Features

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Reviews (4)

Classic - Hold the Chills
This is a fine collection of mostly classical themes.
Packed with creepy stuff
This is an awesome album. It starts off with thunder crashing, running footsteps, a gate creaking, the wind howling, a cat screeching, a door opening, a woman crying that she needs help....and then SCREAMING! And then straight into track 2, the overture to 'The Phantom of the Opera'. Wow! The rest of the cd also features 'creepy' music from various sources, such as Alfred Hitchcock films, like Psycho, various classic works like Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Night on Bald Mountain', and also some other creepy sound effects. A good album not only for Halloween but I dare you to listen to it during a dark night with a thunderstorm raging outside.

A real work-out for your system......
I've owned the "Chiller" CD since it's release in '89.At the time, I was working for a local Audio/Video/Music dealer, and was looking for 'demo' CD's containing not necessarily heavy bass, but ones displayingincredible dynamic range, and sharp transient peaks.I already owned acopy of "Time Warp", also on Telarc, and was intrigued when Iread about "Chiller.Needless to say, I was extremely pleased withthis disc.Not only did I get a disc containing some great treatments ofclassics, but the re-make of the "Psycho" suite is wonderful (theshower sequence is very faithful to the original)!A word ofwarning.....the dynamic range of this disc is not to beunderestimated.....I drove an older amplifier into thermal shutdown VERYquickly with track #1.I haven't tried it since I've upgraded my homesystem....hmmm....might have to scare the neighbors tonight (or at leastrattle a few dental fillings)! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Conductor    8. Electronic/Computer/Tape Music    9. Film    10. Film Music    11. Instrumental Pop    12. Keyboard    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Music Theater    16. Musical Theater    17. Orchestral    18. Orchestral Pop    19. Romantic Orchestral Music    20. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

Andre Bocelli is no opera singer, but he shows far more potential inthis album than does another pop-vocalist tenor-wannabe, Michael Bolton. For onething, he can shake off the crooner mannerisms and really sing when performingmusic that calls for it. At his best, he has a rich, dark timbre and an easy,unforced top. At other times, however, the tone turns dry and thin and the highnotes are constricted, the inconsistency suggesting a lack of technique. Neverdoes one get the impression that he could be heard over a medium-sized orchestrawithout amplification. This isn't bad singing per se, but there is much betterout there, readily available on disc. Read more

Features

• Gold CD

Reviews (88)

Why...?
Why is there all this continuing controversy after so many years about whether or not Andrea Bocelli is - or is not - Operatically sound? All I know (and that's not saying much for me in this genre), is that after having listened to Amazon.com's sampling of the music on this Audio CD a few moments ago, I wept. Andrea Bocelli always makes me weep - because of his profound spiritual depth. And I don't care what anyone thinks on that issue. All I do know is this. The man sings from his soul...and nothing could surpass that - ever.

Moderately good singing; poor aria selection.
I bought "Aria" from Amazon.com a couple days ago, and I just listened to it an hour ago.I was surprised at how good Andrea Bocelli's operatic singing voice is.I'd read many reviews giving him a rating of 0 or 1 out of 10, so I was prepared for the worst.But this fellow is actually pretty good.I'd say, 7 out of 10.Not as good as Placido Domingo or Luciano Pavarotti, but then, no one is.On the plus side, Bocelli's operatic tenor singing voice is rich and sonorous, capable of fluid vibrato and good pitch range and dynamic range, and he nicely avoids the highly-nasal resonance so noticable in his pop singing.On the negative side, his highs sound a little forced and a little raspy, and sometimes his vibrato reverts to the fluttery sound he uses in his pop music.All in all, Bocelli is a good, but not great, opera singer.
Mass Hypnosis
The only thing that can account for the acclaim that some have lavished on this album is mass hypnosis.Signor Bocelli's publicists have declared that he has 'the most beautiful voice in the world' and people believe it.I agree with the reviewer who described listening to this cd as painful.Everything sounds the same---like sandpaper.If he were not adorable and blind, this fellow would not have a career even as a pop artist, never mind opera singer.If you want to hear what opera sounds like at its best and most real today, check out Ramon Vargas, Juan Diego Florez, Rolando Villazon, Marcello Giordani and discover the difference between creme brulee and instant pudding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Vocals    6. French Romantic Opera    7. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    8. Italian Romantic Opera    9. Opera    10. Romantic Opera   

Reviews (17)

Heavenly Music
I highly recommend this CD to all Mozart lovers and to all who appreciate classical, religious music.Masterfully performed under the direction of Sir Georg Solti.

Best recording of Mozart's Requiem
Near the end of Solti's illustrious career, I believe that Solti had developed an unparalleled understanding of Mozart's music that allowed him to bring musical and dramatic perfection to his works.While Solti's earlier recordings show a conductor who heavy handedly conducted Mozart as if it were Wagner, the later recordings (especially those after the births of his daughter Claudia and Gabrielle) sound more tamed, more musical, more religious.Solti was famous for his innate sense of rhythm, and not only does his music come to perfection (it does, but unlike Karajan, his music is full of life), but it also allows the meaning of the score to jump out of the page and affect the listeners.This, I can say about his Mozart requiem.I find that the recording is very heartfelt and dramatic where needed.The soloists, as expected of the standard that Solti would choose, are excellent.The chorus, orchestra, and conductor all come together to make a great enterprise such as this work, and for Mozart, Solti does work.

Solti gives us a grand cathedral experience
The cathedral bells that begin this recording, coupled with the interspersed spoken liturgy, give Solti's 1991 Mozart Requiem a unique feeling (contrary to two misguided reviewers below, the conductor didn't die soon thereafter; he died in France in 1997). Thorughout his career Solti's reputation in Mozart was as close to zero as one could get, but this is a grand, emotional, beautifully controlled performance that almost equals Bruno Walter's famous 1956 account from New York (Sony).
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Requiem/Requiem Section   

Editorial Review

Joan Sutherland is not usually considered a Puccini singer, and in fact she sang the role of Turandot only in the recording studio. But for that assignment she had exactly what was needed: a voice that seemed to have no upper limits and a personality that concealed vulnerability under an air of icy detachment. She also had an ideal set of colleagues, notably Luciano Pavarotti, whose "Nessun dorma" has become practically his signature tune. Read more

Reviews (129)

Why you should get this recording..............
Sutherland would never sing Turandot in the theatre and personally, I don't think she cracks it here in this recording. However, vocally she seems to have no limits, especially when singing the taxing high passages and for Turandot, this is enough. My preference is more along the lines of Nilsson, Marton and maybe Eaglen. Likewise, Pavarotti does not come close to Bjoerling, Heppner or Corelli with his interpretation of Calaf, but he sings well. Caballe and Mehta are the real reason to get this recording; Caballe sings superbly and Mehta conducts a fine reading of Puccini's lush score.

Good except for Sutherland
I bought this a long time ago, and I'm scandalized by the plethora of positive reviews.
Excellent
I avoided this for a long time because it was Puccini's final opera - written as he was dying.For some reason I felt it wasn't going to be good.I could not have been more mistaken.This is a first rate work and the performance is outstanding.There is nothing wrong here. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Music    3. Italian Romantic Opera    4. Opera    5. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    6. Opera/Operetta   

Reviews (8)

This is not Arrau, this is Beethoven himself
First of all I would like to say, I have to disagree with a reviewer that says Arrau plays "too slow" this I can handle although I consider his speed is fine... but mostly when he says something like "he gives a romantic touch to these sonatas that were dedicated to men".
A very passionate and serious-minded Beethoven.
Claudio Arrau is not always an easy pianist to listen to.His playing is sometimes very irritating and at times can seem boring.Not everyone will agree with his Beethoven playing, and his playing in general, but many will be fascinated by his complex intellectuality.His Beethoven playing, particularly the sonatas, are some of his best and most interesting work.If anyone was to own one recording of Arrau's playing, I would surely suggest a Beethoven recording.His interpretations of these three popular sonatas are unorthodox but are given very passionate and interesting performances.Anyone studying or interested in these sonatas should listen to Arrau, the Appassionata especially is given an excellent performance. Must-have if you like Beethoven
This is a disc you should buy immediately if you don't have Arrau's complete Beethoven sonatas set already. Arrau gives truly superb renditions of these three sonatas: the Pathetique is stormy and dramatic in its outer movements and intensely peaceful at the center, his Moonlight sheds a new light on this too often played sonata, but the real prize of the disc is the Appassionata, where Arrau plays with more angriness and drama than anyone I've yet heard. Hear how he assaults the chords of the third movement! These three sonatas, especially the last, are Arrau's territory and it shows in all aspects. You'd best get the whole set but for a good introduction this single disc is indispensable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Keyboard    5. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard   

Reviews (1)

East meets West in an enticing program featuring one of the best Early Music ensembles around
Fans of Early Music should be familiar with Jordi Savall and his highly polished and innovative Hespèrion XXI ensemble.Savall's releases on the Alia Vox label are usually theme based and contain a highly varied, excellently performed program of Early Music works.This release is no exception.In comparison with other Early Music anthologies, the geographical and temporal focus of this release is broader, with songs having origins from, among other places, Spain, Afghanistan, Italy and Morocco; with the compositional time period ranging from the 13th to 17th century.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Early Music / Chant    5. Folk Song    6. Medieval Monophonic Song    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Leonard Bernstein's performances of Shostakovich were almost as highly regarded as hisMahler. This performance of the Fifth Symphony was the highlight of his celebrated tour of the Soviet Union with the New York Philharmonic in 1959. The composer himself attended the performances and approved of Bernstein's interpretation, which is the exact opposite of the traditional Russian one. Rather than take the finale ponderously, Bernstein flies through the music at a frantic pace, carrying it forward with irresistible momentum. The Ninth Symphony is the composer's lightest and most carefree. Bernstein walks the fine line between humor and seriousness with acrobatic skill. Read more

Reviews (28)

Concerning tempos
Regarding tempos: yes, this Bernstein recording is famous for being rather quick. Though these ARE the tempos Shostakovitch has down in the score. Most people now take it much slower, and that way is considered 'correct.' FWIW.

an incorrect interpretation
The Shostakovich 5th is interpreted incorrectly. The tempos are always way too fast. Bernstein perhaps should have done more research before he conducted this Shostakovich. The ending is misleading. Because of the fast tempo, there lacks sorrow and pain. Buy the Rostropovich recording instead.

New York saves Bernstein
I am not here to dispute the great talent of the all-American musical hero Leonard Bernstein. A man far above the rest as far as skill and attention to detail is concerned but as for this recording there are many dissapointing aspects of the interpretation. The Ninth is done quite well. Although it does feel slightly bland and downright boring at times, I attribute this to my own personal preference. The orchestra performs superbly and Bernstein is in his element amongst this famed group of musicians. All in all, this is a solid recording of the Ninth.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Symphony    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

In the short time since they grouped together a few years ago to form their sensationally successful trio, the Irish Tenors have already put out an impressive array of recordings and DVDs, including some bona fide gooseflesh-inducing live concert performances. So, if you still have the enviable pleasure of discovering these amazing vocalists--or want to turn a friend on to their musical charms--this compilation CD will do the trick nicely. It brings together such classics as "Danny Boy," "Toora Loora Looral," "Last Rose of Summer," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (featuring John McDermott)--all rendered with the kind of passionate, heartfelt, and harmonious crooning that is their signature style, whether they're singing as an ensemble or as highlighted soloists. And even if you have the complete Irish Tenors, this anthology includes several numbers not found on their previously released CDs. Hard to think of a sweeter treat for a fan of singing too good to ever go out of fashion.Read more

Reviews (10)

Irish Magic
This is my first CD of the Irish Tenors. And what a joy! I played it as soon as it arrived. I like the blend of their voices,the passion and enthusiasm they bring to this CD. What I find is a real treat is the words to all the songs are in the booklet.I love this CD.

Just got your Kleenex
I suggest a box of Kleenex for each person in the room when you play this CD or VHS recording.Mom won't let me play it anymore because she...well, you know what I mean.

Wonderful!
When it's cold and frightful here, I play The BOYZ!
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    3. Classical Vocals    4. World Music   

Editorial Review

There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I rememberorganizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "TheEgyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local communityorchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in theorchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both theSecond and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century,but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was ourloss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs,can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fineperformances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivaciousmusic at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? Read more

Reviews (9)

Outstanding.
Having listened to other recordings, plus hearing live ones, of Concerto #2 (the most popular) for 15 years, it was nice to hear the entire pentalogy of the Saint-Saens piano concerti.
OK for the money
All in all, I think this is a fair value.Dutoit does a great job conducting and the quality of the recording is good.I was disappointed with the soloist's interpretation of concerto no 2 - I felt too much liberty was taken - esp on the opening passages.What should have been one long phrase building in intensity was instead practically broken into shorter phrases and any momentum that might have been gained was lost.I also felt like the third movement was not played at a tempo I would consider 'presto'.
You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens
Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I am one of those who consider Saint-Saens to be a hopeless musical lightweight, a first-rate second-rate composer (as the old saw goes), a musician of prodigious technical talent but lacking any real depth in his music.It isn't any accident that, despite the tremendous popularity of his music during his lifetime, only about 2 dozen (and that is probably being generous) of his many many pieces are performed with any consistency.Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Concerto    5. Piano Concerto   

Editorial Review

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was certainly one of the greatest singers of her own, or indeed any other time. An obsessive perfectionist, her flawless technique and intonation over a huge range, vocal flexibility, breath control, phrasing, stylistic versatility, and above all her focused, radiantly beautiful sound were matchless and incomparable. All these are on full display on this generous 2-CD set, which features over a dozen arias, songs by Schubert, Wolf and Richard Strauss, and some lighter fare. The recordings were made between 1950 and 1967, and the singing becomes better and better, the voice richer and more varied, the expression deeper and more immediate. Not surprisingly, the peaks come in the arias from her signature roles in Mozart's Read more

Reviews (6)

RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006)
This set is a fine tribute to this extraordinary singer and musician.I was saddened to read about her passing.She had a long life (90 years) and inspired a whole generation of singers and music lovers throughout the world.

SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's career is what legends are made of.She is every bit as fundamental to classical singing in the twentieth century as is Maria Callas.Schwarzkopf sang with refinement, polish, beauty of voice, and meticulous articulation.She was the greatest Mozart and Strauss soprano of her day; her ability to sing the operetta music of Lehar, Suppe',and Johann Strauss has not been equalled; she performed with distinction orchestral compositions of Mahler, Brahms, Bach, and Handel;her Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, and Mahler lieder were exemplary.She sang many operatic roles, far more than many people realize, and was certainly the definitive Marshallin in "Rosenkavalier" throughout the 1950's and 1960'. I saw her many times in recital in Chicago, and even at the time of her farewell (which I was fortunate enough to see), she was sublime. All of the superlative qualities of Schwarzkopf are generously demonstrated throughout these two wonder CD's.Virtually every item is magnificent (though obviously some will prefer some to others) and has the detailed Schwarzkopf imprint stamped right into the music. This CD, great as it is, represents only a very small part of the greatness of Schwarzkopf. I already own tons of her operas and recitals, from which many of the items here come from.But for the sake of completeness, I will probably add it.A person who loves great singing can never have too much of the art of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.She's a vocal icon.

�PERFECT!
I only want to say that you can hear, in this double cd, one of the great singers of all time. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Why? Because she sings all the arias and lieder with pure of tone, brilliance, perfect inflexion, modulation, excellent control breath, measured vibrato, and, all above, great emision of colours. She is master in this art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Period Music for Voice and Keyboard    7. Classical Vocals    8. Czech Romantic Opera    9. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    10. German/Austrian Operetta    11. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    14. Opera    15. Operetta    16. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    17. Solo Voice and Continuo    18. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    19. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Karl Bohm was one of this century's great Mozart conductors--a fact that's apt to beforgotten in the flood of authentic instrument productions, many of them on DG's associated labels.He conducted Mozart with real love and affection, maintaining moderate tempos, allowing eachwork's gorgeous melodies a chance to sing and breathe. Mozart's symphonic music has its roots inthe opera house, and so did Bohm. Listening to the witty woodwind interjections in the finale ofSymphony No. 39, for example, you can readily imagine the witty exchanges of differentcharacters in one of Mozart's comic operas. These beautifully recorded versions of Mozart'sgreatest symphonies belong in the collection of every fan of the composer. Read more

Reviews (40)

Wonderful Sound Quality and Precision
Precision.That is what comes to my mind when listening to a Karl Bohm interpretation of Mozart.Mozart's final symphonies are ageless masterpieces of music.Anyone can recognize the opening Allegro moto of Symphony No. 40 in G-Minor (one of Mozart's only symphonies in a minor key).Just finding a collection with these wonderful symphonies is a great find.
Other than Bruno Walter's
Columbia SO recordings (NOT with the New York PO) , which are OOP, this Bohm is the one to have, the only one you need actually. As I've heard at least 6 other major conductors, Klemperer , Mackerraas, both Levine's etc etc.
Efficient interpretations and lovely playing, but there's more to Mozart
I can see someone admiring these recordings, since they are very well executed and crisply presented, with no major flaws. And I can see why Mozart was considered one of Karl Bohm's best composers if you like his foursquare, unsmiling approach. Apparently many other listeners and reviewers don't demand more than what this bargain set of the last six symphonies delivers.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Classical Period Symphony    5. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

This live recording of the 1955 Visconti production at La Scala is the best ofthe available Maria Callas Read more

Reviews (67)

Simply the best...
This recording of one of the greatest Verdi's opera is surely the best I've ever heard. Callas was at her top, others interprets are excellent also. A great historical piece of art.
good music, but recording is from a lont time ago, sound quality is not ideal.
I just wanted to say that because the recording was done from so long ago, the sound quality is not even close to crystal clear.
A Magical Performance
While I have never been a huge Callas fan, I recognize her significance in Operatic history-but find her voice occasionally harsh, I must honestly say that this recording is magical.She is in truly wonderful voice, singing an enchanting "Sempre Libera" ending in a thrilling top E-flat.Being a live recording there is a sence of urgency surrounding the performance, not everyone loves this, but I find it exciting. Hearing the footsteps, the stage sounds really brings the performance to life.I could go on and on and on about this moment or that, but suffice it to say that there is a good reason that this recording has been beloved for nearly half a century.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Music    3. Italian Romantic Opera    4. Opera    5. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    6. Opera/Operetta   

Reviews (11)

Nice for Relaxation
This CD provides an air of calm and relaxation for those seeking a break from the rush and calamity of the quotidian. I recommend it highly because of it's cheap price, too!

Blew me away...
I cannot agree more with all the positive reviews of this disc. I am a baroque nut and a huge admirer of classical guitar music, and this disc combines the two in splendid fashion. Julian Bream's playing is astounding, especially on the Sor minuet and also the lesser known pieces (to me) by Weiss. Overall, the selection of music on this compilation is great. Sweet Sensations of Sound
To me the guitar is one of the most beautiful instruments ever created. This CD compliments the guitar by providing the most beautiful baroque guitar music I ever heard. Everytime I listen to this CD it reminds me of The Prado Museum in Spain or an opulent Italian villa. I also love the fact that there are many songs on the CD. There's 22. So sit back realx and enjoy the music. It's money well spent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Guitar Solo    8. Lute Solo    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music   

Reviews (1)

Trio of great violin sonatas
While Brahms wrote only three sonatas, they are a great trio of works.The first is the most intense, the second the most lyrical and the last one the most inspired with a slow movement that is arguably Brahms most beautiful melody.The two famous musicians here give us radiant performances. At almost 10 bucks less than a full-priced version of this music, this CD represents great value. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (5)

the most sensetive musicever
This music take me away from every day troubles and brings my soul to a beutiful world of music.Saint-Saent's vision of music is different, his creations are sensitive and intence. He is agreat talent.

Cool Camille
I think that the sound of Saint Saens Music is very unique.I think that anyone out there wanting to listen to some excellent writing I assure you that Saint Saens has written it.On behalf of Amazon I would definitely rate this music 5 stars.I thank Amazon for a perfect portrayal of his works.You shoppers out there might want to take a look at buying this. Astounding!!!
I have come accross very few CD's that have 74 minutes of music that I enjoy.This CD is one of those.Mason Jones does a great job on Morceau, everyone likes danse bachannalle, the piano concerto is great, it's just a really enjoyable CD to own.I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorites. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Flute Concerto    8. French Horn Concerto    9. French Romantic Opera    10. Opera    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral & Symphonic    13. Piano Concerto    14. Romantic Orchestral Music    15. Romantic Symphony    16. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    17. Symphonic    18. Violin Concerto   

Editorial Review

This surprising program is a joy through and through.It begins with a 1985 work by John Corigliano (Fantasia on an Ostinato) that uses the slow-movement theme from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony and then later flies off into wonderfully emotion-filled directions. Next come Beethoven's "Tempest" sonata, played with just the right drama, and his fabulous "Choral Fantasy," op. 80, which is part sonata, part study for the 9th symphony. Pianist Grimaud plays the Fantasy with alternating delicacy and power, and the CD ends with Arvo Pärt's Credo, scored for piano solo, mixed chorus, and orchestra. This last piece is rich and complex, and in some ways encompasses the previous works' emotions and textures; those who think of Pärt as the quiet, holy minimalist, are in for a treat, and perhaps shock. Grimaud is simply magnificent regardless of the century or style; the beauty of her tone is surpassed only by its expressiveness. Esa Pekka Salonen leads the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir handsomely. This is a very special disc, a must for your collection. Read more

Reviews (22)

Grimaud is special, and so is this CD
Helene Grimaud is somewhat of an enigma and also a maverick. For one thing she loves wolves and helps sponsor a wolf sanctuary. Also she is exceptionally attractive and has a very strong personality which comes through even in recorded performances. But Helene Grimaud is also a very good pianist for whom artistry is as important as technigue, and she has an abundance of both. Buy any performance by Grimaud and you will probably be very favorably impressed by it even if it differs in subtle ways from performances by other pianists. I purchased this CD primarily to hear Grimaud's performance of Beethoven's Fantasy for Piano, Chorus, and Orchestra (often called simply the Choral Fastasy) -- an unusual, but very impressive, work which I love and which served as a precursor for the finale of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. As I expected Grimaud gives a very satisfactory performance of this work as well as of Beethoven's Tempest Sonata. Since I am not a fan of 20th century music, I can't comment knowledgably on the other two works on this CD. You may find them quite impressive, but even if you don't Grimaud's performances of the two works by Beethoven (especially the Choral Fantasy) are worth the quite reasonable purchase price. Incidentally, Amazon also offers this collection, entitled Credo, in a hybrid CD which will play on regular CD players but give even better sound if you are fortunate enough to have a Super Audio CD player -- the finest sound currently available in my opinion. Highly recommended.

Not your mother's Part
There are a few works by Part where he isn't exactly meditative, but I haven't heard anything like this before. This is one of those recordings that, whether the fault of the engineers or simply electronics weren't built to reproduce things like this, that takes any sound equipment to its limits. Not something you can appreciate on a clock radio for sure. It's a moving work as a whole, but the central chaos is painful. In a good way though.
Incredible Performances
I was introduced to the title track "Credo" (Arvo Part) by something I heard on public radio. After purchasing it, that was the only track I generally listened to. This is a powerful, orchestrated, piece; unlike any other Arvo Part I have heard.
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Subjects:  1. Brass Chamber Music    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Credo    8. Keyboard    9. Orchestral    10. Orchestral & Symphonic    11. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard   

Features

• Import

Reviews (66)

Fly Away from this new CD :(
I honestly cannot stand the fact that people think that this CD is one of the greatest from Sarah Brightman ever!I cannot stand her singing like the 80s song "Barbie Girl".Her voice is now so "nasaly" that it's almost impossible to listen to her.The one and only best track on the album has to be "A Question of Honour", for it shows off Brightman's operatic ability.I just can't take the Pop Sarah!Please, someone convince her to go back to classical!I would dissuade you from buying this CD because it is almost unbearable to listen to!If you want something that sounds like the old Sarah from The Phantom of the Opera, then purchase the sound track or buy Surrender - The Unexpected Songs.

Loved it...
"Fly" by Sarah Brightman is a wonderful cd. Sarah truly rocks on this album. It shows how diverse she can be. Sarah has an amazing voice whether she is singing classical songs, or rock songs (as on this album). Highly recommended!

Haunting and beautiful and a break from the norm @}->---
I love Sarah's voice.She is truly unique and distinctive.This album is another stunning and haunting piece of work.It's so good and amazing and you've really got to hear it.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Easy Listening/Vocal    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Popular Music    7. Show Tunes    8. Vocal   

Reviews (1)

must have for ADHD
I ordered this cd set for both my son and husband who have ADHD.It absolutely has a calming effect on both.My husband has the cd on his IPOD and sleeps through the night.My son listens to the cds while doing homework and to fall asleep.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    7. Classical Period Symphony    8. Concerto    9. Keyboard    10. Music for Two Keyboards    11. Orchestral    12. Piano Concerto    13. Quartet for Four String Instruments    14. Symphonic    15. Violin Concerto    16. Violin with Keyboard   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

A definitive performance
Aside from flowery descriptions of music and sunshine, there are a few points that make this recording so important:
incomparable beauty
These recordings are stained with the wonder, tragedy, and loveliness of time.I think, on God's great earth - a world of woe and beauty - there must be nothing finer than to hear a single cello performing from the depths of profound silence music specifically designed to reveal that cello's true nature.There is something complete and whole in this music that reminds me of a shaft of sunlight stabbing through a window on a lonely afternoon when the spirit of contemplation is in the air. (But I am cursed to identify sound with light and classical music always makes me talk this way.) The Italians have a term *delicatezza* which captures apart of this music, but there is also what could be called a Germanic profoundity in it as if Bach was carrying forth some secret conservation with the sunlight while gazing out on a forest in mid-autumn.
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Subjects:  1. Cello Solo    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music   

Editorial Review

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music