Search - Thomas Hampson, Leonard Bernstein, Giulio Caccini :: Ave Maria: The Myth of Mary

Loads of diversity, a whole lotta schlock and two gems...

Randolph R. Wagner | Houston, Texas United States | 12/31/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

""What was he thinking?" is the question for this album's producer, Wolfgang Mohr. It is filled with such a hodge-podge of "stuff" that it is guaranteed to disappoint most because they'll encounter something that offends their taste (this was certainly the case for me).



I can only assume that the intended audience is the classical cross-over crowd. Hence, the plethora of names intended to attract their attention: Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo (two of the three tenors), Sumi Jo and Sarah Brightman (whose marketing acumen far exceeds her modest vocal talents).



What the serious classical connoisseur might miss because of the packaging and the lack of named tracks on the outside of the CD case are two real gems: Barabara Bonney's radiant voice on Schubert's Ave Maria and Chanticleer's lush reading of Biebl's Ave Maria.



Schubert's Ave Maria is a secular "lied" based on Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake". It is sung here with Schubert's original German text instead of the Latin liturgical text that is often force-fit to Schubert's melody. Bonney sings absolutely beautifully.



Franz Biebl who just passed away a few years ago would have remained in obscurity if it were not for the outstanding American men's ensemble, Chanticleer, who "discovered" his setting of Ave Maria. The piece has acquired cult status amongst Chanticleer fans. To my knowledge, a recording of Chanticleer's rendition previously could only be found on their label on a Christmas album released in 1990 and is difficult to find these days. Having it available here is a big plus.



For those who like "Baroque Greatest Hits" compilations with souped-up romanticized versions of over-played favorites, this album has several tracks that will get you feeling warm and fuzzy all over. Giulio Caccini was an early Baroque composer who has become popular in recent years because of saccharine arrangements of his "Dona Nobis Pachem" and "Ave Maria" (the vocal equivalent to the arrangements of Albinoni's "Adagio" and Bach's "Air on the G string"). Sumi Jo very successfully exploits the mush-factor in the arrangement of Caccini's "Ave Maria". The Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria" is represented on two tracks - one sung by the baritone, Thomas Hampson, the other by Placido Domingo. Hampson does manage to avoid Domingo's vocal histrionics.



The wobbly, hooting falsetto on Tigerlillies "Maria" is simply bizarre..."

Let's not overgeneralize

blue-59 | Blount Springs, Alabama, United States | 07/13/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

""Overplayed and overvalued" applies neither to the Schubert nor the Mozart-both are sublime and immortal masterpieces. The Verdi and the Gounod may be lesser, but they are certainly worthy pieces. However, it is obvious that this haphazard compilation is quite superfluous. Superior collections of sacred music abound, many at bargain prices."

An incongruent compilation with the name Maria in common

HAN | NYC | 08/09/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Some of the songs, although having nothing to do with an "Ave Maria" title are acceptable like "Mary had a little lamb" and "Maria de Buenos Aires", or the "Maria" from West Side story. However that "Maria" by the "Tigerlilies" stands out as one of the most offensive, satanic, dark and creepy songs I ever heard. It literally describes to the detail the kidnapping, torturing, and ritualistic assassination of a human being, followed by a dark ritual of disfigurement with a knife and cannibalism, while chanting "Maria" in between. Although artistic and original, it just doesn't have a place in a compilation titled "AVE Maria": it really spoils the CD as a whole. Otherwise, the CD would get 4 stars and not 5 for a misleading title."