Editorial Review

Thanks to good marketing, good cover art, and good luck, this discprobably has sold more copies than most other recordings of Gregorian chant puttogether. It's often quipped that most of those discs have been listened toexactly once and put away--to the puzzlement of many musicians and critics, whopoint out that there are more beautiful, more varied performances byprofessional singers available. Yet the singing of these Spanish Benedictineshas a special quality that probably explains this disc's popularity--a reverentserenity that no doubt stems from the fact that the monks are actually praying,not just performing. Granted, Read more

Reviews (29)

Gregorian Chant
I purchased this item because one of my children has been going through the Tomatis method of auditory integration training to correct some auditory processing issues that affect his ability to communicate.The Gregorian Chant was recommended as a follow up because of its many and pure sound frequencies.After listening to different samples of the Chant, I picked the one sung by the Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos for its sound clarity.Also, it has been interesting to see the reaction of all my children.Two of them weep when they listen to the chant and the other one seems be soothed by it.As an adult, it is this soothing effect from the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos that I find most fascinating.

RELAXING
EXCELLENT FOR RELAXING, MEDITATION, OR INTROSPECTION.WHEN I HAVE HAD A BAD DAY, I POP THIS IN ON MY WAY HOME FOR RELAXATION.

A Standard Bearer for the Genre! Calm, Peaceful, Beautiful!
I have to admit that when I got this disc, it was more out of curiousity as it had done very well commercially and although I had read about Gregorian Chants, I had no idea what they were and thought that this would be a good way to find out.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Chant    3. Chants    4. Choral    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Western European Chant   

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

Reviews (3)

Good performances, good CD
I prefer the slow songs on this CD, they seems to be a better fit for my baby. The performances are well played by talented musicians. (I have a degree from Peabody so that's a true compliment)

Excellent
My baby is 4 months old and absoletly loves this CD. At 6pm when he gets fussy, this is the only thing that calms him down and allows him to go to sleep. It is well worth every penny!

Wonderful
My daughter is now almost 5 years old and she still listens to the same CD she did at 5 months old.She is very bright and is doing amazing in her Junior Kindergarten class.She has always loved music, but she can't fall asleep unless we put on her Mozart CD.I would recomend it to any new or expectent parents, or even to parents who have a hard time putting toddlers to bed.It is a very soothing CD to listen to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Children's Collections    3. Childrens    4. Classical    5. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    6. Classical Period Symphony    7. Classical Pop    8. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    9. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    10. Keyboard    11. Opera    12. Orchestral    13. Quartet for Four String Instruments    14. Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet    15. Quintet for Mixed Instruments without Keyboard    16. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Although it's based on the 1967 movie of the same name, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (94)

Delightful
The music takes a little bit to grow on you, but boy, does it!It's wonderful, charming, romantic, funny--just like the play itself.I loved almost every song and I was really impressed with "Long As I'm Here With You"-- I thought it was an old song written back in the twenties, because it so sounded like one. The cast is absolutely energetic and endearing, and Sutton Foster just *rocks*.Definitely worth the money.

YOU WILL LOVE IT
If you like musicals, you will NOT REGRET purchasing this musical soundtrack. JUST DO IT. It's so great, you will be listening to it forever. I also saw the show at the Kennedy Center in D.C. and it's one of the best I've ever seen. (And I've seen A LOT.)
Stellar cast in a first rate musical
A sparkling Broadway lead debut from Sutton Foster (run, don't walk to any live performances given by Ms. Sutton) with superb comedic support given by Mark Kudisch and Harriet Harris (who won the Tony Award for this performance) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Showtunes / B'Way    3. Cast Recordings    4. Music Theater    5. Musical Theater    6. Original Cast Recordings    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Music   

Reviews (53)

Giovanni Buffone Brusco Strikes Again
How dare anyone refer to Tebaldi and Freni as "Standard Butterflies"??? The only thing that is standard around here is your intellect - shut up already.

It's a SHOCK!
It's a SHOCK how Callas interpreted "Madama Butterfly" It's close to perfect. Must listen for opera lovers!

Perhaps The Best Recorded "Madama Butterfly"
There are many "Butterfly" recordings out there that are excellent in their own right but this recording deserves a category of excellence all it's own.What almost looks like mis-casting on paper, Callas does an astonishing job with the title role, which she recorded months before singing a series in Chicago and never to touch the role again.This is really one of those recordings that should be considered an historical event in the history of recorded opera.The collaboration of all the principles with von Karajan shows a unique unity that hasn't been duplicated very often.
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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)

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works
An excellent complilation of Chopin works which includes 3 of the pieces I am currently learning. Definitely has encouraged me to improve my piano skills and allow me to better appreciate his style of music.

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works (London 2 CD)
Beautifully done 2 CD of Chopin works.I've played it every weekend since I got it, loving every track.It's well performed and recorded, and is an excellent collection for anyone interested in Chopin or his adopted homeland of Poland.And, of course, you can't often go wrong with the London Label.

chopins Mazurkas
this is a wonderful collection of the mazurkas but Ashkenazy plays a lot of them too fast my music teacher played these with more pathos he seems like he cant get done fast enough with some of them some introductions should be slower with more feeling otherwise all the mazurkas i wanted are in this disc just wish i had gotbetter artist like Claude Arrau ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Balladefor Keyboard    2. Barcarollefor Keyboard    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Etude for Keyboard    8. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    9. Keyboard    10. Mazurka for Keyboard    11. Nocturne for Keyboard    12. Polonaise for Keyboard    13. Prelude for Keyboard    14. Scherzo for Keyboard    15. Waltz for Keyboard   

Reviews (16)

Inspire the baby-within
Beyond sheer musical appreciation and enjoyment, Mozart's music in general is ideal for gently stimulating the "creative centers" as well as instilling a sense well-being.While there is much academic disagreement about the extent or reality of the so-called "Mozart Effect," it doesn't take a genius to observe how Mozart's music puts most people (and probably babies-to-be) in a happy mood ready to take on the day's challenges.There is a simplicity - yet elegance and musical brilliance - in his music that is also well-suited for the youngest of children.
Calms your soul.....
Just had to take a moment to write this review. I bought this CD 9 months ago right before the due date of my first baby. Being a new mom and nervous and trying to do everything right, I played this CD the first week home from the hospital. It would totally calm both me and baby and we would rock and rock until he was asleep. I've always loved all kinds of music but having such a peaceful CD to listen to helped me gain my perspective and take a deep breath and just enjoy this new little one I had in my arms. Music does that to me but this CD has something extra special.

Highly Rated Recordings. Excellent Song Selection
Too often classical music CD's for families or kids are poor in quality. But that is not the case with this excellent CD. The recordings on this CD were selected from the very best, previously released recordings. Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    6. Concerto    7. Keyboard    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Orchestral    11. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    12. Quartet for Four String Instruments    13. Quintet for Five String Instruments    14. Trio for Three String Instruments    15. Violin Concerto    16. Woodwind Chamber Music   

Editorial Review

Boston Baroque and Martin Pearlman recorded a splendid set of the Brandenburg Concertos on period instruments in 1993 and 1994. Made entirely in the US, these snappy, crisply articulated, and fluent performances rely heavily on the talents of violinist Daniel Stepner (who doubles as one of the two solo violists in Concerto No. 6). Among the highlights are the joyous finale to Concerto No. 4 and the superb cembalo cadenza in No. 5, played by Pearlman. Along with outstanding sound, there's a winning sense of freshness and discovery in these performances. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (20)

posthorn problems
the telarc recording is full and detailed as would be expected, but the posthorn player botches a lot of lines, or at least plays them with totally hamfisted phrasing. of course it's probably tough on an older instrument but the end result is that it distracted me from what was probably an otherwise excellent recording.

A Benchmark Rocording
In this two-cd set of the Bach Crandenburg Concertos, Martin Pearlman and the Boston Baroque do a wonderful job of performing some of the most recognized classics of the genre, on period instruments, none the less.
He was a german baroque father
He wrote this piece in K�then 24.3.1721 near the capital Berlin. this work was dedicated to Count Christian Von Brandenburg.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Concerto    5. Concerto Grosso   

Editorial Review

The labels that are now gathered under the Universal Classics umbrella have a pretty impressive scorecard in the area of classical compilations. We've seen Read more

Reviews (31)

Bought This & Kid's and I Love It - a review of "The # 1 Opera Album"
We just purchased this 2 CD set so we'd have something to listen to in the car (other than The Wiggles and Barney - lol) and we couldn't be happier.The offerings are great and include so many of the 'popular' arias that I wanted to introduce to our children:boy and girl; 4 and 6 y.o. respectively.
#1 Opera Album
Great collection of performances by some true legends in the opera world. The entire album is very well done.

Wonderful Compilation
A wonderful compilation of some of the most beautiful music in the world. One reviewer panned the selection of voices, but that sounds like sour grapes. While you might be disappointed if your favorite artist is not included, there's no doubt that this collection will entertain the listener for many hours. You'll enjoy this music over and over again. Buy it and enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Song (General)    2. Classical    3. Classical Music    4. Czech Romantic Opera    5. French Romantic Opera    6. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    7. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Italian Romantic Opera    10. Opera    11. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    12. Opera/Operetta Collections    13. Vocal   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (5)

Flying into Broadway Soon...
Now well established in London, this Cameron Mackintosh produced musical is soon to land on Broadway. So is it worth seeing? And is this worth buying?
Mary Poppins is Super-cali-fragi-listic-expi-ali-docious !!!
I heard the Mary Poppins was making it's way to Broadway and taking over the Lion King's theater (The Lion King is moving to another theater, not closing) I knew it had to be amazing so I bought the cast album and I am extremly happy with my purchase.
Mary Poppins is PERFECT!
I am a a huge broadway fan so when I heard the Mary Poppins was making it's way to the Great White Way I knew I had to hear it.When I did I was completly blown away!Not only are all of the old and beloved songs there and complete the are a host of all new ones that still hold up the magic of the show.
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Subjects:  1. Music Theater    2. Musical Theater    3. Pop    4. Showtunes / B'way    5. Soundtrack   

Reviews (6)

Gregorian Chant Gems
It is wonderful to hear again the chants that are familiar to all Catholics who grew up with the Latin Mass and who remember the plain chants from the Liber Usualis. Victimae paschali laudes (the Sequence from the Easter Mass), Gaudens gaudebo in Domino (Rejoicing, I shall rejoice in the Lord), Pueri hebraeorum (the beautiful entrance song to the Palm Sunday Mass), and all the other chants. They are performed by a choir that understands the beauty and simplicity of Gregorian Chant.

Lost in Meditation: Medatative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 2~Gregorian Chant
Inspirational and definately recommended for anyone looking for a tradional,medatative,inspirational feeling.Very useful to get into a contemplative mindset for daily prayers and meditation.

You'll be lost in this meditation!
This is a wonderful CD! Very relaxing and a great example of Gregorian chant. The lyrics are very clear with soaring melodies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Early Music / Chant    6. Vocal    7. Vocal Music    8. Western European Chant    9. World Music   

Editorial Review

Already a box office sensation with a million-selling soundtrack in its native France, writer/director Christopher Barratier's tale of a post-war music teacher's lasting impact on his young charges rode its formulaic Hollywood roots all the way to Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations as Best Foreign Language Film, as well as an Oscar nod for Best Song ("Look To Your Path [Vois Sur Ton Chemin]," a collaboration between the director and film composer Bruno Coulais). Taking his inspiration from the boy's chorus at the center of the film's drama, Coulais has concocted a masterful, classically rooted score that showcases the crystalline, youthful harmonies of Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc Choir. The composer bridges the baroque and modern eras in a collection of mostly Latin choruses and chants, a skillful, often haunting fusion that also netted Coulais' compelling score BAFTA and Cesar Awards in Britain and his native France, respectively. Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (37)

Great Soundtrack!
I very much enjoy this soundtrack.However, the only thing that bothers me is the fact that it sounds repetitive.Besides that, it's a great album and if you haven't seen the movie I suggest you do so!

Les Choristes
If I could give more than five stars to this movie and soundtrack, I would.I noticed the movie quite by chance while browsing Netflix.I was a French major in College and later became an American French teacher.I many ways, the film reminded me of the rotten experiences I had teaching at a private high school in San Francisco and in the Oakland Unified School District, so I related extremely well to the teacher in the film.Nonetheless, the music is exquisite.I let a Spanish speaking co-worker, who doesn't speak a word of French, hear one of the tracks.He wanted a copy "tout de suite".That's the music's universal appeal.I can't tell you how much I love it.Buy it! You'll love it too.

Very poor shipping.
Soundtrack is absolutely wonderful, but the shipping speed is horrible. I ordered one day shipping on a Thrusday, and didn't get it until the next Wednesday! I spent $9.00 extra for nothing! It ruined shopping at Amazon.com ever again for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. France    4. Miscellaneous    5. Miscellaneous Music    6. Movie Themes    7. Original Score    8. Pop    9. Soundtrack    10. Soundtracks    11. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Reviews (12)

still great 6 years later
I bought the "Mozart Effect" CD and a few other classical CD's; Bach and another Mozart after my daughter was born in late 1998. We had a difficult time getting her to sleep at night and decided to try playing music to soothe her.The "Mozart Effect" CD worked every time.As soon as she heard the Toy Symphony play she would relax and just listen to the music until she fell asleep.It's been more than a year since we played the CD, and recently when she was ill, she asked to listen to "her music".It still has the same calming effect.Regardless of the controversy surrounding Mozart's ability to make babies more intelligent, I think this music is very comforting and enjoyable.

A wonderful CD
I received several classical music CD's as gifts before my daughter was born, and out of all of them (also including classical CD's I had already owned) this is definitely my favorite.It stands out because it is not full of simply "traditional" arrangements but rather is very light and playful - there are all sorts of cute little chirping and whirring noises that add to it as well.It is just a lot of fun, and provides the perfect background for cuddling with your new little one. Works as advertised-
The Mozart Effect - Music for Babiesis a pretty good disc. Admittedly not the best Mozart recordings around, but then my child is not exactly picky. I prefer Genie's Angels All Around as a lullaby CD but either The Mozart Effect or Angels All Around would make excellent baby shower gifts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ambient    2. Children's    3. Children's Collections    4. Childrens    5. Classical    6. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    7. Classical Period Symphony    8. Classical Pop    9. New Age    10. Orchestral    11. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Modern choral music for amateur singers may be America's biggest musical underground. That's the only explanation of why Grammy-nominated composer Morten Lauridsen can claim that his works are some of the most often-performed new pieces in years, although few among the East Coast intelligentsia have ever heard of him. Like the similarly popular John Rutter, Lauridsen inhabits an extremely conservative style directed simply and single-mindedly at showing off the beauty of choral singing while it illustrates inspiring texts. Unlike many of his fellow neo-Romantic conservatives, Lauridsen displays a brand of conservatism that is completely convincing and sincere. His music also has range, from the spellbindingly rapturous Read more

Reviews (69)

Gorgeous
It's incredible that I've listened to this CD at least 300 times over the last two years and still love it.Without a doubt, Lux Aeterna is the most beautiful piece of music I've ever had the opportunity to sing.

Ethereal
The title says it all.The hamonization, clear tones, and excellent recording are out of this world.The balance of the chorus with the orchestra is wonderful.
Lux Aeterna Describes the Disk Perfectly
I am an avid follower of the classical genre but somehow have missed the music of Lauridsen.All of the selections on this disk are exceptional in their ability to evoke peace and the beauty of creation.Lauridsen's music is truly inspirational and the performance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale is exceptional.This is a must disk if you love inspirational chorale music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Miscellaneous Music   

Editorial Review

When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Read more

Reviews (122)

Andrea Bocelli-Sacred Arias
Excellent listening.Voice quality and tone is superb.Brings tears to my eyes when I envision listening to this in a church setting.

An "experience" of sacred arias more than "listening" of sacred arias
I bought this CD's special edition with DVD, and I am impressed by bocelli's singing in this album. I have heard many voices singing sacred songs, and christmas songs, but very few singers can achieve the "sacred atmosphere" that bocelli devotes when he sings. He may not have a "strong" voice as opera singers, but I think singing these sacred songs, devoting the "sacred atmosphere" to the audience is much more important, the voice actually is just a tool that helps a singer to achieve the result. For real, I have heard some CD by some chorus that perform sacred arias, but they did not move me as much as this CD does, mostly not even close. Personally I like "O come all ye faithful", "silent night", all "ave maria"'s, "domine deus", "cujus animam" the most. When I listen Bocelli's singing I focus on what he tries to devote in singing more than his voice color, because in terms of voice color he surely cant be compared with pavarotti or domingo, so why compares? The way of listening him and listening real opera singers is different man. But the reason I gave only this CD four stars is that I have heard several sacred arias from this album performed by his voice teacher, the legendary tenor Franco Corelli. I tried not to compare both...but I cant, not because Bocelli sings bad, he is already excellent, just Corelli is TOO excellent that cant be described by human language (well I think even Pavarotti is not even close to Franco Corelli, but this is just my opinion). Anyway if you want to "experience" the true beauty of sacred arias, this CD is highly recommended. And this is also a very good sacred aria album for beginning listeners who want to broaden their musical taste to sacred arias.

amazing talent
worth the price the songs are breathtaking and talent is indescribable ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Music    8. Classical Vocals    9. Holiday    10. Italian Baroque Opera    11. Italian Romantic Opera    12. Italy    13. Mass    14. Miscellaneous    15. Miscellaneous Music    16. Motet    17. Opera    18. Oratorio    19. Requiem/Requiem Section    20. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard   

Reviews (3)

Souless playing by Perlman
At the time of Le Quattro Stagioni's conception, Vivaldi was maestro de' concerti at an all-girl's orphanage.Each year, the orphanage would hold nurmous concerts where adolescent girls would play violin behind a curiously shaded curtain.This curtain would viel everything except for the girls' figures ... and the music.Sensual perhaps, but this is exactly what music-making of the 17th century is like.
Great CD chronicling Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Having a taste for classical music led me to buy this particular CD and also being a fan of violin concertos. Despite my bias, I must say this version of the Four Seasons (with some other concertos) is for any who even likes to listen to music, much less of the classical genre. The London Philharmonic complement Itzhak Perlman splendidly. Overall, the value of the CD is amazing. You get 21 tracks. There were a few small miscues in the harmony, but they were few and far between; not to mention I am very critical of instrumentals. 9 out of 10.

Lush and brilliant rendition of Four Seasons
Not only does this CD include the Four Seasons concertos, but also 3 other violin concertos (including Il Sospetto, L'estro armonico No. 6, and La Stravaganza #5) making it a good value for the money.Perlman's style is warm, lush and brilliant, giving a more emotional rendition of Vivaldi, versus the usual austere clockwork interpretation.I rather enjoy the extra feeling and lushness that Perlman brings to Vivaldi.By the way, L'estro armonico #6 is familiar to many violin students as a student concerto, and listening to Perlman is very motivating. ... Read more

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

Features

• DualDisc

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

Reviews (2)

An inspiring introduction to Quasthoff,plus two bonus tracks
If like me you've eagerly bought every album released by the remarkable Thomas Quasthoff, this bargain two-fer from DG holds only two small surprises.On CD 1, dedicated to performances with orchestra, there's an unreleased Schubert song--Greisengesang D. 778--with orchestral accompaniment by Abbado. On CD 2, dedicated to lieder, there's an odd addendum called Jazz Improvisation, lasting six minutes, in which Quasthoff riffs and scat sings in the style of Bobby McFerrin, weird noises and all!
Excerpts from Previous Recordings Make a Fine Portrait of an Artist
Thomas Quasthoff has performed throughout the world in a repertoire so varied that his talents appear endless.This very fine recording is part of the DGG Portrait of an Artist Series and while there is little new work here, this is a compilation of many of the recordings the have made Thomas Quasthoff one of our leading bass-baritones of the day.
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Subjects:  1. Art Song (General)    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Vocals    7. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Opera    10. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    11. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    12. Song Collection for Solo Voice with Piano or Orchestra    13. Song Cycle for Solo Voice and Piano    14. Vocal    15. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

A great player can give meaning and substance even to lightweight miniatures. Andsnes says that his musical "horizon," at first limited to "big, important" music, opened to the appreciation of the short "salon" pieces and arrangements assembled on this record only as he got older, though they had accompanied him since childhood. The program features original compositions and transcriptions, including many familiar favorites. They span several centuries and come from every corner of Europe. Andsnes' virtuosity is breath-taking, his tone is beautiful, and his legato sings regardless of the accompanying texture. Above all, he captures every style, idiom, and mood. Andsnes' phrasing, dynamics, and liberties are balanced and poised, and his love for the music speaks through every note. Listeners will choose their own favorites among these 22 very different pieces, but surely no one will be able to resist Gieseking's spectacular arrangement of Richard Strauss' "Serenade," which adds torrents of notes to the virtuosic piano part and incorporates the vocal line as well. The fleetness and clarity of the Chopin "Impromptu" here never touches the ground, while Ibert's "Little White Donkey" has charm and delicacy and Liszt's "Liebestraum" resounds with ardent passion. Andsnes' brilliant, captivating performance will induce smiles of admiration and pleasure as well as a new respect for this versatile and colorful repertoire.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    10. Collection of Contrapuntal/Improv. Pieces for Keyboard    11. Etude for Keyboard    12. Impromptu for Keyboard    13. Keyboard    14. Keyboard Music    15. Nocturne for Keyboard    16. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    17. Song Without Words for Keyboard    18. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    19. Transcription for Keyboard    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (15)

Excellent First Reich Disc
Both pieces on this disc are delightful and brilliant - very emotional and accessible I find. Neither has the vast (Well-tempered klavier of percussive phase-shifting!) scale of _18 Musicians_ or _Drumming_, but that's almost certainly an advantage for most people (and has been for me). Just two quick comments about the pieces:
Spectacular Aural Imagery!!
I was very fortunate to hear the Kronos Quartet perform this up in Orono, Maine (at the University of Maine) the year this CD was released.Not being familiar with either Reich, the piece, or the KQ at the time, I was completely blown out of the water by the uniqueness of the idea, the emotion of the narrative, and the jarring comparison between Reich's life and the lives of so many others.Several jazz perfomers have tried similar "voice-matching" techiniques--Victor Wooten and Jason Moran, most recently--but hearing a child's message on an answering machine replayed on the bass guitar does not match the emotional impact of the narrative Reich provides.It is such an abstract notion with such concrete results.Kronos is impeccable in their performance, as usual, and they provide the flair and brass needed to pull off such a feat.I played this CD (along with Gorecki's Symphony #3) every year in my Holocaust class for juniors and seniors in high school.They are as blown away by the whole concept as I originally was.It is a technically impressive and emotionally draining experience.
not his best but worth a listen
Steve Reich can be undigestable at times and not the easiest of composers to listen to, it's as if your listening to a record with the needle sticking to the groove with very little developement...so it's safe to say that you certainly have to be in a certain mood to appreciate this kind of music but it does have it's rewards. The c.d is divided up into two sections, "Different Trains" with the Kronos Quartet as good as usual. The momentum of the music depicts the progression of trains through out America and Europe and what they represent, human voices reciting historical dates.Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Minimalism    5. Modern Composition    6. Music for Tape/Electronics and Live Performer(s)