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   

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (77)

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

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

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

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

Editorial Review

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

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

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

Reviews (31)

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

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

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

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (42)

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

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

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

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

Editorial Review

At first glance, this doesn't seem like conductor Riccardo Muti's cup of tea. It's a work without many subtleties, one that seems to need a policeman more than an interpreter. But Muti lets it rip--the joyous moments are superb, the mock-sentimental moments charming, changes in rhythm properly jarring, and the energy level very high. Soprano Arleen Auger almost makes her high-flying part seem simple. Warning: The louds are Read more

Reviews (18)

The best recording available
I first heard Carmina Burana in this recording back in the 80's on LP. The music blew me away and when CD became the standard, I searched for a recording of this wonderful piece. I have heard many many recordings of this work but when I discovered that the Muti - Phiharmonia recording was available and at a very cheap price, I thought I would go back to my roots. It was like coming back home. The energy and brilliance of this recording is evident from the first (big) chord to the last (big) chord. I haven't heard a better recording. Try it and compare it to what you have - it is not as if it is expensive! It will impress you I'm sure.

Great Music
The music is great, but as mentioned in other reviews, the sound quality of this cd is terrible.I found myself wondering how the sound engineer who made this recording didn't notice some of his mics were not connected.Almost complete silence while you barely hear the voice and drums seemingly in the far, far distance, then suddenly loudagain.I'm still searching for a better Orff recording.

Powerful music
-- Carmina Burana --
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Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Reviews (32)

**Superb**
I absolutely love this album --the music resonates with one's soul.Even if you don't have a cello fetish as I, you can't go wrong with this album.It offers a wonderful range from adagio to allegro.....A true musical feast.I especially enjoy Butterfly's Day Out and First Impressions.Dolce...

True Americana
This music is a must for all ears...you will dream of day's gone by...

Looking for more like this album?
Melanie White and other reviewers have wondered what else out there might be similar to "Appalachia Waltz." I highly recommend Oliver Schroer's double-disc "O2". Same fusion of folk fiddle idiom and classical violin. In places astoundingly brilliant. Lovers of Bach will see many influences here (yet I wouldn't call Schroer's work derivative.) In the liner notes, Schroer talks about making his work not just polyphonic but also fractal--funny thing is, the more you listen, the more "fractal" it sounds. Unbelievable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachia    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Crossover    8. Classical Music    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Progressive Bluegrass   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (10)

TUSCANY
ENJOYED ANDRE RIEU ON PBS SO I BOUGHT THE ALBUM I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!

Songs were omitted
I agree this CD is awesome BUT, and big but here, a LOT of songs on the DVd were omitted here. Especially L'Italiano which is one of my favorites. I have both the DVD and CD. The DVD is much better.

One of my Favorites!
Tuscany, both the CD and DVD are absolutly wonderful! I love the setting in la piazza de repubblica in Cortona, Tuscany...it just adds that much more to the atmosphere. The song choices are beautiful, as well as the orchestra. Another one of Andre's which i highly recommend ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. French Operetta    5. French Romantic Opera    6. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Opera    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral Music    13. Romantic Symphony    14. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    15. Symphonic    16. Transcription for Orchestra    17. Vocal    18. Waltz    19. Waltz for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

The international crossover success of tenor Andrea Bocelli has spawned any number of imitators on both sides of the Atlantic. But this collection of romantic arias and duets with violinist-conductor Lorin Maazel (who also arranges and helms the London Symphony Orchestra here) proves once again that the classical canon still offers ample room for compelling reinvention without nettlesome pop affectations. In reviving a genre (violin and vocal) largely dormant since the days of Caruso, Bocelli has taken some rewarding liberties with Rodrigo's "En Aranjuez can ta amor" and forged Liszt's familiar Liebestraume No. 3 into "Sogno D'Amore" with new, self-penned lyrics. Maazel's warm, evocative violin obligatos and sensitive, sympathetic arrangements infuse this tenor's showcase not only with unabashed romance, but as their lively romp through Tosti's "Malia" demonstrates, a sense of joyous fun. An album for romantics of all ages and persuasions--and one that gratifyingly demonstrates that crossing over is hardly the same as selling out. Enhanced CD includes a mini-documentary with comments by Bocelli and Maazel, as well as links to a more comprehensive interview with the tenor. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (36)

Simply beautiful!
I wont repeat what others with positive reviews already said. Just know that none of Bocelli's CD's have ever disappointed me, and if you are looking for as fine a piece of work as possible (thus far), THIS and "Romanza" are it.

Average Bocelli at best
I bought this Bocelli album because I truly wanted to hear him perform "Plaisir D'Amour," one of my all time favorites.While I do love Bocelli I wasn't completely impressed with the entire CD.This is not the best I've heard from Andrea and his voice is not great throughout the CD.I do enjoy it though.He's one of the few artists I can listen to these days without getting a headache.

Chill the wine and dim the lights
Ah, romance! Sweet, stirring violins, Bocelli's beautiful voice soaring effortlessly as he holds note after note to perfection... Sentimento is a wonderfully realized collection of romantic arias that sweeps us along into that mystical place we all need to be at times, a place of beauty and timelessness, where romance and sentiment seem ever so right and where the cares and worries of the world are nudged ever so gently into the background. If you have a heart of stone, you might not like this one, but to the rest of us, this is a work of art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Art Song (General)    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Vocals    6. French Romantic Opera    7. Opera    8. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music   

Reviews (7)

Great Intro to Operas
THE WORLD"S VERY BEST OPERA FOR KIDS is a collection of fourteen of the best loved arias in the world. The whole family will enjoy this CD, which is a unique version of these famous arias in that these are all sung in English so your child (and you) can appreciate and imagine the story that it illustrates.It is a wonderful introduction to opera and will have the whole family humming the memorable melodies, which are sung by some of the best of famous voices. You will be inspired to read the storylines of the operas to your children for a wonderful educational and delightful family hour. The CD includes an insert with the words so you can sing along

A Sampler of Greatest Hits and Karaoke, Too
It really doesn't get much better than this CD. The primary benefit of the music is that it is a terrific selection of funny and touching arias from the classical genre. I am an opera lover and bought this for myself to memorize the words in English, as prompts when I listen to the pieces untranslated.I started listening to the CD while I was driving, and within a week had bought about a dozen CDs to distribute to family members and friends, with kids (and without). Everyone loves it. And at the end of the CD are several tracks of just the music, so you can sing along, which is a hoot. Your friends and colleagues, who hear you barking along to beats, will think you have taken leave of your senses. The lyrics (in English) are in the liner notes. I would suggest not reading the liner notes while driving.
World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English
I listen to this with my 3 year old and we both enjoy it. I am not an operatic expert and to my lay ears the performances here sound great, and my daughter likes hearing the words to some of her favorite music ("Play the Torreadores again Mommy!") Its a nice break from some more traditional kids songs that we listen to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Classical    3. Classical Music    4. French Romantic Opera    5. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    6. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    7. Italian Baroque Opera    8. Italian Romantic Opera    9. Opera    10. Opera/Operetta Collections    11. V/A Compilations   

Editorial Review

Yes, here it is folks--that irritatingly catchy chorus you first heardin the film Read more

Reviews (28)

This is what it was supposed to sound like
Maybe just like most other people, I heard bits of the first piece of "Carmina Burana" - I think it was as part of a chocolate commercial (back in Germany). When I saw that that was actually the very first piece, I wondered what could possibly come after that, and I did a bit of research into what the music was all about. The result of that search made it all the more interesting: It's medival poems and songs, partly in Latin, partly in old German, set to the music of Carl Orff.
Music to my ears...
Great CD, great price, fast delivery -- what more is there?

Not the Best Version by a Longshot
I have six different recordings of this masterpiece, and this particular recording is probably my least favourite of them all.It's jarring to hear sprightly passages played too slowly, making them seem to plod along -- and it's even worse to hear sensuous and languid portions like "Cour D'Amours" and "Uf Dem Anger" played too quickly, as if they were all in a hurry to get home.It ruins the effect completely.
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Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Reviews (4)

Opera for Children
This is an excellent CD to introduce children to some of the more familiar operas.I would highly recommend this CD for children and also for adults who want to become familiar with opera.

Great Opera for Children
This CD is an excellent compilation of opera for children and adults alike. The operas that are represented on this disc are: Carmen, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Faust, Il Trovatore, Madama Butterfly, Die Walkure, Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Aida, Die Zauberflote, and Hansel und Gretel. People love the Children's March, as well as the Toreador Chorus, from the opera Carmen. The well known Toreador Song is performed on this CD by great bass- baritone Jose van Dam. Children who watch Bugs Bunny will recognize "Largo al factotum" from Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Sherrill Milnes performs the role of Figaro expertly, and his falsetto is evident in Figaro's famous patter aria. Great choruses, like the Soldier's Chorus from Faust, the Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore, the Triumphal Chorus from Aida, and the Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly make appearences on this CD. The Doll Song from Les Contes d'Hoffmann is performed by soprano Joan Sutherland. She uses her voice to rise up and down, like a mechanical doll. My favorite German baritone, Hermann prey, performs Papageno's entrance aria from Die Zauberflote, as well was the duet with Papagena. Choruses from Hansel und Gretel round the CD.

My six-year old liked it!
My six year-old son enjoyed hearing this CD. We like to sing together, so we found many of the pieces quite alot. But to be honest, when we discovered the more recently released CD, The Classical Child AT the Opera, he went wild because all the pieces have been translateded into English, so it's much more enjoyable for us to sing along. So I would recommend it, but check out the other one as well -- your kids will be glad you did. All the best, Steven ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Music    3. French Romantic Opera    4. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    5. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    6. Italian Romantic Opera    7. Opera    8. Opera/Operetta Collections   

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   

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (14)

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

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

Reviews (3)

A Lot of Fun for Playtime
This CD is a lot of fun.The music is bubbly and upbeat and makes you want to get up and dance or just jump around.It's a great way to spend some play time with your kids.And the classical music exposure is a bonus.

Synthesized dreck
Why did the producers use synthesizers for this music?It's awful.It's possible to hook kids on classical music using the actual instruments written for it - that's how I got hooked.That's what Mel Blanc and Disney did in their cartoons, Bugs Bunny and Fantasia.I do NOT recommend this CD to anyone.It was a shower gift.If you are not familiar with classical music, then I recommend "Baby Needs Beethoven", which is a collection of music using real instruments (albeit shortened - no full length symphonies here).

fun to listen to with your baby
My three month old loves this cd.It calms her down when fussy and we love to dance to it together! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Children's    3. Childrens    4. Czech Romantic Opera    5. Italian Romantic Opera    6. Keyboard    7. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    8. Lullabies    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Opera    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral Music    14. Pop    15. Romantic Ballet    16. Romantic Orchestral Music    17. Romantic Symphony    18. Scherzo for Orchestra    19. Suite for Orchestra    20. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Comparisons with Charlotte Church are inevitable, yet 16-year-old New Zealand singer Hayley Westenra has her own distinctive sound. She has impeccably clear diction coupled with a gorgeous voice with a very wide range: her high notes in the Kate Bush hit "Wuthering Heights" are especially striking, and like Bush she is also a dancer, having performed with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. If there's a problem, it's that Read more

Reviews (113)

Awesome
This is an awesome album with fantastic vocals and beautiful music. Who painted the moon black? is phenomenal.

Beautiful all the way through
This is a beautiful album... what more can I say? I have many favorites! I agree with another viewer, too, that she does a much better job of "In Trutina" than Sarah Brightman. Looking foward to getting her new album "Oddessy."
Why hasn't the world heard more about this girl?
Hayley has a voice that can only be described as divine. She sings with such clarity and vibrance to songs that are diverse and beautiful. This girl aughta take the globe by storm with a voice like that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical Crossover    5. Miscellaneous    6. Miscellaneous Music    7. Pop    8. Pop Vocals    9. Rock/Pop    10. Vocal    11. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Read more

Reviews (26)

Waste of money
Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.
Great Music Compilation
This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy.If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you.You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD.
Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing.I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's.If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Adagio for Orchestra    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Composers    10. Classical Music    11. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    12. Concerto    13. Film    14. Film Music    15. French Operetta    16. French Romantic Opera    17. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    18. Italian Romantic Opera    19. Keyboard    20. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title   

Reviews (8)

Plesantly surprised...
I don't remember how I found this CD the other day surfing through the "Amazon" such as it is, but I did. I listened to a few clips provided & on the strength of that, I purchased this CD.
Absolutely Agree About Corelli
Franco Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" is still the best of them all - clear, passionate, and exciting. (And those final two notes...! Gives me chills just to think of it.) I was fortunate enough to see him live in both "Turandot" and "Romeo and Juliet" a year before his retirement, and he was still a Calaf and a Romeo to die for... as, of course, Liu and Juliet did!As it is, I tend to buy compilations depending on how much Corelli they include - though Bjorling is a strong second, and I have happy memories of Domingo. Long live the Golden Age of Operatic Tenors!

Good but not enough Corelli!! Terrie Lackawanna, NY