Le Heavenly

It is an oft-repeated saw, about life in the heavenly spheres, that the angels revere Bach but listen to Mozart. If they have DVD players, you can bet they're now watching this stunning production of Le Nozze di Figaro ("The Marriage of Figaro"), which comes about as close to Mozartian perfection as one could possibly hope to get. The faultlessly cast youthful performers bubble with infectious energy. Alison Hagley is a sprightly Susanna with a voice as clear as a bell, and brilliantly matched by a 28-year-old Bryn Terfel both acting and sounding in fine form. Hillevi Martinpelto demonstrates why she is one of the world's favourite Mozart singers with her melting tones, richly coloured voice and generous stage presence, and Rodney Gilfry gives a muscular, wonderfully controlled performance as the Count.

This release from Australian award-winning pianist Tamara Anna Cislowska was recorded in February 1997 at the Conservatorium of Music, Newcastle. and consists of mystical, exotic, visionary, ancient and other-worldly timeless piano music for the modern world. It offers a musical experience unlike that of any other piano album - dreamy, exotic textures that will transport the listener to far away places and peaceful contemplative worlds.

Baritone Gerald Finley's generous selection of Barber's songs includes two of his most familiar cycles, 11 individual songs, and Dover Beach, for baritone and string quartet. The songs all come from Barber's early period and range from "There is nae Lark," written when he was 17, to the Hermit Songs of 1953. Finley doesn't have a huge voice, but he can deliver plenty of power when required, and he has an appealing warmth and ease. His delivery is refreshingly free and unmannered, and it is ideally suited to the directness of Barber's songs. He shows wonderful sensitivity to the texts and makes even the most overdone songs, such as "The Daisies," sound convincing and newly imagined. The Hermit Songs are sung almost exclusively by women, perhaps because of the tradition that Barber established when he gave the premiere performance accompanying Leontyne Price, whose recording remains a gold standard. The texts, mostly written by Medieval Irish monks, largely reflect a male perspective, and Finley's fine performance ought to give courage to more men to take up the cycle.

A massive collection with faszinating mystic sounds from Africa, Asia and Orient. "Buddha Deluxe Lounge" with his 50 trax slides you in a faszinating mystic mood. Exotic instruments, mystic vocals phrases, a mystical journey into another world. Special Highlights at this compilation are from: Persia Beatz, Frank Borell, Satin Sound System, Vladi Strecker, Cafe Americaine, Asian Chill Art, Mahoroba, Space Tourist, Thermodynamics, Sean Hayman, Noise Boyz and many more. Enjoy "Buddha Deluxe Lounge Vol.8" …50 mystic bar sounds!
Includes continuous mix by DJ Maretimo.