Reviews (35)

Not real music!
I bought this for our baby and like many of the reviewers, I was disappointed in the synthesized music.I have played some of the pieces, and although the concept is good, I want my child to hear music as it was on intended on the real instruments.

Musician Mom Loves - Does Use RealInstruments!
My 8-month-old son and I listen to this CD every night, and by the Pachelbel Canon (track 7) he's usually sound asleep.It is NOT ALL SYNTHESIZER.The jacket clearly states that the "Music Box Orchestra" includes flute, piano, cello, percussion, english horn, and oboe.As a musician, I am not offended by the "easy-listening" versions of these classics.In fact, I enjoy them.They introduce my son to the timeless melodies WITHOUT OVERSTIMULATING HIM at bedtime.I find them relaxing too.

Great lullaby cd!
I love all the Baby Einstein products & this is my favorite cd so far!My 10 week old son loves it & we listen to it while I'm feeding him & when I'm rocking him to sleep.The music is very soothing for baby and mom. All of the songs are great and sometimes even puts me to sleep! I would recommend to any new mom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Cantata    4. Children's    5. Childrens    6. Choral    7. Classical Period Variations for Keyboard    8. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    9. Concerto    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Lullabies    13. Miscellaneous    14. Orchestral    15. Pop    16. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    17. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    18. Romantic Symphony    19. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    20. Song Without Words for Keyboard   

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Subjects:  1. Cello Concerto    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Concerto    5. Orchestral    6. Orchestral & Symphonic    7. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    8. Romantic Symphony    9. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Inspired and wildly imaginative, Read more

Reviews (60)

I'd rather watch Bugs Bunny cartoons
I borrowed this disc from a co-worker.Initially, IO was interested in this disc because it seemed like it could be a very clever way to introduce classical music to children.I tried to like it, but I found the singers very cloying and saccharine sweet.The lyrics created for the music were very ricky-ticky and not very creative.Perhaps it is best used with very young children, but my students were less than impressed with the selections available on this disc.When introducing classical music to young children, I have found it is not necessary to find cutesy versions of the music with silly lyrics put to them.Watching old Bugs Bunny cartoons (quite a few use classical music as their background) caught my students attention and interest a lot more than the music on this disc did.

Kids love it
I have not actually listened to this one - we gave it as gift and have not heard from them either.But we started with Beethoven's Wig 3 which is OUTSTANDING!My kids love it, as do all the "kid" passengers who have ever heard it.We also have #2, which initially didn't seem as good as #3, but with more listening, we are enjoying it more too.#3 was a winner from the very first song.The lyrics are hilarious and the music is beautiful - and my kids love the instrumental pieces as much as the sing-along versions.

Crap/KitchSAVE YOUR CHILDREN FROM THIS!
This is so much worse than silly phrases to remember a symphony and the composer.The singing is horrendous, and so much vibrato, that anyone who thinks it is an example of good musicianship will never learn that there is some good music out there - 'cause it ain't HERE!
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Children's Collections    5. Childrens    6. Classical    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. French Operetta    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Lute Solo    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Rhapsody for Keyboard    18. Romantic Ballet    19. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    20. Romantic Rhapsody for Orchestra   

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   

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 (6)

bEtHoVeN mAnIaC
[...] Honestly, it isn't THAT THAT great, but its good enough for its price. I'd say that your $ pays off, for a while. I've noticed how after a long time, it gets aggrivating at times. No harm meant, "Beethoven lover". I just mean don't plunge into this cd with all the hopes in the world. Besides, it's just my opinion, so you may like it more than me. All i can say is; a) listen to some samples before you buy, b)know this is not REALLY the great Beethoven himself, and c) enjoy YOUR music, whatever it may be.

Great Price...Not so good itself
This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

Beethoven Lover's Newest Report
Wow! This is really good. I can't believe it's not beethoven himself playing! I really recommend it to anyone who's a Beethoven lover like me! Please, I really need to know if you agree with me... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Choral    5. Choral Music    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Ecosse/Ecossaise for Keyboard    11. Keyboard    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral & Symphonic    14. Piano Concerto    15. Romantic Ballet    16. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    17. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    18. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    19. Romantic Symphony    20. Symphonic   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (22)

Beethoven Collection
Beethoven is my favorite composer. No matter how upset or tired I am, his music calms me down, just like a big, gentle hug.
Top music!
Everything else you can get over, but classical music like Beethoven is stuff you just can't get sick of. A whole collection of Beethoven's Symphonies for such a small price, Wow!. Classical music is so relaxing and peaceful that you can't go wrong with spending time chillin out to this pure classic. The symphonies are great but after this you've got to go get the sonata's etc and I guarantee you won't be dissapointed!
I really liked it.
I took a chance having read some of the other reviews, and I was rewared with a nice collection.I think it is well worth the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Orchestral & Symphonic    5. Romantic Symphony    6. 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 (5)

Better than baby einstein
This is a great CD, with great music, at a great price.Everyone seems to love Baby Einstein, but I don't like the plinking music on those CD's, I like real orchestral pieces to stimulate my child.This is exactly what parents need, at a good price!

great music at a great price
I got this cd to use as background when putting my 18 month old to sleep and for car rides. So far it has not made it out of the car. The cd is wonderful. The first song is the Luftansa airline comercial song (that is what my husband calls it) and is beautiful. I didn't think my husband would enjoy the cd at all but he doesn't mind one bit listening to it, he actually will put it on himself when we get in the car. My daughter loves it and will often start nodding her head back and forth to songs. I actually listen to it even when my daughter is not in the car. The music is soft and relaxing but not boring. It is also one of the only cd's that my in laws don't mind listening to when they are in the car with us.
A Wonderful CD for all ages
My whole family has enjoyed this CD. It is very upbeat and easy to listen to.I think there is something for everyone on this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    4. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    5. Childrens    6. Classical    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. Educational    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Orchestral    13. Romantic Ballet    14. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    15. Romantic Symphony    16. Symphonic    17. Waltz for Keyboard    18. Waltz for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

These 1977-78 recordings are Karajan's best Brahms--better than his somewhat mannered digital set. The Berlin Philharmonic, as ever, is amazingly smooth and accomplished, playing with great class without losing any power--as an example, just listen to the finale of the second symphony. DG's engineers have turned this always-good recording into something truly magnificent to hear, and, at the price, this is a sure bet. Read more

Reviews (17)

Symphonic Heaven
Karajan is largely considered the greatest exponent for mainstream symphonic works- Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky Mahler, Dvorak and Bruckner. This collection is a terrific buy and it's affordable. You can't go wrong. Recorded in 1977 and 1978, Karajan delivers all the rich melody, grace, grandeur and musical harmony that Brahms suffused his four symphonies with. The Berlin Philharmonic are trained so that even the strings move with miraculous exactitude. The only other worthy set is Solti's. This one has everything one can hope for in Brahms symphonies.
A great part of your collection!
This is an easy, afforable way to get all four Brahms symphonies on two great quality cds.Each symphony is recorded with the passion and fire you get from Brahm's music, although I have heard better recordings of the symphonies,I would still buy these cd's for the price.
The greatest Brahms twofer you could imagine
DG's catalog is overflowing with Brahms performances from Karajan, and although this late-Seventies cycle of the four symphonies is not esteemed as highly as his earlier analog recordings, the truth is that Karajan had few real competitors in these works during the postwar era--except himself. He was the greatest Brahms conductor after Walter and Furtwangler, bar none, and these are outstanding performances in every way.The best are the First and Thrid symphonies, two works that Karajan was peerless in. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Orchestral & Symphonic    5. Romantic Symphony    6. Symphonic   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

good selection, but horribly recorded
good song selection, but horribly recorded. the sound is too contaminated.

hmmmm
definitely not the best rendition of the popular suite.on the other hand,try finding another one.
Good Introduction but poor quality
This is a good introduction to Tchaikovsky for the beginner that gives a broad sampling of his work. Considering the price, it's a good value if someone is just wanting to begin exploring classical music or Tchaikovsky in particular.
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Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    7. Concerto    8. Keyboard    9. March for Orchestra    10. Opera    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral & Symphonic    13. Piano Concerto    14. Quartet for Four String Instruments    15. Romantic Ballet    16. Romantic Orchestral Music    17. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    18. Romantic Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    19. Romantic Symphony    20. Russian Romantic Opera   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (10)

TUSCANY
ENJOYED ANDRE RIEU ON PBS SO I BOUGHT THE ALBUM I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!

Songs were omitted
I agree this CD is awesome BUT, and big but here, a LOT of songs on the DVd were omitted here. Especially L'Italiano which is one of my favorites. I have both the DVD and CD. The DVD is much better.

One of my Favorites!
Tuscany, both the CD and DVD are absolutly wonderful! I love the setting in la piazza de repubblica in Cortona, Tuscany...it just adds that much more to the atmosphere. The song choices are beautiful, as well as the orchestra. Another one of Andre's which i highly recommend ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. French Operetta    5. French Romantic Opera    6. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Opera    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral Music    13. Romantic Symphony    14. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    15. Symphonic    16. Transcription for Orchestra    17. Vocal    18. Waltz    19. Waltz for Orchestra   

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (1)

Great Mahler from a surprise orchestra
This is an absolutely stunning Mahler 6.Quite simply: great sound, great playing and a winning interpretation by a conductor who understands Mahler. This certainly beats recent accounts by Thomas and Abaddo.All four movements have ideal tempos, though Eschenbach is very flexible and knows where to let it breath.Although the andante is liesurely in tempo it is incredibly moving and never drags.The hammer blows in IV are like a bomb blast.Too often we have to settle for poor sound or a dull interpretation, but here we have a great American orchestra and a top recording team.Don't miss it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Orchestral & Symphonic   

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 (11)

Not A Music Critic ... But A Lover Of All Music ...
Let's not be too harsh regarding this CD. I purchased this as my first baby step into the classical genre and it absolutely made me fall in love with classical music and appreciate it in a way I never could when people tried to make me like it.It is such a wide variety of classical music and I find romance to be joyful, tragic, gentle, harsh & a complete roller coaster that I found all in this ONE CD!It also made my boyfriend who hates, or shall I say HATED classical music NOW like it!That was an amazing feat!We now have many classical cd's and we always go back to this one for dinner parties, romantic baths and other things...I played this CD so much, that it got damaged and I just purchased another one to replace the one I bought years ago.If you are a critic, stay away from this cd, you will rob it of its beauty & innocence. If you are a beginner and want to open your mind to all that classical music has to offer, then this is the best money you can spend.BUY & ENJOY!!!

Misleading title scheme
This is what bothered me about the CD.Three of the biggest eras in classical music were: the baroque era, the classical era, and the romantic era.Now, with CD's titled baroque favorites, classical favorites and romantic classics, one would expect these CD's to be era specific.Such is not the case.If you read the back of the CD it even says "from the romantic era of music", but the there are composers like Vivaldi (baroque) and Debussy (impressionism) on this CD.About more than half are from the wrong eras.So this music is romantic in the non-musical sense of the word, which is fine, but a little bit misleading.

Don't Bother...Really!
Not what I call classical composers! THis cd is annoying in a way I really can't stand. It lacks the pure elegance of the classical days. Don't buy this cd unless you want a phony all around bad album played by cheap ameteurs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    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. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    14. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    17. Music For String Orchestra    18. Oboe Concerto    19. Opera    20. Orchestral   

Editorial Review

It's hard to believe now that Walt Disney's bold 1940 impressionistic experiment in wedding then-state-of-the-art animation with classical music was a rather resounding failure upon its release. The cliché proves the rule: Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (15)

Fantasia soundtrack
I'm a massage therapist and i bought the cd to listen to while working on my clients and both me and my clients like it alot.

Complaint
I thought that I was ordering a DVD of the original movie, which I remember seeing when it first was screened. To receive only the sound track, without any animation, was annoying to say the least. Your description of the offered product could have been more explicit.

Unlistenable.
Don't get me wrong, Fantasia is one of my favorite movies and Stokowski my favorite conductor--a true genius. The problem is that these CDs were "restored" ("destroyed" would be a better word) by someone who has no idea what music sounds like. In a desperate attempt to preserve our ears from any (gasp!) noise, a brutal gating filter was used to destroy any semblance of the sound of real instruments. And, since optical recording of the time had very poor treble response, what treble there is has been boosted mercilessly, resuting in shrill, screechy strings. I really cannot bear to listen to these CDs.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Classical Crossover    4. Film Music    5. Italian Romantic Opera    6. Keyboard    7. Music for Organ    8. Neo-Romantic    9. Opera    10. Orchestral    11. Pop    12. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    13. Romantic Symphony    14. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    15. Scherzo for Orchestra    16. Soundtrack    17. Soundtracks & Film Scores    18. Suite for Orchestra    19. Symphonic    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

No single performance will ever tell us everything we need to know about a masterpiece like the Beethoven Ninth, but this one comes close. The inspired intensity of everyone involved--at the postwar reopening of the Bayreuth Festival in 1951--comes across very vividly in this new transfer. Just hear the way Furtwángler evokes the atmosphere of chaos coalescing into order at the opening of the first movement and you can tell a superior musical and spiritual consciousness is at work. Except for the poor first horn, whose bloopers are the main detriment, the orchestra, soloists, and chorus (recorded clearly but at a heavenly distance) all hold up their parts extremely well. The solo singers are particularly convincing. This is a very special recording, recognized as a classic when it was first issued and still indispensable. Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (40)

I did expect better sound
From the product description and the reviews I did expect a bit more than this. But I guess modern technology cannot conceal the fact that this is a more than 50 year old live recording. I happen to own the Karajan - Meistersinger from the same Bayreuth Festspiele in 1951 (that's right, and even Knappertsbusch was there that year with the Ring and Parsifal; Beethoven's 9th was not THE big event), and although that recordinghas not been through the same cleaning process, I should have known what I was getting. Still it is an important historical recording, but it's certainly not the one you put in your CD-player if you want to enjoy the music of Beethoven. It's not even a recording you should consider as your 2nd or 3rd purchase of no.9. I also have the Klemperer 57, Karajan 62, Böhm 72, Blomstedt 80 and the Abbado 2000, and will rather listen to any (or maybe not Blomstedt..) of those.

The 9th to Own!!
I would not hesitate in any way to recomend this incredible interpretation of Beethoven's final work to any listener or any musician.Aside from the wonderful job in remastering we have one of the more interesting accounts of this work ever done.
mediocre
The orchestra seems to fight the tempo throughout the whole piece, which is a little bit disappointing for an ensemble of this quality.In particular, the third movement in general seem to lag.In the finale, the Solo quartet is good, but better exist.The ending of the finale ending is so fast the brass can't keep up.It is really quite ridiculous.I'd go with Bohm or Karajan's editions before this one, but that's just me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Orchestral & Symphonic    5. Romantic Symphony    6. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

This moderately priced package gives you the best of Herbert von Karajan's Tchaikovsky performances, and when he was "on" with this composer, he was very impressive indeed. These are exceptionally well played, exciting, even noble versions of the composer's three most popular symphonies, and although Karajan recorded each of them four or five times, this least expensive edition is still the one to get. Read more

Reviews (31)

Much too fastly played for a true Russian flavour.
The problem with Karajan is that late in his career, he seems to look for the inventive by doing some extreme things with the music he is well capable of conducting. Although these recordings of the 4-6 of the Tchaikovsky symphonies were done in the seventies, the greatly exaggerated tempi is one of those features of his style that will drive you mad as a Russian afficionado.
The best recording of von Karajan
I have always been thinking that Tchaikovsky exists between Hollywood movie composers and Broadway musical writers; after all he was a man who wrote Swan Lake, Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.
The most penetrating account of the 6th on record
All three symphonies are superbly realized in this set. But the great climax in the 4th movement of the 6th symphony will simply leave you paralyzed. Karajan records Tchaikovsky's agony like no other conductor ever has or likely ever will. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Romantic Symphony    5. Symphonic   

Reviews (14)

Wakes you up instead
This CD was supposed to be soft, easy music that would help you go to sleep.I did go to sleep almost immediately but not because of the music--I was just very tired.However, the music actually woke me up a couple of times when it got just a little louder.Maybe it's me, but I didn't find this product to do as promised.

Music for Life
Thanks to the Philips Set Your Life to Music series, we don't have to set aside a concert hour to experience great music.Beethoven at Bedtime gives us the music when we need it to enrich our quiet moments.As with the other titles in this series, the performance is pure and sensitive enough to satisfy the most intellectual listener.One has only to read the list of artists and listen to the clips.What a treasure!

musical morphine
this album will definately put you out unless youre manic or all cranked up or something.but why go to sleep? youd miss out on a bunch of beethovens most beautiful music ever written.and being as how hes only the second of 7 musical geniuses ever,no true music lover can be without this many spleandored collection.its got all the great slow songs beethoven did on it like the "moonlight sonata" used on the beatles song "because" and the video game "shadow man".im sure youve heard it somewhere."for elise" is another easily recognizable song.it was on the movie "bill and teds excellent adventure".theres some more musical bliss with his violin piece and even the all important "pathetique sonata".thats the real clencher.if youre not pretty drowsy after that beautiful but utterly sedating ditty perhaps you should seek out a drs prescription before you play it because youre an isomniac.it will put most anybody out though and is plum full of a number of the most beautiful songs ever! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Keyboard    8. Piano Concerto    9. Quartet for Four String Instruments    10. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    11. Romantic Symphony    12. Symphonic    13. Violin Concerto