Reviews (7)

Welcome relief
I first listened at my computer and found myself slowly relaxing and really enjoying the beautiful music but wondered if it would REALLY work since I find it very hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. Well,folks, if youhave doubts about it working, throw them out the window! I did not make it through Track 1! Not only that but when I woke 5 hours later and turned it on againhoping to just enjoy the music - right----didn't make it through Track 1 again and got another 2hours of sound sleep.This CD is a godsend for those of us who have trouble getting to sleep.I highly recommend you buy this CD - you'll never find a better deal.Kudos to the Mercurios and everyone associated with it who have given us this beautiful pair of CDs. I'm getting several for friends and family.
I Haven't Heard the Second Half Yet..........
Usually, when I write a review, I like to let the songs play in the background, hoping that it will inspire me to some new revelation as I write. In this instance, though, I can't risk it; every single time I play either disk from this two-disk set, I start to drift off. I'm not kidding! For insomniacs, this collection could work better than Sominex. My normal procedure for any review is to listen straight through every note of music at least once, and then listen twice more, emphasizing the bits that made the deepest impression. Nearly a month ago, I thought I would do just that, but this disk threw that methodology right out of the window. For three weeks, I listened to this collection at home, at night, in the environment that it is intended for - my bedroom. For three weeks straight, I fell asleep before track five...
Not as tasty as Merlot...
...but it doesn't come with the unpleasant side effects either!!
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Adagio for Orchestra    3. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Concerto    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Nocturne for Keyboard    15. Orchestral    16. Pavane for Keyboard    17. Piano Concerto    18. Prelude for Keyboard    19. Quartet for Four String Instruments    20. Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet   

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   

Reviews (10)

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

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

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

Reviews (11)

A nice introduction
This is a good well rounded collection to dip you into the classical world of Mozart.

Mozart is the reference point for good classical music.
A good collection of his best work and I find it helps me focus when I'm writing or contempating life.
Mozart's music
This is a review of Mozart's music, not the cd.Mozart is praised to the skies by all and sundry, including most musicians, including my father, who no doubt has his reasons.But my feeling about Mozart has always been that there is nothing in Mozart's music that is other than music.There is no logical impressionism, there are no events that seem to be transpiring as in, for example, Beethoven.Mozart is just music.Mozart is to music as pure mathematics is to science.It hints of nothing else and has no application.I find some of his music irritatingly trivial, for example, Eine Kleine Nachtmuzic.This is mechanical music that one can imagine being piped in by a totalitarian government that insists everyone be cheerful.If Disneyland was an eighteenth century totalitarian state, Mozart would be its Muzak.The populace would be awakened, like Chinese train passengers, at 6AM by the strains of some allegro.They would arise and busy themselves with their ablutions in a state of thoughtless cheer, never for one moment leaving the surface of things.That being said, the second movement of Mozart's clarinette concerto is the music that one will hear on going into heaven. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Choral    3. Clarinet Concerto    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Concerto    11. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    12. Dance/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Orchestra    13. French Horn Concerto    14. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    15. Keyboard    16. Miscellaneous Sacred Choral Music    17. Motet    18. Opera    19. Orchestral    20. Orchestral & Symphonic   

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   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

bEtHoVeN mAnIaC
[...] Honestly, it isn't THAT THAT great, but its good enough for its price. I'd say that your $ pays off, for a while. I've noticed how after a long time, it gets aggrivating at times. No harm meant, "Beethoven lover". I just mean don't plunge into this cd with all the hopes in the world. Besides, it's just my opinion, so you may like it more than me. All i can say is; a) listen to some samples before you buy, b)know this is not REALLY the great Beethoven himself, and c) enjoy YOUR music, whatever it may be.

Great Price...Not so good itself
This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

Beethoven Lover's Newest Report
Wow! This is really good. I can't believe it's not beethoven himself playing! I really recommend it to anyone who's a Beethoven lover like me! Please, I really need to know if you agree with me... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Choral    5. Choral Music    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Ecosse/Ecossaise for Keyboard    11. Keyboard    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral & Symphonic    14. Piano Concerto    15. Romantic Ballet    16. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    17. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    18. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    19. Romantic Symphony    20. Symphonic   

Reviews (11)

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works
An excellent complilation of Chopin works which includes 3 of the pieces I am currently learning. Definitely has encouraged me to improve my piano skills and allow me to better appreciate his style of music.

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works (London 2 CD)
Beautifully done 2 CD of Chopin works.I've played it every weekend since I got it, loving every track.It's well performed and recorded, and is an excellent collection for anyone interested in Chopin or his adopted homeland of Poland.And, of course, you can't often go wrong with the London Label.

chopins Mazurkas
this is a wonderful collection of the mazurkas but Ashkenazy plays a lot of them too fast my music teacher played these with more pathos he seems like he cant get done fast enough with some of them some introductions should be slower with more feeling otherwise all the mazurkas i wanted are in this disc just wish i had gotbetter artist like Claude Arrau ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Balladefor Keyboard    2. Barcarollefor Keyboard    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Etude for Keyboard    8. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    9. Keyboard    10. Mazurka for Keyboard    11. Nocturne for Keyboard    12. Polonaise for Keyboard    13. Prelude for Keyboard    14. Scherzo for Keyboard    15. Waltz 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 (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   

Reviews (9)

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

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

Reviews (4)

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

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

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

Editorial Review

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

Features

• DualDisc

Reviews (25)

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

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

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

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

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   

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   

Reviews (5)

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music
As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The guitar is an orchestra inminiature!
This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.
GUITAR MAJESTY
John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Guitar Solo    12. Keyboard    13. Orchestral    14. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    15. Suite for Orchestra    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    17. Vocal   

Reviews (5)

Better than baby einstein
This is a great CD, with great music, at a great price.Everyone seems to love Baby Einstein, but I don't like the plinking music on those CD's, I like real orchestral pieces to stimulate my child.This is exactly what parents need, at a good price!

great music at a great price
I got this cd to use as background when putting my 18 month old to sleep and for car rides. So far it has not made it out of the car. The cd is wonderful. The first song is the Luftansa airline comercial song (that is what my husband calls it) and is beautiful. I didn't think my husband would enjoy the cd at all but he doesn't mind one bit listening to it, he actually will put it on himself when we get in the car. My daughter loves it and will often start nodding her head back and forth to songs. I actually listen to it even when my daughter is not in the car. The music is soft and relaxing but not boring. It is also one of the only cd's that my in laws don't mind listening to when they are in the car with us.
A Wonderful CD for all ages
My whole family has enjoyed this CD. It is very upbeat and easy to listen to.I think there is something for everyone on this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    4. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    5. Childrens    6. Classical    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. Educational    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Orchestral    13. Romantic Ballet    14. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    15. Romantic Symphony    16. Symphonic    17. Waltz for Keyboard    18. Waltz for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (15)

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

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

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

Editorial Review

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Read more

Reviews (10)

More Great Fun
Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music.The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece.There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks.Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included.All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!
My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Absolute joy, and endless fun!
The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along.My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car.What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Children's Collections    3. Childrens    4. Concerto    5. Educational    6. French Operetta    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Keyboard    9. Keyboard Music    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Opera    13. Orchestral    14. Orchestral Music    15. Pop    16. Prelude for Keyboard    17. Quintet for Keyboard and Four String Instruments    18. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    19. Romantic Orchestral Music    20. Sing-Along   

Editorial Review

Although Gergiev is highly experienced in the theater, and he is leading an opera-ballet orchestra, this is definitely a concert Read more

Reviews (66)

Don't Let The Word Kirov Fool You!!!
Anyone who thinks that this recording of "The Nutcracker" is on any level exceptional is out of their mind. There are a zillion recordings of "The Nutcracker", whether complete or of excerpts, and for ballet theatre many of these recordings are useless. Alot of famous symphonic conductors have had a hand at recording ballet music, and at least to ballet dancers (the people they were written for) mostly without success - for example Seiji Ozawa conducting "Swan Lake" is like Adam Sandler performing Shakespeare. What makes one a great conductor of symphonic music does not necessarily make one a good conductor of ballet music, and only a very small percentage of the conductors of any recording of "The Nutcracker" or any other ballet have ever conducted a live ballet . As far as I am concerned only a ballet conductor should conduct ballet music.
The Faster the Better, Dance On, Dance On!
There is a very healthy defense called "denial" by which the human psyche protects itself from information too troubling for its system to handle.I have noted people usingthis defense lately to try to convince themselves that Valery Gergiev doesn't do all that he does. For example, a critic prattled about a recent performance with the Mariinsky (Kirov to us Westerners)that it somehow might be different when Gergiev "leaves" the Kirov for London (where he takes up directorship of the LSO next year).Leaves?Who said anything about leaving?He didn't leave when he directed or guest directed the gazillion other orchestras in the last twenty years. He's just going to keep going hither and thither, looking like a walking advertisement for No-Doz and creating better music than most of us could hope to.
Gergiev Nutcracker - Excellent
RECORDING:
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Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Romantic Ballet    6. Xmas Classical Instrumental   

Reviews (4)

Baby Neptune
I love all of the Baby Einstein DVD's, so the music CD has been just as good as the DVD's. I play it all the time when my son is in the car and it seems to calm him and keep his attention. I even listen to it in the car when my son is not with me.It is relaxing and soothing.
Baby Neptune Review
Our daughter loves the Baby Neptune CD. It makes for a relaxing musical interlude for long car trips.

Delightful but not perfect
FYI: most of the "Night Suite" songs are also included on Baby Einstein's Lullaby Classics CD.Yet, this CD is as delightful as all the others.I don't mind the synthesizer, which critics often complain about.I've played both the real symphonic versions and Baby Einstein, and both my daughter and I agree that the real recordings are sometimes a little overwhelming in the home (although I still think truly exhilerating in concert.) Also, the Baby Einstein company brags that their short clips of great songs are more condusive to the short attention span of babies, I think that statement is superficially true.I won't go into all the scientific musical mumbo-jumbo but will say that I think this thinking tears down the very essence and formula of classical music that has made it popular therapy for developing minds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Children's    4. Childrens    5. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    6. Concerto    7. Concerto Grosso    8. Lullabies    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Orchestral    12. Pop    13. Unspecified Dance for Orchestra    14. V/a Compilations    15. Waltz for Orchestra