Richard Crooks - Serenade

Serenade By  Richard Crooks  Very Good Condition If one has not had the oportunity of hearing the great voice of Richard Crooks, they have really missed out. Richard Crooks possessed an intense lyricism that is unmatched today. Crooks' "Serenade" from The Student Prince is sheer perfection (singing it in the original key, not lowered a whole step, like most Tenors), culminating on two very vibrant High C's. It is interesting to note that Crooks was Romberg's original choice for the role of Karl Franz (the lead) in the Student Prince, but, due to opera commitments, was unable to debut the role. This is a performance rivaled only by the great Mario Lanza. Other musical highlights on this CD are "Macushla", "Song of Songs", "The Holy City", and "Ah Sweet Mystery of Life". "Ah May the Red Rose live Alway" is sure to bring a tear to one's eye. A nuance on "Ah Sweey Mystery of Life" finds Crooks soaring up to a High C at the end (a feat one finds no other Tenor attempting on any other recording) and with Crooks, it works well. Crooks' "Because" is the standard by which all others are measured. One of the real finds on this disk is Crooks' "Be Thou Faithful unto Death" from the rarely performed "Paul" by Felix Mendelssohn. What heartfelt singing this truly is. Crooks genuinely excelled in this music and one simply MUST purchase this CD to listen to a true master. So if one is not that familiar with the incomparable voice of Richard Crooks, treat yourself and puchase this recording now! This collection is pure enjoyment from the Student Prince "Serenade" to the final selection "Be Thou Faithful unto Death". A real gem. Track Listings Disc: 1   1. The Student Prince: Ser: Overhead The Moon Is Beaming - Richard Crooks/Lewis James   2. Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life   3. The Song Of Songs   4. When You're Away   5. Rio Rita   6. Only A Rose   7. Because   8. I Bring A Love Song - Richard Crooks/Edna Kellogg   9. Vienna, City Of My Dreams   10. Only My Song   11. Gipsy Moon   12. Macushla   13. Smilin' Through   14. If I Should Send A Rose To You   15. The Holy City - Richard Crooks/Herbert Dawson   16. Songs My Mother Taught Me - Richard Crooks/Frederick Schauwecker   17. Beautiful Dreamer - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge   18. Oh, Susannah! - Richard Crooks/The Balladeers Male Qt/Frank La Forge/Ralph Colicchio   19. Ah, May The Red Rose Live Alway - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge   20. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair - Richard Crooks/Frank La Forge   21. Ser - Richard Crooks/Frederick Schauwecker   22. Be Thou Faithful Unto Death Product details Performer: The Balladeers, Herbert Dawson, Frederick Schauwecker, Frank La Forge, Edna Kellogg, et al. Conductor: Nathaniel Shilkret, Rosario Bourdon, Ray Noble, John Barbirolli, Charles O'Connell Composer: Sigmund Romberg, Victor Herbert, Antoni Perez Moya, McCarthy

, Rudolf Friml, et al. Audio CD (February 17, 1998) Number of Discs: 1 Label: Asv Living Era ASIN: B000001HKI