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

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 (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

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   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

Like Floating On A Cloud
My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.

Bach
Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.
Good CD, especially for novices
I was looking for a recommended Bach CD - certain music by a certain orchestra - and stumbled on this.It is an excellent choice for a new library.I think when there was more than one movement to a piece, it would have made more sense to go ahead and keep the movements together instead of separating them, but a novice listener would not notice.A great way to become exposed to a great composer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Chamber    4. Choral    5. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Concerto Grosso    11. Concerto for Three Solo Instruments    12. Concerto for Two Pianos    13. Concerto for Two String Instruments    14. Invention for Keyboard    15. Keyboard    16. Magnificat    17. Mass    18. Music for Organ    19. Orchestral    20. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Reviews (8)

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II
Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged.Good album for a tag sale.Same comment applies for Volume I.

Great music listein to while you read in bed
I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night.I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan.
I bought Vol. 1 of this series and was quite satisfied, but I have to say I'm more than satisfied with this one. If you can just mellow out and enjoy some great pieces, you'll love this CD. #15 on Disc 2 is almost worth the price alone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Choral    3. Christmas Music    4. Anthem    5. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    6. Cantata    7. Cello Concerto    8. Chamber Music    9. Classical    10. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    11. Classical Music    12. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    13. Concerto    14. Concerto for Two String Instruments    15. Film    16. Film Music    17. Keyboard    18. Keyboard Music    19. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    20. Miscellaneous   

Reviews (4)

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

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

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

Editorial Review

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Read more

Reviews (6)

so amazing
I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK
This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set.I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much.My toddler likes it too.I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Cantata    4. Cello Solo    5. Chamber    6. Choral    7. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    8. Classical    9. Classical Composers    10. Classical Music    11. Concerto    12. Concerto Grosso    13. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    14. Concerto for Two String Instruments    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Concerto    17. Keyboard Music    18. Lute Solo    19. Mass    20. Music for Organ   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (21)

An excellent introduction to classical music
This is an excellent introduction to classical music.Well performed and presented.

Very Beautiful!!!!!1
If you are a fan of classical music then you better get this set. Not only is it very cheap, 10 Discs for about 2$ per disk. Now where are you gonna find a deal like this. I actually found mine chaper, $20.00 even and the music is outstanding. If you had a very bad day and very stressed out, just put in one of these cds, lay down, dim down the lights and just relax. It really helped me out.

Still Stuck on Beethoven
I just recently started listening to classical music so I'm certainly not one to compare or critique the quality of this set. However, I do have a few comments...
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Cantata    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Choral Music    9. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    10. Clarinet Concerto    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    13. Classical Music    14. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    15. Classical Period Symphony    16. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    17. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    18. Collection of Etudes, Studies, or Exercises for Keyboard    19. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    20. Concerto   

Editorial Review

Christmas is the season for whipping out those holiday-specific standard recordings. This splendid gift by Chanticleer should top the list, for one will never tire of this a cappella choir's interpretations. With selections spanning the last five centuries of Latin, German, English, Spanish, and French festive fare, this recording exemplifies the sacrifice of the ego to the higher form of choral sound. Jacob Handl's "Mirabile Mysterium" takes you on a trip into the chromatic wonderlands, where you temporarily lose tonal balance. Victoria's eerie and dissonant "O Magnum Mysterium" treats us to rich voices swelling out of one organic whole. The phenomenal blend and perfect intonation elevate this recording above others in its category. Read more

Reviews (12)

Simply beautiful
The title and artist' name says it all - Christmas with clear (pure) singing.Glorious in all respects.

It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!
Walking the busy malls to the multichannel Muzak of every old Christmas song interpreted in hiphop, jazz, idiosyncratic 'rethinkings' by famous soloists as well as replays of Gene Autry, Bing Crosby etc., it is a relief to return home (or if fortunate, to the concert hall) and hear the more uplifting music of the season through the ages. And despite reliance on some old favorite Messiah recordings, and carols by Kings College Choir, the one CD that seems to reign supreme is this Chanticleer release SING WE CHRISTMAS from 1995!
From the mystical, magical heart of Christmastime!
Chanticleer is an audaciously talented acapella choral ensemble whose work finds its best expression in spiritual songs like these, which are stunning missives straight from heaven itself. The spirit of the season of Christmas, the promise and beauty and renewal at the heart of it, is so perfectly captured in these soaring and robust performances, each one more impossibly lovely than the last.You don't need to believe in Santa Claus or even Christmas to derive deep satisfation from this album;you need only have ears to listen and the capacity for extreme goose bumps!The hush of a snowy day, a cathedral filled with candles and voices lifted heavenwards, the abundance of genuine goodwill and loving kindness that has survived every attempt at commercializing Christmas ... these things are alive and well in this music, which will move you to your core.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical    8. Holiday    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    12. Motet    13. Orchestral    14. Renaissance Motet    15. Sacred Choral Music    16. Secular Choral Music with Keyboard (or Continuo)    17. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    18. Vocal    19. Vocal Music    20. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Reviews (19)

Brass performance at it"s best
Listened to this on LP 30 odd years ago. All time greats Abe Torchinsky andMason Jones, wonderful nostalgic Christmas music, make this a keeper !

LOVE -- LOVE --- LOVE IT!
I found the ring-tone for my cell phone === that's what put me on to researching the CD..
I'm sorry folks but I found it rather boring.
I managed to pass this Christmas season without listening to my usual many hours of beautiful Christmas music on my local FM Classical music station, so I decided to go out and buy a basic collection of classic Christmas music.
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Subjects:  1. Carols    2. Chamber    3. Choral    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    12. Sacred Choral Music    13. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    14. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of hermusic for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is rightfor the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumesreleased by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendaryvisions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religiouscommunity of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes anunobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmoniesof the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple,direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerilyaccompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. Read more

Reviews (19)

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy
This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts
I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

Hildegarde makes listeners ecstatic
The CD is appropriate for any type of meditation.It is wonderful to listen towhile going to sleep.It uplifts the soul and calms the mind.Fabulous. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alleluia    2. Antiphon    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Early Music / Chant    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Response    12. Sacred Choral Music   

Reviews (15)

Great Seasonal Album
This is one of the most impressive period albums I own.Wonderful for the holiday season.Will miss it during the rest of the year.

The Most Beautiful Sounds I Have Ever Heard
A fluid and seamless piece of heaven that transcends all classical and holiday music. This is an OUTSTANDING non-traditional Holiday CD!!!Many voices come together as one in these enchanting verses sung in languages other than English. It is just enough language mix to appease and intrigue the soul but not too much so that the listener does not understand the lyrics.For example, the English verse is sung then a verse in German and then back to English.Emmanuel is written this way.Other languages include French (Angels we Have Heard on High) and even Catalan which is a dialect of Spain. Beautiful and Precise
When I was a kid, we used to listen to this album every Christmas (on vinyl).We often contrasted it with a Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas album we also had, the Mormons good for rousing anthems, Robert Shaw for more intimate and moving and, I think, more beautiful evocations of the Spirit of Christmas.Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Classical    6. Easy Pop    7. Holiday    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Piano Blues    12. Sacred Choral Music    13. Secular Choral Music with Keyboard (or Continuo)    14. Vocal    15. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Reviews (19)

Spiritual oxygen.
Mother Theresa or Mother Angelica said, "Make something beautiful for God." Whoever said it, Beth Chapman was listening when she produced this collection of hymns. Because of B.N.C.'s experience of personal heart-ache that preceded this recording, there's a touching dose of holy sobriety in her delivery. After listening to some snippets on-line, I first bought this for my Mom who is in her 70s. Since I finally bought another copy for myself a few weeks ago, it has dominated my car CD player. My 28 year old son, who doesn't know this pre-Vatican II repertoire, absolutely loves it. This is timeless, edifying stuff -- no artificial ingredients. Thank you, Beth. I'm so glad I found your Hymns project.

Breathtaking renditions of sacred music
Chapman takes some of the Christendom's most beautiful music and lends a simple reverence to it that works wonderfully well.She's also written a very sweet new hymn to Mary.I buy virtually no music - my collection is already sufficient. But I only had to hear a bit of one song - Panis Angelicus - to get me onto iTunes for this album.
YOU KNOW IT'S GOOD WHEN...
...You can get a stone hearted atheist like me to listen to this exquisite assemblage of musical beauty in stunned silence with tears rolling down my cheeks.These are songs of the sacred that don't require a belief system.Take it from me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Country-Folk    4. Hymns    5. Inspirational    6. Latin Gospel    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Motet    10. Pop    11. Pop Vocals    12. Rock/Pop    13. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    14. Sacred Choral Music    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music   

Reviews (12)

The quintessential Christmas recording
This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise.Who am I to dispute that?The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.
A Top List Christmas CD
I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year.It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection.The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements.Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best
I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers.I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony.This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite.The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control.Buy and enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Classical    6. Easy Pop    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Piano Blues    10. Sacred Choral Music    11. Texas Blues    12. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Editorial Review

Although this collection intends to transport the soul, it has a tremendously potent low-end depth to it that earns high marks indeed in the worlds of vocal and liturgical music. Dmitri Bortniansky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" is performed with a gracefulness that gets a warming fatness from the production, as does Alexander Gretchaninov's "I Have Chosen the Blissful," which travels with a ringing resonance. In a year of fine choral works--check out Sequentia's Hildegard cycle box, Read more

Reviews (24)

A Soviet version of Russian music
I admit to some strong bias here, having sung on the recording of Tchaikovsky's Liturgy available here from the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York. I was in that choir for five years, and our conductor's view of how to properly interpret Russian music became my own.
AWESOME, Ethereal, Heavenly, Glorious ChoralMusic
Of all my great Robert Shaw Recordings of Bach's B-Minor, theELIJAH, the Missa Solemnis or Haydn's CREATION, None can match the intensity, sheer choral beauty, spiritual inspiration early in the morning hours than this Treasure! Upon early arising ateither 3:30 or even later I begin with meditative listening tothis choral gem of Ancient Gregorian Russian Chants.
Reverently Moving
Sacred Treasures is an exceptional compilation of celebrated choral excerpts from the Divine Liturgy of the Russian Orthodox church. This impeccable recording of some of the finest Russian choirs captures the breadth and clarity of sound unique to these choirs. Although the selections are excerpts of the Divine Liturgy, the music nevertheless inspires an experience of reverence and worship. Opening and closing with the magnificent sound of Russian cathedral bells, the recording transports the listener into a special realm of beauty and peace. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Classical    5. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Eastern Orthodox Polyphony    8. Mass    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. New Age / Meditation    12. Pop    13. Russia    14. Sacred Choral Music    15. Unknown Genre/Unspecified Instrumentation    16. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (1)

A New Favorite in My Musical Library
I became a fan of Alison Balsom after hearing her exceptional Bach CD.I've since purchased her debut disc and was equally impressed.So it goes without saying that I've been eagerly awaiting the release of "Caprice" since I'd heard it was coming out.She most certainly delivered, both in her playing and in Julian Milone's excellent arranging that compliments her wonderfully.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists   

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (14)

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

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

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Vocals    5. Oratorio    6. Passion    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Music