Customer Reviews

Lake Wobegon Loyalty Days - A Recital for Mixed Baritone and Orchestra

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
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2 star:		(1)
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I have always enjoyed the unique humor of Garrison Keillor, and especially his poking fun at his severe Lutheran background. I especially enjoyed his take-off on Benjamin Britten's "A Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra." Keillor did a Lutheran guide, ingeniously suggesting what kind of people choose particular instruments. There is an impressive real symphonic accompaniment, highlighting each instrument, which in itself is serious and accurate enough to help a young person actually recognize the instruments of a symphonic orchestra.

After shuffling this CD around for some time (I had sort of "inherited" it from my father, and just hadn't gotten around to listening to it), I finally gave it a go on the stereo...and was utterly delighted. Here is a wonderful example of Keillor's work - warmly poking fun at his home state, making his classic commentary on Lutheranism, and peeking a little into his past. It makes for great comedy, and wonderful listening.

Let's go through this sequentially, shall we? The "Whoopi Ti-Yi-Yo" piece is great - the song about a humorist's work, set to cattle-rustling music is such a clever concept, you'll have to hear it for yourself. Just the fact that he mentions his "hand-carved, hand-tooled ballpoint" makes it an instant Keillor classic. The "Sons of Knute", set to Grieg's Homage March is wonderful, as well - such silly lyrics ("Sons of Knute, marching to freedom...") set to such a noble composition - it's a marriage made in heaven. "The Young Lutheran's Guide to the Orchestra" will surely go down as one of the great Keillor works - it's pure genius. His description of each instrument's sound, and what one should associate it with, is guaranteed to draw laughter from the stodgiest curmudgeon. And, of course, the analysis of each instrument's player - priceless. "The Radio Announcer" is classic Keillor nostalgia, touched with hilarity, and bittersweet memory - the outcome of his college radio career is absolutely knee-slapping. Finally, the "Song of the Exiles" shows Keillor at his best - almost hypnotizing in his ability to capture in words the character of a place, time and surrounding experience. Here is where his work truly shines, and it is the perfect way to wind up the album. Through it all, the Minnesota Orchestra accompanies beautifully, enhancing perfectly Keillor's written word. Everything falls into place seamlessly.

I can honestly say that this CD is among my top twenty, and is never far from my stereo. It fits my every mood, and I never tire of it. If you're a fan of Keillor, it's a must-have. If you're new to his work, here's a good place to start.

Heard "Young Lutheran's Guide to the Orchestra" on the radio and just had to have it. Along with this great cut, discovered other material in the same great vein as Keillor's other stuff.

"The Radio Announcer" piece is but one such example, here his story of young college kid who wants to impress Renee, but finds future life's work in so doing. "And now, without commerical intervention, J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion" Off to the library! Hilarious and entertaining.

Neat stuff to share with all ages, from this classic storyteller who can also sing the blues as well as yodel.

This tape provides gentle humor and excellent music. It is patriotic without being sentimental and ironic without being mean. If you know a music lover who is going on a road trip soon, give this tape or CD as a gift. It is perfect road trip entertainment. Garrison Keillor fans will love this and be quite at home with his ironic and funny stories. Those who are not familiar with Keillor will soon be fans.

I have been a big fan of Garrison for about 20 years. I loved his first works. This last one I purchased 'Lake Wobegon Loyalty Days has too much music and not enough story telling, which he does best.

Patricia Corbari

The world famous Garrison Keillor gives a perspective to the orchestra in never before seen light. How many pieces of music are there that have the trombones sounding like cattle? The delightful music and commentary make for some of the funniest time you will remember for weeks to come. A must for fans, and a good buy no matter who you are.

I have a small collection of his CDs. I enjoyed this one as well. Not my most favorite but it is so far in the top 5.

This is one of my favorite Keillor CD's. It reminds one of a more simple, peaceful and happy time.

This record by Garrison Keillor is both subtle and also hilarious. The anthem of the Sons of Knute stands out as a comic masterpiece. It is closely follwed in quality by the tale of the Radio Announcer which incorporates Garrison Keillor's brand of quiet desperation with comic genius. The record audience is clearly Keillor addicts and completely in his thrall, as the listener soon is too.
One can play this record over and over and still find new subleties in its construction. This is a rare American comic genius who can pull quiet fun at America in the kindest way.