Editorial Review

Taking as her base 12 works of Bach, Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero proceeds to play variations on each. The works are familiar and most Classical fans will recognize their melodies instantly. But Montero, who is closer to a jazz improvisationalist than a classical pianist merely embellishing, alters rhythm as well as melody, and the results are invariably both surprising and delightful. The Presto from the Italian Concerto is positively wacky, but "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" sticks to the piece's mood with truth and originality. Montero plays "beyond" Bach with good taste and respect, and always with intense musicality. The results may seem improvised, but I doubt they are---they seem to well worked through---but that is more of a plus than a minus. You'll revel in hearing old favorites "interpreted" and find some unexpected pleasures here. Read more

Reviews (4)

True improvisations -- a wonder!
I struggle for the words to express how thrilled I am. Ms Montero is resurrecting the art of spontaneous improvisation in the field of classical music. Robert Levine, the Amazon site reviewer, hopefully has listened to the NPR interviews or the podcast and is now aware that Ms Montero did indeed improvise these on the spot. The only preparation lies in the fact that Gabriela Montero has been playing in this spontaneous way since before she was 3 years old! She was given a toy piano when she was 7 months and soon started picking out the songs her mother sang her to sleep with. Her talent today truly is astonishing! Give her a tune or theme never heard before, and she magically weaves a new piece out of it. We have read of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin all doing this -- it's a wonder and a fresh delight to hear how marvellously she does it for us. Kudos!

Very gifted pianist playing beautiful music
I have her CDs playing in my car and in my home.Her improvisation skills are top notch.Beyond Bach is one of my favorite pieces in this collection.Her other pieces are excellent as well.You can also find her interview on NPR.

Bach, Mozart and Beethoven Would Be Delighted...
It's an often neglected fact that Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were master improvisers, and I often wonder how they would feel about 'classical music' having become so exclusively addicted to reproducing the notes on the page. It seems that the latter of the three important legs of a musician's stool -- technique, interpretation, and improvisation -- has been forgotten in lieu of endless variation on the former two legs.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Concerto Grosso    8. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    9. Invention for Keyboard    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Concerto    12. Keyboard Music    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Toccata for Keyboard    18. Violin Concerto   

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   

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   

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

Outside of Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun exposure to classical music
I bought Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2 last year, and my children (ages 6 and 10) begged me to get this one!Richard Perlmutter's voice is a little nasal (every once in a while you're reminded of Barney sing-a-longs) but the other voices that are on the CD are nice.This is an awesome way to familiarize children with classical music themes.I'm hoping that as my children grow up, they will be attracted to some classical music because they will have some familiar melodies in their memory banks.I highly recommend this CD to anyone with young children.

The appeal of this CD can't be exaggerated
Sometimes pretentious, sometimes downright ridiculous products promising to expose our children to classical music can be as obnoxious as they are ubiquitous. Noise-making machines imitating Mozart do not a classical music lover make, particularly when it comes to plastic devices that light up and play unrecognizable sound.
Warning:the fun is contagious!
For those of you familiar with Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2, you already know to expect the unexpected from lyric genius Richard Perlmutter and his very talented Beethoven's Wig crew.They have single-handedly delivered the classical music repertoire to millions of young children in the most innovative, engaging way - marrying the best of the classical repertoire to witty, fun lyrics for children (and adults!) that engage, entertain, and make the music unforgettable with the charming voice of Perlmutter himself and an accomplished operatic ensemble of singers.While so many artists struggle to follow up two gigantic successes with a third that doesn't disappoint, Beethoven's Wig 3 masterfully and refreshingly follows its own act with a new twist on the recipe this time:showcasing individual instruments in the orchestra, appreciating the uniqueness of each, and marrying them to short lyrical stories that are making my nephews and nieces laugh out loud while they learn (and while their parents and grandparents chuckle along -- and learn a few things too).The CD booklet contains not only the illustrated stories, but also interesting and fun questions about classical music and different orchestral instruments.I can really see why Beethoven's Wig has won so many children's music awards - there's nothing else like it, kids adore it, and parents feel great about knowing their children are developing a life-long love and appreciation for classical music at an early age. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cello Solo    2. Chamber    3. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    4. Children's    5. Childrens    6. Concerto    7. French Horn Concerto    8. French Romantic Opera    9. Harp Concerto    10. Keyboard    11. Mandolin Music    12. Miscellaneous    13. Music for Organ    14. Novelty    15. Opera    16. Orchestral    17. Orchestral Music    18. Pop    19. Recorder Concerto    20. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

Like Floating On A Cloud
My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.

Bach
Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.
Good CD, especially for novices
I was looking for a recommended Bach CD - certain music by a certain orchestra - and stumbled on this.It is an excellent choice for a new library.I think when there was more than one movement to a piece, it would have made more sense to go ahead and keep the movements together instead of separating them, but a novice listener would not notice.A great way to become exposed to a great composer. ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

buy now
Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented?Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good.Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound.This is something you need to buy.

Lovely
This is a beautiful calming cd.The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing
I simply love piano music.If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album.If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Berceuse for Keyboard    4. Cantata    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    7. Choral    8. Classical    9. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    10. Classical Music    11. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    12. Concerto    13. Easy Listening/Vocal    14. Etude for Keyboard    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Concerto    17. Keyboard Music    18. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    19. Minuet for Keyboard    20. Miscellaneous   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (11)

Preview your wedding day
This CD was inexpensive, and provided a great way to preview songs for my wedding.The CD had a good song selection.My fiance and I were able to get a better idea of how the songs would be at our wedding. Definitely an inexpensive tool that is worthwhile.

25 WEDDING FAVORITES
My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there.I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived.Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.
25 Wedding Favorites
This is an excellent CD for a formal wedding, so-so for a casual one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    11. Italian Baroque Opera    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Keyboard Music    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Orchestral    18. Quartet for Keyboard and Three String Instruments    19. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    20. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This piano-playing team of five siblings could be easily dismissed as just another crossover ploy, but that would be a mistake. My initial surprise turned into an hour of pleasant listening and, on rehearings, to admiration for this unique ensemble of talented young artists. For one thing, they've got the chops to bring off some fiendishly difficult works. Listen to the way sisters Desirae and Deondra tackle modernist Witold Lutoslawski's Variations on a Theme of Paganini, or brother Ryan's colorful romp through Ginastera's tricky dance rhythms. The fivesome also achieve carefully balances in their concerted works, with a scrupulously turned version of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and their arrangement of highlights from Stravinsky's Firebird. Those in doubt should hear tracks two through four, for irresistible versions of Lecouna's popular Malaguena, a fetching combination of Dvorak and Copland, and a piano rag by John Novacek. A delightful, spirited disc that never fails to please. Read more

Reviews (10)

An enjoyable CD
I would have to say that I was absolutely amazed with this CD. I'm usually not the type of person who would listen to classical music, but I thoroughly loved it. I love playing it in the car on the way to class; it gets me relaxed. Buy 'No Boundaries'!! You will not regret it!

no sophomore slump here
I had always been a little bored by music for 2 or more pianos, but this disc changed my mind -- very exciting!
Different and inspiring!
Well, I must say that I enjoyed this second CD better than the first one. There was more variety and I loved the arrangements for 5 pianos! As a teen classical pianist, it is cool to see someone finally making classical music fun and interesting. They have re-inspired me and my love for classical music! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    3. Ballet    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Crossover    8. Classical Pop    9. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    10. Concerto    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Music    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    16. Music for Two Keyboards    17. Orchestral    18. Piano Concerto    19. Rhapsody for Keyboard    20. Suite for Orchestra   

Features

• DualDisc

Reviews (7)

Mediocre at best
The difficulty with this disc is that people are naturally overwhelmed when a family of Julliard-trained musicians comes along playing the favorites in an unconventional manner.I will admit that they are very in sync and that they have a mass-market appeal that people like Pierre Boulez simply will not have.However, the quality of their music is not consistent to garner the praises of the thousands that they have.Some of the siblings simply play better than the others. However, some of the arrangements are enjoyable, and some of the pieces had genuine enrergy. There were only a few outright failures: the arrangement of 'Simple Gifts', the Lutoslawski, and the Danzas Argentinas.The 'Simple Gifts' just isn't well arranged, and the playing is uninspired and lacks energy.I don't think that they understood the Paganini variations well, because it doesn't have the sparkle and virtuosity that permeates the piece.The Ginastera is played far too slowly without any thought about the natural eneregy that the composer took from his homeland and infused into the first and third dances.Although they will probably still be hugely popular, I would suggest that potential buyers should refrain from purchasing this underperformed disc and wait until another disc comes out that is more musically successful than this one.For die-hard converts, there is enough good material here to entertain.
Refreshing Young People
I have enjoyed not only listening to this CD, but have enjoyed watching these 5 talented siblings play their pianos on the DVD side. This CD has allowed me to continue to enjoy listening and watching the 5 Browns that I was fortunate to see and listen to in person.

5 Great new stars
5 great stars get 5 star rating -
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Crossover    6. Classical Pop    7. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    8. Concerto    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Music for Two Keyboards    14. Orchestral    15. Piano Concerto    16. Rhapsody for Keyboard    17. Suite for Orchestra    18. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

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

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

Editorial Review

Is it chance or serendipity that Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic timed their new recording of Holst's Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (6)

A recording of "The Planets" worth owning.
I was very anxious and curious to hear this new recording of The Planets. The reasons? Simon Rattle recorded The Planets almost at the same time that the Berlin Philharmonic was recording it 20+ Years ago with Herbert Von Karajan and Colin Davis. The Karajan recording was dismal in places. The Davis recording was pretty good, but the Rattle recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra was lackluster. Flash forward to 2006. Sir Simon Rattle has now recorded The Planets with the Berlin Philhrmonic and has achieved a recording that surpasses all three of the afore mentioned recordings.
Big names produce lacklustre results
A website, a "making-of"enhanced CD feature, a rave review in Gramophone (it is Rattle, after all) - expectations for this issue are highly strung. Unfortunately, the sounds as such do not live up to them. This is a strangely bloodless traversal of the planetary system, with Rattle seemingly determined to go all subtle and turn the music into some kind of Rococo filigree. As in his Mahler recordings, the result can sound deliberate and mannered. Granted, at times it is definitely successful: Venus is simply breathtakingly beautiful, and Mercury's fleet-footedness is dazzling. But Mars is without menace (and without organ too, by the sound of it); Jupiter is unexhilerating, Uranus just OK but nothing more (and again, not a trace of the organ even in that spectacular upward glissando); Saturn and Neptune, finally, are seriously lacking in any sense of mystery. I suspect the recording itself is partly to blame; EMI engineering is, in my experience, rarely top notch, and the Berlin Philharmonie notoriously difficult acoustically speaking. On CD, there is lack of detail, the dynamic range does not expand quite as widely as one would hope, and strings can sound strangely lacklustre and thin. Worse though is the distancing of the woodwinds, who at times sound as if they were sent out of the hall to keep the female choir company. Then again, that choir, sounds too near rather than distant.
Space Junk
Rattle disappoints in a perfunctory reading of one of the most familar of concert warhorses. Mars is a bit "oogie-boogie" scary, not terrifying. Venus sulks in a warm bath of ultra-rubato. Rattle himself seems slightly embarrassed by the great central hymn of Jupiter, calling it "a nostalgic look at an England that never existed - the England of cricket fields and warm beer and bad cooking". Well, then - guess that shows US. But the most egregrious offense is cobbling together unwanted bits to, in Rattle's own words, "make a calling card for the orchestra". This is essentially make-work for a group of completely unrelated compositional styles and the results are underwhelming in the extreme. It's bad enough that Pluto has been "downgraded" from planetary status - it now has to suffer the insult of being tagged "The Renewer" (for entirely obscure reasons) and having a tacky, alternately whispy and annoying six-minute noise-bomb associated with it. (The composer, Colin Matthews, is far better known as the producer of the Nonesuch recording of the Gorecki Third Symphony than as an orchestral composer.) Adding this piece after the ephemeral fade-out of Neptune makes as much sense as sticking chrome-plated plastic arms on the Venus d'Milo.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Orchestral    5. Orchestral Music    6. Suite for Orchestra   

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 (4)

Anna Magdalena Notebook-- a treasure trove of Baroque music
This is music for contemplating number and time and not realize you are doing that. These pieces from Anna Magdalena Bach's notebook are a significant part of the history of western culture, and the music is brilliant, lucid, and passionate. Just as, I suppose, Bach's wife was. Played on harpsichord and clavichord, the work-- not all by Bach-- seems rigourously, mysteriously modern, and the anonymous "Musette in A Major" one could even say had in it the roots of ragtime piano. Last but not least, it's quite possible that Lorraine Hunt Lieberson can never be less than sublime.

Music for Bach's Katy
Luther had his Katy who supported him and the Reformation magnificently and faithfully.Bach who was real student and follower of Luther's, had his second wife, Anna Magdalena who was so much for him and his family and music.
Charming and beautiful
This CD is a collection of music from the notebook of Bach's wife, who was a singer. It includes dances, arias and other favorite songs. Most of the pieces range from peppy little dance tunes(like Musette in A Major) to delicate baroque airs (like Prelude no.1), all played on the harpsichord, clavichord or cello. The pieces that really stand out are the arias, sung beautifully by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson in German. Most are religious, but there is one that is a nice love song "Willst du mein Herz mir schenken." The website on the back of the liner notes has the lyrics for the arias and they are worth reading. Besides the fact that this is good music, it also provides interesting insight into Bach's life and family and the liner notes have some interesting information about Anna and her notebook. This is a charming collection of music that is a great and cheap addition to any classical music collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    2. Cantata    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Choral    5. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Dance-Based Keyboard Music    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Music    13. March for Keyboard    14. Miscellaneous    15. Miscellaneous Music    16. Musette for Keyboard    17. Polonaise for Keyboard    18. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    19. Solo Voice and Continuo    20. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble   

Editorial Review

While many hospitals across the country send new mums and babes home equipped with discs of classical music to soothe and gently stimulate babies' tender minds, Read more

Reviews (15)

enjoyable
I have enjoyed this cd thus far.If you have the money to spend, this is relaxing and enjoyable, however you can get similarmusic for free on your local classical station.So if you would rather save your money...just tune in on your radio dial.I am glad I bought the cd for the familiarity of the songs, but I also love just plain old classical radio.

Play in utero, sooths out utero
My wife put the headphones from her portable CD player on her pregnant belly every night before bed."Ultrasound" played for 30 minutes to an hour every night to our unborn son.Once he was born he'd sometimes get cranky in the car.We'd turn this CD on and he'd INSTANTLY settle down.It was amazing.He's 15 months old now and it still calms him down after a frustrating car ride, and he goes down for naps like a champ with this CD playing. I HIGHLY recommend this technique to all pregnant mothers!

A++++++
most comforting and beautiful music, for anybody looking
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Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Berceuse for Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    9. French Romantic Opera    10. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    11. Harp Solo    12. Italian Romantic Opera    13. Keyboard    14. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    15. Miscellaneous    16. Miscellaneous Music    17. Music for Two Keyboards    18. Music with Spoken Words    19. New Age / Meditation    20. Opera   

Reviews (5)

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music
As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The guitar is an orchestra inminiature!
This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.
GUITAR MAJESTY
John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Guitar Solo    12. Keyboard    13. Orchestral    14. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    15. Suite for Orchestra    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    17. Vocal   

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.
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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   

Reviews (6)

Stress-freedom
Perfect music to end the work day. After listening to this I can face the evening. If the morning is hard, a little at lunch time gets me through the afternoon.

Greatly enjoy!
I first developed a taste for this music a number of years ago when my daughter started playing in the orchestra. The reason I made this purchase however, was because I have a great deal of difficulty with anxiety and I was looking for ways to find help. I love these CDs. It helps so much to sit and close my eyes and enjoy the music. The CDs are full of beautiful music.

the most relaxing classical music in the universe
it's the best next to the first one... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    3. Adagio for Orchestra    4. Art Song (General)    5. Bagatelle for Keyboard    6. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    7. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    8. Chamber    9. Chamber Music    10. Choral    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    13. Classical Music    14. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    15. Concerto    16. Etude for Keyboard    17. Keyboard    18. Keyboard Concerto    19. Keyboard Music    20. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title