Two Words, One Answer.
fugue follow
 The Story of Bach $2.98 I had heard about this series from other homeschool moms. The biographies are interspersed with related musical samples from the composers' more famous pieces, presented in chronological form. The narrator has an old-fashioned style that I like. It's a great introduction for those of us who did not grow up listening to classical music. The narrator always includes details from the composers' childhoods, which never fails to draw the kids in. They like the stories, and surprise me later when they are able to recognize the pieces or composers when we sometimes hear them on the radio. The kids will often get up and dance around and generally act goofy when I put the CDs on, but at least they are finding the music engaging. Music Masters is a very inexpensive, practical curriculum choice for parents who, when it comes to music, are more facilitators than teachers.  Guys and Dolls 50th-Anniversary Cast Recording $13.98 This all-new touring production of GUYS AND DOLLS has been touted the 50th Anniversary Production, and has been given the seal of approval by none other than Mrs Frank Loesser herself.This cast is headlined by veteran Maurice Hines as Nathan Detroit, and features Brian Sutherland as Sky, Diane Sutherland as Sarah Browne and Alexandra Foucard as Miss Adelaide.The cast is uniformably excellent; Hines has the right amount of attitude as Nathan, Brian Sutherland's beautiful voice is well-suited to Sky, real-life wife Diane is a thrillingly-realised Sarah, and Alexandra Foucard is a bewitching mix of both Vivian Blaine and Faith Prince.This cast started out at a production by the Arena Stage in Washington before heading out for a touring season in an all-new production.Highly-recommended, but make sure you also check out (if you haven't already) the 1950 Original Broadway Cast (on the Decca Broadway label) and the 1992 Broadway revival (on the RCA label).  Guys and Dolls (2001 London Music Theatre Hour Cast) $18.98 This recording is good but it is not the best version that your money can buy. There are some very solid performances here with Emily Loesser making a great outing as Sarah, and her real life husband Don Stephenson bringing the house down with his WONDERFUL rendition of "Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat". Ron Raines(of whom I am a huge fan) sings the role of Sky well because he is a fabulous singer, but he doesn't fit the role of Masterson at all. So in this area there could have been a better casting choice. Criswell is fine as Adelaide and the rest of the cast works well. So...this is a quality recording with two standout performances but you could use your money to but better such as the 92' revival or the New 2001 Maurice Hines recording. |
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