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| English Song Anthology | 
 enlarge | Creators: Thomas Dunhill, Gerald Finzi, Cecil Armstrong Gibbs, Ivor Gurney, Michael Head, Herbert Howells, John Ireland, Christmas Traditional, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Peter Warlock, Janet Baker, Martin Isepp
Label: Regis Records
Category: Music
List Price: $11.98
Buy New: $7.37
You Save: $4.61 (38%)
Buy New/Used from $7.37
Avg. Customer Rating:  (1 reviews)
Sales Rank: 181222
Format: Import
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 1265
UPC: 675754959029
EAN: 0675754959029
ASIN: B000M4RF5W
Release Date: January 30, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
"It was a lover and his lass.." April 13, 2007
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I was sifting through the dregs of a mound of vinyl records at a thrift store a few months ago, when I came across an old library discard, with a photograph of some old English buildings on the cover. It had a big tan pocket for the library card firmly affixed to the front, and the name of the library was printed in several places. I debated whether this record was worth a dollar. Not being an opera officianado, I wasn't familiar with Janet Baker, other than the name. I didn't know what to expect, but figured it was worth the gamble.
When at last I listened to it, I was transfixed. The album, "English Song Anthology", is a collection of English songs primarily from the early 20th century, as sung by Janet Baker, with piano accompaniment by Martin Isepp. Baker's singing is remarkable; apparently she was in her early 30's when this album was recorded, and the songs showcase her remarkable artistry and vocal range. Overall, Baker conveys great feeling and emotion in each song, and Isepp's performance is a perfect match.
The quality of the recording itself is not ideal; however, the performances more than make up for any technical shortcomings, and the album does capture the intimacy and warmth of the original performance, which is no small feat. When I first heard this record, and every time since, I have been impressed with the intimacy of it, as if these two performers had settled into my living room to sing a few songs they loved. I suppose that is why I've become so attached to it, and it's nice to see that it's available on c.d. now- I am glad that this performance has not been relegated to the world's dusty thrift store vinyl bins. In fact, the digital transfer is well done, and I would recommend this recording to anyone. You may not realize it yet, but if you're reading this, you should have this c.d. in your collection.
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