Editorial Review

Unlike his popular score for 2002's Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (7)

The Music Is Always A Necessary Ingredient.
Music played a big part in the illusion of this movie as it set the tone for what was taking place on the screen."Wish I Would See You Again" was effective as the two lovers meet and discover all over again that the chemistry is still there, and most effective was the train scene when "Eisenheim Disappears." It was all an illusion (the whole movie), but the music helped to try to sort things out.
Glass is a Master
The music for the film The Illusionist adds enormously to your appreciation of the film, it underlines the mystery, the illusion, in the story, and heightens the emotion and fantasy elements.I loved the film, and listening to the music has made me more aware of what I loved about it. For example, the music begins with a major chord. Followed by a minor chord. This creates a sense of drama and shadow - sunlight obscured by darkness. Glass is also a master of melody, with a beautiful theme for the Sophie music. The Illusionist theme is dramatic and portentous, perfectly suiting the magical doings of the plot. This is a skillful, seductive score. If you loved the film, you will love the music.

Bravissimo Philip Glass!!!
This is more than a score for a film, it is classical music deserving of the highest respect.Echoing sentiment of many others based on his early works, I, too, thought Philip Glass was just another minimalist experimenters with a limited ouvre.But time and time again, especially with powerful scores notably; The Truman Show, Fog Of War and now, The Illusionist, I believe Philip Glass proves his place among the finest composers of our time, period.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Vocals   

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

Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Read more

Reviews (37)

Beautiful, Ralaxing and Simple
This is great collection of relaxing and beautiful songs. Joshua's violin playing is wonderful, romantic and precise. I heard my local radio station raving about this CD so I decided to buy it. This is definitely worth buying unless you already have all the songs.

Romance of the Violin
Joshua Bell plays on the violin some of the most beautiful music ever written.His violin sings when he plays O Mio Babbino Caro and Songs My Mother Taught Me.This music is a pleasure to relax by or to listen to at a romantic dinner.
Sorry But......
NO! I don't think this is a wonderful recording. Yes they are beautiful melodies but this is not how they were written. This is the same as taking beautiful natural fruits of the earth and turning them into something so processed that it takes away from the mother earth rather than shows her splendor. There are many beautiful melodies written for the violin by composers (not by Hollywood style arrangers). Showing off a beautiful Stradivari violin this way is like degrading a beautiful person into being a slave for some petty whim of an unfortunate insecure person. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Pop    7. Concerto    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Italian Baroque Opera    10. Italian Romantic Opera    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    13. Nocturne for Keyboard    14. Opera    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Piano Concerto    18. Prelude for Keyboard    19. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    20. Transcription for Orchestra   

Reviews (24)

Hallo-wha?
Let me start by saying I've never listened to Steamroller before picking this up. I am a big fan of Halloween and have quite a collection of music/sound fx so naturally, this was a must buy when I saw it.
An interest take on the usual
I wasn't sure what I'd think of this from reading other reviews, but I really did like it.I'm not really familiar with Mannheim's other stuff (but if the rest of the Autumn cd is anything like Harvest Dance, I'm looking forward to getting it), so I didn't have any preconceived ideas.I have a lot of the classical pieces on other cds, but I like the different twist given to them here. And I did like the sound effect cd.Nicely spooky (I have enough other sound effects cds with screaming and muching ghouls, etc).

Could have been great but . . .
As a big Steamroller fan, perhaps my hopes were set a little too high.I envisioned more original music (perhaps a more scarier vibe than the silly one this CD has to it) and maybe a few covered tunes.Chips originals (from the Fresh Aire series)found on this CD outshine the weak efforts put forth on the covered and rearranged tracks.The sound effects disc sets a great(and creepy)mood, that should had been followed through with some new and equally scary compositions.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Pop    5. Contemporary Instrumental    6. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    7. Halloween    8. Halloween Item    9. Instrumental Pop    10. Keyboard    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. New Age / Meditation    14. Novelty    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Pop    18. Romantic Orchestral Music    19. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    20. Scherzo for Orchestra   

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

Here are three dozen pieces of music, all played by Yo-Yo Ma, culled from his extensive discography. Aside from the technical mastery and beautiful tone that are absolutes in all of his playing, one is dazzled by his curiosity and ability to adapt to so many forms and types of music. His Bach and Vivaldi are pellucid and played with non-sentimental crispness, his tango music gritty and rhythmically pungent, his jazz seemingly spontaneous, the "Meditation" from Read more

Reviews (8)

Great Collection!
Between these two disks, the listener experiences the expansive swath of this virtuoso's briliant repetoire.I bought the disk primarily for Bach's Prelude from Cello Suite No 1 in G Major, but I also loved the other Bach selections and the hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Simple Gifts".I have heard other performances by Yo-Yo Ma of this Cello suite selection, but I found this version to be the most stylistically appealing--at least by my humble tastes.I usually avoid compilation cds ("best of" is usually a turn off), but this is a definite thumbs-up.At the very least, it will point the way to other selections to pursue in greater depth.It really is a great musical find!

DVD purchase
Purchasing this product was hassle free and arrived well packaged in short time frame considering overseas destination.
After heearing both discs-- totally Out-0f-Sight!
Before first hearing this awesome Essential Yo-Yo Ma, my hearing Yo-Yo Ma in person came from a few feet from front-stage. Yet hearing him on ear-phones on this CD each morning, you get sucherie aura of inner presence, from the Prelude of Bach Suite No 1 in G major, then Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Sheep May Safely Graze, full Orchestra with Wachet Auf, "Simple Gifts" played by the Master Musician, sung by the plaintive soprano voice of an angel, two Morricone Pieces, "Gabriel's Oboe and the Falls" + "The Eternal Vow," from the Crouching Tiger and "The Cellist of Sarajevo." It is 153 minutes of blessed, calming, soothing, heavenly, Eternally Peaceful, flowing of Melodies!
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Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Cello Concerto    3. Cello Solo    4. Cello with Keyboard    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music    7. Choral    8. Choral Music    9. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    10. Classical    11. Classical Artists    12. Concerto    13. Film    14. Film Music    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Music    17. Miscellaneous    18. Miscellaneous Music    19. Orchestral    20. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Reviews (18)

Okay But.... - a review of "The Most Famous Opera Arias"
My daughter (6 y.o.) and I like opera; but sitting for two hours to watch Turandot is just not within the realm of possibilities for my 4 year old son right now... so I was looking for an opera CD for the car.He will sit and listen to short arias.
How about this...
...a wonderful and affordably priced music masterpiece for the novice to sample opera. I am new to the opera having seen my first at the Arena di Verona (Aida). It took the one to get me to want to sample more and this collection is certainly worthy of praise.

Very Disappointed
To be fair, I usually do not like opera--hurts my ears.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    3. Classical Music    4. French Romantic Opera    5. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    6. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Opera    9. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    10. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

Outside of Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun exposure to classical music
I bought Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2 last year, and my children (ages 6 and 10) begged me to get this one!Richard Perlmutter's voice is a little nasal (every once in a while you're reminded of Barney sing-a-longs) but the other voices that are on the CD are nice.This is an awesome way to familiarize children with classical music themes.I'm hoping that as my children grow up, they will be attracted to some classical music because they will have some familiar melodies in their memory banks.I highly recommend this CD to anyone with young children.

The appeal of this CD can't be exaggerated
Sometimes pretentious, sometimes downright ridiculous products promising to expose our children to classical music can be as obnoxious as they are ubiquitous. Noise-making machines imitating Mozart do not a classical music lover make, particularly when it comes to plastic devices that light up and play unrecognizable sound.
Warning:the fun is contagious!
For those of you familiar with Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2, you already know to expect the unexpected from lyric genius Richard Perlmutter and his very talented Beethoven's Wig crew.They have single-handedly delivered the classical music repertoire to millions of young children in the most innovative, engaging way - marrying the best of the classical repertoire to witty, fun lyrics for children (and adults!) that engage, entertain, and make the music unforgettable with the charming voice of Perlmutter himself and an accomplished operatic ensemble of singers.While so many artists struggle to follow up two gigantic successes with a third that doesn't disappoint, Beethoven's Wig 3 masterfully and refreshingly follows its own act with a new twist on the recipe this time:showcasing individual instruments in the orchestra, appreciating the uniqueness of each, and marrying them to short lyrical stories that are making my nephews and nieces laugh out loud while they learn (and while their parents and grandparents chuckle along -- and learn a few things too).The CD booklet contains not only the illustrated stories, but also interesting and fun questions about classical music and different orchestral instruments.I can really see why Beethoven's Wig has won so many children's music awards - there's nothing else like it, kids adore it, and parents feel great about knowing their children are developing a life-long love and appreciation for classical music at an early age. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cello Solo    2. Chamber    3. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    4. Children's    5. Childrens    6. Concerto    7. French Horn Concerto    8. French Romantic Opera    9. Harp Concerto    10. Keyboard    11. Mandolin Music    12. Miscellaneous    13. Music for Organ    14. Novelty    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Orchestral Music    18. Pop    19. Recorder Concerto    20. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

The labels that are now gathered under the Universal Classics umbrella have a pretty impressive scorecard in the area of classical compilations. We've seen Read more

Reviews (31)

Bought This & Kid's and I Love It - a review of "The # 1 Opera Album"
We just purchased this 2 CD set so we'd have something to listen to in the car (other than The Wiggles and Barney - lol) and we couldn't be happier.The offerings are great and include so many of the 'popular' arias that I wanted to introduce to our children:boy and girl; 4 and 6 y.o. respectively.
#1 Opera Album
Great collection of performances by some true legends in the opera world. The entire album is very well done.

Wonderful Compilation
A wonderful compilation of some of the most beautiful music in the world. One reviewer panned the selection of voices, but that sounds like sour grapes. While you might be disappointed if your favorite artist is not included, there's no doubt that this collection will entertain the listener for many hours. You'll enjoy this music over and over again. Buy it and enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Song (General)    2. Classical    3. Classical Music    4. Czech Romantic Opera    5. French Romantic Opera    6. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    7. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Italian Romantic Opera    10. Opera    11. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    12. Opera/Operetta Collections    13. Vocal   

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 (9)

Great collection, but they missed one
An excellent compilation of the darker side of classical music, although I would have preferred a different rendition of Toccata and Fugue in D (New York Philharmonic perhaps), it's still quite good.
The Perfect Halloween-Themed Classical Album
What better way to celebrate Halloween than by throwing a party and popping this recording on the stereo. This is classical music with a Halloween theme. Conductors Eugene Ormandy and George Pretre (whom I would have never believed did this kind of stuff) conducts classical music with a dark and Gothic twist. The cover is attrative- a cartoon drawing of the Phantom of the Opera playing on his organ. The first track is Bach's Toccata and Fugue for organ in D minor. It is genuinely considered a Halloween piece, and has been associated with such films as Dracula. The malevolent sound of the Toccata (the opening chords) are especially memorable. Danse Macabre was Saint Saen's ode to Halloween and it is a devilish waltz for violin. Gounod's Funeral March of a Marionette became famous for the theme to Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky was used in Disney's Fantasia, in the last segment and is very frightening and brisk. Lisz's Mephisto Waltzes are piano pieces that evoke a wild frenzy but I find nothing dark about it. It is difficult music to play however. The music of Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique utilizes many horror themes. In the Romantic Era, Gothic lore spread and such figures as Mary Shelley and Bram Stroker would write novels of Gothic horror -Frankenstein and Dracula. In the Symphony Fantastique, a young man falls in love with an elusive woman. He imagines she is unfaithful to him and then has a disturbing dream in which she is a witch in a coven. Then he is marched to a scaffold and beheaded. The music is very compelling and dark. All the music here is great to listen to on Halloween and the conductors and orchestra play them well. A must have.
Spooky Classical Music That Is Great For Halloween Or Anytime Of The Year!
I love Classical music, it is one of my favorite styles of music and I also like Halloween and scary movies, etc, I bought this CD because I heard, In The Hall of the Mountain King, Night on Bald Mountain, Dance Macabre and Funeral March of a Marionette and I liked them. Dance Macabre was used in a season 4 episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer called Hush. Also Funeral March of a Marionette was used as the theme for Alfred Hitchock Presents. All of these pieces are great and I also liked Tocata & Fuge in D minor. This CD with it's spooky sounding classical music is great for playing on Halloween but can really be listened to anytime and not just on Halloween and I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    2. Classical    3. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    4. Classical Music    5. Keyboard    6. Music for Organ    7. Orchestral    8. Romantic Orchestral Music    9. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    10. Scherzo for Orchestra    11. Symphonic    12. Symphony    13. Waltz for 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   

Features

• DualDisc

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    6. Concerto    7. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Italian Baroque Opera    10. Italian Romantic Opera    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    13. Nocturne for Keyboard    14. Opera    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Piano Concerto    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Transcription for Orchestra    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Their story is truly one of the more unusual tales of classical music today. Pop music has produced world-famous examples of all-in-the-family groups (which typically gave way to one or two solo stars as the years passed). And of course there's the Trapp Family singers of Read more

Features

• DualDisc

Reviews (25)

The Browns are Great
I had vaguely heard of the Browns before I popped their CDs in my player.WOW!! What playing & what great enthusiasm. They obviously have fun making music together and they have the chops to make it exciting for the listener. Especially fun are the excerpts from Bernstein's West Side Story & Grieg's Peer Gynt. The DVD video bits are a nice bonus.

Outstanding Young Pianists
I was fortunate to see the 5 Browns in person therefore, it has been enjoyable to listen to the music that they performed in the concert. These 5 siblings are so refreshing and so talented. I recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for a CD that has outstanding piano music performed by 5 very talented young people.

Disappointed
BUYER BEWARE! When the CD Cover warns you that the "...audio side of this disc does not conform to CD specifications and therefore not all DVD and CD players will play the audio side of this disc." THEY ARE DEAD SERIOUS.I bought the album, tried it in FIVE different CD and CD/DVD players - NONE of them would play the CD.Fortunately, the retailer who I bought the CD/DVD from was willing to allow me to return it (sounds like they have had similar problems!)The 5 Browns are great artists, however, it is VERY disconcerting that their CD producers/manufacturers are putting these kind of limitations on their product. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Crossover    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Pop    8. Keyboard    9. Keyboard Music    10. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    11. Moment Musical for Keyboard    12. Morceau for Keyboard    13. Music Theater    14. Musical Theater    15. Orchestral    16. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    17. Scherzo for Orchestra    18. Waltz for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This piano-playing team of five siblings could be easily dismissed as just another crossover ploy, but that would be a mistake. My initial surprise turned into an hour of pleasant listening and, on rehearings, to admiration for this unique ensemble of talented young artists. For one thing, they've got the chops to bring off some fiendishly difficult works. Listen to the way sisters Desirae and Deondra tackle modernist Witold Lutoslawski's Variations on a Theme of Paganini, or brother Ryan's colorful romp through Ginastera's tricky dance rhythms. The fivesome also achieve carefully balances in their concerted works, with a scrupulously turned version of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and their arrangement of highlights from Stravinsky's Firebird. Those in doubt should hear tracks two through four, for irresistible versions of Lecouna's popular Malaguena, a fetching combination of Dvorak and Copland, and a piano rag by John Novacek. A delightful, spirited disc that never fails to please. Read more

Reviews (10)

An enjoyable CD
I would have to say that I was absolutely amazed with this CD. I'm usually not the type of person who would listen to classical music, but I thoroughly loved it. I love playing it in the car on the way to class; it gets me relaxed. Buy 'No Boundaries'!! You will not regret it!

no sophomore slump here
I had always been a little bored by music for 2 or more pianos, but this disc changed my mind -- very exciting!
Different and inspiring!
Well, I must say that I enjoyed this second CD better than the first one. There was more variety and I loved the arrangements for 5 pianos! As a teen classical pianist, it is cool to see someone finally making classical music fun and interesting. They have re-inspired me and my love for classical music! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    3. Ballet    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Crossover    8. Classical Pop    9. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    10. Concerto    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Music    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    16. Music for Two Keyboards    17. Orchestral    18. Piano Concerto    19. Rhapsody for Keyboard    20. Suite for Orchestra   

Features

• DualDisc

Reviews (7)

Mediocre at best
The difficulty with this disc is that people are naturally overwhelmed when a family of Julliard-trained musicians comes along playing the favorites in an unconventional manner.I will admit that they are very in sync and that they have a mass-market appeal that people like Pierre Boulez simply will not have.However, the quality of their music is not consistent to garner the praises of the thousands that they have.Some of the siblings simply play better than the others. However, some of the arrangements are enjoyable, and some of the pieces had genuine enrergy. There were only a few outright failures: the arrangement of 'Simple Gifts', the Lutoslawski, and the Danzas Argentinas.The 'Simple Gifts' just isn't well arranged, and the playing is uninspired and lacks energy.I don't think that they understood the Paganini variations well, because it doesn't have the sparkle and virtuosity that permeates the piece.The Ginastera is played far too slowly without any thought about the natural eneregy that the composer took from his homeland and infused into the first and third dances.Although they will probably still be hugely popular, I would suggest that potential buyers should refrain from purchasing this underperformed disc and wait until another disc comes out that is more musically successful than this one.For die-hard converts, there is enough good material here to entertain.
Refreshing Young People
I have enjoyed not only listening to this CD, but have enjoyed watching these 5 talented siblings play their pianos on the DVD side. This CD has allowed me to continue to enjoy listening and watching the 5 Browns that I was fortunate to see and listen to in person.

5 Great new stars
5 great stars get 5 star rating -
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Crossover    6. Classical Pop    7. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    8. Concerto    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Music for Two Keyboards    14. Orchestral    15. Piano Concerto    16. Rhapsody for Keyboard    17. Suite for Orchestra    18. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

A great player can give meaning and substance even to lightweight miniatures. Andsnes says that his musical "horizon," at first limited to "big, important" music, opened to the appreciation of the short "salon" pieces and arrangements assembled on this record only as he got older, though they had accompanied him since childhood. The program features original compositions and transcriptions, including many familiar favorites. They span several centuries and come from every corner of Europe. Andsnes' virtuosity is breath-taking, his tone is beautiful, and his legato sings regardless of the accompanying texture. Above all, he captures every style, idiom, and mood. Andsnes' phrasing, dynamics, and liberties are balanced and poised, and his love for the music speaks through every note. Listeners will choose their own favorites among these 22 very different pieces, but surely no one will be able to resist Gieseking's spectacular arrangement of Richard Strauss' "Serenade," which adds torrents of notes to the virtuosic piano part and incorporates the vocal line as well. The fleetness and clarity of the Chopin "Impromptu" here never touches the ground, while Ibert's "Little White Donkey" has charm and delicacy and Liszt's "Liebestraum" resounds with ardent passion. Andsnes' brilliant, captivating performance will induce smiles of admiration and pleasure as well as a new respect for this versatile and colorful repertoire.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    10. Collection of Contrapuntal/Improv. Pieces for Keyboard    11. Etude for Keyboard    12. Impromptu for Keyboard    13. Keyboard    14. Keyboard Music    15. Nocturne for Keyboard    16. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    17. Song Without Words for Keyboard    18. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    19. Transcription for Keyboard    20. Vocal