Reviews (10)

THE VERY BEST OF THE BEST
This is indeed a very awesome cd for me, because i would not have known which artist to buy, this way you get a variety of them. this cd is great for beginners such as I am.
Era issues
This CD is only "classical" in the sense that it is music by an orchestra.It does not mean that the music is from the classical ERA of music.It is still beautiful music, but those of you who are trying to learn to distinguish the different time periods will be disappointed.The CD actually does claim to be from the classical ERA but actually has much baroque era and romantic era music on it (the romantic CD by the same publisher is also not era specific).In regard to some of the other reviews, while the classical era did have an emotionally detatched quality, not all of the music on here is classical!Still, for those of you looking for an introduction to "classical" music, it is a beautiful CD.

Pleasantly Surprised! :)
I'm not much of a classical music buff, but I realized not too long ago that I do like many of the "popular" classical music tracks. Since then I have been on the lookout for a collection of "famous" classical music tracks that would appeal to the layman (so as to develop my interest in classical music further, and also to familiarize myself with some of the more famous classical tunes). Saw this CD on sale and bought it on a whim, and I havent been disappointed. The collection is indeed very nice, and my only gripe is that there isnt a single Beethoven track!! (and I wonder why non of the other user reviews mention this). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Ballet    3. Band    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    10. Classical Period Symphony    11. Concerto    12. Concerto Grosso    13. French Horn Concerto    14. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    15. Keyboard    16. March for Band    17. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    18. Opera    19. Oratorio    20. Orchestral   

Reviews (4)

Selection is not good
This tape is short and the melodies are not engaging for kids. It was waste of money.

Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies
Hello everyone,
Saved My Sanity
My husband and I are musicians so I inwardly groaned when we were given this CD as a gift--I'd rather play the originals rather than some synthesized kiddie version.However, on a recent road trip we got desperate when our colicky son would not stop screaming.We popped this in the CD player and it calmed him down immediately.I swear, it's like aural crack for babies.We now play it at bedtime to help calm him down and it still works.You may not love this CD, but your baby will. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Collections    2. Childrens    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    5. Classical Period Symphony    6. Concerto    7. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    8. Czech Romantic Opera    9. Keyboard    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    13. Opera    14. Orchestral    15. Polka for Orchestra    16. Pop    17. Romantic Rhapsody for Orchestra    18. Romantic Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    19. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    20. Romantic Symphony   

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   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

Good selection
I bought this CD to use in my classroom as listening examples.I'm not just a super big fan of some of the performances, but they are all good and for the price you can't beat it.That's why I gave it 5 stars.It's worth more than it costs by far.

thunderous applause

Good Music at a Great Price
I bought this CD mostly for "Entry of the Gladiators," which everyone will recognize as classic circus music. The performance on this CD(by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops) is the best available version of Entry of the Gladiators. The rest of the CD offers mostly excerpts of classical music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Band    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    8. Classical Music    9. Concert/Brass/Marching Band Music    10. Etude for Keyboard    11. French Romantic Opera    12. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    13. Italian Romantic Opera    14. Keyboard    15. March for Band    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Orchestral Music    19. Polka for Orchestra    20. Romantic Orchestral Music   

Editorial Review

If Rieu is not the most outstanding purveyor of Viennese waltzes and similar light-hearted fare, he is certainly the most popular and well-known. There are plenty of fun pieces on this album, although, to be just a tad pedantic, more of it is Italian and French than remotely Viennese. But it's all fun, and it's all well-played. Read more

Reviews (9)

André Rieu - The Vienna I love - Waltzes From My Heart
The music is so upbeat and you are automatically in a good mood.It is a real pleasure listening to this CD and it is done frequently.

Excellent choice
I am really a rock music fan but I enjoy this version of light classical music. It may not be for the serious classical music enthusiast, but it is still considered excellent light entertainment. What a way to introduce classical music to a wider audience!

Pop Strauss, et al
I was looking for truly Viennese renditions of Strauss waltzes.Though unrelentingly upbeat, this isn't it.There are medleys of Strauss, Offenbach, Rossini, and everyone else imaginable.It's a pop version of what was once pop on its own.I know Strauss isn't serious classical fare, but this trivializes it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. French Operetta    8. French Romantic Opera    9. German/Austrian Operetta    10. Italian Romantic Opera    11. March for Orchestra    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Opera    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral Music    17. Polka for Orchestra    18. Romantic Orchestral Music    19. Violin Concerto    20. Vocal   

Reviews (5)

Repackaged New Year's Concert 1984 with VPO, etc.
If I'm not mistaken, most of the pieces were recorded originally live during a 1984 New Year's Concert conducted by Lorin Maazel with the Vienna Philharmonic playing in its grand concert hall, the Musikverein. Maazel and the Vienna Philharmonic have had a longstanding relationship dating from the 1960's, and without question, this CD does rank among my favorite New Year's Concert performances (However, the most mesmerizing ones I've heard have been those with the late Carlos Kleiber and Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducting.) for the superb quality of the Vienna Philharmonic's playing. Maazel leads the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in some of the most popular works composed by the Strauss family, most notably Johann II Strauss' Tales from the Vienna Woods Waltz, Emperor Waltz, Pizzicato Polka, Blue Danube Waltz and his father's Radetzky March, which traditionally closes out the annual New Year's Concert. Fans of the Strauss family, Vienna Philharmonic and Lorin Maazel, will not be disappointed with this excellent two CD compilation.

I am glad I bought this one
I listen to this cd to relax and it is so soothing. It starts with The blue Danube, which is my favorite. But the rest of the songs do not disapoint.

Great Music as usual
This is great recording,Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Dance/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Orchestra    5. March for Orchestra    6. Orchestral    7. Orchestral & Symphonic    8. Polka for Orchestra    9. Romantic Orchestral Music    10. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    11. Waltz for Orchestra   

Reviews (1)

King of the waltz
Andre Rieu is known in Europe as the King of the Waltz. He should also beknown as the King of the Waltz here in the United States. Superb!He makesit fun, excitingand so refreshing as you absorb the love he has forplaying the music. Thank you Andre Rieu - don't stop making your music. Ivote you King of the Waltz of the World! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Music    4. March for Orchestra    5. Orchestral    6. Orchestral & Symphonic    7. Polka for Orchestra    8. Waltz    9. Waltz for Orchestra   

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    3. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    4. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    5. American 20th/21st Century Opera    6. Bagatelle for Keyboard    7. Ballet    8. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    9. Berceuse for Keyboard    10. Cantata    11. Cello Concerto    12. Cello Solo    13. Chamber    14. Choral    15. Classical    16. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    17. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    18. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    19. Concerto    20. Concerto Grosso   

Editorial Review

Along with the extramusical significance of the aged Horowitz's return to his erstwhile homeland, there's plenty here for seekers of the essential Horowitz. Perhaps his finest Mozart recording, the C-major Sonata, gets a forward-moving reading distinguished by an Read more

Reviews (27)

Oh, God...5 stars would be simply unfair...
Upon hearing this record for the first time, I had to pinch myself to make sure I was actually listening to such an amazing, if not perfect display of talent and beauty. After having listened to it over and over again along the years, maybe more than 1000 times, I still find it hard to believe that the guy was even a human being. The only fair review for such a record would be a wordless one: nothing I can write or say would do justice to the rich, almost infinte world of emotions, thoughts and colors he's able to convey through his playing. 20 stars. ;-)

Magnificent!!!Bravo Horowitz!!
I remember hearing all about this concert in Moscow when I was a kid.Whatever I thought - so some old guy played in Mosocw.
Amazing
Every now and then throughout history a genius in a certain area or discpline emerges. Whether it is Newton, Mozart, Freud. Horowitz falls into this category. Although there are some contrarians who don't like Horowitz, these people are usually not pianists and mere amateurs. Not for nothing he is considered one of the best if not the best pianists. Saying someone does not appreciate Horowitz is the equivalent of the creationists denying evolution.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    7. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    8. Etude for Keyboard    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Mazurka for Keyboard    13. Polka for Keyboard    14. Transcription for Keyboard   

Reviews (7)

Old LP Re-Issue on CD
This is a collection of old LP recordings that were originally released on the Oylimpic Label some years ago.It has floated around since and has now come out on CD.The CD lists the German Air Force Band, but this group only plays in half of the selections listed.The other half is from another old Olympic Label recording with the Hoch Und Deutschmiester band of Austria.
Quality?
Good representation of melodies.It would have been more enjoyable if they had used a better recording device to capture the sound.I think that wax cylinders went out of favor back in the 1920's.(Very limited dynamic and acustic range)Presentation is slightly better than the "average" high school drum and bugle corps.

Not WW2 military marches
I was searching for songs like Panzerlied and bought this CD.Read more

Subjects:  1. Band    2. Band Music    3. Classical Music    4. Germany    5. Int'l & World Music    6. March    7. March for Orchestra    8. Marches/March Collections    9. Marching Band / Patriotic    10. Orchestral    11. Orchestral Music    12. Polka for Orchestra    13. Pop   

Editorial Review

Yes, Virginia, Rach 3 existed before David Helfgott and Shine. Vladimir Horowitz made a recording in 1951 that continues to be the delight and despair of every pianist, notwithstanding standard cuts and minor, nerve-induced inaccuracies. The 1980 Second Sonata is looser but no less intense than Horowitz's storied 1968 CBS version, while the short pieces ooze with sex: even the Polka! Read more

Reviews (23)

Buy it ! (for the concerto)
The performance that Horowitz gives us in this '50s recording of the Rach 3 is a testament to outstanding human artistic endeavor. As Rachmaninoff said, "...he (Horowitz) swallowed it whole."Along with his pianistic pyrotechnics, Horowitzdemonstrates wonderful architectural overview, inevitability, and stylistic authenticity. Truly, a recording of this concerto sui generis that should be in the libraries of all who love the piano!
The majesty of Horowitz
Musicians are reluctant to give rankings. We want to separate the classical music world from the hyped world of MTV top tens and USnews school rankings. Since this is the case why are so many pianists assert and reiterate the glory of Horowitz among 20th century pianists. After all if we are going to deviate from our tendency not to rank we should at least substantiate why Horowitz is so special.
Exultant pianism; Faustian inspiration!
The monumental Sonata No. 2 is possibly the most complete work of this genre emerged from Russia until this date. It possesses that effluvium and nostalgic gaze,contemplative lyricism and arresting expression that invades the listener from the first bars. Involved in the classical Romantic heritage, with a strong Lisztian influence and the majestic and elusive introspection so typical of Robert Schumann.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Keyboard    7. Moment Musical for Keyboard    8. Piano Concerto    9. Polka for Keyboard    10. Prelude for Keyboard   

Reviews (4)

Beautiful CD
I can't really weigh in on the "Is it Rachmaninov or is it Memorex?" controversy over piano rolls but I have to say that I enjoy this CD very much and find the music very beautiful.It's great to hear such virtuosity in such a clear, distinct manner.I also own the two Naxos historical recordings, and it's great to hear the "live" version of Rachmaninov, hiss and all, but it's also great to hear the "canned" version hiss-free.

Love at First Listen
No words can describe the feeling of hearing Rachmaninov play his own compositions. He was known for his piano performances as much as his writing. Even though the album is not the best quality sound or containing the best versions of his well known songs, I am relieved that he was able to be recorded in his time.The man may be gone, but his sound will live forever. The cuts in the musical score that he made, I see as Rachmaninov's own whim, his split-second decisions, or his doubts.What a wonder to see him as human... I think these recordings should be put in Earth's time capsule. Also, his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" is fascinating. He lends his Russian soul to it that gives new meaning to the anthem.

The way it should be played...
Many people forget that Rachmaninov was a great pianist as well as a great composer...this album will serve as a reminder.This recording was made from a unique piano-roll system which provides amazing insight into his technical ability and musicality.Especially stunning are "Flight of the Bumblebee" and his own transcription of Kreisler's "Liebesfreud".A must-have for lovers of great piano music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Etude for Keyboard    6. Keyboard    7. Morceau for Keyboard    8. Polka for Keyboard    9. Prelude for Keyboard    10. Transcription for Keyboard    11. Vocal   

Reviews (6)

R plays R
ok for the money but didn't have his good stuff on it.

Ill informed much?
I wouldn't usually submit a review with the express purpose of criticising someone else's view, because quite frankly, we all are allowed to form our own views and opinions..
Great playing - poor quality
When one becomes used to crystal clear recordings in which one can detect individual notes, this recording is something of a disappointment.True, it is (allegedly) the great one himself but the outside noises are a real distraction.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    7. Keyboard    8. Morceau for Keyboard    9. Orchestral    10. Polka for Keyboard    11. Prelude for Keyboard   

Features

• Live

Reviews (1)

A Magical, fun-filled event for all.
After watching "New Years In Vienna" for the umpteenth time, I feel safe in saying that this DVD brings any Andre Rieu fan to the heights of a fun and glorious celebration of the New Year.The music selections are superb, and varied for all tastes.No one can stay depressed or sad when watching the beautiful showmanship of Andre and his magnificent orchestra.And his ability to involve everyone in the festivities shows why he is the very best at bringing classical music to the forefront again. This DVD is an absolute must, and will keep you smiling and start your New Year off with a bang-just like it should do, ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Band    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. German/Austrian Operetta    6. March for Band    7. March for Orchestra    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Opera    11. Operetta    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral Music    14. Polka for Orchestra    15. Suite for Orchestra    16. Waltz for Orchestra   

Reviews (6)

Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices
"Simply the Best Classicial Anthems" is exactly what the title indicates. This is a collection of what the CD says are "36 of the most powerful classics on Earth". My review of this CD comes from someone who is a Classical Music Novice. I'm familiar with some of the composers, musical styles, musical periods, and some of the terminology that is key to understanding Classical Music.By no means am I an expert. I have basically popped in this two CD collection into my player and have enjoyed the sounds it produces.If you are in the same category as I am or maybe just wanting to be introduced to Classical Music - this is going to be a very good CD to have in your collection. For the more seasoned Classical Music fan, this could be either enjoyable or overkill.
**An Exquisite Album**
Simply The Best Classical Anthems Samples
The samples are too short and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Having said that the choices are wonderful and the price is great. If you're looking for a overview of the best of classical music then this is for you. However if it's quality you're looking for then spent the extra money and look at other choices. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Variations    3. Anthem    4. Ballet    5. Band    6. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    7. Cantata    8. Chamber    9. Choral    10. Choral Music    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    13. Classical Music    14. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    15. Classical Period Symphony    16. Concert/Brass/Marching Band Music    17. Concerto    18. French Romantic Opera    19. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    20. Italian Romantic Opera   

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. March for Orchestra    4. Orchestral    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Polka for Orchestra    7. Waltz    8. Waltz for Orchestra   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

The very, very best Johann Strauss Jr. recordings
No orchestra in the world has ever known how to play the waltzes of Johann Strauss Jr. as well as the Wiener Philharmoniker . . . and no conductor has ever led the Philharmoniker in this repertoire in as perfect a Strauss style as Willi Boskovsky (the orchestra's long-time concertmaster).The sine qua non of Strauss playing, the famous Viennese lilting afterbeats (where the second of the three beats of the waltz tempo comes infinitesimally early, rather than in strict time) is here.Tempos perfectly "in the groove" are here.Accept no substitutes:in this repertoire, this combination of performers is the absolute gold standard. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Orchestral    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Polka for Orchestra    7. Romantic Orchestral Music    8. Waltz for Orchestra   

Reviews (2)

Best Brass for your Buck
This is one of my favorite CD's in my collection.It has some of my favorite symphonic songs.This CD was the biggining of my brass CD collection and has the best collection of bombastic songs on the market.

Good Addition to CD Collection
It's certainly not the most comprehensive collection of "thunderous" classical music-- TimeLife's "Classical Thunder" comes close-- but for this price, it's a no-commitment CD. You can stick the CD in, not know the names of the pieces, enjoy thebrilliance, and match which movie trailers have used which tracks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Band    2. Classical    3. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    4. Classical Music    5. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    6. Italian Romantic Opera    7. March for Band    8. March for Orchestra    9. Opera    10. Orchestral    11. Polka for Orchestra    12. Romantic Orchestral Music    13. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    14. Romantic Symphony    15. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    16. Suite for Orchestra    17. Symphonic    18. Symphony   

Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (7)

The tradition of the new!
Respect the egregious significance of Vladimir Horowitz for the great Western audiences, I really should notice that Europe had lived a Century and a half of reluctant Romanticism, while North America was in another historical process; the recent musical history began to write with two important composers: Edward Mac Dowell, a beloved and admired friend of Frau Carreno and Louis Moreau Gotschalk, who accustomed to make those Gargantuan recitals such as that famous Concert with more than one hundred pianists on stage. Indeed, this was an imported costume of those Ages, where the concept of listening music had lessened the value; the visible decay of the music in the second half of the XIX Century is more than obvious. The ominous presence of composers of the artistic height of Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler and Anton Bruckner were concentrated in Germany and Austria; Frank in Belgium and Max Reger in Swiss, but if you take a look around the musical triviality lived in the rest of Europe (with counted and isolated exceptions)where the fireworks of Liszt, Thalberg, and Alkan filled the Concert Halls in Paris, with the elusive music of Lalo or Jules Massenet and the arriving of the new Midas King of the great Halls, Strauss dynasty, included Waldteufel captivated the audiences.
Mature Horowitz And The Best Liszt Sonetto 104
I have not much to add to the other reviews. Horowitz made some of his very best recordings when he was already more than 80 years old, and this 2CD (+DVD) set contains many of them, as well as the best recording of Liszt's Sonetto 104 that I know of, or am ever likely to hear.

Truly Magical
This album showcases the mighty Vladimir Horowitz in his last years.His life of music is definitive in these masterful interpretations.In these pieces, Mr. Horowitz displays many new ideas on some pieces that have been played, assumed successfully, continually in the same manner.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Etude for Keyboard    7. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    8. Impromptu for Keyboard    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    11. Mazurka for Keyboard    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Moment Musical for Keyboard    15. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Piano Concerto    18. Polka for Keyboard    19. Prelude for Keyboard    20. Rondo for Keyboard   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (5)

This is awesome!
I love this bos set, especially the second one Edelweiss is simply great, it's filled with passion and truly shows the beauty of music.But if you had already bought Ave Maria and Edelweiss please don't buy this one, they are the same, this CD is just perfect!

Awesome CD!!
Wow...That was my first word when I listend to this CD. I absolutely LOVE this!
When I received this album, I found that it was much, much more than I had expected. The angelic, pure, innocent yet DEFINED voices of these boys add the spark to your day. (at least to mine!) Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Vocals    7. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    8. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    9. Lied    10. March for Orchestra    11. Mass    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Motet    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Orchestral    18. Polka for Orchestra    19. Requiem/Requiem Section    20. Romantic Motet