Kiri Sings Karl

Seung-Wook Seong (Performer), Carlos Guastavino (Composer), Ariel Ramirez (Composer), Gabriel Faure (Composer), Karl Jenkins (Composer), Alberto Ginastera (Composer), Karl Jenkins (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Kiri Te Kanawa (Performer), Anna-Mari Kähärä (Performer), Säde Rissanen (Performer), Adiemus Singers (Performer), Mervi Hiltunen-Multamäki (Performer), Nina Tapio (Performer), Pirjo Aittomäki (Performer), Merja Rajala (Performer), Hanna-Riika Siitonen (Performer), Mia Simanainen (Performer), Riikka Timonen (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Seung-Wook Seong, Kiri Te Kanawa, Anna-Mari Kähärä, Säde Rissanen, Adiemus Singers, et al.
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Karl Jenkins
• Composer: Carlos Guastavino, Ariel Ramirez, Gabriel Faure, Karl Jenkins, Alberto Ginastera
• Audio CD (October 9, 2006)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B000I2KPFK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,297 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Karl Jenkins is a composer and arranger whose music is best described as "new-age world," a combination of gentle sounds with Latin or African beats, sometimes backed up by a sort of dreamy chorus. His "Mass for Peace" has become something of a phenomenon and has been performed frequently over the past two years. Here he has composed or arranged music of Argentina, Wales, and a couple of composers--Fauré, Chopin, and Beethoven--and texts have been added, sung by the great soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, in what must be seen as the twilight of her career. The overall effect is hypnotic: mild, soft-edged whisperings by the almost unrecognizable Te Kanawa, singing so indistinctly that it is difficult to tell what language the songs are in, and recorded with a matte finish that lulls the listener into a type of faraway submission. The Beethoven and Chopin are sung in a language that Jenkins has invented. Fans of the diva will be startled by the sound of her voice; this is clearly for those who admire the composer's work. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She's Back!, December 1, 2006

By 

A.H. "lovetotweet" (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kiri Sings Karl (Audio CD)

I was delighted when this recording came out after several years with nothing new from Kiri ("best of" collections not included). It is very different from anything she's recorded before, with the possible exception of "Maori Songs", and it is absolutely delightful. As a professional musician, I can't see how another reviewer thought there was age on her voice. Certainly, she is not singing in the operatic fashion, which would not fit this repertoire, so the sound is different. But, her voice sounds remarkably fresh for 63 (a sign of impecable singing technique); she's definitely still in her prime. Moreover, the enjoyment she finds in the music shines through. Several languages are represented on this album, and one reveiw critisized her pronunciation. During a recent interview with Kiri, she touched on all of the research she did to make sure her pronunciation was as accurate as possible. Given her stature in the field, I would certainly trust that she did her homework...regardless, there is nothing in the language that should put anyone off from enjoying this remarkable album.

It's hard to categorize this project; many genres are present and I found it remarkable that a collection full of such different styles and sounds could fit together so well. If you are an opera purest, this may not be your cup of tea, but, then again, it's not attempting to be opera. This collection is full of interesting instrumentations, ethnic sounds, rhythmic inventions, and, most of all, amazing singing ("In Paradisum" requires incredible skill). I have listened to just about everything Kiri has recorded and she is my most favorite singer. Out of everything, this ranks in the top five on my list of favorite Kiri recordings.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A sad work, November 12, 2006

By 

M. Montenegro (mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kiri Sings Karl (Audio CD)

I have always admired Kiri's voice and artistry... And I bought this CD knowing that I could not expect the creamy voice of 10 years ago... but I was not prepared to hear her in such a bad condition. The music is in the concept of "Fussion" (latin-african design) which is too much in fashion this days. Some of the songs are K. Jenkins own compositions. The material in itself is very interesting, but the performance is banal. The worst is Kiri's diction... terrible. when she sings the spanish songs, you know she does not even understand herself... you cannot accept that of an international singer like her. After hearing the CD I was kind of sad...

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful kiri, December 3, 2006

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Kevin Woo "wooky" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kiri Sings Karl (Audio CD)

This cd is full of surprises. Kiri's voice is a bit worn but still as mesmerizing as ever.