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   

Editorial Review

This recording of the Süssmayr completion of Mozart's beloved Read more

Reviews (21)

Review of Mozart: Requiem CD
Arrived in excellent condition--brand new--arrived in a very timely manner.Excellent service.

Mozart: Requiem
It sounds good.It skips track #2 sometimes on one of my cd players but on an older cd player it plays it.oh well life is tough if this is all I have to complain about Mozart: Requiem/McNair, Watkinson, Araiza, Lloyd;Mariner
this is definitely the best performance we heard.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Requiem/Requiem Section   

Editorial Review

There's no arguing with the power of Sissel's voice. The Norwegian soprano brought James Horner's Read more

Reviews (18)

Absolutely one of the world's BEST voices
Everything about this woman is beautiful!
wonderful
I bought this as a gift for my husband and had the added advantage of enjoying it myself.This young woman is very talented and a joy to listen to.
Powerful Voice
It amazes me that she isn't more well known. Ask the millions of people who saw Titanic and virtually everyone of them wouldn't know it was Sissel's haunting voice that was such a beautiful ending to a great movie.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Choral    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Pop    8. Etude for Keyboard    9. Film    10. Film Music    11. French Romantic Opera    12. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    13. Italian Baroque Opera    14. Keyboard    15. Opera    16. Pop    17. Pop Vocals    18. Requiem/Requiem Section    19. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Cecilia Bartoli's new CD features a collection of music that could not be heard in her native Rome at the start of the 18th century due to Papal censorship. Theaters, the Church felt, were places of evil and corruption and operas led people to immorality. But some music-loving senior members of the priesthood asked composers to write oratorios and cantatas--indeed, operas without staging, essentially--for their own private entertainment. Call it what you will, the music is sensational--by turns virtuosic, gentle, and playful--and always expressive: just right, it seems, for Cecilia Bartoli's temperament. The opening aria on the CD, a call for peace in the name of Jesus, is, in fact, a dazzling martial air with trumpets blaring and the voice going through an amazing array of coloratura fireworks. It shows Bartoli at her most aggressive. The listener is practically hurled back from the speakers when she begins, with rapid-fire runs and trills and cascades of notes, all perfectly in place. Showy arias are offset by several tender ones ("Lascia la spina" from Handel's Read more

Reviews (32)

Exciting, moving, beautiful, energetic, heart-felt, fantastic...
What more can I add?
Highly Recommended
I saw Ms. Bartoli for the first time on 60 Minutes many years back. 60 Minutes did a fine job introducing this fine talent to American audiences. Bartoli looked good on camera and her voice was exquisite. Over the years I listened to various CD's from her in book stores and thought that whoever was recording her was not doing any justice to her talent. Then finally I came across this CD and read the reviews on Amazon. I was encouraged by the high ratings and made my purchase. I agree with all the other reviewers that gave this CD 5 Stars. It is the bestBartoli CD that I have heard.
Outstanding
I was left speechless when I first listened to this CD.A powerful, emotionally intense interpretation of some fabulous, albeit almost forgotten, oratorio pieces.As a big opera fan, I have really enjoyed listening to it. To Cecilia and to whoever came up with the idea to rescue these musical wonders in her amazing voice:Bravo, Bravo, Bravo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    7. Oratorio   

Editorial Review

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Read more

Reviews (6)

so amazing
I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK
This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set.I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much.My toddler likes it too.I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Cantata    4. Cello Solo    5. Chamber    6. Choral    7. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    8. Classical    9. Classical Composers    10. Classical Music    11. Concerto    12. Concerto Grosso    13. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    14. Concerto for Two String Instruments    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Concerto    17. Keyboard Music    18. Lute Solo    19. Mass    20. Music for Organ   

Editorial Review

The great Yo-Yo Ma has recently (in addition to his world music explorations) moved to the baroque cello, a so-called period instrument, and his transition has been remarkably smooth. He is indeed a musical polyglot, and this CD finds him solidly in the heart of the Baroque period, with music by Vivaldi. In addition to three concerti the composer wrote for cello, there are some fascinating transcriptions. The Largo violin solo from the "Winter" concerto of the Four Seasons is here beautifully played on cello, its darker tone added substituting gravity for chill in the wintry landscape. Aconcerto originally for viola d'amore, lute and strings has been transformed into one for cello, organ, strings and continuo, with Baroque expert Ton Koopman as transposer and organist (and sympathetic, energetic conductor throughout). And oddest of all, Koopman has created cello solos out of arias (one of which is helped by a perky bassoon)originally composed for female voice from a couple of operas, the oratorio Read more

Reviews (8)

Absolutely Amazing
I love this album from beginning to end.RV 531 will blow your socks off, especially the first and third movements!Yo-Yo and Ton have done it again, thank you for such a wonderful record.You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

You mouth open in Awe.
This album is complete. My mouth was open in Awe when I heard Allegro off this album, it's no.1 on this album. I couldn't stop picturing them all playing this. The piece was astouding! The dynamics, accents, just everything! I don't know what else to say about this album!

Hard to believe!
This album is just exquisite... At times there are no words to describe the depth and beauty -- his incredible bow control, intensity and passion, impeccable pitch, sense of dynamic movement... It's all there! The first time I heard "Largo" from Winter I had to hold my breath -- it is such a dazzling rendition! I say that this album deserves twice as many ears as there are people in the world today! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cello Concerto    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Concerto for Two String Instruments    8. Gloria    9. Italian Baroque Opera    10. Opera    11. Oratorio    12. Violin Concerto   

Editorial Review

Christmas is the season for whipping out those holiday-specific standard recordings. This splendid gift by Chanticleer should top the list, for one will never tire of this a cappella choir's interpretations. With selections spanning the last five centuries of Latin, German, English, Spanish, and French festive fare, this recording exemplifies the sacrifice of the ego to the higher form of choral sound. Jacob Handl's "Mirabile Mysterium" takes you on a trip into the chromatic wonderlands, where you temporarily lose tonal balance. Victoria's eerie and dissonant "O Magnum Mysterium" treats us to rich voices swelling out of one organic whole. The phenomenal blend and perfect intonation elevate this recording above others in its category. Read more

Reviews (12)

Simply beautiful
The title and artist' name says it all - Christmas with clear (pure) singing.Glorious in all respects.

It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!
Walking the busy malls to the multichannel Muzak of every old Christmas song interpreted in hiphop, jazz, idiosyncratic 'rethinkings' by famous soloists as well as replays of Gene Autry, Bing Crosby etc., it is a relief to return home (or if fortunate, to the concert hall) and hear the more uplifting music of the season through the ages. And despite reliance on some old favorite Messiah recordings, and carols by Kings College Choir, the one CD that seems to reign supreme is this Chanticleer release SING WE CHRISTMAS from 1995!
From the mystical, magical heart of Christmastime!
Chanticleer is an audaciously talented acapella choral ensemble whose work finds its best expression in spiritual songs like these, which are stunning missives straight from heaven itself. The spirit of the season of Christmas, the promise and beauty and renewal at the heart of it, is so perfectly captured in these soaring and robust performances, each one more impossibly lovely than the last.You don't need to believe in Santa Claus or even Christmas to derive deep satisfation from this album;you need only have ears to listen and the capacity for extreme goose bumps!The hush of a snowy day, a cathedral filled with candles and voices lifted heavenwards, the abundance of genuine goodwill and loving kindness that has survived every attempt at commercializing Christmas ... these things are alive and well in this music, which will move you to your core.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Classical    8. Holiday    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    12. Motet    13. Orchestral    14. Renaissance Motet    15. Sacred Choral Music    16. Secular Choral Music with Keyboard (or Continuo)    17. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    18. Vocal    19. Vocal Music    20. Xmas Classical Vocal   

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   

Reviews (6)

Now THIS is Paradise!
I was first made aware of this CD by "Book and Music Lover" while reading through the reviews of Charlotte Church's "Tissues and Issues.""Book and Music Love" recommended Sissel's "Into Paradise" CD.I fell in love with it just by listening to the excerpts, and when amazon.com had a special sale on it, I took that opportunity to nab it!
One of the best discs to hit the market in years
Yes, I am a Sissel fan, and have all of her US releases, and a few imports as well.I am writing this review for those who are not yet Sissel fans."Into Paradise" is exactly that, one of the best discs in years with a classical flavor.Everything about this release is first rate, from song selection right down to disc mastering.Sissel seems to find herself on this disc.Her first US release was pop songs, the second release a mix of pop and classical.Don't get me wrong they were both pretty good albums, but not a five star performance like this one.I really love the arrangements on many of the selections, and the string solos are wonderful.I am not a classical music fan, most of my music collection is pop and classic rock.I agree with Sissel, anybody who loves beautiful music will enjoy this album.

Sissel continues her successful foray into the International Market
This is a lovely collection of semi-classical and light pop which does a good job of showcasing Sissel's lovely voice. I especially enjoyed "In Paradisum" and "Vitae Lux". The album ends with a lovely version of Andersson & Ulvaeus' "Like An Angel Passing Through My Room", a lullaby originally sung by Anni-frid Lyngstadon ABBA's farewell album "The Visitors" (not Agnetha Faltskog as I originally thought - Thanks to Jeff R. Dunn for the correction). If anything, this version is even more beautiful than Frida's already lovely original, taken slower, much more expressively and evoking an even deeper sense of loss.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adagio for Orchestra    2. Adult Contemporary    3. Cantata    4. Choral    5. Choral Music    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Pop    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Norway    11. Orchestral    12. Pop    13. Pop Vocals    14. Requiem/Requiem Section    15. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Vocal    18. Vocal Music   

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...
Read more

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   

Editorial Review

Two of John Rutter's most popular large-scale choral works are paired in this bargain-priced CD. Requiem, his first composition written without being commissioned, is a convincing affirmation of Christian doctrine on death and eternal life. It is also a substantial and sincere work that strives to be widely appealing while preserving a spiritual context centered on themes of light and consolation. Highlights include "Out of the Deep," its modal tune and harmonies giving it the flavor of a spiritual, and the wonderfully gentle and restful 23rd Psalm. Rutter personalizes his Requiem by adding movements not traditionally part of the Requiem Mass--passages from the 1662 Read more

Reviews (22)

Two glorious pieces by Rutter
This recording of the Cambridge Singers has them recording pieces composed by their own director, John Rutter.The Magnificat is Rutter's version of a standard piece of liturgical music, an intersection of old and new.This was recorded at one of the Cambridge Singers' favourite venues, the Great Hall of University College School, London; the Requiem was recorded in 1986, and the Magnificat in 1991.
John Rutter at his best
I love this album.After singing 'Requiem' several years ago, it brought it all back to me.Amazing soloists, superb sound, the next best thing to hearing it live (or performing it myself).A must have for any John Rutter fan, or choral singer.
Music has never reached sublimity such as this
Truely, what other words can one use?When I first heard this, i was doing my homework after this years superbowl at about midnight.i was done celebrating the patriots win, and i had to get forth on my homework.. I was listening on the radio, and i heard this peice.I leaned back, closed my eyes, and let the notes come to me. Of course i have also studied the works of many other composers, and this has come to be my second favorite requiem mass. (mozart's is my favorite) and i implore all who read this to get this cd, because you will be blown out of your mind, especially with the sweet melody of the first movement but its allgood. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Magnificat    6. Requiem/Requiem Section   

Reviews (27)

A Good Basic Collection
This is a good, basic collection of Christmas Music.As a general rule, Time-Life has selected what is probably the definative artist/arangement of each song.
cd reviews
this cd was very good, much recommended

Poor Quality
The only good thing about this collection is the inclusion of so many Christmas standards.I was very disappointed in the quality of the recordings, they obviously need digital inhancement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Chamber    3. Christmas    4. Christmas / Chanukkah    5. Christmas Music    6. Holiday    7. March for Orchestra    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral Pop    13. Pop    14. Show Tunes    15. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Standards    18. Suite for Orchestra    19. Traditional Pop    20. Vocal   

Reviews (19)

Spiritual oxygen.
Mother Theresa or Mother Angelica said, "Make something beautiful for God." Whoever said it, Beth Chapman was listening when she produced this collection of hymns. Because of B.N.C.'s experience of personal heart-ache that preceded this recording, there's a touching dose of holy sobriety in her delivery. After listening to some snippets on-line, I first bought this for my Mom who is in her 70s. Since I finally bought another copy for myself a few weeks ago, it has dominated my car CD player. My 28 year old son, who doesn't know this pre-Vatican II repertoire, absolutely loves it. This is timeless, edifying stuff -- no artificial ingredients. Thank you, Beth. I'm so glad I found your Hymns project.

Breathtaking renditions of sacred music
Chapman takes some of the Christendom's most beautiful music and lends a simple reverence to it that works wonderfully well.She's also written a very sweet new hymn to Mary.I buy virtually no music - my collection is already sufficient. But I only had to hear a bit of one song - Panis Angelicus - to get me onto iTunes for this album.
YOU KNOW IT'S GOOD WHEN...
...You can get a stone hearted atheist like me to listen to this exquisite assemblage of musical beauty in stunned silence with tears rolling down my cheeks.These are songs of the sacred that don't require a belief system.Take it from me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Country-Folk    4. Hymns    5. Inspirational    6. Latin Gospel    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Motet    10. Pop    11. Pop Vocals    12. Rock/Pop    13. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    14. Sacred Choral Music    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Chip Davis's Mannheim Steamroller hasn't lost any ground in the six years since their last Yuletide offering. Read more

Reviews (88)

Christmas Extraordinaire
I am a fan of Mannheim Steamroller and had high expectations for this CD.This is not quite as good as their older Christmas Cd's. It is ok but far from what it could have been.

Doesn't Really meet the test of time
With no offense intended to Mannheim Steamroller, I just wasn't very excited about this CD.Probably the best thing on here is the Nutcracker selection, but nothing stands out as being original or a fresh look at music.The best thing I think that can be said about it came from my father, who heard it at Christmas, and said "At least it doesn't sound like all their other music."So, if you are tired of hearing the standard radio playlist of Chip Davis, this might be refreshing.On the other hand, if none of the selections from CHRISTMAS EXTRAORDINAIRE are being played, then probably none are very good (or popular).
Good, but not outstanding
I have all of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas cd's in my collection. While I enjoyed this one, it's just not quite as good as the prior releases. It seems to lack the lively sparkle that characterizes their other cd's. The music is still nice, and it's a good addition to my collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Ballet    3. Choral    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Holiday    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Neo-Classical    12. Oratorio    13. Pop    14. Progressive Electronic    15. Romantic Ballet    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Vocal    18. Xmas Vocal   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (15)

Wonderful Williams
A real holiday pleasure. The movie comes alive in your mind, seriously. John Williams rocks!

Home Alone: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Great product. Service was efficent and on time. Packaging was well thought out. Well done.

Williams is brilliant!
Rarely does a family holiday film impress an audience more than John Hughes' Home Alone.And it was sheer inspiration to bring the Academy Award-winning John Williams and Leslie Bricusse together for the soundtrack.With a style reminiscent of your standard classical scherzo (a musical joke), Williams' score lends incalculable support to a film packed with one comedy-action sequence after another.Even when the dust settles, a pervading musical giggle forces you to wonder what's next.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Film    6. Film Music    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    10. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    11. Soundtrack    12. Soundtracks    13. Vocal   

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Vocals    5. Mass Section    6. Opera/Operetta   

Editorial Review

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of hermusic for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is rightfor the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumesreleased by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendaryvisions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religiouscommunity of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes anunobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmoniesof the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple,direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerilyaccompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. Read more

Reviews (19)

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy
This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts
I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

Hildegarde makes listeners ecstatic
The CD is appropriate for any type of meditation.It is wonderful to listen towhile going to sleep.It uplifts the soul and calms the mind.Fabulous. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alleluia    2. Antiphon    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Early Music / Chant    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Response    12. Sacred Choral Music   

Editorial Review

Except for one "previously unreleased" recording and two new ones, this is a compilation of segments taken from older Yo-Yo Ma CDs, perhaps to whet listeners' appetite to hear the entire records. The disc represents a triumph of performance over material. The program consists of short pieces and single movements of long ones and serves to display Yo-Yo Ma's extraordinary versatility, his spectacular instrumental and musical gifts, and his remarkable ability to invest everything he plays with the same commitment and emotional concentration. There is no logic to the sequence, except that it begins and ends with solo cello. Bach, whom Ma plays tuned normally when unaccompanied and tuned low with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, may justify the CD's title but seems out of place. Moreover, juxtaposing him with O'Connor and Piazzolla is jarring, though the Tangos are beautiful. The transcription of Dvorák's lovely E-minor Slavonic Dance, despite the participation of violinist Itzhak Perlman and his golden tone, sounds like a movie soundtrack: all bravura and cheap effects. The playing's the thing, and it is stunning, not only Yo-Yo Ma's, but that of all his collaborators, from vocalists Bobby McFerrin and Alison Krauss to pianist Emanuel Ax, Ma's duo partner of 25 years. Ax joins Ma for the Finale of Brahms's second cello sonata; that is what you may find yourself humming at the end. Read more

Reviews (14)

New Yo-Yo Fan
I had never listened to Yo-Yo Ma before (that I knew of) and then I was at a dance recital a few months ago.Two little ballerinas danced to "Simple Gifts" with Alison Kraus, and I had to have that song.I really enjoy playing this album when my family is just hanging out reading or playing with the baby in the living room. Each piece is unique and beautiful in its own way.Simple Gifts is still my favorite piece on the album, I only wish it were longer!
Simply wonderful!
I recently got this CD as a birthday gift. I've been wanting this CD for a while.The first track is a wonderful song in all reality the entire CD is a wonderful experience.The prelude by Gershwin is unique sounding with the cello. The jazz quality is still there and has a bit of classical influence intertwined among it. Yo-Yo Ma's recording of Simple Gifts is a good song and when they had the lyrics sung by Alison Krauss it was a wonderful choice.Her vocals matched the cello incredibly well.Track 8 is a wonderful song that I love to hear being played on the cello.For any person who loves classical music or cello music this CD is a good choice to buy.It will be well worth your money.

Awesome
While most people on this site see the "classic" in the title of the album as referring to classical music only, they are mistaken. Classic Yo-Yo refers to his style, not the genre into which his music choices fall.The list of tracks alone should have been a big enough clue that the music isn't all classical.Judging this album, or any album for that matter, on just its title is simply foolish.And while this is technically a solo album, the way Yo-Yo brings in guest artists to perform with him shows his flexibility as an artist.His version of Simple Gifts is so much more than a school chorus; it is an amazing cellist playing the accompaniment on a song that is meant to be sung.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Cantata    3. Cello Solo    4. Cello with Keyboard    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music    7. Chamber Music & Recitals    8. Choral    9. Classical    10. Classical Artists    11. Classical Crossover    12. Classical Music    13. Film    14. Film Music    15. Folk Dance for Orchestra    16. Keyboard    17. Miscellaneous    18. Miscellaneous Music    19. Music for String Quartet with Other Instrument(s)    20. Orchestral   

Editorial Review

For right-minded buyers of the reissued Read more

Features

• Soundtrack
• Special Edition

Reviews (5)

The Muppets Christmas Christmas Carol
I am a Muppets fan from WAY back! I own the DVD and watch it during every holiday season. Since I am such a big fan of the movie, I knew I would enjoy the soundtrack.
Muppet Christmas Carol soundtrack...fabulous!
I've owned the soundtrack for about 5 years now, but I paid about three times as much for an original just because I loved the music so much! When I saw that a special edition was released, I thought I might have to buy it again, but while it is a special edition, the only difference I can see is that there is different cover artwork (but there's different artwork between the original dvd release and the new release too). Whoever thought to rerelease the soundtrack is nothing short of genius.
Wonderful soundtrack a reminder why DVD is so annoying
Not to quibble with the folks who already contributed proper opinions regarding the undeniably quirky and uplifting quality of the music of "The Muppet Christmas Carol" soundtrack, but the CD is a persistent reminder of why those who witnessed the movie in the theaters are let down by the subsequent video/DVD release, which hacks into the Marley & Marley number, cuts the marvelous Prof. Bunson/Beaker musical admonition and eliminates capitalistic Sam's foundation-laying instruction to a young and impressionable Scrooge.What legal or artistic machinations lie behind these dreadful changes remain elusive (similar to the evisceration of "A Muppet Family Christmas" since its early network showings), but the worst that can be said of the terrific CD soundtrack is its ability to evoke bittersweet memories of a movie that had been just about ideal ... and is no more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's    2. Christmas    3. Christmas Music    4. Film    5. Film Music    6. Miscellaneous    7. Pop    8. Pop/Rock    9. Soundtrack    10. Soundtracks & Film Scores