Viola & Piano

On this CD:

1. Sonata for arpeggione & piano in A minor ("Arpeggione Sonata"), D. 821
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Wolfgang Kuhnl, Felix Schwartz

2. Konzertstuck for viola & piano
Composed by George Enescu
Performed by Wolfgang Kuhnl, Felix Schwartz

3. Sonata for viola & piano, in C major, Op. 147
Composed by Dmitry Shostakovich
Performed by Wolfgang Kuhnl, Felix Schwartz

Tracks:

Divertimento In B-Flat (Adagio)
Cassation (Final-Musik) In G - Adgio
Divertimento In G Minor (Andante)
String Quartet No. 12 In B-Flat - Adagio
Divertimento In D, KV 131 - Adagio
'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Romance (Andante)
Divertimento In D, KV 136 - Andante
Serenade In B-Flat 'Gran Partita' - Adagio
Prelude No. 3 In F
String Quartet No. 1 In B-Flat - Adagio
Violin Concerto In D - Andante cantabile
Divertimento In B-Flat - Adagio

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-06-26

I bought this CD to listen to at work (I am 6 months pregnant). The quality is awesome and the choice of songs is perfect I can listen to it over and over.

Great for putting kids to sleep!.......2007-06-08

I absolutely love this CD! In fact this is our second one because we wore out the first since we played it so much. It is very soothing, and in fact we used it to help both our kids (now 4 and 18 mo) go to sleep since they were babies. I highly recommend it!

Very Relaxing.......2007-04-10

It is very soothing and really helps you relax. I enjoy listening to it in the car during my high stress commute.

A Must Have for all Parents of Little Children !!!.......2006-11-25

I bought this when my first baby was...well, a baby. That was 8 years ago. Now I am on my 4th copy of this cd (Mozart For Mothers to Be) and my 3rd child. Nothing works better. I'm on here to buy my 4th copy becasue I've worn them out over the years and have to keep replaceing them. My 8 and 3 year old still use it, and now the new baby, also. Make it part of your nightly bed time routine and you'll have good little sleepers in no time. I swear by it. It is very soothing, calming and not distracting so it won't drive you bonkers if you can hear it a little from the next room.

A truely great gift for new parents, or if you have a sleepless little one at home. Turn on the cd, turn down the lights and let it sooth them to sleep.

Inspire the baby-within.......2005-12-13

Beyond sheer musical appreciation and enjoyment, Mozart's music in general is ideal for gently stimulating the "creative centers" as well as instilling a sense well-being. While there is much academic disagreement about the extent or reality of the so-called "Mozart Effect," it doesn't take a genius to observe how Mozart's music puts most people (and probably babies-to-be) in a happy mood ready to take on the day's challenges. There is a simplicity - yet elegance and musical brilliance - in his music that is also well-suited for the youngest of children.

The selections on this CD are all excellent and represent a nice range of Mozart's compostions, emphasising those that are ideal for creating a pleasant backdrop for leisure, dining and social occasions ("divertimentos"). The recordings are from the creme of musicians famous for their Mozart. Few works are as elegant and soaring as the Serenade #10 for winds - an astonishingly beautiful tune made famous from the early scenes of the movie, "Amadeus." Mozart supreme gifts of music are even seen in such humble "background music" as these pieces. And such continuity of warm, leisurely tones as these over 70 minutes is ideal for inspiring the baby to-be if that is why you are considering this CD. Better to expose a baby to the gentile, lyrical music of Mozart than to the dissonant, loud and disturbing tones of some classical music written well after Mozart.

As the reviewer below rightfully notes, compilation CD's of various unrelated works like this one is not quite how classical music is best meant to be heard. But in a way it is better for many to start with such collections like this - especially for those who just want the more quiet selections that are unintrusive. In that respect, this collection can be satisfying for most anyone (not just moms or babies). I have a huge classical music collection, but still really enjoy listening to one full CD of similar-temperament music like this one that flows easily and smoothly that doesn't demand my attention but only seeks to delight. And, in the end, that was the simple and primary goal of many of Mozart's compositions - to be purely enjoyed and delighted.

Average customer rating:

How can you go wrong with Mozart?...Buy this and find out.
25 Mozart Favorites
Wonderful collection and price!
Nice Mozart selection - Nice price
Mozart Listener

25 Mozart Favorites

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

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ASIN: B0000058HV
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
Symphony No. 29 In A, K. 201: ll. Andante
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K. 183: l. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat, K. 271: ll. Andantino
Piano Concerto No. 17 In G, K. 453: l. Allegro
'The Magic Flute': Overture
Symphony No. 40 in G minor: l. Molto Allegro
Symphony No. 38 In D, K. 504 'Prague': lll. Finale: Presto
Serenade In B-Flat For 13 Winds, K. 361/370A 'Gran Partita': lll. Andante
Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622: l. Allegro
Flute Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 314: ll. Andante ma non troppo
Clarinet Quintet In A, K. 581: ll. Larghetto
Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: ll. Adagio
Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: l. Allegro maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A, K. 488: ll. Adagio
Symphony No. 39 in E-flat, K. 543: lV. Finale: Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat, K. 447: lll. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C, K. 467: ll. Andante
Sinfonia Concertante For Violin And Viola In E-Flat, K. 364: l. Allegro maestoso
String Quartet No. 17 In B-Flat, K. 458 'The Hunt': l. Allegro vivace assai
Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218: ll. Andante cantabile
Violin Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: ll. Adagio
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525: lV. Presto
Requiem, K. 626: Confutatis Maledictis
Exsultate Jubilate: Alleluia

Amazon.com

This is an astonishing collection of works - or parts of works - by Mozart that covers almost every aspect of his creative output: symphonic, religious music, concerti (for piano, horn, violin, clarinet, flute), chamber music, serenades (for strings; winds), a couple of opera overtures and more. Those who know and love Mozart's music will not need this, but it's a great introduction, a great overview. The selections are well-chosen and interestingly organized, with familiar pieces splrinkled among some not-so well known. A good primer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

How can you go wrong with Mozart?...Buy this and find out........2007-05-13

I was extraordinarely ignorant when I purchased this recording. I thought,"WOW!! Look at all the music you get in this CD set. The price cannot be beat!" When I received the CD, I discovered that you don't really get any music at all. This is a great sample CD, and should be bought by a person brand new to classical music. However, if you have any experience with classical music, you will want to pass on this CD.

Each of the pieces are hacked apart to the point of it being comical. It's interesting to listen to the greatest music in the world, only to have the development cut. All of a sudden I was thrust into a new key, I thought my ears were going crazy. Perhaps an effort by a decent high school orchestra, but this music is not up to snuff with any other recording.

Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase real recordings of Mozart, and not watered down stereotypes.

25 Mozart Favorites.......2007-05-12

Very pleased with product, delivery, cost and service. Will use this vendor again.

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Nice Mozart selection - Nice price.......2006-09-24

Nice selection of Mozart work that give us inner peace...

Mozart Listener.......2006-08-31

This is a good CD if you like Mozart's music. It is not the best CD I ever purchased. It is nice to listen to it in the morning before I go to work. And I sometimes listen to it in the evening before I go to bed. It is relaxing and soothing. I am not a music major or therapist. This is the best review I can write. Mary Agnes Cross

Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann

Average customer rating:

Beutefully interpretted
I THOUGHT I had heard these concertos,,,
Excellent Selection
A sassy dame
Pleasure to listen

Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann
Edward Elgar , Luigi Boccherini , Antonin Dvorak , Camille Saint-Saëns , Joseph Haydn , Arnold Schoenberg , Robert Schuman , Daniel Barenboim , Sir John Barbirolli , Jacqueline du Pré , Valda Aveling , Georg Mathias Monn , London Symphony Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Chicago Symphony Orchestra , and English Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration
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Jacqueline du Pré - Chopin: Cello Sonata in G minor, Franck: Sonata in A / Barenboim

ASIN: B000002S1F
Release Date: 1990-05-07

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 1 - Moderato - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 2 - Adagio - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 3 - Allegro molto
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 1 - Allegro moderato
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 2 - Adagio
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 3 - Rondo (Allegro)
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 1 - Allegro moderato - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 2 - Adagio no troppo
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 3 - Rondo (Allegro) - Kadenz - Tempo I

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: I. Nicht zu schnell
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: II. Langsam - Etwas lebhafter - Schneller
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaft - Kadenz - Tempo I
Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33
Cello Concerto In G Minor: I. Allegro
Cello Concerto In G Minor: II. Adagio
Cello Concerto In G Minor: III. Allegro non tanto

Tracks:

Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro
Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: II. Adagio ma non troppo
Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: III. Finale (Allegro moderato)
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: Adagio-Moderato
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: II. Lento-Allegro molto
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: III. Adagio
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com essential recording

During her far-too-brief career, cellist Jacqueline du Pré exhibited an almost oracular power of communication. Her performances bristled with the kind of brilliant electricity that could change lives and convert listeners to a lifelong love of music. Happily, it's possible to experience a sense of that power from the recordings du Pré completed before multiple sclerosis halted her career as a performer in the early 1970s. This set provides a splendid portrait--at bargain price--of du Pré's unmistakable personality: the astonishingly original yet convincing phrasing, raw energy, and ability to make her instrument sound uncannily like a human voice (du Pré was after all a favored student of Mstislav Rostropovich). Her rendition of Haydn's Concerto in C is clearly cast in a romantic--and nowadays perhaps unfashionable--mold, yet du Pré's big, bold tone carries the musical line forward with exhilarating presence. It's a demeanor that proves especially reassuring for the quirkily mercurial inventions of Boccherini. Yet du Pré most indelibly leaves her signature on the work that became her hallmark, Edward Elgar's E Minor Concerto, grafting a deeply personal level of expression onto the score's rich post-World War I melancholy. In the Schumann, du Pré makes an eloquently passionate protagonist. A similar sense of excitement is to be heard in Dvorák's Concerto--performed near the end of her career--above all in the flame of inspiration she evidently sparks from the orchestra in the serene close of its slow movement. This is a supremely rewarding collection for the beginner and aficionado alike. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Beutefully interpretted.......2007-04-04

Jacquline du Pres interprettation of some of the moast famous cello consertos is simply amasing. her music just flows with energy and abbowe all passion. she realy brings out the qaleties of the cello with intensety and softnes intertwined. music bursting with passion.

I THOUGHT I had heard these concertos,,,.......2007-04-04

UNTIL I was fortunate enough to have heard them performed by Jacqueline du Pre!!!
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!! Her superb playing, along with truly masterful
interpretative skills, just "comes pouring out of the speakers!"
Also, the orchestras were obviously truly inspired by these opportunities to perform and record with one of the greatest musicians of all time.
The sound quality is excellent, as is the separation and clarity of both the soloist's and orchestral performances. The overall dynanism is also top notch - I found I had to lower the volume substantially from my normal
system loudness levels.
I've enjoyed this set so much I'll probably wind up buying everything from Amazon that EMI has produced with Jacqueline du Pre's name on it!

Excellent Selection.......2007-02-27

The choice of concertos is excellent and the artistry of Jacqueline du Pre is exceptional. The Schumann and Saint-Saens works are truly beautiful.

The album is a fitting tribute to the tragic loss of an incredible young talent.

A sassy dame.......2007-02-20

I love this CD. It came extremely fast to NZ and a bonus too as I was expecting only one cd not three!
While Dvorak is currently my favourite, other composers featured here have been growing on me.
Never been a Cello devotee in the past, but I am enjoying this new phase of my musical listening.
The late Ms du Pre plays with vigor and assertiveness, yet manages to convey those moving and sublime moments when needed.
Most enjoyable. Thanky you

Pleasure to listen.......2006-02-23

This 3 cd pack plays daylong on the player. Great music, great artist.

Average customer rating:

Marvelous
Pretty Good
the music
Good incidental music but not great listening music - except the classical pieces
Great classical music accompanies bland original score

Master and Commander
Christopher Gordon , and Richard Tognetti
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Musical Evenings in the Captain's Cabin
A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian

ASIN: B0000DG07D
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

The Far Side Of The World
Into The Fog
Violin Concerto No. 3 'Straussburg' K.215, 3rd Movement
The Cuckold Came Out Of The Amery (Traditional) 5. Smoke N' Oakum
Fantasia On A Theme - Barry Wordsworth 7. Adagio From Concerto Grosso Op. 6. No. 8 In G Minor Christmas Concerto - Arcangelo Corelli Listen Listen Listen
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Boccherini La Musica Notturna Delle Strade Di Madrid No. 6, Op. 30
Full Circle

Product Description

A trio of noted Australian musicians--Iva Davies, Richard Tognetti and Christopher Gordon--composed the film's score. They previously collaborated on "The Ghost of Time," a piece commissioned for the Millennium celebrations in Sydney, which came to the attention of Peter Weir. The director was so impressed, he played the piece on the Master And Commander set throughout production, and he asked its creators to write the music for his movie. The score interweaves "Old World" and "New World" music, reflecting the talents and backgrounds of its composers. Iva Davies hails from both pop and classical traditions; Richard Tognetti, one of the world's great violin virtuosos, taught Russell Crowe the ins and outs of the instrument; and film/television composer Christopher Gordon brought orchestral texture to the project. Given the period, it comes as no surprise that the score is infused with source music from Bach (Cello Suite) and Mozart, among other great classical composers. Percussion dominates portions of the score. "Drums signal the forward movement of the ship," says Davies, "that it's on a mission. It brings you back into the action." The score's biggest surprise comes with its use of synthesizers. "Peter doesn't make films in the expected way," says Davies, "and for that reason we wanted the score to be not what everyone expected. Peter wanted some scenes to have what I call a kind of 'futuristic' sense"--conveying the idea that these 19th century sailors were cutting-edge explorers.

Customer Reviews:

Marvelous.......2007-02-12

A marvelous collection of compositions which greatly enhanced this fantastic film. This CD is marvelous on its own. It did not leave my CD player for weeks.

Pretty Good.......2006-12-14

I purchased this soundtrack because I really enjoyed this music while watching the movie. But I was a little disappointed at the CD. Some soundtracks allow you to follow the entire plot like through the music (such as the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack). But this CD doesn't provide that. Several of the songs are recurring in the film but are only played once in the soundtrack. I would have liked the soundtrack to reflect the music for the whole film rather than just excerpts.

I give the music 5 stars and the CD 2-1/2 stars.

the music .......2006-11-10

The music is excellent . Flows well Better than the movie score

Good incidental music but not great listening music - except the classical pieces.......2006-11-09

The soundtrack for Master and Commander contains two distinct types of music. First there is the incidental music for the film. These pieces are heavy on the bass side of the orchestra and are often emphasized with bass drums and tympani. This music is very effective and appropriate for the scenes in the film, and I commend the composers for making a soundtrack that so seemlessly and effortlessly invokes the moods and excitement of the visuals. Unfortunately, these pieces are quite moody and slow moving - great as incidental music but not so interesting to listen to as straight orchestral music.

The second type of music is much more enjoyable to listen to. Those that have seen the film know there are several scenes in which people are playing music - for example, Aubrey and Maturin in the captain's cabin performing a cello-violin duet, or the sailors on deck playing sea shanties on tin whistles. The pieces chosen for the film range from Bach to traditional folk music, and are a welcome addition to the soundtrack. The performances are very good (including a cello solo by Yo Yo Ma), and the recording quality is excellent. Deserving special mention is the Boccherini piece (La Musica Notturna Delle Strada di Madrid), which serves as a second unofficial theme song for the movie. The piece itself is presented in its entirety, and there is a callback to the piece in the incidental music as well, which is a welcome ray of levity in an otherwise oppressive piece.

People purchasing this disc run the real risk of being disappointed - the incidental music works so well in the context of the film that you are likely to think (as I did) that the music is itself worth listening to alone. Unfortunately, I don't find this is the case, but the classical music that is included makes this a soundtrack worth having, especially for the Boccherini piece.

Great classical music accompanies bland original score.......2006-09-27

The original music to this film is dull, repetitive, and only offers the hint of good music at certain points during it's lengthy tracks. But what about all the good music you heard in the film? That was all classical music, which was used in the film incredibly well. There are three tracks in particular that save this album. The piece by Corelli is used as something the captain and doctor play together. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of baroque music of which I am aware. A second piece, Vaughn Williams "Fantasia" is the piece heard when the crewmen have to cut the line that might save their friend who fell overboard. It's a tragic scene and accompanied perfectly by the heart-breakingly glorious piece. The original piece of music is quite a bit longer than the version on the CD, but the original version also tends to drag a little in places. All the best parts are on the version of the piece in the film. The third classical piece from the album that saves it is the cello solo by Bach that plays as a theme for the galapagos islands. This solo is performed perfectly by Yo Yo Ma. These tracks make the album worth purchasing. If you already have them, avoid the album because the rest is not very enjoyable. If you wonder about this one, watch the film and listen for the music. It speaks well for itself in the film.

Average customer rating:

terrific
Get what you pay for.
Wonderful!
If only the Amazon discography was as good...
One of the best Vivaldi CDs on the market

25 Vivaldi Favorites

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

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ASIN: B00000IPS5
Release Date: 1999-12-13

Tracks:

I. Allegro - Antonio Vivaldi
I. Allegro - Paul Grund
I. Allergro - I Musici di Zagreb
II. Largo - Edward Carroll
III. Alegro - Gli Accadmici di Milano
Et In Terra Pax - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
II. Adagio Molto - Susanne Lautenbacher
I. Allegro - Musici Di San Marco
II. Largo - Musici Di San Marco
III. Allegro - Melvin Berman
II. Largo - Anton Stingl
I. Allegro - Alois Sprach
II. Adagio - Susanne Lautenbacher
Stabat Mater Dolorosa (Opening Movement) - Margarethe Bence
III. Allegro - I Musici di Zagreb
II. Largo - Gunter Lemmen
III. Allegro - Hans-Martin Linde
III. Allegro - Susanne Lautenbacher
I. Allegro - Musici Di San Marco
III. Allegro - Susanne Lautenbacher
I. Allegro - Musici Di San Marco
II. Larghetto - I Musici di Zagreb
Chamber Concerto In G Minor For Recorder And Oboe - Baroque Trio Of Montreal
Opening Movement From 'Gloria' - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Concerto In C For 2 Trumpets, PV 75: III Allegro - Edward Carroll

Customer Reviews:

terrific.......2006-04-23

Vivaldi 25 favourites is marvelous ,it has been digitally enhanced and is certainly a keeper.Really am pleased with anything i have purchased from Amazon

Get what you pay for........2005-10-15

This CD is decent but does NOT sweep you off your feet into a soaring concert hall with your heart beating loudly and your breaths coming in faster. Why? I think its the quality of the recording and the caliber of the musicians maybe? But hey, $4.98 does not buy much more than a fast food meal- so no harm done! Happy Listening!
-Rupa

Wonderful!.......2004-11-26

I couldn't believe the wonderful, pure sounds that came from this low-priced CD. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it!!

If only the Amazon discography was as good..........2004-02-14

The majority of the musical selections is undeniably fine. If only the track listing (s) were accurate or agreed with each other and the actual selections as they are ordered on the CD!

One of the best Vivaldi CDs on the market.......2003-01-24

I don't know how SPJ Music Inc., based in the world-famous town of Hauppaage, NY, manages to do it, but they have released at least 24 of these "25 XXXX Favorites" CDs, and all those that I have heard are superb collections. OK, many of the performances on this album are by ensembles that few will have heard of in North America, such as the Wurttemburg Chamber Orchestra, Musica di San Marco, and I Musici di Zagreb, and maybe they are a bit old (no recording dates are given), so SPJ probably doesn't have to pay much in the way of royalties. But this collection of works by Vivaldi is truly second to none.

Wait till you hear track 6, "Et in terra Pax from 'Gloria', by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, for instance, or track 14, from Stabat Mater Dolorosa, sung by Margarethe Bence with the Alto Pro Music Orchestra of Stuttgart. We are transported into the heights of the etherial world of sacred music, right up into the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, yet with that unmistakable touch of Vivaldi, who could be both consumately sacred and masterfully secular as he wished -- or even both at the same time. As has been proven again and again in the 20th century, Vivaldi was one of the greatest composers in history, and every classical music lover should have this CD in his or her collection.

I have a lot of Vivaldi recordings by period music ensembles like the virtuosic Il Giardino Armonico (who recorded the two best DVDs of Vivaldi works in existence, one with Cecilia Bartoli) and the somewhat more conservative Europa Gallante, led by Fabio Biondi. Then there are CDs by individual masters like Andrea Marcon (with the Venice Baroque Orchestra) and the immortal Nigel Kennedy (with the English Chamber Orchestra). Older classics re-released on CD include recordings by the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Orchestra of the 18th Century, and the Romero family (Los Romeros). And the list goes on and on. All are superb recordings that have given me hours of pleasure.

But this "bargain" CD rates right up there with the best of them, and I highly recommend it both for those who are just beginning to discover the wonders of Vivaldi's music and for "hardened" veterans. If it had been issued as a full price CD it might have had trouble getting known in such a crowded and competitive field, but it would have deserved every bit as much praise as I have given it here. As a collection of superb performances of many of Vivaldi's greatest masterpieces by a wide variety of different ensembles, it even has something to commend it over recordings by a single artist or a single ensemble. Buy it and enjoy!

Average customer rating:

She makes me wish I were deaf

excellent second album

Self-consciously coquettish overintellectualized indie schmuck

raw yet refined

Everything you don't expect and more...

Ys
Joanna Newsom
Manufacturer: Drag City
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000I2K9M4
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

Emily
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Cosmia

Amazon.com

Joanna Newsom's voice--a piercing flutter that's pitched somewhere between Björk and a hand brake--is an acquired taste. But to the uninitiated, it's not nearly as impenetrable as her cosmic poetry or, for that matter, baroque music. The 24-year-old Californian harpist's second album is a five-track concept piece loosely based on its namesake, the mythological drowned city of the Bretons. We say "loosely" because she leaves plenty of room for digressions on meteoroids and birds flying into windows. While Ys was recorded by minimalist Steve Albini (Nirvana, PJ Harvey), it includes lush string arrangements by Van Dyke Parks (Brian Wilson) and the final mix was done by sonic experimentalist Jim O'Rourke (Sonic Youth, Tortoise). The result is an album that sounds unlike anything else. And despite containing spectacularly beguiling songs that stretch out past 15 minutes, every second seems to drip with magic. You certainly don't get that with Ashlee Simpson. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

She makes me wish I were deaf.......2007-07-14

Here voice makes me want to stab my ears with and icepick until I die. Only hardcore avant-guard indie hipsters with a penchant for un-melodic, rhythmless non-music need apply. How anyone could like this is beyond me. Calling her the American Bjork is a tremendous disservice to the Icelandic Queen. Why is there not an option for zero stars?

excellent second album.......2007-07-01

Joanna Newsom has composed the music and wrote the lyrics that are complex, unique and beautiful. She is on the most talented new artists today and I was happy to discover her music. I would warmly recommend this album, as well as her first CD, "Milk-Eyed Mender".

Self-consciously coquettish overintellectualized indie schmuck.......2007-06-29

What is it with every woman in "underground" music insisting on being cute and smart and falsely weird? (The word "underground" is in quotes because any album that costs more than $250,000 to make and tops every single best-of list of its release year cannot really be considered under the radar.) It's like they have such horrible self-image problems that they must always wear a cute outfit, play an unexpected instrument, and sing in a disaffected manner, and they are absolutely GUSHED over in the press. This is just one aspect of the Pitchforkization of music, a faux democratization of taste that results in nothing but hype and backlash--no substance, all fear, just cycle after cycle like a dog who can't tell its own tail from a stick.

[ETA: It's appallingly obvious that, based on some of the responses to this review, we have not learned the lessons that those righteous and fearless feminists and punk rockers attempted, and bless 'em, how they tried, to instill in music fans. It's also obvious that the "sexism" portrayed above extends beyond this review into current "indie" culture, in that ugly dudes with beards can score hits, but there's nary a hairy female armpit on the scene these days, and women who fall into this trap by frilling themselves up in such a self-conscious way are doing nothing to further the cause against discrimination towards women. So if someone wants to be shocked by sexism, then be shocked by something that is actually hugely, poisonously sexist and stop throwing knives at amazon.com reviews written by those who are highly irritated that "feminism" is warped to defend all sorts of horrific things.]

Now that I've gotten that rant out of the way, onto the record: I've been listening to this for several months, and I cannot figure out why Newsom is creating what she is and why people (self included) are actually listening to it.

--Does she tell compelling stories? No, not really--the language is obscured and veiled, and even then you know exactly which side she's on in her morality tales. There's nothing complex or surprising about a bear being manipulated and taken advantage of by a monkey, even in Newsom's words, and the obvious plot ending solidifies the fact that Newsom cannot and will never be able to process the moral ambiguities that most great artists--including many that she professes to admire, like Neil Young--can create. Why should I care about a bear? Even if it is an allegory, and a piss poor one at that, I think the whole song should've spared us all and jumped into the water with Ursula.

--Does she use language in interesting ways? On occasion she does, I'll give her that. I have to say that "Sawdust and Diamonds" contains one of the loveliest descriptions of a birth this side of Patti Smith's "Kimberly"--"I was all horns and thorns, sprang up fully formed, knock-kneed and upright." (Funny, though, that when I think of the term "fully formed," being knock-kneed doesn't immediately come to mind.) But the rest of the song's trite meditation on puppeteering and meandering, uselessly vague pastoral imagery render that line, which might have been a good start to something far more interesting, absolutely pointless. And that's what so much of this is. She also has a terrible thesaurus addiction, and will drop an awkward passage without even reconsidering it. You know who else, more famous than Newsom and also praised in her early career, did this? That's right, Alanis Morissette. Perhaps Newsom should stand naked in the street for her next video to make the comparison more apt, because at least Alanis lets it all lyrically hang out while Newson gives none of herself to her art.

--Does it sound good? Well, not really. I used the word "meandering" earlier, and so much of the music on this record does just that. Poor Van Dyke Parks, trying to shine a turd. The composition is so self-aware and cloying, and if there were words to listen to and actual ideas on this record they wouldn't be allowed to breathe. Perhaps it's all a smoke screen to distract from the fact that Joanna Newsom has nothing to say.

Why do I think that Newsom is fraught with naught? Yes, this is only her second album, and yes, she is young and fresh out of creative writing school, but when I hear her sing the word "desire" there's absolutely none there. It's the audio equivalent of getting up every morning and going to work in an office about which you are ambivalent and apathetic. And even the least paid, least hip cubicle grunts know what desire is, surely! Hell, Rimbaud's career as a writer was over by the time he was 24, but his throwaways had far more depth than the best Newsom can do here.

So if I don't like it so much, why am I giving this two whole stars? Because Joanna Newsom is the same age as me, has recorded two albums, and has made enough money to buy a house, which is far more than I've been able to do in an equal amount of time (though unequal opportunities were available, which could lead me to a discussion of her connections and social status/economic disparities from which I will spare you). I suppose she deserves some credit for having her finances in order, without having to resort to grunt work. And yes, I am jealous that someone who created something so insipid is now famous and wealthy. So it goes.

raw yet refined.......2007-06-23

This is my second attempt at posting a review here. The first review had the phrase "my arse" in it (using the other word for "arse") so I can only assume that's why it didn't get posted. I am appalled at some of the things said of Joanna Newsom and her album on Amazon. Some people go so far as to personally attack the artist herself for being privileged (??), for playing a harp in an attempt to be different, and for wearing "cute dresses." Hmmm...

This album holds a special place in my collection. Never have I heard such ambitious, moving, and consistently powerful lyrics on a single album. This is a difficult album to understand for many people, but I find dissecting the lyrics and researching the musician's intent much more interesting and rewarding than anything on the radio these days. As for the music itself, being no music theory major, I can only say that it consistently pulls an emotional response from me; viscerally and intellectually, I find it cathartic, stimulating, raw (no thesaurus used here, guys and girls.) Joanna Newsom certainly does a terrific job on the harp, in composition and execution, and Van Parks' complementary pieces add a certain largeness of sound to the album that matches its largeness of vision.

The vitriol I have seen against Newsom in a few of the reviews here is unnerving and worrying. I would hope that those who do not like her album will in future attempt to logically explain why without succumbing to posting hateful and sexist insults. This does nothing to inform would-be buyers of the album's strengths and weaknesses (if you think the album has any--I personally think it doesn't: it is exactly what it should be.)

Five stars all the way.

Everything you don't expect and more..........2007-06-07

This is probably one of the most creative projects I've ever heard. Newsom plays the harp and writes epic song with lush orchestrations behind them. You hear every instrument and color on this album except what you expect to hear. Newsom's harp trickles through the chords while the songs are colored by lush strings, subtle brass and even an occassional banjo or jawharp. Newsom's songs are very different from traditional pop songs. She divorces the traditional song structure and gives each song a wider arc allowing her to tell the story at hand. The lyrics are very narrative and incredibly poetic. The texts drip with imagery poetic devices that just don't get used enough in mainstream music. This album is incredibly refreshing with its innovative instrumentations, lush orchestrations, masterful songwriting, poetic lyrics and fantastic production. Even with all of this I think that anyone may find fault with one particular aspect of the record:

Joanna Newsom's voice.

I'm not going to lie, it's kind of annoying. Her vocal quality is some kind of strange combination between abrasive and whinny. Images of a pre-pubescent Bjork may come to mind. One thing that I consistently noticed was that when Newsom sang the word, "and" or other words with a similar vowel sound higher in her regester, there was a very distinctive squeek of her voice, kind of like her vocal chords decided to do just a little bit of bumping and grinding. However, as absolutely bizarre as Newsom's voice is, I think it kind of works. Granted, she sounds like a crazy old lady gathering the village children around to sing them a story, but with the style of the music and the content of the lyrics, I think it is strangely appropriate.

Whether you like her voice at all, there is no denying that this project is incredibly unique and creative. You may have noticed that this album doesn't have a great rating from the pooled average of Amazon users. This is not from a consistent pile of mediocre reviews, but polarized reviews from people who adore this album and others who hate it. Obviously, I am one of the former. This album is very hit-or-miss. I've told you what I think, but the only way to tell what you really think about this very debated album is to take a listen for yourself and be the judge of your own tastes.

Average customer rating:

Build Baby's Brain through Classics Vol 1
Wonderful stimulating music for baby
The greatest CD!!
Forget baby, it's mine?
Love this CD--why all the complaints?

Build Your Baby's Brain

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000AE72
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Philadelphia Orch; Ormandy, E.
Fse
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from "Solomon"
Alla Turca
Quintet in a Major for Piano and Strings, Op. 114 "Trout"
Concerto No. 1 in E Major, RV. 269 "Spring" (From the Four Seasons)
"Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" from Cantata No. 147
Canon in D
Quintet in a Major for Piano and Strings, Op. 114 "Trout"
Air ("On the G String") From Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
Sheep May Safely Graze from Cantata No. 208
Water Music, HWV 348-350 (Wassermusik)
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 "Elvira Madigan"
Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K. 525 "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
"Dove Sono" from le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492
"Li Darem la Mano" from Don Giovanni, K. 527
Bist du Bei Mir, BWV 508

Amazon.com

Hundreds of compilation recordings have been thrust on the market in recent years on the theory that classical music makes a nice, non-threatening accompaniment to everything from working out to making love. And here we have one compilation promising to make your baby smarter. It's offensive enough that the music featured on these compilations is spliced up so that the most you hear of any work is a single movement; what's really annoying is the poor quality of so many of the featured performances. So it is some consolation that the artists here include such 20th-century legends as the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell and the Budapest String Quartet with Mieczyslaw Horszowski. Of course if these folks were alive, one can imagine their violent objection to this presentation of their work. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

Build Baby's Brain through Classics Vol 1.......2006-07-25

I am a true fan of Classical music and this was purchased as a gift for a co-worker who is adopting a child from China. Therefore I did not open it nor listen to it. The recipient is now overseas picking up their daughter so I know they haven't had the opportunity to listen to it. I think it's a great idea, though, and purchased a used set for my Grandson.

Wonderful stimulating music for baby.......2006-06-23

I am sorry for the previous review who said that intelligence is hereditary. If that is true, all mankind would have been doomed from the start.

Intelligence is not hereditary, but rather a result of stimulation during infancy and birth. Sure, it isn't a guarantee that your child *will* become a genius if you attempt to educate them from birth, but there is no doubt that real educational stimulation of a young mind is a powerful indicator that the child will be more advanced than the average child.

Music is not just notes played. Music--real music--is everything. Though the music of today will fade, classical music will always be around because it is classic. It fits no matter what era you place it in. There is always a home for it. The artists are timeless just as the beautiful melodies are.

I certainly believe that babies who listen to music will become more familiar with and more easily understand music and instruments. Therefore, they will be quicker of mind. It is just a fact that people who play instruments are usually of higher intelligence.

I don't think that people are destined to be stupid or geniuses. I believe it is a question of environment. I feel I'm a great mother but I haven't done everything I could have been doing to help my son's mind expand as an infant. Now that he is a toddler (18 months) I am teaching him to read and exposing him to the magic of classical music in hopes that it will help mold him and set him apart from the rest.

Minds are trainable. You just have to work at it. This CD compiled of beautiful pieces composed by instrumental geniuses will help you do just that.

The greatest CD!!.......2006-01-17

I received this CD free when I had my first baby and it instantly became my fav cd of all time. I have it on my computer and I had another copy made because I just can not imagine not having it.
And as for the comment that the music has nothing to do with intellingence, you stand alone on that front. Besides, what does it hurt? It's great, soothing music and the babies enjoy it.

Forget baby, it's mine?.......2005-09-01

I love my child, but the first time I heard this CD, It immediately went from her recorder to mine. I take it practically everywhere I go. I know it's technically "Her" CD, but the selections are so soothing; and you need that type of comfort when stuck in traffic. Honestly, we both enjoy it - and I'm glad someone thought enough to give it as a gift.

Love this CD--why all the complaints?.......2004-08-30

I'm not sure what people were expecting when they purchased this. For one thing it tells you exactly what is on the CD. Its not a mystery!! If you buy it on amazon it has listed every title on it so I"m not sure about the people who said they were dissapointed because they already own those titles. Obviously you should glance at the list of titles on this CD if you have a large classical collection already. However if you don't already have a classical collection this is by far excellent .I'll be honest and admit I listen to one of the volumes daily regardless of who is in the room. It's marketed for babies but it is really for anyone. There are SO many classical pieces out there. What they have done is to take the best of the best and also the ones that are known to appeal to babies. For some reason many reviewers thing they just took a random sampling of classical music. In reality they have put together those that appeal most to children. I can tell you that my 1 year old daughter actually dances to these. She really likes them a lot. I consider the whole collection a must have for any household.

The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies - Playtime to Sleepytime

Average customer rating:

Nice....
still great 6 years later
A wonderful CD
Works as advertised-
Works Like A Charm

The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies - Playtime to Sleepytime

Manufacturer: Children's Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000DA1O
Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

Toy Symphony II - Janos Sebestyen
Excerpts From 12 Variation Oh Ah Vous Dirai-Je Maman K.265 - Janos Sebestyen
Toy Symphony III, Minuet - Ensemble Villa Musica
Flute Quartet In C Major, K.171: Andantino - Ensemble Villa Musica
Rondo-Allegro Ma Non Troppe From Serenade No. 9 In D Major, K.320 - Mozart
Flute Quartet In C Major K.171: Andantino - Ensemble Villa Musica
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K.183 II: Andante - Capella Istropolitana
Organ Music Variation On K.265 Ah Vous Dirai-Je, Maman - Janos Sebestyen
Adagio (III) From Quartet No. 20 In D Major K.499 'Hoffmeister' - Eder Quartet

Product Description

The Mozart Effect - Music For Babies - Playtime To Sleepytime Cd

Customer Reviews:

Nice...........2006-11-10

My baby boy just like it..... and my wife is enjoying it toooo.... It is a very soothing CD to listen to. It is definitely worth the $$...

still great 6 years later.......2005-03-02

I bought the "Mozart Effect" CD and a few other classical CD's; Bach and another Mozart after my daughter was born in late 1998. We had a difficult time getting her to sleep at night and decided to try playing music to soothe her. The "Mozart Effect" CD worked every time. As soon as she heard the Toy Symphony play she would relax and just listen to the music until she fell asleep. It's been more than a year since we played the CD, and recently when she was ill, she asked to listen to "her music". It still has the same calming effect. Regardless of the controversy surrounding Mozart's ability to make babies more intelligent, I think this music is very comforting and enjoyable.

A wonderful CD.......2003-06-01

I received several classical music CD's as gifts before my daughter was born, and out of all of them (also including classical CD's I had already owned) this is definitely my favorite. It stands out because it is not full of simply "traditional" arrangements but rather is very light and playful - there are all sorts of cute little chirping and whirring noises that add to it as well. It is just a lot of fun, and provides the perfect background for cuddling with your new little one.

There is one comment below from someone who thought the music was too simple and was of poor quality. I would agree that the music is very simple (not a bad thing), but disagree with the notion that it is poor quality. Anyway, this should be just one CD in a library of different types of music, classical and other, to help your child's music appreciation develop. If it happens to expand other developmental skills as well, even better!

Works as advertised-.......2003-05-23

The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies is a pretty good disc. Admittedly not the best Mozart recordings around, but then my child is not exactly picky. I prefer Genie's Angels All Around as a lullaby CD but either The Mozart Effect or Angels All Around would make excellent baby shower gifts.

Works Like A Charm.......2003-04-03

This is a must have for all infants and a terrific baby shower gift. My son is 14 months old and he has been listening to this CD for about 10 months. It has a TERRIFIC soothing effect on him. I think Mozart has become a musical comfort object for him, much like his soft blankie has become a comfort object. If he is cranky in the car and trying to unwind for a nap, I pop this CD in and he is automatically soothed. It's like magic.

Tracks:

Syrinx
Maid With The Flaxen Hair
Clair de lune
Petit Suite - En Bateau
Reverie
La plue que lente (Valse)
Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun
String Quartet In G minor: Andantino doucement expressif
Sonata For Flute, Viola And Harp: Interlude
Arabesque No. 1
Valse romantique
Images For Orchestra: Perfumes Of The Night

Customer Reviews:

Life Is But A Dream..........2006-08-30

This CD is just pure magic. I know that is such a cliche' thing to say, but it really is. Of course, it really won't appeal to those people who are into EXTREME LIVING...whatever the hell that means, because to me, extreme living is living close to the soul, close to the spirit, close to the Invisible Source that makes and creates all things in and out of Itself.

Debussy was a composer who lived very close to this Invisible Stream. His music reflects a gentleness and yet a strength that flows throughout each composistion. The arrangements are dreamy and mystical and allows one to go into their "inner chamber" and pray in secret to the One who knows their heart as well as their soul.

As much as I love this CD, I tend not to listen to it in the car. I once listened to it while making a routine drive to Santa Monica. The CD stopped and I had somehow missed all of my exits and ended up in Ventura...talk about being in dreamland!

It's a great CD to put in your walkman and go to an outdoor cafe' where you can sip a cafe latte and write poems to an unknown lover whose face you cannot remember, but whose gentle breath is the scent of lavendar...oh, I wax poetic...so sorry...

If you are into quiet and stillness, get this CD...it's truly a breath of fresh air in this noisy, crowded, extreme world we have to be in but not necessarily of...

Peace & Blessings

Beautiful, dreamy.......2006-07-17

This music evokes both emotions and images of life waking up in spring, even being in a magical forest where anything can happen, or floating on clouds. You can just enjoy the music and let your imagination soar or the music can take you into that trance-like state where you can access creative ideas and creative solutions to any problems - and maybe they just dissolve of their own accord.

Fabulous collection !.......2005-09-13

If you like Debussy - whom I have heard called one of the progenitors of ambient music - you will love having his most inspiring and beautiful works together on one cd. These works are tranquil and serene, and yet they don't fade into the background - no matter what you are doing - because they are true art. When this cd is playing you can't help but listen and sigh. My cats love this cd, too.

An excellent introduction to Debussy and French music.......2005-06-30

Compilation CD's like this are an excellent first CD to purchase when first exploring a new composer or style of music ("Expressionism" in Debussy's case). And this Philip's "Set your Life to Music" collection is usually a sure and safe way to do that given their well thought-out selections, themes and quality recordings. This CD here contains many of the most popular, lyrical and enchanting works of the 19th-century French composer, Claude Debussy. The range of selections are diverse and satisfying: from his major solo piano works through his top chamber music (for 2-5 instruments) to the full-blown orchestral selections of great imagery and dreaminess that can transport one into another world of great serenity. (But, there are enough sudden changes in loudness and rhythm to upset any notions of perfect bliss and keep the daydreamer from falling asleep - hence the title, "for Daydreams" and not "for Bedtime" like in other offerings in this Philips' series) Regardless, this CD is an excellent introduction to Claude Debussy as well as being overall relaxing music to enrich one's life.

One interesting music history tidbit on Debussy that might interest the new listener: Even though Debussy did not like the label, his music was labeled "Expressionism" for the similarities to what the French artists like Monet were doing at the same time. In Debussy's case, his intent was to create "emotional impressions" with music that evoked specific moods and images in the mind - not unlike what the "impressionistic painters" were trying to do on canvas using pure color and form to evoke the fleeting, emotional moment of a landscape scene. "Prelude of the Afternoon of the Fawn" is a good example of this dreamy, lingering, emotive style of music.

Dream and Classical music are magic.......2005-02-16

This CD is one of the best among its classical collections. (bach for breakfast is my one of them) It puts me to any place I dream of whenever I listen to this cd. It usually brings me into outer space, or sometimes go to the sky or under the sea. You can also just sit back and relax while listening to the music. In addition, once I get mad or not calm enough, I just put this cd on and it cures my anger.
Classical music is magic.

Average customer rating:

Say Hey-ho for Yo-yo No Disappointment Here
Super Enjoyable
Absolutely Amazing
You mouth open in Awe.
Hard to believe!

Vivaldi's Cello

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001IN11Q
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Cosi Sugl' Occhi Miei
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
La Gloria Del Mio Sangue
Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Ma Non Molto
Noli, O Cara, Te Adorantis
Laudamus Te
Quanto Magis Generosa
Dite Oihme

Amazon.com

The great Yo-Yo Ma has recently (in addition to his world music explorations) moved to the baroque cello, a so-called period instrument, and his transition has been remarkably smooth. He is indeed a musical polyglot, and this CD finds him solidly in the heart of the Baroque period, with music by Vivaldi. In addition to three concerti the composer wrote for cello, there are some fascinating transcriptions. The Largo violin solo from the "Winter" concerto of the Four Seasons is here beautifully played on cello, its darker tone added substituting gravity for chill in the wintry landscape. A concerto originally for viola d'amore, lute and strings has been transformed into one for cello, organ, strings and continuo, with Baroque expert Ton Koopman as transposer and organist (and sympathetic, energetic conductor throughout). And oddest of all, Koopman has created cello solos out of arias (one of which is helped by a perky bassoon) originally composed for female voice from a couple of operas, the oratorio Juditha Triumphans, and the familiar "Laudamus te" from the famous "Gloria." Leave it to these musicians to re-invent Vivaldi with respect and a clear ear for musical values--not to mention sheer entertainment and a forward propulsion which makes it all so invigorating. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Say Hey-ho for Yo-yo No Disappointment Here.......2007-03-05

I often play European-classical music during massage treatments. My clients love hearing this CD again and again!

Super Enjoyable.......2007-01-03

Very nice. If you're a novice to classical, you'll really enjoy this CD. Perfect for a Sunday morning coffee or rainy afternoon.

Absolutely Amazing.......2006-01-27

I love this album from beginning to end. RV 531 will blow your socks off, especially the first and third movements! Yo-Yo and Ton have done it again, thank you for such a wonderful record. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

You mouth open in Awe........2005-06-15

This album is complete. My mouth was open in Awe when I heard Allegro off this album, it's no.1 on this album. I couldn't stop picturing them all playing this. The piece was astouding! The dynamics, accents, just everything! I don't know what else to say about this album!

Hard to believe!.......2005-04-23

This album is just exquisite... At times there are no words to describe the depth and beauty -- his incredible bow control, intensity and passion, impeccable pitch, sense of dynamic movement... It's all there! The first time I heard "Largo" from Winter I had to hold my breath -- it is such a dazzling rendition! I say that this album deserves twice as many ears as there are people in the world today!

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