Duke In Washington, The (Classic Live Recordings 1943-1962) - Duke Ellington Orchestra (The)

Advantages: The final flourish from Britain's best loved Classical duo.
Disadvantages: Patchy musically with some pleasant "highs"; rather weak and ponderous libretto.

...Grand Duke". The staging for the first night was said to be spectacular and elaborate. The performance played in front of an enthusiastic audience. However, neither author is said to have been happy with the outcome. Gilbert is reported to have commented: "I'm not at all a proud mother and I never want to see the ugly misshapen little brat again." Sullivan's diary for the opening night records: "Parts of it dragged a little, dialogue too redundant, but success great and genuine I think". The Press at the time were tolerant initially but there was a general feeling that the partnership had grown tired and the plot was perilously thin. After 123 performances (the shortest run of any G&S opera except for the lost "Thespis") "The Grand Duke" closed. Sullivan lived another three years. He sought solace in the sun and proposed marriage (and... Read review

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Advantages: Great songs - wonderful, popular tunes
Disadvantages: A few songs aren't as good as the others

...Orchestra. Not much can be said about it except that it's an excellent recording of this famous classical piece of music. 2. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers (06:45) This piece that is featured in the film Fantasia is played by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. It is a waltz that in my opinion is all right - it's not one of the best tracks on the CD but it is still quite nice and of as high a quality as all the other tracks. 3. Vivaldi: Four Seasons - Spring - first movement (03:08) This is played by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra with the solo violin part played by Anthony Marwood. This piece is amazing, it is probably the most famous of the four seasons by Vivaldi as the main theme from it is commonly found as mobile phone ring tones but this recording is an awful lot better than found in any ring tone... Read review

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Advantages: Superb playing and well-written music, cliche free
Disadvantages: Nothing

...I've been reluctant to write about this CD, since I generally can't string together two words about it. However, it is hands down my favourite Duke Ellington CD, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you all! 'Such Sweet Thunder' is dedicated to the Stratford, Ontario Shakespearean Festival, and all the pieces are based on Shakepeare characters or sonnets. This has absolutely no reflection in the music though, so it's best just to sit back and enjoy the ride. Track Listing (HUGE, bear with me) 1. Such Sweet Thunder, 2. Sonnet for Caesar, 3. Sonnet to Hank Cinq, 4. Lady Mac, 5. Sonnet in Search of a Moor, 6. The Telecasters, 7. Up And Down, 8. Sonnet for Sister Kate, 9. The Star-Crossed Lovers, 10. Madness in Great Ones, 11. Half the Fun, 12. Circle of Fourths, BONUS TRACKS: 13. The Star-Crossed Lovers, 14. Circle of Fourths, 15... Read review

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