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   

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

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   

Editorial Review

When Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks collaborated on the Academy Award®-winning Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (48)

Band of Brothers Soundtrack
Very moving to listen to and there is no need to watch the series to hear the music when you want.

Comprehensive soundtrack
You really can feel the series.No cutting or snippets, or best of.....full, long, and great.Several of the selections are great to drive to on repeat play.

WOW! My husband and father love it!!!!
I purchased the DVD set plus the soundtrack...what a fabulous gift! After you've seen the DVDs the music will haunt you. As with most soundtracks, you are transported right back to the story. I love the music myself...it is so moving. A perfect purchase! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Television Music    8. Television Soundtrack   

Editorial Review

The debut of the young, classically trained international quintet of sopranos Jo Appleby and Tsakane Valentine, tenors David Habbin and Geoff Swell, and basso Nick Garret offers up a familiar take on the crossover formula that has enriched everyone from genre pioneers The Three Tenors to Russell Watson and beyond. While their occasionally electro-pumped rhythms and youth-angled marketing shtick ("The world's first opera band!") may borrow a page from Opera Babes and Bond, it still manages to evoke the spirit (if not the letter) of its eclectic classical sources. And if the world hasn't exactly been burning for yet another dramatized update ofRead more

Reviews (61)

Easy Listening
Bought the album after hearing someone talk about the group.Thought the voices were okay (baritone was the best) but in some songs didn't blend properly.Selection of pieces was interesting . . . pop, classical, opera.Good album for "background" music.

Very Relaxing Music
I first heard it at a shop that sells English products. I thought it was interesting to hear and decided to get the CD for myself. I find the chorus very relaxing especially the last song which nearly put me to sleep as I am doing my homework. Amici Forever is a good CD to listen to when you have nothing to do or to soothe your wracked nerves.

What more can you expect?
CD was delivered quickly, in excellent shape, and for a great price.What more can you say?George ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthem    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Music    8. Czech Romantic Opera    9. French Romantic Opera    10. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    11. Italian Romantic Opera    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Opera    15. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    16. Vocal    17. Vocal Music   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

Good selection
I bought this CD to use in my classroom as listening examples.I'm not just a super big fan of some of the performances, but they are all good and for the price you can't beat it.That's why I gave it 5 stars.It's worth more than it costs by far.

thunderous applause

Good Music at a Great Price
I bought this CD mostly for "Entry of the Gladiators," which everyone will recognize as classic circus music. The performance on this CD(by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops) is the best available version of Entry of the Gladiators. The rest of the CD offers mostly excerpts of classical music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Band    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    8. Classical Music    9. Concert/Brass/Marching Band Music    10. Etude for Keyboard    11. French Romantic Opera    12. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    13. Italian Romantic Opera    14. Keyboard    15. March for Band    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Orchestral Music    19. Polka for Orchestra    20. Romantic Orchestral 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   

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   

Reviews (4)

Selection of Songs?
Perlman is a man of extraordinary clarity and tonality also one of my favorite violinists. After I finish practicing a piece I usually find a recording to listen to different interpretations. Most of them are by Perlman and Heifetz. Unfortunately this album has some obscure songs and the songs itself do not do justice to Perlman what some other songs may have done. Still it is important to broaden the scope, so I would recommend this to all music connoisseurs :). btw i'm only 16 so...don't take this review too literal huh?

If you are a violin lover, buy it
It's beautiful.Simply put.

This is "THE" Greatest Hits alum by Perlman
Perlam is already a great player like the whole world knows.But the music selection couldn't better!I espacily like the piano accomplimant.Perlman pays the pieces with true style.The working realtionship betweenPerlman and the Pianist is truly incredible.Before geting any of Perlman's other greatest hits albums, get this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Duo for Two String Instruments    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Nocturne for Keyboard    14. Oboe Solo/Sonata    15. Orchestral    16. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    17. Scherzo for Orchestra    18. Song Without Words for Keyboard    19. Violin Concerto    20. Violin with Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This commemorative reissue of music from Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (30)

whoa.
"Atmospheres" was enough to make me buy this album. just try to imagine what eternity might sound like. okay, now you know exactly what Atmospheres is. wow. who else could having captured the feelings that are in this score? this is above talented. this is above genius. this is above avand garde. this is too good to be labeled as anything at all.

Great Music for Halloween, very creepy
I bought this CD to use for a haunted house program, the music will creep you out.

Bleakest of Futures...
The atonal, unsettling atmosphere of much of the music of Ligeti is fitting to the bleak vision of a human future reigned by nothing but cold technology and of humans drained of emotions except for the deepest animalist fear originating from our inner reptilian brainparts which have not changed for over millions of years. The incongruity of Johann Strauss' lovely 'An der sch�nen blauen Donau' with the cold technicality of spacefaring as depicted here could not be more complete, but what a perfect find on Stanley Kubrick's part! It makes the uneasiness and confusion even greater. And then, to top it of, the complete and flabbergasting irony of using Richard Strauss' Fanfare for the 'rise of Man' in his 'Also Sprach Zarathustra': what a great destiny for 'Man' indeed, this bleakest of bleak visions of the future!
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    3. Ballet    4. Choral    5. Miscellaneous    6. Miscellaneous Music    7. Orchestral    8. Original Score    9. Pop    10. Requiem/Requiem Section    11. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    12. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    13. Soundtrack    14. Soundtracks & Film Scores    15. Vocal    16. Waltz for Orchestra   

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (5)

Awesome music. Better than ever recording.
What a treat for the ears!
Is The Redbook Layer That Good?
I wish we had more comparisons of the CD layer with the JVC XRCD releases so owners of XRCDs could make intelligent decisions about upgrading for redbook playback.Dan Davis, who reviews for Amazon and UltraAudio wrote:
Just how hard can it be?
Just how hard can it be, in this age of digi-techno miracle machinery, to make a recording of a major symphony orchestra that sounds natural?They could do it at RCA Living Stereo (and Mercury Living Presence) in the 1950's with only two or three microphones and analog tube equipment.Today, with all the gizmos, most orchestral recordings are over-processed, over-equalized, over-mixed and blended, pasturized and homogenized into grating sterility.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. March for Orchestra    4. Opera    5. Orchestral    6. Orchestral & Symphonic    7. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    8. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    9. Russian Romantic Opera    10. Suite for Orchestra   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

Marvellous!
I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!
All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Concerto    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    12. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments    13. Violin Concerto    14. Violin with Keyboard    15. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Fritz Kreisler, incomparable violinist and prolific composer, was the supreme interpreter of his own pieces;his recordings of them have cast a spell on generations of performers. Joshua Bell succumbed to it as a boy, but avoids the pitfall of trying to imitate Kreisler's style, putting his own stamp on both the original pieces and the so-called baroque arrangements, which Kreisler eventually admitted having written himself. The program, shrewdly chosen to display Kreisler's multifaceted versatility, includes stylized, graceful dances, dreamy reveries, outbursts of joy and passion, parodistic syncopation, and, of course, true Viennese character pieces. Bell's love of the music suffuses every note; he captures mood, character, and expression with flair and impeccable style. His playing, technically brilliant and tonally ravishing, has humor, wit, grace, elegance, and irresistible charm. Sentiment never becomes sentimentality; there is not a trace of schmalz or kitsch. The piano parts, with their sophisticated harmonies and skillful counterpoint, prove that Kreisler was a good composer as well as a fine pianist; Paul Coker plays them with just the right combination of rhythmic steadiness and idiomatic freedom. Read more

Reviews (13)

Powerful expression with a great spirit
One of the glories of living in Bloomington, Indiana, is that I am surrounded by world class music performance opportunities, and one of the occasional treats has been Joshua Bell, whose family lived in Bloomington during his youth; Bell frequently returns home to play in concerts.
Briliant!!!
What can I say?Bell is probably the best of the young generation violinists these days.He brings so much charm to anything he does.Lush sound, yet light where need be...Such beautiful phrasing, so well ballanced.This recording can be heard again and again and again, even if the music itself is not terribly deep...I love it.

A connection of passion
After listening to disc after disc after disc of violin works, one finds oneself thinking, "Where has the passion gone for playing violin?" Yes, absolutely astounding recordings abound, but very few offer the true passion of putting the bow to the strings. Technique and "flawless" fingerings have reduced the modern virtuosi to mere composition puppets. They are all "perfect". It is truly a joy to hear a violinist passionate about his playing and that comes across very elatedly with Mr. Bell playing the pieces from Kreisler. Every track is played as though he honestly enjoys it! A superb recording from the student of Gingold. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Keyboard    7. Rigaudon for Keyboard    8. Violin with Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This vocal recital certainly lives up to its title, perhaps too well. It's a collection of arias andsongs Fleming has sung for years that for some may be too much frosting and not enough cake. Surely, herperformances are rich with interpretive nuances, wonder-filled portamentos and word colorings that reflecta long history with this repertoire, which ranges from Charpentier's "Depuis le jour" toRachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Some may find Fleming a bit much, but agree with her or not, she'sfar more interesting than singers who keep a safe, discreet distance from the music. Read more

Reviews (44)

Beautiful and creamy voice
I like so much Ren?eFleming and thisis special cd !

Renee Fleming;THE BEAUTIFUL VOICE
IT'S A FINE RECORDING THAT OFFERS A VARIETY OF SELECTIONS FROM OPERA, OPERETTAS AND FOLK SONGS, ALL WITH FLEMING AT HER BEST.
The most gorgeous soprano voice I've ever heard
I am a 19-year-old voice student at the University of Central Arkansas and I came across Renee by way of a soprano in my voice studio.She said it was her favorite soprano and that I should give her a listen.I was a little hesistant because I'm a baritone and my voice teacher told me that I should listen to men, but I just want to hear it all.So this past summer I first bought Renee's self-titled album with all of the lolipop arias on it and I was just amazed, not just because of how good she is but how easy she is to listen to.I loved her voice immediately.From the the moment the first tone passed through her throat on Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro."So I had to hear more.The Beautiful Voice is even better.It wasn't as easy to listen to at first because some of the songs on this album are not as famous as those on the other one, but these songs are all gems.The Korngold with the pianissimi B flats is my personal favorite.Even my mother who screams at me to turn down that "noise" when I listen to opera cds has grown to be quite fond of Renee Fleming.Sometimes her interpretations can be over the top, but the voice is beyond spectacular.It pours out like melted butter.It's vibrant, rich, expressive, free and always perfectly in tune.There is no hint of strain from any sound emitted from her body.She will undoubtedly be remembered like Callas & Sutherland and all the other great soprano voices before her.Not for the dramatic intensity of Callas or the coloratura & technical ease of Sutherland, but for the sheer unspeakable beauty of her voice.This is a must have for any vocalist seriously dedicated to classical training. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Vocals    8. French Romantic Opera    9. German/Austrian 20th/21st Century Opera    10. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    11. Italian Romantic Opera    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Opera    15. Orchestral    16. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    17. Romantic Opera    18. Solo Voice with Piano or Orchestra    19. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

In this beautifully chosen program of mostly a cappella arrangements, Robert Shaw and the Robert ShawChamber Singers deliver the Christmas story in tones of gentle andmoving splendor. The carols and sacred settings recorded here are allof an intimate sort, and the rapturous, gently expressive realizationsShaw and his singers give them prove unfailingly appealing.Particularly moving is the newest work on the disc, a setting of "O magnum mysterium" by the American composer Morten Lauridsen. Franz Biebl's"Ave Maria" is another gem, as is the arrangement by Healy Willan ofthe French carol "What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" The offering includesa pair of chorales from Bach's Read more

Reviews (13)

a perfect Ceremony of Carols!
This is the finest recording of Britten's A Ceremony of Carols I've ever come across, and there are plenty of versions to choose from. The King's College Choir rendition suffers from overstuffed acoustics, a constant with that choir, and their recording of Ceremony of Carols falls short in the requisite rhythmic clarity and intensity. The Christ Church, Oxford version is plodding, and lacks sparkle. Harry Christopher's The Sixteen come close, with marvelous sonics and ecstatic diction, but fall apart in the exacting 'This Little Babe' round with uneven cohesion, and strange stressed notes that ruin the waterfall effect so felicitously construed by Britten. I've not heard Britten's own conducted version, but he scrupulously insisted on boy trebles, and it's difficult if not impossible to conjure a more perfect rendering than the one given here by Shaw and his Chamber Singers. 'This Little Babe' is incomparable in each and all of its rapid fire contours, which is no mean feat. Mezzo-soprano Nanette Soles deserves special mention for incandescent singing on 'That Younge Child". The luminous pacing of 'There is no rose of such virtue' is notable, and to his credit Shaw employs the ecclesiastical pronunciation of the various Latin passages, unlike The Sixteen (and most other English choir recordings of this piece) who insist on an idiomatic British pronunciation of Latin, which offers nothing but distraction. Some will prefer boy treble singers, an attractive option, but for high musical values and the art they inevitably enshrine, it's impossible to be disappointed with this profoundly wrought version of Ceremony of Carols. Bach's 'Break Forth, O beauteous heavenly light' is just right, and I'd not heard 'Heavenly Light' by Aleksandr Kopylov; both are favorable additions to an excellent recording. Recommended.

Brilliant compilation
This is an absolutely outstanding collection of carols - some of them well-known, some of them obscure. As a choral singer, I've had the pleasure of singing many of these pieces, and I was delighted when I found them all in one place, and done by an ensemble so accomplished as the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers! It just isn't Christmas for me without this recording.

Didn't care for it that much
I prefer to hear the voices and the words of the carols, and this one has too much other sound (maybe even the use of massed voices); I have a hard time hearing what they are singing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arranger    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical    8. Conductor    9. Easy Pop    10. Hymn    11. Lullaby    12. Mass Section    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Oratorio    16. Part Song/Glee/Music for Unaccompanied Voices    17. Sacred Choral Music    18. Vocal    19. Vocal Music    20. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (38)

Dreadful, isn't it?
What you get here is one more review from a person who has not heard this compilation. But don't be hasty to skip it. I will try to make it informative.
A wonderful compilation of classical music.
This is a perfect introduction to classical music and I do not understand some of the overtly negative criticism from others.It is an excellent way to "get your feet wet," so to speak and then you can decide which composers you wish to become more familiar with.You would have to buy quite a few CDs to experience all this set has to offer.Although the CD title is tongue-in-cheek...and perhaps that is what people object to...there is nothing to criticize here.

I doubt people who hate classical music would buy this
I figure this set is mainly for people who want to teach themselves to appreciate classical music. However, it's not how I started out (age about 17). In those days nobody seemed to think anyone would want to learn how to listen to classical music. I was held up by my family as a real freak. :-) Anyway, at the time, World Record Club was run by people with a wide knowledge of classical music (whereas today it's run by market-driven managers who know nothing about it) so I was able to buy LPs at such reasonable prices it didn't matter if I later found I didn't like what I'd bought. I could have done with some guidance, of course, because I honestly couldn't tell the difference between Bach and Bartok; that's how bad my listening skills were. One of my first Bach recordings was definitely not one I would recommend to a beginner (Menuhun's performance of The Musical Offering) so I could have landed up deciding I didn't like Bach. If this type of production is what it takes to bring more people to classical music, then I guess it has to be a good thing. I've given it only one star because there is no way I would want to own it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    3. Ballet    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. Cantata    6. Chamber    7. Chamber Music    8. Chamber Music & Recitals    9. Choral    10. Classical    11. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    12. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    13. Concerto    14. Concerto Grosso    15. Concerto for Two String Instruments    16. Film    17. Film Music    18. French Operetta    19. French Romantic Opera    20. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera   

Reviews (3)

Just for kids?? No way!!
This is wonderful classical music.If the kids like it, great!But, make no mistake about it, this is good for anyone.This is wonderful study music, reading music, or just plain relaxing music.Highlights include "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"; "March of the Toys" (from BABES IN TOYLAND -- the reason I bought this CD); "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"; "The Little Train of Caipira" (no longer little when the music is over); and the audience favorite "Hoedown" (i.e. "Beef, it's what's for dinner!").
The best classical album for kids!
This is a wonderful album. Very high quality, and every selection is beautiful.My daughter (who usually asks me to turn my classical music off) loves to pretend to gallop like a horse during "Rodeo" and march like a soldier during "Parade of the wooden soldiers". This is a pleasure for the whole family!

Great for Preschool Children
I use this CD with my preschool music group. The kids love it! This CD enables children learn about classical music without over extending their attention spans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    3. Ballet    4. Chamber    5. Classical    6. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    7. Classical Music    8. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    9. Concerto    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. March for Orchestra    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    16. Orchestral    17. Orchestral & Symphonic    18. Romantic Ballet    19. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    20. Romantic Orchestral Music   

Reviews (13)

Wicked!
im doing the ' pictures at an exhibition ' in music and its a fabulous peice of music ! so peaceful but exciting at the same time !!! 100 *'z lol x

likely to be surpassed
Perhaps not fair but I'll mainly comment on the "Pictures at an exhibition"
Good, but not impressive
I agree with many comments made before. This is a nice CD, with many amazing performances by superb soloists. However, it is not "perfect". There are minor problems, such as some of the tuning in the wind section, and rhythmic disruptions at some points. Reiner did a great job conducting the pieces, especially Pictures. Some of the sound and tone is not as developed as I would like, particularly in the low brass. In fact, there is little presence of horn, as well as inconsistent trombone playing(which I enjoy hearing). Don't get me wrong, there are great moments, but it's not the quality I love to hear from the CSO. I would recommend this CD to anyone interested in the music of Mussorgsky and the other composers, however, I am currently on a search to find the best performance, and I do not think I have found it yet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. March for Orchestra    5. Opera    6. Orchestral    7. Orchestral & Symphonic    8. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    9. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    10. Russian 20th/21st Century Opera    11. Russian Romantic Opera    12. Suite for Orchestra   

Reviews (4)

AN OPERA OPUS THAT'S A MUST!
Oh, such letter-perfect perfection! This marvel features a two-hour-plus showcase of well-known arias from "Cosi Fan Tuti," "Aida," "Carmen," "Madame Butterfly" and "The Barber of Seville." It also comes with a book --- 762 pages of remarkable facts, figures and illustrations.Encore!

The Best
This is, by far, the best introduction to opera on the market. It also contains some gem performances for anyone who already has a serious opera collection. Several tracks on this collection of mostly Eastern European singers rival those of their Western counterparts. This is a collection for EVERYONE - from the opera novice to the person who has long collected all the major Western stars. At this price, it's the best opera bargain in the world. GET IT NOW!!! Thank you, Naxos! I hope that some of these Eastern European singers at last get the attention they deserve.

Superb Modestly Priced Favorite Arias Collection!!!
I received this as my 20th birthday gift from my bestfriend and I was amazed at the quality and the content of this CD. Some of the arias which I am immensely fond of are included, i.e. "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen." And who would have guessed that the soprano on track 10 performing Queen of the Night's Aria from Mozart's "Die Zauberflote" was none other than Hellen Kwon? Amazing!Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Song (General)    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Czech Romantic Opera    9. French Romantic Opera    10. German/Austrian 20th/21st Century Opera    11. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    12. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    13. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    14. Italian Baroque Opera    15. Italian Romantic Opera    16. Miscellaneous Music    17. Opera    18. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    19. Polish 20th/21st Century Opera    20. Violin Concerto   

Reviews (6)

This CD stays in my car player
This CD is one that I think even non-classical music lovers would like. It isn't too "classical" and some of the songs are the kind that keep going though your head until you can't help but play the disc again. It is a two disc set