Reviews (1)

The Homecoming....Andre Rieu
I know it is relative, but this is the most enjoyable, exciting, inspiring, entertaining program I have watched in a long, long time. I did not get enough with one viewing, I will be watching it again and likely again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Concerto    5. French Romantic Opera    6. German/Austrian Operetta    7. Guitar Concerto    8. Italian Romantic Opera    9. Music Theater    10. Musical Theater    11. Opera    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral Music    14. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music   

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

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

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   

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   

Editorial Review

Modern choral music for amateur singers may be America's biggest musical underground. That's the only explanation of why Grammy-nominated composer Morten Lauridsen can claim that his works are some of the most often-performed new pieces in years, although few among the East Coast intelligentsia have ever heard of him. Like the similarly popular John Rutter, Lauridsen inhabits an extremely conservative style directed simply and single-mindedly at showing off the beauty of choral singing while it illustrates inspiring texts. Unlike many of his fellow neo-Romantic conservatives, Lauridsen displays a brand of conservatism that is completely convincing and sincere. His music also has range, from the spellbindingly rapturous Read more

Reviews (69)

Gorgeous
It's incredible that I've listened to this CD at least 300 times over the last two years and still love it.Without a doubt, Lux Aeterna is the most beautiful piece of music I've ever had the opportunity to sing.

Ethereal
The title says it all.The hamonization, clear tones, and excellent recording are out of this world.The balance of the chorus with the orchestra is wonderful.
Lux Aeterna Describes the Disk Perfectly
I am an avid follower of the classical genre but somehow have missed the music of Lauridsen.All of the selections on this disk are exceptional in their ability to evoke peace and the beauty of creation.Lauridsen's music is truly inspirational and the performance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale is exceptional.This is a must disk if you love inspirational chorale music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Miscellaneous Music   

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   

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   

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 (22)

Viva Italia, excellent
The CD was used as part of an Italia Fiesta we organised in Albury NSW, Australia. The music helped in setting the party atmosphere for the evening. The evening was held as fund raiser for the Murray Valley Sactuary Refugee Group. The evening was very successful.

Disappointed in this CD
We were very disappointed in this CD. We are always looking for good CDs to play at the Italian events we plan. This is not one of them. The songs are so old without exciting instrumentation. More than half the songs on the CD are instrumentals that sound like they are from the 50s (Montavani-style). We shouldn't have had to pay as much as we did for these old versions. Sorry, can't recommend.

Italian Classics CD offers great selections!
This is a fantastic CD offering a variety of Italy's best music! I purchased the CD to play during an Italian Dinner Party and was so impressed with the selections and variety! It offers a little bit of everything and is perfect for entertaining! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 50's    2. 60's    3. Art Song (General)    4. Film    5. Film Music    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Italian    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Opera    12. Pop    13. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    14. Vocal    15. Vocal Music    16. World Music   

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

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    3. Adagio for Orchestra    4. Art Song (General)    5. Bagatelle for Keyboard    6. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    7. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    8. Chamber    9. Chamber Music    10. Choral    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    13. Classical Music    14. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    15. Concerto    16. Etude for Keyboard    17. Keyboard    18. Keyboard Concerto    19. Keyboard Music    20. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title   

Reviews (7)

Legend!
This is the greatest compilation of recordings ever made by the legendary pianist Van Cliburn. Although I am a cellist, I wear this cd out on a regular basis both at the office and home. I actually have an extra copy to play at the office. All of these recordings are superb in sound quality, performance and incredibly inspiring. The Schumann, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Liszt pieces are stellar and my personal favorites. I only wish there were dvd's with Cliburn's performances so those of us too young to have seen him in a live performance. CD is a must-have for any classical music lover's collection.

Probably the Best Piano CD ever!
If you like Piano music, this is the CD for you.Van Cliburn is at home with great songs that anyone will recognize.It is a masterfully performed set of songs for anyone.

An exquisite recording...read on!....
Contains a masterful rendition of Beethoven's "Fur Elise", which happens to be one of my favorite classical pieces -- I have a smooth-jazz-pop-dance version of this tune on my own album, "Classy Cool: Classical Favorites, Made Cool" (Google keyword "Motionizer" to find it) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    8. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    9. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    10. Intermezzo for Keyboard    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Work Entitled "Piece" or "Stück"    13. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    14. Moment Musical for Keyboard    15. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    16. Nocturne for Keyboard    17. Prelude for Keyboard    18. Waltz for Keyboard   

Reviews (7)

Pleasant backdrop
As a child growing up in the city of Salem, known for it's working class backbone, I was the only kid I knew who had been to Symphony Hall more than Fenway Park. Going in to Boston for the symphony's open practices was what I lived for. It gave me a true appreciative, although untrained ear. The one lasting lesson is that while you may not notice good classical music,EVERYONE notices bad classical music. And this is NOT bad classical.
Musical soothing of the soul
I have been a fan of Baroque music since childhood (and I'm not all that old either). But I've only started reading the Patrick O'Brian books in the last few months, since it was announced that my favorite actor, Russell Crowe, was about to star as Captain Jack Aubrey in the Peter Weir movie. I am reading the books in order, and am currently on "HMS Surprise," so what else could be a more perfect accompaniment than this CD? Aubrey is such a multi-layered character, filled with imperfections and bad puns, however he has a great love for music and he plays the violin quite well. Often paired with ship's surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin on the cello, music is a great release for this sea captain, and the pieces on this CD are fine representations of what Aubrey might have played while on assignment or heard when on land. The selections by Hadyn, Locatelli, Handel, Boccherini and Leclair are pleasant, soothing compositions that are complex and varied enough that they are not redundant, and range from peaceful to nimble. While listening to the CD, I could vividly imagine Jack Aubrey below decks in his cabin and asking Maturin to strike up a tune with him. And then they begin an Andante or an Allegro, allowing Aubrey to set aside his absolutely awful puns and jokes so he can clear his mind and relax. Considering some of the battles he's involved himself in so far in the series, he definitely needs it. Reading his adventures while listening to these charming pieces will relax you as well, and definitely take your imagination to some wondrous places in an era of great change.

Afloat on a sea of relaxation
I like Mozart. I really do, and I used to put on a piano concerto or two over dinner when I had guests aboard.Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata da camera    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Trio Sonata    10. Two String Instruments with Keyboard/Continuo   

Reviews (7)

Fine picture of prodigality
Helene Grimaud is one of a number of very fine French pianists to emerge recently, and she has been quite productive so far in her short career.Her recent CDs have been critized for a lack of depth, but she has a certain powerful quality to her which can be quite engaging, and this is already evident in this, her debut recording.This disc was recorded at the age of 17, shortly after she won the First Prize at the conservatory of Aix-en-Provence.In spite of her youth, this is already playing of a high level, displaying an unusual level of understanding and maturity for one so young.It is not perfect, though.
Superb
First of all, Grimaud was only 16(!) when she recorded this, not 18 as was stated elsewhere.Taking that into account, makes the playing heard on this disc all the more imrpessive.The denon sound is flawless, and you can hear every note played cleanly and without any fear:very stunning technique.My favorite is the Chopain balalde on this disc, played extraordinarly well by Grimaud:passionate and fiery.I;m not realy a fan of the schumann, so I can't say much for that.the lizt is really diabolical, and isn't my fabvorite music to listen to, but Grimaud's performance of it seems to be a force to reckon with.Remember:she was only 16 when she recorded this, but she plays like a master on this disc.

Very good performance!
Miss Grimaud played the three pieces here very well, especially the Chopin. I like her early recordings at Denon when she was young and full of energy. This label seems to have given up its classical department and therefore Miss Grimaud's early discs are worth collecting. Congratulation to her having joined a bigger label recently. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Balladefor Keyboard    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    6. Keyboard    7. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    8. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Reviews (3)

VALUE FOR MONEY
Dame Moura is my favourite pianist. Her great style and sublety of expression comes out in all her recordings. this CD is the best value for money ever!!

Good bang for the buck.
I was killing some time in the store the other day and was in the mood for a cheap CD for the car for the ride home. I ran across this and saw a few recognizable titles so for about $5 I figured I'd take a chance. I'm fairly impressed, I wasn't crazy about some of her dynamics in Un Sospiro plus her little added frill in there but still enjoyed it...I'd learned that piece myself years back, still can't play it and probably never will! Another piece I've known for years is the infamous Rachmaninov Prelude in C#m. Again, I wasn't crazy about some of the dynamics of her style but she still nails it without a hitch. Then I got to some other interesting pieces, I love the Debussy Golliwog's Cakewalk...really sticks in your head. Sort of a classisized (?) ragtime and it's cool enough that I'm going to dig through my music and see if I don't have it somewhere. I thought the Chopin Etude in C#m was absolutely fabulous, she just cooks through it from beginning to end. I probably have the music for that too...I'm not even going to attempt it! ;-) In fact, I liked all the Chopin she plays here, it seems she had a real flair for his music. Without going on forever here I'll just say that there are several tracks I listen to extensively on here and I'm fairly impressed. For a lousy $5 how can you go wrong? Just buy the thing! I'd never heard of her before so I just did a little 'net searching and I'm saddened to find that she just passed away about 8 months ago at age 88, truly a loss to the classical music world. In any case, even at twice the price I doubt anyone would be disappointed with this CD.

Really good price.
This is a great CD and you can't beat the price.These piano compositions are great for restful backgroud music after a hard day.I want to get a second one for when this one wears out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    8. Etude for Keyboard    9. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Music    12. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    13. Minuet for Keyboard    14. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    15. Prelude for Keyboard    16. Rondeau for Keyboard    17. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    18. V/a Compilations    19. Waltz for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

Magic was created one starlit night in July 1990, when Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo andJosé Carreras met onstage at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome and became Read more

Reviews (20)

A knockout performance
Like so many of the reviewers here I am not an opera aficionado. But I sensed immediately the night I saw this concert on television that this was one of those 'remarkable' artistic events. Domingo and Pavarotti both have such strength and beauty in their voices that they overwhelm. Carreras adds flavor and enthusiasm.
The night that started it all!
You can read the technical information about the contents of this CD above. That is not what this review is about. I became intrested in opera about 1 1/2 years ago because of happening upon Mario Lanza. Since then, I have experienced many great truly operatic voices, including the "King," Pavarotti.
Great singing from the three tenors
This cd is a must-have for anyone interested in opera - or beautiful singing. And when you're at it - why don't buy the dvd from the concert? It will make you appreciate the cd even more.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Art Song (General)    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. French Romantic Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    9. Opera    10. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    11. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    12. Spanish/Latin American/Italian Operetta (Zarzuela)    13. Vocal    14. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

If Rieu is not the most outstanding purveyor of Viennese waltzes and similar light-hearted fare, he is certainly the most popular and well-known. There are plenty of fun pieces on this album, although, to be just a tad pedantic, more of it is Italian and French than remotely Viennese. But it's all fun, and it's all well-played. Read more

Reviews (9)

André Rieu - The Vienna I love - Waltzes From My Heart
The music is so upbeat and you are automatically in a good mood.It is a real pleasure listening to this CD and it is done frequently.

Excellent choice
I am really a rock music fan but I enjoy this version of light classical music. It may not be for the serious classical music enthusiast, but it is still considered excellent light entertainment. What a way to introduce classical music to a wider audience!

Pop Strauss, et al
I was looking for truly Viennese renditions of Strauss waltzes.Though unrelentingly upbeat, this isn't it.There are medleys of Strauss, Offenbach, Rossini, and everyone else imaginable.It's a pop version of what was once pop on its own.I know Strauss isn't serious classical fare, but this trivializes it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. French Operetta    8. French Romantic Opera    9. German/Austrian Operetta    10. Italian Romantic Opera    11. March for Orchestra    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Opera    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral Music    17. Polka for Orchestra    18. Romantic Orchestral Music    19. Violin Concerto    20. Vocal   

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