Editorial Review

If you think you've heard Handel's "Ombra mai fu" (known as his "Largo") so often, and in so many different arrangements, and sung by so many different voices, that you can no longer be moved or surprised by it, think again. This CD of Handel arias, mostly from his Read more

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (13)

Glorious singing to treasure for decades
By any measure, America's Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is at least the equal of Italy's premier diva, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, although she does not have the same superstar status.It is difficult to recall past mezzos with clearer enunciation of English text, (as favoured in nine excerpts from Theodora), the richness of voice, displayed in full-throated fortissimo and sharply contrasted pianissimo of utmost delicacy, evokes fondest memories of the tragically doomed Kathleen Ferrier.Masterfully chosen to display every facet of Hunt Lieberson's consumate command of Handel's dauntingly difficult music, the disc's repertoire - recitatives and linkig arias from the operas Theodora and Serse, and the cantana La Lucrezia - is stunning.An unsung mezzo who makes the senses tingle!

Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian
I have never heard a voice purer of tone, more flexible in phrasing, and so gorgeously produced in a homogeneous column of sound such as this artist in Handel's repertoire.It is very tastefully sung (unlike a certain person whose name begins with R and ends with enaaay Fleming) and so dramatically touching that one could not help but feel that this repertoire finally has found its instrument.And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago.Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer.It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career.The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament that we can no longer hear any great roles from this artist.She will be missed.

The Stellar Hunt Lieberson
Simply put, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is one of the very best classical singers alive. She combines vocal elegance and purity with an emotional delivery that raises her above the crowd of technically proficient singers who just don't possess her depth of musical understanding or emotional commitment. Hunt Lieberson is a true artist who resists easy classfication except to say she is perfect in what she does. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Vocals    6. Italian Baroque Opera    7. Opera    8. Oratorio   

Reviews (10)

THE VERY BEST OF THE BEST
This is indeed a very awesome cd for me, because i would not have known which artist to buy, this way you get a variety of them. this cd is great for beginners such as I am.
Era issues
This CD is only "classical" in the sense that it is music by an orchestra.It does not mean that the music is from the classical ERA of music.It is still beautiful music, but those of you who are trying to learn to distinguish the different time periods will be disappointed.The CD actually does claim to be from the classical ERA but actually has much baroque era and romantic era music on it (the romantic CD by the same publisher is also not era specific).In regard to some of the other reviews, while the classical era did have an emotionally detatched quality, not all of the music on here is classical!Still, for those of you looking for an introduction to "classical" music, it is a beautiful CD.

Pleasantly Surprised! :)
I'm not much of a classical music buff, but I realized not too long ago that I do like many of the "popular" classical music tracks. Since then I have been on the lookout for a collection of "famous" classical music tracks that would appeal to the layman (so as to develop my interest in classical music further, and also to familiarize myself with some of the more famous classical tunes). Saw this CD on sale and bought it on a whim, and I havent been disappointed. The collection is indeed very nice, and my only gripe is that there isnt a single Beethoven track!! (and I wonder why non of the other user reviews mention this). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Ballet    3. Band    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    10. Classical Period Symphony    11. Concerto    12. Concerto Grosso    13. French Horn Concerto    14. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    15. Keyboard    16. March for Band    17. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    18. Opera    19. Oratorio    20. Orchestral   

Editorial Review

Inspired and wildly imaginative, Read more

Reviews (60)

I'd rather watch Bugs Bunny cartoons
I borrowed this disc from a co-worker.Initially, IO was interested in this disc because it seemed like it could be a very clever way to introduce classical music to children.I tried to like it, but I found the singers very cloying and saccharine sweet.The lyrics created for the music were very ricky-ticky and not very creative.Perhaps it is best used with very young children, but my students were less than impressed with the selections available on this disc.When introducing classical music to young children, I have found it is not necessary to find cutesy versions of the music with silly lyrics put to them.Watching old Bugs Bunny cartoons (quite a few use classical music as their background) caught my students attention and interest a lot more than the music on this disc did.

Kids love it
I have not actually listened to this one - we gave it as gift and have not heard from them either.But we started with Beethoven's Wig 3 which is OUTSTANDING!My kids love it, as do all the "kid" passengers who have ever heard it.We also have #2, which initially didn't seem as good as #3, but with more listening, we are enjoying it more too.#3 was a winner from the very first song.The lyrics are hilarious and the music is beautiful - and my kids love the instrumental pieces as much as the sing-along versions.

Crap/KitchSAVE YOUR CHILDREN FROM THIS!
This is so much worse than silly phrases to remember a symphony and the composer.The singing is horrendous, and so much vibrato, that anyone who thinks it is an example of good musicianship will never learn that there is some good music out there - 'cause it ain't HERE!
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Children's Collections    5. Childrens    6. Classical    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. French Operetta    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Lute Solo    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Rhapsody for Keyboard    18. Romantic Ballet    19. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    20. Romantic Rhapsody for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Read more

Reviews (139)

Pleasently Suprised
I am a new fan to Sarah Brightman, this is the first CD I have purchased, I am delighted to say I LOVE IT,, her voice is haunting and the lyrics are amazing... I am now a Sarah Brightman FAN... Great CD I higly recommend it!!!

I love this !
This is an amazing cd. Sarah Brightman is a great vocalist, who already is a household name in classical music. There are good songs and I finally found the song i was looking for- from the Secret Garden "Anytime, Anywhere." It's an amazing song and alsoAva Maria. A good song. Some other opera singers don't really know how to make their voices pure... as they grow up into woman. But, Sarah has accomplished this role in making her voice still pure, but amazing.

Fails to impress...
Now I'm as much a Sarah Brightman fan as the next guy; thought she was terrific vocally as "Phantom"'s Christine.Listening to this CD helps me to remember that was *20* years ago.What Sarah lacks in vocal control and tonality she makes up for in breathiness and her infamous "swooping" up into high notes.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Adagio for Orchestra    3. Adult Contemporary    4. Chamber    5. Choral    6. Classical Vocal Crossover    7. Czech Romantic Opera    8. Etude for Keyboard    9. Guitar Solo    10. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    11. Italian Baroque Opera    12. Italian Romantic Opera    13. Keyboard    14. Musical Theater    15. Musicals    16. Opera    17. Operettas    18. Orchestral    19. Pop    20. Pop Vocals   

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   

Reviews (17)

The Best Recording I've Ever Heard
I've listened to Handels's Messiah my entire life, so I'm very picky. I can honestly say this is the best recording I've ever heard.

Messiah - complete traditional
It is the traditional version of the Messiah and includes all parts - even the songs some people would find obscure. Very well done. Sounds inspiring and wonderful.

Genuinely Wonderful
This recording of Handel's Messiah showcases Felicity Lott, whose voice has an wonderfully warm and rich quality (unusual for a soprano) -- particularly on "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," a song with which I am tolerably familiar as a soprano soloist.In fact, the entire recording's tone resonates with warmth.The only fault lies in the fact that #34-37 are omitted, including one of my favorite pieces, "And He Shall Purify;" hence four stars instead of five.But leaving aside that omission, the orchestral performance is outstanding, the chorus is very good, and the soloists, especially Ms. Lott, are delightful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Oratorio    7. Orchestral & Symphonic   

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 (6)

An Ode to Beauty and Artistry (Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson, 1954-2006)
I've been meaning to review this album for the longest time, but haven't because of my committments at work and other things.Lieberson's voice, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful instruments of our generation.It is, unlike a certain Renaaay who tries to sing anything and everything as a huge, incoherent slur, a very beautifully and artistically sung Handel recital.The tone is simply magnificent!And no other Handelian artist has connected her singing of the role with a dramatic sense that is so acute as her performances of the role.
subtle beauty
I have had this CD for several years now, and also all of the CDs from which these arias are drawn.What a great album; I would not be without it.Ms. Hunt (now Hunt Lieberson) has the voice, phrasing, discipline...the inner understanding of this music.She's "connected" on almost every piece here. 'Angels Bright and Fair' is a particular standout in my view; but almost certainly, if you are a lover of Handel's music, you will find something special here. Her soprano to mezzo soprano on this CD was a subtle and extraordinary voice for performing these pieces.

Handel at his best
Of all the wonderful (and not so wonderfil) Handel CDs Iown, this is the one I return to over and over. The combination of musicianship, beauty of voice, and complete dramatic conviction makes this collection of (generally) very obscure arias a pleasure that intensifies with repeated hearing. Among the highlights: "Vieni o figlio" (from Ottone) which becomes, with Hunt's interpretation, one of the truly great arias of loss, a precursor of the great Romantic standards; "Angels, Ever Bright and Fair" (from Theodora), with unbelievable diction and sweetness, making Engish sound as beautiful as Itaian; and "Qual nave" (from Radamisto), again a miracle of delicate phrasing and conveyed deep feeling. But Hunt finds real meaning in all the songs -- she's never just vocalizing. Best of all is the way she manages to intensify meaning in the da capo section without excessive decoration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Music    5. Italian Baroque Opera    6. Opera    7. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    8. Opera/Operetta Collections    9. Oratorio    10. Vocal   

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   

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   

Editorial Review

Is it chance or serendipity that Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic timed their new recording of Holst's Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (6)

A recording of "The Planets" worth owning.
I was very anxious and curious to hear this new recording of The Planets. The reasons? Simon Rattle recorded The Planets almost at the same time that the Berlin Philharmonic was recording it 20+ Years ago with Herbert Von Karajan and Colin Davis. The Karajan recording was dismal in places. The Davis recording was pretty good, but the Rattle recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra was lackluster. Flash forward to 2006. Sir Simon Rattle has now recorded The Planets with the Berlin Philhrmonic and has achieved a recording that surpasses all three of the afore mentioned recordings.
Big names produce lacklustre results
A website, a "making-of"enhanced CD feature, a rave review in Gramophone (it is Rattle, after all) - expectations for this issue are highly strung. Unfortunately, the sounds as such do not live up to them. This is a strangely bloodless traversal of the planetary system, with Rattle seemingly determined to go all subtle and turn the music into some kind of Rococo filigree. As in his Mahler recordings, the result can sound deliberate and mannered. Granted, at times it is definitely successful: Venus is simply breathtakingly beautiful, and Mercury's fleet-footedness is dazzling. But Mars is without menace (and without organ too, by the sound of it); Jupiter is unexhilerating, Uranus just OK but nothing more (and again, not a trace of the organ even in that spectacular upward glissando); Saturn and Neptune, finally, are seriously lacking in any sense of mystery. I suspect the recording itself is partly to blame; EMI engineering is, in my experience, rarely top notch, and the Berlin Philharmonie notoriously difficult acoustically speaking. On CD, there is lack of detail, the dynamic range does not expand quite as widely as one would hope, and strings can sound strangely lacklustre and thin. Worse though is the distancing of the woodwinds, who at times sound as if they were sent out of the hall to keep the female choir company. Then again, that choir, sounds too near rather than distant.
Space Junk
Rattle disappoints in a perfunctory reading of one of the most familar of concert warhorses. Mars is a bit "oogie-boogie" scary, not terrifying. Venus sulks in a warm bath of ultra-rubato. Rattle himself seems slightly embarrassed by the great central hymn of Jupiter, calling it "a nostalgic look at an England that never existed - the England of cricket fields and warm beer and bad cooking". Well, then - guess that shows US. But the most egregrious offense is cobbling together unwanted bits to, in Rattle's own words, "make a calling card for the orchestra". This is essentially make-work for a group of completely unrelated compositional styles and the results are underwhelming in the extreme. It's bad enough that Pluto has been "downgraded" from planetary status - it now has to suffer the insult of being tagged "The Renewer" (for entirely obscure reasons) and having a tacky, alternately whispy and annoying six-minute noise-bomb associated with it. (The composer, Colin Matthews, is far better known as the producer of the Nonesuch recording of the Gorecki Third Symphony than as an orchestral composer.) Adding this piece after the ephemeral fade-out of Neptune makes as much sense as sticking chrome-plated plastic arms on the Venus d'Milo.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Orchestral    5. Orchestral Music    6. Suite for Orchestra   

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   

Reviews (4)

Anna Magdalena Notebook-- a treasure trove of Baroque music
This is music for contemplating number and time and not realize you are doing that. These pieces from Anna Magdalena Bach's notebook are a significant part of the history of western culture, and the music is brilliant, lucid, and passionate. Just as, I suppose, Bach's wife was. Played on harpsichord and clavichord, the work-- not all by Bach-- seems rigourously, mysteriously modern, and the anonymous "Musette in A Major" one could even say had in it the roots of ragtime piano. Last but not least, it's quite possible that Lorraine Hunt Lieberson can never be less than sublime.

Music for Bach's Katy
Luther had his Katy who supported him and the Reformation magnificently and faithfully.Bach who was real student and follower of Luther's, had his second wife, Anna Magdalena who was so much for him and his family and music.
Charming and beautiful
This CD is a collection of music from the notebook of Bach's wife, who was a singer. It includes dances, arias and other favorite songs. Most of the pieces range from peppy little dance tunes(like Musette in A Major) to delicate baroque airs (like Prelude no.1), all played on the harpsichord, clavichord or cello. The pieces that really stand out are the arias, sung beautifully by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson in German. Most are religious, but there is one that is a nice love song "Willst du mein Herz mir schenken." The website on the back of the liner notes has the lyrics for the arias and they are worth reading. Besides the fact that this is good music, it also provides interesting insight into Bach's life and family and the liner notes have some interesting information about Anna and her notebook. This is a charming collection of music that is a great and cheap addition to any classical music collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    2. Cantata    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Choral    5. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Dance-Based Keyboard Music    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Music    13. March for Keyboard    14. Miscellaneous    15. Miscellaneous Music    16. Musette for Keyboard    17. Polonaise for Keyboard    18. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    19. Solo Voice and Continuo    20. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble   

Editorial Review

While many hospitals across the country send new mums and babes home equipped with discs of classical music to soothe and gently stimulate babies' tender minds, Read more

Reviews (15)

enjoyable
I have enjoyed this cd thus far.If you have the money to spend, this is relaxing and enjoyable, however you can get similarmusic for free on your local classical station.So if you would rather save your money...just tune in on your radio dial.I am glad I bought the cd for the familiarity of the songs, but I also love just plain old classical radio.

Play in utero, sooths out utero
My wife put the headphones from her portable CD player on her pregnant belly every night before bed."Ultrasound" played for 30 minutes to an hour every night to our unborn son.Once he was born he'd sometimes get cranky in the car.We'd turn this CD on and he'd INSTANTLY settle down.It was amazing.He's 15 months old now and it still calms him down after a frustrating car ride, and he goes down for naps like a champ with this CD playing. I HIGHLY recommend this technique to all pregnant mothers!

A++++++
most comforting and beautiful music, for anybody looking
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Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Berceuse for Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    9. French Romantic Opera    10. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    11. Harp Solo    12. Italian Romantic Opera    13. Keyboard    14. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    15. Miscellaneous    16. Miscellaneous Music    17. Music for Two Keyboards    18. Music with Spoken Words    19. New Age / Meditation    20. Opera   

Editorial Review

Cecilia Bartoli's new CD features a collection of music that could not be heard in her native Rome at the start of the 18th century due to Papal censorship. Theaters, the Church felt, were places of evil and corruption and operas led people to immorality. But some music-loving senior members of the priesthood asked composers to write oratorios and cantatas--indeed, operas without staging, essentially--for their own private entertainment. Call it what you will, the music is sensational--by turns virtuosic, gentle, and playful--and always expressive: just right, it seems, for Cecilia Bartoli's temperament. The opening aria on the CD, a call for peace in the name of Jesus, is, in fact, a dazzling martial air with trumpets blaring and the voice going through an amazing array of coloratura fireworks. It shows Bartoli at her most aggressive. The listener is practically hurled back from the speakers when she begins, with rapid-fire runs and trills and cascades of notes, all perfectly in place. Showy arias are offset by several tender ones ("Lascia la spina" from Handel's Read more

Reviews (32)

Exciting, moving, beautiful, energetic, heart-felt, fantastic...
What more can I add?
Highly Recommended
I saw Ms. Bartoli for the first time on 60 Minutes many years back. 60 Minutes did a fine job introducing this fine talent to American audiences. Bartoli looked good on camera and her voice was exquisite. Over the years I listened to various CD's from her in book stores and thought that whoever was recording her was not doing any justice to her talent. Then finally I came across this CD and read the reviews on Amazon. I was encouraged by the high ratings and made my purchase. I agree with all the other reviewers that gave this CD 5 Stars. It is the bestBartoli CD that I have heard.
Outstanding
I was left speechless when I first listened to this CD.A powerful, emotionally intense interpretation of some fabulous, albeit almost forgotten, oratorio pieces.As a big opera fan, I have really enjoyed listening to it. To Cecilia and to whoever came up with the idea to rescue these musical wonders in her amazing voice:Bravo, Bravo, Bravo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    7. Oratorio   

Reviews (6)

Stress-freedom
Perfect music to end the work day. After listening to this I can face the evening. If the morning is hard, a little at lunch time gets me through the afternoon.

Greatly enjoy!
I first developed a taste for this music a number of years ago when my daughter started playing in the orchestra. The reason I made this purchase however, was because I have a great deal of difficulty with anxiety and I was looking for ways to find help. I love these CDs. It helps so much to sit and close my eyes and enjoy the music. The CDs are full of beautiful music.

the most relaxing classical music in the universe
it's the best next to the first one... ... Read more