Exquisite... just wonderful
581555
I have now listened through this CD several times and some of Mlle. Petibon's interpretations are absolutely exquisite.  She has just an amazing voice, thrilling range and a freedom and passion about her work that is inspiring to listen to.  In the very first piece, there is a phrase where she glides up three notes while adding a dramatic crescendo only to drop off the top with one of her characteristic sighs - it just brings you to your knees.  What I think I appreciate most about her work is the incredible freedom she brings to many of these pieces - she just lets all the emotion out, even if it is over the top - I mean, way over the top.  But in the end it is ever so "French" and ever so unmistakeably hers! That freedom is just breathtaking and courageous. Brava, Mlle. Petibon, brava!
4664692
Beautiful, and finest quality......I love this collection. I actually ordered 3 sets, I loved them that much...great for gift giving. The price is unreal and can not be matched for this quality.
2346037
It's absolutely beautiful, so much more exquisite than I was prepared for. The color is perfection, just what I hoped for!! I'm hooked and dreaming of more!
2144133
I've never heard a better argument for the Vieuxtemps, the poor cousin on the coupling, which is played with a restraint which I think elevates it. As for the Mozart, yes, there are a zillion recordings, and I have enjoyed many, but this one... this one takes my breath away. It is achingly beautiful, played with rare delicacy, and yet, fully alive. I know, that's all nonsense, but... it really struck me as special. I was shopping for headphones and the dealer used this as a demo, and I went home and bought it. Even if you have several other recordings, as I do, including Standage, Perlman, Mutter, Grumiaux (a favorite), this one deserves a look.
And Vieuxtemps! Who knew?
It's as good as everyone says it is, and Ms. Hahn is truly gifted.
4458604
I see a great deal of praise for the Cantata Profana in these reviews, and the performance is absolutely stunning. But my heart belongs to The Wooden Prince. Boulez and the Chicago make this piece sound like the towering achievement it really is. The sonorous "night music" passages are absolutely seductive and mysterious, and the massive climaxes (there are several) all sound absolutely thunderous yet crystal clear.

Since this CD was released in 1992, it has never left my top twenty discs or so, and I listen to it at least once a month. Truly, for me, a disc to treasure and revisit for a lifetime.
3680771
in joy or contemplation." ~Rolf Lovland

I've had this cd for years and it is just as gorgeous and bittersweet as ever. It touches my heart like no other.  Songs From a Secret Garden is a must-own, trust me. The famed Irish violinist, Fionnuala Sherry, through her "soulful simplicity of her instrument," gives Rolf's songs a voice. If you are looking for beauty, purity, sincerity, heart and soul in your music, search no further because you've found it. 'Songs from a Secret Garden' is a treasure for the contemplative music lover who delights in beauty and depth in music to "pay a visit to your own garden." [All quotes by Rolf Lovland.]

Their are a lot of Secret Garden cds that have repeat songs but SOASG and White Stones are two that you must have for yourself. I also recommend "Once in a Red Moon." I don't have the newest one, Earthsongs yet. In any case, do yourself a favor and buy this today.  It will be a fresh, lush, enchanting gem in your collection--always awaiting to caress your heart whenever you need it, like a cherished friend you've known for years.  And if you love the violin, this is a no-brainer.  Also, enjoy their live dvd, "A Night With Secret Garden."

I'm a classically trained violinist but Fionnuala plays like I would like to IF I had the music and/or time to transcribe theirs. (If Anyone knows where I can get the sheet music to any of Secret Garden's music, Please email me at soaringheart1 at yahoodotcom.) I have learned by ear "Poeme" from their White Stones cd but really need that sheet music. Thank you.  And thank you to Rolf and Fionnuala for touching my heart so deeply with your sublime Music.  o8E

Soar!
4373440
There are many wonderful performances of these remarkable pieces. Which is the finest? Only God, in his wisdom, will ever be able to answer such a question, but I'm sure with his celestial headphones on he'll be listening to the Alban Berg Quartet. For me this quartet is able to "read" each individual quartet with such clarity, from the light hearted humor of the Op. 18 to the intense and darkly passionate Op. 95 through to the strangely happy yet unearthly Op. 135, with many other wonderful moments, that I can hardly imagine any better. You won't go wrong buying this.
1374635
Two of the most influential and gifted people in their respective fields to make the perfect storm of genius.  This is a rare gift that comes along only now and again in one's life, if you're blessed.

Without exaggeration I can say that "Ghostlight" is among the most beautiful collections by the greatest individual vocal artists I have ever heard.  Each song comes to life as you, not just listen, but also pass through it.  I opened the wrapper and moved directly to my stereo to play it -- don't think I moved until it finished.

"Come to Me, Bend to Me" is a revelation - as it happens to be one of the first Broadway songs I loved - and in this rendition is the best of the song as I loved it always, and yet something wholly fresh - deeper, more complex, wrenching in a way.

This version of "If You Go Away" has moved to the very top of my favorite songs (though I always loved it) - all the tensions of the song in the composition and lyrics are realized in a way that I feel humbled by, grateful for, one of those experiences with music that changes you forever.  It is the perfect expression of itself.  And I love the length - I don't think I could have borne it if it ended it too soon.

"Blue Skies" - everything, including the tempo and silences in this are amazing.  I just love the uncertainty that underscores the song that I never heard until now.

"Throw It Away" is such a gift as I had never heard it, nor do I know the work of Abbey Lincoln.  Wow, what a remarkable song, sung to perfection, taking on a life from the first notes - and I know it too will stay with me forever.

"Lazy Afternoon" - in the vernacular of our time, OH MY GOD!  Head-shaking amazement.  LOVE it.

"Bewitched" is deep, brilliant, fresh, perfect.  Again, as though no one had ever sung it before.

"This Nearly Was Mine" is one of those songs that has everything.  And I love the intimacy of this version.  The arrangement reminds me one of my old favorites, "The Tennessee Waltz".  So, I quite enjoyed Ms. Betty Lynn's liner notes that she could imagine this recording being played at a barn dance.

"Body and Soul" - Boy, am I happy this song was included.  Another favorite, and wholly new here - the accompaniment along with her intimate story-telling is truly perfection.

The following four songs are magnificent, and need to spend more time with them before I have anything coherent to write about them.  But I can say that I love the songs, and love the way they make me feel.

"Comin' Back to Me"
"Dreamsville"
"Take It With Me When I Go"
"Where Time Stands Still"

Thanks to all concerned for making something so beautiful and timeless.
4450103
I don't know what the translation is "supposed" to be but I found this to be one of the most beautiful books I've ever read!!  For everyone and anyone who is a child, or a child at heart; for those of us who ache and yearn and love to think, feel, create AND..love...read this book!!  I can't and won't describe anything about it other than it's mysterious and lovely and gentle and special.

A REAL treat.  A treat for and from the heart.
216946
This is, to put it simply, one of the most beautiful records I have ever listened to.  Genuine beauty is a pretty rare quality in modern music, and this has it by the barrel.  It is also complex and original enough to be highly engrossing, though "old fashioned" in tone.  The different waltzes are so evocative and so varied that you could practically score a whole film with them.
This album stands outside of almost every recognized category of style or taste... and rather than making it an obscure niche work, instead this makes it universal.  Just about anyone will find something to like about it.
4102471
This poetess is one to be savored over and over again. True beauty is so very evident in her words, as is her passion for the sea, and nature. Each poem a treat to read, and re-read. Intricate language, yet so pleasant and easy to read. Very uplifting, as well. I put the book down, with reluctance, feeling refreshed and revitalized. I feel as I will never tire of her work, and look forward to her next endeavor. This book is one I shall treasure, always.
1812142
Smooth, thick, luxurious, lustrous.  Simply wonderful.
1938429
Enchanted islands is enchanting to say the least, like nothing I have experienced.
One of the most eclectically assembled and interesting works of art that I have  listened to in quite some time.
The  uniqueness of  the music is only matched by its  perfectionistic  execution.
A refreshing and timeless incantation, I can't stop listening to it.
19415
This album is very beautiful.  The musicians are both excellent, the recording is exceptional and the choice of songs is perfect.  Truly, a CD that will be played over and over again
4044920
It's difficult to encapsulate the many virtues of this terrific follow-up album to "Miriam" (another must-have). Above all is Miriam's incredible voice...the voice that launched "Adiemus," but is even better served in her own material. Within any given song, her voice may be a breathy promise...a soaring anthem...or a chorus of tribal voices. It all makes for a blend which is "New Age" and "New World" - yet much more. The incredible musicianship and exquisitely layered production makes this music unique to the world which Miriam has created. This is music which feeds the emotions...by turns calming and inspiring. I happily give "Second Nature" my highest recommendation!
2555944
Amazing beautiful music...some jaw-droppingly good... some made me choke up and even cry a little. I am blown away.

While the songs are by different artists (almost each artist appears twice), this is a cohesive and well-flowing double/triple album. From what I understand, the first 18 songs are all cover songs of New Zealand bands (like Peter Jefferies' 1990 song "On an Unknown Beach" being re-done by Bobby & Blum... improving it 10-fold, in my opinion).  The second half all seem to be original-to-the-artists-doing-them.

This album is a great way to get to know the styles of some of the artists who appear on here twice, it is also a great jumping off point to expanding your listening pleasures by seeking out the originals too.

So, listen to the samples, and if they tickle your fancy, buy this immediately. Each song is amazing.

This is not a "little golden book"... this is a "GIANT Golden Book" for your ears, brain, and body.
16004
I'm very impressed by the beauty of this work. From the cover of the book to the poetry. It is just perfection at its finest. Get a copy, and you'll love it.