Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven
Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles

...reinterpreted by the likes of Gardiner, Mackerras, Zinman and even Norrington himself that have by now surpassed the original Norrington set, but there is a certain historical value to that 1989 set that was the first to take Beethoven in this direction and breaking a tradition that had been in vogue since the composer's death in 1827. In 2001 they were re-released on the Virgin label and are still readily available in a set of five CD. THE SYMPHONIES Symphony No.1 in C major, Op.21 The First Symphony is one of the best of the set. The overall Classical feel of the symphony most readily lends the sound of the older instruments appealing and give this work a sense of power that often seems to be missing in modern performances. The first movement has such bubbling good humor that is frankly irresistable as is the charming slow movement which... Read review

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Advantages: Lovely tasting cuppa
Disadvantages: none

...something special and something nice. I saw Twinings on teh shelf in loose leaf at first and my eyes moving along the shelf I found Twinings tea bags. Lovely the taste of a speciality tea in the convenience of a bag. I picked up a few different boxes and thought I would try a few different ones. I must tell you that I had tried the whole range of Twinings before, my friend from college was the one who sat me down and made me drink tea until I liked it! I didn't mind this of course as I was a bit fed up of being offered tea and coffee and being left thirsty when I visited friends as I didn't drink either. So getting to the point, I had tried the whole Twinings range before but this was some 7 years ago and I really didn't remember how they tasted or which one was my favourite. I picked off the shelf, Twinings Assam, English Breakfast... Read review

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Advantages: makes an excellent cuppa, full of flavour
Disadvantages: a bit expensive

...I love tea as much as my fellow countrymen (AND WOMEN!) and I think Twinings English Breakfast tea leaves are simply the best. Most of the time I use tea bags as they are less messy. But there are times when I crave a cup of proper tea. When I do Twinings English Breakfast tea leaves are what I use. Although it is called English Breakfast Tea it can be drunk at any time of day. There is something about tea that is both refreshing and comforting at the same time. It isn't bitter as I find coffee to be. I drink tea frequently throughout the day. It is especially appealing when sitting around and gossiping with my best friend and neighbor who lives just a couple of doors down from me. One of the most important components of making a proper tea from tea leaves is to have a lovely china pot for brewing. It is advisable to first... Read review

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Advantages: Outstanding music on period instruments
Disadvantages: Swaping C.D'S in music player.

...The 9 symphonies by Ludwig Van Beethoven. (1770 - 1827) Performed by The London Classical Players. Conducted by Sir Roger Norrington. With the Schutz choir of London. Not everybody likes classical music. Even those who do, do not all like the same things. This boxed set of CD's if different from previous recordings. Firstly, it is played on period instruments. This is not to everybody’s taste. These instruments are not like today’s instruments. For instance, the violin has a cleaner but more plaintive tone. The woodwinds each has a colour and clarity of tone that blends to a harmonious whole. The timpani, those smaller drums, are hit with hard sticks more reminiscent of military drum sounds. The horn section has a different feel to it. Considering the lapse of some 184 years, it would be strange if the sounds... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful setting, great food
Disadvantages: Quite expensive

...The Willow Tree Tea Gardens seem to take you back in time to a bygone era, where afternoon tea was the norm and sitting in the garden chatting with your friends was the perfect way to while away a day. Set in the picturesque village of Godshill on the Isle of Wight, The Willow Tree is a favourite of mine, and my family and I have gone back there every year since we discovered it on holiday a few years ago. The garden is beautiful, the food is delicious and whilst the prices are a little steep, it's worth it for the calming tranquility of a thoroughly English afternoon tea. **Location** If you were asked to picture a typical English village, chances are you'll get pretty close to the reality of Godshill. A single, narrow road winds its way through the thatched cottages, leading you towards the church that helped give... Read review

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Advantages: Rich, creamy vocal; enveloping warmth; text, character alive; facile Baroque ornamentation; impeccable diction; fine Symphony.
Disadvantages: Only over an hour of music here; wanted more!

...a distraction, her gossamer vibrato only heightens the music’s emotional content. Every phrase reflects much thought given to its delivery, yet the result never hints at a self-conscious preciousness. What we get is an arresting vocal performance blessed with plenty of heart and intelligence. Furthermore, not only is she vocally impressive – Ms Connolly also sings in both Italian and English with an impeccable diction that more operatic singers should really emulate. OF THINGS BAROQUE (BROKE? NO.) Now, Baroque music wouldn’t call itself thus without any ornamentation, and Ms Connolly more than meets the challenges posed by the music. With her flawless technique and excellent breath control, she deploys these decorative details (melismas/roulades*, trills and the like) with aplomb. Note the nimble, feather-light, yet precise melismas... Read review

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Advantages: Great passion, beautiful melodies, unrestrained romanticism
Disadvantages: The finale doesn't quite convince in it's purpose

...the finale. In the Fourth there was a distinct programme that made such a transition work, as if in a collection of paintings viewed one after the other. The Fifth however is much more vague in its overall imagery (after all the programme set out by Tchaikovsky was far from being detailed). A happy victory ending in itself, of course, is not the reason it sounds a little fake, but the abrupt E major opening without any kind of preparation is not very convincing. Even Beethoven in his Fifth Symphony built the glorious C major explosion out of the dark ruminations of the previous Scherzo, making it sound like a natural outgrowth of triumph. Still, Tchaikovsky's Fifth is very romantic, melodic, exciting, and authentic Tchaikovsky. It's not his best, but it sure is enjoyable MOVEMENT BY MOVEMENT ANALYSIS I. Andante - Allegro con anima... Read review

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Advantages: Awesome vocals
Disadvantages: None

...tone to the album. 'Backstreet Symphony' is definately a great track, really keeps the high standard of work on the album going. The most successful of the album was 'Love Walked In' although not my favourite, I could see its appeal to the public and it is a good song in all fairness. This is a really awesome album, one that I didn't discover until recently. If you're into AC/DC toned down a bit more, you have Thunder. Definately a recommended album.... Read review

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Advantages: Refreshing soft drink without the fizziness!
Disadvantages: Can be a bit sweet to the taste buds

...and refreshing. But, a bit sweet for my taste. I decided to try it on my English husband’s taste buds. He has only had American ice tea a few times and I wondered what he would think of it. He took a long swing and made the MMMMMMM sound. Before I knew it, he had drank the rest of the glass!!!! When I asked for his opinion, he said that he found it to be very flavourful, easy to drink and a different type of drink. He didn’t feel it was too sweet. Thus, we concluded that this ice tea was definitely made with the English taste buds in mind. We continued to sit outside and had the remainder of the ice tea while enjoying the sunshine. ~ Did I buy it again? ~ Yes, I have on occasion bought it again. We have tried all the flavours. Both my husband and I agree that the Mango is HORRIBLE tasting! It reminds me of sugar water... Read review

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Advantages: Free samples, less oppression,
Disadvantages: You might get hooked

...Ah…tea. So British, so Chinese, so Indian. Tea itself only came to epitomise all things British, and probably more specifically English, through the majesty of our great Empire. Can anyone else hear exploitation? Oppression? Extreme capitalism? Yes I said Capitalism, a very dirty C word indeed. Ooooh, how we shudder to hear it, my midget and I. If only there was some way for us political types to have a brew without hearing the screams of the starving little children of the third world. Ear plugs are a short term solution, sure. But what if I'm not actually IN the third world? What if I'm not sitting in a shanty town robbing the poor in their own homes? What if it's a metaphor and the voices are in my MIND? What if I can't increase my medication? Why then Fair Trade Tea is the obvious solution! Hoorah! So what is this fair trade... Read review

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