Editorial Review

Constantly exhorted to "sing," string players naturally try to emulate that most beautiful musical instrument, the human voice; no wonder they literally want to get their fingers on the treasures of the vocal repertoire. Joshua Bell has appropriated some of its best-loved songs and operatic arias, from Mozart through the romantics to Orff. Slow, sustained, lovely and yes, singing, these beguiling melodies and wide emotional range are eminently well suited to the violin. Credit for most of the arrangements is given to J.A.C. Redford, a well-known film and television composer, and indeed the throbbing strings and jarring modulations typical of sound-tracks invade his orchestrations, in startling contrast to the composers' own. In Debussy's "Beau soir," pianist Frederic Chiu partners Bell so beautifully that one wishes he had supplanted the orchestra in all the songs with piano accompaniment. The violin transcriptions of the vocal line closely follow the originals, except for Redford's compulsive habit of adding octaves in the repeats and jumping from the lowest to the highest register. Of course, Bell is very good at all this, and it's the playing that's really the thing. His tone is ravishingly beautiful, warm on the G-string, radiant up high, and always deeply expressive. His love and innate feeling for the music---its inward simplicity, romantic yearning and passionate ardor---speak straight to the heart. In the only authentic violin part, the obbligato of Richard Strauss' "Morgen!" he is joined by the golden-voiced soprano Anna Netrebko; at first overly intense, she relaxes into a blissful, magical ending. Read more

Reviews (7)

Prolific recording artist whose entirelibrary is worth owning
Joshua Bell has this unearthly ability - almost eldritch result to his music.His violin has profound impact and hearing him play live is like a spiritual experience.This cd doesn't deviate from his formula of pouring his love of music through his instrument and conveying a joy for every piece he plays.
JB are you reading
I ordered a cd from az, then later found out bn has extra track on their edition, bought that one too.Why did they do that?But the extra track, smaller orchestra version of Mozart's laudate dominum, is worth it.Bell is breathing into his music, just like a singer put their heart in their song, just like gould humming along as he played... is that how artists enjoy their own arts, any other way?If I am the tertiary audience the artists themselves must be (what's the word for zero ordered?) audience.Anyhow, if an art is so beautiful I would like to enjoy it purely, no need of accompaniment, or just at minimum.Check out Yoshikazu Mera sings Uguisu.Check out Hong-mei Yu playing Three Sighs At The Guan Pass in String Glamour. Will Joshua Bell ever do Morgen in double track even?I was expecting voice of the violin, not human!Joshua Bell and his violin: every sound is beautiful.I just wish that there was less interference.That is why it was worth it to get the 2nd cd from bn.The 16th track is leading really gently, quietly into the beautiful voice of Bell and his violin.
Absolutely gorgeous violin music!
The violin is the instrument closest to the human voice in its ability to express a multitude of shades of emotion, with a tonal and dynamic range that allows the violin to sing with a voice unique among instruments. Joshua Bell beautifully exhibits the expressive potential of the violin's voice in the carefully chosen and sensitively played pieces on this CD.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Art Song (General)    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Artists    10. Classical Pop    11. Czech Romantic Opera    12. French Romantic Opera    13. Italian Romantic Opera    14. Keyboard    15. Mass    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Sacred Choral Music    20. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra   

Reviews (7)

Welcome relief
I first listened at my computer and found myself slowly relaxing and really enjoying the beautiful music but wondered if it would REALLY work since I find it very hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. Well,folks, if youhave doubts about it working, throw them out the window! I did not make it through Track 1! Not only that but when I woke 5 hours later and turned it on againhoping to just enjoy the music - right----didn't make it through Track 1 again and got another 2hours of sound sleep.This CD is a godsend for those of us who have trouble getting to sleep.I highly recommend you buy this CD - you'll never find a better deal.Kudos to the Mercurios and everyone associated with it who have given us this beautiful pair of CDs. I'm getting several for friends and family.
I Haven't Heard the Second Half Yet..........
Usually, when I write a review, I like to let the songs play in the background, hoping that it will inspire me to some new revelation as I write. In this instance, though, I can't risk it; every single time I play either disk from this two-disk set, I start to drift off. I'm not kidding! For insomniacs, this collection could work better than Sominex. My normal procedure for any review is to listen straight through every note of music at least once, and then listen twice more, emphasizing the bits that made the deepest impression. Nearly a month ago, I thought I would do just that, but this disk threw that methodology right out of the window. For three weeks, I listened to this collection at home, at night, in the environment that it is intended for - my bedroom. For three weeks straight, I fell asleep before track five...
Not as tasty as Merlot...
...but it doesn't come with the unpleasant side effects either!!
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Adagio for Orchestra    3. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Concerto    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Nocturne for Keyboard    15. Orchestral    16. Pavane for Keyboard    17. Piano Concerto    18. Prelude for Keyboard    19. Quartet for Four String Instruments    20. Quintet For Clarinet And String Quartet   

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   

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Vocals   

Reviews (9)

Gabriela the Great!
I am so glad that someone recently "found" Gabriela and her work is getting published! This is some of the best piano solo I have ever heard.After hearing a spot on National Public Radio I bought the CD, and am delighted.

Absolutely beautiful
Gabriela Montero can do no wrong. She is a gifted pianist who intuitively interprets challenging piano pieces and often gives them a special twist of her own. I love her work.

Unique experience
After hearing a CD review from public radio, I decided to buy this CD. Listening this CD gave me a unique experience between classical and jazz music. This is something not to be missed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    4. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    5. Etude for Keyboard    6. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    7. Keyboard    8. Keyboard Music    9. Moment Musical for Keyboard    10. Opera    11. Orchestral & Symphonic    12. Prelude for Keyboard    13. Spanish/Portuguese 20th/21st Century Opera    14. Waltz for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

Titled Read more

Reviews (4)

Cool and cleaar-eyed in the romantics
From the opening performance of the Schumann Paino Concerto, you would peg Helene Grimaud as a cool modernist with a light French touch. She is joined by Salonen, himself a musician who takes a chilly view of the Romantics (when he conducts them at all). Together, they produce a very unsentimental but sensitive reading that happens to be in exceptionally good sound. The ability of engineers to capture the actual sound of a concert grand piano is improving every day. The Staatskapelle Dresden plays elegantly. If you want a Schumann A minor that's almost chaste but very well articulated, Grimaud's isa perfect choice.
Thoughtful
I think this CD is, as is always the case with Helene Grimaud, thoughtful.As with her other recent thematic offerings, I appreciate the effort in putting together something more than an unrelated selection of pieces.In this case, we have a program which reveals in musical form the relationship between the Schumanns and Brahms -- a story I recently read about in the Brahms' biography by Jan Swafford, which in turn greatly piqued my interest in this album.The performances are, all around, very moving and the sound well balanced between instruments (and, in the case of the lieder, vocalist).Bravo, Ms. Grimaud, for another wonderful effort!

A must for all Brahms lovers
Hélène Grimaud is widely regarded as the preemintent Brahms interpreter of her generation and this CD shows why.
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Subjects:  1. Cello with Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Concerto    7. Keyboard    8. Piano Concerto    9. Rhapsody for Keyboard    10. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    11. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Read more

Reviews (37)

Beautiful, Ralaxing and Simple
This is great collection of relaxing and beautiful songs. Joshua's violin playing is wonderful, romantic and precise. I heard my local radio station raving about this CD so I decided to buy it. This is definitely worth buying unless you already have all the songs.

Romance of the Violin
Joshua Bell plays on the violin some of the most beautiful music ever written.His violin sings when he plays O Mio Babbino Caro and Songs My Mother Taught Me.This music is a pleasure to relax by or to listen to at a romantic dinner.
Sorry But......
NO! I don't think this is a wonderful recording. Yes they are beautiful melodies but this is not how they were written. This is the same as taking beautiful natural fruits of the earth and turning them into something so processed that it takes away from the mother earth rather than shows her splendor. There are many beautiful melodies written for the violin by composers (not by Hollywood style arrangers). Showing off a beautiful Stradivari violin this way is like degrading a beautiful person into being a slave for some petty whim of an unfortunate insecure person. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Pop    7. Concerto    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. Prelude for Keyboard    19. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    20. Transcription for Orchestra   

Reviews (24)

Hallo-wha?
Let me start by saying I've never listened to Steamroller before picking this up. I am a big fan of Halloween and have quite a collection of music/sound fx so naturally, this was a must buy when I saw it.
An interest take on the usual
I wasn't sure what I'd think of this from reading other reviews, but I really did like it.I'm not really familiar with Mannheim's other stuff (but if the rest of the Autumn cd is anything like Harvest Dance, I'm looking forward to getting it), so I didn't have any preconceived ideas.I have a lot of the classical pieces on other cds, but I like the different twist given to them here. And I did like the sound effect cd.Nicely spooky (I have enough other sound effects cds with screaming and muching ghouls, etc).

Could have been great but . . .
As a big Steamroller fan, perhaps my hopes were set a little too high.I envisioned more original music (perhaps a more scarier vibe than the silly one this CD has to it) and maybe a few covered tunes.Chips originals (from the Fresh Aire series)found on this CD outshine the weak efforts put forth on the covered and rearranged tracks.The sound effects disc sets a great(and creepy)mood, that should had been followed through with some new and equally scary compositions.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Pop    5. Contemporary Instrumental    6. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    7. Halloween    8. Halloween Item    9. Instrumental Pop    10. Keyboard    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. New Age / Meditation    14. Novelty    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Pop    18. Romantic Orchestral Music    19. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    20. Scherzo for Orchestra   

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

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. Read more

Reviews (77)

Perfect for Quieting the Noise
I play this at the office and it reduces my reaction to the stress. A keeper!

Similar to "most Relaxing Piano anywhere"
I would like to delete about half of the truly unfamiliar tracks and possibly add a couple of better known more familiar works.

My wife made me buy this!
This certainly will relax you....but don't listen to this while driving! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. 20th/21st Century Symphony    3. Adagio for Orchestra    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. Cantata    6. Chamber    7. Chamber Music    8. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    9. Choral    10. Clarinet Concerto    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    13. Classical Crossover    14. Classical Music    15. Concerto    16. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    17. Concerto for Two String Instruments    18. French Romantic Opera    19. Guitar Concerto    20. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera   

Editorial Review

Leon Fleischer is the extraordinary pianist who lost the use of his right hand to a neurological ailment in 1964 at the height of his career. Undaunted, he took up teaching, conducting, and performing the left-hand literature so brilliantly that it was hard to believe he was using only one hand. When he returned to two-handed playing after years of medical treatments and determined, arduous rehabilitation, the public greeted him not only as a great artist but a conquering hero. This disc is his second two-handed recording (the first, Read more

Reviews (1)

A worthy successor to "Two Hands"!
Glad to note the recording's just that touch less distant and reverberant than "Two Hands" (far from dry!) that makes this sound so much like Fleisher does in concert, if closer, perhaps more ideally intimate than in real life. If anything Fleisher's playing now sounds even more technically secure again (jaw-dropping, actually, given his life"journey"), musically of course, I've become so partial to anything he's recorded at any stage in his career, I dare not say much: I can see why one critic has already referred to his interpretation of Mozart's K. 282 Sonata as "fussy" - it is indeed intricately detailed. So what? The better the stereo system one uses to listen to this, the more it becomes apparent no grace note's running against the flow - nothing wrong with seeing old warehorses in a new light, or is there? As to the Bach pieces, comparing the 'Traumatic' (!) Fantasy and Fugue to recordings by Edwin Fischer and Wilhelm Kempff (live on BBC Legends), I can only say that hearing it in another great interpretation is again improving my appreciation of what has always been one of the most fascinating, if never the easiest Bach to me to fully grasp. It's fascinating that Fleisher manages once again (as on "Two Hands") to set a mood for the whole disc (right away with Bach's "Arioso: Adagio" from the "On the Departure of a Brother" Capriccio, the whole of which he plays with genuine simplicity) and yet give each of these diverse compositions its due. The Bagatelle wrongly titled "Für Elise" receives one of its finest interpretation here (right now comparing it to Hungerford's more "daring" reading), for example. As happens to me so often with Fleisher, I'm also increasingly impressed with Stravinsky's Serenade, a piece I may so far not have taken seriously enough. In short, the riches here are once again far too many to enumerate...
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Berceuse for Keyboard    3. Capriccio/Caprice for Keyboard    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    8. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    9. Keyboard    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Serenade for Keyboard   

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   

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

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   

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   

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

Outside of Read more

Reviews (3)