Holst: Choral Fantasia

1. A Choral Fantasia, for soprano, chorus, organ, strings, brass & percussion, Op. 51, H. 177
Composed by Gustav Holst
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with John Birch , Lynne Dawson
Conducted by Hilary Dawn Wetton

2. First Choral Symphony, for soprano, chorus & orchestra, Op. 41, H. 155
Composed by Gustav Holst
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with John Birch , Lynne Dawson
Conducted by Hilary Dawn Wetton

Product Description

Amazon.com
Ever been curious to hear a musical setting of Keats's "Ode on a Grecian Urn"? Well here's your chance. It's the second movement of Holst's First Choral Symphony (although he called it "First," there was never a second). You know the poem: "Beauty is truth and truth, beauty...." This is a highly enjoyable piece, and in sections of the first and third movement, the composer of The Planets makes some sounds that recall his most popular work. But there's much more to Holst than space music. He was a master at writing for chorus, his word setting always highly colorful and never stiff or "Victorian" sounding. This performance is the best available, so if you're intrigued, go for it. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Sheep May Safely Graze From Cantata No.208 (Arr. Marriner)
Clarinet Concerto In A K622 Ii. Adagio Sabine Meyer
Concerto For Two Mandolins In G Rv532 Ii. Andante Europa Galante
Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis (Opening)
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor Op.18 Ii. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening)
Memories Of The Alhambra
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op.85 Iii. Adagio
Fellowship From The Film The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring
Lark Ascending (Opening)
Agnus Dei From The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace
Emperor Concerto Op.73 Ii. Adagio (Trans. Craig Leon)
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor Op.26 Ii. Adagio (Opening)
Voca Me
Nimrod From Enigma Variations
Symphony No.6 In F Pastoral Op.68 V. Allegretto (Shepherds Hymn)
Four Seasons Concerto No.4 In F Minor Winter (Ii. Largo)
Serenade In G Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K525 Ii. Romanza (Andante)
Double Violin Concerto In D Minor Bwv1043 Ii. Largo Ma Non Tanto (Opening)
Miserere Mei, Deus (Extract)
Violin Concerto In E Minor Op.64 Ii. Andante (Extract)
Jesu, Joy Of ManS Desiring From Cantata No.147
Pavane
Dome Epais (Flower Duet) From Lakme
Flute & Harp Concerto In C K299 Ii. Andantino (Extract)
Lascia ChIo Pianga From Rinaldo (Arr. Craig Leon & Isobel Cooper)
Guitar Concerto In D (Arr. Emilio Pujol; Ed. Isbin) Ii. Largo
Piano Concerto No.21 In C Elvira Madigan K467 Ii. Andante (Extract)
Pie Jesu From Requiem
EntrActe To Act Iii From Carmen
Ii. Romance: Larghetto (Opening)
16 In Paradisum From Requiem Op.48
Pathetique Sonata Op.13 Ii. Adagio Cantabile
Intermezzo From Cavalleria Rusticana
GabrielS Oboe From The Film The Mission
Air On The G String From Suite No.3 In D, Bwv1068
Morning From Peer Gynt Incidental Music Op.23
Balcony Scene From The Film William ShakespeareS Romeo & Juliet
Canon In D
Gymnopedie No.1 (Lent Et Douloureux)
Clair De Lune From Suite Bergamasque (Orch. Stokowski)
SchindlerS List Theme From The Film SchindlerS List
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Variation 18
10 Adagio For Strings Op.11a
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor Moonlight Op.27 No.2
Symphony No.9 From The New World Ii. Largo (Opening)
Romance From The Film The Gadfly
Piano Concerto In A Minor Ii. Adagio
Cavatina From The Film The Deer Hunter
O Mio Babbino Caro From Gianni Schicchi
Venus From The Planets (Conclusion)
Ion Hort Die Whter Singen From Cantata No.140
Adagio In G Minor (Realised Giazotto)
Keyboard Concerto No. 5 In F Minor Bwv1056 Ii. Largo
Confutatis From Requiem
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits From Orpheus & Eurydice
Water Music Air From Suite No.1 In F
Fantasia On Greensleeves From Sir John In Love (Arr. Greaves)
Gnossienne No.1
Swan From The Carnival Of The Animals (Arr. Chris Hazell)
Ashokan Farewell
Cantique De Jean Racine
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor Op. Posth
Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) From Serse
Concierto De Aranjuez Ii. Adagio (Opening)
Pie Jesu From Requiem
Meditation From Thais
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Op.102 Ii. Andante
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor Iv. Adagietto (Conclusion)
My Heart Will Go On (Arr. Shearman) From The Film Titanic

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Best collection of Relaxing-meditative classical music.......2007-07-23

ONe of the best CD music investments I have made. Use it primarily for relaxation/meditation but it will also work well with massage environment.
It goes from spine tingling inspirational to soothing and relaxing. Totally shifts my conciousness to a higher plane.

Holst: The Cloud Messenger; A Choral Fantasia; Part-Songs

Average customer rating:

More than just choral works
Get This For the Hymn of Jesus
An important record of lesser known choral works . . .

Holst: The Cloud Messenger; A Choral Fantasia; Part-Songs

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
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Holst: Orchestral Works
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ASIN: B00000IYN5
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'O Thou, Who Com'st From Heaven's King' - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'Tarry Not, O Cloud, Tarry Not. Rushing Northward ...' - - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'Tarry Not, O Cloud, Tarry Not.' - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'Tarry Not, O Cloud. Bow Thy Head' - - G. HOLST
The Cloud Messenger, H111: 'When The Dancers Are Weary ...' - G. HOLST
The Hymn Of Jesus, H140: Prelude - - G. HOLST
The Hymn Of Jesus, H140: The Hymn - G. HOLST
Ave Maria, H49 - G. HOLST
The Evening-watch, H159 - G. HOLST

Tracks:

Seven Part-Songs, H162: Say Who Is This? - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: O Love, I Complain - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Angel Spirits Of Sleep - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: When First We Met - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Sorrow And Joy - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Love On My Heart From Heaven Fell - Gustav Holst
Seven Part-Songs, H162: Assemble, All Ye Maidens - Gustav Holst
A Choral Fantasia, H177 - Gustav Holst
City Of London Sinfonia: A Dirge For Two Veterans, H121 - Gustav Holst
Ode to Death, H144 - Gustav Holst
This Have I Done For My True Love, H128 - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: O Lady, Leave That Silken Thread - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: Soft And Gently - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: The Autumn Is Old - Gustav Holst
Four Part-Songs: Winter And The Birds - Gustav Holst

Customer Reviews:

More than just choral works.......2006-04-20

These choral works from Gustav Holst are as striking as the Planets. They are like two dozen angels singing with heavenly glory. A Choral Fantasia, The Cloud Messenger and The Hymn of Jesus are excellent; superb playing from the London Symphony, breathtaking and articulate singing from the Chorus. Ode to Death & A Dirge for Two Veterans are absolutely haunting. The Part-songs are worth the listen, and the Ave Maria and the Motets sound fresh and fabulous.

If you are a fan of Holst's Planets, then you'll be an immediate fan of his choral works once you start listening to The Cloud Messenger.

Get This For the Hymn of Jesus.......2002-09-07

How many of you are sick of the Planets! I know I am, as marvelous as I find that work. Holst was a much more varied and talented composer than that work reveals. On this disc you can hear a wide variety of Holst's choral music and judge for yourself.

I can only comment on half this disc, as I own the Cloud Messanger and the Hymn of Jesus only in an earlier incarnation. The Cloud Messanger is a massive work based on an Hindu text. It is of variable quality...Holst himself flet that it was not wholy a success and supressed further performances of it in his lifetime. But the passages that are good are stunning indeed, and Hickox and crew make a strong case for the work.

The reason to get this CD is for the Hymn of Jesus. This is the best performance of the best work that Holst composed. The Hymn of Jesus is based on Holst's own translation of a passage from the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas ( some sources claim the Acts of John as the origin of this text, but I'm pretty sure I have it in my copy of the Gospel of Thomas, which had recently been discovered at the time.)These Gnostic texts so intrigued Holst that he studied Greek just to be able to read it in the original. The work begins with a beautiful, atmospheric prelude based on two Sarum chants, Panea Lingua and a resplendant Vexilla Regis in the boy choir. Then there is a massive choral invocation to God and the Hymn is sung. This text is also known as the Round Dance of Jesus, and Holst goes for the dance in the piece, with a splendid section in 5/4 which must have frightened the Edwardian audience at the work's premiere. Tightly organized and stunning in it's choral effects, this version of the work surpasses even the fine old recording by Sir Charles Grove.

I can't comment on the performances of the other works on the second disc, but know that the Ode to Death is haunting and the Choral Fantasia is a major work worth hearing. But the reason to buy this album is for the Hymn. It's a stunning and neglected masterpiece in the English choral tradition.

An important record of lesser known choral works . . ........2000-08-08

. . . but I wish they'd used a large choral force.

My primary interest in this CD was the recording of the relatively recently re-discovered (1984) major choral work "The Cloud Messenger." From Holst's "India" period, this is a stunningly beautiful "painting" of the Khalidasa 6th Century A.D. lyric poem, "Meghaduta" ("Cloud Messenger"), the lament of an exiled yaksa who is pining for his beloved on a lonely mountain peak. When, at the beginning of the monsoon, a cloud perches on the peak, he asks it to deliver a message to his love in the Himalayan city of Alaka. Most of the poem consists of a description of the landmarks, cities, and terrain on the cloud's route to Alaka, interspersed with admonishments to the cloud to "Tarry not!" It is only at the end that we are finally aware of the message itself -- one intended to comfort the yaksa's wife in her loneliness.

I had the privilege of singing the U.S. premiere of this work in 1996 with Masterworks Chorale in San Mateo, CA, a chorus of about 150 auditioned singers. This work needs such a large choral force, and a conductor who can deal with the inherent drama in the text. We had both, and the performance was a stunning success. (It was the final work on a program that opened with Debussy's "La damoiselle Elue" for women's voices and mezzo-soprano and soprano soloists; and Brahms' "Alto Rhapsody" for men's voices and mezzo-soprano soloist. "The Cloud Messenger" also includes a mezzo-soprano soloist.)

My biggest complaint with this recording is the dynamics. The entire work seems to be performed at about mf+, occasionally venturing into f and mp. Unfortunately, this doesn't do justice to the drama. The opening, for example, needs to grow from the first ppp gentle raindrops, building as the cloud builds in strength, to a glorious ff choral introduction of the main character, the cloud: "O Thou, who com'st from heaven's king! scion of a noble race! who wearest wondrous forms at will!"

There are parts of this work that beg for a lush warm sound; what we hear on this recording is the British "boy choir" sound in the treble range, while the men have a warmer (albeit somewhat watered down) tone. This is a highly sensuous work, full of luscious ripe sensual imagery: "Where e'er thou goest, lonely wives, who pine in solitude with close-bound hair, will arise and go along the road. Thou bringest home their absent husbands, who will loosen their tresses and fill their hearts with joy!" The "flat" sound of pre-pubescent boys just doesn't do this music, or mature text, justice.

That said, however, this is an important recording of a little-known work. You'll get the feeling of the piece, a sense of the promise. Let's hope that a large chorus paired with a sensitive conductor will have an opportunity at another recording of this in the not-too-distant future (Atlanta? Chicago?).

Contrast this with "The Hymn of Jesus" -- Hickox fares much better with this material, playing up the dance rhythms (Holst knew what he was doing -- at the climax of the piece, the words are: "Ye who dance not, know not what we are knowing.") It really is a first-rate performance of this work.

Other works deserving special mention are "Dirge for Two Veterans," in which one can hear hints of "Mars" from "The Planets"; "Ode to Death," a setting of Walt Whitman's "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd," which contains allusions to "Saturn." The Four Partsongs on the second disk are among Holst's earliest works, written in 1894, when he was barely 20 yrs old and in his second year at the Royal College of Music; and the Choral Fantasia is among his later choral works, written in 1931.

Tracks:

Sunrise (Also Sprach Zarathustra) (Opening) - David Bell
Montegues And Capulets (Dance Of The Knights) - The Philadelphia Orchestra
Vision - Richard Souther
Toccata & Fugue In D Minor - VANESSA MAE
Ode To Joy - Westminster Choir
Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jolity - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Mission - Ennio Morricone And His Orchestra
Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Nicolai Gedda
The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Michael Nyman
II. Allegretto (Openin) - Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Lacrimosa - David Bell
Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis - Opening - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Te Deum - Philharmonia Orchestra
Adagio In G Minor (Realised Giazotto)(Extrac) - Sir Neville Marriner
Song Of Our Homeland (Prince Igor) - Izzy
Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana) - Philharmonia Orchestra
Nessun Dorma (Turandot) - Jose Carreras
Celebration (Standing Stone) - Lawrence Foster

Tracks:

Fanfare For The Common Man - Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra
the Ride Of The Valkyries (Die Valkyrie) - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor I:Allegro Ma Non Tanto (Opening) - Mikhail Rudy
O Fortuna (Carmina Burana) - Franz Welser-Most
Casta Diva (Norma) - Maria Callas
Adagio For Strings - Eugene Ormandy
The Eternal Knot - Pamela Thorby
Sarabende - Academy Of St Martin In The Fields
A German Requiem - Roger Norrington
Nimrod ('Enigma Variations') - London Symphony Orchestra
Summer (The Four Seasons) III: Presto - Riccardo Muti
Facades - John Harle
March And Canzona (Muisc For The Funeral Of Queen Mary) - Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Bolero (Conclusion) - Andre Previn
March To The Scaffold (Symphonie Fantastique) - Andre Previn
'Unfinished' Symphony I Allegro Moderato (Opening) - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
The Lamb - Jeremy Backhouse

Customer Reviews:

Flawless, relaxing, uplifting! It will move you!.......2005-10-02

So far this my favorite classical CD of the year. I never tire of listening to it (over and over on my iPod). It contains some really beautiful renditions of very moving classical pieces, both modern and ancient. All in all an emotional and dramatic presentation. The overall effect is relaxing but it will definitely never bore you!

Average customer rating:

If stranded on an island and had one disc...
Truly inspired collection
Encore! Encore!
Encore! Encore!
Surprised and ... inspired

Classical Dreams: Music to Inspire

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Williams: The Five Sacred Trees (Bassoon Concerto) / Takemitsu: Tree Line / Hovhaness: Symphony No. s, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain" / Picker: Old and Lost Rivers
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
Modern Times

ASIN: B00005Q467
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard
Symphony No. 5: Adagietto - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane - Paul Tortelier
The Planets: Venus - Sir Charles Mackerras
Old And Lost Rivers - Christoph Eschenbach
Prld To The Afternoon Of A Faun - Dmitri Kitaenko
Summer Pastorale - Jesus Lopez-Cobos
Masques Et Bergamasques: Pastorale - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Summa - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle - Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wounded Heart - Jonathan Rees
Ser in e: Larghetto - Andrew Litton

Tracks:

Apollon Musagete: The Birth Of Apollo - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Adagio for Strings - City Of London Sinfonia
The Swan Of Tuonela - Paavo Jarvi
Enigma Vars: Nimrod - RPO/Andrew Litton
Petite Ste: En Bateau (Orch. Busser) - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Holberg Ste: Air - Jonathan Rees
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Christopher Warren-Green
Gymnopedie No. 3 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
The Last Spring - Jonathan Rees
Thais: Meditation (From Thais) - Paul Tortelier
Vocalise - Andrew Litton
Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden - Dmitri Kitaenko
Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard

Customer Reviews:

If stranded on an island and had one disc..........2006-01-23

I'd be tempted to make this the one, and I own over 2,000. I agree with what has been said above, but have a few thoughts of my own. I live near a major city with a known orchestra. Why are classical audienced declining? Maybe they're overplaying hackneyed works, and not playing some neglected masterpieces. In this double album there are some well known works, but some exquisite finds, like Picker's Old and Lost Rivers, Honegger's Pastorale, Arvo Part's Summa (!!!). Most highly recommended, with a good bottle of red wine.

Truly inspired collection.......2004-12-07

I came upon this compilation while researching a somewhat obscure piece called "Summer Pastorale", which is contained in the collection. One look at the play list and I was sold - here were most of my favorite tone poems, adagios, and assorted short works, all on one CD (OK, two CD's...)

Another gem here that I had never heard before is Pick's "Old and Lost Rivers". Ravel's final movement from Mother Goose is one of his best orchestrations and at the top of my 'A' list.

About the only pieces I missed here were Debussy's Engulfed Cathedral and Respighi's fourth church window, St. Gregory the Great. Perhaps they would be a bit too dramatic for this collection, though.

The only shortcoming of this collection is the lack of liner notes, but this is a minor issue. The music is superb.

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc that passes muster with neophytes and long time classical music lovers alike. I humbly suggest -- make that BEG -- that Virgin Classics turn "Classical Dreams" into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical collection I have yet heard. Encore!

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's miraculous (and criminally underrated) "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc both neophytes and long time classical music lovers can approve of. I humbly suggest that Virgin Classics turn Classical Dreams into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical compilation I have yet heard. Encore!

Surprised and ... inspired.......2002-05-10

What a pleasant surprise this double CD turned out to be. I bought it used just for Picker's gorgeous and poetic "Old and Lost Rivers" but fell in love with the whole thing. I'm not usully one for "Best Of ---" or themed classical collections, but this one's in a class by itself. The selections are unusual and achingly lovely in themselves and as a whole. This is my new favorite disk. It's a relaxation or concentration tool... hell, it's a companion - it goes wherever my laptop and headphones go. You get over two hours of gorgeous and lyrical - never mushy, sentimental or tired - classical music, the perfect backdrop for everything from dinner dates to writing code. This CD has added sustained moments of beauty and poise to a busy life - which is more than I could have asked for!

Music by Finzi, Vaughan Williams and Holst

Average customer rating:

Delightful!
psalm 86

Music by Finzi, Vaughan Williams and Holst

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000005GSD
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Five Mystical Songs: Easter - John Shirley-Quirk
Five Mystical Songs: I Got Me Flowers - John Shirley-Quirk
Five Mystical Songs: Love Bade Me Welcome - John Shirley-Quirk
Five Mystical Songs: The Call - John Shirley-Quirk
Five Mystical Songs: Antiphon - John Shirley-Quirk
O Clap Your Hands - Chor Of King's College, Cambridge
A Choral Fant, H177 - Dame Janet Baker
Psalm 86, No.1 H117 - Ian Partridge/Purcell Singers
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Intrada - Wilfred Brown
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Rhap (Recitativo Stromentato) - Wilfred Brown
Dies Natalis, Op.8: The Rapture (Danza) - Wilfred Brown
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Wonder (Arioso) - Wilfred Brown
Dies Natalis, Op.8: The Salutation (Aria) - Wilfred Brown

Customer Reviews:

Delightful!.......2004-04-24

This recording is absolutely delightful! I first bought this record when I was 18, shorly before I went into the Army. When I was stationed at Ft Gordon, GA, to my suprise I heard it on a radio, a huge console stereo in the dayroom, probably was on a National Public Radio type broadcast station. Then it burned in a fire about 8 years later. Then about 22 years later while stationed in South Korea, I found a copy of this record at a record shop, in perfect condition. The voice of John Shirley-Quirk singing this is the best recording I've heard of Ralph Vaughan William's Five Mystical Songs.

psalm 86.......2002-08-05

I have only heard the Psalm on radio 3 and was struck by its refreshing arrangement. A single male voice (of considerable range) is balanced against a treble chorus singing in deceptively simple harmony at times, lightly accompanied by a small ensemble. The variety of texture, dynamics and orchestration is compelling to hear and much to be recommended for "bath"ing to!!

Average customer rating:

Perfect for the Season
FOR WHISTLING OR SINGING ALONG

Joy to the World

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003QWB
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The Nutcracker Ste: Miniature Ov - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: March - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Russian Dance: Trepak - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Arabian Dance - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Chinese Dance - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Dance Of The Mirlitons - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Walts Of The Flowers - London Festival Orch
Carol Of The Bells - London Festival Orch
Sleighride - Rochester Pops Orch
Ov To Hansel And Gretel - London Festival Orch
Three German Dances: Sleighride - Rochester Pops Orch
Angels We Have Heard On High: Vars - Lyn Larsen
Snowdrops Waltz - Rochester Pops
Babes In Toyland: March - Rochester Pops
A Scottish Carol - Lyn Larsen
Mount Of Olives: 'Hallelujah!' - Carlo Curley/Chm Chr Of Grand Rapids
Thais: Meditation - Lyn Larsen/Carlo Curley
Choral, Sym No.9 in d: Finale - Chor

Tracks:

Messiah-Part One: Ov - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Comfort Ye - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Every Valley - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: And The Glory Of The Lord - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: But Who May Abide - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: And He Shall Purify - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Behold! A Virgin Shall Conceive - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: For Behold! Darkness Shall Cover The Earth - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: The People That Walked In Darkness - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: He Shall Feed His Flock - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Messiah-Part Two: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel A Multitude - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Glory To God - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: His Yoke Is Easy - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Behold The Lamb Of God - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: He Was Despised - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: All We, Like Sheep - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Hallelujah! - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: The Tpt Shall Sound - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Amen - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Hymns Of Christmas: Joy To The World - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: In Dulci Jubilo - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Away In The Manger - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Sans Day Carol - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Adeste Fidelis - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Born On Earth The Divine Christ Child - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Down On Yon Forest - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: I Saw Three Ships - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Fant on 'Greensleeves' - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Silent Night - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: Jesu, Thou The Virgin Born - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Savior Of The World Is Born - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: The First Nowell - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: On Christmas Night - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Little Drummer Boy - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: How Brightly Shown The Morning Star - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: God Is Born - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: In Nightly Stillness - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: O Holy Night - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: In The Manger - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Lullay, Dear Jesus - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Merrily To Bethlehem - Chor/Bel Canto Voices

Tracks:

A Baroque Christmas: Christmas Oratorio: Sinf/The Four Seasons: Winter - Stuttgart RSO
A Baroque Christmas: Allegro Non Molto - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: Largo - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: Allegro - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - St. Louis Brass Qt
A Baroque Christmas: Canon in D - London Festival Orch
A Baroque Christmas: Messiah: Sinf - Stuttgart RSO
A Baroque Christmas: Sheep May Safely Graze - Philip Brunelle
A Baroque Christmas: Air On A 'G' Str - RPO
A Baroque Christmas: Samson: Awake The Tpts Lofty Sounds - Carlo Curley/Chm Chr Of Grand Rapids
A Baroque Christmas: Brandenburg, Con No.2 in F: Allegro - Camerata Romana
A Baroque Christmas: Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme) - Cathedral Brass
A Baroque Christmas: Arioso For Brass - St. Louis Brass Qt
A Baroque Christmas: Rondeau - Carlo Curley
A Baroque Christmas: Table Music Ov - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Carlo Curley/Chm Chor Of Grand Rapids
A Baroque Christmas: Joy To The World - Chor

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for the Season.......2005-11-19

I purchased this years ago and the enjoyment has grown every Christmas. Handel's Messiah is beautiful, The Nutcracker is a classic and the arrangement of hymns conveys the true wonders of the season. While there is a place for pop carols, these classics should be in every Christian's music library. I loved this so much, I actually purchased a complete replacement set when I lost one of the discs. Certainly an excellent value that any music lover would treasure.

FOR WHISTLING OR SINGING ALONG.......2003-12-28

The gifted Richard Hayman (Boston Pops arranger for more than 30 years) offers an interesting collection of holiday favourites. The back cover says "Orchestra and Chorus" - beware, there is no chorus. The sub-title "Philharmomic Symphony Orchestra" is rather pedantic. Why not simply "Richard Hayman and His Orchestra"? The opening and closing numbers are sing-along medleys... the liner notes offer the words. Two Leroy Anderson numbers receive a fair treatment: SLEIGH RIDE and SONG OF THE BELLS, the latter being played rrather slowly. There is a beautiful rendition of MUSIC BOX DANCER, the only version I know that uses the music box. The counter-melody is too loud and takes away the charm of the main theme. A few compositions by the conductor himself. A great collection for tree-trimming, whistling or singing along.

Average customer rating:

Classical Chillout

Manufacturer: Union Square Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classic Chillout, Vol. 2
Classical Chillout

ASIN: B0000C7PSS
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

Adagio - Angela Malmsbury
O Mio Babbino Caro - J. Michael Leonard
Piano Concerto No.2. 2nd Movement - Jorge Luis Prats
Gnossiennes No.1 - Pro Arte Guitar Trio
Touch Her Soft Lips And Part - Black Dyke Mills Band
Canon - Harold Britton
Barcarolle - Kenneth Smith
Rhapsody In Blue - Jack Gibbons
Adagio, Orchestral Version - London Symphony Orchestra
Hebrides Overture - London Symphony Orchestra
Zadok The Priest - Huddersfield Choral Society

Tracks:

Symphony No.40. 1st Movement - London Mozart Players
Gymnopedies, No.1 - Pro Arte Guitar Trio
Spring - Allegro - Moscow Virtuosi
Night On The Bare Mountain - Loris Tjeknavorian
Morning - John Lubbock
The Entertainer - Philip Dyson
The Sorcerer's Apprentice - Enrique Batiz
Aquarium - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Nocturne In E Flat - Peter Frankl
Capulets And Montagues - Loris Tjeknavorian
Pastoral Symphony, 5th Movement - Richard Hickox

Tracks:

Symphony No.9, 2nd Movement - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Dam Busters March - London Philharmonic Orchestra
O Sole Mio - Beniamino Gigli
Waltz Of The Flowers - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Moonlight Sonata, 1st Movement - John Lill
Jupiter - London Festival Orchestra
Dance Of The Swans - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Simple Symphony - Richard Hickox
Fur Elise - Alan Schiller
Air On A G String - John Lubbock
Flight Of The Bumblebee - Loris Tjeknavorian
Symphony No.1. 1st Movement - Halle Orchestra

Tracks:

Prelude A L'Apres Midi D'Un Faune - Enrique Batiz
Serenade For Strings In E Major - The Northern Sinfonia Of England
Concerto For Violin & Oboe, 2nd Movement - Chamber Orchestra Of Europe
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Mexico State Symphony Orchestra
Violin Concerto In G Minor, 3rd Movement - Xue-Wei
A Walk To Paradise Garden - The Philharmonia Orchestra
Spartacus Suite - The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra
Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis - Sir Neville Marriner
Summertime - Graham Johnson

Average customer rating:

Great compilation album

Best Classical Album of the Millennium

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | 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

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

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

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

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

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B00002MFD1
Release Date: 1999-10-27

Tracks:

Canon In D
Four Seasons (Concerto No
Adagio In G Minor
Symphony No 6 In F Pastor
Clarinet Concerto In A K6
Cello Concerto In E Minor
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Pa
Concierto De Aranjuez (Ii
Swan Lake (Scene Act Ii N
Symphony No 9 From The Ne
Nimrod From The Enigma Va
Piano Sonata No 14 In C
Piano Concerto No 2 In C
Adagio For Strings Op 11a
Piano Concerto No 21 In C
Dance Of The Reed Flutes
Violin Concerto In E Mino
Intermezzo From Cavalleri
Gloria In Excelsis Deo Fr
Zadok The Pirest
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freud
Lacrimosa From Requiem In
Ave Maria
Miserere Mei Deus
In Paradisum From Requiem
Viens Mallika (Flower Due
Belle Nuit O Nuit D'amoru
Pavane
O Mio Babbino Caro From G
Un Bel Di Vedremo From Ma
Va Pensiero (Chorus Of He
Au Fond Du Temple Saint
Vedi Le Fosche Notturne S
Nessun Dorma From Turando
O Fortuna From Carmina Bu
Dies Irae From Messa De R
Hallelujah Chorus From Me
Sunrise From Also Sprach
Jupiter The Bringer Of Jo
Toccata In D Minor
Four Seasons Concerto No
Symphony No 40 In G Minor
Symphony No 5 In C Minor
Montagues & Capulets
Piano Concerto In A Minor
Bolero (Conclusion)
Fanfare For The Common Ma
Ride Of The Valkyries Fro
Piano Concerto No 1 In B
Brandenburg Concerto No 2
Piano Concerto No 3 En D
1812 Overture (Conclusion
Ode To Joy From Symphonyn
Carmen (Prelude To Act 1)
Piano Concerto No 5 In E
For Unto Us A Child Is Bo
Pomp & Circumstance March

Customer Reviews:

Great compilation album.......2005-03-16

The set includes 3 CDs - "Relaxing", "Vocals", and "Epic". The recordings are wonderful versions performed by excellent orchestras/singers. I listen to it on my Paradigm speakers and close my eyes and can feel encompassed by the music. The recordings do not have the flaws (hiss, pops, scratches) in the sound that many 'cheap' classical CDs have. For 3 CDs and the quality of the recordings, I found this album a good choice!