Very Best Of Bach

On this CD:

1. Toccata and Fugue for organ in D minor, BWV 565
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Klemens Schnorr

2. Chorale prelude for organ ("Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"), (Schübler No. 1), BWV 645
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Klemens Schnorr

3. Violin Concerto No. 2 in E major, BWV 1042
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Zina Schiff
Conducted by Dalia Atlas

4. Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 Chaconne
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Zina Schiff

5. Cantata No. 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben," BWV 147 Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Simon Wynberg

6. Partita for lute in E major, BWV 1006a Prelude in E major
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Simon Wynberg

7. Suite for orchestra No 3 in D major, BWV 1068 Air on the G-String
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Simon Wynberg

8. Concerto for 3 harpsichords & string in D minor, BWV 1063
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra with Bracha Eden, Pnina Salzman, Alexander Tamir

Very Best Of Bach, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, Dalia Atlas, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon Wynberg, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Klemens Schnorr, Alexander Tamir, Bracha Eden, Pnina Salzman, Zina Schiff, Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra, Cantata, Chamber, Choral, Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Concerto, Concerto for Three Solo Instruments, Keyboard, Lute Solo, Music for Organ, Orchestral, Violin Concerto, Violin Solo

Very Best of Hooked on Classics
Average customer rating:

customer

WONDERFUL CD

Good upbeat working music

Very Best of Hooked on Classics

Manufacturer: Double Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
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Hooked on Classics 3: Journey Through the Classics

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Hooked on Christmas

Hooked On Classics

Hooked On Classics 2: Can't Stop the Classics

ASIN: B000028CJX
Release Date: 1998-09-28

Tracks:

Hooked on Classics Pt. 1 & 2: Piano of the Bumblebee No. 1/Fli [Medley]
Hooked on Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat (3rd Movement) [Medley]
Night in Opera: Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat (3rd Movement)/Hall [Medley]
Tales of the Vienna Waltz: Blue Danube Waltz 1, Theme 1/Blue D [Medley]
Hooked on a Can Can: Orpheus in the Underworld (Can Can)/Thund [Medley]
Hooked on Marching: Under the Double Eagle/The Stars & Stripes [Medley]
Journey Through America: The Star Spangled Banner/Oh Susanna/M [Medley]
Hooked on Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca (Turkish March, From Sonata [Medley]
Hooked on Bach: Ave Maria/Minuet [From the Notebook of Anna Ma
Symphony of the Seas: The Sailors Hornpipe/Portsmouth/Anchors [Medley]

Tracks:

Hooked on Classics: Wedding March [From a Midsummer's Night's
Hooked on Romance (Opus 3): Gymnopedie No. 2/Nocturne Opus 9, [Medley]
Hooked on Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien (Introduction)/Swan L [Medley]
If You Knew Sousa/The Liberty Bell/Blaze Away/The Liberty Bell [Medley]
If You Knew Sousa and Friends: Entry of the Gladiators/Colonel [Medley]
Also Sprach Zarathustra [Medley]
Can't Stop the Classics: Overture 2 Russian & Ludmilla/Czardas [Medley]
Hooked on America: Rhapsody in Blue/Camptown Races/Rhapsody in [Medley]
Hooked on Romance: Air Form Suite No. 3 (Air for G String)/Ave [Medley]

Customer Reviews:

customer.......2007-06-26

cd arrived fast, in excellent shape as promised, well packaged to protect it during shipment. I'd heard the CD during an exercise class and had trouble trying to get it from other vendors so especially appreciated Amazon.

WONDERFUL CD.......2007-05-08

I was so happy to find this on CD I have the original on a cassette from childhood. I loved it then and now and now my children listen and love it.

Good upbeat working music.......2007-03-08

I love these CDS . . what a brilliant idea to add a beat to the most popular classical songs of all time. It is great upbeat music that gets you going. I specifically use it for when I need a boost to get me going on housework. It get you in just the right mood to start working. My kids love it too.

Average customer rating:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording
RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006)
SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
¡PERFECT!
PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN

The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann
Strauss: Four Last Songs/12 Orchestral Songs
Schubert: 24 Lieder
Mozart: Opera Arias
Mozart: Lieder & Concert Arias

ASIN: B0000AF1SC
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Ach War Ich Schon (Fidelio)
Non So Piu (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Porgi, Amor (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Mi Tradi Quell'Alma Ingrata (Don Giovanni)
Come Scoglio (Cosi Fan Tutti)
Leise, Leise, Fromme Weise (Der Freischutz)
Dich, Teure Halle (Tannhauser)
Einsam In Truben Tagen (Lohengrin)
Wie Fremd Und Tot (Die Verkaufte Braut)
Bruderchen, Komm, Tanz Mit Mir (Hansel Und Gretel)
Da Geht Er Hin (Der Rosenkavalier)
Es Gibt Ein Reich (Ariadne Auf Naxos) - Richard Strauss
Das War Sehr Gut (Arabella)

Tracks:

Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
Bist Du Bei Mir
Ridente La Calma
An Die Musik
Der Musensohn
Nachtviolen
Der Musensohn
Auch Kleine Dinge
Mein Liebster Ist So Klein
Verschling' Der Abgrund
Ich Hab' In Penna
Wiegenlied Im Sommer
Mausfallenspruchlein
In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken
Mignon (Kennst Du Das Land?)
Gsatzli (Swiss Folksong)
Fruhling
Im Abendrot
Muttertandelei
Zueignung
Klange Der Heimat (Die Fledermaus)
Es Lebt'Eine Vilja (Die Lustige Witwe)
Im Chambre Separee (Der Opemball)
Wien, Du Stadt Meiner Traume

Amazon.com

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was certainly one of the greatest singers of her own, or indeed any other time. An obsessive perfectionist, her flawless technique and intonation over a huge range, vocal flexibility, breath control, phrasing, stylistic versatility, and above all her focused, radiantly beautiful sound were matchless and incomparable. All these are on full display on this generous 2-CD set, which features over a dozen arias, songs by Schubert, Wolf and Richard Strauss, and some lighter fare. The recordings were made between 1950 and 1967, and the singing becomes better and better, the voice richer and more varied, the expression deeper and more immediate. Not surprisingly, the peaks come in the arias from her signature roles in Mozart's Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi fan tutte; Richard Strauss' Ariadne, Rosenkavalier, and Arabella, which rise to real ecstasy; and arias from Weber's Freischütz and Smetana's Bartered Bride, which are wonderfully intimate and touching. She is less convincing in roles she never sang on stage, and the "childish" voice she cultivated especially for Hänsel and Gretel is unnatural and contrived. The same is true of the last two "popular" numbers, which sound condescending and artificial. The songs, however, have all her customary finesse and inwardness; the Wolf group, perhaps chosen for its gentle humor, is charming, while Strauss' "Four Last Songs" (represented by two) shimmer and soar. Schwarzkopf's singing had instantly recognizable characteristics: a tendency to hold back both vocally and emotionally, giving a sense of noble restraint, but also of cool detachment; excessive use of color and nuance, creating a fussy, calculated and somewhat artificial air. Only rarely does she "let go" with full voice and spontaneous feeling. However, as these recordings show, she invariably inspires admiration and captures ear and heart through the inimitable, glorious beauty of her voice. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording.......2006-11-06

The engineering and audio quality of these 1960's performances are surprisingly good. The songs are wonderfully peformed and cover a range of periods and styles, but I find myself returning to her recording (also re-released on CD) of Strauss' "Four Last Songs", which I would give 6 stars -- my favorite recording of all time.

RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006).......2006-08-04

This set is a fine tribute to this extraordinary singer and musician. I was saddened to read about her passing. She had a long life (90 years) and inspired a whole generation of singers and music lovers throughout the world.

SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.......2006-01-29

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's career is what legends are made of. She is every bit as fundamental to classical singing in the twentieth century as is Maria Callas. Schwarzkopf sang with refinement, polish, beauty of voice, and meticulous articulation. She was the greatest Mozart and Strauss soprano of her day; her ability to sing the operetta music of Lehar, Suppe', and Johann Strauss has not been equalled; she performed with distinction orchestral compositions of Mahler, Brahms, Bach, and Handel; her Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, and Mahler lieder were exemplary. She sang many operatic roles, far more than many people realize, and was certainly the definitive Marshallin in "Rosenkavalier" throughout the 1950's and 1960'. I saw her many times in recital in Chicago, and even at the time of her farewell (which I was fortunate enough to see), she was sublime. All of the superlative qualities of Schwarzkopf are generously demonstrated throughout these two wonder CD's. Virtually every item is magnificent (though obviously some will prefer some to others) and has the detailed Schwarzkopf imprint stamped right into the music. This CD, great as it is, represents only a very small part of the greatness of Schwarzkopf. I already own tons of her operas and recitals, from which many of the items here come from. But for the sake of completeness, I will probably add it. A person who loves great singing can never have too much of the art of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She's a vocal icon.

¡PERFECT!.......2005-02-10

I only want to say that you can hear, in this double cd, one of the great singers of all time. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Why? Because she sings all the arias and lieder with pure of tone, brilliance, perfect inflexion, modulation, excellent control breath, measured vibrato, and, all above, great emision of colours. She is master in this art.

PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN.......2005-02-09

La mejor recopilación de la discografía de Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Su belleza de voz, la impecable hilación de frases, y, sobre todo, su expresiva interpretación son algunas de las sorpresas que se podrán escuchar en estos dos discos. Sin duda, UNA DE LAS MEJORES SOPRANOS DEL SIGLO XX.

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Janet Baker is simply the very best!
Grace Incarnate
A Rare & Glorious Singer

The Very Best of Janet Baker

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Great Recordings Of The Century - Janet Baker Sings Mahler / Barbirolli, et al
Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition)
Very Best of
The Very Best of Lucia Popp
The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles

ASIN: B00005UUOW
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

Christmas Oratorio: Bereite Dich, Zion
Messiah: He Was Despised
Elijah: O Rest In The Lord
Alto Rhapsody
Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
L'Invitation Au Voyage
Pie Jesu (From The Requieum Op.9)
Sea Pictures Op.37: I. Sea Slumber-Song
Sea Pictures Op.37: II. In Haven
Sea Pictures Op.37: III. Sabbath Morning At Sea
Sea Pictures Op.37: IV. Where Corals Lie
Sea Pictures Op.37: V. The Swimmer
The Angel's Farewell - Ambrosian Singers

Tracks:

Linden Lea
A Boy Was Born, Op.3: Corpus Christi Carol
Pretty Ring Time
Prison
Soir
Clair De Lune
Ave Maria (Ellens Gesang III)
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
Wiegenlied (Schlafe, Schlafe)
Die Forelle
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen
An Die Musik
An Sylvia
Nacht Und Traume
Heidenroslein
Du Bist Die Ruh'
Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges
Liederkreis, Op.39: Mondnacht
Frauenliebe Und -Leben Op.42: Du Ring An Meinem Finger
Geistliches Wiegenlied
Befreit
Morgen!

Amazon.com

While it is impossible to really squeeze The Very Best of Janet Baker onto just two CDs, this two and a half hour anthology is a fine portrait of the British mezzo-soprano. Central to CD 1 is Elgar's Sea Pictures, a definitive account with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli. While other British music is represented by Vaughan Williams's "Linden Lea," Britten's "Corpus Christie Carol," and Warlock's "Pretty Ring Time," CD 2 balances the program with 10 Schubert songs accompanied at the piano by either Gerald Moore or Geoffrey Parsons, which range from "Ave Maria" to Shakespeare. The set lends equal weight to orchestral and more intimate song, as well as to works in English--a very moving reading of Handel's "He was despised" from Messiah--and European landmarks, including Mendelssohn's On Wings of Song and Brahms's Alto Rhapsody, the latter with a superlative London Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Adrian Boult. In an age of technically dazzling but sometimes bland singers, this release is a reminder of emotionally intense musicianship that retains vocal clarity and commitment to the composer's intentions over superstar ego. The word great is often used all too easily, but it could not be more appropriate for this outstanding collection of a great singer. --Gary S. Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

The Very Best of Janet Baker is simply the very best!.......2005-02-09

This cd and this amazing musician are an absolute must have for any music lover or music snob alike! Her voice is amazing!

Grace Incarnate.......2002-09-02

If there is one singer who has ever truly been able to master the singer's art of interpretation, this is her. She is a gift to music, I truly believe this. A few words, or glowing adjectives could not accurately describe the singing of a woman who epitomizes art. And music. Grace and beauty.
Each track on this cd is a perfect union of poetry, melody and technicality. Dame Janet Baker fully immerses herself into each piece, and delivers highly commited, intelligent & emotional performances.

A Rare & Glorious Singer.......2002-06-10

This is a pretty good cross-section of Dame Janet's output from the prime of her career. There are few if any singers like her around today. There are many mezzos who can sing beautifully, with great articulation and finesse, but they lack the moral and musical integrity Dame Janet always brought to her singing. The voice is ardent, seeking, yearning, finding, exulting. Listen to the excerpt from "Dream of Gerontius" or the third of the "Sea Pictures" to see what I mean.
She does not sing to show off. She sings to enlighten, to illuminate, to reveal, to enter into. Her voice carries us off, near to Heaven.
Dame Janet has been neglected of late. This recording shows us why, in these perilous times, we need her more than ever.

Essential Carols: The Very Best of King's College Choir, Cambridge

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Essential Carols: The Very Best of King's College Choir, Cambridge

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
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O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge

ASIN: B000B66PE8
Release Date: 2005-01-01

Tracks:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The First Nowell
While Shepherds Watched
I Saw Three Ships
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
King Jesus Has A Garden
In Dulci Jubilo
Unto Us Is Born A Son
O Come , All Ye Faithful
Away In A Manger
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The Holly And The Ivy
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
See Amid The Winter's Snow
Past Three O' Clock
Invitatory
Adam Lay Ybounden
Gabriel's Message

Tracks:

Once In Royal David's City
Sussex Carol
Rocking
Rejoice And Be Merry
The Cherry Tree Carol
The Three Kings
As With Gladness Men Of Old
A Great And Mighty Wonder
The Infant King
Balulalow
The Crown Of Roses
Christ Was Born On Christmas Day
Blessed Be That Maid Mary
Lute-Book Lullaby
Myn Lyking
Personent Hodie
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Coventry Carol
Shepherds In The Field Abiding
Torches
Fantasia On Christmas Carols

Average customer rating:

Redisovering a great Schubert singer
A brilliant retrospective

The Very Best of Brigitte Fassbaender

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Very Best of Régine Crespin
The Very Best of Hildegard Behrens
Schubert: Winterreise
The Very Best of Kirsten Flagstad
Frida Leider: A Vocal Portrait

ASIN: B0006VYEL4
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Laudamus Te
Qui Sedes Ad Dexteram Patris
Agnus Dei
Von Den Stricken Meiner Sunden
Es Ist Vollbracht!
Doch Wer Wird Ertagen Den Tag (But Who May Abide)
O Du, Der Wonne Verkundet In Zion (O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion)
Er Ward Verschmahet (He Was Despised)
Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi - Lucia Popp
Una Voce Poco Fa
Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
Suicidio!
Ach, Ich Habe Sie Verloren (Che Faro Senza Eurdice?)
Verhangnisvoll War Das Geschenkn (O Don Fatale)

Tracks:

Der Musensohn D764
Gretchen Am Spinnrade D118
An Sylvia D891
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D774
Fruhlingsglaube D686
Die Sterne D939
Der Einsame D800
An Die Musik D547
Gute Nacht
Die Wetterfahne
Der Linderbaum
Fruhlingstraum
Einsamkeit
Die Post
Mut
Die Nebensonnen
Der Leiermann
Jagerin, Schlau Im Sinn - Hermann Prey
Ja, Was Nun? - Hermann Prey
Ich Lade Gern Mir Gaste Ein
Heinerle, Heinerle, Hab' Kein Geld
Voruber Ist Die Feier
Im Labyrinth Der Freundlichen Hallen (Au Cabaret Du Labyrinthe)
Venus Mit Heissen Liebesflammen (Venus Au Fond De Notre Ame)

Customer Reviews:

Redisovering a great Schubert singer.......2007-02-22

The first CD in this two-fer is mostly Bach and Handel, the second CD mostly Schubert (17 lieder). Fassbaender was eminent in both areas, as well as on the oepra stage, but as she grew older she concentrated entirely on liedersinging. She was never as famous as Christa Ludwig, the other Austro-German mezzo of greatness at the time. Their voices are in stark contrast: Ludwig was soft, warm, and smiling (she had a hard time being convincingly tragic), while Fassbaender's was plaintive, sharply focused, and rarely smiling. There's a peculiar glint in her timbre that's almost metallic.

Leaving tone aside, she has great intelligence and acuity in lieder. Her Schubert isn't soft and gentle but dramatic and incisive. Eight lieder here are miscellaneous 'great hits' with Erik Werbe, the other nine are from Winterreise with Fassbaender's long-time accompanist Aribert Reimann, who's playing fits her style more closely. All these readings are intense, and although female versions of Winterreise are rare (Ludwig has a fine autumnal one with James Levine at the piano on DG), Fassbaender is thrilling and her voice suitably dark and tragic. I'd rate this her finest Schubert on disc, recor4ded early enough that she hadn't become overly intense and hectoring, which happens on some of her late recordings. Highly recommended.

A brilliant retrospective.......2005-12-19

Here we have a mezzo who was equally brilliant in the florid and dramatic style and who also sang Kunstlieder. Her recordings of Sacred Works might not be as famous as Ferrier's or Baker's but that doesn't mean she isn't as amazing. Her Eboli, Carmen, Charlotte, Rosina and many others are gems among the more famous recordings of her rivals. Her Charlotte is more stylistic and French than Obraszowa's, her Carmen has more esprit than Larmore's and so forth. Her interpretations of "Die Post" and other Lieder are little gems. Buy this album and discover a brilliant mezzo who is sadly underrated nowadays.

Average customer rating:

Very Best Of Relaxing Classics

Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B0000AINJJ
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro [Gianni Schicchi] - BBC Concert Orchestra
Intermezzo [Cavalleria Rusticana] - BBC Concert Orchestra
Variation 18 from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 - Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Barcarolle (The Tales of Hoffmann) - BBC Concert Orchestra
Cavatina [From the Deer Hunter]
Air on a G String from Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068 - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Humming Chorus [Madama Butterfly] - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra,
John Dunbar Theme [Dances with Wolves] - Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Gymnope No. 1
Vocalise from 14 Songs, Op. 34 No. 14 - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Intermezzo from Suite No. 1 [From Carmen]
Last Sleep of the Virgin [LA Vierge] - The New Symphony Orchestra of London
Andante from Oboe Concerto in D Minor - I Musici
Andante from Guitar Concerto in D Major, RV93 - English Chamber Orchestra
Pavane from Capriol Suite - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Nocturne - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Adagio from Fantasia Para un Gentilhombre
Andante from Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 "Elvira Madigan"

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Jacques Loussier

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bach: The Brandenburgs
Jacques Loussier Plays Bach
Play Bach, Vol. 1
Solo Piano: Impressions on Chopin's Nocturnes
Play Bach, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00009PJMW
Release Date: 2003-05-26

Tracks:

Air on a G String
Toccata & Fugue in D Minor
Prelude No.1
Prelude No.2
Chorale - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C Major
Two-Part Invention No. 8 in F Major
Partita No. 1: Allamande/Courante/Sarabande/Minuetto I/Minuetto II

Tracks:

Italian Concerto: Allegro
Italian Concerto: Andante
Italian Concerto: Finale
Fantasia in C Minor
Sinfonia (Cantata No. 29 )
Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor
Passacaglia
Siciliano in G Minor
D Minor Concerto (Allegro Risoluto)
Choral No. 1 (BWV645)

Album Description

Asian exclusive compilation for the jazz pianist/composer, packaged in a gatefold double digipak. 18 tracks featuring Christian Garros on drums & percussion, Pierre Michelot on double bass & the one & only Jacques Loussier on piano. Decca Records. 2003.

Average customer rating:

A good buy
A Good Starting Point But Not Worth The Fuss
Possibly the best rendition of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

Very Best Of Bach

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B0000058G7
Release Date: 1993-02-03

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565 - Klemens Schnorr
'Sleepers Awake' For Organ, BWV 645, From Cantata No. 4 - Klemens Schnorr
I. Allegro - Zina Schiff
II. Adagio - Zina Schiff
III. Allegro Assai - Zina Schiff
Chaconne From Violin Partita No. 2 - Zina Schiff
'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' - Simon Wynberg
Prelude In E Major From Suite No. 4 For Lute - Simon Wynberg
Air On The G-String - Simon Wynberg
I. Allegro - Bracha Eden
II. Alla Siciliana - Bracha Eden
III. Allegro - Bracha Eden

Customer Reviews:

A good buy.......2003-08-28

I believe that this compellation is good, but the selections don't exactly flow smoothly.

I would personally recommend this CD on the basis of Zina Schiff's "Chaconne"; Bach's "Second Solo Violin Partita in d."

Zina Schiff's 1989 recording of the partita seems to draw on the strings of my soul. Since I am not familiar with other recordings of the piece, and violins in particular, I cannot be as precise as I'd like, but I will try to do explain how I hear this piece briefly...

Zina Schiff is very expressive. In this recording, she is quite dynamic and precise (yet gentle and smooth in introducing melodic lines or ending a line or note.)

Her violin seems to be independent from human touch, it seems to sing at its own pace as its nature allows. At times, even my mind's ear tricks me. From her style I am led to believe that more than one violin sings, that there could possibly be two, or more -- from the richness and depth of her style, and also perhaps from how she seems to create distinctive voices that overlap.

The distinctiveness comes from how she strings certain (matching) melodic lines together. Even if they do not coincide, even if the melodic strings are separated by seconds or minutes, she seems to create separate voices for matching melodies. During one part of the song, the melody and supporting notes seem to be played from different instruments.

I do have a hard time describing her recording of this partita, I feel that human language binds the true expression of her violin, yet I hope that I've said enough to give you an idea how I hear this song.

Even if only for Schiff's Chaconne, I strongly recommend this CD.

A Good Starting Point But Not Worth The Fuss.......2001-11-09

I must agree with the first reviewer that this is compellation by no means deserves the Nobel Prize.

My older brother, Robert, was a choral and symphonic conductor for most of his life. He had a great outlook on buying CDs. Rarely will a diehard musician buy a "Best of Mozart" type CD. So, you should not buy one expecting to hear Zubin Mehta and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. CDs like this are targeted at a less experienced audience who is trying to get into the classical groove or to find a song that they like.

However, if you are a Bach fan (and who isn't) I recommend staying away from this CD. The ensembles are frequently not together and the strings perform with poor intonation. It is easy to understand why this CD is so cheap. John Eliot Gardiner has been recording Bach Cantatas and Masses with the Monteverdi Choir and The English Baroque Soloists for several years now. If you are looking for choral music, those recordings are stellar. If you are leaning more towards the orchestral Bach, Sir Neville Mariner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra has made several compellation CDs that have Bach the way it was meant to be heard.

For those considering this CD, I do not recommend any further inquiry here. Seek Bach elsewhere. As for the previous reviewer, although it is great that you enjoy this CD, you should expose yourself to more of the great orchestras and recordings to develop a finer appreciation for Bach. And don't feel bad for liking this recording, it is certainly a great place to start. Just don't stop here.

R. Shaw

Possibly the best rendition of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.......2001-11-05

I have to say that I whole heartedly disagree with the other review for this. I first purchased this CD when it was released, and was thoroughly pleased with both the performance quality and sound quality. I lent it to someone and never got it back. So I bought a second copy of it. It's not the definitive Bach collection you may be looking for, but the performances on this CD are outstanding. Also in regards to the person who wrote the other review, have you ever known a true audiophile to have a 100 disc cd changer? Didn't think so.

Average customer rating:

Remarkable double set for a master voice
The Finest Collection of German Lieder

Very Best of
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Die Schone Mullerin / Fischer-Dieskau, Moore

ASIN: B000083GON
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Die Schone Mullerin
Whoin?
Halt!
Danksagung An Den Bach
Ungeduld
Das Lied Im Grunen
Der Tod Und Das Madchen
Heidenroslein
Die Forelle
Standchen
Du Bist Die Ruh'
Erlkonig/Winterreise
Gute Nacht
Die Post
Von Ewiger Liebe
Die Mainacht
Wiegenlied
Auch Klein Dinge
Fussreise
Gebet
Der Gartner
Lebewohl
Morgen!
Freundiche Vision
Mit Deinen Blauen Augen
Des Antonius Von Padua Fischpredigt

Tracks:

Grosser Herr, O Starker Kong
Erleucht' Auch Meine Finstre Sinnen
Cara Sposa, Amante Cara
Die Frist Ist Um
Leb' Wohl
Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso (II Travatore, Act III)
Cortigiani, Vil Razza Dannata!
Per Me Giunto E Il Di Supremo
Alzati!...Eri Tu
Vanne...Credo In Un Dio Crudel
Era La Notte...Si, Pel Ciel

Customer Reviews:

Remarkable double set for a master voice.......2007-03-25

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is not only one of the most remarkable opera singers but probably the best performer of german lieder ever, and this double set of EMI's The Very Best series is it a vivid proof of it. His noble singing, impressive characterizations and powerful understanding of music is clearly portrayed here.
There is only one thing missing for perfection: Fischer-Dieskau's marvelous performance of Mozart music, absent in this set, but you can find high peaks: Schubert's Das Wandern, Die Forelle (always one of my favorite lieder), Brahms'Wiegenlied, Wagner's Die Frist ist um (chilling) and Verdi's Eri tu (sour mix of rage and sorrow).

The Finest Collection of German Lieder.......2005-01-15

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is the master when it comes to German song. He is the king when it comes to Lied (song) interpretation by any German composer from Gluck to Schubert to Wolf. Sure, people may prefer Fritz Wunderlich or newer greats like Thomas Quasthoff, but everybody must first hear Fischer-Dieskau's take on the song.

I received this CD as a Christmas gift, and was very excited to hear the quality of all the performances. Fischer-Dieskau's specialty is his Schubert Lieder, and his renditions are all fantastic-my favorites are Track 1, Die Schoene Mullerin, with its catchy accompaniment, Staendchen (Track 10), the serenade, and Du bist die Ruh (Track 11). Of course Erlking is a fan favorite, and FD's interpretation is fantastic.

Many people try to describe Fischer-Dieskau's style of interpretation and I find it quite difficult to explain. He has the ability to sing with a feeling of spontaneity, as if he is thinking and feeling the lyrics off the cuff, and yet technically each song is perfect, as if there is complete attention to detail.

The second CD contains excerpts from some of FD's opera/oratorio career, and some of the tracks are quite impressive. I personally prefer James Morris singing Wotan's Abschied by Wagner, but FD's version is extremely moving. FD is a bigger fish in the Lieder world than he is in the opera world, however (if the Lieder world is actually big enough to be a world--maybe just a region).

My take is that anybody who loves Fischer-Dieskau, German Lieder, or just good singing in general will be impressed and happy to own such a CD. I'm not familiar with all of FD's recordings (check it out, there are a lot) to know if these tracks really are HIS BEST, or if there are any glaring omissions, but I think everything on this CD is top-drawer.

How fortunate we are that a man like Fischer-Dieskau came along during the era of recorded sound. This CD is fantastic, and all music-lovers will approve.