CD-Charts Position 141
Average Rating:

Saint-Saëns: Oratorio de Noël, Op. 12; Messe, Op. 4 [Hybrid SACD]

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Cantate

Release Date December 20, 2005
An uplifting and lovely adaptation of the Christmas Oratorio. While the choir is especially good, and soloists are above average, my favorite is the orchestra. Enjoy anytime, but of course, especially during Advent.

CD-Charts Position 142
Average Rating:

Handel: Acis and Galatea

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Chandos

Release Date January 15, 2008
I have tried out a number of Acis and Galatea's over the years, and this is still my favorite. Admittedly, it was my first, so that may be the reason I find the others not-quite-satisfying. In any case, Boult's approach is impeccable -- and amazing considering that this was recorded before the authenticity movement. He fully captures the lightness and charm, either or both of which are missing in much of the competition.

Sutherland excelled at sounding like a sweet young thing, which is perfect here. Pears' voice may not be beautiful but it's pleasing and he beautifully captures the callow youth of Acis. Brannigan was a wonderful basso buffo and, if you look at Polyphemus as a love-sick oaf (which seems what Handel had in mind), ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 143
Average Rating:

Go For Baroque! - The Canadian Brass

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: RCA

Release Date August 15, 1995
Biscuits O'bryan: Texas Storyteller (Texas Heritage)
These guys have lots of fun with Bach, et al. There musical quality is terrific and the arrangements are spectacular.

CD-Charts Position 144
Average Rating:

Cantate Domino

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Proprius Records

Release Date May 17, 2005
This is one of the best albums in my music collection. It was recorded in a church and you can feel the air that is not easily attainable in normal studio recordings. The performance is also one of the best IMHO. If you're a true music lover, I'm pretty sure that you will appreciate this beautiful classic for years to come!

CD-Charts Position 145
Average Rating:

Just for the Record: The Golden Voice

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Decca

Release Date November 11, 2003
This 2-CD set includes 32 separate "cuts." Thus, it provides a perspective on the broad range of works that Marilyn Horne mastered. While some pockets of work may be given somewhat short shrift (e.g., Rossini), overall this shows off her skills nicely. Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania (one of the coldest places in the nation during winter), she made her operatic debut in 1954. In liner notes copyrighted in 2003, she notes that: "Can't believe it's time for a 70th birthday celebration. . . ." And neither can I, since I recall hearing her perform at the Met (via the old Texaco opera show), and it does not seem all that long ago!

Some cuts well depict her artistry across a range of genres and composers.

The "Habanera" from Bizet's ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 146
Average Rating:

20 Classical Favorites

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Madacy Records

Release Date April 16, 1995
I can't remember why I bought this cd but I can't be happier that I did. What a pleasant surprise. A disk of 20 songs for about [price]. Very nicely arranged and perfect for relaxing, driving, or work.

CD-Charts Position 147
Average Rating:

The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: RCA

Release Date March 06, 2001
I can't remember why I bought this cd but I can't be happier that I did. What a pleasant surprise. A disk of 20 songs for about [price]. Very nicely arranged and perfect for relaxing, driving, or work.

CD-Charts Position 148
Average Rating:

Cecilia Bartoli - Live in Italy / Jean-Yves Thibaudet

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
by: George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, Giulio Caccini, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Pauline Viardot, Hector Berlioz, Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, Gioachino Rossini, Umberto Giordano, Xavier Montsalvatge, Georges Bizet, Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca, Cecilia Bartoli, Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Release Date October 20, 1998
I really enjoy Bartoli's artistry and interpretation. This CD is a must have. If you are a Bartoli aficionado you can hear a slightly darker quality in her voice, as this recording is from the earlier period of her career (my opinion).

CD-Charts Position 149
Average Rating:

Schoenberg: Pierrot lunaire - Lied der Waldtaube - Erwartung / Minton, J. Martin, J. Norman, Zukerman, Harrell, Barenboim; Boulez

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
by: Arnold Schoenberg, Ensemble InterContemporain, Pierre Boulez, Jessye Norman, Yvonne Minton, Daniel Barenboim, Lynn Harrell, Michel Debost, Antony Pay, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Janis Martin

Release Date July 13, 1993
I have a Boulez recording of the Pierrot Lunaire that I recorded on tape from a friend's Lp in 1979. I don't know anything about this lp, except that it is a Boulez's direction, but I think that it is an earlier version of this 1977 recording. The "sprechstimme" is realized better than the De Gaetani recording, obviously better than this '77 Boulez recording (here the reciter sing, and the Pierrot sould absolutely not be sung) and much better than the 1997 recording with Christine Schafer, who sing and often seems, I don't know how to say, almost like a "strangled hen"!... If anybody knows if this recording (my earlier Boulez recording on tape) is available on cd please tell us!!!

CD-Charts Position 150
Average Rating:

Christmas with the Cambridge Singers

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Collegium

Release Date January 28, 1993
I bought this CD back in 1999 because of the song "What Sweeter Music," which was used in the Volvo commercial. The rest of the CD is exceptional choral Christmas music, and I am truly grateful I bought this CD when I did, as apparently it is currently out of print. If you can find this CD, buy it, as it will be the most beautiful Christmas music you will ever hear.