Reviews (13)

Almost!
I have always been a sucker for Sarah and so glad they stuck with the original duets like Jose Cura's (my favorite tenor oozing with great machismo) and Andrea Bocelli.My only complaint is the Phantom of the Opera with Steve Harley (who is he?)Pardon me, I don't want to be mean but this is soooo horrific, let alone it was on track no. 1.What a terrible thing to start the cd.When I play cd, I skip no. 1 and the rest is simply divinely Sarah.I would have seen soooo tickled if she dueted Phantom with Gerard Butler (another macho cutie pie).

Good
Well, being a fan of Sarah Brightman since her Phantom days says that I liked this album,it is not her best album, but its a good singles album and for new fans to get to know her better.She always and mainly have themes in her albums, for example, FLY, more pop sounding, TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE, more classical, or just songs from Webber, but this album is just her songs from past albums.so its good to that part.

Sarah Brightman La Diva
This is an amazing CD for new fans and for your collection if you are a fan yet, the songs are carefully selected for being a great CD!! A question of honour is different from the Fly CD, if you are a Sarah's fan this CD is perfect, if you don't you will be a Sarah's fan!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. England    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Rock/Pop    7. Show Tunes   

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

From his childhood on the family farm in rural Tuscany to the worldwide stage, Andrea Bocelli has achieved phenomenal success. His singing is only partially the point, and his fame owes much more to the aura of romance and the Read more

Reviews (282)

It is different
I prefer Amore - this one is not as I had foreseen but still good.

raw and pure
There is something about Bocelli's voice that is completely revealed, raw, yet pure.His songs climax and grow.I have some opera fans who snub his voice because they say it not purely classical, yet that is what I love about him.He is different not completely one or the other- just a beautiful honest voice. Breakthrough Album
This was the CD that bridged the gap between pop and opera. This is something that no other opera singer was able to do, certainly not on such a grandly successful scale. With his singing diversity of style (alternating between a bluesy pop voice and a clear and powerful operatic one), Andrea Bocelli did a fantastic job of putting together a great collection of first-rate songs and adding his own tremendous voice to them, a simply stunning achievement. Many of the songs are deeply moving with breathtaking moments. If you like Bocelli, you must give Sarah Brightman a chance, another opera diva with an accessible reportoir who does the pop thing very well. Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Vocal Crossover    6. Classical Vocals    7. Italy    8. Opera    9. Sacred Choral Music    10. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    11. Vocal    12. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

The year 2005 was big for Italian composer Dario Marianelli. His score for Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (63)

An Excellent Match!
In short, this is my new favorite CD to listen to while painting, driving, writing and working on any thing at all. I am writing my next novel as I listen to this work. The music puts me in a good mood to be sure. I oft cannot help but recall scenes from the movie while I listen to this soundtrack and so I can relive the movie even when I am too busy to get a warm cup of something wonderful and put my feet up to watch it for a couple of hours. I adored the movie, even though it differed from my expectations: better in some ways, a little lacking in others (though it gets better and better with every viewing) and it has not replaced but only added to my other 5 hour BBC P&P movie miniseries. More Jane Austen is always good. The only thing lacking in this soundtrack are one or two missing songs that I loved from the movie. But then again, and after all, I cannot truly complain, for there is so much ear candy in this modern work of classic genius. This is truly a must have.
Love the soundtrack, disliked the movie
I very much enjoy the music to this movie. My favorite track is "The Secret Life of Daydreams." This music is peaceful and resting. I did not like the movie except for the gorgeous scenery and a very few moments of good acting. However, knowing the orignial story I can imagine it to the music or even just enjoy it for what it is, great music. I highly recommend this cd. My personal recommendation is that if you have the software to take out the beautiful scenery in the movie, then make your own movie set to the soundtrack backround. This way you can enjoy only what you want of the movie, accompanied by this wonderful music.

Great story with great music.
We loved the movie and the music matches beautifully -- very agreeable indeed! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Having left medieval chant and somewhat later polyphony behind and moved, musically, across the Atlantic with their last CD (Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful, but may not be your cup of tea
This is another gorgeous set of music from Anonymous 4. However, these ladies do come from the classical rather than the vernacular tradition. If you're very committed to either performing style this album may not appeal to you.
Ethereal contentment
Once again A4 has outdone themselves. Following in the tradition of 'American Angels' they have created a wonderful continuation of Sacred Harp traditions. May the Creator of the universe give them health and goodness to keep on praising creation and recording for us lowly mortals. Bless A4 and their poise, grace and heavenly sound.
"Accurate"?
I'm not sure what the Amazon reviewer means when he says that the music on this CD is "accurate," but one thing is for sure: it's not authentic.Anonymous 4 seems to have contempt for the sources of some of the material on this CD (NY Times 13 Sept. 2006: " 'When I first heard the shape note recordings, I ran screaming,' Ms. Horner said. 'It's a gutteral [sic] sound, very raw.'"No word on whether Ms. Horner thinks Anonymous 4 has "improved" the songs with their arrangements, and their flutey, polished renditions of the shape note songs included here and on their previous release may appeal to their fans - but they are in no way "accurate" and lack the power and drive, and feeling, of traditional shape note singing.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Vocals    6. Medieval    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Music   

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

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

What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Original recording remastered
• Box set

Reviews (382)

Lovely Recording
I personally prefer Rebecca Caine over Sarah Brightman, but it doesn't matter.This was a beautiful recording. :D

A True Musical Phenomenon!
After 20 years since it opened, THE PHANTOM has become the longest running, most popular stage show, and highest grossing Entertainment venture of all time, bringing in more earnings than any other stage show, any movie, (including the series of Star wars, Titanic, and Lord of the Rings)!! This Double disc volume of the original London cast is a Spectacular Rendition of this timeless Masterpiece. Not only are the performances by the entire Cast including 'THE' Phantom himself, Michael Crawford, who's melodic, extraordinary range and powerful vocals, make for fantastic Vocal tracks that capture the essence of 'Phantom,' but the Score and the way the orchestra plays it is powerful and very Full. Compared to both the Canadian Cast recording and Movie Record, The London Cast's Orchestra is by far the Most Full sounding overall.
75% more words!And 20% less carbs!
At the time that I'm writing this review there are 379 reviews for the original 1986 London cast recording of "The Phantom of the Opera".It can be safely surmised that many people have opinions about this particular hallmark of musical theater.It also seems requisite that any reviews written after 2004 must bring up the movie soundtrack and compare the two leads, with varying levels of love for one and hate for the other.I shall attempt to summarize some of the more frequently repeated comments here, attempting to adhere to bare facts while impressing as little opinion as possible into what is a very personal musical.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Pop    7. Show Tunes    8. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. Read more

Reviews (22)

Rich Heritage
Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb
This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!
My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up!I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one!There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections.In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Early Music / Chant    6. Folk Song    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Fans of small, pretty-voiced soprano Sarah Brightman will not be disappointed by this CD. In addition to some pop songs, Brightman sings high-flying excerpts from Orff's Read more

Reviews (219)

Pay no attention to operatic snobs
By their own admission robusto sopranos are a dime a dozen and, to compare these divas with Ms Brightman's crystalline coloratura is akin to faulting a woodland sprite because she's not an eagle. Forget that her voice is more than adequate to rattle chandeliers at the farthest reaches of any opera house -- when she wants to; let's see any of the fat ladies spin out the gossamer thread of an excruciatingly delicate ballad with such purity and numinous emotion that it gently sneaks into the farthest reaches of the tenderest heart, unleashing tears and igniting waves of ecstasy along the spine. I think there's room for such rare artistry in this world.

An acquired taste
Since my original review, I have had to come back and revise it as I must humbly state that Sarah appears to be an acquired taste of sorts; meaning, my initial impression of her album was, well, shall we say, less than positive (see below). However, I soon found myself playing her CD over and over again, and have come to appreciate and actually enjoy this album. Hate to admit it but I just ordered 2 more of her CDs! ok..ok. I was wrong. Lastly, I dont see where I can change the ititial rating so..sorry Sarah!
Bueno Sarah!
This is undoubtedly my favorite CD of the last decade and definitely Sarah Brightman's best effort to date!Her duets with Andrea Bocelli and Jose Cura are outstanding!I especially love 'O mio babbino caro', Alleluja', and 'La Wally'. Sarah's uniquely sensual style is evident in the incredibly beautiful 'Bilitis - Generique', 'No One Like You' and 'Just Show Me How To Love You'.Close your eyes and drift away...
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Classical Crossover    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Popular Music    7. Show Tunes   

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

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   

Editorial Review

It's no mean feat being the world's foremost crossover artist--a task that risks alienating two disparate audiences and everyone in between--but Read more

Reviews (47)

Music that catches the heart!!
I am a newcomer to this artist and recently heard him during a skating event...wonderful!!This was a beautiful CD and altho primarily in Italian, wonderful listening!!I keep it in my car and am blown away every time.Have ordered two of his CDs and not been disappointed!!The reviews on Amazon.com also helped me decide...along with the music snippets...which ones I wanted to try.

Andrea Bocelli's Andrea is the most awesome album from him yet!
It's true.This is Andrea's most sophisticated and, I think, most personal album to date.Fans who have been waiting since his Cieli di Toscana will not be disappointed.This is a genuine pop album.Definitely not crossover.I've let many people listen to it who thought that they wouldn't like it because it is an "opera singer," but most of them have thoroughly enjoyed it.It is a true relief from the noisey and meaningless music and lyrics of most pop music today.Definitely a must for any great music lover's collection.

Five stars for a duet
I purchased this album for one reason only: Bocelli's "Go Where Love Goes" duet with Holly Stell. I don't mind buying CDs with one good song, I'm used to it, and I'm not on ITunes yet. I like this duet so much, I'll try to have my brother, Filipino-American tenor Marius Evangelista, record it some day with our friend, soprano Melody Versoza, to see what it sounds like when the tenor and soprano are about the same age. Also, the last note of the duet sounds unresolved to me. It's a high Bb, but I keep waiting for it to resolve to a high C. I'm not sure why they didn't, but maybe we will. By the way, Marius's debut album is available on Amazon if you care to take a look.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Vocals    5. Euro-Pop    6. Holiday    7. Italy    8. Opera    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music   

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

Director Rob Marshall hired three of Asia's most fabulous stars (Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, and Gong Li) for this Japan-set movie, so one wonders why he didn't put in a call to a local composer as well. Was Tan Dun's line busy? Was Joe Hisaishi otherwise engaged? In any case, John Williams won the assignment, and he didn't end up with egg on his face. Mercifully, Williams left the bombast at home and put cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman to good use in this sensitive score.The lovely "Sayuri's Theme" resurfaces at regular intervals, and it's good to hear Williams keep his showier instincts in check through a good chunk of the movie, as he delivers a more subdued sound. One of the most dramatic moments happens during "The Fire Scene and the Coming of War." By then Williams has basically reverted to the familiar, brooding mode he uses for ominous scenes, when suddenly the track integrates an excerpt from "The Folding Fan as a Target," a traditional piece for voice and the Japanese lute known as biwa. Though Williams is right to err on the side of low key, it would have been nice to get more of these stark sounds in his competent but ultimately unmemorable compositions. Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (51)

A wise choice

Good Soundtrack
I saw the movie and liked the theme music "Sayuri's Theme". It has got a haunting mood that is infectious. The "Chairman's Waltz " by Yitzak Perlman is also very Good. Overall a very good soundtrack by John Williams in conjuntion with Yo-Yo Ma and Perlman.

It's like a wonderful concert!
The music in the film is hauntingly beautiful.I just love listening to the entire CD and replay the events in the movie over and over in my head.This is classic John Williams with Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Pereman as the icing on the cake! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Ennio Morricone is well-known to moviegoers. His soundtracks for Read more

Reviews (34)

A Great way to introduce everyone to the Cello
We bought this CD to introduce our 8 year old son to great Cello music - he has been learning to play Cello for the last 2 years.
Beautifully composed, performed & recorded (Wonderful music - bad cuts)
If this CD contains only the music from (The Mission), (Good, Bad & Ugly) & (La Califfa), it worth more than its price. Some of Morricone's greatest works, a very sensitive play from Ma & a dreamy mode from 1st till last moment (and that's exactly why I mentioned the cuts in this CD).
Track 12 - Ecstacy of Gold !!
Ennio Morricone is a master of many styles.Yo-Yo Ma is a master of Ennio on the Cello.The combination is outstanding.Fire up L'Estasi Dell'Oro (Track 12) and it will transport you there.How does he do that?I don't have any idea but it surely moves me.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Crossover    4. Film    5. Film Music    6. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Reviews (5)

Uniformly excellent
One of the most unique aspects of this disc is the inclusion of the G minor Violin Concerto, thought to be a reconstruction of an earlier work for oboe and harpsichord.
Rewarding and excellent value
This CD is a bargain, a wonderful collection of music at a very reasonable price for the quality.
good but a tad lacking somewhat.
The bach violin concertos have for me always been something ive always enjoyed listening to over and over. I suppose that is why such music is called classical music - it is timeless and still well loved after 1-2 hundred years after its 1st performance.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Concerto for Two String Instruments    7. Keyboard Concerto    8. Oboe Concerto    9. Violin Concerto   

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

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