The Moldau

1. Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride), opera, JB 1:100 Overture
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

2. Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride), opera, JB 1:100 Act 1 Polka
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

3. Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride), opera, JB 1:100 Act 2 Furiant
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

4. Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride), opera, JB 1:100 Act 3 Dance of The Comedians
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

5. Romance for violin & orchestra in F minor (arr. from Andante of Str Qrt No. 5), B. 39 (Op. 11)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

6. Silent Woods (Klid), for cello & orchestra (arr. from From the Bohemian Forest, B. 133), B. 182 (Op. 68/5)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

7. Vltava (The Moldau), symphonic poem (Má Vlast No. 2), JB 1:112/2
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

8. The Merry Blacksmiths (Die Lustigen Dorfschmiede) Op 218
Composed by Julius Fucik
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

9. Hussite Overture (Husitska dramaticka ouvertura) for orchestra, B. 132 (Op. 67)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

10. Valse triste, for orchestra (from Tale of Simple Johnny)
Composed by Oskar Nedbal
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Libor Pesek

11. The Bear With A Sore Head (Der Alte Brummbar), Op 210
Composed by Julius Fucik
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with Alan Pendlebury
Conducted by Libor Pesek

12. Entry of the Gladiators (Einzug der Gladiatoren), march for orchestra, Op. 68
Composed by Julius Fucik
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with Alan Pendlebury
Conducted by Libor Pesek

Tracks:

Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
Spring Song
Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
Canon
The Moldau
Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
Symphony No.9, New World
Fur Elise, WoO 59
The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
Kinderscene, Op.15
Waltz No.15, Lullaby

Product Description

The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with ?Ç£Twinkle, Twinkle?Ç¥ variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' ?Ç£Lullaby?Ç¥ tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

Customer Reviews:

Lame.......2007-07-22

I was really disappointed in this CD. I was expecting a toned-down version of real classical music, but it sounds really fake and tinkley and weird. Not soothing at all.

Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Not soothing.......2007-06-07

These synthesizer versions of classical songs get really old, really fast. Worse yet, the songs are sometimes not soothing at all, especially the very first song. The song seems to get particularly loud and uptempo, which is precisely what you don't expect in a lullaby. Please listen to the sample of the first song at least before you buy.

Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72

Average customer rating:

Obra-prima
Magical
I enjoyed it.
Beautiful...

Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Symphonie Fantastique
Dvorak: 3 Great Symphonies

ASIN: B000001G4X
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Moldau (Vitava): The Moldau (Vltava)
From Bohemia's Meadows And Forests
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 1 in C Major: Presto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 2 In E Minor: Allegretto Schezando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 3 In A Flat Major: Poco Allegro
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 4 In F Major: Tempo di Minuetto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.6 In D Major: Allegretto Scherzando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.7 In C Minor: Alegro assai
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.2 in E minor: Allegretto Grazioso
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.8 In A Flat Mijor: Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo, quasi Tempo di Valse

Customer Reviews:

Obra-prima.......2007-05-13

Smetana não é muito difundido, mas "O Moldávia", parte integrante do poema sinfônico "Minha Pátria", é uma obra-prima da música clássica. Ao que parece, Rafael Kubelik, tanto no comando da sinfônica de Boston, quanto da orquestra sinfônica da rádio Bávara, dão um show de interpretação e lirismo. A gravação, como era esperado, não é boa, pois é muito antiga, mas artisticamenté a composição e execução são piramidais. Existem vários cds com esta obra com Rafael Kubelik, variando muito a técnica de gravação, mas a música em si é difícil de esquecer, eu mesmo fico com a melodia na minha cabeça todos os dias. Tem um cd da Mercury que nem estéreo é, contendo o poema completo, é magnífico, mesmo com chiados. Imperdível todos eles.

Magical.......2003-10-12

While listening to this CD, I had the undeniable feeling that I was outside breathing in the fresh air, relaxing in the sunshine listening to the sounds of a babbling brook and this glorious music!

I enjoyed it........2001-12-17

I enjoyed it, that's about all I can say. Couldn't fault it.

Beautiful..........2000-07-08

I love "The Moldau". It is one of the most prettiest works by Smetna. I still get chills from repeated listening.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Evolution: Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Dvorák: Symphonie No. 9; Smetana: Moldau

Average customer rating:

Beautiful melodies
top notch
Excellent recording and a fine effort by old man Karajan
Five stars for the sound
The "New World" Symphony

Dvorák: Symphonie No. 9; Smetana: Moldau

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky / Karajan, Rostropovich,
Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites/ Holberg Suite
Bizet: L'Arlesienne / Carmen Suites
Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO

ASIN: B000001GJU
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Adagio - Allegro Molto
Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Largo
Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Molto Vivace
Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Allegro Con Fuoco
Die Moldau

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful melodies.......2007-05-17

I'm obviously not as "into" classical music as I should be as I wasn't familiar with The New World Symphony until I happened to hear the National Symphony perform it in March 2007. But it's a beautiful piece of music with not one, but several, beautiful melodic lines that I recognized, but hadn't previously associated with this piece of music. "Oh, that's from the New World Symphony!" It's gorgeous stuff.

One thing that's sort of interesting about this symphony is that Dvorak doesn't repeat his melodic themes very often. There are some beautiful strains, but you'd best catch them when they arise because he clearly doesn't have a lot of repeats built into the score. On the plus side, this characteristic of the music encourages re-playing the CD.

Let me also say a few words about Smetana's "Moldau." This CD is more expensive than some other "New World" CDs, but I think it's worth the price premium due to "Moldau." "Moldau" is, as I understand it, the national song of the Czech Republic. It's a lovely tune, you can almost hear the river flowing through Prague.

I've found myself playing this CD a lot, which is the ultimate testimony to its virtues.

top notch.......2005-10-21

The Smetana on this CD was the highpoint for me. The Dvorak is a great work and I have heard many excellent productions of it. This one is very enjoyable and the sound is fabulous. All soloists are clearly heard and the stereo image is great. The surprise for me was the Smetana which it turns out is a lovely piece of music played and recorded beautifully here. The beginning in which he tries to reproduce the movement of water in a stream is captivating. That is followed by one of the more hummable tunes I have encountered in music. Recommended highly.

Excellent recording and a fine effort by old man Karajan.......2005-09-24

I don't need to tell you anything about the music, you'd have to have lived in a cave for your entire life to have never heard this. A few points on the performance - excellent pacing, great sound and the brass in the final movement is room-shaking. A great version for sure, with the added bonus of Smetana's Die Moldau from his symphonic poem, Ma Vlast. Kubelik's and Kertesz's readings of the 9th are probably better and more individualistic, but in terms of sonics this recording blows those out of the water. Expensive but worth every penny.

Five stars for the sound.......2002-11-18

In his final days Herbert von Karajan was just crankin' 'em out, sometimes his third or fourth reading of a certain piece, just to try and get as much of his repertoire recorded digitally as possible. This recording - which was also used for one of his Telemondial video productions - is one of those. The Vienna Philharmonic the ensemble used this time after his fallout with the Berliners shortly before. I've had older renditions of this work on vinyl recorded with the Berlin Phil that were quite exceptional. I've always thought, why not just digitally re-master a 20 or 30-year-old recording from the late 50's through the early 70's when he was really in his prime, as opposed to issuing another rendition just to make a digital version of it? Nonetheless, these are still very fine readings of The Dvorak and the Smetana, and after reviewing a library copy, I would still be tempted to buy myself one of this 1985 issue just for the sound quality alone. The Deutsche Grammophon Original-Image Bit-Processing digital sound on this recording will blow you away.

The "New World" Symphony.......2000-04-07

I have heard a few other recordings of this symphony, but I am no musicologist. As soon as I heard this recording, though, I never went back to any other disc. Karajan's majestic control and depth of exploration, two of his many magnificent hallmarks, are beyond sublime. I consider the "New World" Symphony and the "Moldau" some of the most powerful music ever written, and Karajan presents this awesome quality with such natural ease as he always does. The Vienna Philharmonic is not one whit behind him, and this stellar, long-venerated orchestra delivers a flawless recording.

Liszt: Les Preludes, Mazeppa, Ungarische Rhapsodie No.4, Smetana: Vysehrad, Die Moldau

Average customer rating:

Run-of-the-mill
Excelente
Excellent
Bold and Brilliant

Liszt: Les Preludes, Mazeppa, Ungarische Rhapsodie No.4, Smetana: Vysehrad, Die Moldau

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Franck: Symphony in Dm; Chasseur maudit
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO

ASIN: B000001GQA
Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

Die Moldau aus dem Zyklus Symphonischer Dichtungen 'Mein Vaterland'
Vysehrad aus dem Zyklus Symphonischer Dichtungen 'Mein Vaterland'
Les Preludes Symphonische Dichtung Nr. 3 fur grosses Orchester
Mazeppa Symphonische Dichtung Nr. 6
Ungarische Rhapsodie Nr. 4

Customer Reviews:

Run-of-the-mill.......2007-01-18

I think these tone poems require more passion and emotion than von Karajan exhibits. I was prepared to enjoy these selections but came away disappointed. The sound was good and the notes were played, but the interpretation didn't reach me emotionally. Les Preludes crashed away at me and the Hungarian Rhapsody seemed unduly lethargic. The Smetana pieces also had a paint-by-the-numbers feel. It felt like van Karajan was holding something back even as the orchestra played on.

Excelente.......2004-12-10

Mi director favorito es Eugene Ormandy pero de ningun modo podre y yo creo que otra persona podra desmerecer el valor de la excelencia de la dictadora mano de Karajan y el sonido envidiable de su Berliner Philharmoniker.
Estas grabaciones que poseo en un LP y que ahora tengo en CD son geniales el sonido espectacular DG logra lo mejor en estos registros sensacionales.
Karajan nos lleva con inmensa sutileza por el moldava, nos remece con el Vysehrad, nos conmueve con la increible Mazeppa, el magnifico Les Preludes y finalmente con la sublime Rapasodia Hungara Nº4.
Es verdaderamente genial y nada que decir casi perfecto.
Para Mazeppa Kurt Masur la mejor opcion, para Les preludes Haitink el mejor, Para Smetana y su ciclo sinfonico Antal Dorati es grandioso.

Excellent.......2002-06-11

I guess i'm just big on classical because i dont find very much classical out there that is bad. This is one of the best from Franz Liszt. He was a master on the piano, but as shown though both the hungarian rhapsodies and les preludes, he had a wonderful understanding of the orchestra as a whole.

Bold and Brilliant.......2001-11-06

The Deutsche-Grammophon label rarely ever disappoints, and this album is a great example. This is an old recording, and it has stuck around because it is truly great. I first heard it listening to my dad's old LP, and when I saw it in the store on CD, I snatched it up.

That said, I have mixed feelings about Karajan. I mostly enjoy his recordings. He has a controlled, dispassionate approach to his music that makes it a bit passive at times, but Karajan gets past that by letting the music speak for itself. Instead of muddling a great piece with silly interpretative ideas, his calm style lets the composers' ideas come across unscathed.

The Moldeau, also known as Vltava is a great rendition, as is Les Preludes. Karajan renders them masterfully, as I said, letting the majesty of these glorious pieces shine through. I was surprised by the orchestral version of the Hungarian Rhapsody, but it is a good performance, although I am partial to the original piano.

Tracks:

The Moldau
Romeo And Juliet: Andante Not Tanto, Quasi Moderato-Allegro-Molto Meno Mosso-Allegro Giusto... - LPO/Laurence Siegel
Les Prlds
Bolero - Hungarian Nat PO/Adam Fischer

Customer Reviews:

Best Moldau available.......2000-09-29

If you've been looking for the version of Smetana's Moldau that all the Classical Radio stations play, THIS IS IT! Best version of Moldau on the market! I bought this in cassette tape version years ago but lost it and have been searching for it ever since. The Bolero is also awesome, (shades of Disney's original film Fantasia, the dinosaur story). If you like Classical music but are a novice like me, this is a great survey of varying styles by the best composers. Romeo and Juliet needs no introduction. It's fabulous.

Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music (Collectors Edition) (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music (Collectors Edition) (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008L428
Release Date: 2003-02-13

Average customer rating:

Stokowski In His Element

Rhapsodies [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009U55T2
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Customer Reviews:

Stokowski In His Element.......2006-06-10

While I am not partial to Wagner or Liszt, the glory of these performances is found in the compositions of Enescu and Smetana. Often dismissed because of his theatricality, here Stokowski shines with brilliance in music so suited to his flamboyant, some would say gushy, nature. The Moldau flows beautifully along its varied course under this capable baton, filled with the vitality of a first-time hearing of this familiar but wonderful standard. Not so well known to all is the Enescu Roumanian Rhapsody. Stokowski imbues such diverse coloration and rhythmic insistance as to mesmerise on each listening. More than an historical document, these recordings could well become your favorite performances of these works. Though recorded before the age of DDD digital techniques, the sound is brilliant, realistic and energizing. Available in both hybrid SACD and standard CD formats. Most highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

The Best Of Karajan At A Cheap Price! Wow!
WONDERFUL COLLECTION.........
Enchanting!
A music lover's dream

Romantic Adagio: Karajan

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
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Binding: Audio CD

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Karajan: Adagio
Adagio 2
Karajan Forever: The Greatest Classical Hits

ASIN: B000001GS6
Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo sinfonico
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Romeo And Juliet: Love Theme
Les Sylphides: Nocturne
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance
Vltava (The Moldau)
Scheherazade: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Coppelia: Ballad
From Holberg's Time: Sarabande
Serenade For String Orchestra: Moderato
Carmen: Entr'acte III
Tristan And Isolde: Isoldes Liebestod - Wagner

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Karajan At A Cheap Price! Wow!.......2005-08-15

Close to perfect, really, if at least one track included Beethoven's Ninth Symphony "Ode To Joy" or other Karajan-conducted slow movements from symphonies. Also if Ravel's Bolero or Debussy's La Mer were on here. This is truly an incomparable collection at the very affordable price of about 2-3 dollars. Karajan's magical interpretations of adagios are gloriously showcased. Karajan was without a doubt the greatest conductor immediately after the loss of Arturo Toscanini, who is still hailed as the number one conductor of all time. Karajan, like Toscanini, were giants of classical music, making the music such a powerful and emotional experience that it was as if they had written the pieces themselves. Karajan was so involved with the music he conducted that he was able to conduct with his eyes closed. He FELT the music and was genuinely passionate about conducting. In adagios, the more relaxed, sustained and lyrical aspects of the music is exposed as is the more graceful conducting of Karajan.

The music included here is the moving and very Italianate Intermezzo from the opera Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni. Karajan really delivers here and is a fine first track to begin with. It's followed by the elegantly-executed Barcarolle, complete with nocturnal and watery modes from the Offenbach opera, The Tales of Hoffman. The Love Theme from the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Tchaikovsky is priceless music and Tchaikovsky really steps up the emotional impact of the work. More charming and genteel phrasing is used in the music for the ballet Les Sylphides, with music from Chopin arranged for orchestra and for the Romanza in Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

I have never heard the true "Moldau" by Smetana until I heard it here. Under Karajan's baton, the river comes alive and the journey is much more compelling. The theme for the Young Prince and Princess from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade" is simply gorgeous, full of romantic Russian-ism. Karajan takes us to the time of Holberg in Grieg's Holberg Suite in a fine interpretation of the Sarabande. Karajan conducting Dvorak's String Serenade in E major is noble. The final tracks are perhaps the most musically masterful, eventhough all the previous pieces were well-executed even if they are not bigger in scope. The Carmen music- Overture and Preludes are remarkable. Karajan is in fine form and the music is crisp, powerful and colorful. Karajan knew Carmen. How this proudly Austrian man knew how to bring out the magnetism of a French piece like Carmen is beyond me. He in fact conduced the best Carmen performances at the Salzburg Festival, the ones with Grace Bumbry and Jon Vickers in the late 60's.

Finally, the last piece is the Liebestod, the Finale from Wagner's great opera Tristan and Isolde. Now, if anything, get this cheap album for that !! You have not heard the Liebestod until you've heard it conducted by Karajan. In this recording, he is already a seasoned conductor with years of experience since his young conductor days in the 30's and 40's. Judging ffrom the cover in which his hair is white and his face is wrinkled I can discern this is a probably an 80's recording when he was in his old age (because Karajan began seriously recording for labels in the 80's most people assumed he was always white-haired). His interpretation of the Liebestod is powerful, and deeply spiritual, withou sounding affected or melodramatic. He is in full control of the music. He knew Wagner through the music. Isolde's final aria has been likened to an orgasm or to a spiritual transformation by music scholars. Karajan brings out every bit of this theory in his rendition. A young Karajan conducting the Liebestod is harder to find, but its probably preferable to go with this version since by this time he knew the Liebestod inside and out. It's breathtaking and climatic. It's the best piece of music ever and the best of Karajan's repertoire.

WONDERFUL COLLECTION................2002-03-13

THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR
MUSIC WRITTEN. HERBERT VON KARAJAN IS AT HIS USUAL BEST. THIS IS A GREAT CD TO READ BY OR JUST SIT AND LISTEN TOO. I HIGHLY
RECOMMEND IT...

Enchanting!.......2001-01-11

This is the rare CD that will appeal to newcomers and afficionados alike. For a lover of classical music, it is often annoying to hear parts of a composition played out of context from the main piece but this is alleviated by the choice of music on this disc. As the name itself indicates, the selected pieces are highly melodic slow movements from masters of the genre. The composers on this CD need no introduction and the selection is by and large superb, with only one jarring note. Mascagni's Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, Chopin's Nocturne from Les Sylphides, Tchaikovsky's Theme from Romeo & Juliet, Korsakov's Theme from Scheherazade, Dvorak's Moderato and of course Mozart's Romance from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik are melodies that live forever and the others are not far behind, with the possible execption of Smetana's Vltava which does not quite fit in with the overall theme of the disc. The icing on the cake of course is that the performances are by none other than the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan's baton. What more can one ask for? A perfect disc to listen to on a lazy evening or after a hard day's work. And for a newcomer to classical music, this disc is an excellent sampler that will whet the appetite for more.

A music lover's dream.......2000-04-30

The CD has all the lushness and slow tempi (adagio, of course) for which Karajan was renowned (and sometimes reviled). Every track is a gem, from the graceful ballet music of Les Sylphides to the opulent melody from Scheherazade. Particularly exquisite is the Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde. All in all, a beautiful listening experience, and highly recommended.