CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson - Handel Arias

by: Lorraine Hunt

Release Date August 10, 2004
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson was a wonderfully talented mezzo soprano, who dies far too soon. To begin, I can only quote from another reviewer: "And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago [in 2006]. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer. It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career. The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament that we can no longer hear any great roles from this artist. She will be missed." Such circumstances leave one with two separate emotions--sorrow for a passing so early and gratitude for having been able to experience her talent.

On this ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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900 Years - Hildegard von Bingen / Sequentia

by: Hildegard von Bingen, Sequentia

Release Date September 15, 1998
This is a wonderful collection of CDs. The early music includes plain song, male and female chant, and instrumental pieces. The package is gorgeous with Bizantine fresco art work on each jewel case. For those contemplating purchase, the group is composed of previous releases: Canticles of Estacy, Voice of Blood, O Jerusalem, Symphoniae, Ordo Virtutum, and Saints. These total $117.28 if you buy them individually so there is a real savings here. Those who are new to early music are in for a treat. This is music so old it is new, and as has been said, could be music of 900 years into the future. It is so other worldly, you are easily put into a meditative state. There is enough music here to fill your whole day with ecstasy.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Carmina Burana

by: Harvard University Choir

Release Date June 10, 1997
This has to be one of the finest recordings I have ever heard
in my life.
Breathtakingly beautiful.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Le Jardin de Mélodies

from: Harmonia Mundi Fr.

Release Date October 14, 1997
No need to go into great detail...BUY THIS CD if you have any interest at all in early music, or just exceptionally good performances in general...DO IT...DO IT NOW!!!

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Trouveres-Courtly Love Songs from Northern France [Deutsche Harmonia Mundi]

from: RCA

Release Date April 05, 1991
No need to go into great detail...BUY THIS CD if you have any interest at all in early music, or just exceptionally good performances in general...DO IT...DO IT NOW!!!

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Hildegard von Bingen: Symphoniae

from: Deutsche Harmonia Mun

Release Date January 01, 1989
No need to go into great detail...BUY THIS CD if you have any interest at all in early music, or just exceptionally good performances in general...DO IT...DO IT NOW!!!

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Philippe Le Chancelier: Ecole de Notre Dame

from: Deutsche Harm Mundi

Release Date March 29, 2004
No need to go into great detail...BUY THIS CD if you have any interest at all in early music, or just exceptionally good performances in general...DO IT...DO IT NOW!!!

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Provence mystique: Sacred Songs of the Middle Ages

from: Elektra / Wea

Release Date August 24, 1999
This album reminds me a lot of Sequentia's albums on the music of Hildegard of Bingen. However, I won't compare the two because I think it's unfair. To start with, even thought the title of this work states that the music is "sacred songs of the Middle Ages", I found that to be a bit misleading. The music was written by laymen, one of whom actually happens to be a king (Alfonso el Sabio), so it would be better to say that this is music that has religious themes (although if you read the lyrics that isn't entirely true for all songs) and were probably sung in a king's or nobleman's court. However, it hardly matters. Anne Azema's voice is very easy on the ears, and the arrangements are perfect. The spoken pieces (there are only two) ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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O: Original Motion Picture Score

from: Varese Sarabande

Release Date August 28, 2001
I found Jeff Danna's lush score both beautiful and disturbing,
like the classic dames of 40's noir film. Shiny and sleek as a
diamond, but with a fracture running through its dark and wounded
heart. Moorish filagrees accent a full-bodied string score that
could easily have accompanied Ingrid Bergman down a twisted
alley, and the big hall sound keeps the pavement wet throughout.
Like a Globe Theater production of "The Big Sleep".

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Le Jeu d' Amour

from: Erato/WEA

Release Date April 15, 1997
Crisp sound, brilliant performance, eclectic repetoire.

An incredible pleasure. Both singer and musicians are at their best in this fine recording.

If you enjoy medieval or baroque music, this CD is not to be missed.