peace and happy emotion. I listen to it in my office, and that in combination with my new fountain.... better than Prozac. My favorite piece is "Concerto for Guitar in D major: Largo" (sample #2 above). Highly recommend!

Almost everyone knows Vivaldi's "Four Seasons". If you love that gorgeous piece of music, than I say your next purchase should be this! It is a gorgeous collecton of string quartets along with flutes and very impressive classical guitar. I put it on whenever I need to be taken away from this world, or when I need some artistic inspiration.

As an overview or introduction to some of Ralph Vaughan Williams most well-known and beloved works--the Tallis Fantasia, the Greensleeves Fantasia, The Lark Ascending--this set from Decca will service most needs. It features an attractive program that, alongside the more popular works, includes some that aren't so universally well-known yet probably deserve to be--namely the Oboe Concerto and the Concerto Grosso.
The problem I have, as someone who has known most of these works for many years, is with the performances. The wonderful, spritely Oboe Concerto is given a dull and quite slow performance that seems to want to bring out pastoral qualities that aren't entirely there (it has its pastoral moments, but it's actually a very vivacious, impish piece). I was quite disappointed when I first heard it and immediately regretted no longer owning the Nimbus, Maurice Bourge recording.
The Tallis Fantasia too is disappointing. I find it quite under-played and interpreted in a somewhat 'choppy' manner--I wanted more flowing lines, more sweeping, powerful climaxes. It's all a bit too subdued.
Most of the other performances fare better but I still can't help but feel that Decca are being pretty stingy here: I mean, really, is Barry Wordsworth conducting the New Queen's Hall Orchestra the best they could give us for the Tallis, the Norfolk Rhapsody no.1 and In the Fen Country? I know it's a budget release but they have better in their vaults I'm sure.
Despite all this, it's not a HORRIBLE compilation and many will enjoy it as an introduction or sampling of Vaughan William's gorgeous music, but I strongly suggest that if you know these pieces well you should look elsewhere.

Hi. I am familiar with a lot of classical music. However, I knew little about the oeuvre of Vaughan Williams. What a great find! Getting so much of his instrumental work is truly a bargain. He evokes the English countryside and folk traditions very effectively. "The Lark Ascending" is relaxing while also being a virtuoso piece of work. Makes me wonder if J.R.R. Tolkien, with his love for rural England, ever attended a concert by Vaughan Williams...

Highly recommended! :)

Each piece on this CD is wonderful to listen to. My 2 year old daughter takes her nap everyday with this CD playing softly in the background. This CD is a great deal as it includes 2 CD's including Vaughan Williams: Fantasies; the Lark Ascending; Five Variants. Which is also a wonderful CD, we got it for 2 friends at our church. But better to get this CD with 2 CD's for the price of one. My favorite is Fanatasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis!

While not all his works are to my taste, his pastoral ones are so gorgeous that you don't really care that the more boisterous ones are wanting.

Vaughan Williams is certainly one of the consummate English composers who took the folk song of his country and compsed delightful orchestra works around them.

This budget worthy 2-CD set displays this in two parts, the first performed by the Acadamey of St.Martin in-the-Fields while the second disc features more period instruments with the New Queen's Hall Orchestra and the London Philharmonic.

Celia Nicklin is superb with the Oboe Concerto nusancing this pastoral yet lively offering. Iona Brown likewise contributes a fine solo violin performance with "The Lark Ascending"

The strings also provide a strong offering on the "Tallis Fantasia", one of his strongest compositions on this selection.

Excellent example of this prominent English composer's love with folk song interpretation, in this recording done passionately and naturally.

I originally purchased this 3CD set because of its price: for all of Bach's most important orchestral works, a little more than $20 is a bargain! I planned on later upgrading to what I assumed would be "better" recordings of these works.

Since my purchase, I've listened to them, left them alone for a while, and then come back to listen again. I can't praise this set highly enough. The sound quality is excellent; at no point is there any distortion from any instrument. The balance, something which is crucial when playing concerto grosso, is also well done: the harpsichord does not overpower the instruments nor strain to be heard, and the soloists and tutti are always well matched in volume.

Matching the excellent recording quality is the playing. For a modern-instrument performance, this sounds very baroque in both the tempi and the cooperation between performers and Marriner does an excellent job at bringing the spirit of Bach out in these pieces.

Szeryng and Hasson in the violin concertos also perform splendidly. I've heard more versions of these concertos than I'd like to remember, including Perlman and Hahn, but I still prefer these two lesser-knowns playing alongside the Academy to any other recording, however more "dramatic" they may be. The only way I can describe their playing is "warm" and "uplifting," despite searching for other words less overused.

These recordings have continued to draw me back again and again with their lush sound and spirited playing. With such a deal as this, I'd easily reccomend this set to anybody looking for Bach orchestral works, even if you already own a recording of some of these pieces.

Few will argue that Sir Neville and the Academy were at their artistic peak during their years with Philips. During this period they turned out many definitive Mozart recordings but these recordings of Bach's six Brandenburg Concertos (1981), four Orchestral Suites (1978), and three Violin Concertos (1976) have also become favorites for Bach fans who prefer modern over period instrument recordings.

These late analog era recordings have been beautifully mastered for CD and for some, including Gramophone magazine, sound even better than the Marriner/ASMF all digital recordings of the same works from the 90s for EMI. In addition while you can get the EMI recordings on three individual 60-minute discs for around the same total price you miss out on the three essential violin recordings and, again, these earlier performances are preferable.

Each disc is generously filled with music (all three right around the 77 minute mark) and the sound is crystal clear. Again this is ASMF at their best so the ensemble sounds wonderful and nicely balanced and each of the soloists shine, especially Henryk Szeryng on violin (the three violin concertos and also three of the Brandenburgs), Jeanne Pierre-Rampal on flute (BWV 1050), and William Bennet on flute (BWV 1067). The tempos Marriner uses are pretty typical for these works except for the famous Air from Orchestral Suite #3 which may be the slowest I've heard to date: clocking in at 7:11 it's a full two minutes longer than the earlier Marriner/ASMF recording on London/Decca. But it works. This new TRIO set is beautifully packaged with extensive liner notes on Bach, each individual work, and musician credits by work.

Highly recommended.

Please note: These recordings are still available as part of Philips older "DUO" series, spread over two 2-disc sets, but this latest release is the more cost effective way to go and if you buy the two DUO sets you also end up with a duplicate work: the concerto for two violins (BWV 1043). (The DUO sets also includes one additional work: the Concerto in C minor, BWV 1060 for two harpsichords - you need to decide if it's worth the extra $$.)

These are probably Bach's most beloved and well-known works. His Brandenburg Concertos, Orchestral Suites and Violin Concertos are performed and recorded so frequently that there is a seemingly endless selection of interpretations from which to choose. I chose that of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, under the direction of Sir Neville Marriner, and I must say, I made a good choice. The playing is remarkable and the interpretations are fresh. Also, for three CDs, you can't beat the price.

This is probably the best Brandenburg cycle available with modern instruments, no huge orchestras like von Karajan, the recorder parts aren't played on flutes like the Britten cycle, and the tempi in general aren't as slow as Richter's. That said, my favorite overall is probably Trevor Pinnock's with The English Concert, but I do know that some people have a hard time listening to period instruments for whatever reason and I respect that.

Marriner can drag a bit, and the readings aren't as dynamic as some, but it's a very good starting point for those unfamiliar with one of the greatest cycles in Baroque music, and now at budget price, really a must-have.

Highest recommendation. This is a very safe and "middle of the road" recording of the Brandenburg Concertos and Orchestral Suites. All receive good reviews from classical music review books. The only criticism that couldb be leveled against them is that some people, due to personal tastes, may like other versions more. These recordings are not very daring with blazing soloists and do not use original instruments. They are simply great overall. I own these Brandenburg concertos as seperate discs as very much enjoyed them.

The recording of Brandenburg Concerto #3 is just amazing and one of the best recordings I have ever heard of any piece. It takes flight and soars.

For those who love J. S. Bach, the two most stirring works are the Brandenburg 1 and 2. Having all of the Brandenburgs together, shows the 'story' in music of this master of the musical notes.