Customer Reviews

40 Chansons D'Or

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Among all the giants of French "chanson" Charles Aznavour towers above all others. He is an absolute genius of both music and poetry. No one has been able to describe everyday feelings and emotions so realistically and yet beautifully. The incredible track "A ma fille", describes a parent's agony and pain at losing his daughter for good to the man she wants to marry. If you understand the language, Aznavour will no doubt be able to bring tears in your eyes. Qui? describes the anxiety of an older man, his fears of dying and leaving his younger wife behind and his jealousy towards the man who will become her new lover. Other tracks that will become timeless pieces are "La boheme" and "Tu t'laisse aller" among many others. Buy as much of Aznavour as you can because I doubt we will see or hear anyone with his talent for both poetry and music ever again. This CD of 40 masterpieces is an excellent start !

I just can't beleive what the reviewer from TORONTO wrote about CHARLES AZNAVOUR ,who is one of the true ambassador of FRENCH music since 1950.Contempt i think is the key word.This collection is an excellent summary of his career.When CHARLES started out ,it took him many years to gain acceptance from the public.He was not the people's idea of a crooner;he was little, didn't have the looks and had a strange habit of turning his back to the audience,but in the end he won them over.I have a special affection for IL FAUT SAVOIR and LA BOHEME two of his greatest songs. I can only think of one song missing here: JE TE RECHAUFFERAI.

Wow!! These two CDs actually made me cry!! They reminded me of my childhood, when my Mum played those songs and I found them too sad... Now, I thoroughly enjoy them, their poetry, their amazing words, the timeless quality of Charles Aznavour's magic.

Ok: as a singer he isn't the greatest, though he's good. Montand was more skillful and had that soft, tender, compelling voice, Brel was inimitably dramatic, strong, wicked, funny, heart-breaking - but Aznavour has proved during his long career, that there's room for him, too. After all, who needs another Montand or Brel, when there already was one of each? However, if you'd like to compare, Montand sang Aznavour's Sa jeunesse at least on 'Le Paris de Montand'. It's hard to find, sorry, but a lovely record.

And Aznavour's voice really isn't bad. At all. It's very strong and pleasing to the ear and it really grows on you. And this is absolutely the best collection available. Do not be fooled by others! And check out the inside covers: he really was a wonderful composer. His best ones are here: Hier encore (Yesterday when I was young), La boheme, Emmenez-moi, La mamma and the wonderful Les deux guitares, inspired by the old Russian song Two guitars. The verse is sang in Russian - and I just had to learn some to find out, what it's all about. Anyone who wants to know, contact me. Sa jeunesse sounded good too, but sorry, Aznavour-fans: Montand handled it better, he really enjoyed himself with the long notes and the demanding melody.

And how could anyone compare these arrangements to karaoke? With all the wonderful, live musicians, great big orchestras? And the baroque-style arrangemant in Desormais? Where's that karaoke that sounds like this record? I'll come there immediately!

I don't know Aznavour's production well enough to know, if something important is missing, so to me this sounds like a perfect collection. And the title above? It's from my favourite Emmenez-moi. "Take me to the ends of the earth, take me to the land of miracles, it seems to me that even misery is less painful under the sun..." And yes, there is passion in his voice!

I have been looking for a best of the best of Aznavour... then a friend put it on and I was touched. Of Course, Aznazour is the best passionated French singer and this album is the compilation of his best. This album is the one to have in your collection. --- Azanavour a beaucoup d albums, lequel choisir pour avoir ses meilleures chansons. Celui-ci est le meilleur que j ai entendu avec toute l intensité que l'on lui connait. Un must pour les collectionneurs.

I AGREE WITH THE OTHER TWO REVIEWERS. THIS GUY FROM TORONTO MUST BE AN IDIOT OR HE'S INTO RAP MUSIC.
CHARLES AZNAVOUR IS ONE OF THE GREATEST! RIGHT UP THERE WITH FRANK SINATRA (IF NOT BETTER). HOW COULD YOU NOT LOVE "LA BOHEME", ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS I HAVE HEARD.

This is Aznavour at his best... songs to listen to,

to remember, to sing. Even if French is not your

language, Aznavour makes it your language... they

are from his heart and soul...the place of every

language and emotion.

Charles Aznavour is not only a singer, but a composer and the greatest poet of all times. His artistic talents cannot even be summarized in a few lines! Anybody who has the nerve to negatively comment on great artists is obviously living in a sad sad world of their own.

Now, go back to your favorite bar and listen to your despicable music Mr. Toronto, will ya?

A great collection of songs that show a tremendous voice and gifted phrasing. Very pleased.

God help us. I'm sorry, but I don't need to be told who is good. This is what I call irritating arrangements! To me there is is no life in these arrangements. It is like Kareoke!