Old Man Birthday

There was nothing like the Robeson sound, ever. To describe his deep, rich, perfectly equalized instrument is futile. Go instead to "Balm in Gilead," the opening track, and see if you can listen to the last pianissimo phrase without falling to pieces. Robeson was at his best when the music was slow and the words contained spiritual or social messages. Faster, lighter fare like Kern's "I Still Suits Me" or Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" find the serious-minded singer out of his element, lacking irony and swing. "Old Man River," though, gets a simple, dignified treatment. It's Songs of Free Men, though, that will just keep Robeson's artistry rolling along, especially in Sony's astonishing transfers.

Greatest Ever Sixties brings you the best-loved songs and artists from one of the most eclectic decades in music. Rock, Country, Folk, Pop and Soul all vie for attention in this incredible value-for-money 3CD set. Featuring Lulu , Tom Jones , Diana Ross & The Supremes , Small Faces, Spencer Davis Group , Julie Driscol, Brian Auger & The Trinity , Marvin Gaye , The Mamas And The Papas , Jose Feliciano , Procol Harum , Long John Baldry , Donovan , Dusty Springfield , 5th Dimension , Scott McKenzie , Ralph McTell , Jackie Trent , Lonnie Donegan and much more.

This 2009 production of Haydn's Il Mondo della Luna for the Theater an der Wien, conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt for his 80th birthday celebrations, is a treat for anyone interested in seeing rarely performed opera of quality and distinction, and seeing this particular 'dramma giocoso' done playfully and intelligently with respect and understanding for the material.