Pleasures of Their Company

John Dowland (Composer), Hector Villalobos (Composer), Charles Gounod (Composer), Enrique Granados (Composer), Kathleen Battle (Performer), Christopher Parkening (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Kathleen Battle, Christopher Parkening
• Composer: John Dowland, Hector Villalobos, Charles Gounod, Enrique Granados
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Digital
• ASIN: B000002RNM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #86,240 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #6 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( B ) > Battle, Kathleen
  #23 in	Music > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Battle, Kathleen
  #46 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( D ) > Dowland, John

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly Kathleen Battle's finest work ever..., December 8, 2001

By	Eric McCalla "reviewboy" (Denver, COLORADO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought a cassette copy of PLEASURES OF THEIR COMPANY on its initial release almost 20 years ago. Then, I picked up a CD copy immediately when that was available. Every time it is played, I am still amazed at Kathleen Battle's crystal-clear diction and the high level of musicianship she shares with Christopher Parkening.

She really could record an album of Dowland songs, as the opening song, "Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite" to me is one I could listen to a thousand times and never grow tired of it. Her voice is so joyous in its tone and you know she enjoyed making this album with Parkening.

The "Ave Maria" and Villa Lobos aria from the Bachianas Brasileiras #5 are the other 2 masterpieces. The "Ave Maria" is literally like hearing the voice of an angel. The purity of Ms. Battle's voice is breathtaking here.

Of all the guitar/voice recitals I've listened to, this is far and above the finest available.
Every home should have a copy!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ear Candy, January 29, 2000

By	Steven H. Hulme "Idaho Spud" (Boise, ID USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Let me admit right up front - I believe Kathleen Battle has the most beautiful voice on Planet Earth today. She can soar, she can belt it out, she can get into a nice groove, and she can whisper in your ear.

On this outing she is accompanied by Christopher Parkening, a fine classical guitarist who (I believe) studied with Segovia, and carries on in his stead. The sparse guitar accompaniment, combined with Ms. Battle's awesome voice, is an emotional treat. Parkening also does a couple solos, as does Battle (unaccompanied).

The material is quite varied, from sacred (Gounod's "Ave Maria") to Spanish folk songs and Brasilian songs, to spirituals (Sweet Little Jesus Boy).

This CD gets substantial air time at my house, frequently on Sunday mornings.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Match of Guitar and Voice, April 30, 2001

By	rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Two superstars of their areas, Parkening and Battle combine here for a marvelous feast of guitar and soprano.

Wide range of compositions, from Villa-Lobis' Aria to 20th century Brazilian music. Especially enchanting is the Christmas song "Boi-Bumba" after My Good Ox. Excellent too are the versions of de Falla's Ritual Fire Dance.

A soothing recording with Bach to African spirituals done with power and grace with Battle's voice soaring on such as "Ain't got time to die."