The Best Violin Music

1. Serenade for strings (or piano duet), in C major, Op. 48 Finale: Tema russo
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Munich Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Scholz

2. Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218 Allegro
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Mozart Festival Orchestra with Dalibor Brazda
Conducted by Alfred Scholz

3. String Quartet No. 1 in B flat major ("La chasse"), Op. 1/1, H. 3/1 Presto
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
with Caspar da Salo Quartet

4. Violin Concerto No. 2 in E major, BWV 1042
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Camerata Romana
Conducted by Eugen Duvier

5. Romance for violin & orchestra No. 2 in F major, Op. 50
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Jan Czerkow , Slavonica Philharmonia
Conducted by Alberto Lizzio

6. Concerto Grosso in D major, Op.6/5, HWV 323
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by North German Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Hans Zanotelli

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
Canon In D
Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
Bolero - Conclusion
The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
William Tell Overture - Finale
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Gymnopedie No. 3
Ave Maria
Blue Danube Waltz
Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
Firebird Suite - Finale
1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Best of Andrés Segovia: The Millennium Collection

Average customer rating:

Can't be beat!
Excellent Segovia Disc for Beginners!!!
Virtuoso!
Maybe not "The Best of," but VERY good!

The Best of Andrés Segovia: The Millennium Collection

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spanish Guitar Music
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ASIN: B00068CVGM
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Customer Reviews:

Can't be beat!.......2007-04-07

No classical guitar fan should be without this Segovia cd. Though I have these pieces on other Segovia cd's to have these beautiful pieces on one cd is great. Some of my favorite numbers which I myself play are on it and I can listen to these over and over again to improve my own performance.

Excellent Segovia Disc for Beginners!!!.......2006-08-07

Although I had been familiar with Andres Segovia for pretty much all my life, I never really heard or owned anything by the great Spanish guitar legend until I purchased this - "The Millenium Collection".
After listening to this CD only once, I've come to realize why Segovia is such an innovative legend. Every track on this CD whether it be Bach, Albinez or Rodrigo is performed with great passion and fire. The notes literally cascade from Segovia's fingers as if they were made of paper.
This CD comes as highly recommended for guitar fanatics. Whether you're into rock, jazz or classical, there is plenty of amazing virtouosity heard on this disc that will amaze you.
Segovia's influence can be heard in the playing of anyone from his contemporaries Julian Bream and John Williams to rock legends Eric Clapton and Steve Hackett.
Here, you get to hear the master at work and I must say, it is awesome!!!

Virtuoso!.......2006-04-27

Yes no doubt, he can play.
Very good reasonable price compilation. On the other hand his production is so wide, so it is difficult/impossible to collect one perfect compilation.
Good start to Segovia.
Booklet is good enough.

Maybe not "The Best of," but VERY good!.......2004-12-27

I'll be completely honest, I only have one Andres Segovia album, this one, so I can't say as to how accurate the title of this cd actually is, but i have heard a lot of classical music (and classical guitar), and from this i can draw that this album is great! We all now how great Segovia is, and this album is jam packed with Segovia being, well, great! It starts out with the prelude to the first Bach cello suite. Being both a cellist and a guitarist, its unbelievable hearing the emphasis and phrasing that Segovia uses playing a cello suite on the guitar. It's a great representation of Segovia's innovativeness becaues of one, his phrasing as mentioned, but two, he alters the music to fit his style of playing, and it makes a creative piece of art. The next track is the Bouree from Bach's guitar suite in E minor. Now if you've heard classical guitar, chances are, you've heard this one. It's such a great classic, and Segovia simply makes it all the better. The next track is also a cross over between insturments (from violin), and also Bach, (but most importantly, also Segovia!). Next is a piece for the lute, a rare track, but it's a nice one and Segovia gives it a nice touch. The next track, Recuerdos de la Alhambra, is, in my opinion, the best. It's just such a beatiful piece of music, and the guitar playing will really bring you to tears. The next two are both written by Albeniz. The color of Segovia's tone as well as his technical genious are well represented on these two tracks. Simply unbelievable. The next piece is a fun spanish dance, performed by the greatest classical guitarist ever, from spain! The last few tracks are Segovia with a small orchestra. The piece is 1st class, and its a whole new experience hearing segovia play with other people. There is a lot of energy and fluidity throughout the tracks, and its a great way to show another amazing side to this guitar player. All in all, who knows if it's the best, but Andres Segovia IS the best, and if the music is beatiful, why not? Pick up a copy, you won't be disapointed.

Average customer rating:

Faure Essentials
music inside you
An excellent compilation of Faure's work
Romance
good value

The Best of Fauré
Gabriel Faure , Antonio de Almeida , Jeremy Summerly , John Georgiadis , Keith Clark , Oxford Camerata , Schola Cantorum of Oxford , CSR Symphony Orchestra , Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava) , National Symphony Orchestra , National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland , Colm Carey , Francois-Joel Thiollier , Jean Martin , Pascal Devoyon , Pierre-Alain Volondat , Lisa Beckley , and Dong-Suk Kang
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Erik Satie
Faure: Requiem and other choral music
Fauré: Requiem, Op. 48; Pelléas et Mélisande, Suite, Op. 80; Pavane, Op. 50
Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits
Fauré: Requiem; Messe basse; Cantique de Jean Racine

ASIN: B0000014HU
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

Ouverture - John Georgiadis
Pastorale - John Georgiadis
Trois Romances Sans Paroles, Op. 17, No. 1 In A Flat Major - Jean Martin
Romance, Op. 28 - Pascal Devoyon
Pavane, Op. 50 - Keith Clark
Requiem, Op. 48: Pie Jesu - Lisa Beckley
Prelude - John Georgiadis
Sicilienne - John Georgiadis
Kitty-Valse - John Georgiadis
Tendresse - John Georgiadis
Le Pas Espagnol - John Georgiadis
Barcarolle No. 1 In A Minor, Op. 20 - Pierre-Alain Volondat
Berceuse, Op. 16 - Pascal Devoyon
Reqiem, Op. 48 - In Paradisum - Colm Carey
Shylock, Musique De Sc, Op. 57: Nocturne - John Georgiadis
Ballade In F Sharp Major, Op. 19 - Francois-Joel Thoillier
Ballade - The Best Of Faure

Customer Reviews:

Faure Essentials.......2007-05-29

If you want to persuade someone to listen to Faure then this is the album to begin with. It contains the very best known melodies.

music inside you.......2005-10-01

Have you ever felt music inside you when watching the sun going down, when felling the breeze in your hair, when smelling the grass in a gentle summer night...? The music of this CD may remind you that part of yourself that we may tend to forget in our busy life, liked the words of Celibidache which I liked very much: "the music is not the notes, YOU are the music"!
You would feel in this way, when listening to this CD.

An excellent compilation of Faure's work.......2003-02-15

I bought this cd not knowing anything about Gabriel Faure's music. A local orchestra was planning to perform Masques et Bergamasques, so I picked this cd being the most inexpensive way of buying something I possibly was not going to enjoy. But nothing could be further from the truth. I love this cd! It has such a nice variation of formats: piano concerto (Ballede in F sharp major Op. 19), piano solo (Baracarolle No.1 in A minor, Op. 20), vocal (Requiem, Op. 48), and symphony (Masques et Bergamasques). The music is also well played by various artists...no complaints on the performance side. And if it is true that one becomes the thoughts and vibrations that one allows to enter his or her mind, then by listening to Faure you may find yourself becoming a bit more tender, patient, and even romantic in your ways.

Romance.......2002-11-23

Bought this CD originally because of Romance, but I like it all. This is a new composer for me and I'm glad I found Faure'.

good value.......2002-03-01

i'd recommend this to anyone who wants to get an inexpensive taste for faure's music. The recordings are decent, and the selection is interesting. After this, check out his nocturnes for piano and of course the Requiem.

Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197

Average customer rating:

Great CD!
From Boulder 1972 to New Jersey 2002
Hickin' and clickin'
There has never been another group like these guys.
You will be enjoying this music 25 years from now!!!

Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Last Train to Hicksville
The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
Striking It Rich
Where's the Money?
Beatin' the Heat

ASIN: B000005KPE
Release Date: 1997-06-17

Tracks:

I Feel Like Singing
News From Up The Street
Where's The Money?
The Buzzard Was Their Friend
Reelin Down
Dig A little Deeper
Canned Music
Walkin One And Only
The Innocent Bystander
I Scare Myself
Presently In The Past
You Gotta Believe
I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)
My Old Timey Baby
Sweetheart (Waitress In A Donut Shop)
Long Comma Viper

Customer Reviews:

Great CD!.......2007-01-03

Great performance by a tight hip band and solo artist. Dan's "I Scare Myself" is the best cut on this disk. You'll enjoy it! Dan still got it!

From Boulder 1972 to New Jersey 2002.......2002-03-19

30 years ago (yikes!) I saw Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks at a bar on the Hill in Boulder called Tulagi. Bought the album and listened to it until it died.

Last night "The Sopranos" closed out with "Where's the Money". I went to Amazon to see if just possibly, I could find the CD. How cool that there are 4 to choose from! Still fresh, still toe-tappin', feelin' good music.

Hickin' and clickin'.......2000-10-20

I met Dan in a bar in Philadelphia in '71, it was just before his show. He seemed quiet and pensive. The show began and he transformed the place with his palm tree backdrops and the Lickettes. Their music style was unique even back then, melding 40's swing with country, rock and humor. 30 years later I listen to the songs, a smile spreads across my face and my feet start bopping. As musicians they're really tight. The music is, so from the heart, honest. Attitude is a little Steve Martin with a lot of soul. Treat your self to this album it will definately lift you!

There has never been another group like these guys........2000-03-25

The spring I graduated from high school, my boyfriend and I saw these guys open for Elton John of all people. We couldn't believe our ears. They were the hippest, tightest, swinging-est band we'd ever heard. In fact, most of the audience didn't know what to make of them, but I found a lifelong favorite. Give this disk a listen.

You will be enjoying this music 25 years from now!!!.......1999-10-04

I have enjoyed this musician and entertainer since the 70's. I may put him on the shelf for a while, but I always come back. If you ever get a change to see him, do it.

Average customer rating:

Just perfect
CD The Very Best of James Galway
Not for the serious flautist
The Very Best of James Galway
Lightweight

The Very Best of James Galway
James Galway
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Wind Beneath My Wings
James Galway - Greatest Hits
James Galway ~ Meditations
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The Best Of Jean-Pierre Rampal

ASIN: B000068773
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Canon - James Galway and the Munich Radio Orchestra
Gayane: Sabre Dance - James Galway and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Concertino for Flute and Piano, Op. 107 - James Galway
Song of the Seashore (Hamabe No Uta) - James Galway and the Tokyo String Orchestra
Thais: Meditation - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: Minuet and Badinerie - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Dolly Suite, Op. 76: Berceuse - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Carnival of Venice, Op. 77 - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Suite bergamasque: Clair de Lune - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto No. 2 for Flute & Orchestra, K. 314 in D: Rondeau: Allegro - James Galway and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Sonata in E-Flat, BWV 1031: Siciliana - James Galway
Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance of the Blessed Spirits - James Galway
Peer Gynt, Suite No.1: Morning - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tale of Tsar Saltan: The Flight Of The Bumblebee - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From ''Titanic'') - James Galway and the London Telefilmonic Orchestra
El Condor Pasa (If I Could) - James Galway and the Galway Pops Orchestra
I Will Always Love You - James Galway
Ashokan Farewell - James Galway
The Girl from Ipanema - James Galway
Wind of Change - James Galway with Peter Willison & His Sinfonia Strings
Annie's Song - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Wind Beneath My Wings - James Galway and the Galway Pops Orchestra
Memory (From ''Cats'') - James Galway
Riverdance - James Galway and the Tranquility Strings
Tango del Fuego - James Galway
Beauty and the Beast - ames Galway and the Galway Pops Orchestra
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (From ''The Lion King'') - James Galway and the London Telefilmonic Orchestra
Shenandoah - James Galway and the Nashville String Machine / Shelly Kurland Strings
Waltzing Matilda - James Galway and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Danny Boy - James Galway with The Chieftains and the National Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Just perfect.......2007-01-12

The CD case was in perfect condition; no cracks. The CD plays great and the product came just on time

CD The Very Best of James Galway.......2007-01-10

This was a gift and the receipant loves it. Amazon responded to my order in above average time and I will continue to buy through their website.

Not for the serious flautist.......2006-06-10

Most of the tracks on this CD consist of saccharine fluff, such as Disney, show-tunes, etc. If I buy a flute recording, I want to hear some serious music, not this ghastly schmaltz. And I hate to say it, I'm not a huge fan of Galway's playing style. It's too light and airy, just on the edge of going into overtones. He overuses his vibrato, especially on the higher notes. When you want them to just smoothly soar with rich tone, they just sort of flutter about. He does have impeccable technique and speed, but his tone leaves a lot to be desired, in my opinion. Seek out another artist!

The Very Best of James Galway.......2005-09-23

Really is one of the best of James Galway, if not the very best. Easy listening, soothing, relaxing - easy to enjoy

Lightweight.......2005-08-24

Admirers of James Galway as a superb classical flutist, of whom I am one, should be forewarned that this 2002 release has been packaged by the mass merchandisers for the "crossover" crowd and the mass market: there's slim pickin's here for serious music lovers. The first CD contains brief, lightweight classical "hits" in "arranged" versions, basically encore bonbons, while almost the entire second CD is devoted to ephemeral, forgettable pop fluff. There's not much of substance here; given Galway's vast (over 50 recordings) discography, the classical music lover would be well advised to look elsewhere.

Average customer rating:

Movie Themes CD
"three decades of film composers ~ Simply The Best"

Simply the Best Movie Themes

Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Wings of a Film: The Music of Hans Zimmer

ASIN: B0001CNRL6
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Theme From Mission Impossible - Schifrin
Theme From Gladiator - Zimmer
Hedwig's Theme - Williams
Harry's Wondrous World - Williams
Allegro Moderato - Symphony No. 8 'Unfinished' - Schubert
Suite From Shakespeare In Love - Warbeck
Out Of Africa - Barry
Requiem, Rex Tremendae - Mozart
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4 - Chopin
Suite No. 3 In D, Air On The G String - J.S. Bach
I Will Always Love You - Parton
Symphony No. 40, Molto Allegro - Mozart
Finlandia - Sibelius
My Heart Will Go On - Horner

Tracks:

Theme From Lord Of The Rings - Shore
Overture To All That Jazz - Kander & Ebb
'Trout' Quintet, Theme, Andantino And Variations - Schubert
Prelude No. 15 In D-Flat - Chopin
Windmills Of Your Mind - LeGrand
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - KAMEN
Theme From Schindler's List - Williams
Also Sprach Zarathustra, Excerpt - Strauss
Symphony No. 3, Lento Cantabile - Semplice - Gorecki
Die Walkure, Ride Of The Valkyries - Wagner
Goldberg Variations, Aria Da Capo - J.S. Bach
Theme From License To Kill - KAMEN
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13, 'Pathetique,' Andante Cantabile - Beethoven
Die Another Day - Arnold
Symphony No. 9, Ode To Joy, Excerpt - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Movie Themes CD.......2007-03-10

Very nice CD with beautiful music from past movies. Very relaxing music to listen to.

"three decades of film composers ~ Simply The Best".......2004-03-06

Rhino Movie Music presents "Simply The Best Movie Themes", featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and other various artists ~ within the realm of the following composers David Arnold, John Barry, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Wendy Carlos, Fred Ebb, James Horner, James Newton Howard, Michael Kamen, John Kander, Michel Legrand, Alex North, Basil Poledouris, Howard Shore, Wladyslaw Szpilman, Stephen Warbeck, John Williams and Hans Zimmer ~ each composer has created one or more of the scores in this twenty nine classic line up.

Film scores covering over three decades with "2001:SPACE ODYSSEY", "A CLOCKWORK ORANGE", "APOCALYPSE NOW", "THE BODYGUARD(I Will Always Love You)", "CHICAGO(Overture to All That Jazz), "DIE ANOTHER DAY", "EYES WIDE SHUT", "FEARLESS", "GLADIATOR(Theme)", "HANNIBAL", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Hedwig's Theme)", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Harry's Wondrous World)", "THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER", "JURASSIC PARK:THE LOST WORLD", "LICENSE TO KILL, "LIVING DAYLIGHTS", "THE LORD OF THE RINGS(Theme)", "MINORITY REPORT", "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (Theme)", "OUT OF AFRICA", "THE PIANIST", "ROBIN HOOD, PRINCE OF THIEVES", "SCHINDLER'S LIST", "SE7EN", "SHADOWLANDS", "SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE", "THE SIXTH SENSE", "THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR"and "TITANIC(My Heart Will Go On)" ~ a mixture of original compositions and classics of the old masters. Loaded with not just themes, but full of orchestral arrangements that are fresh and rewarding ~ sure to bring back those special moments from the film.

The presentation is superb with every cue inclusive with spectacular performances from suspense, romance and adventure all rolled into a two disc package. Rhino must be commended on doing such a great job and doing it well. Most serious "film-score-buffs" will welcome this compilation, has many cues available all under one banner ~ Rhino Records...gotta love it!

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Average customer rating:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation
Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices
**An Exquisite Album**
Samples
Great Sampler!

Simply the Best Classical Anthems

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Thunderous Classics
Thunder & Lightning
25 Thunderous Classics
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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B00004SUVI
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
The Planets: Mars
The Ride Of The Valkyries
Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
Fanfare For The Common Man
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
Aida: Grand March
Summer - Four Seasons: Presto
Te Deum: Prelude
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Symphony No. 5: First Movement
Spartacus: Adagio
Sabre Dance
Symphony No. 40: First Movement
Zadok The Priest
Turandot: Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathoustra
Romeo And Juliet: Dance Of The Knights
Requiem: Dies Irae
1812 Overture
Piano Concerto
Spring - Four Seasons: Allegro
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
The Royal Fireworks: La Ruissance From Music
Flight Of The Bumble Bee
Symphonie Fantastique: March To The Scaffold
Carmen: Overture
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Jerusalem
The Planets: Jupiter
Symphony No 9, 'Ode To Joy'
Swan Lake: Scene
Enigma Variations: Nimrod
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini [Variation 18]
Pictures At An Exibitions: Promenade
Symphony For Organ No 3: Finale, Symphony For Organ No 3

Customer Reviews:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation.......2007-06-11

We were concerned after reading some other reviews that this version of Pomp and Circumstance wouldn't be the correct movement or the full length version. This selection has the song for graduation AND the extended length, so it gives plenty of time for processionals. If this is what you need, this is the CD to get.

Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices.......2004-08-13

"Simply the Best Classicial Anthems" is exactly what the title indicates. This is a collection of what the CD says are "36 of the most powerful classics on Earth". My review of this CD comes from someone who is a Classical Music Novice. I'm familiar with some of the composers, musical styles, musical periods, and some of the terminology that is key to understanding Classical Music. By no means am I an expert. I have basically popped in this two CD collection into my player and have enjoyed the sounds it produces. If you are in the same category as I am or maybe just wanting to be introduced to Classical Music - this is going to be a very good CD to have in your collection. For the more seasoned Classical Music fan, this could be either enjoyable or overkill.

The CD contains 36 songs composed by the legends of Classical Music Composers from the past. The bulk of the works come from Composers in the the 19th and 20th century, but there are works from the Romantic and Classical eras of the late 18th and early 19th century (such as Beethoven and Mozart). In general you will find most of the major names of Composers you would expect to find - names such as Tchiakovsky, Handel, Verdi, Strauss, Elgar, and Bach are all there. The only major composer who I would have expected to see on this CD that I don't see is Frederic Chopin. The composers of the late 20th century are not included on this collection - so you won't see Leonard Bernstein or John Williams on this set. While these Composers are excellent, I do think style of the tracks on this collection pre-date their style.

The recordings themselves are done by the great Orchestras around the world. For the most part, European Orchestras were used to deliver the tracks. There are a few exceptions: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra delivers "The Ride of the Valkyries"; The Toronto Symphony Orchestra delivers "Dance of the Knights"; and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra delivers Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Some of the European Orchestras that are well known include: BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Choeur Philhamonique de Strasbourg, and more. Also included are performances by well known names in the Classical space such as Marie-Claire Alain (Bach's "Toccate and Fogue in D Minor" and Saint-Saens' "Symphony for Organ No 3"), Piero Toso (Vivaldi's "Allegro From Spring - Four Seasons"), and Placido Domingo appears on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma".

The 2 Disc collection contains a total of over 2 hours and 6 minutes of music. The selections that are included in the set will sound very familiar to you when you play them. You probably have both heard and seen the names of tracks such as: Oref's "O Fortuna"; Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man"; Beethoven's "First Movement from Symphony Number 5" and "Ode To Joy"; Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Many of the other tracks will also sound familiar, but maybe not so much by name - such as Wagner's "The Ride of the Valkyries", Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathoustra"; Grieg's "Piano Concerto", and "Dies Irae" (versions included by Mozart and Verdi - you can compare the two and judge for yourself). As for the Discs themselves, I think most of the casual fans will like the selections on Disc Two better, but Disc One is still very good. On a sidebar, the Israel Philharmonic's version of "1812 Overture" is by far the best you will hear - particularly at the end, the booming drums create almost a 3 dimensional vision of fireworks being launched into the air.

There one big negative on this collection is some of the recording quality. The clarity of the recording is there, but some of the recording levels leave a lot to be desired. On some of the softer parts, it is barely audible without significantly turning up your volume. This is very evident on "O Fortuna" where you will hear almost dead silence during from the 30 second to 1:30 mark of the track unless you crank your volume up. Same with the first few seconds of Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathoustra" and Tchiakovsky's "1812 Overture". When the volume is cranked up you will hear them - but then the other sections will be way too loud. I'm surprised with modern technology that this couldn't be addressed better.

The liner notes are pretty thin. You do get the Composers, Performers/Orchestras, and recording dates. There isn't any more details than that and you won't learn anymore insight on the tracks than this information. Despite some of the shortcomings of the liner notes and recording volume, I still think this is an excellent place to start and do recommend this CD if you are a novice to Classical Music and are looking for a great place to start listening to what the Classics have to offer.

**An Exquisite Album**.......2004-02-21

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

Simply The Best Classical Anthems is a compilation album of `36 of the most powerful Anthems on Earth'. But, it is also said to be something else. It is said to be a gateway. A gateway to another world. A world where our imagination can run free without being shackled down by any borders or boundaries or rules or limits. A world that we have all seen or perhaps more accurately have all heard of but for many of us a world that we have never dared to enter. Never dared to enter because of fear. The fear of being ostracised and shunned by our community.

THE MYTH
`Classical Music!', I can hear some of you cry. `That isn't another world. That's just music for the upperclass, the high-brow, and the pompous.' Surprisingly, I too felt this way for a long time until I accepted the invitation made to me by Simply The Best Classical Anthems. I always felt that Classical Music was nice to listen to as background music for a Levis ad or a Car ad but I would consider people strange if they chose to hear it on its own. However, after having listened to this album I realised how wrong I was in my assumptions.

THE TRUTH
Music as with all forms of amusement helps to take you away from where you are now. It helps to relax you when you are stressed with anger; it helps to give you strength when you are vulnerable; it helps to keep your spirits up when you have faced tragedy or loss. It helps. And, for me the type of music that best conjures up the most passionate emotions (love, hate, courage and anger) at our most testing times is Classical Music.
How? I don't know.
Why? I don't know.
I can only promise you that in my experience it does.

THE CHEST
The album, in visual terms, is very difficult to overlook amongst the plethora of records that may surround it. This is because the album has a very distinct purple sleeve cover. Not any kind of purple mind you but the Cadbury's kind of purple. The kind of purple that carries with it an invitation. An invitation that if accepted promises you a treasure inside.
And since, I have always enjoyed the treasure within the purple Cadbury's Dairy Milk wrapper, I asked myself why would an album carrying the same invitation promise to be anything different? Thus, I parted with my tuppence worth and went back home to open this purple chest of promised treasures.

THE PROMISED TREASURE
As you may have guessed, the contents of the album are somewhat different to the contents of a Cadbury's bar. When I opened the album, I was presented with two compact discs. At first glance, there did not seem to be anything special about them. They were just your average, everyday, run of the mill compact discs. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed because I suppose I had hoped for something more.
However, looks can be deceptive. (Afterall, a Cadbury's Dairy Milk does not seem very appetising until you taste it!) And, also come November each year, I am always bemused and surprised at how the shabby contents of a cardboard box can both light up the sky and light up the faces of the neighbourhood. Thus, I pushed aside my assumptions and I ignited the discs (not literally of course, I just pressed the play button on the CD player). And, I let the fireworks begin.

THE KEY
From the very beginning, you will feel like you have unlocked the doorway to something special. And, after a full two hours of listening to both discs, you will feel like you have been taken out of this world and transported to another. Welcome to the world of Classical Music.

GUIDANCE
In the beginning, continue to listen to both discs in one go (i.e. one after the other). After a while, you will know which tracks you enjoy listening to the most. For those tracks you enjoyed the most make a promise to yourself that you will listen to the whole of the piece from which that track came from.
Good Luck on your quest if you choose to accept it.
Ride amongst the Valkyries, listen to the Flight of the Bumblebees, and use The Planets to keep you on the path.

I am not a good reviewer because as with all of my reviews I refuse to comment too much about what is inside the product but rather more about what effect the product has had on me. (Me, me, me. Vain & Egotistic, I know, so my friends and family keep telling me). But, I just want to cause a raucous about the product, enough not to spoil but enough of a raucous to let you experience it for yourself.

So my final words are:
Simply The Best Classical Anthems is an invitation. An invitation to the world of classical music. A world where you can begin a never-ending quest of curiosity. A curiosity that will always be rewarded with fulfilment.

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

Samples.......2003-11-23

The samples are too short and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Having said that the choices are wonderful and the price is great. If you're looking for a overview of the best of classical music then this is for you. However if it's quality you're looking for then spent the extra money and look at other choices.

Great Sampler!.......2002-03-20

This is a good sampler, since it covers what you would want in a classical music CD. Looking at the tracks, it has the classic hits, such as "Ride of the Valkyries," "Toccata and Fugue," "Fanfare for the Common Man," "'Jupiter' from `The Planets,'" "Eine Klein Nachtmusik," and "Hallelujah Chorus."

There are also some new pieces that I have fallen in love with, such as "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," "'Promenade' from Pictures at an Exhibition." The compilers did an interesting double take by including both Verdi's and Mozart's "Dies Ire." I'm not sure which is better.

This music is good for the brain and good for the soul. There is a power and passion that the blaring and glaring music that makes up most of the FM band. I'm reminded of the religious man who said that there is no music in hell. Probably because they wouldn't appreciate it there.

Tracks:

Vespers Of The Blessed Virgin: Deus in adjutorium - Monteverdi
Canzon V - Canadian Brass
Canon In D - Pachelbel
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Overture - Mozart
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Non Piu Andrai - Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Mozart
Exultate Jubilate: Alleluia - Mozart
Piano sonata in A major: Rondo Alla Turca - Mozart
The Four Seasons: I - Allegro (Spring) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: II - Largo (Winter) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: III - Presto (Summer) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: IV - Allegro (Autumn) - Canadian Brass
Contrapunctus I (Andante Sostenuto) - Bach
Contrapunctus XIII (Rectus, Allegro Spiritoso) - Bach
Basin Street Blues - Canadian Brass
Chinatown, My Chinatown - Canadian Brass
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional
The Saints' Halleluja - Canadian Brass

Customer Reviews:

A Must!.......2004-12-28

This is a must have for any fan of brass instrumentals. (Especially if you are a fan of the Canadian Brass.)

great music.......2000-12-18

I just bought this cd yesterday and i love it already. as a trumpeter, i can really enjoy and appreciate the music they perform. i was quite intrigued hearing canon in D (currently playing right now on my stereo), et al.

The one you need.......2000-06-26

If you are to buy only 1 CD for Brass Enemble, Get this! It captured the BEST of the Candian Brass (one of the top brass enemble in the world). It has all the nice tunes, e.g. Four Seasons, Cannon in D, etc. Strongly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Glorious Collection of the Baroque

The Best of Baroque Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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25 Baroque Favorites
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ASIN: B0000013J0
Release Date: 1993-02-04

Tracks:

Air (No.3) From 'Suite In C Major'
Badinerie From 'Suite No.2'
Second Movement From 'Converto For 2 Niolins, BWV 1043
Allegro Finale from 'Fireworks Music'
Adagio From 'Oboe Concerto In C Minor'
Presto from 'Water Music'
Larghetto From 'Xerxes
Allegro From 'Concerto No.1, Op.8, 'Spring'
'Giazotto - Adagio In G Minor'
Allegro From 'Concerto In B-Flat For 2 Trumpets'
Pastorale From 'Concerto grosso, No.8, Op.6, 'Christmas Concerto'
Allegro From 'Autumn' 'The Four Seasons'
Andante From 'Concerto For Viola'
Allegro From 'Concerto grosso, No.12'

Customer Reviews:

Glorious Collection of the Baroque.......2003-12-30

For those of us who love baroque, this is just an exquisite collection of some of the best, fourteen to be precise.

From Bach to Handel to Vivaldi to Telemann, plus Albinoni, Corelli and Marcello, this is awesome. There is great variety of instrument emphasis, from strings to winds, and organ.

Most of these are very well known, but there for me were several new entries on my baroque favs now, including Handel's Larghetto from "Xerxes" with its great oboe solo.

What a bargain! Baroque lovers rejoice and indulge!

Music Review: