Customer Reviews

American Anthem

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The cover leads you to believe you are buying a Denyce Graves CD. Don't believe it. She only sings in 3 songs. The rest of the CD is an amalgamation of old, worn out recordings (e.g., Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops). If you want to appreciate the real Denyce Graves....pass up this CD and head to the Opera section.

Featuring Denyce Graves on the cover was a smart move for the marketers. Just twenty per cent (3 of 15) of the offerings feature Ms. Graves. Her work on the album is wonderful, and some of the other pieces have their appeal, but if you are looking for a Denyce Graves concert, you will need to look elsewhere.

Yes, it is true that Ms. Graves is only on a few of the tracks of this CD; however, I believe that I, like many other people, can overlook the marketing and enjoy the whole picture.

My brother received this CD for Christmas from one of my nieces. I have really been stricken with the beautiful music of all the tracks and am now ordering one for myself.

One of the most beautiful tracks of the CD is the "Lift Every Voice and Sing". We sang this same hymn at my church recently. It is a non-denominational church where no one is excluded. It is a very fitting anthem for the doctrine of the church. After hearing the anthem sung on the CD, I have a new appreciation for the words.

I am so glad I am not a purist so I can enjoy the fine arts.

I did consider this CD a pleasure and an honor to own. I happen to be partial to mezzo-sopranos and contraltos and the other selections rounded out this CD well for my enjoyment. This lady gave us a memorable rendition of 'America' during the National Prayer Service for the September 11, 2001 tradegy and while it was not the same it was great. I'm so happy to have contempory opera singers grace us with their elegance. While I listened to this CD I truly remembered why I love America. WE have so many references, cultures, and musics to enjoy and the best of the best were selected. Priceless.

This CD is truly an Anthem to America. Inspired by the trauma of the 9-11 terrorist attacks in NYC, Pennsylvania and D.C., it reminds the listener of the threads of ethnicity and courage and persistence that are woven into the fabric of our nation. The selections stir deep feelings of patriotism; there is a unified message, passionate and brimming with a love of liberty and its responsibilities.

Amazon designates as SPOTLITE reviews TWO that are negative. Those writers believed that the marketing of the CD is deceptive. Yes, "denyce graves" sings in only three pieces - - but Amazon is 'off kilter' too, by not seeking balance by also including ONE FAVORABLE REVIEW.

The CD's emphasis is on music that is PRECIOUS to U.S. citizens. This goal is achieved, not in "worn-out recordings" but by the deeply moving voice of icon Marian Anderson singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," for example. Also, Graves' "Anthem" is extraordinary & the black hymn "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" is spine-tingling. Traditional music like "Shenandoah," James Galway playing his flute, "Simple Gifts" and another Copland composition thrill us with even more reminders of our truly rich heritage.

A collection such as this is designated to bring 'Americans' together, unified with forgiveness and compassion. Modern marketing is not necessarily honest - - consider the selling of books, of religion, of sports figures, and on & on! We have to regret that the proceeds were evidently not given to suffering survivors but must be thankful for a compilation of tremendous music that touches hearts just as first glimpses of Cape Cod or the Statue of Liberty move every home-coming citizen. Reviewer mcHAIKU honors "denyce graves" for lending her voice and beautiful presence to this worthwhile tribute to victims, and to our shared beliefs. We must protect our freedom through openness - - not secrecy, fear and the fostering of divisiveness. The cover for this CD might have been even more appropriate had it featured our country "From Sea to Shining Sea."

We bought this CD for the title song, "An American Anthem". It is beautifully rendered by Denyce Graves and reminiscent of her participation in the memorial service at National Cathedral following the tragedy of 9/11.

The other bands hold the customary patriotic hymns and anthems, presented by a variety of orchestras and singers. Apparently they serve as backfill behind the title song. All are done well enough, but otherwise unremarkable. Still, this CD is a very good value for anyone who wants a collection of all the patriotic standards.

Despite the above objections, I find the recording of American Anthem by Denyce Graves, included here, to be just too beautiful to pass up this CD. For me, to have this one song alone to enjoy is worth the price.