Editorial Review

Constantly exhorted to "sing," string players naturally try to emulate that most beautiful musical instrument, the human voice; no wonder they literally want to get their fingers on the treasures of the vocal repertoire. Joshua Bell has appropriated some of its best-loved songs and operatic arias, from Mozart through the romantics to Orff. Slow, sustained, lovely and yes, singing, these beguiling melodies and wide emotional range are eminently well suited to the violin. Credit for most of the arrangements is given to J.A.C. Redford, a well-known film and television composer, and indeed the throbbing strings and jarring modulations typical of sound-tracks invade his orchestrations, in startling contrast to the composers' own. In Debussy's "Beau soir," pianist Frederic Chiu partners Bell so beautifully that one wishes he had supplanted the orchestra in all the songs with piano accompaniment. The violin transcriptions of the vocal line closely follow the originals, except for Redford's compulsive habit of adding octaves in the repeats and jumping from the lowest to the highest register. Of course, Bell is very good at all this, and it's the playing that's really the thing. His tone is ravishingly beautiful, warm on the G-string, radiant up high, and always deeply expressive. His love and innate feeling for the music---its inward simplicity, romantic yearning and passionate ardor---speak straight to the heart. In the only authentic violin part, the obbligato of Richard Strauss' "Morgen!" he is joined by the golden-voiced soprano Anna Netrebko; at first overly intense, she relaxes into a blissful, magical ending. Read more

Reviews (7)

Prolific recording artist whose entirelibrary is worth owning
Joshua Bell has this unearthly ability - almost eldritch result to his music.His violin has profound impact and hearing him play live is like a spiritual experience.This cd doesn't deviate from his formula of pouring his love of music through his instrument and conveying a joy for every piece he plays.
JB are you reading
I ordered a cd from az, then later found out bn has extra track on their edition, bought that one too.Why did they do that?But the extra track, smaller orchestra version of Mozart's laudate dominum, is worth it.Bell is breathing into his music, just like a singer put their heart in their song, just like gould humming along as he played... is that how artists enjoy their own arts, any other way?If I am the tertiary audience the artists themselves must be (what's the word for zero ordered?) audience.Anyhow, if an art is so beautiful I would like to enjoy it purely, no need of accompaniment, or just at minimum.Check out Yoshikazu Mera sings Uguisu.Check out Hong-mei Yu playing Three Sighs At The Guan Pass in String Glamour. Will Joshua Bell ever do Morgen in double track even?I was expecting voice of the violin, not human!Joshua Bell and his violin: every sound is beautiful.I just wish that there was less interference.That is why it was worth it to get the 2nd cd from bn.The 16th track is leading really gently, quietly into the beautiful voice of Bell and his violin.
Absolutely gorgeous violin music!
The violin is the instrument closest to the human voice in its ability to express a multitude of shades of emotion, with a tonal and dynamic range that allows the violin to sing with a voice unique among instruments. Joshua Bell beautifully exhibits the expressive potential of the violin's voice in the carefully chosen and sensitively played pieces on this CD.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Art Song (General)    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Artists    10. Classical Pop    11. Czech Romantic Opera    12. French Romantic Opera    13. Italian Romantic Opera    14. Keyboard    15. Mass    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Sacred Choral Music    20. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra   

Reviews (7)

Welcome relief
I first listened at my computer and found myself slowly relaxing and really enjoying the beautiful music but wondered if it would REALLY work since I find it very hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. Well,folks, if youhave doubts about it working, throw them out the window! I did not make it through Track 1! Not only that but when I woke 5 hours later and turned it on againhoping to just enjoy the music - right----didn't make it through Track 1 again and got another 2hours of sound sleep.This CD is a godsend for those of us who have trouble getting to sleep.I highly recommend you buy this CD - you'll never find a better deal.Kudos to the Mercurios and everyone associated with it who have given us this beautiful pair of CDs. I'm getting several for friends and family.
I Haven't Heard the Second Half Yet..........
Usually, when I write a review, I like to let the songs play in the background, hoping that it will inspire me to some new revelation as I write. In this instance, though, I can't risk it; every single time I play either disk from this two-disk set, I start to drift off. I'm not kidding! For insomniacs, this collection could work better than Sominex. My normal procedure for any review is to listen straight through every note of music at least once, and then listen twice more, emphasizing the bits that made the deepest impression. Nearly a month ago, I thought I would do just that, but this disk threw that methodology right out of the window. For three weeks, I listened to this collection at home, at night, in the environment that it is intended for - my bedroom. For three weeks straight, I fell asleep before track five...
Not as tasty as Merlot...
...but it doesn't come with the unpleasant side effects either!!
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Adagio for Orchestra    3. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Concerto    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Nocturne for Keyboard    15. Orchestral    16. Pavane for Keyboard    17. Piano Concerto    18. Prelude for Keyboard    19. Quartet for Four String Instruments    20. Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet   

Reviews (9)

Gabriela the Great!
I am so glad that someone recently "found" Gabriela and her work is getting published! This is some of the best piano solo I have ever heard.After hearing a spot on National Public Radio I bought the CD, and am delighted.

Absolutely beautiful
Gabriela Montero can do no wrong. She is a gifted pianist who intuitively interprets challenging piano pieces and often gives them a special twist of her own. I love her work.

Unique experience
After hearing a CD review from public radio, I decided to buy this CD. Listening this CD gave me a unique experience between classical and jazz music. This is something not to be missed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    4. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    5. Etude for Keyboard    6. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    7. Keyboard    8. Keyboard Music    9. Moment Musical for Keyboard    10. Opera    11. Orchestral & Symphonic    12. Prelude for Keyboard    13. Spanish/Portuguese 20th/21st Century Opera    14. Waltz for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. Read more

Reviews (77)

Perfect for Quieting the Noise
I play this at the office and it reduces my reaction to the stress. A keeper!

Similar to "most Relaxing Piano anywhere"
I would like to delete about half of the truly unfamiliar tracks and possibly add a couple of better known more familiar works.

My wife made me buy this!
This certainly will relax you....but don't listen to this while driving! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. 20th/21st Century Symphony    3. Adagio for Orchestra    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. Cantata    6. Chamber    7. Chamber Music    8. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    9. Choral    10. Clarinet Concerto    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    13. Classical Crossover    14. Classical Music    15. Concerto    16. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    17. Concerto for Two String Instruments    18. French Romantic Opera    19. Guitar Concerto    20. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera   

Editorial Review

When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Read more

Reviews (122)

Andrea Bocelli-Sacred Arias
Excellent listening.Voice quality and tone is superb.Brings tears to my eyes when I envision listening to this in a church setting.

An "experience" of sacred arias more than "listening" of sacred arias
I bought this CD's special edition with DVD, and I am impressed by bocelli's singing in this album. I have heard many voices singing sacred songs, and christmas songs, but very few singers can achieve the "sacred atmosphere" that bocelli devotes when he sings. He may not have a "strong" voice as opera singers, but I think singing these sacred songs, devoting the "sacred atmosphere" to the audience is much more important, the voice actually is just a tool that helps a singer to achieve the result. For real, I have heard some CD by some chorus that perform sacred arias, but they did not move me as much as this CD does, mostly not even close. Personally I like "O come all ye faithful", "silent night", all "ave maria"'s, "domine deus", "cujus animam" the most. When I listen Bocelli's singing I focus on what he tries to devote in singing more than his voice color, because in terms of voice color he surely cant be compared with pavarotti or domingo, so why compares? The way of listening him and listening real opera singers is different man. But the reason I gave only this CD four stars is that I have heard several sacred arias from this album performed by his voice teacher, the legendary tenor Franco Corelli. I tried not to compare both...but I cant, not because Bocelli sings bad, he is already excellent, just Corelli is TOO excellent that cant be described by human language (well I think even Pavarotti is not even close to Franco Corelli, but this is just my opinion). Anyway if you want to "experience" the true beauty of sacred arias, this CD is highly recommended. And this is also a very good sacred aria album for beginning listeners who want to broaden their musical taste to sacred arias.

amazing talent
worth the price the songs are breathtaking and talent is indescribable ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Music    8. Classical Vocals    9. Holiday    10. Italian Baroque Opera    11. Italian Romantic Opera    12. Italy    13. Mass    14. Miscellaneous    15. Miscellaneous Music    16. Motet    17. Opera    18. Oratorio    19. Requiem/Requiem Section    20. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard   

Reviews (7)

buy now
Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented?Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good.Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound.This is something you need to buy.

Lovely
This is a beautiful calming cd.The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing
I simply love piano music.If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album.If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Berceuse for Keyboard    4. Cantata    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    10. Classical Music    11. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    12. Concerto    13. Easy Listening/Vocal    14. Etude for Keyboard    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Concerto    17. Keyboard Music    18. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    19. Minuet for Keyboard    20. Miscellaneous   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (11)

Preview your wedding day
This CD was inexpensive, and provided a great way to preview songs for my wedding.The CD had a good song selection.My fiance and I were able to get a better idea of how the songs would be at our wedding. Definitely an inexpensive tool that is worthwhile.

25 WEDDING FAVORITES
My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there.I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived.Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.
25 Wedding Favorites
This is an excellent CD for a formal wedding, so-so for a casual one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    11. Italian Baroque Opera    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Keyboard Music    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Orchestral    18. Quartet for Keyboard and Three String Instruments    19. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    20. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard   

Reviews (8)

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II
Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged.Good album for a tag sale.Same comment applies for Volume I.

Great music listein to while you read in bed
I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night.I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan.
I bought Vol. 1 of this series and was quite satisfied, but I have to say I'm more than satisfied with this one. If you can just mellow out and enjoy some great pieces, you'll love this CD. #15 on Disc 2 is almost worth the price alone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Choral    3. Christmas Music    4. Anthem    5. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    6. Cantata    7. Cello Concerto    8. Chamber Music    9. Classical    10. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    11. Classical Music    12. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    13. Concerto    14. Concerto for Two String Instruments    15. Film    16. Film Music    17. Keyboard    18. Keyboard Music    19. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    20. Miscellaneous   

Reviews (5)

Better than baby einstein
This is a great CD, with great music, at a great price.Everyone seems to love Baby Einstein, but I don't like the plinking music on those CD's, I like real orchestral pieces to stimulate my child.This is exactly what parents need, at a good price!

great music at a great price
I got this cd to use as background when putting my 18 month old to sleep and for car rides. So far it has not made it out of the car. The cd is wonderful. The first song is the Luftansa airline comercial song (that is what my husband calls it) and is beautiful. I didn't think my husband would enjoy the cd at all but he doesn't mind one bit listening to it, he actually will put it on himself when we get in the car. My daughter loves it and will often start nodding her head back and forth to songs. I actually listen to it even when my daughter is not in the car. The music is soft and relaxing but not boring. It is also one of the only cd's that my in laws don't mind listening to when they are in the car with us.
A Wonderful CD for all ages
My whole family has enjoyed this CD. It is very upbeat and easy to listen to.I think there is something for everyone on this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    4. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    5. Childrens    6. Classical    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. Educational    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Orchestral    13. Romantic Ballet    14. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    15. Romantic Symphony    16. Symphonic    17. Waltz for Keyboard    18. Waltz for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

With the help of some friends (James Taylor and Alison Krauss lend some vocal support), the trio of Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O'Connor have created yet another fascinating hybrid of chamber music and bluegrass. This follow-up to 1996's Read more

Reviews (42)

Best on the Planet!
These are flawless preformances of great music by some of the most talented artists on the planet.Slumber My Darling will leave you so relaxed you'll have to remember to breathe.The reels will bring you to your feet.This music reaches the soul as well as the ear.

Stilted
I suppose you will enjoy this if you really like Yo-Yo Ma at his most boring.This is glorified elevator music and about as interesting.

Walking the trail
I actually heard this cd while having a root canal done at the dentist's office. I find the music so wonderful and the vocal segments are great. It does make you feel like you are walking the Appalachian Trail...and makes a root canal painless! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachia    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Music    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. North America    11. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    12. Vocal   

Reviews (5)

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music
As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The guitar is an orchestra inminiature!
This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.
GUITAR MAJESTY
John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Guitar Solo    12. Keyboard    13. Orchestral    14. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    15. Suite for Orchestra    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    17. Vocal   

Reviews (6)

Now THIS is Paradise!
I was first made aware of this CD by "Book and Music Lover" while reading through the reviews of Charlotte Church's "Tissues and Issues.""Book and Music Love" recommended Sissel's "Into Paradise" CD.I fell in love with it just by listening to the excerpts, and when amazon.com had a special sale on it, I took that opportunity to nab it!
One of the best discs to hit the market in years
Yes, I am a Sissel fan, and have all of her US releases, and a few imports as well.I am writing this review for those who are not yet Sissel fans."Into Paradise" is exactly that, one of the best discs in years with a classical flavor.Everything about this release is first rate, from song selection right down to disc mastering.Sissel seems to find herself on this disc.Her first US release was pop songs, the second release a mix of pop and classical.Don't get me wrong they were both pretty good albums, but not a five star performance like this one.I really love the arrangements on many of the selections, and the string solos are wonderful.I am not a classical music fan, most of my music collection is pop and classic rock.I agree with Sissel, anybody who loves beautiful music will enjoy this album.

Sissel continues her successful foray into the International Market
This is a lovely collection of semi-classical and light pop which does a good job of showcasing Sissel's lovely voice. I especially enjoyed "In Paradisum" and "Vitae Lux". The album ends with a lovely version of Andersson & Ulvaeus' "Like An Angel Passing Through My Room", a lullaby originally sung by Anni-frid Lyngstadon ABBA's farewell album "The Visitors" (not Agnetha Faltskog as I originally thought - Thanks to Jeff R. Dunn for the correction). If anything, this version is even more beautiful than Frida's already lovely original, taken slower, much more expressively and evoking an even deeper sense of loss.
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Subjects:  1. Adagio for Orchestra    2. Adult Contemporary    3. Cantata    4. Choral    5. Choral Music    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Pop    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Norway    11. Orchestral    12. Pop    13. Pop Vocals    14. Requiem/Requiem Section    15. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Vocal    18. Vocal Music   

Reviews (2)

So I'm just learning violin...
and I can not play like Joshua Bell. For this, he better consider himself damn lucky as the world could not handle two of us Joshua Bells.
Joshua Bell...
This CD is a wonderful CD to see how Joshua Bell interprets some of the standard repertory of violinists of this century. The only thing I was dissapointed in slightly was that it included music from other CD's already produced by Bell, but otherwise, a wonderful gift for someone who has never heard Bell before. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Concerto Grosso    8. Violin Concerto    9. Violin with Keyboard   

Editorial Review

Guitarist John Williams (no, not John Williams the soundtrack composer) adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Read more

Reviews (13)

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!
If you had to call modern classical guitar by another name, it would be John Williams.A student of none other than the brilliant Andres Segovia himself, John has shown over the years to have learnt a great deal from the master and has himself developed simply impeccable technique.
Excellent!!
This is a delightful compilation.The music flows effortlessly and leaves the listener wanting more.

The title says it all
I mainly bought this because I can listen to "Cavitina" or "Theme from the Deer Hunter" 20 times per day. This CD is better than herbal tea for relaxation. Love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Classical Crossover    10. Classical Guitar    11. Classical Music    12. Classical Pop    13. Concerto    14. Film    15. Film Music    16. Guitar Concerto    17. Guitar Solo    18. Keyboard    19. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    20. Lute Solo   

Reviews (1)

A New Favorite in My Musical Library
I became a fan of Alison Balsom after hearing her exceptional Bach CD.I've since purchased her debut disc and was equally impressed.So it goes without saying that I've been eagerly awaiting the release of "Caprice" since I'd heard it was coming out.She most certainly delivered, both in her playing and in Julian Milone's excellent arranging that compliments her wonderfully.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists   

Editorial Review

The chorus is at center of Shaw's reading of the score, presumably the more lightly scored 1893 version that Fauré‚ himself created (Telarc does not specify). The account flows very well, and the work of both soloists is highly satisfying, particularly Judith Blegen's airy soprano in Pie Jesu. The recording dates from 1985-86 and is one of Telarc's best, with excellent presence overall and real bass in the organ. Read more

Reviews (23)

The Faure is Great, Not so Much the Durufle
The Faure Requiem (Op. 48) in D minor is a soft, gentle requiem unlike the powerful Verdi, Berlioz, and Durufle. The delicate qualities of this requiem are captured beautifully on this recording.
Fast and in a very good condition
Fast and in a very good condition

French Choral Classics
This disk has set the standard for performing the settings of the Requiem mass by two great French masters, Gabriel Faure and Maurice Durufle.The Faure setting is an intimate one with occasional moments of tempestuousness.This particular recording features the more heavily orchestrated edition (for an excellent chamber version see the Cambridge Singers under John Rutter).Put in seven parts, additional features include two baritone solos and a lovely soprano solo.The choral parts are not difficult, but require a delicate touch with great articulation, all provided here.The harmonies gently shift with occasional color changes and chromatic mediant relationships.The concluding movement (In Paradisum) sums up the experience with a satisfying contemplative moment devoid of bombasticity.A masterwork not to be missed.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Requiem/Requiem Section   

Editorial Review

Except for one "previously unreleased" recording and two new ones, this is a compilation of segments taken from older Yo-Yo Ma CDs, perhaps to whet listeners' appetite to hear the entire records. The disc represents a triumph of performance over material. The program consists of short pieces and single movements of long ones and serves to display Yo-Yo Ma's extraordinary versatility, his spectacular instrumental and musical gifts, and his remarkable ability to invest everything he plays with the same commitment and emotional concentration. There is no logic to the sequence, except that it begins and ends with solo cello. Bach, whom Ma plays tuned normally when unaccompanied and tuned low with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, may justify the CD's title but seems out of place. Moreover, juxtaposing him with O'Connor and Piazzolla is jarring, though the Tangos are beautiful. The transcription of Dvorák's lovely E-minor Slavonic Dance, despite the participation of violinist Itzhak Perlman and his golden tone, sounds like a movie soundtrack: all bravura and cheap effects. The playing's the thing, and it is stunning, not only Yo-Yo Ma's, but that of all his collaborators, from vocalists Bobby McFerrin and Alison Krauss to pianist Emanuel Ax, Ma's duo partner of 25 years. Ax joins Ma for the Finale of Brahms's second cello sonata; that is what you may find yourself humming at the end. Read more

Reviews (14)

New Yo-Yo Fan
I had never listened to Yo-Yo Ma before (that I knew of) and then I was at a dance recital a few months ago.Two little ballerinas danced to "Simple Gifts" with Alison Kraus, and I had to have that song.I really enjoy playing this album when my family is just hanging out reading or playing with the baby in the living room. Each piece is unique and beautiful in its own way.Simple Gifts is still my favorite piece on the album, I only wish it were longer!
Simply wonderful!
I recently got this CD as a birthday gift. I've been wanting this CD for a while.The first track is a wonderful song in all reality the entire CD is a wonderful experience.The prelude by Gershwin is unique sounding with the cello. The jazz quality is still there and has a bit of classical influence intertwined among it. Yo-Yo Ma's recording of Simple Gifts is a good song and when they had the lyrics sung by Alison Krauss it was a wonderful choice.Her vocals matched the cello incredibly well.Track 8 is a wonderful song that I love to hear being played on the cello.For any person who loves classical music or cello music this CD is a good choice to buy.It will be well worth your money.

Awesome
While most people on this site see the "classic" in the title of the album as referring to classical music only, they are mistaken. Classic Yo-Yo refers to his style, not the genre into which his music choices fall.The list of tracks alone should have been a big enough clue that the music isn't all classical.Judging this album, or any album for that matter, on just its title is simply foolish.And while this is technically a solo album, the way Yo-Yo brings in guest artists to perform with him shows his flexibility as an artist.His version of Simple Gifts is so much more than a school chorus; it is an amazing cellist playing the accompaniment on a song that is meant to be sung.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Cantata    3. Cello Solo    4. Cello with Keyboard    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music    7. Chamber Music & Recitals    8. Choral    9. Classical    10. Classical Artists    11. Classical Crossover    12. Classical Music    13. Film    14. Film Music    15. Folk Dance for Orchestra    16. Keyboard    17. Miscellaneous    18. Miscellaneous Music    19. Music for String Quartet with Other Instrument(s)    20. Orchestral   

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    3. Adagio for Orchestra    4. Anthem    5. Ballet    6. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    7. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    8. Cantata    9. Chamber    10. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    11. Choral    12. Clarinet Concerto    13. Classical    14. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    15. Concerto    16. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    17. Concerto for Two String Instruments    18. Czech Romantic Opera    19. Film    20. Film Music   

Editorial Review

John Rutter's groundbreaking research and subsequent performing edition of Fauré's beloved Read more

Reviews (6)

OK, I'm a sucker for the 1893 version
John Rutter made substantial changes to the previously most-performed version of the Faure Requiem when he recorded this.He went back to the version of 1893 to do so, rather than using the more famous, more heavily orchestrated later version.One difference is that the violins in the Sanctus are transposed up an octave on this CD compared to the way in which they were played in the later Requiem.I find this recording to be beautiful and timeless, and definitely not over-orchestrated.
Life has been engulfed in time
This requiem represents a complete shift in the general tone of the requiem as a genre. The vision of life and death is impregnated with a feminine light, the light of the ocean softly illuminated by the sunshine of Normandy, of the Graceful Coast. The figure that stands behind the music, that accompanies the dead person into the grave is no longer the masculine Germanic death that punishes man, nor even the furious feminine French death that challenges man, but the soft and comforting figure of the mother Mary, the universal comforter who takes the hand of each one of us, as if we were crying lost children, to make us pass the dangerous door that leads beyond life. This Holy Mary for whom Faur� has written so many Ave Marias, is promising us the end of time and our introduction into an everlasting stormless, painless and noiseless world that represents the very positive vision of a real world that is the negative vision of life. Photography is not far away. Everyday life becomes a life of strife, struggle, noise, violence, war, speed, work, exploitation and alienation, all elements seen as negative, and death is the negation of it all, is the positive virtuality that has to become our reality overthere. It is thus in perfect agreement with the vision the impressionists introduced to defy photography and bring art beyond the blaring image of reality a photographer brings up with his machine. The eye of the artist goes beyond those crude colors and forms to find light and life in the depth of his retina. Faur� is the impressionist painter of death as the real life beyond the surface we have to contemplate and suffer everyday. In other words virtual is beautiful and real is dreadful. Happiness has to be found in virtuality and not in reality. Faur� is bergsonian, who sees eternity beyond the flow of time. Faur� is proustian, who sees life beyond the loss of memory. This explains the erasing of the Dies Irae because there is no anger any more in the ascent to the eternal memory of what does not exist yet. This is a requiem of timelessness and nightlessness. Requiem- a masterpiece.
This exquisite collection has so many gorgeous songs that move me to tears. In Sanctus, the violin is so pure, so beautiful, its wrings my heart. This is real music, real art, crafted with such care, that it is a true privilege to hear it, not to mention sing it (which I have done, and I loved it). It is an encredible CD, and I would encourage anyone to buy it.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthem    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Mass    7. Requiem/Requiem Section    8. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    9. Sacred Choral Music    10. Sacred Music for more than one Soloist & Chorus    11. Vocal