An Introduction To ... [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
An introduction to one of the most influential bands in history. Showcases the band at their creative peaks through 20 years of recording. Digitally remastered from original tapes. Sanctuary Midline. 2004.

An Introduction To ..., Music, Tangerine Dream, Ambient, Electronic, Electronica, Germany, Kraut Rock, Pop, Prog-Rock/Art Rock, Soundtrack
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's.
  • Good for relaxing pregnant women
  • Too much opera
  • Does what it set out to do, very well
  • TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written.
 The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
Johann Sebastian Bach , Léo Delibes , Gabriel Fauré , Erik Satie , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Edvard Grieg , Johann Pachelbel , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Camille Saint-Saens , Henryk Gorecki , Antonio Vivaldi , Edward Elgar , Jocelyn Pook , Sergey Rachmaninov , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Luigi Boccherini , Jules Massenet , Ludwig van Beethoven , Jacques Offenbach , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Giacomo Puccini , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Alexander Borodin , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Samuel Barber
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Grieg, EdvardGrieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000I93Z
Release Date: 1999-03-30

Tracks:

  1. Air 'On the G String' - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
  2. Morning - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
  3. Canon In D - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
  4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
  5. Gymnopedie No.1 - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  6. II. Andante - Stephen Hough
  7. Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
  8. In Paradisum - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
  9. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
  10. II. Andate - Yehudi Menuhin
  11. The Swan - Osian Ellis
  12. II. Lento E Largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
  13. II. Andantino - James Galway
  14. II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
  15. Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
  16. Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu - Jocelyn Pook
  17. Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset
  18. Pavane Op.50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

  1. Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen - South German Madrigal Choir
  2. Adagio In G Minor - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
  3. Minuet - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
  4. II. Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
  5. Meditation - Hans Kalafusz
  6. I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
  7. Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
  8. II. Andante - Nigel North
  9. II. Adagio - Jack Brymer
  10. Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
  11. I. Moderato - London Chamber Orchestra
  12. O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
  13. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sinfonia Of London
  14. II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
  15. Nocturne - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
  16. II. Adagio (Opening) - Julian Bream
  17. Adagio For Strings Op.11a - The Philadelphia Orchestra
  18. Entr'acte To Act III - Orchestre National De France

Amazon.com

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does its best to cover both well-worn classical favorites (Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Cannon," Debussy's "Clair de Lune") and some eclectic left-field choices (an excerpt from Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Jocelyn Pook's "Blow the Wind," and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The performances of most of these excerpts are top-notch--artists include Sir Neville Marriner, James Galway, Jacqueline du Pré and the Philadelphia Orchestra--and there's enough variety here for everyone. --Edward Garabedian

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's........2007-02-04

This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.

5 out of 5 stars Good for relaxing pregnant women.......2007-01-17

I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.

3 out of 5 stars Too much opera.......2007-01-10

If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

5 out of 5 stars Does what it set out to do, very well.......2006-11-15

So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.

That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.

Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.

To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.

Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)

So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.

5 out of 5 stars TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written........2006-11-10

This album along with Volume 2 are now the two most valued albums in my music collection. I have all of the songs contained on these two albums but they are scattered through at least a dozen different albums and several are not performed by artists such as those that recorded this album and Volume 2.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!
Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome CD
  • He started dancing as soon as we put it on!
  • Better than baby einstein
  • great music at a great price
  • A Wonderful CD for all ages
 Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music

Manufacturer: Ent. Media Partners
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002XE8
Release Date: 1997-10-24

Tracks:

  1. Clair de Lune
  2. Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance: Andante
  3. Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sestonuto
  4. Minute Waltz
  5. On The Beautiful Blue Danube
  6. The Nutcracker Suite: Russian Dance
  7. El Amor Brujo: Danca del Terror
  8. Grand Valse Brillante, Waltz No. 1 op. 18
  9. Scenes Of Childhood Op. 15: Knight Of The Rocking Horse; Important Event
  10. Goldberg Variations: Aria
  11. The Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
  12. Symphony No. 7: Allegro molto
  13. Symphony No. 94: Menuetto: Allegro molto
  14. The Nutcracker Suite: March
  15. Sonata In C Minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Awesome CD.......2007-05-11

Have enjoyed this CD immensely with our four-year old. Great price for the quality. Thank you.

5 out of 5 stars He started dancing as soon as we put it on!.......2007-01-09

My 12 month old loves this CD and happily bops away to the music (in the car he sometimes even starts singing!). We like it too and not being very well versed in Classical music, it is a nice mix for us.

5 out of 5 stars Better than baby einstein.......2006-02-26

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

5 out of 5 stars great music at a great price.......2006-02-02

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

I only paid like $4 here on amazon for it and I gladdly would of paid more for such a great cd. Its a great cd for such a great price!

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful CD for all ages.......2002-11-03

My whole family has enjoyed this CD. It is very upbeat and easy to listen to. I think there is something for everyone on this one.
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • something to have
  • Excellent Music
  • buy now
  • Lovely
  • Aesthetically Pleasing
 The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000059Q4Q
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

  1. II: Andante - Stephen Hough
  2. I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
  3. Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
  4. Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
  5. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
  6. II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
  7. Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
  8. Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
  9. Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
  10. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
  11. Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
  12. La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
  13. Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
  14. Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
  15. Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
  16. Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
  17. Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
  18. II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

  1. II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
  2. II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
  3. Aria - Maria Tipo
  4. II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
  5. Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
  6. Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
  7. II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
  8. An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
  9. Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
  10. II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
  11. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
  12. Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
  13. II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
  14. Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
  15. Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
  16. Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
  17. Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
  18. Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

5 out of 5 stars buy now.......2006-09-01

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.

5 out of 5 stars Lovely.......2006-02-22

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

5 out of 5 stars Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

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.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

The Anna Russell Album
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Intelligent and musical fun.-
  • The Genius of Anna Russell
  • If you enjoy laughing..
  • Anna Russell strikes again!
  • Anna Russell is a SCREAM!
 The Anna Russell Album

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Encore?
  2. Anna Russell Again?
  3. Anna Russell Takes On... Nabucco & The Magic Flute
  4. Anna Russell - The (First) Farewell Concert
  5. Anna Russell - Crown Princess of Musical Parody: Her Television Appearances 1964, 1976, 1977

ASIN: B0000027JD
Release Date: 1991-07-26

Tracks:

  1. Introduction To The Concert (By the Women's Club President)
  2. How to Write Your Own Gilbert And Sullivan Opera
  3. Coloratura Aria 'Canto Dolciamente Pipo'
  4. British - Pure But Dull: 'I Love The Spring'
  5. Russian Folk Song: 'Da, Nyet, Da, Nyet'
  6. For Loud Singers With No Brains: 'Ah, Lover!'
  7. For Singers With Tremendous Artistry But No Voice: 'Schlumph; Je N'ai Pas La Plume De Ma Tante'
  8. For The Dramatic Soprano: 'Schreechenrauf'
  9. The Ring Of The Nibellungs (An Analysis)

Amazon.com

This set of Anna Russell's inspired satirical monologues should be labeled with a warning notice. Why? Because after listening to her whirlwind explication of Wagner's Ring Cycle, even the most confirmed Wagnerite will be unable to listen to the Ring for weeks to come. Just listening to Russell declare in an incredulous voice: "I'm not making this up, y'know" is enough to induce you to shed bucketloads of laughter-induced tears. Gilbert and Sullivan fans will find their heroes savaged in her concoction of a typical G&S product, complete with a soprano lead who "loves below her station." Other targets include "the nymphs and shepherds" style of quavery English singing, complete with "hey-nonny-nonny's," coloratura mad scenes, and much else, including Russian folk songs, like her "Da, nyet, da, nyet." This disc is packed with laughs, chuckles, smiles, and everything. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Intelligent and musical fun.-.......2007-01-13

Due to the recent passing away of the legenday Anna Russell I bought this record and certainly did not regret it.- Inspite of having been originally recorded in 1952 and 1953 the sound is very good.- Ms. Russell combines a great sense of humour with profound musical knowledge, a wonderful timing of her jokes, and the talent of a gifted and very musical singer.- She captures the essence of the German lied, the French mélodie, the efforts of a dramatic soprano to make herself heard over the huge Wagnerian orchestra, culminating in her famous, already classic, 22 minutes long analysis of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelungs.- I listened to this recording three times in a row and had great fun.- Only Victor Borge can be compared to her with respect to this rare combination of deep musicianship with a real gift for comedy.- If you don't know yet these numbers, don't hesitate - buy the record, you will not be sorry.-

5 out of 5 stars The Genius of Anna Russell.......2006-03-15

If you love music, but are happy to see the funny side of even the great composers, then this album is for you. Anna Russell is a singer of note but a comedian of greatness. She finds the pivotal styles of composers and caricatures them to great effect. The explanations she gives of the basics of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas and the way she dissects Wagners Ring Cycle bring tears to the eyes with laughter. I recommend this album to all music lovers with a twinkle in their eyes. Truly a great comic experience.

5 out of 5 stars If you enjoy laughing.........2006-02-23

I love opera, but I also enjoy spoofs of opera. Anna Russell was a classic "spoofer" of operatic stories and conventions. Nobody does it better. My favorite on this album is her take-off on Wagner's "Ring."

This CD can probably also be enjoyed by those who have only a nodding acquaintance with opera, but may not be enjoyed by those who take opera with 100% seriousness.

5 out of 5 stars Anna Russell strikes again!.......2005-10-14

I have heard all of these Anna Russell selections at one time or another, but having them all together in one place, and on a CD, is a real plus. She is absolutely riotously funny. I teach a course in "Introduction to opera" and use her segments on Gilbert and Sullivan and on the Ring Cycle in class, just to lighten things up a bit for the students.

5 out of 5 stars Anna Russell is a SCREAM!.......2005-08-05

I've had the vinyl of this album for over 20 years; the CD purchase was to update my system. For anyone who loves classical vocal music, and in particular the Wagner Ring Cycle and Gilbert and Sullivan, this album is a MUST. You will split your sides laughing; Ms. Russell is so very accurate in her comedy. Also, truth to tell, her Ring synopsis gave me, a newcomer to Wagner (years ago) a solid understanding of the musical plot and story line.
Compounds + Elements: An Introduction to All Saints Records
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Compulation at a Bargin Price
  • Great Representation
  • A True Bargain
  • Cheap, Good...
  • Essential ambient music, past and present.
 Compounds + Elements: An Introduction to All Saints Records
Various Artists
Manufacturer: All Saints
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
AmbientAmbient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Minimal TechnoMinimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
  2. Distance
  3. The Equatorial Stars
  4. Another Day on Earth
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ASIN: B000CQJZ4Y
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

  1. ANDY PARTRIDGE & HAROLD BUDD Ceramic Avenue
  2. MARCONI UNION Sleepless
  3. BRIAN ENO & JAH WOBBLE Like Organza
  4. BRIAN ENO Triennale
  5. DJIVAN GASPARYAN 7th December 1988
  6. BRIAN ENO Blissed
  7. HAROLD BUDD Widows Charm
  8. BRIAN ENO Neroli
  9. HAROLD BUDD The White Arcades
  10. ROGER ENO Winter Music
  11. DJIVAN GASPARYAN Brother Hunter
  12. JON HASSELL Out Of Adedara
  13. VACABOU Russia In White
  14. BRIAN ENO Fractal Zoom
  15. BRIAN ENO & JOHN CALE Cordoba
  16. ROGER ENO Fleeting Smile
  17. JOHN CALE Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
  18. HAROLD BUDD Marion Brown

Album Description

ALL SAINTS RECORDS WAS ESTABLISHED BY BRIAN ENO IN 1991 AND FOCUSES ON A CONSISTENCY OF APPROACH RATHER THAN ANY SPECIFIC GENRE. FROM BRIAN ENO, HAROLD BUDD AND JOHN CALE TO NEW ARTISTS VACABOU AND MARCONI UNION, WHILE SONICALLY DIVERSE, THEY ALL APPROACH THEIR MUSIC FROM A NEW AND ORIGINAL PERSPECTIVE. THIS IS WHAT MARKS THEM AS ALL SAINTS ARTISTS.

COMPOUNDS AND ELEMENTS IS AN 18-TRACK INTRODUCTION TO ALL SAINTS RECORDS, FEATURING A SELECTION OF WORKS COVERING THE LABEL'S RELEASES TO DATE AND ITS UNPARALLELED ROSTER OF ARTISTS.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Compulation at a Bargin Price.......2007-01-16

Just added this to an order for fun, I enjoy ultra modern music, but not new age, what a miss nomer. I have researched and purchased additional music because of the selects on this CD.

4 out of 5 stars Great Representation.......2007-01-10

"Compounds" is a great representation of this label's acts. I especially liked the John Cale numbers,and of course Eno's contribution. Particularly interesting was Vacabou.All in all,a very good collection and a good buy.

5 out of 5 stars A True Bargain.......2006-08-18

I bought "Distance" by Marconi Union and had this CD as part of the package. I couldn't believe that it was only $2.99, and after listening to it, I still don't believe that it was going for that price. This is an excellent array of talent on a sampler CD, worth many times the price, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to find out what All Saints records is all about.

4 out of 5 stars Cheap, Good..........2006-06-21

Some of the highlights on this compilation are the Eno tracks from The Drop, Nerve Net, and The Shutov Assembly. The non-Eno tracks are consistently good as well, particularly Budd's track from The White Arcades. For a sampler, the album has a really good sequence to it. It has a sort of This Mortal Coil effect on you, where every track is unique but it adds up to a consistent whole. Aural Wallpaper indeed.

5 out of 5 stars Essential ambient music, past and present........2006-06-04

This is a fascinating guide to ambient music, past and future. All the major innovators of the genre are present, Brian Eno, Harold Budd, Jon Hassell and John Cale demonstrate their own unique talents over an array of classic tracks drawn from the All Saints Records back catalogue. However, this is only part of the story, after an extended period of silence All Saints have recently begun releasing albums by new acts and Compounds showcases tracks by two of their recent discoveries including the highly acclaimed, Marconi Union, who contribute their dazzling track, Sleepless to the album, and effectively map out their vision of future directions for this music, while demonstrating just why they are being seen as important new voices on the European electrionic music scene. Alongside this Spanish duo Vacabou add their beguiling brand of trip-hop to the mix and we are left with the sense that ambient music is alive, well and flourishing in safe hands.
Dinner Classics: The Italian Album
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Bravo!
  • Outstanding compilation of the Italian classics,
 Dinner Classics: The Italian Album

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by BoccheriniAll Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by MenottiAll Works by Menotti | Menotti, Gian Carlo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RespighiAll Works by Respighi | Respighi, Ottorino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Menotti, Gian CarloMenotti, Gian Carlo | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0000026XP
Release Date: 1990-05-17

Tracks:

  1. Canzon Septimi Toni No.2
  2. Concerto in E Major, Op. 8, No. 1: I-Allegro From Spring (La primavera)
  3. Overture (Allegro)
  4. from Concerto in G Major for 2 Guitars: I-Allegro
  5. from String Quartet in E Major Op. 13, No. 5: Minuetto
  6. from Sonata for Violin & Guitar: III-Menuetto: Allgretto
  7. from Sonata Concertata in A Major: III-Rondeau
  8. Cantabile for Violin & Guitar
  9. from Concerto for Guitar and Strings Orchestra, Op. 30: II-Andantino Siciliano
  10. Nocturne: Moderato from the ballet La Boutique Fantasque (after Rossini)
  11. from the Sebastian Suite: Barcarolle
  12. Dance for Six (from William Tell)
  13. La Donna E Mobile (from Rigoletto)
  14. Musetta's Waltz (from La Boheme)
  15. O Soave Fanciulla (Love Duet) from La Boheme
  16. Vissi D'Arte (from Tosca)
  17. Intermezzo: Andante Cantabile ( from Fedora)
  18. Introduction to Act I (from La traviata)
  19. Intermezzo (from Cavalleria rusticana)
  20. Celeste Aida (from Aida)
  21. O Mio Babbino Caro (from Gianni Schicchi)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Bravo!.......2000-07-22

I heard this album for the first time at a restuarant in Florence during my trip to Italy. I was surprised it was from the US beacause it has captured the very soul of Italy. After 7 years it has remained my favorite of all Puccini cds I own. I especially like the fact that it is instumental and can be played for many occassions. It never fails to stir the wanderlust for a trip back to Italy! A must for every romantic!

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding compilation of the Italian classics,.......1999-05-01

I have been a music lover for years. This CD introduced some Italian music to me that I was not familiar with. I listen to this music very often...it is almost theraputic in effect. I have never heard more beautiful music together on one CD. You won't regret getting this one!
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Waste of money
  • Great Music Compilation
  • If you like classical music don't buy this CD.
  • A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music
  • A great compilation
 Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

Manufacturer: Utv Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by AlbinoniAll Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vaughan Williams, RalphVaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
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ASIN: B00004GOZA
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

  1. Adagio In G Minor
  2. Jesu, Joy OF Man's Desiring
  3. Moonlight Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
  4. March Of The Toreadors (Carmen)
  5. Celebrated Minuet
  6. Polovtsian Dance No. 1 (Prince Igor)
  7. Cradle Song
  8. 'Minute' Waltz
  9. Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
  10. Largo
  11. Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
  12. Rhapsody In Blue - Andante And Finale
  13. Peer Gynt Suite: Morning
  14. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
  15. Liebestraum
  16. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
  17. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
  18. 'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Rondau (First Symphonic Suite)
  19. The Great Gate Of Kiev

Tracks:

  1. Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
  2. Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
  3. Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
  4. Canon In D
  5. Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
  6. Turandot: Nessun dorma
  7. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
  8. Bolero - Conclusion
  9. The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
  10. William Tell Overture - Finale
  11. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
  12. Gymnopedie No. 3
  13. Ave Maria
  14. Blue Danube Waltz
  15. Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
  16. Firebird Suite - Finale
  17. 1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
  18. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
  19. Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
  20. The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
  21. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

5 out of 5 stars Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

1 out of 5 stars If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

5 out of 5 stars A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

5 out of 5 stars A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.
Mendelssohn: Elijah
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful, but not my first choice
  • THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
  • Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah
 Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
  2. Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
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  5. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
  2. Overture
  3. No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
  4. No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
  5. No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
  6. No.4: If With All Your Hearts
  7. No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
  8. No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
  9. No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
  10. Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
  11. No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
  12. No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
  13. No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
  14. No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
  15. No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
  16. No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
  17. No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
  18. No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
  19. No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
  20. No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
  21. No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
  22. No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
  23. No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

  1. No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
  2. No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
  3. No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
  4. No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
  5. No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
  6. No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
  7. No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
  8. No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
  9. No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
  10. No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
  11. No.31: O Rest In The Lord
  12. No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
  13. No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
  14. No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
  15. No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
  16. No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
  17. No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
  18. No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
  19. No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
  20. No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
  21. No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
  22. No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
  23. No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

5 out of 5 stars THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

4 out of 5 stars Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!
An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ring introduction critique
  • FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE
  • Welcome back to a classic analysis
  • Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle
  • Very Functional
 An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen
Deryck Cooke , Georg Solti , Wiener Philharmoniker , Anita Valkki , Berit Lindholm , Birgit Nilsson , Brigitte Fassbaender , Christa Ludwig , Claire Watson , Claudia Hellmann , Dame Gwyneth Jones , Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau , Eberhard Wächter , George London , Gerhard Stolze , Gottlob Frick , Grace Hoffmann , Gustav Neidlinger , Hans Hotter , Helen Watts , Helga Dernesch , Hetty Plumacher , Ira Malaniuk , James King , Jean Madeira , Joan Sutherland , Kirsten Flagstad , Kurt Böhme , Lucia Popp , Marga Höffgen , Marilyn Tyler , Maureen Guy , Oda Balsborg , Paul Kuen , Régine Crespin , Set Svanholm , Vera Little , Vera Schlosser , Waldemar Kmentt , Walter Kreppel , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000424H
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

  1. Of All Great Musical Compositions... (Examples 1-4)
  2. The Fundamental Symbol... (Examples 5-11)
  3. Returning Now To The Nature Motive... (Examples 6, 12-16)
  4. A Number Of Further Motives... (Examples 5, 17-21)
  5. A Second, Much Smaller Family... (Examples 22-25)
  6. So Much For Nature. (Examples 26-38)
  7. The Cause Of The Deterioration... (Examples 39-44)
  8. The Other Transformation... (Examples 45-48)
  9. Several Other Motives... (Examples 49-52)
  10. Two Further Motives... (Examples 41, 53-61)
  11. The Basic Motive Associated With The Spear... (Examples 62-68)
  12. Along Another, More Complex Line... (Examples 69-72)
  13. In Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 69, 73-75)
  14. Returning Now To Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 76-79)
  15. Love Is Another Of The Central Symbols... (Examples 80-83)
  16. Later In The Same Scene... (Examples 84-87)
  17. Freia's Motive Has Two Independent Segments... (Examples 88-91)
  18. The Label 'Flight'... (Example 92)
  19. When Fasolt, In Scene Two Of Rhinegold... (Examples 93-98)
  20. A Little Later In The Interlude... (Examples 99-103)

Tracks:

  1. The Other New Motive... (Examples 104-109)
  2. There Are Several Independent Love-Motives... (Examples 110-114)
  3. The Characters In Whose Lives... (Examples 115-120)
  4. One Further Motive Belongs... (Example 121)
  5. The Sword Motive Recurs... (Examples 122-130)
  6. Ironically, This Phrase... (Examples 131-135)
  7. Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive... (Examples 136-140)
  8. Here We Come To The End... (Examples 141-146)
  9. Complemtary To This Symbol... (Examples 147-149)
  10. One Last Central Symbol... (Examples 150-157)
  11. One Further Motive Connected... (Examples 158-161)
  12. There Are One Or Two Motives... (Examples 162-168)
  13. These Motives Of Alberich And Mime... (Examples 169-171)
  14. Quite A Number Of The Subsidiary Motives... (Examples 172-176)
  15. Besides This Family Of Motives... (Examples 177-180)
  16. Our Final Example... (Examples 10, 181, 182)
  17. In The Final Scene Of Gotterdammerung... (Examples 181-183)
  18. Even More Masterly... (Examples 184-188)
  19. Now If We Return... (Examples 189-191)
  20. This Masterly Way... (Examples 192, 193)

Amazon.com

When Wagner set the Ring to music, he intended the orchestra to act in the fashion of a chorus from a classic Greek tragedy--setting the mood and commenting on the action. In order to allow a nonverbal musical line to reflect on the plot, Wagner developed a psychologically and musically complex symbology to communicate his thoughts to the listener. From the beginning the Ring has spawned numerous written commentaries on the relationships of the motif structure, but by using examples from the Decca Ring recording, Deryck Cooke's thoughtful spoken commentary is by far the most accessible guide for either the fledgling Ring enthusiast or the seasoned veteran. --Christian C. Rix

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Ring introduction critique.......2006-11-04

This is very worthwhile, at the same time it requires time, patience and attention, but it does provide some keys to better enjoyment of a sensational piece of music.

5 out of 5 stars FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE.......2006-08-16

This may look an intimidating, daunting and dull prospect - a 2+ hour lecture on the motifs in the Ring. Don't be put off. Whether you're a relative novice to the Ring and want to find out what it's all about, more experienced with a desire to understand the composer's methods better or an afficionado who thinks he knows it all inside out, there is great pleasure as well as elucidation to be had from this set. Originally made to accompany the Decca Solti Ring, it contains a multitude of musical illustrations taken from those recordings as well as some specially recorded by Solti just for this Introduction.

It wasn't the first time this has been tried. The famous HMV sets from the late 20's also included recorded examples of over 100 motifs. (These, by the way, are available as part of the Pearl reissue of those wonderful HMV recordings). What that set lacked was the wonderful insights as well as the approachabil