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Carol Kimball's comprehensive survey of art song literature has been the principal one-volume American source on the topic. Now back in print after an absence of several years, this newly revised edition includes biographies and discussions of the work of 150 composers of various nationalities, as well as articles on styles of various schools of composition.

The story of a peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous, a poverty-stricken, pure hearted adolescent, who saw a vision, of a "Beautiful Lady" near her home town of Lourdes in 1858. The wondrous news spreads rapidly throughout France, leaving in its wake a variety of consequences: adoration, suspicion and greed among the people of Lourdes skepticism from the town doctor (Lee J. Cobb) charges of insanity from the town prosecutor (Vincent Price) threats of physical punishment, then support and guidance from the Dean of Lourdes (Charles Bickford), who finally becomes convinced that the miracle has, indeed, taken place. Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Actress and Best Score, this true story is both first-rate filmmaking and an inspiring tribute to faith, courage and the human spirit.

Jennifer Jones plays the legendary French peasant who claimed to have dialogues with the Virgin Mary at a Lourdes grotto in 1858. The script handles the visitations as an article of truth (Linda Darnell plays the Virgin), which helps move the drama forward, though much of the story concerns the conflicts that arise in the community after Jones is told the grotto contains healing waters. Made by Henry King (The Snows of Kilimanjaro), the film is gorgeous to look at and sensitively directed; and Jones (who won an Oscar for Best Actress) is radiant in the lead. Whatever one's religious persuasion, this is a strikingly handsome Hollywood production to be enjoyed. The film also earned Academy Awards for cinematography and score. --Tom Keogh

Hap Palmer's sing-a-long tune invite childern to clap their hands, stomp their feet, dance and act out the lyrics. Songs include, "Piggy Toes", "Security", and "Today I Took My Diapers Off" among others.

This is the near-legendary video that started the trend of songs for kids on video in 1986. The footage of kids playing in houses and backyards has a delightful homemade quality and is anchored by the songs of Hap Palmer, once dubbed the "Bob Dylan of the diaper set." His songs do have a nice folksiness that is just right. From the very first song, "Piggy Toes," you can see where the video is aimed: the Sesame Street group of infants to 6-year-olds. Palmer has a gift for writing bouncy numbers that go beyond the normal subject matter. "My Mommy Comes Back" speaks to kids who are left at Grandma's or a day care center ("my mommy comes back, she always comes back..."). Other songs on the 30-minute tape include "Shout & Whisper," "Rolling," and the self-explanatory "Today I Took My Diapers Off." --Doug Thomas

Song is an enthralling compilation of songwriting wisdom from 100 of the biggest names in music. From country to rock to folk to alternative, this genre-spanning collection of interviews captures the anecdotes, history, and wisdom of the best songwriters aroundInside, you'll find entertaining and enlightening interviews from great songwriters such as Smokey Robinson, Willie Nelson, Jewel, Kenny Chesney, Cat Stevens, Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Ray Charles, Clint Black, Rob Thomas, Dolly Parton, Rufus Wainwright, Bob McDill, Lyle Lovett, Keith Urban, Beck, M.Ward, Lou Reed, Roger Miller, Grant-Lee Phillips, and John Denver.

Purchasers of Disney's "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," the second volume of the company's Sing Along Songs series, may discover that not everything is as "satisfactchull" as it could be with this tape--it all depends on why you're buying it. If you've sought out the video because of a sentimental devotion to the musical the title tune is taken from, Song of the South, then you're bound to be disappointed. Disney's undying efforts to make nice have spilled into this segment (the first of a nine-song package), and all is sanitized so that the original film's disconcerting depictions of then-de rigueur racial inequality cause no modern-day discomfort. But that's not to say the scene of Uncle Remis strolling a hummingbird- and butterfly-lined road and singing his song isn't a sure-fire mood-lifter, or that it doesn't succeed in its mission, which is to jog joyful childhood memories. And it is the only way to see any of the film on video; Disney has no plans to ever release the controversial film. In fact each of this collection's numbers (all ingrained collectively on a generation now raising its own kids), aims to knead adult viewers' nostalgic sides (presumably part of a strategy to perpetuate Disney die-hards). Especially effective are Cinderella's "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," the Davy Crockett series' "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," and Snow White's "Whistle While You Work." --Tammy La Gorce

Imagine a party, a musical party inspired by the holiday season. A party that celebrates the universal hopes, dreams and joy animating seasonal festivals the world over - Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa, Yule and New Year's Day. That is what brought Yo-Yo Ma together with a remarkable group of friends - some old, some new - to create SONGS OF JOY & PEACE. It is Yo-Yo's hope that everyone who listens to this album will hear a song familiar, comfortable and beloved to them as well as discover and fall in love with music that is brand new.