Editorial Review

The original Broadway cast recording of Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (42)

Its Annie
If you havent heard "Annie" but the CD. Its worth it. I can't say its the best show out there, but its a classic and rightfully so. This soundtrack also comes with bonous tracks which are such a treat, so this is the version of annie to get. Also all the voices on this CD are great, not so in all versions. My Favorite song is "Something Was Missing."

Don't Buy This Cd!
This cd sucks! Nobody can sing! Andrea McCardle is a horrible annie. Reid Shelton is the worst Daddy Warbucks Ever. Bert Healy sucks too. I Hate This Cd. Please Don't buy this, I'ts Horrible! It's A Humiliation To The Musical Annie! I'm 16, and I Grew Up with Aileen Quinn as Annie. Alicia Morton is The Best Annie. If you want a good Annie Cd, Buy The Television soundtrack to Annie. Everybody on this cd Sucks!

Nice Score, Bad Recording
"Annie" has a nice score, with several memorable numbers.Unfortunately, this recording is only so-so and needs improvement.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Musicals    6. Original Cast Recordings    7. Show Tunes    8. Showtunes / B'way   

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   

Editorial Review

From the second the majestic overture of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1949 show starts, you know you're in for a treat: In this age of diminished Broadway pits, hearing the 45-piece Orchestra of St. Luke's firing on all cylinders is just thrilling. And that's only the beginning of the fun in this most traditional, most delightful musical, recorded live at Carnegie Hall in June 2005. As Nellie Forbush, Reba McEntire deploys a homespun Southern charm that works marvels against the urbane Emile de Becque, i.e., Brian Stokes Mitchell and his impossibly buttery baritone (check out his rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening"). Of course we shouldn't be surprised, since country star Reba had turned out to be musical-theater star Reba when she replaced Bernadette Peters in Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (33)

THERE IS NOTHIN' LIKE REBA
With music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammersteins' "South Pacific" in Concert features a jubilant Reba McEntire in a kicky, knock 'em dead in the aisles performance as Nellie Forbush is a "died and gone to heaven" listening experience. With her homey Southern twang she fits the bill perfectly as,(Nellies self-description)"I am just a hick". Her Emile DeBecque on the recording Brian Stokes Mitchell confirms his justified status as one of Broadways best leading men with his rich and powerful voice. Jason Danieley gives a fine and sweet-voiced rendition of "Younger Than Springtime" that would be fine in any season.
Great Job of Patching It Together
I saw this concert and was amazed that the CD and DVD turned out so well. Reba read many of her lines and song lyrics directly from her script at the concert, so much of the material must be from the dress rehearsal.
A wonderful blend of voices
I have been a Reba McEntire fan for many years. I had the good fortune to see her on Broadway in "Annie Get Your Gun". Her performance was amazing, and it was hard to believe that she was not trained in the musical theater, she held the audience in the palm of her hand.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Winner of five Oscars (including two for Richard and Robert Sherman's memorable slate of songs), Disney's 1964 adaptation of British author P.L. Travers' belovedchildren's tales melded live action, animation and music more successfully than any film before or since. Containing the most complete version of the ShermanBrothers' score and a wealth of previously unavailable behind-the-scenes treasures, this double-disc, 40th anniversary soundtrack edition becomes the ultimatemusical tribute to the beloved family masterpiece. The Sherman's memorable songs are showcased here in a more comprehensive musical context than ever before;indeed, a number of the expanded or previously unreleased pieces of the Irwin Kostal-arranged underscore now included were truncated in editing the film itself. Thegenerous bonus disc contains the set's greatest historical treasure: a 40+ minute pre-production story meeting between the Shermans, gag writer Don DaGradi andauthor Travers herself. Also included is a lengthy 1964 audio documentary featuring the Shermans and stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, an audio montage of the songwriting team reminiscing and playing their original demos for the project and an illustrated 40-page companion booklet containing a history of the project as well as complete song lyrics.Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack
• Special Edition

Reviews (11)

Silly and without message? Quite the opposite!
From Wikipedia:
a classic
Julie Andrews was incredible in this. This musical came out brilliantly on film. The music is wonderful and the imagination is great for both children and adults.
The Songs I Still Hum
I was given "Mary Poppins" when I was four, in 1970. Then, it was in LP 33 rpm form. I still hum most of the songs. You will too. Though it was released several decades before, it is a classic, entertaining and completely delightful CD.
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Subjects:  1. Keyboard    2. Keyboard Music    3. Miscellaneous    4. Miscellaneous Music    5. Musicals    6. Orchestral    7. Orchestral Music    8. Original Score    9. Pop    10. Show Tunes    11. Soundtrack    12. Soundtracks    13. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

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

Editorial Review

This has to be Steve Reich's most difficult work to perform; but he's done it. Several times. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (22)

Amazing Music!!! Buy This Album Now!!!
I'm just becoming a fan of Reich's music, and from what I've heard I really like. Reich's influence is all over the place and I'm starting to slowly realize that. His music is a great study in counterpoint, which for all who don't know, is technique of two or more rhythms that play at the same time, but are in the same timbre. Steve Reich's music is some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. It's music that I've heard in my head for a long time and couldn't quite make heads or tails out of it until now.
Reich's Importance Continues to Rise
For those fortunate to have viewed the film THE DYING GAUL either in the theater or on the DVD now on the shelves, the music of Steve Reich struck all of the right moods and lent the support and atmosphereto make this the fine film it is.Hoping that the Soundtrack from the movie will be available eventually, at least for now this very fine recording of STEVE REICH: MUSIC FOR 18 MUSICIANSwill suffice.
That Cat's Crazy!
This is a brilliant - arguably the definiitive - recording of a challenging and visionary work by one of our most gifted and consistently interesting contemporary composers. Any of the three available studio performances has merit (I haven't experienced the live recording) and each offers something different in tempo, mix, length...this is my favorite and the one I recommend to friends.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. More than Two Solo Voices with Small Ensemble    6. Vocal   

Editorial Review

For one brief, shining moment, there was a place known as Camelot--and this 1961 recording is the only document available of JFK's favorite musical, the one that's been used to describe his presidential administration ever since. Truthfully, Lerner and Loewe's musical score for this retelling of the King Arthur story doesn't measure up to Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (53)

One of the most memorable and enchanting Broadway musicals
I was a child when I first heard this.This was probably my father'sfavorite musical.For me, this is the definitive Camelot.The combination of Richard Burton, Julie Andrews, Robert Goulet, and Roddy McDowall was pure magic.So in a fit of nostalgia, I ordered this.And even now, I still feel its hold on me.
The Original
This is the must-have version of this musical.Richard Burton, Robert Goulet and Roddy McDowell are all fabulous as is the rest of the cast.

Camelot (original Cast)
I bought this as a gift to my sister who simply loved and treasured it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Film    4. Film Music    5. Musicals    6. Original Cast Recordings    7. Show Tunes    8. Showtunes / B'way   

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   

Reviews (18)

Okay But.... - a review of "The Most Famous Opera Arias"
My daughter (6 y.o.) and I like opera; but sitting for two hours to watch Turandot is just not within the realm of possibilities for my 4 year old son right now... so I was looking for an opera CD for the car.He will sit and listen to short arias.
How about this...
...a wonderful and affordably priced music masterpiece for the novice to sample opera. I am new to the opera having seen my first at the Arena di Verona (Aida). It took the one to get me to want to sample more and this collection is certainly worthy of praise.

Very Disappointed
To be fair, I usually do not like opera--hurts my ears.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    3. Classical Music    4. French Romantic Opera    5. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    6. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Opera    9. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    10. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

This is a misnomer--not all of these duets are all that famous--but it's a fine compilation nonetheless. You'll hear selections from Bizet's Read more

Reviews (23)

The closest thing
This is a marvelous CD, especially the Pearl Fisher's duet with Gedda and Blanc.I would rank that performance second all time, just below the
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The quality of the recording is good. The variety of artists used is good

Great value for the money
This is literally the CD that sparked my love for opera. The duet from "The Pearl Fishers" is just stunning. I'm buying another copy of this because my husband accidentally tossed the old one along with our old (nonfunctional) CD player. Can't do without this CD! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Music    3. French Romantic Opera    4. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    5. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    6. Italian Romantic Opera    7. Opera    8. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    9. Opera/Operetta Collections    10. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

Long regarded as the quintessential interpretation of the most popularand best-loved symphony ever written, this performance of the Fifth haseverything: passion, precision, drama, lyric beauty, and a coiled fury in thefirst movement that sets your pulse racing from the very first note. CarlosKleiber has made very few recordings in his distinguished career, but almost allare special. If you own no other copy of this symphony, this is the one to get.It comes with an exceptional performance of the Seventh--not quite as grippingas the Fifth, but definitely one of the great ones. There is classical music,and there are classic recordings of classical music. This one's a classic. Read more

Reviews (120)

Oh My God!
I'm not even religious. This recording made me glad I was alive to hear it. This cannot be overrated because I do believe it is the greatest piece of music I have ever heard. I've heard the 5th many times, everyone has. Kleiber is genius, what he chooses to accent and the touches he puts in make you want to cry out they are so perfect.

The Most Not-overrated and greatest recording of all time
I am totally confident when I say that this is the greatest recording of anything EVER. Yes, you all have a recording of the fifth and every single conductor in the world has beat the thing to death. But the reason why this recording should be so highly praised is because it does something dangerous. Kleiber takes the most known and popular symphony of all time, which has been played and re-played since the day it was premiered, and made it timeless. The recording just never gets old.
Which classic Fifth is best, Kleiber, Karajan, or Bernstein?
When Carlos Kleiber released his classic Beethoven Fifth in 1975 with the Vienna Phil., it made his reputation overnight, and the recording was greeted as a revelation. At the time I wondered if this was really true, since two older Fifths from the early Sixties, Karajan with the Berlin Phil. and Bernstein with the NY Phil., seemed quite wonderful already. Now I have the latest remastering of each, so I decided to sit down and compare them.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Orchestral & Symphonic    5. Romantic Symphony    6. Symphonic   

Reviews (19)

Brendel and Marriner play Mozart at a bargain price
Philip's two double-CD sets of Alfred Brendel and Neville Marriner performing a total of ten of Mozart's great piano concertos, plus two rondos for piano and orchestra, must rate as one of the best of many bargains available in their "2 for 1" series. The four CDs add up to close to five hours of music, most of it essential listening for anyone interested in Mozart, great piano music, and great concertos.
Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 1 Alfred Brendel
Nice interpretation of Mozart's piano concerto.

Mozart's great piano concertos, Vol 1 and Vol 2
We love Mozart. Especially his piano concertos. We purchased these volumes, because we wore out our cassette tapes.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Concerto    5. Piano Concerto   

Editorial Review

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Read more

Reviews (139)

Pleasently Suprised
I am a new fan to Sarah Brightman, this is the first CD I have purchased, I am delighted to say I LOVE IT,, her voice is haunting and the lyrics are amazing... I am now a Sarah Brightman FAN... Great CD I higly recommend it!!!

I love this !
This is an amazing cd. Sarah Brightman is a great vocalist, who already is a household name in classical music. There are good songs and I finally found the song i was looking for- from the Secret Garden "Anytime, Anywhere." It's an amazing song and alsoAva Maria. A good song. Some other opera singers don't really know how to make their voices pure... as they grow up into woman. But, Sarah has accomplished this role in making her voice still pure, but amazing.

Fails to impress...
Now I'm as much a Sarah Brightman fan as the next guy; thought she was terrific vocally as "Phantom"'s Christine.Listening to this CD helps me to remember that was *20* years ago.What Sarah lacks in vocal control and tonality she makes up for in breathiness and her infamous "swooping" up into high notes.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Adagio for Orchestra    3. Adult Contemporary    4. Chamber    5. Choral    6. Classical Vocal Crossover    7. Czech Romantic Opera    8. Etude for Keyboard    9. Guitar Solo    10. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    11. Italian Baroque Opera    12. Italian Romantic Opera    13. Keyboard    14. Musical Theater    15. Musicals    16. Opera    17. Operettas    18. Orchestral    19. Pop    20. Pop Vocals   

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 (14)

excellent guitar performances
Outstanding guitar performances. I gave it only 4 stars because I do not personally like some of the compositions.

Essential Guitar...
Up until this collection, I'd never heard the "Cavatina" played in the Deer Hunter movie.After hearing it, I could play it all day and not tire of it!It moves me that much, considering that it's almost "not" a classical guitar selection.The rest of the music is first rate! Excellent playing, but the "Cavatina..."
Lives up to its Name!
If you only bought this double CD set, you'd have a good starter collection of classical guitar music. It includes most of the standards, as well as rarer pieces. In addition to the many solo pieces, there are several excerpts from orchestral works, with Rodrigo's indispensible Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" topping the list. There are also several flamenco numbers included, complete with heel taps and castanets.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    4. Classical Music   

Editorial Review

Outside of Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun exposure to classical music
I bought Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2 last year, and my children (ages 6 and 10) begged me to get this one!Richard Perlmutter's voice is a little nasal (every once in a while you're reminded of Barney sing-a-longs) but the other voices that are on the CD are nice.This is an awesome way to familiarize children with classical music themes.I'm hoping that as my children grow up, they will be attracted to some classical music because they will have some familiar melodies in their memory banks.I highly recommend this CD to anyone with young children.

The appeal of this CD can't be exaggerated
Sometimes pretentious, sometimes downright ridiculous products promising to expose our children to classical music can be as obnoxious as they are ubiquitous. Noise-making machines imitating Mozart do not a classical music lover make, particularly when it comes to plastic devices that light up and play unrecognizable sound.
Warning:the fun is contagious!
For those of you familiar with Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2, you already know to expect the unexpected from lyric genius Richard Perlmutter and his very talented Beethoven's Wig crew.They have single-handedly delivered the classical music repertoire to millions of young children in the most innovative, engaging way - marrying the best of the classical repertoire to witty, fun lyrics for children (and adults!) that engage, entertain, and make the music unforgettable with the charming voice of Perlmutter himself and an accomplished operatic ensemble of singers.While so many artists struggle to follow up two gigantic successes with a third that doesn't disappoint, Beethoven's Wig 3 masterfully and refreshingly follows its own act with a new twist on the recipe this time:showcasing individual instruments in the orchestra, appreciating the uniqueness of each, and marrying them to short lyrical stories that are making my nephews and nieces laugh out loud while they learn (and while their parents and grandparents chuckle along -- and learn a few things too).The CD booklet contains not only the illustrated stories, but also interesting and fun questions about classical music and different orchestral instruments.I can really see why Beethoven's Wig has won so many children's music awards - there's nothing else like it, kids adore it, and parents feel great about knowing their children are developing a life-long love and appreciation for classical music at an early age. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cello Solo    2. Chamber    3. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    4. Children's    5. Childrens    6. Concerto    7. French Horn Concerto    8. French Romantic Opera    9. Harp Concerto    10. Keyboard    11. Mandolin Music    12. Miscellaneous    13. Music for Organ    14. Novelty    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Orchestral Music    18. Pop    19. Recorder Concerto    20. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra   

Reviews (17)

The Best Recording I've Ever Heard
I've listened to Handels's Messiah my entire life, so I'm very picky. I can honestly say this is the best recording I've ever heard.

Messiah - complete traditional
It is the traditional version of the Messiah and includes all parts - even the songs some people would find obscure. Very well done. Sounds inspiring and wonderful.

Genuinely Wonderful
This recording of Handel's Messiah showcases Felicity Lott, whose voice has an wonderfully warm and rich quality (unusual for a soprano) -- particularly on "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," a song with which I am tolerably familiar as a soprano soloist.In fact, the entire recording's tone resonates with warmth.The only fault lies in the fact that #34-37 are omitted, including one of my favorite pieces, "And He Shall Purify;" hence four stars instead of five.But leaving aside that omission, the orchestral performance is outstanding, the chorus is very good, and the soloists, especially Ms. Lott, are delightful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Oratorio    7. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

The great irony of John Barry's Academy Award-winning score for Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (30)

Puts you in the mood
This is one of my all time favorite soundtracks to listen to.
WORTH EVERY PENNY AND THEN SOME!
Quite simply put, this is the MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSIC I have ever heard. No music has ever touched me the way the music in Out Of Africa does. Every song is so beautifully done. THANK YOU, JOHN BARRY for sharing your beautiful talent with me and the world. I am forever grateful. You won't go wrong with this CD! It's "out of this world"!

Beautiful Melody
The sound track is wonderful to listen too.As I really enjoyed the movie, I also enjoy the soft sounds of the CD.Using the various intruments to compose the different melodies, the composition was beautifully developed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clarinet Concerto    2. Concerto    3. Film    4. Film Music    5. Original Score    6. Pop    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores    10. Vocal    11. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

This recording was produced more than 40 years ago, only in mono