There is good news on the horizon…in 3 days SUMMER will officially begin! To celebrate, I have assembled a list of some of my favorite tunes. This is my last staff pick blog of the semester so I hope you enjoy!

Dreamgirls - Original Broadway Recording (CD 10032): Everyone knows the movie version (if you don’t…go see it NOW) but did you know Dreamgirls is originally a musical? The soundtrack is one of the best with classics such as “And I am Telling You” and “One Night Only”. The voices on this CD are stunning and the songs are so catchy they will be stuck in your head for days.

Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now (CD 9711): Miss Mitchell has always had a soft spot in my heart because I was raised listening to her albums over and over again due to my mother’s slight obsession with her. Her songs are timeless and have the ability to completely relax you. Just listen and see for yourself!

Afro-sambas – Baden Powell & Vinícius de Moraes (CD 3353): My two favorite world music genres are African and Brazilian so this CD combines the best of both worlds. Afro-samba is Brazilian music inspired by African beats and rhythms. The songs will immediately make you want to get up and dance even if you are incredibly uncoordinated like yours truly.

Beastie Boys – Hello Nasty (CD 2391): The Beastie Boys are the longest-lived hip hop act in the world and their music never seizes to amaze me. Hello Nasty is filled with amazing creativity and depth, which has made it one of my favorite albums ever made. The death of MCA last year showed how loved the Beastie Boys are and always will be. They are pioneers in the rap world and their legacy will live forever.

Woodstock – 3 Days of Peace & Music 25th Anniversary Collection (CD 1268): This semester I took a class on the 1960′s and one of the main topics throughout the class was the power of music. The entire counterculture of the Sixties was expressed through music and the biggest gathering of this expression was of course…Woodstock. This anniversary collection includes all of the legends such as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Country Joe and the Fish and more.

That’s all for now!

Have a great summer and don’t forget to swing by the Music Library because we will be open all break!

Cheers,

Eva

Here is some of everything from the flora and the fauna to the cosmos and “nature, life, and love.”

• Songs of the Black Swan: Works Inspired By Nature – CD 9723
• “Nature, Life, and Love:” three concert overtures : In nature’s realm, op. 91, Carnival, op. 92, Othello, op. 93 ; Symphonic variations, op. 78 ; Scherzo capriccioso, op. 66 – Antonin Dvorak – CD 6099
• Songs of America on Home, Love, Nature, and Death – CD 6533
• Animal Songs: Bestiaries in English, French, and German – Stephen Swanson – CD 9954
• Le sacre du printemps – Igor Stravinsky – CD 2289

Picture yourself right here.

This set of Staff Picks is dedicated to currently performing string quartets and new music ensembles/composers.

CD 5290 — Six Quartets, Op. 20 — Haydn

The quartets are pretty standard Haydn works but the cool part about this CD is that this recording is played by the Daedalus Quartet.  The Daedalus Quartet is considered a leader among the newest generation of string ensembles.  The members of this string quartet hold degrees from the Julliard School, Curtis Institute, Cleveland Institute, and Harvard University.  Min-Young Kim and Matilda Kaul play violin, Jessica Thompson plays the viola, and Thomas Kraines plays the ‘cello.  This CD was released in 2009.

CD 10048 — Meanwhile — eighth blackbird

eighth blackbird “combines the finesse of a string quartet, the energy of a rock band and the audacity of a storefront theater company.” The members of the ensemble  “hail from America’s Great Lakes, Keystone, Golden and Bay States, and Australia’s Sunshine State.  There are four foodies, three beer snobs and one exercise junkie.”  It seems like it would be fun to hang with these folks. Tim Munro plays the flutes, Michael J. Maccaferri the clarinets, Yvonne Lam the violin & viola, Nicholas Photinos the ‘cello, Matthew Dunvall percussion, and Lisa Kaplan the piano.  This CD was released in 2012.

John Adams

I often reference works by John Adams in my Staff Picks, and I honestly don’t think I could ever forget to mention him.  Adams is a North American based new music composer.  Once again, the symphonic version of my favorite opera, CD 9695 — Doctor Atomic / Guide to Strange Places.  This CD was released in 2009.

CD 10053 - Adam’s Lament — Arvo Pärt

Do you like Arvo Pärt as much as Ethan Hicks? I doubt it, but you should still take a listen to this fantastic Pärt CD that explores many of his works including, but not limited to: Adam’s Lament, Beaatus Petronius, Salve Regina, and Estonian lullaby.  This CD was released in 2012.

Not so!

For my sixth staff picks post, I have a nice collection of awesome CDs including one of my favorite recordings

of…

all…

time…

Let’s get started then!

Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa

CD 5948

I first took out this CD two years ago on a whim. The name was really cool, and I had heard good things about this “Arvo Pärt” person. I then promptly forgot about it. A week later I drove up to Massachusetts overnight (to avoid the traffic from a few major cities) and discovered it on the seat next to me. It was something about the desolation of Interstate 84 in Connecticut at 4 a.m. mixed with the distant lamentations of the CD that stays with me to this day.  I can’t really describe it any other way, this is one of my favorite recordings.

Arvo Pärt: Te Deum

CD 5901

There is not much I can say about this CD other than that it is worth listening to.

Seriously…

Do it…

Kronos Quartet: Uniko

CD 5887

I don’t think there is ground left to tread that the Kronos Quartet has not already stomped all over. Anyway, get ready for this; Kronos Quartet collaborates with Finnish composers Samuli Kosminen and Kimmo Pohjonen to create a studio album that blends a string quartet with electronics and accordion. Yeah, I thought so too…

Kronos Quartet Performs Philip Glass

CD 6835

Now who doesnt love some arpeggiated triads?

Copland Conducts Copland

CD 3412

This CD is worth picking up for Lincoln Portrait alone. It’s perhaps one of the most famous recordings of the work and features Henry Fonda as the narrator. However, you also throw in Billy the Kid and the original Appalachian Spring ballet edition…

and Copland conducting????

Yes.

Eruptions: Orchestral Excerpts for Low Brass (CD 9444)

This CD is my new best friend, because really nothing sounds as powerfully dramatic as classical music in low brass!

Jorge Martin – Cello Music (CD 9442)

And now to throw a wrench into my low instrumental theme: country music! The music library actually has a pretty significant stash of country (also known as “the sounds of my childhood”) so I thought I would select some of my favorites to expose this collection to the light in case there are any country fans out there!

Jo Dee Messina – Burn (CD 2514)

Lonestar – Lonely Grill (CD 2959)

Dixie Chicks – Fly (CD 2511)

In Search of Beethoven: A film by Phil Grabsky  ~  DVD 202

Chamber music. There’s so much of it! I think Mendelssohn is a good place to start. His piano trios are remarkable (the man DID write “Songs without Words”).

Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor was written in 1839, the year before Schumann experienced his most prolific year of songwriting. I love that Schumann viewed Mendelssohn as the Mozart of the 19th century, saying that he was the “most of illuminating of musicians”. High praise.

The Piano Trios of Felix Mendelssohn  ~  CD 9069

2013 is the bicentennial of Verdi and Wagner! Orchestras and Opera companies all over the world are celebrating with seasons dedicated to performing great works, from the most famous to the lesser-known. The AUSO began the celebration in March with the overture from  Die Meistersinger von Nurmberg and they will be joined by the AU Chorus in a couple of weeks to keep the party going with Verdi’s Four Sacre Pezzi.

Simon Boccanegra  ~  CD 8802

Birgit Nilsson Sings Wagner Arias with Hans Hotter and Leopold Ludwig  ~  CD 8173

This one’s for Robert:

Meredith Monk: Turtle Dreams  ~  CD 9697

Filed under: Baroque, Brass, Cello, Chamber Music, Classical, DVDs, Libary News, Library Announcements, Live Performaces, Opera, Piano, Recordings, Romantic, Staff Picks, Uncategorized, Video, Violin, Vocal ]]> http://aumusiclibrary.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/carleys-staff-picks-3/feed/ 0 carleyde http://www.robertaonthearts.com/images/photos/film-in-search-of-beethoven.jpg The Argenta Trio http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Observer/Pix/pictures/2009/10/29/1256825449983/Placido-Domingo-001.jpg http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/68344748/Birgit+Nilsson.jpg Wut http://aumusiclibrary.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/evas-staff-picks-of-the-week/ http://aumusiclibrary.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/evas-staff-picks-of-the-week/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:07:50 +0000 eg4448b http://aumusiclibrary.wordpress.com/?p=3442 Continue reading →]]> Hello friends of the Music Library! I hope you had a relaxing (or exciting?!) spring break and are ready for this final stretch of the semester. It feels like we just had midterms yet finals are already looming on the horizon although that does mean summer is finally approaching!

Here are some of my favorite tunes to help you recover from the post-spring break blues, enjoy!

- Jacques Brel- Infinement (CD 5130) : Although frequently mistaken as a French singer (even by our music connoisseur Cene Ketcham), this gem of an artist is actually Belgian! I am always eager to correct this unfortunate mistake because I myself am Belgian and grew up listening to his unique smokey voice. Brel is a legend in my eyes and his theatrical songs tell stories that will never leave you.

- Edith Piaf (CD 5309) : I figured I should continue with this Chanson theme and pick one of my favorite ladies Edith Piaf (who yes is French). Miss Piaf still blows me away every time I listen to her. La Vie en rose will always remain one of the most beautiful songs written.

- Fela! – Broadway Recording (CD 5286) : Shifting drastically away from Piaf and Brel, this pick is one that I keep coming back to. I first saw Fela! The Musical in London 4 or 5 years ago and the music was so unique and compelling that I immediately purchased the CD. Ever since, it has became my go-to in times of low energy or inspiration. The African beats and catchy lyrics will happily be stuck in your head for days.

- The Essential Elvis Presley (CD 10001): I don’t think this needs much explanation but just to reiterate…Elvis is and always will be the King of Rock & Roll. This CD highlights his most famous songs and makes you regret that you weren’t alive in the fifties.

- The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations 30 years of the Beach Boys (CD 9992) : I am finishing this list with the ultimate feel-good/no-stress music ever invented. This seriously impressive collection of 5 CD’s are perfection. Just listen and tune out the world.

That’s all for now. Have a great week and be sure to drop by the library for some new music!

Eva

Anita O’Day - Sings for Oscar/Pick Yourself Up (CD 10012)

We recently picked up a couple Anita O’Day CDs (as well as the acclaimed documentary Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (Music Library DVD 331)) filling a glaring hole in our vocal jazz selection. This particular disc combines two fantastic 1957 releases. The tremendous session with Oscar Peterson’s group – featuring Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and John Poole on drums – is the highlight, but the other sessions are no small shakes; the larger ensembles feature such heavy hitters as Stan Getz, Bud Shank, Barney Kessel, Jimmy Guiffre, and Shelly Manne among others. Anita is at the very peak of her vocal powers, proving that she can hold her own with anyone in the pantheon of jazz singers.

Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys - San Antonio Rose (CD 3264)

Bear Family Records out of Germany isn’t known for doing things half way, and this massive 11-CD plus DVD box set is no exception. Containing everything Bob Wills recorded from 1932-1947, including alternate takes, air checks,  and studio chatter, and an exhaustively thorough 180+ page book, this set is not for the faint of heart. Those willing to wade in will be surprised by the remarkably consistent quality of Wills’ tunes and bands over this time period, leaving little doubt as to the appropriateness of his title “the King of Western Swing.” His bands were forward-thinking and modern, combining big band jazz with popular country and old time fiddle music, and redefining what a country dance band could be by introducing horns, reeds, and drums. The included DVD of Take Me Back to Oklahoma, however, can be safely missed.

Georges Auric - La Belle et la Bête (Complete Film Score, 1946) (CD 10070 or streaming from Naxos Music Library)

Jean Cocteau‘s 1946 film version of the Beauty and the Beast story, besides providing Disney with the source material for their animated version, was notable for its lush, dreamy atmosphere, elaborate camera work, and deliberate, poetic pacing. George Auric‘s score is the perfect complement to the film’s rich visual style, and stands on its own as a wonderful example of 20th century impressionism.

V/A - The Great 1955 Shrine Concert (CD 3250 or streaming from American Song)

One of the best live gospel recordings of the pre-multitrack era, this disc captures several golden-age groups at the peak of their powers, and in an electric atmosphere that is closer to their natural environment than any recording studio. The most recognizable group on the bill for gospel novices is the Soul Stirrers, still featuring a young Sam Cooke. In the live setting they really stretch out; two of the group’s three tracks clock in at about eight minutes. Dorothy Love Coates’ Gospel Harmonettes turn in a 19 minute medley of hits, while the Pilgrim Travelers and the Caravans both turn in impassioned performances.

Yellow Magic Orchestra - BGM (CD 9351)

Japan’s Yellow Magic Orchestra spanned a variety of styles over the course of their career together, from pure pop and crossover electronic disco to experimental, semi-ambient electro-world beat (if such a genre actually exists). Their fourth album, BGM, occupies a place somewhere in between. The songs are less concerned with the dancefloor, and present a more mature, sometimes almost sleepy sound, while remaining catchy and memorable.  The tunes “Cue” and Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “1000 Knives” are the standouts.

Memphis: Original Broadway Cast Recording – CD 5218

Covering all moods from swinging to soulful, Memphis is about prejudice, music and love.

Les Miserables: The 2010 Cast Album – CD 5356

Familiarize yourself with the musical that recently took the big screen by storm, or delight your hipster soul in the knowledge that you’ve loved it for years already. Either way, I absolutely had to include Les Mis.

Fiddler On the Roof: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Recording – CD 4006

Everybody knows the Fiddler On the Roof, and if you don’t, now’s your chance! This is music that I never get tired of.

Little Women The Musical: Original Broadway Cast Recording – CD 3632

I got to see this musical when it toured, starring Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern, and ever since then I’ve been in love with it. If you liked the book, or are just a musical theater buff, you’ll almost definitely enjoy this too.

Oliver!: Original Studio Cast Recording – CD 5142

CD 3538 -  At Folsom Prison – Johnny Cash

In honor of Johnny Cash’s birthday (2/26), I’m picking one a Johnny Cash CD from the Music Library’s collection.  Here’s the transcription of part of Cash’s handwritten notes about “Folsom Prison Blues” that can be found in the liner notes:”The culture of a thousand years is shattered with the clanging of the cell door behind you.  Life outside, behind you immediately becomes unreal.  You begin to not care that it exists.  All you have with you in the cell is your bare animal instincts.”

CD 10051 – True Bluegrass Banjo

Bluegrass music exploded with a bang in the mid 1940s, and the instrument most responsible for the growing popularity of the music was the 5-string banjo as played by the masterful Earl Scruggs.  Scruggs inspired literally thousands of musicians to learn a new way of picking the banjo, and many of these artists went on to inspire countless others with this fascinating new style.  This is a CD that the Music Library recently acquired. I’m obsessed with it.  If you hear banjo music in Katzen–Wednesday mornings from 9:00-11:30–don’t be alarmed…I’m just jamming in the Music Library.

CD 9834 – Harmonium The Klinghoffer Choruses – John Adams

This CD is a great introduction to contemporary opera.  John Adams is also the composer of my favorite contemporary opera–Dr. Atomic.  The Death of Klinghoffer tells the story of the 1984 hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro by four Palestinian commandos and the subsequent killing of Leon Klinghoffer, a Jewish American passenger, whose body was thrown overboard in the wheelchair to which he had been confined.  Sounds like a pretty interesting opera to me.

CD 6753 – Ruffo

Ruffo Titta, (he reversed his names for the stage) was born in Pisa.  Coming from a large and poor family, Ruffo had an unhappy childhood and received no education.  From an early age he assisted his father as a blacksmith, but because of continued friction between them, Ruffo left home.  By the age of eighteen he had discovered his fine baritone voice and was admitted to the Santa Cecilia in Rome, becoming a pupil of the celebrated teacher, Persichini.  He’s a very interesting musician.

CD 6771 – Legendary Tenors & CD 6772 – Legendary Baritones

These two CDs are fantastic if you want to listen to the progression of styles of singing.  If you’re a baritone looking for new repertoire, I recommend listening to “Legendary Baritones.”  If you’re a tenor looking for new repertoire, I recommend you listen to “Legendary Tenors.”  Both CDs can be very informative.

Medici.tv – Virtual Classical Concert Hall

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Medici TV, you should take some time out of your busy schedule and go watch an opera…or a symphonic concert.