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   

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 (18)

Just some coverage.
Going over what most people have already said.
Gorgeous Choral Music
Eric Whitacre is an amazing composer.He uses just the right amount of tension and release in his chord structures, creating the kind of beauty in music that gives you goose bumps. Some of the cluster chords and progressions are absolutely breathtaking. If you have ever sung in a choir or enjoy choral music, you will understand and appreciate the talent used to sing cluster chords as in tune as the choir on this CD. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes choral music and anyone else who would like to expand their level of music listening.

Cloudburst and other Choral Works/Eric Whitacre
These beautiful songs transported me into a whole new space. The well-chosen poetry (eg. Rumi) and the magnificent harmonies demand well-focused attention. This is not "background music". Not recommended for driving! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Unlike Russell Watson, to whom he is being compared (along with Andrea Bocelli), Vittorio Grigolo is a real opera singer. He sang as a boy treble with Pavarotti many years ago and has sung in Read more

Reviews (15)

A very pleasing voice, but...
I was very impressed by Mr. Grigolo's singing. I think he has an amazing voice and a very successful future ahead of him. However, I hope that his choice of songs improves. I did like Tu Sei, it was my favorite on the album. The singing was pure and the music accompaniment was very good. I also liked You Are My Miracle (duet w/Nicole Scherzinger). I was pleasantly surprised by Nicole's singing. I think they made a great collaboration on this song.
AWESOME!
This is an amazing CD. Mr. Grigolo has a marvelous voice. Cannot wait to see him in concert. BRAVISSIMO!!!

WOWWe have a new addition to the Tenors
I also saw Vittorio on PBS and just loved the music and this man's singing ability.I bought 6 cd's to give to all my friends for Christmas.When they arrived I had to listen to all the selections to make sure I had made a good purchase.Whew, Vittorio Grigolo is really fantastic and I know my friends will agree when they get their CD's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Classical Crossover    3. Miscellaneous    4. Miscellaneous Music    5. Music Theater    6. Musical Theater    7. Pop    8. Pop Vocals    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Paul McCartney's new "classical" oratorio is called Read more

Reviews (9)

Classical Music From a Class Act
After years traveling down his Long & Winding Road that led to this collection, it was well worth the wait.Paul McCartney has turned his travails into triumph; his challenges into championships.
Just Beautiful
I've never been a fan of classical music, but I've really enjoyed this cd. You can feel the spirituality in the music. Paul McCartney is a rare talent! I love this CD!

Great classical McCartney effort.
I am a Mccartney fan. I liked his other classical work. But this is something different. It's much better. More flowing sounds. Coherent. It was 9 years in the making.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers   

Reviews (35)

Not real music!
I bought this for our baby and like many of the reviewers, I was disappointed in the synthesized music.I have played some of the pieces, and although the concept is good, I want my child to hear music as it was on intended on the real instruments.

Musician Mom Loves - Does Use RealInstruments!
My 8-month-old son and I listen to this CD every night, and by the Pachelbel Canon (track 7) he's usually sound asleep.It is NOT ALL SYNTHESIZER.The jacket clearly states that the "Music Box Orchestra" includes flute, piano, cello, percussion, english horn, and oboe.As a musician, I am not offended by the "easy-listening" versions of these classics.In fact, I enjoy them.They introduce my son to the timeless melodies WITHOUT OVERSTIMULATING HIM at bedtime.I find them relaxing too.

Great lullaby cd!
I love all the Baby Einstein products & this is my favorite cd so far!My 10 week old son loves it & we listen to it while I'm feeding him & when I'm rocking him to sleep.The music is very soothing for baby and mom. All of the songs are great and sometimes even puts me to sleep! I would recommend to any new mom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Cantata    4. Children's    5. Childrens    6. Choral    7. Classical Period Variations for Keyboard    8. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    9. Concerto    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Lullabies    13. Miscellaneous    14. Orchestral    15. Pop    16. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    17. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    18. Romantic Symphony    19. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    20. Song Without Words for Keyboard   

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   

Editorial Review

Paul McCartney's new "classical" oratorio is called Read more

Features

• Deluxe Edition
• Limited Edition

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers   

Editorial Review

As the Read more

Features

• SACD

Reviews (3)

Nourishment for your Imagination
When I mention my appreciation of Danny Elfman's work to other people, a question I often get is "What kind of music does he do?"
Master piece
Serenada Schizophrana is probably the best work Elfman ever made. It is mature, virtuoso, deep and powerful. All his usuals styles are transcends, and the six mouvements are rich in shades and tones. The mouvements are all interesting in their own musical way, and invit us to a long travel inside the genius and strange brain of Danny Elfman. The fifth, "I Forget", which is probably his most wonderful piece, looks like a tragic fantasy opera with beautiful females choirs. Serenada Schizophrana is a truly amazing orchestral piece, but not easily accessible. Patience and lot of listening are recommanded in order to understand the richness of this work of art.

Music for the Hitchcock Movie Never Filmed
Danny Elfman's "Serenada Schizophrana" is best decribed as a score for the Alfred Hitchcock movie never filmed.It has all the elements of a dark and cinematic film score by Bernard Hermann.There is also the humour of Elfman's work for Tim Burton.With a total running time of about 45 minutes, this is truly a disc that leaves you wanting more.If you have an SACD system then you will not be disappointed - the 5.1 surround sound is spectacular but never forced.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists   

Editorial Review

Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Read more

Reviews (37)

Beautiful, Ralaxing and Simple
This is great collection of relaxing and beautiful songs. Joshua's violin playing is wonderful, romantic and precise. I heard my local radio station raving about this CD so I decided to buy it. This is definitely worth buying unless you already have all the songs.

Romance of the Violin
Joshua Bell plays on the violin some of the most beautiful music ever written.His violin sings when he plays O Mio Babbino Caro and Songs My Mother Taught Me.This music is a pleasure to relax by or to listen to at a romantic dinner.
Sorry But......
NO! I don't think this is a wonderful recording. Yes they are beautiful melodies but this is not how they were written. This is the same as taking beautiful natural fruits of the earth and turning them into something so processed that it takes away from the mother earth rather than shows her splendor. There are many beautiful melodies written for the violin by composers (not by Hollywood style arrangers). Showing off a beautiful Stradivari violin this way is like degrading a beautiful person into being a slave for some petty whim of an unfortunate insecure person. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Pop    7. Concerto    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Italian Baroque Opera    10. Italian Romantic Opera    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    13. Nocturne for Keyboard    14. Opera    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Piano Concerto    18. Prelude for Keyboard    19. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    20. Transcription for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

This stunning new collection of short pieces by Arvo Pärt covers a 30 year period of the composer's output. The listener will be both comfortable with and surprised by the changes he's made: his essential style/approach and the beauty of the music remain constant, but Pärt is no whispering new-age poster boy. Sometimes the sound just washes over the listener; more often the small complexities or intensities are the hooks by which we are captivated. "Da pacem Domine" is a prayer for peace. Its different tonal hues thrill as much as they soothe. There's much of Renaissance music in his work--under the layers of sound there is a solid, far more simple core. The Two Slavonic Psalms have a Russian feel unlike most of Pärt's other works, and the first is fleet and perky. The strange "Dopo la vittoria" tells the story of St Ambrose and St Augustine singing the Te Deum composed for his defeat over the Arians; the story part is presented in an odd, chatty manner, but the prayer itself is exclaimed with great dignity. The performances, by Paul Hillier, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and organist Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, do Pärt's ethereal, still, but ever-moving music absolute justice, and the recorded sound is crystal clear. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Magnificat    7. Psalm Setting    8. Sacred Choral Music    9. Sacred Choral Music a cappella    10. Sacred Choral Music with keyboard (or continuo)   

Reviews (1)

Budget priced overview of newer recordings
Reich suffers much the same problem as Riley (or even Cage and Stockhausen) where classic recordings remain unavailable and what can be found (easily) on the shelf are newer, 'tamer' recordings that fail to express the more challenging dimensions of the pieces.While much has been done to fix this problem with Riley, the best recordings of Reich remain unavailable.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists   

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

Titled Read more

Reviews (4)

Cool and cleaar-eyed in the romantics
From the opening performance of the Schumann Paino Concerto, you would peg Helene Grimaud as a cool modernist with a light French touch. She is joined by Salonen, himself a musician who takes a chilly view of the Romantics (when he conducts them at all). Together, they produce a very unsentimental but sensitive reading that happens to be in exceptionally good sound. The ability of engineers to capture the actual sound of a concert grand piano is improving every day. The Staatskapelle Dresden plays elegantly. If you want a Schumann A minor that's almost chaste but very well articulated, Grimaud's isa perfect choice.
Thoughtful
I think this CD is, as is always the case with Helene Grimaud, thoughtful.As with her other recent thematic offerings, I appreciate the effort in putting together something more than an unrelated selection of pieces.In this case, we have a program which reveals in musical form the relationship between the Schumanns and Brahms -- a story I recently read about in the Brahms' biography by Jan Swafford, which in turn greatly piqued my interest in this album.The performances are, all around, very moving and the sound well balanced between instruments (and, in the case of the lieder, vocalist).Bravo, Ms. Grimaud, for another wonderful effort!

A must for all Brahms lovers
Hélène Grimaud is widely regarded as the preemintent Brahms interpreter of her generation and this CD shows why.
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Subjects:  1. Cello with Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Concerto    7. Keyboard    8. Piano Concerto    9. Rhapsody for Keyboard    10. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    11. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Leon Fleischer is the extraordinary pianist who lost the use of his right hand to a neurological ailment in 1964 at the height of his career. Undaunted, he took up teaching, conducting, and performing the left-hand literature so brilliantly that it was hard to believe he was using only one hand. When he returned to two-handed playing after years of medical treatments and determined, arduous rehabilitation, the public greeted him not only as a great artist but a conquering hero. This disc is his second two-handed recording (the first, Read more

Reviews (1)

A worthy successor to "Two Hands"!
Glad to note the recording's just that touch less distant and reverberant than "Two Hands" (far from dry!) that makes this sound so much like Fleisher does in concert, if closer, perhaps more ideally intimate than in real life. If anything Fleisher's playing now sounds even more technically secure again (jaw-dropping, actually, given his life"journey"), musically of course, I've become so partial to anything he's recorded at any stage in his career, I dare not say much: I can see why one critic has already referred to his interpretation of Mozart's K. 282 Sonata as "fussy" - it is indeed intricately detailed. So what? The better the stereo system one uses to listen to this, the more it becomes apparent no grace note's running against the flow - nothing wrong with seeing old warehorses in a new light, or is there? As to the Bach pieces, comparing the 'Traumatic' (!) Fantasy and Fugue to recordings by Edwin Fischer and Wilhelm Kempff (live on BBC Legends), I can only say that hearing it in another great interpretation is again improving my appreciation of what has always been one of the most fascinating, if never the easiest Bach to me to fully grasp. It's fascinating that Fleisher manages once again (as on "Two Hands") to set a mood for the whole disc (right away with Bach's "Arioso: Adagio" from the "On the Departure of a Brother" Capriccio, the whole of which he plays with genuine simplicity) and yet give each of these diverse compositions its due. The Bagatelle wrongly titled "Für Elise" receives one of its finest interpretation here (right now comparing it to Hungerford's more "daring" reading), for example. As happens to me so often with Fleisher, I'm also increasingly impressed with Stravinsky's Serenade, a piece I may so far not have taken seriously enough. In short, the riches here are once again far too many to enumerate...
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Berceuse for Keyboard    3. Capriccio/Caprice for Keyboard    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    8. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    9. Keyboard    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Serenade for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This is an astonishing collection of works - or parts of works - by Mozart that covers almost every aspect of his creative output: symphonic, religious music, concerti (for piano, horn, violin, clarinet, flute), chamber music, serenades (for strings; winds), a couple of opera overtures and more. Those who know and love Mozart's music will not need this, but it's a great introduction, a great overview. The selections are well-chosen and interestingly organized, with familiar pieces splrinkled among some not-so well known. A good primer. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (14)

Nice Mozart selection - Nice price
Nice selection of Mozart work that give us inner peace...
MozartListener
This is a good CD if you like Mozart's music.It is not the best CD I ever purchased.It is nice to listen to it in the morning before I go to work.And I sometimes listen to it in the evening before I go to bed.It is relaxing and soothing.I am not amusic major or therapist.This is the best review I can write.Mary Agnes Cross

Don't buy this CD
Quality is poor. Some songs are not playing. Avoid buying @Amazon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Choral    4. Clarinet Concerto    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Classical Music    8. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    9. Classical Period Symphony    10. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    11. Concerto    12. Flute Concerto    13. French Horn Concerto    14. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    15. Keyboard    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Piano Concerto    19. Quartet for Four String Instruments    20. Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet   

Reviews (4)

Over the Top Vocals
I know I will probably get slammed by people for not totally disliking or completely loving this CD.I am in the middle although I lean... overall it is a bit much.Some of the arrangements of this Australian vocal power group could use a little restraint.That being said however, some of the tracks are simply amazing.I am a big James Bond fan and "You Only Live Twice" is powerful.The Queen anthem from the Highlander movies, "Who Wants to Live Forever" is stunning.The Gladiator suite from the movie brings a new dimension with the all-male vocals making it an edgier version.If you are a big fan of movie scores and even bigger popera vocals, this CD is for you.Of course, this CD may be over the top but some of the tracks are worth keeping it on repeat so you may want the options of purchasing individual tracks.That said, turn this up on your stereo system to hear the full power of ten amazing tenor voices on this John Barry-helmed CD.

"John Barry Selections with The Ten Tenors ... Here's To Our Heroes"
Rhino Records presents not just Three Tenors or Irish Tenors...but the latest surprise on the classical scene is The Ten Tenors with their new album "HERE'S TO THE HEROES", featuring a twelve track compact disc with John Barry compositions galore --- Australian gentlemen who will thrill you with classical vocal repertoire of ballads and even "Les Choristes" selection with a flowery sensitive touch ... backing the tenors is the powerful London Symphony Orchestra with all the gusto they can muster and then some ... if you're a John Barry fan, collector and love the Ten Tenors then this one has your name on it.
Here's to a new style of music for The Ten Tenors
I have everything the Ten Tenors have put out that in America we can buy. I listen to their CD's and DVD just about to the exclusion of everything else. Their earlier work is more vocals, rich harmony, and just about some of the best work I have heard by a group. They do a rendition of A Bridge Over Troubled Water on their Colours CD that is better than Simon and Garfunkel and I never thought anyone could sing it better-they absolutely do.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Rock/Pop   

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 Mus