Customer Reviews

Spirituals

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What an amazing singer! I had only heard of Marian Anderson through reading books, and I happened to be thumbing through the cds in a cd-record exchange store when her name jumped out at me. I'm so very glad I shelled out my seven dollars! I'm not even really into spirituals, but something about the incredibly rich and impassioned quality of this legendary contralto's voice is completely irresistible. She connects so wonderfully with you when you're listening to it; you feel like she's singing to you, and you alone. Everything I've read on her remarks on her truly impressive range and vocal color, and it's all true. Her resonance can be a tiny bit unfocused...you can hear it in the vibrato sometimes...but this is an extreme rarity. There really is nothing to pick on about her voice-it just touches you in a deep way and won't let you go. These are historic recordings, and anyone, whether s/he likes African-American spirituals or not (and I admit I do now!) must add this CD to his/her collection. You will not be disappointed.

There is much to admire in this CD; despite the fact that these recordings were made in the 1930's the striking vocal color and the famous low notes are represented in beautiful sound. What appeals to me most is the unaffected artistry of the singer: she simply does not hide in her craft. Such pure and naked music-making is striking. This is singing completely free of mannerism. How rare a quality this is!
I am especially attracted to "Change my name", where the singer's identification and connection to the music seem indivisible.
The extraordinary courage and strength of the famous contralto Marian Anderson are manifest in her singing of these spirituals. I prefer it to the later recording done in Living Stereo, though I recommend that recording as well.
Do not hesitate to buy this.

An excellent collection, including some of her best-ever spirituals. "Were you there..." is spellbinding.

When my father came home one evening with that 33 1/3 record and put it on the pick-up, in late fifties of last century, I thought it was a man and a woman singing those marvelous spirituals. There was no cover photo, but only a painting: a profile of a black woman on a blue wall. I will never forget that day. Marian Anderson will remain for me one of the most exiting voices of all time.

Marian Anderson was a spectacular artist, for too long underestimated by American audiences. This record demonstrates her spectacular voice, her true artistry and her remarkable spititual force. For those of us who remember her live performances, it is a worthwhile gift to posterity.

This recording is exceptionally beautiful and moved me to tears at times. Ms. Anderson is able to convey the sorrowful sentiment of the spirituals from her heart. The contralto timbre of her voice has never been equalled by anyone in my opinion.The remastering of the music is excellent. For anyone who loves the magnificent simplicity of spirituals, this CD is a must. It contains the familiar ones and also some which I had never heard.

Marian Anderson communicates with the incredible voice God gave her. Her suffering amid segregation indignities did not destroy or cripple her; instead, it magnified her beauty inside and out. What a privilege to listen to her sing these spirituals.

Like many of my generation, I know Marion Anderson more in a historical than a musical context. I wanted to get to know her for what she was best known for--a strong woman with a strong voice.

The recordings are well preserved and I'm glad I've listened to them, but I'm afraid her contralto will continue to take time for these ears to grow into. I'm a product of sopranos, and I have to learn to listen with new ears.