Other CD's featuring Nick

xantha · Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 9:41 am Post subject: Other CD's featuring Nick

Whilst we await news of his first solo album, I thought it might be interesting to discuss some of the other CD's Nick features in. We are all familiar with his work on the Amici albums but what about some of his other works?

Who has heard his work 'Equus', the piece comissioned by the Horse of the Year show? Although this is an orchestral piece, Nick was responsible for composing and arranging the piece and I believe he conducted the orchestra on the recording.

Or what about Enoch Arden by Richard Strauss and Alfred Lord Tennyson, which Nick narrates accompanied by Peter Hewitt on the piano? Again, this is not Nick singing but this time we get to hear his voice.

And going further back, does anyone have the album of the Swingle Singers when Nick was a member of the group?

Are there any others I have forgotten? I think the above examples show how Nick can turn his hand to more than just singing. What do you think to his other works?

Xantha

Connie · Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 372

Xantha,

Thanks for adding this information...I actually won a photo of Nick and the CD Equus as one of the prizes that was given away on Nicks site. The Equus CD is a masterpiece all in all and I recently received Enoch Arden as a gift from a special VIP at Nicks site. Nick is the Narrator and I have to say Nick tells the story (poem) beautifully. I also have the Christmas CD when Nick was singing with the Swingle Singers. All three are a must for Nick fans or anyone who appreciates brilliant talent. Smile

novice · Joined: Feb 12, 2006 Posts: 556

Just like Connie I too received a copy of the Horse of the Year Show CD - Nick composed Equus wonderfully creating the perfect images in your mind when listening - (makes me think of the graceful and powerful movement of the Horse set to music with some Hounds sniffing out the ever so elusive Fox.)
Nick conducted The City of Prague Orchestra who played Equus and the other featured musical pieces.
I also have (thanks forever S.) the CD Enoch Arden and am enjoying it tremendously. Nicks rendition of Tennysons Melodrama is wonderful - his passionate reading in wonderful harmony with Peter's piano playing, that at times it sounds as if he is singing. His powerhouse voice and passion, allowing just the right amount of drama for the scene at hand, bringing the story to live!
Nick -singing or just speaking- can make the story/music come alive right before your eyes - all you have to do is listen!

Grantie · Joined: Feb 13, 2006 Posts: 340

I have heard a clip of Equus as it is featured on Nick's own site. It really is a wonderful piece of music and like Astrid says, you can really imagine a horse cantering through a field. I like the way that it merges into the piece by Mozart too, it flows beautifully.

I also have the CD of Enoch Arden and think it is great. I think this was done a few years ago as the picture inside is of quite a younger Nick.The power and expression in his voice are there though and he accurately interprets the various emotions of the piece vocally. I liked the CD so much I have bought it for a few of my friends now too!

I feel quite proud of Nick when I see/hear his various accomplishments. He is so much more than just a singer! He composes, arranges, narrates,sings, performs and really puts 100% into everything he does.He is very passionate about his work and totally dedicated, but also knows how to have fun with his fans.

For those who want a sneak preview of some of his solo work, you can listen to sound clips on here and his own site. They are all beautiful pieces, very emotive and powerful. It's hard to pick a favourite out of them and it gives us something to look forward to when his album comes out!

KC2 · Joined: Feb 28, 2006 Posts: 18 Location: U.K.

I have the Enoch Arden CD too. It's just fantastic.... I love hearing Nick speak. Although his voice seems much higher in it. I have to agree with you Grantie, Nick is amazing with all his musical ablilties whether it is singing, composing, arranging or conducting. He has such talent. I can't wait until he releases a solo album.

Daydreamer · Joined: Feb 13, 2006 Posts: 34 Location: New Zealand

I have Enoch Arden too. I love listening to stories and talking books etc and Nick's narrration on this CD is brilliant.

Dee
XX

Connie · Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 372

novice · Joined: Feb 12, 2006 Posts: 556

Absolutely Connie - I agree!
Good to have you back on the boards too!

Grantie · Joined: Feb 13, 2006 Posts: 340

I have now got my DVD of the Barber of Seville and although I've only watched a tiny bit of it so far, I already love it. Nick's costume is quite comical as is his dodgy moustache and facial expressions, but, there is no mistaking that wonderful voice of his - it is fantastic! Very Happy

Can't wait to see the rest of it. Very Happy

I've also got the CD of Carmen which Nick is in and that too is wonderful, his voice is just so rich - it really is easy to pick out from the other singers. Very Happy

Connie · Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 372

Are you following me again... Laughing

How can you not love anything that Nick is apart of. The Barber of Seville is great and Nick looks adorable in his clothes and don't forget the turban. His voice is magnificent as always and his facial expressions are the best.

Grantie · Joined: Feb 13, 2006 Posts: 340

I am!

I know what you mean Connie, it doesn't matter what he's dressed up as, there is no disguisng the fact that he has the most amazing voice. I wish I could figure out how to capture stills from the DVD and post them as pictures, some of those expressions would make great caption fodder! Very Happy

You gotta love him! He's so expressive! Very Happy

novice · Joined: Feb 12, 2006 Posts: 556

To get stills from the TV I just pause and take a picture with my camera...
but we already did place those pics on Nicks site when Connie first got the DVD last year... they are small because she send them to me over the phone, now that I have the DVD myself as well I could 'enlarge' them ....
and to let you know Nick not only sings Fiorello very well he also gives him character...I saw another version of the Barber and in that one Fiorello was not at all prominent, nice voice but got lost in the choir...
it's very interesting to see the slight differences of each production and what the producers actually see that the others did not...almost as intriguing as the opera itself Smile

Grantie · Joined: Feb 13, 2006 Posts: 340

I've posted some screencaps of Nick as Fiorello in The Barber of Seville over on Nick's site - if you haven't seen them, go take a look. I think it was Connie who described them as funny and yet cute at the same time - I have to agree! Very Happy

Connie · Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 372

There are so many great photos of Nick over there now. Grantie you did a fabulous job at picking them out. Laughing

novice · Joined: Feb 12, 2006 Posts: 556

Lovely, only Nick can do it that way!...