well, nice to have the happy topic of music

Foxy,
We have a liking for the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
in common
My very favorite piano piece is
"Memory", by Andrew LLoyd Webber from the musical "Cats"
played by Richard Clayderman.

The original stage version was sung by Elaine Page.
It is beautiful to hear her sing it, because of the beautiful words. But a bit highbrow to listen to all the time, that's why
I usually play the piano version.

It always brings back the memory to me of the old homeless
lady, stepping out of the shadows, with the cats all sitting around
the walls on the street and singing about the "Memory"
of her earlier life.

The two big talents of Andrew LLoyd Webber and
Richard Clayderman come together in the piano version
of the song. It is best to listen to the sung lyrics
first though,if you have never heard the lyrics, so the piano playing can combine with the beautiful
haunting, words in your mind, as the song is played.

"Le's enfants de France", is another really beautiful piece
played by Richard Clayderman. Have the sound turned to the
right volume, not overloud, as there is a certain sound level at
which the tinkling sound of the piano stands out, too loud and
the horrible loud chords dominate.
Richard Clayderman is a master of the tinkling piano chords.

I do like your choice of songs Indy, but I can't help but think you have left behind some sad memories from old Mejico. You wouldn't happen to have a few Mariachi favourites and maybe a little música norteña would you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKJbSu8scNc

Nowhereman, you're not alone
I don't mind Sirenia:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njPWBTIv9qw
Nightwish in the Tarja Turunen years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9GxUZqyXwE
Therion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXKgP6mkwuQ

I'm more into Black Metal and the newer neofolk-pagan music:
Faun - Egil Saga
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgGIOZiVCVU
Eivør - Trøllabundin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpiFmZLICgM
Arkona - Slavsia, Rus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaP1wDvkA6E
Eluveitie - A Rose For Epona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_nnkVa2Agg
Finntroll - Trollhammaren
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ_y-BrUK4E

Dear CHERFUL,

I loved "Cats," and saw the stage version
with Debbie Byrne singing "Memories."
It still brings a lump to my throat even today.
Andrew Lloyd Weber - is quite something as is
the viruoso - Richard and his piano playing.
Sheer magic!

I was fortunate enough to be given two great oil
paintings of "Cats" by the Australian artist -
Bernard Lawson. They hang in my bedroom and remind
me of the music of Weber.

Foxy I enjoyed Les Misérables some years ago, loved the music, hope to see it again when it opens once more in Sydney in 2015. My partner was quite taken by 'The Lion King' recently, never had the opportunity in her life to see these kinds of stage shows, so I think LM will be something for her.

Because you mentioned Callas you strike me, o sung wu, as someone who might find Gulio Caccini's Ave Maria an awesome piece of music...

Certainly it 'does it for me'... Plus there are so many great versions.

Inessa Galante's is deservedly one of the most famous recent ones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru8Yah-CMv0

Few seem to be aware of the Libera version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAULcisUEGw

"...utterly poignant and dramatic experience, of feeling the hair at the back of your neck rise."